Gregg Harper

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. This amendment filed by the gentleman from Illinois would require a GAO study to be completed, 1 year, analyzing how health care costs are affected if EPA does not proceed with regulation in its role as determined in Massachusetts v. EPA. You know, this case did not determine whether or how EPA should regulate greenhouse gases. To the contrary, it did not mandate that EPA move forward with global warming regulations, and it certainly did not direct the EPA to begin regulating tens of thousands or millions of stationary sources across the United States economy. In any event, no GAO study is needed because the EPA, itself, has already concluded that greenhouse gases pose no direct adverse health effects. Here's what the EPA has stated: ``Current and projected ambient greenhouse gas concentrations remain well below published thresholds for any direct adverse health effects, such as respiratory or toxic effects.'' So even if the EPA had concluded that there were direct health impacts, EPA's own administrators concluded that the agency's greenhouse gas rules are not going to be effective in appreciably reducing temperatures or global emissions. Administrator Jackson has said: ``We will not ultimately be able to change the amount of CO2 that is accumulating in the atmosphere alone.'' If anything, EPA's global warming rules will cause global emissions to increase as U.S. manufacturing and industry goes to countries with much less stringent environmental laws. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Jack Cristil of Tupelo, Mississippi for his contribution to sports radio and television broadcasting, and specifically the state of Mississippi through his dedicated service as a Mississippi State University (MSU) announcer. For 58 years, Cristil has been at the microphone broadcasting across the radio airwaves for Mississippi State football and basketball games. Cristil began his career calling minor league baseball games in Tennessee and Alabama and later moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi to call high school football games. In 1953, Cristil was hired by MSU's Athletic Director C.R. ``Dudy'' Noble as the voice of the Bulldogs and Mississippi State football games. Four years later, in 1957, Cristil began to broadcast MSU basketball games as well. Cristil is a recipient of the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement award, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Broadcaster of the Year in 1988 and a 21-time winner of the Mississippi Broadcaster of the Year. Additionally, he was a recipient the Chris Shenkel Award in 1997 by the College Football Hall of Fame as well as being a 1991 inductee to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. On February 23, 2011, Cristil announced that due to urgent health reasons he would call his final Mississippi State University basketball game the following Saturday. Last weekend, millions of sports fans nationwide were privileged to listen briefly to Cristil's final broadcast during the Mississippi State versus the University of Tennessee basketball game when ESPN announcers went silent for a few moments allowing Cristil's live radio feed to broadcast over national television. Cristil was known for his commitment to journalistic professionalism in his broadcasts as well as his unique and trademark expressions such as, ``You can wrap this game in maroon and white!'' and ``Welcome to a sun-bathed Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium on the beautiful campus of Mississippi State University!'' To quote a story from the Jackson, Mississippi newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger, the following is a great representation of Cristil's attitude and personality: ``Of a State--Alabama football game when Bob Hope was on tour and doing a show that night in Tuscaloosa, unbeknownst to Cristil. Bear Bryant's boys, as usual, were beating up on State when somebody came by the visitors' radio booth and whispered to Cristil, `Hope is available at halftime if you want him.' Responded Cristil, `Fellow, I need some hope right now.' But Bob Hope did come by and did do the interview. `One of the best halftime guests I ever had,' Cristil says. `Funny and smart.' '' In his career, Cristil has broadcast over 1,500 basketball games and 636 football games, which is nearly 63 percent and 55 percent, respectively, of all of Mississippi State's games. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Jack Cristil's broadcasting career and service to Mississippi State University by saying as Jack Cristil would say: ``You can wrap it in maroon and white!''

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled today to welcome over 125 advocates from 40 States with the National Fragile X Foundation to Capitol Hill. Today the fragile X community will visit their Members to promote awareness, improved research and more efficient treatments for fragile X-associated disorders. This disorder is linked to a mutation on the X chromosome and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disabilities. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, this is a very personal and emotional issue for my family, as my 21-year-old son, Livingston, has fragile X syndrome. I am honored to have Livingston with me today in Washington to help me share our family's story about this condition. While we understand the challenges facing Congress, we ask you to continue to support Federal investments in fragile X-specific research, discovery and public health priorities.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, Rankin County, Mississippi advocates with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life will host their annual ``Paint the Towns Purple'' walk on April 1, 2011 at Shiloh Park in Brandon. Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, remembers loved ones lost to the disease, and empowers individuals and communities to fight back against cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2010, 14,330 individuals were diagnosed with cancer in my home State of Mississippi, and regrettably, this deadly disease claimed the lives of 6,060 Mississippians last year. Today, I rise to recognize the Central Rankin Relay for Life in their efforts to rid America of this tragic illness. May their efforts of saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays be an overwhelming success.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, the so-called Affordable Care Act is nothing short of politics above economics. This penalizing law is loaded with excessive constraints and oppressive Federal mandates on States. As Medicaid rolls rise, State revenues continue to fall, and this law only increases the challenges governors face in their attempts to balance their budgets. Instead of granting State executives the authority to tailor their Medicaid programs to their State's diverse populations, the Affordable Care Act implements a one-size-fits-all maintenance of effort provision which restricts States from changing their Medicaid programs. Republicans want to provide States with the flexibility they need to manage their health programs. This is simply one reason why I am committed to repealing this carelessly crafted health care law and replacing it with reforms centered on decreasing costs and protecting our middle class jobs.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 2) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event on January 20, marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. Mr. Speaker, Presidential inaugural addresses are always historic and are often some of the most memorable events during different eras of our country's history. We can recall Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address in 1861, President Franklin Roosevelt's inaugural address in 1933, and, of course, President Ronald Reagan's inaugural address in 1981, among many others, as addresses that inspired this Nation at particular moments of importance to our country. In 1961 President Kennedy's inaugural address rightly challenged us to ask what we can do for our country and not what our country can do for us. As people across this land did 50 years ago, so we must continue to do so now. Mr. Speaker, I too believe we should look for inspiration to President Kennedy's eloquent address given 50 years ago. I support this resolution authorizing use of the rotunda and urge all my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, the Mississippi State University Bulldogs concluded their 2010 football season with a crushing 52-14 victory over the University of Michigan in the 66th annual Gator Bowl held on January 1, 2011. This commanding win marked Mississippi State's fourth consecutive bowl victory and capped the Bulldogs' 9-4 season as the No. 15 ranked team in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll. Second-year Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen crafted an explosive offensive performance led by junior quarterback Chris Relf, who completed 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Relf also punched the ball in from the one-yard line bringing his totals to 311 yards and four touchdowns. The junior from Montgomery, Ala. honored defensive end Nick Bell by wearing his No. 36 jersey. Bell lost his short battle with cancer after starting two games this season, including his final game against Georgia where he tallied seven tackles. Mississippi State junior running back Vick Ballard carried the ball for three scores, making the Pascagoula, Miss. native the first MSU player to record 19 touchdowns in one season. Although Michigan led at the break, the Bulldog defense did not allow the Wolverines to score in the second half. The dominating defense held Michigan's Heisman hopeful quarterback to just 59-yards on the ground though he entered the post-season game averaging 136.9 rushing yards. When it was all said and done, the Bulldogs finished 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference with wins over No. 22 Florida and their in- state rival Ole Miss. To boot, the four losses were to top-twelve teams. I congratulate all of the players, coaches and fans for a phenomenal season and look forward to many great years of football in Starkville, Miss. I am extremely proud to represent Mississippi State University in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 292) to amend title 44, United States Code, to eliminate the mandatory printing of bills and resolutions by the Government Printing Office for the use of the House of Representatives and Senate, as amended.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lee).

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 4 minutes.

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 292, the STOP Act, which ends the automatic overprinting of bills and resolutions by the Government Printing Office for distribution to Members of the House of Representatives and Senate. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Lungren for their support on this matter. Mr. Speaker, let me emphasize that this bill is not a criticism of the GPO nor its hardworking employees. The GPO does--and does well-- what Congress directs it to do. We are simply looking for ways and opportunities to reduce the cost of government. Since its establishment in 1860, the GPO has been the printer of record for our Congressional Record, committee reports, the well- respected Constitution Annotated, the Federal Register, and many other historic and necessary documents that this institution and our government need to do our collective work. But, Mr. Speaker, in this 112th Congress, well into the 21st century, in an age of iPads, Kindles, BlackBerries, and iPhones, it is simply no longer necessary to require excess printing and the delivery to our offices of thousands and thousands of pages of bills and resolutions which simply end up in the trash. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 292 is another initial step in this majority's continued commitment to reducing unnecessary government spending, addressing our deficit and debt, and finding greater efficiencies within our governmental offices and agencies. With over 8,000 bills and resolutions introduced in the 111th Congress and multiple copies of each distributed to Members, eliminating this unnecessary printing and wasteful spending is a small, but productive, first step, and we will continue to look at other House operations for ways in which we might further reduce the cost of government. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a commonsense measure which prudently adjusts our modern-day mechanisms of government to the times in which we live. I might also add that there will be an environmental benefit as well. With reduced energy and paper needs, the GPO's demand for paper and our resources will be reduced by this act, helping us continue our commitment to be better stewards of our environment, our natural resources, and, of course, our House operations. As we promised in the Pledge to America and as we have promised here on the floor during these initial days of the 112th Congress and as we have tangibly verified by our transparency-enhanced Rules Package, our bipartisan vote to trim Congress' budget, and now through this bill, this Republican majority is committed to fiscal stewardship, to having a hawkish and relentless eye towards waste and inefficiency, and a continued commitment throughout this 112th Congress to reduce spending, create private sector jobs, and challenge ourselves not just in word and rhetoric but, more importantly, in action and meaningful legislation. Mr. Speaker, this bill, introduced by my good colleague from New York, should garner overwhelming bipartisan support. I thank him for introducing it and for his commitment to a more responsible and efficient stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I urge all of my colleagues to support this matter.

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

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

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am eager to enact the Republican governing agenda that focuses on creating jobs, driving down spending and shrinking the size of the Federal Government. Republicans will take swift action to turn America from the failed economic policies of the last 2 years to the conservative principles to promote prosperity through individual freedoms and liberties. Our plan includes initiatives to pay down the national debt and put the Federal Government back on a path to a balanced budget. This goal can be achieved by employing fiscally conservative policies--just like this. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Government is broke, borrowing 41 cents of every dollar that we spend. Nearly one in 10 American workers is unemployed while the Federal Government has added 100,000 new jobs. Washington continues to record trillion dollar deficits despite the fact that family budgets get smaller and smaller. The government cannot continue to grow while Americans' wallets shrink. As lawmakers, we must lead by example. For this past Congress, my first term, my congressional office has come in under budget, voluntarily returning approximately 10 percent of the Members' representational allowance. This gesture has not impacted the quality of our representation and our constituent services. During this time period, my office has replied to over 37,000 emails and letters and has connected with nearly 82,000 constituents via teleconference. I urge Congress to follow this example by providing taxpayers with a fiscally responsible operating budget. Our path to a balanced budget begins today, and it begins with this vote.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I was unable to participate during floor debate regarding H.R. 6540, The Defense Level Playing Field Act of 2010. I would like to place my statement into the Record: It is now four days before Christmas and the Air Force is nearing completion of its evaluation of multiple offers to replace our aging tanker aircraft. We are in the ninth year of this effort to award a contract to replace the Air Force's existing tanker aircraft that have an average age of 50 years in service. I would remind my colleagues that we have airmen and airwomen of our Air Force risking their lives every day to perform the refueling mission across the globe in aircraft that were built and delivered when Dwight Eisenhower was President of the United States. Why are we considering this legislation at this time? Do we dare take action on legislation, four days before Christmas, without proper Committee review, that will delay replacement of these aircraft? Are we being responsible to the men and women in uniform by bypassing completely the House Armed Services Committee? Are we, by considering adoption of this bill, creating a precedent for Congressional interference in an ongoing competition? I would ask my colleagues--has anyone asked the Secretary of Defense if this legislation is needed? Has anyone asked Secretary Gates or the Chief of Staff of the Air Force how long it would further delay this contract award in the event it became law? This House should not be here today, considering legislation of this kind without proper review and without full knowledge of its impact. The men and women serving in uniform, flying 50-year old aircraft, deserve better than to have this House--at the last stages of this competition--undertake an action which will further delay this contract moving forward.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Judge Samac Richardson for his exceptional public service career in my home state of Mississippi. Judge Richardson currently lives in Brandon, Mississippi in the Third Congressional District, where his reputation for fair and just judgment led to a post as Circuit Judge for Mississippi's 20th Judicial District in Madison and Rankin Counties. Mississippi's Circuit Court serves 22 districts with 49 judges, trying both felony criminal cases and civil actions. Prior to his thirteen years of elected service on the Circuit Court, Judge Richardson spent five years as Rankin County Court Judge, six years as Assistant District Attorney, five years as a public defender, five years as Rankin County School Board hearing officer and three years as Pearl, Mississippi City Attorney. Judge Richardson's conservative interpretation of the Mississippi Constitution is without doubt a reflection of his Mississippi upbringing. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1975 from the former Jackson School of Law, now Mississippi College School of Law, completed his undergraduate studies in Accounting at Mississippi State University, attended courses at East Central Community College and graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1965. Additionally, Judge Richardson is a 1993 graduate of the National Judicial College. Judge Samac Richardson will retire from the bench in December leaving behind a legacy of impartiality. Judge Richardson has dedicated his life to a career of public service and for this, Madam Speaker, this Member of Congress thanks him.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Brady for bringing this bill to the floor. This bill provides the Architect of the Capitol with two administrative remedies in order to provide better management of the Capitol complex. First, the bill gives the Architect of the Capitol more flexibility in his allocation of senior staff positions. Currently there is an arbitrary limitation in place. Second, the bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to purchase a building that they have been leasing for some time. The building is currently used for United States Capitol Police vehicle maintenance and is also used as USCP headquarters for the hazardous device unit. This money has already been appropriated, and this resolution provides the appropriate authorization needed from our committee of jurisdiction. I thank Chairman Brady for bringing this bill to the floor, and I am pleased to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, I rise today and join with the members and staff from First Baptist Church of Brandon, Mississippi in celebrating 175 years of the ministry of the Lord's word. Originally named Brandon Baptist Church in 1835, Brandon's First Baptist Church was established only four years after the founding of the City of Brandon. Early on, members would meet in each others' homes to listen to messages from their first pastor, T.S.N. King, before moving into a shared space at the Brandon Female Academy, where pastors would preach once a month. During this time, congregants sat under the preaching of twenty-five pastors, many of whom held other occupations such as gardening or serving in the Confederate Army. Others taught at local institutions of higher education, such as Warren S. Webb who served in 1871 as both pastor of Brandon Baptist Church and as president of my Alma Mater of Mississippi College, which is located in Clinton, Mississippi. A decade later, Pastor Lewis Carden Kellis led efforts to construct the first building, costing $2,000, seating 250 congregants, and serving as the sanctuary until 1946. Carl Joseph Olander carried Brandon Baptist Church through some of its more trying times. The Great Depression created economical challenges for families and businesses nationwide. One suggestion by Olander to overcome these struggles was for each family to ``set a hen'' and share the proceeds to help fund missions. Pastor L. Gordan Sansing set in motion weekly worship and would guide Brandon Baptist Church to approve a building program. In 1945, the church exchanged properties with the Brandon Consolidated School District. Prior to constructing the new building, the members had met in the high school. Then, in 1948 the cornerstone for the first building on the new property was laid while Monte Davis was pastor--and the structure was dedicated in January of 1949. Pastor Carey E. Cox's leadership led to the purchase of a nearby house to alleviate space problems. The addition of a twenty-two room education and fellowship hall contributed to growth in the children's and youth activities. In June of 1965, a $200,000 sanctuary seating 500 congregants was built, and it was during this time that the name Brandon Baptist Church was changed to First Baptist Church. Numerous other pastors influenced the rapid escalation of First Baptist Church. Bill Duncan focused on missions, evangelistic visitation and tithing. W. Thomas Baddley expanded the size and variety of the physical facilities, John Ashley piloted the purchase of land adjacent to the church and made plans to build a family life center, and Robert Jackson established a radio broadcast in August of 1981 and a television broadcast in April of 1984. Dr. Gene Henderson delivered his first sermon in May of 1986. A visionary, his strong oratory skills led to the creation of a second Sunday School and a third worship service. The membership expansion led to plans for a three-phase building project in west Brandon, and construction of the new facility was completed in August of 2001. Dr. Henderson's successor, Dr. Scott Thomas, was introduced to the congregation in a series of personal meetings, and in November of 2005, Dr. Thomas introduced his wife and six children and began their pastorate at First Baptist Church. Dr. Thomas' compassionate management and pastoral skills have brought continued growth, increasing membership to First Baptist Church. In 2008, the church family purchased an additional 72 acres adjacent to their property ensuring room for future growth. Over the past 175 years, thirty-four men have served as pastors of First Baptist Church of Brandon. Their passion, paired with the commitment of the church family, has resulted in what was originally a 43-person congregation meeting in members' homes, to a ministry today that serves hundreds from all over the Brandon community. The church founders served as pioneers for expanding God's word in Rankin County, and it was their shared vision that birthed a legacy for sharing Christ's love throughout the City of Brandon, the State of Mississippi, and throughout the world.

Mr. HARPER

Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 611, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Fragile X Awareness Day. Today, we recognize those with fragile X syndrome, their families, and the health care providers dedicated to treating and finding a cure for fragile X. Fragile X-associated disorders include three separate and distinct conditions: fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome, and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency. According to current studies, approximately one in 3,600 males and one in 4,000 to 6,000 females are born with the full mutation, and as many as one in 130 women are estimated to be carriers of the fragile X mutation. These disorders are genetic, resulting in behavioral, developmental, and language disabilities throughout a person's lifetime. Fragile X is linked to a mutation of a single gene on the X chromosome and is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disabilities. This condition is also linked to reproductive problems in women, including early menopause and a Parkinson's-like condition in older male carriers. As the only Member of Congress who has a child with fragile X syndrome, my family understands the daily challenges that individuals with intellectual disabilities are confronted with. Like many parents, it took my wife and me a long time to understand and accept our son, Livingston's, diagnosis. Though, once we did, we began to also see our son for who he is--for all of the exceptional qualities he holds as an individual, for the positive impact he has on people he comes across in everyday life, and for the many lessons he has taught both of us, each day, along the journey we share as parents. We have seen him overcome challenges we never thought he would. We have witnessed the perseverance and dedication he has displayed in going after his dreams, and we have full faith in his potential to be a productive member of society and in contributing greatly to improving his community. This is a journey we share with each of the fragile X families. I am committed to increasing awareness of fragile X syndrome and to providing individuals who are living with fragile X syndrome meaningful educational and employment opportunities. Representative Phil Hart and Representative Bill Delahunt have been true champions of this issue on Capitol Hill for the past several years, and I want to take this opportunity to thank both of them for the work they have done and for the introduction of this legislation. I would like to thank the Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for favorably reporting this resolution to the House floor, and I urge all Members to support this. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARPER. Madam Speaker, with special thanks to Congressman Hare and Congressman Delahunt, I yield back the balance of my time.