Frank Guinta

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Peter Pinkham will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley. Mr. Pinkham has previously served as President of the North Conway Chamber of Commerce and later founded the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. His public service also includes serving as a Selectman for the Town of Conway for six years, as well as the Town Moderator, and as a member of the School Board and the Budget Committee. Mr. Pinkham has also been instrumental in contributing to the skiing industry with his work at Attitash and with Free Style Skiing. Attitash held the first Free Style competitions in the world in 1966 and helped bring snowmaking to the Valley. Peter also contributed to the sport personally by serving as Director of Attitash and teaching the Junior Ski Program. These great contributions to one of New Hampshire's most loved sports and recreational past times will allow future generations to enjoy both Attitash and the skiing amenities in the Valley for many years to come. Peter has also made numerous contributions to the local theater community founding the Children's Theater Company, Piett Pipper, and Community Theatre, the Resort Players. His work has been performed at the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse and another of his short musicals was used in the celebrations for Cranmore's 50th Anniversary. These impressive accomplishments highlight Peter's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Pinkham for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Ms. Cindy Russell will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate her on this fine achievement and thank her for all of her service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley. Ms. Russell has worked tirelessly to enrich the communities of the Mt. Washington Valley through her work as the Executive Director of the Arts Jubilee since 1983. She also founded Monarch Events which presently serves White Mountains Musical Arts, a non-profit organization devoted to bringing great quality live music performances to the region. Monarch Events has served many other organizations and assisted with such noteworthy events as First Night and the Mount Washington Valley's New Year Festival, Conway's Fourth of July Celebration, the Polar Express, the Bunny Express, the Easter Parade, the 2000 Jackson, NH Bicentennial Celebration, and the 2001 Council on State Governments Eastern Regional Conference. Ms. Russell's involvement extends even further into the community where she is involved in many restoration projects for the Town of Conway, helping to preserve historic sites and homes, and shaping them into the great centers for the community to gather and celebrate their proud heritage. These impressive accomplishments highlight Cindy's dedication to her community and her tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Ms. Russell for receiving this award and for her outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish her the very best for the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, NHCADSV, on reaching its 35th anniversary. The Coalition started thirty-five years ago as the New Hampshire Coalition on Battered Women and began the important work of providing women and their families with a voice to stand up to the violence and abuse they have experienced. Over the years they have helped launch many programs and initiatives to prevent and combat domestic violence and abuse in collaboration with both state and federal partners, including the Domestic Violence Prevention Program and the Statewide Program to Improve the Response to Domestic Violence. In addition to their advocacy and program support, the NHCADSV is made up of fourteen member programs and centers around the state that directly assist and provide services to those individuals and families who are in crisis. These programs and centers provide a safe place and secure environment, as well as the much needed support systems and tools women and their families need to work through these difficult situations. As we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month it is very fitting that we celebrate the selfless work of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and all of their partners across the state. I commend you for all your hard work and dedication and congratulate you on your success throughout the last thirty-five years. I wish you all the best for the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Victoria Arlen of Exeter, New Hampshire on winning a gold medal and three silver medals at the Paralympic Games in London, England. It is truly a prestigious distinction to be one of a few athletes from around the globe to represent their country, and Victoria's outstanding performance in the Games has brought pride to both New Hampshire and the United States. At a young age, she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. Awaking after two years in a coma, she fought back against this disease and used her strong spirit and determination to overcome the challenges she was presented with. With the support of her parents and twin brothers, Victoria excelled in her recovery and has emerged as a world class athlete. Throughout her brief career, she has consistently exceeded expectations and did again in London, beating several highly ranked competitors and setting a new world record in the 100-meter freestyle S6 where she took home the gold medal. She earned her silver medals in the 400-meter Freestyle, the 50-meter Freestyle, and the 4100m Women's Freestyle relay with her U.S. teammates. With her athletic talent and effort, and strong drive and will, she has quickly become one of the top swimmers in the world. Her motto of ``face it, embrace it, defy it, and conquer it'' has guided her to success and I believe she has inspired young athletes across the country to strive for their dreams no matter the challenges they face. On behalf of the First District of New Hampshire, I commend Victoria on her outstanding accomplishments and wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, at the end of 2012 Barry Conway will retire as Commandant of the New Hampshire State Veterans Home after forty years of faithful service in health care administration. Mr. Conway began his career as a Corpsman with the United States Air Force serving from 1960-1964. Soon after leaving the Air Force, he pursued his post- secondary education in Rhode Island, before beginning his work in health care administration working in long-term care facilities, ambulatory care centers and hospitals. For the last twenty-three years, Mr. Conway has worked at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home, providing quality care and services to our states aging and disabled veterans. Under his leadership the Veterans Home has become a sought after long-term care facility, focusing on the special needs of our veterans. The care provided to our veterans not only meets their specific challenges and needs, but honors both them and their service to our country. Mr. Conway has also shared his expertise and experience in caring for the elderly, frail, and disabled veterans as a member of many associations including the National Association of State Veterans Home, American College of Health Care Administrators, New Hampshire Health Care Association, and the American Legion. He has served New Hampshire and its residents well, especially our veterans community, and he will be sorely missed when he leaves the Veterans Home. I congratulate Barry Conway on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans here in New Hampshire. I wish both Barry and his wife Barbara continued success in their life together.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 2012 Barry Conway will retire as Commandant of the New Hampshire State Veterans Home after forty years of faithful service in health care administration. Mr. Conway began his career as a Corpsman with the United Stated Air Force serving from 1960-1964. Soon after leaving the Air Force, he pursued his post secondary education in Rhode Island, before beginning his work in health care administration working in long-term care facilities, ambulatory care centers and hospitals. For the last twenty-three years, Mr. Conway has worked at the New Hampshire State Veterans Home, providing quality care and services to our state's aging and disabled veterans. Under his leadership the Veterans Home has become a sought after long-term care facility, focusing on the special needs of our veterans. The care provided to our veterans not only meets their specific challenges and needs, but honors both them and their service to our country. Mr. Conway has also shared his expertise and experience in caring for the elderly, frail, and disabled veterans as a member of many associations including the National Association of State Veterans Homes, American College of Health Care Administrators, New Hampshire Health Care Association, and the American Legion. He has served New Hampshire and its residents well, especially our veterans community, and he will be sorely missed when he leaves the Veterans Home. I congratulate Barry Conway on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans here in New Hampshire. I wish both Barry and his wife Barbara continued success in their life together.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 2012 Dr. Marc Levenson will retire from the VA Medical Center after 24 years of faithful service to our State's veterans. Dr. Levenson began his medical career practicing Internal Medicine at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill and then went on to serve as Vice President and Senior Physician at Jackson River Internists in Virginia. After his time in private practice, he joined the VA Health Care System in Pennsylvania before making a permanent place in the New England VA Health Care System. Dr. Levenson began his career in Manchester as the Chief of Staff and after 12 years in this position was promoted to Director of the Manchester VA Medical Center in 2000. Since that time he has led the VAMC with dedication and integrity, bringing the best care and services possible to our State's veterans. He has helped to improve and initiate several clinics including Ophthalmology, Audiology, Dermatology and Podiatry Care. His efforts also focused on implementing Primary Care Mental Health Integration and expanding the Home Based Primary Care Program to the Community Based Outpatient Clinics throughout the State. He has also stepped in to help out at other Medical Centers in White River Junction, Vermont and Bedford, Massachusetts when these facilities were transitioning between directors. Dr. Levenson has been a great leader for our veterans here in New Hampshire and provided all of our veterans with the services and care they need when transitioning back from active duty to civilian life, and into their later years. His work has been outstanding and is greatly appreciated. I congratulate Dr. Levenson on his well earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding support of our veterans in New Hampshire and New England.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Chairman, I add my voice to calling for the passage of H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. One of the key provisions of this bill is title III, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act. Certain environmental advocacy groups sue Federal agencies to issue regulations, and then agencies settle these lawsuits behind closed doors, which is also known as ``sue and settle.'' Only after a settlement has been agreed to does the public have any chance to provide any comment. This is a pointless exercise because the damage has already been done. More troubling, these settlements often allow advocacy groups and agencies to effectively dictate major policy on their own by circumventing the protections that exist for public participation in a regulatory system. This provision, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012, promotes openness and transparency in the regulatory process, and it does that by requiring agencies to notify the public of these lawsuits before they're settled and giving the public meaningful voice in the process. As Chairman Issa knows from the field hearing he held on Great Bay in my district in the State of New Hampshire, my constituents and small businesses are facing this very issue. Communities, small businesses, and New Hampshire families are facing massive tax increases because outside organizations with political agendas are forcing the EPA into a sue or settle situation, costing Granite Staters on the seacoast hundreds of millions of dollars. This has been done behind closed doors without the community being at the table as a full negotiating partner, and this is wrong. We all want the Great Bay to be clean and to be protected, but sue and settle is not the way. In the end, the actions of a few politically driven organizations are costing small businesses and hurting New Hampshire families in an already difficult economy. Chairman Issa, I want to thank you for coming to New Hampshire to shed light on this problem. For these reasons, I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those calling attention to the harmful tax hikes that could soon come our way. With tax cuts set to expire at midnight on December 31 of this year, the Obama administration wants some of those taxes to increase. I think that that would inflict a body blow to our economy and prolong this recovery. A recent study by the accounting firm Ernst & Young finds raising these taxes would cause the estimated loss of 700,000 jobs, wages would be reduced by 1.8 percent, and our economy would shrink by 1.3 percent. My State of New Hampshire relies heavily on small businesses; they are the backbone of our economy. This tax hike would hit small businesses especially hard because at least 75 percent pay their taxes as individuals. I think of the many job creators in my district, such as Hampshire Fire Protection in Londonderry. They face enough challenges without Washington imposing higher taxes and that burden on their small business. With the Nation's unemployment at 8.2 percent, we simply cannot afford to lose an additional 700,000 jobs. That is why I say we must stop this tax hike, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I thank Sergeant Christophe Rustici for his brave and honorable service to our country with the United States Marine Corps. Sgt. Rustici has served with the Marine Corps since May of 2006 when he enlisted as a Reservist. During his enlistment he was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq in support of our combat operations in the region. Clnistophe fought side by side with local and NATO coalition forces, and was in charge of several of his fellow Marines. He was responsible for providing security to many installations and bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan, assisted with first aid to both locals and fellow soldiers, and assisted in engaging with the local forces and population to provide humanitarian aid. Sgt. Rustici's hard work and efforts have been recognized with a Certificate of Commendation for his actions as a Fire Team Leader and Sergeant of the Guard for his service in Afghanistan. He has also qualified as a Rifle and Pistol Expert with the Marine Corps, and has been awarded a Meritorious Mast for Excellence while working as a recruiter with the Marines. Our liberties, our values, and everything America stands for is due to the heroic services of our men and women in uniform. I thank Christophe for his service to the United States and wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. I rise today to add my voice to those calling for the passage of H.R. 4114, which would give a cost-of-living adjustment to our disabled military veterans. My State, New Hampshire, has one of the largest per capita veteran populations of any State in our Nation. Nearly 128,000 former servicemen and women call the Granite State home. As its name indicates, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act would provide a much-needed benefit increase, starting this December 1, for qualifying disabled veterans. It provides an increase similar to what Social Security recipients receive. Our disabled veterans made a special sacrifice during their time in uniform, and they now live with the result of that sacrifice each and every day. Increasing their monthly benefit checks is a small price for a grateful Nation to pay. Our military Armed Forces answered the call when our country needed them most, and I believe that we must now be there for them. I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing this important cost- of-living increase for the disabled men and women who gave so much to our country.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the non-profit Star Island Corporation for their successful restoration of the historic Gosport Regatta. The Star Island Corporation has owned and maintained Star Island for almost 100 years. As part of the National Historic District located on the Isles of Shoals, the Corporation was desirous of re-creating a historic moment in time for the benefit of today's retreats and conferences on the island. Research into the 1875 Gosport Regatta, which was held to celebrate the opening of the Oceanic Hotel on the island, revealed that the race was won by the America, the yacht for which the America's Cup is named. The Captain and owner of the America, General Benjamin Franklin Butler, played a pivotal role in the creation of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln and the restoration of the Gosport Regatta allows for recognition of this important historical connection to the Star Island Retreat and Conference Center, on the Isles of Shoals in Rye, New Hampshire. I commend the Board of Directors and the Staff of the Star Island Corporation for their time and efforts on this restoration, and wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on May 31, 2012 Chief David Dubois retired from the Rochester Police Department after 29 years as a law enforcement officer in that community. A native of Somersworth, New Hampshire, Chief Dubois decided from an early age to pursue a career in law enforcement based on the example of his father who also enjoyed a career as a police officer. Chief Dubois began his career as a part-time police officer in Somersworth and became a full-time officer in Rochester in 1983. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving the community in many capacities during his tenure. In May of 2002, he was appointed Police Chief and served in that position for a decade. Throughout his career, he has been known as a community leader committed to protecting the citizens he represented and the men and women under his command. Chief Dubois has also been active in the Rochester community and has participated in many civic organizations like the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Rochester. I want to commend Chief Dubois for his service and wish he and his family well in the coming years.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th anniversary. New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington. The M/S Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the state's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens. I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th anniversary. New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington. The MIS Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the State's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens. I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall votes No. 294 314, I am not recorded because I was absent from the U.S. House of Representatives. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On rollcall No. 294, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 295, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 296, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 297, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 298, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 299, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 300, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 301, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 302, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 303, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 304, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 305, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 306, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 307, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''; on rollcall No. 308, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 309, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 310, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 311, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 312, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 313, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; on rollcall No. 314, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mount Washington Cruises on reaching your 140th Anniversary. New Hampshire is proud to be home to some of the most beautiful sights in the Northeast. The White Mountains and Lakes Region have attracted tourists from all over the world, and the beauty and grandeur of Lake Winnipesaukee has been shared with thousands of visitors thanks to the M/S Mount Washington. The M/S Mount Washington is truly one of New Hampshire's greatest treasures and continues to be one of the state's leading tourist attractions in the Lakes Region and for Weirs Beach. The daily in season tours give visitors the chance to view firsthand the beauty and majesty of Lake Winnipesaukee. With the ability to hold 1250 passengers, the ``Mount'' has also been a popular venue for parties, weddings and various celebrations. Today Mount Washington Cruises is owned and operated by local individuals ensuring that this fine vessel and her operations maintain in New Hampshire and are run by New Hampshire's great citizens. I congratulate the owners, officers and crew of the Mount Washington Cruises for their continued success and their dedication to maintain the great legacy of the M/S Mount Washington here in the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Stanley Gorski on his 50 years of teaching in the state of New Hampshire. For the past fifty years, Mr. Gorski has inspired hundreds of high school students to pursue their talents and goals, and excel in their studies. As an English teacher, he has helped to spark an interest in reading and writing, and broadened the minds of many students in his classes, doing so with a great sense of humor and kindness appreciated by all. He is to be commended for his many years of service and dedication to his profession and students, and recognized for the impact he has had on their lives. Throughout his fifty years of teaching, both at Bishop Brady High School and Trinity High School, Mr. Gorski has not only become a trusted and valued employee, but a mentor and friend to his fellow teachers. He generously shares his knowledge and experience with those around him and we are all thankful for his many contributions to teaching. I congratulate Stanley on reaching this great milestone and for his outstanding commitment to education and his students. Tonight's celebration is well deserved for the many years of service he has given and I wish him all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this substitute amendment. Mr. Chairman, I find what's going on in this country with the level of spending in America outrageous. People in this country have sent us here to do a job, to be leaders, and to solve problems. We have a current deficit of roughly $1.3 trillion, something that is so high that so many people can't even comprehend that number. We have a long- term debt approaching $16 trillion. This substitute today continues that path of spending money that we simply don't have. I do thank the gentleman for at least offering a proposal--something that has not been done in the Senate--so we can debate in, I think, a reasonable way what the path is that his budget would propose versus the Path to Prosperity. This proposal, the substitute proposal, does three things. Number one, it spends $3.7 trillion of roughly $1 trillion-ongoing deficits. Secondly, over the 10-year window, it spends $44.7 trillion, continuing the long-term debt that we have found ourselves in currently. Finally, it doesn't solve the significant drivers of our debt, and it doesn't allow for an opportunity to preserve and protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The country wants us to be honest, the country wants leadership, and we continue to provide that in the House Budget Committee with the Path to Prosperity. I remind people that budget proposes stability and predictability by cutting $5.3 trillion in spending, by reducing the tax on both individual and corporate to give us a fair, level playing field and predictability for the long term. And it reduces our short- term deficit about $700 billion next year and continues to ensure we get on a path to balance. A balanced budget is the dream of every American, and we offer that opportunity in the Path to Prosperity. With that, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to add my voice to those calling for the passage of the Path to Prosperity. Mr. Chairman, we are in a debt crisis in this Nation. We have a spending crisis in this Nation. This Congress was sent here just a year ago to fix and solve these problems; and we have, for the second year in a row, offered solutions. We have offered ideas, and we will continue to work with the other side of the aisle to try to find what we all believe is a more prosperous Nation. For too long, job creators in my home State of New Hampshire have paced on the sidelines. They tell me over and over that we want to expand our payrolls, we want to see stability and predictability from Washington first. But that hasn't happened. Mr. Chairman, it's not asking too much for our Nation to see what good, sound fiscal policy looks like, and we ought to provide that opportunity. We ought to pass this piece of legislation. The Path to Prosperity gives job creators the confidence to resume doing what they do best: innovate, operate, and expand their businesses and their job opportunities for the rest of us. It does so by reducing spending $5.3 trillion over the next decade. We slowly bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP as quickly as 2015, and we have a path to balance this Nation's budget. We also do this by reforming our Tax Code. Consolidating six tax brackets down to two, 25 and 10 percent, and on the corporate side reducing the rate from 35 to 25, going to a territorial system, allowing the opportunity for our economy to once again be thriving. The best way to sustain a lasting economic recovery is to remove the hurdles and the barriers that are holding back job creators; and this budget, Mr. Chairman, does just that. I urge my colleagues to pass the Path to Prosperity, and I call on the Senate to approve it as well.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, last month, one of New Hampshire's greatest citizens and political figures announced his retirement after nearly twenty-two years of continuous public service to the State of New Hampshire and his home city of Manchester. It is my honor and privilege to thank and pay tribute to my personal friend and predecessor, former Manchester Mayor and current New Hampshire Executive Councilor Raymond J. Wieczorek. Councilor Wieczorek is among the finest examples of the selfless public servant who has served his country, state, and city in various capacities for many years. Raised in rural Connecticut in a tight knit Polish family, Ray Wieczorek learned from an early age the importance of honesty, generosity and hard work. Ray applied these lessons throughout his life beginning with his service in the U.S. Armed Services during the Korean Conflict and later opening the Wieczorek Insurance Agency in his adopted home of Manchester, New Hampshire. Throughout his professional career, Ray gave back to his community by volunteering for over twenty community clubs and non-profit organizations like the United Way and the Boys and Girls Club of Manchester. However, his professional career is most noted by his leadership and service as Mayor of Manchester for five consecutive terms and six subsequent terms as an elected Member of the New Hampshire Executive Council. Over the years, Ray has been recognized by numerous groups for his citizenship and leadership by such organizations as the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Granite State Taxpayers, the United States Small Business Administration and the New Hampshire State Republican Committee, just to name a few. However, far surpassing these recognitions is Ray's great love for both family and friends. He dutifully served as loving husband to his late wife Susan and continues to be a loving father to his children, stepchildren and grandchildren.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Girl Scouts of America on reaching your 100th Anniversary. This is truly a great organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of girls across the globe. For over a century, the Girl Scouts have promoted strong and successful girls and helped them along the way to becoming proud and prominent women. New Hampshire is proud to have the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains teach our young ladies new and varied skills from archery and camping, to engineering and banking. With the well rounded merit badge system and great role models, many of these girls discover and explore techniques they would otherwise miss. Our communities have been immeasurably impacted by the good deeds the scouts do while earning badges and working toward the highest achievement of the Gold Award, and I commend them for their great success and the influence they have had on the public. I congratulate the Girl Scouts of America for their continued dedication and leadership to the girls of our nation and the Granite State. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Lissa Silk for all the work she is doing to bring awareness to the issue of distracted driving. As Miss Manchester 2012, Lissa has committed herself to raising awareness for Drive Against Distraction and educating others on the serious consequences distracted driving can have on everyone. Whether it be talking or texting on your cell phone while driving, or responding to another person in your vehicle, the consequences of these actions and lives being impacted is very real and in some instances deadly. Lissa's interest with this cause came from many personal experiences with distracted driving. Her mother Barbara was seriously injured by a driver who was talking on their cell phone, and Lissa and her sister were also involved in an accident where the other driver ran a stop sign because they were not paying attention. Working with the Rochester and Dover Police Departments, as well as many High Schools and Driver Education Classes, Lissa has committed herself to educating others on distracted driving by sharing her personal stories. She has also reached out to the nation's Governors about enacting no texting while driving legislation. Our own Governor, John Lynch, will be recognizing April as New Hampshire's official Drive Against Distraction Awareness Month thanks to Lissa's efforts. Lissa's commitment to educating others and preventing the unnecessary consequences of distracted driving are commendable. I congratulate Lissa for all of her accomplishments and for her outstanding commitment and leadership to this cause. I wish her all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. I thank the gentleman from Texas, and I thank you for your hard work in trying to protect small job creators, not just in your State but all across the country, in your proposal and amendments and legislation to try to address what I think is an unjust, overregulated approach to negatively affecting not just the auto industry but also the consumer. Earlier last year, the EPA and California regulators, of course under the guidance and direction of President Obama and his White House, proposed the most expansive regulations ever on the auto industry. Estimates suggest that the cost will be $157 billion. This is at a time, I remind you, when we have a debt and deficit of about $16 trillion and $1.3 trillion to $1.5 trillion, respectively. This is not a time when this administration should impose greater oversight, greater regulatory challenges to job creators in America. I want to remind those who are listening, as I take a look at an article written in The Wall Street Journal back in September of last year, September 14, it talks specifically about this piece of legislation and how new cars and light trucks would have to increase their fuel economy to 54.5 miles a gallon. And the White House officials actually commented in that article. They commented that the proposed fuel efficiency target could raise average vehicle prices by about $3,000. This administration acknowledges that their overregulation will increase the cost of an average vehicle by $3,000. Now, if you think about that, when an individual goes to purchase or lease a vehicle, they sometimes use a 3-year window, maybe a few more months, 39 months, and I find it interesting that we are about to extend the payroll tax for the balance of the year, which would give the average American $1,000 back in their pocket. And the Obama administration would like to take that $1,000 from the consumer pocket and put it back into the coffers of the Treasury. I find that bad public policy, to say the least, not in the direction of trying to reduce our debt and deficit and have a pro-growth economy, and I think it stifles the auto industry. And most importantly, it stifles small business owners across the country. I just want to share with you, briefly, statistical information about this industry in my State of New Hampshire. We have about 800 different businesses within this industry; 25,000 employees in New Hampshire, alone, that would be affected by this regulation. I'm concerned about the job loss around the country. I'm concerned about small business owners having access to capital, being able to continue to survive through this down economy. And I'm concerned about those employees who work for those job creators, our friends and our neighbors. They're not Democrats or Republicans or Independents. They're Americans, and they're demanding that this Congress stop the regulatory oversight from President Obama and his administration and the EPA. We are trying to do that on behalf of the American public. I think it is a smart way for us to give back to not just the consumer but the job creators who we so desperately rely on for a pro-growth economy. The final point that I would like to make is that, in addition to the $3,200 estimated increase in the cost of the vehicle acknowledged by the President and his White House, this regulation would also essentially take the $15,000 vehicle out of existence. We would not be able to, as consumers, access an affordable vehicle for ourselves or for anybody who's purchasing a vehicle, for that matter. The very middle class that our friends on the other side of the aisle talk about preserving and protecting are being targeted by this regulation. It's time that the country hears more about how this administration chooses to take money from one entity and give it to another. They're taking money from hardworking Americans and putting it in the coffers of the Treasury so they can expand the size and scope of government. The people of New Hampshire have had enough. They've sent me here to fight for those middle class families, those hardworking job creators who in New Hampshire provide 25,000 jobs in this industry. And I will continue to work with you and anybody else in this body who shares the opinion of enough with regulation. Let the free market work. Let the consumer win for a change. I thank you for yielding to me and, again, I look forward to working with you on future legislation that you seek to address on the floor of this House.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Shannon Moody as she is recognized with the STAR Award by the Learn To Read Program for reading her 700th book to her daughter. The Student Achievement in Reading Award is given to one student per year who has shown exceptional dedication, commitment and persistence in reaching their literacy goal. Shannon worked towards this goal with the help of her volunteer tutor and utilized the vast resources available at the Manchester Public Library. Shannon recognizes and appreciates the quality time she and her daughter share when they read together. As a parent, I know the importance of spending time with your children and she has set a fine example to her daughter on working hard towards a goal that is important to you. I'm sure Shannon's efforts have instilled a great love of reading into her daughter and she can be very proud of her achievements in the Learn To Read Program. I congratulate Shannon and wish her all the best for continued success in the future.