Randy Hultgren

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, for my neighbors and friends back home in Illinois, and families across the country, today is Tax Freedom Day, the date after which the average American worker will finally start earning money for themselves after working just to pay their Federal, State, and local tax obligations in 2013, meaning it takes all of the wages earned by the average worker from January 1 to April 18 just to pay off this year's tax debt. Pretty astounding. To put it in perspective, back in 1900, Tax Freedom Day was January 22, when taxes amounted to 5.9 percent of a person's income. Today that figure has grown to 29.4 percent. We've come a long way in the past century, digging deeper and deeper into the pockets of hardworking men and women in America, and digging ourselves deeper into debt in the process. The tax reform component of the budget this House passed in March would take a major step forward, allowing families to keep more of the money they earn and making government more accountable. Let's finish the job this year.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, the President submitted his budget this week. His plan not only fails to get control of our debt, it makes it even worse--to the tune of nearly $61,000 of debt for every American family. American families know the consequences of living with debt. Credit card debt, mortgages, and student loans are just a few of the burdens working families and young adults struggle with--and budget to get out of--every month. Washington must do the same. Our national debt eats away at the buying power of working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and students working their way through school, leading to higher prices for things like bread and milk and eroding hard-earned family savings. We owe our families better. Politicians have talked long enough in Washington about tackling our debt. It's time for the President to get serious about the national debt and join us in putting our priority back on jobs and opportunity for American families. By acting boldly, we can translate talk into meaningful results.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, with the House nearing important votes on adopting a bold, responsible plan toward a balanced budget, I rise today to speak to a question that is on the mind of many families in my district in Illinois and families across the Nation: How does Congress passing a budget directly help our economy to grow private sector jobs and restore opportunity for more American families? The answer is actually very simple. The House Republican budget would create certainty in the job market through our commitment to reform and simplify the Tax Code, giving entrepreneurs and small businesses the confidence they need to expand and create new jobs. Furthermore, unlike the Senate Democrats' plan, our budget would balance in 10 years without raising taxes. This would give bond houses and credit rating agencies confidence in our ability to reduce spending and get our debt under control, making it more affordable for families and small businesses to get loans. Our budget plan means more jobs for American families. Let's act today to make that commitment to the American people.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, today I speak of the importance of working together to adopt a budget on time in the 113th Congress. For the last few years, the House has passed a responsible budget that would rein in spending and debt without raising taxes while protecting the vital safety nets of Medicare and Social Security--only to see the Senate fail to pass any budget at all. This is irresponsible and cannot happen again this year. The American people and families back home in my district in Illinois cannot afford a government that does not meet its basic responsibility to adopt a budget on time each and every year. The very first bill I introduced as a Member of Congress was the Constitutional Congressional Pay Accountability Act in 2011, legislation that said if Congress failed to meet its statutory deadline to pass appropriations bills on time, then Members of Congress should not get paid. This simple and straightforward concept defines what every American family and job creator understands: that you cannot spend more than you take in. Let's act responsibly to pass a budget and work with our colleagues in the Senate to ensure we get the job done this year.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control on February 13 made headlines with the news that young adults account for 50 percent of all STD infections. This caught my attention because, as a father with two of my four kids in their late teens, I want them to avoid such risks. I am not alone. A recent national survey revealed that most parents feel the same way, regardless of race or political affiliation. They want their children to have the best chance for optimal health and, so, support risk avoidance education, sometimes called ``abstinence education,'' for their kids. However, currently there is a troubling 16 to 1 Federal funding disparity between contraception-centered education and risk-avoidance education. That is why I introduced H.R. 718, the Abstinence Education Reallocation Act. The bill brings some parity to programs that give our kids the facts about contraception and avoiding risky behavior. Mr. Speaker, our teens deserve the best and most accurate information for their optimal health.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, $52,653. A lot of numbers have been associated with our skyrocketing debt and government overspending, but $52,653 is a particularly striking one and should give everyone pause as the specter of an unwanted sequester looms over the Federal budget this week. $52,653 is the amount each individual American man, woman, and child owes as of today to pay off the country's $16.6 trillion debt. Clearly, overspending by the Federal Government has saddled us and our children with unsustainable debt, And just as clearly, any alternative must include reduction in spending. I'm not looking for winners or losers in D.C.; I want the American people to win when we make the cuts that need to be made. Controlling spending is a necessity. Targeted spending cuts, such as the House has twice proposed and passed, is vital to the sequestration solution. There is nothing worse than passing on a legacy to our children of a lower standard of living. Madam Speaker, we can and must deal with this issue of debt and overspending so that our children will not have to face $52,653.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Marriage Week. I am proud to support this campaign to encourage marriage, reduce divorce rates, curtail poverty, and benefit children. Marriage is a cornerstone of society and the foundation for happy, healthy homes and families. The proven benefits of marriage include economic stability, positive health and social advantages, emotional well-being and happiness, and children that perform better in schools. This week celebrates love as well as commitment; it is a time for couples to reflect on their vows to each other and look forward to their future years together. National Marriage Week is celebrated globally, and is supported by private organizations and individuals who believe that marriage brings benefits to all people in society. National Marriage Week celebrates healthy marriages, and making commitments based on love, trust, and admiration. It is an honor for me to be able to celebrate this week with my lovely wife, Christy, to whom I have been married to for 22 years.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, on December 8, 2012, ``Got Robot?'', FTC Team No. 5037, a group of high school students from Elgin, Illinois, won an award at the FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois State Tournament. Now ``Got Robot?'' will represent Illinois in the FIRST World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, this upcoming April. Out of 2,500 participating teams around the world, ``Got Robot?'' is one of only 128 to qualify for the World Championships. At a time when we need to do everything possible to promote science education and basic scientific research, I'm so thrilled to be able to say that I've met this team, seen the robot, and it's fantastic. We are so proud of these students and we wish their team the best of luck. Go, ``Got Robot?''.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Article V: ``The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.''

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, my district includes the north and west suburbs of Chicago. Our area has the second highest percentage of commuters in the country. Many of my constituents currently receive employer-sponsored transit benefits for commuting costs like parking and train tickets. Last year this benefit was cut in half for public transit commuters, and I fought hard throughout 2012 for that benefit to be restored. I am thankful that it is now law that employers may provide up to $245 a month for their employees as a transit or van pool benefit tax- free. This is good for both employees and employers. Now neither of them will be taxed on that money, and employees will be encouraged to use the public transportation options. I'm glad that Congress has restored this important benefit.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Chairman Smith. I rise today to honor my colleague from Texas, Congressman Ralph Hall, whom I have come to know over the last few years, not only as the chairman of our Science Committee, but also as a personal friend and leader. As Science Committee chairman, Ralph Hall has been a strong advocate for our Nation's leadership and preeminence in space exploration and launch capabilities. It is self-evident that his personal experience and expertise has carried over into a passion for American preeminence and flight in aviation. Today, as you have heard, Ralph Hall will become the oldest known House Member to cast a recorded floor vote, and this is a great opportunity to reflect on his record of service to our Nation. We recognize not only his service here in Washington as a Member of the House of Representatives, but also his home State of Texas as a member of their legislature and as a veteran of the Second World War. While Congressman Hall's wit, humor, and bipartisanship are rare today, they're attributes sorely needed now more than ever. I feel privileged to have served with him during my first term of Congress, to follow his leadership on NASA and human spaceflight policy, to hear his stories and knowledge spanning nine decades, and to count him as friend. I realize more than ever that someone who is 91 years old can say a lot of things that someone 46 years old would get in a lot of trouble saying. So I'm grateful hearing you speak all the time, and I enjoy your jokes so much. Congressman Hall is not only a fighting ace and a military hero, but the living embodiment of southern hospitality and good heartedness. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your service, and congratulations on this wonderful milestone. I know we're going to see you continue to set records for years to come.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be back here to work on some of the most pressing issues facing our Nation. The first time I ran for office was as grade school vice president in the fifth grade. Back then, I'm not sure what the most pressing issue was for our classroom--maybe the option of getting chocolate milk for lunch. But today, I serve for a very different reason. I want to preserve the greatness of the United States for my kids, including for a very special fifth grader in my house. Happy birthday, Kaden. I love you so much and I am so proud of you, and I'm sorry I can't be with you today. I want you to know how proud I am of you and how your mom and I are so grateful to God that He gave you to us. Happy birthday.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of repealing Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act. Since 1992 the people of Azerbaijan have been under unfair restrictions for American assistance. Twenty years ago tomorrow, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the FREEDOM Support Act. While a well intentioned effort at lifting out of poverty and tyranny the afflicted peoples of the former Soviet Union, the law also contained a provision under Section 907 of the bill, which restricted Azerbaijan from receiving assistance. Azerbaijan was the only former Soviet state restricted in this manner, and bound by outdated criteria. Every year since 2001, the restrictions under Section 907 have been waived. The US-Azerbaijan alliance has grown immensely over the previous 20 years across all sectors of cooperation, from military intelligence, to trade and business, to academic and cultural ties. It is time to do away with this unnecessary and unfair law. Azerbaijan is a key ally in the War on Terror, and is a strategic geographic partner given its close proximity to Iran and Israel. Instead of dwelling on conflicts of the past, we should be embracing economic growth of the future while continuing to foster and encourage democratic values in Azerbaijan. Congress should repeal Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and allow Azerbaijan access to the support it deserves.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Taiwan's Ambassador to the United States, Jason C. Yuan, for his service in the United States and his recent appointment as Taiwan's National Security Advisor. I also would like to wish Taiwan a happy anniversary for her upcoming anniversary on October 10th. Known as double ten day, this will mark Taiwan's 101st year. With so much turmoil in the world today, the region along the Taiwan Strait is one of the important places where hostilities are decreasing. Taiwan has forged constructive partnerships with China, and there is a working peace between the two countries. Much of this can be credited to President Ma's leadership and the policies he has instilled. Since President Ma became president, there have been numerous daily flights between the two countries, large increases in tourism between China and Taiwan, and a pooling of joint resources to reduce crime along the Taiwan Strait. Happy anniversary to Taiwan, and thanks to President Ma for his part in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker on rollcall vote No. 590 on September 20, 2012, the record shows that I did not cast a vote even though I was present for the vote. I intended to vote ``yes.''

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of House Resolution 177.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to have had a chance to serve in Congress with my colleague and friend, Representative Jerry Costello. Beloved by his constituents, Congressman Costello has been a staple in southern Illinois for many years. For me personally, he has been a model, a mentor and an example of how to succeed. In an age of hyper-partisanship, Congressman Costello fearlessly crosses the aisle for his district. Last year, he even championed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. I've also had the pleasure of collaborating with the Congressman on two committees: Science, Space and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure. He has been such a mentor for me on these committees during my first term in Congress, and has been a great ally, especially on transportation issues and 2nd amendment rights. Congressman Costello will be sorely missed, both on these two committees and in the Illinois delegation. On behalf of my staff and the people of the 14th, I thank him sincerely for his service.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, traditionally, Members of Congress return to their districts during the month of August to avoid the hottest, muggiest month of the Washington year, but given our current circumstances and the invention of air conditioning, I think we should break that tradition. Senate Democrats have passed the President's plan to raise taxes. A family of four earning $50,000 a year will see their taxes increase by more than $2,000 per year. House Republicans have passed the only plan in Washington to stop the tax hike in its entirety. A new report finds the tax hike will cost more than 700,000 American jobs. I stand by the House leadership who stated this week that if the Senate takes action to address these threats, the House will be in Washington in August for the purpose of sending solutions to the President's desk. We have a job to do, and 23 million unemployed Americans are waiting.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, on Monday I hosted a jobs fair in the western suburbs of Chicago with several of my colleagues. Over 1,500 jobseekers showed up. I've visited with more than 100 northern Illinois business owners since I entered Congress. In each factory tour and office visit I ask: What would it take for you to create one more job, just to hire one more person? The answer is always the same: Cut red tape. The reality is 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs come from small businesses. Red tape throws an unfair burden on small businesses and paralyzes job creators. It has led to the least number of business start-ups in decades. There's a reason we focus so much on rolling back red tape here in the House. It's jobs.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of six athletes from Illinois' 14th Congressional District who will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympics in London. Twin brothers Grant and Ross James from DeKalb will both compete as part of the men's eight rowing team. Track and field athlete Evan Jager of Algonquin will compete in the steeplechase. Anna Li of Aurora will travel to London as an alternate member of the women's gymnastics team. Charlie Jayne of Elgin will serve as alternate for the equestrian team. Finally, the men's volleyball team will include Sean Rooney, a graduate of Wheaton-Warrenville South High School. Each of these men and women are making us so proud as they represent Illinois and the United States this summer. The House of Representatives wishes them the best of luck.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, as the national economy continues to struggle, I would like to highlight an encouraging development with regard to the telecommunications sector. As the attached synopsis of a recent report by the Progressive Policy Institute indicates, investment in the economy is a critical factor in promoting growth, creating jobs, and stimulating productivity. I applaud the telecom industry for its contribution to this effort. Report: Telecom Sector Leads the Way in Domestic Economic Investments While the domestic economy continues to struggle, a new report shows that the telecommunications space remains one of the biggest investors in attempting to boost the nation's fortunes. The Progressive Policy Institute report, ``Investment Heroes: Who's Betting on America's Future,'' found that among non-financial institutions, AT&T and Verizon Communications were the two top investors of capital expenditures in the country last year. AT&T took the top spot with a reported $20.1 billion in investments in 2011, with Verizon investing $16.2 billion. ``The exponential growth in consumer demand for cable and wireless data services makes it both a necessity and an incentive for these companies to invest in building out their service capabilities,'' the report noted. ``Investment is what led to development of the latest high-speed 4G networks, estimated to be 50% more efficient in streaming wireless data than its 3G predecessor. What's more, the commitment of these telecom companies to investment in wireless infrastructure, cable communications, and processing equipment is a good example of how investment can have important spillover benefits. By using the infrastructure developed and maintained by telecom companies, companies that develop software applications for smart devices along with companies that provide Internet services-- like Facebook and Twitter--are able to innovate and get those innovations to consumers quickly. Because of the broadband networks in place these non-telecom companies are able to expand their businesses and service offerings.'' Other telecom-related companies on the list included Comcast at No. 8 with $5.3 billion in investments; Southern Company, which owns wireless operator SouthernLINC, at No. 10 with $4.5 billion; Sprint Nextel at No. 16 with $3.1 billion in investments; Time Warner Cable at No. 19 with $2.9 billion in investments; Google at No. 24 with $2.2 billion in investments; and Apple at No. 25 on the list with $2 billion in investments. ``The role of investment in the economy is essential,'' Diana Carew, an economist at the Progressive Policy Institute and co-author of the report, told Breakout ``It creates jobs. It boosts wages. It boosts productivity. It stimulates growth. It affects millions of Americans in a very positive way.''

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, now that the health care law is out of the judicial process, it's back in the hands of the legislature. It's time to face the real consequences of this law. This week, the Ways and Means Committee has started examining the tax effects. The Oversight Committee is looking at the impact on patients and doctors and on the economy. But in reality, we know what to expect. An average American family will see a $1,200 increase in health care premiums after this law is fully in effect. More than 1 million Americans are at risk of losing their plan because their plan was denied a waiver. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that we will see 800,000 fewer jobs by 2012. The law contains 22 new tax increases. And 9 in 10 seniors with retiree benefits will lose their retiree prescription drug coverage through their employers. It's time to get specific with the American people about what this law means for them.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, successful agriculture is vital for America and for my home State of Illinois to thrive in the future. The farmers in my district in northern Illinois are saying that they can do without direct payments as long as there is some protection from catastrophe. That's why I'm looking forward to supporting a broad plan for strong, reliable, and affordable crop insurance when we take up the farm bill next week. A successful farm bill must have strong protection from uncontrollable risks for our Nation's agriculture sector. Farmers take large risks every year to acquire the seed, feed, and supplies they will need for the season. Crop insurance gives them the certainty to take these risks, knowing that they will be protected from conditions beyond their control. We have an opportunity to empower farmers by giving them choices and the ability to tailor protection to their needs while also asking that they share the risk so the taxpayer isn't picking up the whole tab.