Richard Hanna

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a program, which in the last several years, has helped more than 47,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment: The AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This comes in a segment of the population that has suffered from significant unemployment. But opportunities through the AbilityOne Program have come a long way in helping to bring people with disabilities into a working society. I am proud to acknowledge that Human Technologies Corporation, also known as HTC, represents one of the many Social Enterprises dedicated to the mission of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. HTC is a company made up of six diverse businesses which provide a wide-range of resources that expand opportunities for people with disabilities in New York and provide high quality products and services for Federal customers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. A DLA Not for Profit Vendor of the Year recipient, HTC manufactures apparel and equipage items for several branches of the military and provides sophisticated employee uniform program management and distribution of apparel to thousands of Federal civilian employees for the U.S. Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers and will soon manage the Air Force Civilian Police uniform program. In addition to the manufacture and distribution of apparel and equipage, HTC provides building maintenance and associated groundskeeping services for GSA, NAVFAC and the Air Force. HTC performs to the highest standards and does so through the employment of individuals with significant disabilities. In 2010 HTC provided more than 416 jobs for persons with disabilities and an additional 123 jobs for people without disabilities resulting in more than 415,400 hours of employment. HTC, and its Property Management Group division, is responsible for the cleaning of my district office in Utica. I could not be more pleased with the service provided by these men and women. I am proud to say that among the workforce is a Vietnam War Veteran with a disability named Herb. Herb has been employed by HTC for more than 24 years. His dedication and quality work allows me to be of even greater service to my constituents every day. I was also visited this past month in my Washington D.C. office by another AbilityOne/HTC employee named Sandy. Sandy is a sewing machine operator and cuts and sews trousers and shirts for the thousands of Federal employees HTC serves in its uniform program line of business. HTC and the AbilityOne Program have given individuals like Herb and Sandy exactly what every American wants and deserves--an opportunity. They have been afforded countless ways to make a difference in both their lives, and in ours, each day and we as a community, and as a country, benefit from their hard work, skills and dedication. HTC believes that work is inherently dignified and fulfilling, and that individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment deserve the opportunity to work and to achieve their fullest potential. The direct impact of such an organization on the lives of Americans with disabilities cannot be overstated and as such, the AbilityOne Program and Social Enterprises like HTC are invaluable. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of Richard E. Sebastian, Jr., HTC's President and Chief Executive Officer and his staff for helping individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities find employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become contributors to each of their communities and to our country. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to provide valuable products and services to Federal agencies throughout this great land and in so doing, improve their own lives by engaging in meaningful work.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chairman, right now our Nation is seriously debating its fiscal future. We're making tough decisions to get spending under control. Congress should do the same. This spending bill for Congress allows us an opportunity to practice what we preach when it comes to excessive spending on the taxpayer dime. My amendment is quite simple. It states that the CAO may not make MRA payments for the leasing of a vehicle in an amount that exceeds $1,000 per month. It applies only to individual Member office accounts and would not affect the Capitol Police or other legislative agencies. It would not affect periodic car rentals, and it does not, it is not the intention of the amendment to affect mobile offices. This is about preventing the leasing of expensive luxury cars. Currently, there is no cap on how much Members can spend on leased cars. The only requirement is that cars meet certain fuel standards. This amendment installs a $1,000 monthly cap. Members of Congress have 2-year terms, which could require a slightly more expensive short- term lease. This amendment accounts for that. I believe the majority of this body and most Americans can agree that $1,000 a month for a car is more than reasonable. We do not need to be spending the taxpayers dollars leasing expensive luxury vehicles, and certainly not during these tough economic times. I would also note that the Senate does not offer any car leasing whatsoever. If Senators can go without car leases, Members of the people's House can get by with less expensive cars. Wasting taxpayer dollars sends the wrong message to the American public. It only serves to further erode our constituents' faith in us, their elected Representatives. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, cost-conscious amendment.

Mr. HANNA. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. HANNA. They won't have it anyway, right?

Mr. HANNA. I yield to the gentleman from California.

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

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Louis and Susanna Busch Hager, co-chairs of the Otsego County Conservation Association, serving as long-time stewards of Otsego Lake. The Hagers are dedicated to the preservation of our most precious natural resources, particularly Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hager have played a vital role in supporting community education regarding the challenging present issues surrounding development and maintenance of healthy lakes. They have also generously supported numerous environmental campaigns and programs, most notably the Otsego Lake Challenge Campaign. It is with great honor that I rise today to commend the Hagers for their tremendously positive impact on our community and its future. They are being honored tonight for working tirelessly and devoting countless volunteer hours to the Otsego County Conservation Association and other community organizations. Through their significant philanthropic contributions, future generations can have hope for a clean and healthy living environment. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Louis and Susanna Busch Hager for their invaluable contribution to this community, our environment and our future. The positive results of their contribution will be noted for generations to come.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Robert and Eleanor Holmes, retired couple in their 70's who adopted and are raising their five great-grandchildren. On September 15, 2006, a Family Court judge declared the boys' home life unsuitable, yet despite their retirement, Robert and Eleanor volunteered to nurture and provide for these children. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes provide their great-grandchildren with an environment that includes love, support, direction and discipline. Robert formerly worked as a drug educational counselor for the Utica and Syracuse schools systems. Much of his work involved motivational speeches encouraging students to make safe, healthy choices, establish strong self-esteem and model citizenship values--all of which he has now passed on to his great-grandchildren. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, these brothers were able to transition together into a safe and happy family environment. It is truly exceptional for the boys to have two positive role models in their lives. Each of the five boys have become excellent students. They participate in athletics and are well-known for being polite and courteous. A true happy family, Robert and Eleanor can be seen cheering for the boys at almost every one of their sporting events. Exemplary citizens such as Robert and Eleanor Holmes should be appreciated and acknowledged by our society. It is fitting that the Family Nurturing Center of CNY, Inc. has selected the Holmes as its Family of the Year. There is no greater gift than that of a stable and safe home, which is the gateway to a bright future. Robert and Eleanor Holmes are ideal Americans whose story should be celebrated. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Robert and Eleanor Holmes for their exceptional generosity and kindness.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Theodore C. Max, M.D. Theodore C. Max recently received the honor of the prestigious Rosamond Childs Award for Philanthropy, presented by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. Theodore C. Max has held a strong presence as a leading surgeon in the Utica area for more than 30 years. The author of numerous publications, he has presented at conferences across the country, and has been acknowledged in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who's Who in the World. A University of Rochester graduate and celebrated local physician, Theodore C. Max has received numerous awards, both for his professional and personal contributions to our society. The Rosamond Childs Award for Community Philanthropy is awarded to individuals displaying an inspirational spirit of generosity and compassion. Theodore C. Max, M.D., exemplifies these values and his legacy is sure to leave a positive impact on generations to come. Community figures such as Theodore C. Max, M.D., must be recognized for the dedication and selflessness they display for their communities. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Theodore C. Max, M.D., for his generosity and commitment to our community and the world.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Madam Chair, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Organic Caucus, I rise today in support of adequate resourcing for the Organic Data Initiative, ODI, in Fiscal Year 2012. Organic agriculture in my district in upstate New York and across this country is a thriving industry that is creating jobs and exporting American products across the world. Last week I visited an organic farm in Herkimer County that produces mike, beef, chicken, eggs, garlic and other vegetables, and field crops. The Organic Data Initiative collects and distributes organic agriculture price data. This data helps maintain stable markets for organic products, is crucial for the development of risk management tools, and is necessary to negotiate organic standards equivalency agreements with foreign governments. It is important that the organic agriculture has the same access to data that other agriculture sectors currently enjoy. The Organic Data Initiative is cost-effective and is vital to ensure a continued upward trajectory for the organic industry in the United States.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sergeant Craig Berry of Norwich, NY. Sergeant Berry recently retired after 20 years of dedicated service in the Norwich City Police Department. Sergeant Berry began his career with the Norwich Police Department at the age of 25, on March 17, 1991. Twenty years later, the department honored the retirement of one of its finest officers on April 16, 2011. Berry not only played an important role in the community, but was also especially appreciated for his help with modernizing the department's technology. Law enforcement officers must be recognized for the true bravery and selflessness that they display on the job every day. Sergeant Berry is yet another example of this, an honorable American, who has dedicated 20 years of his life to the improvement and safety of his community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Sergeant Craig Berry for his 20 years of exemplary service on behalf of the Norwich community and Police Department.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Deputy Police Chief Dale Smith of Norwich, NY. Police Chief Smith has recently retired after 20 years of dedicated service in the Norwich City Police Department. Deputy Police Chief Smith began his career in law enforcement as a Chenango County Sherriff's Correctional Officer as well as a part-time road patrol deputy. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief in March of 2006 and has since then taken on a variety of key responsibilities. Deputy Police Chief Smith has not only served and protected his neighbors and his community, but has also been recognized for the wide variety of duties he has supervised, as well as his certification as a fire investigator. Law enforcement leaders such as Deputy Police Chief Smith must be recognized for the true bravery and selflessness that they display on the job every day. Deputy Police Chief Smith is yet another example of this, an honorable American, who has dedicated 20 years of his life to the improvement and safety of his community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Deputy Police Chief Dale Smith for his 20 years of serving the Norwich community and Police Department with honor and professionalism.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul William Kohan of New Hartford, NY. Paul was diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade, and has since then proved what a motivated and intelligent young man he has become despite this obstacle. While Paul's friends and family feared his future might be impeded because of his disability, he has excelled both academically and beyond, far exceeding expectations for students with dyslexia. Paul recently graduated from the State University of New York College at Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in sociology degree. Paul's accomplishment is particularly admirable given the fact that a mere 18 percent of persons with dyslexia typically graduate from college. In addition to Paul's impressive graduation, he also plans to pursue a career as a legal disability advocate. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paul Kohan for his scholastic achievements displayed through his college graduation and inspiring career plans for the future.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 254 and 255. I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 256.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment offered by my friend from Michigan and of this fiscally responsible FAA bill. I was proud to help include language in the bill requiring the establishment of at least four test sites to promote the safe integration of remotely piloted aircraft into the national airspace. Remotely piloted aircraft are an exciting next chapter in aviation. It is time to expand this technology domestically, and this bill directs the FAA to establish four test sites with the appropriate climate, geography, and access to necessary research radars. Remotely piloted aircraft are not new to American airspace, and they are certainly not new to the area around my district in Central New York. The topography of Central New York is as varied as the seasons. A diverse climate and varied topography are essential for testing and will inform preparations for the safe integration of remotely piloted aircraft into the national airspace. Mr. Chair, remotely piloted aircraft are not limited to military uses. They can assist in search and rescue operations, environmental research, forest and fire management, domestic law enforcement activities and perhaps most importantly, monitoring our borders for illegal activities. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the Candice Miller Amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 205 and 206.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would add a findings section detailing the flaws of the Home Affordable Modification Program, or HAMP. It would also state that terminating HAMP would result in significant savings for the American taxpayers. I filed this amendment during Sunshine Week, which highlights the importance of open government. In keeping with the spirit of transparency, this amendment would include within the bill the specific reasons why we should end the failed HAMP program. The HAMP program was designed to assist between 3 and 4 million homeowners. However, as of February, only 607,000 active permanent mortgage modifications were made under HAMP. While $30 billion was obligated by the Treasury to HAMP, only $1.04 billion has been disbursed. Furthermore, the Special Inspector General for TARP reported that HAMP offers many homeowners ``little more than false hope and in certain cases causes more harm than good.'' The program does not fulfill its intended purpose of helping American homeowners. It delays rather than prevents foreclosure. This program was flawed from the beginning. According to The Wall Street Journal, the number of applications canceled far exceeds those that were approved, and the number of applications continues to slow. I agree with the Journal's assessment, which also pointed out that keeping people in homes they cannot afford is bad policy. Incentivizing mortgage servicers to do just that only exacerbates our housing crisis. Moreover, the private sector is better equipped to deal with the problem, and they have modified nearly double the number of loans themselves without government involvement. My amendment concludes that ending this ineffective program would save taxpayers $1.4 billion, which is according to the Congressional Budget Office. This is one step toward restoring fiscal discipline to our Federal Government. Too often, our constituents receive biased or incomplete information on the issues we are discussing in Congress, thus making it difficult for them to make informed assessments of our work. Including additional facts on the intended consequences of legislation is beneficial to the public. That is why I urge support for the Hanna amendment and the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I pause today to recognize Linda Pasto, R.N., of Ithaca, New York. Linda has been selected as a 2010 Great Comebacks Award recipient for the East Region. This program honors a group of individuals who are living with varied intestinal diseases and/or recovering from ostomy surgery. It seeks to raise awareness of the quality of life issues confronting more than 700,000 men, women and children throughout our country affected by the very conditions that can result in an ostomy. Every year on the first day of September, Linda throws a party. It's not for her birthday, but for what she considers her rebirth--the day she received her ostomy. After 10 years of flare-ups, hospitalizations and weight gain from medication due to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Linda opted for ostomy surgery. At age 51, Linda's life began again. Now she uses her newfound zest and enjoyment for life to help others who are dealing with intestinal diseases. Since her surgery, Linda went from struggling with everyday activities, including her duties as a nursing instructor, to playing with her grandchildren, traveling abroad and even going on a 3-hour kayaking trip in the Adirondack Mountains. The Great Comebacks Program is sponsored by ConvaTec, a leading developer of ostomy and wound care products, in partnership with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. and the Intestinal Disease Education and Awareness Society. Each year, Great comebacks presents regional awards to 12 individuals through the United States who have struggled with a chronic intestinal condition and have exhibited extraordinary strength and courage for managing to live full and productive lives despite daily struggles. I urge my colleagues to take time to meet with some of the Great Comebacks award recipients. Their personal stories, like Linda's, are inspiration and will heighten your awareness about some of the huge strides being made by people living with intestinal diseases or recovering from ostomy surgery.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 163 and 164.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Madam Chair, on rollcall vote No. 99, I inadvertently voted ``no.'' I had intended to vote ``aye.'' Amendment No. 83 Offered by Mrs. Emerson

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 118 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 498 Offered by Mr. Johnson of Ohio

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 72 to review regulations and orders from agencies and their effect on jobs and the economy. One example of an unnecessary proposed rule change is a change in the hours-of-service rule being considered by the Department of Transportation. It would have a detrimental impact on productivity and the economy. Under the current rule, both the number and rate of fatal and injury- related accidents involving large trucks have declined by more than one-third. These accidents are now at the lowest levels in recorded history. We are successfully balancing safety with productivity, and this current rule works. The proposed rule change would put additional trucks on the road to deliver the same quantity of goods. This puts more drivers at risk, increases congestion, pollution, and will result in higher final product costs, not to mention the burden this would place on the trucking industry, particularly the small business truckers, some of whom could be forced out of business. Furthermore, the proposed rules are so complex and restrictive, compliance and enforcement would become nearly impossible. Why would we replace a rule that has served us well, particularly when the proposed change is hardly practical and would negatively impact productivity and our ability to compete? In the least, this is a redundant and unnecessary process. At worst, it is designed to appease a narrow group of special interests. On two prior occasions, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimated that this change to the rules would cost the U.S. economy $2.2 billion, and that number includes the safety benefits. Somehow and for some reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration then changed its methodology for estimating both the costs and the benefits for this new proposed rule. This led to a statistically positive benefit-cost ratio. Strangely, however, the agency's own analysis still demonstrates the estimated benefits of retaining the current rule exceed the estimated benefits of the proposed change. Changing this rule is both unnecessary and wasteful on the part of the Federal Government and of small businesses and large businesses everywhere.

Mr. HANNA

Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Barry of Marathon, NY. Tyler is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. At the age of 6, Tyler began Scouting and over the years, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Tyler has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tyler designed and constructed a handicap ramp for St. Stephen's Church, of which he is an active member. Tyler plays three sports at Marathon High School, has a part-time job and also plays in band with some of his peers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Barry for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.