Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize both the athletic and academic achievements of an impressive young member of the Lackawanna community, Abdulqawi Mohamed. This past weekend Abdulqawi won the 103 lb weight class at the Division II Wrestling State Championship Tournament in Albany. Abdulqawi finished the season with an amazing record of 43 wins and one loss. His efforts made him the first New York State wrestling champion in the history of Lackawanna High School. With all of his accomplishments, I was amazed to hear Abdulqawi has only been wrestling for three years. His coaches, Jeff Michelle and Idreas Ahmed, have literally taught him everything he knows about his sport. In addition to wrestling, Abdulqawi is also a very talented soccer player. Athletics are an integral part of every young person's life; they teach us exactly what we can accomplish through hard work and dedication. However, without a solid academic background, athletics will only take you so far. Abdulqawi is currently in 11th grade at Lackawanna High School and, during his time there, has maintained a 95.3 GPA. Indeed, Abdulqawi is not only a talented athlete but a gifted student as well. Abdulqawi and his family emigrated from the Republic of Yemen to the United States just three years ago. They are currently residents of Lackawanna's first ward. Abdulqawi and his family are a perfect example of the positive influence members of the Yemenite community are having on Lackawanna. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow Members to join me in congratulating Abdulqawi Mohamed for winning the first state wrestling championship in Lackawanna High School history as well as his equally impressive academic achievements.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Eugene Heath. Mr. Heath served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Kiantone Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Heath served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Heath is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Paul Hazzard. Mr. Hazzard served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Busti Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Hazzard served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Hazzard is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Tina Hallquist. Ms. Hallquist served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 13. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Hallquist served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Hallquist is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Robert George. Mr. George served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Dunkirk City Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. George served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. George is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanne D. Giangreco, an active member of the Buffalo and Western New York community, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 82. Born Joanne Downing, Joanne graduated from Bennett High School in 1945, attended St. Joseph College of Emmitsburg, Maryland, and graduated from the University at Buffalo in 1950. She was a gifted athlete, winning an AAU swimming championship in high school as well as playing basketball during her time at St. Joseph College. Joanne continued her athletic career after college as an avid golfer and racquetball player, often beating her older male competitors at the Buffalo Athletic Club. Indeed, Joanne's athleticism was not limited to her sporting performances. In 1945, as a swimming lifeguard at my own neighborhood's South Park pool, Joanne performed CPR and saved the life of a toddler who had fallen and hit his head. A lifelong Democrat, Joanne appeared on WBEN-TV in 1952 to support Adlai Stevenson in his presidential campaign. Her political views were largely influenced by her father, Francis J. Downing, who was the Executive Director of the Buffalo-Area Emergency Relief Bureau and the Works Progress Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mr. Downing later served as a department head in the administration of Buffalo Mayor Frank A. Sedita. Joanne was actively involved throughout Western New York, serving as the president of the Buffalo Inter-Club Women's Bowling Association. She was a founding member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Amherst, was secretary for the St. Gregory Home School Association, and served as chairwoman of Ladies Golf at Cherry Hill. Additionally, Joanne was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society as well as the Girl Scouts. Joanne, widowed by the passing of her husband Joseph in 2001, is survived by her five children, several grandchildren and her siblings. Indeed, Joanne's son Peter is a trusted and valued friend to me, whose counsel I have sought and have valued since my initial run for Congress in 2004. Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Giangreco and Downing families for their loss, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Joanne Giangreco and recognizing the tremendous impact she had on the lives of those she knew.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. James Garfield. Mr. Garfield served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Ripley Highway Superintendent. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Garfield served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Garfield is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Debra Gabel. Ms. Gabel served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as the Cherry Creek tax collector. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Gabel served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Gabel is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Paul Foreman. Mr. Foreman served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Town of Dunkirk Highway Superintendent. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Foreman served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Foreman is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Michael Dove. Mr. Dove served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Carroll Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter, but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Dove served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Dove is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Jeff Dietrich. Mr. Dietrich served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Arkwright Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Dietrich served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Dietrich is one of those people and that is why Madam Speaker I rise to pay tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Edward Wright. Mr. Wright served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Mina Town Attorney. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Wright served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Wright was dedicated to this goal and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Debora Carpenter. Ms. Carpenter served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as Ellington Tax Collector. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Carpenter served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Carpenter is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. George Becleromi. Mr. Becleromi served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Ellicott Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Becleromi served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Becleromi is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. James Cooper. Mr. Cooper served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Poland Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Cooper served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Cooper is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Chuck Cornell. Mr. Cornell served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 12. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Cornell served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Cornell is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Christopher Penfold. Mr. Penfold served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as the Town of Dunkirk Town Justice. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Penfold served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Penfold is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Brian Abram. Mr. Abram served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 6. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Abram served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Abram is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tony Kenneth Meunier in celebration of his recent retirement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) after almost 42 years of Federal Government service. He is a remarkable, inquisitive man who, with passion and dedication, has worked tirelessly throughout his career to advance our knowledge of the Earth, Space and social sciences. He has been a soldier, educator, explorer, scientist, writer and devoted family man. Mr. Meunier, originally from Buffalo, New York, began his Federal Career by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was Commander-in-Chief. Staff Sergeant (E-5) Meunier served overseas for almost 3 of his 4 years with the USAF Security Service. After military service, he used the GI Bill (Vietnam War Era) to earn a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Geology, Geography, and Earth-Space Sciences from the State University of New York at Geneseo and SUNY Brockport, New York. After teaching math and science in the Rochester, New York area, Mr. Meunier joined the USGS Topographic Division, Office of Research and Technical Standards, in May 1972. Always interested in cutting edge science and technology, Mr. Meunier became one of the USGS's first Research Digital Cartographers and an early advocate of using Landsat imagery for field research and mapping applications. Also, as a physical scientist/cartographer, Mr. Meunier made significant contributions to the USGS program in Antarctica, an international program that spans more than 60 years. He has been a member of three deep field expeditions to Antarctica, including a 14 month period, serving as a member of one of the first USGS satellite surveying winter-over teams at South Pole Station during 1974. For this expedition, in 1974, Mr. Meunier was awarded the Antarctic Service Medal of the United States of America. During the 1982-83 field season, as a member of Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) group, working in a previously unexplored region on the East Antarctic Plateau, he initiated a successful plan for locating blue-ice areas with meteorite concentrations using Landsat satellite imagery and also developed a new satellite surveying positioning method to locate and map the meteorites discovered in field operations. In 1995-96, Mr. Meunier was a member of the first U.S. Absolute Gravity team obtaining measurements in the McMurdo and Dry Valley areas and as a supporting member of the South Pole Overland Traverses' search for a usable over-snow route to resupply the South Pole Station. Finally, during the just completed International Polar Year (IPY), Mr. Meunier published a series of USGS Open-File Reports on the Scientific Accomplishments of the USGS over the past 60 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Meunier has demonstrated a continuing dedication to the advancement of polar science. His contributions to research and the mapping of Antarctica have provided the Nation an invaluable asset. In 1977, at the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names, Mount Meunier, a feature on the Walgreen Coast of Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica, was named in his honor by the United States Board on Geographic Names. Also, in recognition of his exemplary scientific and programmatic contributions to the U.S. Geological Survey's scientific activities in the exploration of Antarctica, the Department of the Interior, in 2009, awarded Tony Kenneth Meunier, its second highest honor, the Meritorious Service Award. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Meunier for his 42 years of public service, for his accomplishments and for all he has done to engender continued interest in the advancement of knowledge among his colleagues and the public at large.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I missed several roll call votes on January 19, 2010. Had I been present I would have voted: On #6, on passage of H. Res. 1004, Congratulating the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for its 150 years of commitment to advancing science and improving health, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #7, on passage of H. Res. 1015, Congratulating the Penn State women's volleyball team on winning the 2009 NCAA Division I national championship, I would have voted ``yea.'' On #8, on passage of H. Res. 991, Commending the University of Virginia men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding citizen of Buffalo and Western New York and a dear friend who will be profoundly missed, William Greiner. Bill Greiner, the 13th president of the University at Buffalo, died due to complications from heart surgery at the age of 75. This is a devastating loss to his family and friends, and to our community. William R. Greiner, who spent 42 years at UB as president, provost, and longtime Law School faculty member, joined the law faculty in 1967. He rose through the faculty and administrative ranks, culminating with his appointment as the University at Buffalo's 13th president in 1991. He served until 2003 and was named president emeritus on November 17, 2009 by the SUNY Board of Trustees. Greiner's administrative leadership resulted in a period of unprecedented growth at the University at Buffalo. His extensive list of major accomplishments includes the expansion of the university's research enterprise, including the creation of major research institutes and recruitment of world-class faculty, solidifying UB's place as a top-flight research university. He established the university as a leading international educational institution, and under his leadership UB became the first American university to establish a branch in China when it opened a center in Beijing. Bill was deeply loved by his family, friends, and the community. He will be remembered as much for his engaging, hands-on administrative style, and tireless advocacy on behalf of UB as for his long list of accomplishments. He was known as the quintessential university citizen and he cherished his role as professor and mentor. Madam Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to Bill's family. My thoughts are with them, and I share their grief of this wonderful man I am honored to have called a dear friend. His loss is felt by the many lives he touched in the Buffalo community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ida Fiorella, a longtime Buffalo resident who will be celebrating her 95th birthday this December 26th. Ida was born in Buffalo's West Side on December 26th, 1914. The daughter of Italian immigrants Joseph Pizzuto and Maria Cordaro Pizzuto, Ida attended Buffalo's public schools and went on to work in her family-owned grocery store at the intersection of Prospect and Virginia located in Buffalo, New York. Ida's brother Russell Pizzuto, now deceased, served honorably and was wounded in World War II; he was the father of six children. Ida and her family were parishioners at St. Anthony's Church where she married her husband, Vincent (Jimmy) Fiorella on November 11th, 1940. Together Ida and Jim raised their three children, Russell, Bonnie, and Joseph, on Buffalo's West Side. Their marriage spanned 50 years until Jim passed away on March 19th, 1991. When her children were grown, Ida went on to a successful career in retail sales. She spent a number of years at Hengerer's downtown, then at the Sample Shop on Hertel Avenue, and finally at Joseph's on Deleware Avenue, all located in Buffalo. Ida is a wonderful homemaker, avid Italian cook, and premier pie maker. One of her proudest accomplishments was encouraging all of her children to go on to receive a college education. Ida loves meeting and entertaining people and is very independent. Even to this day she does all of her own cooking, baking, and only stopped driving after her car was no longer road worthy. Ida still attends church and is a very devoted Catholic. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ms. Ida Fiorella as she approaches the celebration of her 95th birthday. I congratulate Ida for her many contributions to her family, friends, and community and wish her many more years of happiness.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, most are familiar with ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition program which embarks on the monumental task of building a new home from the ground up in just one week for a deserving family. Last week WNY AmeriCorps, People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) Buffalo and Buffalo ReUse, organizations in my hometown, took on that job. On a visit to the site I was expecting to see the team's progress on the Powell family home on Massachusetts Avenue but what I witnessed far exceeded expectations. The extreme team, which comprised of WNY AmeriCorps, PUSH Buffalo and Buffalo ReUse, in partnership with David Homes and many more from the community stepping up to help, went house to house patching roofs, fixing porches, planting shrubs, painting siding and more. Hailed by producers as unlike any community effort they've seen in the show's history, the organizations worked in perfect synchronization, Buffalo ReUse deconstructing and recycling building materials, AmeriCorps donating and managing volunteers by the thousands and PUSH Buffalo working throughout the neighborhood, all operating around the clock for one week improving over 50 homes. But it didn't stop there. Their generosity inspired others, prompting food and blood drives and the construction of a community garden. Madam Speaker, today I am honored to recognize WNY AmeriCorps, PUSH Buffalo and Buffalo ReUse for taking on the assignment to develop a home and turning it into an opportunity to develop hope--hope for a family, a neighborhood and an entire city. While the spotlight highlighted their efforts last week, these organizations work quietly each and every day building a better future for the Western New York Community and for that we are deeply grateful.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, most are familiar with ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition program which embarks on the monumental task of building a new home from the ground up in just one week for a deserving family. Last week in my hometown David Stapleton, owner of David Homes took on that job. On a visit to the site I was expecting to see the construction team's progress on the Powell family's home on Massachusetts Avenue but what I witnessed far exceeded expectations. Under David's leadership volunteers by the thousands were transforming not one home but an entire neighborhood on Buffalo's West Side. With local organizations including WNY AmeriCorps, PUSH Buffalo and Buffalo ReUse as partners and many more from the community stepping up to help, the extreme team went house to house patching roofs, fixing porches, planting shrubs, painting siding and more. Hailed by producers as unlike any community effort they've seen in the show's history, David's team managed 4,500 volunteers working around the clock for one week improving over 50 homes. But it didn't stop there. Their generosity inspired others, prompting food and blood drives and the construction of a community garden. David agreed to this project knowing he could not simply go into this neighborhood and build one home. Producers feared he would lose focus but he knew he would have to do better and that he did. Madam Speaker, today I am honored to recognize David Stapleton for taking on the assignment to develop a home and turning it into an opportunity to develop hope--hope for a family, a neighborhood and an entire city. What David Stapleton built last week is a better future for the Western New York Community and for that we are grateful.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the American health care industry is a $2.5 trillion industry. It represents 17 percent of the American economy, as measured by the gross domestic product. Yet our outcomes, according to the World Health Organization, are pathetically falling behind. We are 37th in overall quality. Unacceptable in America. We are 41st in infant mortality. That means in 40 other countries, from birth to 1 year of age, kids live by a higher percentage than they do in the United States. Unacceptable in America. We are dead last of any industrialized country in preventable deaths. Unacceptable in a good and generous Nation. This is a uniquely American problem with a uniquely American solution. We look to not-for-profit plans, like the Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. They are early adapters of new innovation, and they are providing the highest quality health care, not only in the Nation, but throughout the world, at the lowest possible cost. That is the health care that I want for my family, that is the health care that I want for my community, and that is the health care I want for my Nation. We have been debating this issue not for seven months, but for seven decades. It is time for change. I understand that reform is tough. The reformer, said Machiavelli, has enemies in all those who profit by the older order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit in the new order. On health care, most Americans are rooting for the reformer.