Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On April 5 of this year, tragedy struck Montcoal, West Virginia. On that day, an explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine killed 29 miners and provided a stark reminder that coal mining is a profession marked by risk and danger. And while steps have been taken to strengthen protections for miners, this tragedy and others like it remind us that more work remains to be done. I believe steps can be taken by Federal and State regulators, mine operators, and miners, themselves, to reduce the dangers inherent for those who mine for natural resources that power our Nation. That is why it is with deep regret that I oppose the legislation before us today. Once again, well-intended reforms addressing a vital issue are being rushed through a flawed process that results in a deeply flawed bill. This is not the way to govern. This is not the way to advance the concerns and interests of the American people, and it is not the way to strengthen important safety protections for miners. The bill we are considering today under a suspension of the House rules is the wrong response for several important reasons. First, it seeks to create a solution to a problem we do not fully understand. The explosion at Upper Big Branch resulted in the worst mining disaster in 40 years. Since that time, significant State and Federal resources have been brought to bear to investigate the cause of the incident, help identify weaknesses in existing law, and determine whether current law is being obeyed by mining operators and aggressively enforced by Federal authorities. These are critical questions for which we are still awaiting answers. The majority's proposal also ignores important steps the Mine Safety and Health Administration has taken in recent months to strengthen standards to existing law. Republicans have consistently called on the Mine Safety and Health Administration to utilize all the tools at its disposal to protect miners and hold bad actors accountable. I am pleased to see the agency is finally beginning to do just that. As part of its efforts, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has revised the current framework of identifying mines operating with a pattern of violations. For 30 years, this process has been broken. Today, that process has changed, and we are just beginning to see the results. The Mine Safety Administration has reformed the process and has notified more than a dozen mine operators that they are at risk of being placed in a pattern of violations. It is a step in the right direction. The agency is also implementing new rock dusting standards, issued a proposal to increase the use of personal dust monitors, and is looking at ways to improve the broken conference process. We may question why the agency did not act sooner, but it is important to recognize that steps are being taken today. Congress should not preempt and potentially undercut reforms underway before we have had the opportunity to learn whether they work. Some of my colleagues may argue that these are simply process arguments that ordinary Americans don't care about. I don't like discussing process any more than the next person, but I think we have learned over the last 2 years that the American people care a great deal about the manner in which Congress conducts its business, because a flawed process results in bad law. Today's legislation is no exception. The process we are considering today puts punishment before prevention. It is based on the faulty premise that simply increasing penalties can lead to better safety. Our goal is to prevent injuries and illnesses before they occur. Everyone agrees bad actors should face stiff penalties for jeopardizing the safety of miners, but we shouldn't establish a regime that may discourage employers from taking actions they believe to strengthen their worker safety. We can punish bad actors, but we must never lose sight of the fact that promoting safety and preventing hazard should be our first priority. There are other flaws in the legislation, including a provision that will expand the criminalization of a person's knowing conduct as well as upending, in some cases, the long-established at-will employment doctrine which will insert Federal judges into voluntary hiring and firing decisions of mine operators and their workers. Last Friday, the majority introduced H.R. 6495 with no advance warning and not consulting with Republicans. Yet here we are days later being told this is the only opportunity Members of the House will have to enhance safety protections for underground miners. Following the same playbook used by the majority time and time again by this majority, we have no opportunity for a full and open debate and no opportunity to offer amendments to fix the errors I have just described. A flawed process is resulting in yet another flawed bill. On behalf of miners and their families, let me respectfully say they deserve better. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from West Virginia, Mrs. Moore Capito.

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

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5012. To refresh my colleagues' memories, just last week the House sent the reauthorization of child nutrition and school meal programs to the President for his signature. That bill spent an additional $4.5 billion and added more than a dozen new programs. It was a significant expansion of Federal child nutrition programs at a time when the American people have told us to stop growing government and, instead, to make current programs better rather than simply layering on new programs. Every Member of this Chamber wants to fight childhood hunger and promote healthy school meals, but adding one more program in a long line of new programs is not the way to do that. We could have debated this bill, along with several other proposals, during floor consideration of child nutrition legislation last week, if only this majority did not insist on stifling debate with closed rules. Unfortunately, just like the responsible Republican alternative, this program was not considered at the time it should have been during that debate. Instead, we are here today debating whether to add yet another program to the ever-expanding Federal Government under this majority. This is another new program to add to the list of new programs created just last week. The Federal Government supports numerous programs to feed children in school, after school and during the summer. If the majority did not see fit to include this new program when it reauthorized child nutrition programs last week, I do not see how we can justify its creation today and urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor Michael L. Bell for his faithful service to his community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. On December 27, 2010, he will celebrate 40 years of service at Glendale Christian Church. Known as the `go-to-guy,' Pastor Bell is quick to lend a helping hand and an ear to listen. He is a caring, thoughtful and considerate individual who is always interested in assisting others. Beyond his service to Glendale Christian Church, Pastor Bell is also very active in the community. He is currently serving as Commissioner of the Hardin County Water District #2, Chaplin of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Board of Regents for Louisville Bible College and is on the Board of Directors for Helping Hand. Pastor Bell is also the announcer for Hardin County High School football games and for both the boys and girls basketball teams. A testament to Pastor Bell's dedication to the community can be seen in his regular visits to those in hospitals and nursing homes, and also through his outreach to widows, who often need help with physician visits, financial decisions and home maintenance. Pastor Bell and his wife Sharon have been married for 44 years and are the proud parents of two sons, Jon Michael and Christopher David, and proud grandparents of Samantha and Caehla. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Michael L. Bell for his steadfast commitment, service and dedication.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Connie Shaffery, who has dedicated herself to the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Connie has proven herself to be an exceptional communicator and representative for the United States Army and Fort Knox. Connie will retire after 28 years of devoted service. Connie graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Communication and continued her education, graduating from the Defense Information School's Public Affairs Officers' Course. Connie began working in Army Public Affairs at the Philadelphia Recruiting Battalion in 1987. She moved to the Baltimore Recruiting Battalion in 1990 to accept a position as their chief of advertising and public affairs. Because of her proven skills and leadership, Connie was promoted in 1993 to a position with the Military District of Washington as their community relations officer. A move to Fort Knox, Ky., led to a position as the chief of advertising and public affairs for the 3rd Recruiting Brigade, overseeing activities in seven recruiting battalions throughout the north central states. In 2003, she was promoted to be the Army Armor Center and Fort Knox public affairs officer, a position she held for over seven years. This year, she was temporarily promoted to be the public affairs officer for Army Accessions Command where she was responsible for managing the commanding general's public affairs activities throughout the command and within the local Fort Knox region. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Connie Shaffery for her commitment to the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, our nation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Frank Shaffery, who has virtuously served the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Mr. Shaffery has served as a civilian employee within the U.S. Army Recruiting Command Headquarters G3 at Fort Knox, KY, since 1994. Mr. Shaffery will retire after 46 years of dedicated service to the United States Army. A native of Newark, N.J., Frank Shaffery enlisted in the Army in 1965. His Army career included assignments in Fort Dix, N.J., Korea and Vietnam before he became an Army recruiter. Mr. Shaffery has held several positions as an Army recruiter including field recruiter, station commander, senior guidance counselor and battalion sergeant major. The Baltimore Recruiting Battalion was the second largest recruiting battalion during his tenure and he ensured its success as one of the top battalions in the command. Mr. Shaffery retired after 30 years of active Army service at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. His dedicated service resulted in his awarding of a Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and several Meritorious Service Medals. He wears his Recruiter Ring still today, the highest honor for a recruiter when he was an NCO. Upon retirement from active duty in 1994, Mr. Shaffery accepted a civilian position with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command HQ as the Chief of Plans and Policy for the Operations Directorate. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Director in 1999. Frank lives in Elizabethtown, Ky., with his wife, Connie. He is the father of two sons, Mark and Michael, and the proud grandfather to 6 year old Madison. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Mr. Frank Shaffery today because of his dignified and steadfast commitment to the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, his Soldiers, the citizens of this country and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. In August of this year, the chamber was selected by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, ACCE, as the 2010 Chamber of the Year. This award is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the employees, members and volunteers of the chamber as well as the Owensboro community. The Chamber of the Year award recognizes up to four chambers of commerce each year for their dual roles in creating and leading both businesses and communities. The chamber's advocacy role in creating the Chamber Leadership Initiatives for Northwestern Kentucky, C-LINK, alliance and the Owensboro Buys It! program are significant reasons the chamber was chosen for the award. C-LINK includes 12 chambers in the region and has been a leading proponent of Interstate 69 in western Kentucky. Owensboro Buys It! was started in 2009 to spur local commerce and teach small business members how to create an ``elevator pitch'' to grow and expand their businesses. Owensboro is a historic and beautiful city and the chamber continues to work to make it an even better place to live for future generations. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and congratulate them on this incredible achievement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great news source in the Commonwealth of Kentucky--the Central Kentucky News-Journal. This year, the Central Kentucky News-Journal will celebrate its 100th anniversary. After a series of changes in ownership, Mrs. T. W. Buchanon became the editor-manager of the journal and it was launched as the Central Kentucky News-Journal in January of 1910. The newspaper now, one hundred years later, is in circulation twice a week, providing unparalleled coverage for the citizens of Taylor County. As a community paper, the Central Kentucky News Journal plays an important role bringing readers news and articles that directly affect their readers. Campbellsville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky are fortunate to have such an outstanding newspaper with a proven history of providing exceptional news coverage. I am proud to represent the employees at the Central Kentucky News- Journal and thank them for the countless contributions they have made. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Central Kentucky News-Journal and congratulating them on 100 amazing years.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Independent Living Services for the Kentucky Office for the Blind. Independent Living Services is a rehabilitation program administered by the Kentucky Office for the Blind and provides a broad range of services. They value self-determination and encourage individuals to learn skills that will allow them to achieve their desired level of independence. In September of this year, the Independent Living Services will celebrate 30 years of dedication to helping individuals throughout the commonwealth with vision impairments achieve their maximum level of independence. Through the effective leadership of the Office for the Blind and the dedication of Independent Living Counselors, thousands of Kentuckians have realized their goal of greater independence in their homes, communities and workplaces. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 30th anniversary of the Independent Living Services and thank the individuals who have committed so much of themselves to help ensure all Kentuckians are given the resources they need to succeed.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to be here this morning to talk about during the last few weeks I've been back in my district doing America Speaking Out events and listening to people and talking with people about what their issues are and sharing with me what we should be doing here in Washington, D.C. In my district, unemployment is the number one issue like it is across the country. And not just hearing from people looking for jobs but talking to people who want to provide jobs. And they are concerned about the tax increases that could be coming with the expiration of the tax cuts. And one of the concerns that we heard Secretary Geithner talk about this weekend, Madam Speaker, is that the taxes could increase on those making $250,000 or more, which we know half of that runs through small businesses. So I'm talking to a lot of small business owners who are afraid of taxes because they want to grow their business and hire people and put them to work.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ann G. Hutchinson, who has dedicated her career to the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. On July 30, 2010, Ms. Hutchinson will retire after over 30 years of dedicated service. She has been an asset to the Fort Knox community and has distinguished herself while serving in positions of increasing responsibility at the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC.) In her latest role as the Deputy Protocol Officer, Ms. Hutchinson provided exceptional executive services to nine commanding generals. Her outstanding reputation with so many senior leaders is based on her attention to detail and her ``can-do'' attitude. Ms. Hutchinson's unique abilities to manage competing requirements while maintaining the flexibility to respond to changes are unparalleled. I know she means so much to her colleagues. Her hard work ethic, personal sacrifice and professionalism will be an example for so many others to follow. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ann G. Hutchinson for her commitment to the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, our Nation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Deron Berthold, who has virtuously served the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. After 20 years of dedicated service, Captain Berthold will retire from the Kentucky State Police. However, he leaves behind a great legacy and is an example for all current and future officers. Captain Berthold earned his degree from the University of Louisville and went on to graduate from Police Academy on November 23, 1981, receiving the Commissioner's Commendation Award. Throughout his career, Captain Berthold demonstrated exemplary dedication and outstanding leadership, working his way up through the ranks from a sergeant in Madisonville to the Drug Enforcement Captain at DESI WEST. He represents his State proudly as a man of honor and is an officer of tremendous depth, intellect and vision. I honor him today because of his dignified and steadfast commitment to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, his fellow officers and the citizens of our community.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, just Friday I was in my district in Barren County, Kentucky--voted the number one rural county in America to live in--and I was at the Chamber of Commerce. I sat and talked at a roundtable with business leaders, people who own franchises and other types of small businesses, and their concerns about getting the economy moving again didn't have to do with George W. Bush or even when the majority took over in 2006. Their concern was this Congress, the debt from the stimulus bill that didn't keep unemployment from going above 8 percent. They were concerned about the energy cost that is going to greatly affect the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, the cap-and-trade. And also, they were talking about how they're going to implement the health care bill that was passed by this majority. Those were their concerns. I left with them saying, if we got back to our belief in limited government and unlimited faith in the American people, that we will get this economy moving again and bring back the jobs they need.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1472, expressing support for designation of the week of September 13, 2010, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. Illiteracy is a nationwide problem. According to a recent report, nearly one out of two adults is illiterate, without the minimum skills required in today's society. Unfortunately, many adults in this country cannot read a newspaper or fill out a job application. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 93 million U.S. adults have ``basic'' and ``below basic'' literacy skills. Department of Education studies have also found that adults living in poverty were more likely to have lower than average literacy scores than adults with higher incomes. Half of the adults who did not have a high school diploma performed in the ``below basic'' levels. Seniors and the elderly over age 65 had the lowest average literacy scores of any range, with 64 percent performing in the ``basic'' and ``below basic'' levels. And the more than 1 million incarcerated adults in the Nation had lower average literacy scores than adults in households on nearly every comparable scale. Literacy skills impact every aspect of adult life. Adults who are more literate are more likely to read to their children and discuss school topics, be employed full time and receive a higher income, use the Internet and email and vote, volunteer, and access information about local and national events. Unfortunately, only a fraction of low literate adults seek literacy services from community providers. Many people with low literacy do not perceive their skills as a problem until a crisis, such as the loss of a job or a child's need for school, helps make them aware of their literacy needs. National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week highlights the importance of efforts to ensure each and every citizen has the necessary literacy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in society. It encourages people across the United States to support programs to assist those in need of adult education and family literacy programs. I support this resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 126, recognizing the 50th anniversary of title VI international education programs within the Department of Education. Title VI was originally authorized as title VI of the National Defense Act in 1958 in response to the launch of Sputnik and the U.S. Government's recognition that a stronger and broader capacity in foreign language and area studies was needed to create a body of experts competent in foreign languages and cultures who could serve the government, especially our defense and intelligence agencies and the Foreign Service. Three programs that were included in the original 1958 legislation continue today as the National Resource Centers program, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship program, and the International Research and Studies program. These programs support language area centers for expansion of postsecondary instruction in languages that are less commonly taught, as well as foreign language fellowships, research supporting language learning methodology, and language institutes to provide advanced language and training. Over time, additional programs have been added to title VI in order to address the Nation's growing interest in international education. Title VI programs also help to address business needs for international expertise, strengthening undergraduate education, international as well as area studies, advancement of technology use, and overall improvement of foreign language training and assessment. Today, as intended by the program's creators, title VI programs help to provide for our national defense by ensuring a Federal investment in ensuring a supply of citizens with international expertise. Title VI programs help to support American experts in, and citizens' knowledge about, world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs, as well as those with a strong research base in these areas. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1219, expressing support for the designation of September as National Child Awareness Month. National Child Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the individuals and charitable organizations who work so diligently to improve the lives of children every day. Most young Americans are raised in healthy families, and they grow up to be responsible and productive citizens. However, there are children who do not have a healthy environment in which they can thrive, and whose daily realities make their dreams seem forever out of reach. Charitable children's organizations and youth organizations play a significant role in helping to make up for those daily deficits for millions of disadvantaged youth. Charitable organizations that serve our Nation's children provide invaluable services that enrich the lives of children and their families and our Nation as a whole. The work they do every day in communities across the country, including after-school tutoring, counseling services for at-risk youth, camps and the like, should be acknowledged and praised, particularly in these tough economic times. I am pleased to recognize the organizations that work tirelessly every day in the interests of our children. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1491, congratulating the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on winning the 2010 NCAA Division I College World Series. The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, was founded as South Carolina College in 1801. The university offers more than 350 programs of study from 14 colleges and schools and has an enrollment of over 28,000 students. The USC Gamecocks have 19 varsity athletic programs and have won seven national championships including the 2010 College World Series. Since 1970, South Carolina Gamecocks baseball has been considered an elite program in college baseball, appearing in 26 NCAA tournaments and nine college world series. The team played their first intercollegiate game in 1895. South Carolina owns a 23-17 all-time record in the College World Series and is 103-56 in NCAA tournament play. The 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team was led to national victory by head coach Ray Tanner. In 14 seasons at South Carolina, Coach Tanner has a 634-282 record with four College World Series appearances. This year in 2010, Coach Tanner and the Gamecocks won the NCAA championship at the College World Series in Omaha, becoming the first team to win six straight games in a world series and the third team to win the College World Series after losing its first game of the series. South Carolina won the College World Series in the final game against UCLA on June 30, 2010. I'm honored to stand before the House today to congratulate and recognize the significant achievements of the players, coaches, and students whose dedication and hard work have led to the success of the University of South Carolina baseball program as the 2010 NCAA Division I College World Series national champions. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

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

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1855, the Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success, or the SECTORS, Act, and I appreciate Mr. Loebsack and the bipartisan way in which this is going to move forward. H.R. 1855 creates new grants within the Workforce Investment Act to help create or increase targeted industry capacity and partnerships within specific regions. This is an idea that is already being done in some places across the country with success. For example, Philadelphia has created a regional program to train nurses for their hospitals and health care industry needs. I believe Federal policies should also encourage regional business development and improve worker training, retention, and advancement opportunities. That is why I strongly support not only this bill but strongly support the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. Madam Speaker, the Workforce Investment Act is 8 years overdue in its reauthorization, and I am disappointed that we are not engaging in a larger discussion of Workforce Investment Act reauthorization. The American people are facing a tremendous economic challenge and there has never been a more critical time to make sure our workforce has the opportunity to find new jobs or receive additional training. We need better systems of training and skills development to help move into new industries. I come from a small business manufacturing background, and I have seen firsthand that unemployed workers who receive additional training for new skills can obtain a higher-paying job which can radically transform their way of life. We cannot afford to approach the workforce and job needs of our country in a piecemeal way. The American people deserve a real, comprehensive job training bill. I, along with eight of my colleagues, introduced H.R. 4271, the Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2009, to begin the process of reauthorization of WIA. But, unfortunately, my bill has not been taken up by the Education and Labor Committee. I do support this bill before us today, but I do believe it's a disservice to the American people not to have an updated, comprehensive workforce development bill, and I urge this Congress to take action on full authorization of WIA as soon as possible. I do urge my colleagues to support the bill before us, however. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bel Brands USA and its Leitchfield plant located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This month, Bel Brands USA, which specializes in the creation and production of quality cheeses, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. In 1970 the company established a plant in Leitchfield, Ky., and has been manufacturing quality cheese products ever since. Bel Brands USA's Leitchfield facility is a prominent employer in Grayson County and is expected to produce 33,800,000 pounds of cheese this year. The plant has grown exponentially since its establishment 40 years ago. Currently, the plant employs 370 individuals between two production departments and covers an area of almost 190,000 square feet. Bel Brands USA and its Leitchfield facility have remained committed to hard work and creativity. With 25 production sites worldwide, Bel Brands USA promotes their core values in the workplace and throughout the community. Ethics, innovation, competence, cohesion and enthusiasm have contributed to the company's many accomplishments. The entire Grayson County community is grateful for Bel Brands USA's continued presence, support and generosity. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the employees of Bel Brands USA. I am proud to represent them here in Washington and look forward to their continued success.