Randy Hultgren

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg of Sweden for his heroism during World War II. Yesterday, I was humbled to join my colleagues in the U.S. Capitol to present Wallenberg's Congressional Gold Medal to his half sister, Nina Lagergren. In 1944, President Roosevelt appointed Wallenberg to the War Refugee Board to protect more than 700,000 Jews living in Budapest. With assistance from Sweden, Wallenberg denounced violence, exemplified unparalleled courage, and perpetuated the highest of humanitarian ideals. Although he mysteriously disappeared en route to Moscow at the end of the war, Wallenberg is credited with saving 100,000 Jews from certain death in concentration camps. In 1981, Congress awarded Wallenberg honorary citizenship posthumously, one of only six other non-U.S. citizens so honored, including Sir Winston Churchill. Wallenberg's work endures as a model of service to humankind and as a model of courage in the face of danger.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kane County Educator of the Year, Carol Mertes of East Aurora School District 131. For Carol, teaching is in her blood. Her grandfather was a principal and her aunt was a teacher in Chicago public schools. Carol has been an exemplary first grade teacher for decades who has touched many lives through her exceptional teaching skills and care for her students. She has served on the East Aurora District's School Improvement Review Team, Language Arts Curriculum Council, Reading Leaders Committee, and the Reading Task Force. Teachers like Carol have one of the hardest but most influential jobs in the country. They are in charge of shaping our future generations, and they have the ability to make a huge impact on our youth. I am grateful for Carol's undying patience and care for our children in Kane County, ensuring that the impact is a positive one.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sergeant Rachel Carey, a courageous veteran, mother, and leader. Originally from Aurora, Sergeant Carey proudly served in the U.S. Army from 2003 until her passing on May 24, 2009, including tours in Afghanistan and Germany. Rachel was only 24 years old when she lost her battle to cancer and left behind a loving daughter, Madison. I was privileged to honor Rachel as her name was added to the Kane County Veterans Memorial this past Memorial Day. Those present who were touched by her life spoke volumes about Rachel's impeccable character and honorable service. This past week, I had the privilege to visit Normandy during the 70th anniversary of D-day during World War II. 553 Illinois soldiers were laid to rest in the Normandy American Cemetery, including Irvin Hinman, whose grave site I visited. These servicemembers exemplify bravery on those French beaches, and we will remain ever indebted to their sacrifice.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two brothers, G. Earle and Charles Marcus Eldredge, who fell in the line of duty a century ago. After serving the community for 7 years as an officer in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Earle's own gun was used against him while he investigated a report of poaching on McHenry County soil in 1907. Charles was a successful attorney until his brother's murder pushed him to join the department as well. He served the State for the next decades, enforcing conservation law and pursuing his brother's killer. Sadly, Charles was also shot down in 1931, near where his brother fell. To date, the two heroes are the only department officers murdered in the line of duty. Both served their county and their State with honor and bravery, and I support local efforts to honor their lives of devotion to our community.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Motorcycle Awareness Month and Kane County's support of motorcycle safety initiatives and education. I also want to thank my great friends at ABATE, A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education, for their efforts to promote motorcycle safety and education for the last 27 years. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the well-being of the citizens of Illinois deserves the attention and praise of Kane County, the 14th Congressional District, and surrounding areas. Keeping my constituents and streets safe is one of my highest priorities. With more than 350,000 licensed motorcyclists in Illinois, practicing proper road safety will significantly reduce the risk of an accident. ABATE recognizes this need and has played an essential role in providing motorcycle awareness programs to more than 100,000 participants in Illinois over the last 5 years. Let's keep up the good work and continue our joint efforts to make our roads safer and more efficient.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the Early Career Research Program grants. Only the best and brightest in the country are chosen, and I am pleased to say that five out of the 35 winners are from Illinois. Two of the winners were Fermi scientists from the 14th District of Illinois, and another is a joint appointee with the lab and Northwestern University. Under this program, scientists will receive at least $150,000 per year to aid them with their research efforts in the next 5 years. I am confident that the continued work of all of the talented winners will lead to breakthroughs we cannot even predict. Innovative minds like those at Fermilab are essential for the continuing success of our country. We should continue supporting their essential work and help show the next generation that there is a future for them in science.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Goodlatte, and I also want to thank Judge Poe for your important work and so many others for coming together here. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, H.R. 3530, and commend my colleague, Representative Ted Poe, for introducing this critical legislation. I am a proud cosponsor of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act because it represents an all-encompassing approach to combating the scourge of human trafficking. It amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties for crimes involving trafficking and preemptively provides for deterrence by reallocating existing grants for victim support. It affords additional enforcement and prosecution mechanisms for authorities fighting against traffickers. Nearly 150 years ago, Congress ratified the 13th Amendment, setting in stone these timeless words: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Today, human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It is a global crisis that victimizes an estimated over 20 million children and women worldwide. Yet ``global'' doesn't just mean overseas. Human trafficking remains prevalent here in the United States in our cities and our communities. Our country is the second highest destination for women trafficked worldwide. An estimated 100,000 children are trafficked here every year. In my home State of Illinois, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center estimates that 25,000 women and girls are exploited by sex trafficking every single year. This number continues to grow. As a member of the Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force, we are working to coordinate the efforts of the congressional leadership and international antitrafficking groups to punish perpetrators, rescue and bring hope to victims, and assist nations in their fight against the global epidemic of trafficking in human beings. Human trafficking targets the most vulnerable in society. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act reflects a comprehensive effort to strengthen opposition against culprits and offer hope to victims. I support this bill and urge its passage.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day this month, we offer our deepest gratitude to those who have selflessly dedicated their lives protecting our freedom. In particular, I want to remember Second Lieutenant Walter Truemper and Lieutenant Colonel William Robert Holstine, both of Aurora, Illinois. Army Air Force Second Lieutenant and Medal of Honor recipient Truemper was honored this Armed Forces Day with the naming of Walter E. Truemper Lane in Aurora. As navigator of a B-17 bomber during World War II, Truemper was ordered to abandon his plane following German gunfire which killed the copilot. But as the pilot remained alive but immobile, he refused to desert the plane. Unfortunately, after three attempts to land the plane, it fatally crashed. Lieutenant Colonel Holstine earned several awards for his 29 years of service to the Army and was an avid runner, a military science professor at Wheaton College, and a project manager for the Army Reserve. Lieutenant Colonel Holstine lost his battle with cancer this February. I am privileged to be honoring him and his wife at Kane County's Memorial Day ceremonies next week.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the city of St. Charles' 180th anniversary this May. Known as the ``Pride of the Fox,'' St. Charles has earned its reputation, boasting beautiful parks, innovative schools, and unique architecture. Formerly known as Charleston, the city was incorporated 3 years before the city of Chicago. In 2011, St. Charles was named the number one city nationwide in which to raise a family by Family Circle magazine. From RiverFest to the nationally acclaimed Scarecrow Festival, from Hotel Baker to high schools that graduate an average of 95 percent of seniors each year, St. Charles has been an ideal center of commerce, family, fun, and rest. The city leads by example in Illinois, and I am proud to celebrate its many years of prosperity. As we celebrate this 180th anniversary, I would also like to give special recognition to someone's 18th anniversary--of birth, that is. My daughter Kylie, who is my princess, turns 18 today. I wish I could be with you today, Kylie, but happy birthday.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the USA Science and Engineering Festival. This past weekend, government, industry, and academia came together to energize students and teachers through hands-on experiences to showcase the opportunities of the future and the ways studying STEM subjects can be fun and rewarding for boys and girls. It wasn't your traditional science fair. The festival is a great model of how a diverse team can partner together to further the STEM fields that are home to the future careers of our youth. Our next generation of technicians, engineers, and scientists should be exposed to opportunities that they don't realize are within their grasp-- careers and jobs they hadn't even considered when imagining their futures. I introduced a resolution last June encouraging State and local governments to recognize the last week of April as National Science Week. Getting kids excited about robotics, computers, and math can spur them to become our future leaders and innovators.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an inspiring leader from Illinois' 14th District. For her exemplary service last month, Erica Borggren was named one of only 10 of the White House's Women Veterans Champions of Change. Since August 2011, Erica has served as director for Illinois' Department of Veterans Affairs. Under her leadership, IDVA has launched, among other successful programs, the nationally acclaimed Illinois Joining Forces, which connects veterans with more than 200 veterans-serving organization. She is a Rhodes scholar, Truman scholar, and was valedictorian at West Point. Her military service spans from South Korea, as an Army Medical Service Corps officer, to Iraq, as commanding General David Petraeus' trusted speech writer. General Petraeus calls her: One of the most talented officers with whom I have ever served and exemplary in every respect. Erica's strong leadership and record of excellence ensures a bright future for Illinois' military servicemembers and veterans.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a caring and innovative educational leader from Illinois' 14th Congressional District. For her hard work, Sheryl Gray was named Illinois Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. Since she began at Prairie Trail School in Wadsworth, she has created and implemented fresh ideas that bring together students and their families in education. Her brainchild Partnership and Achievement Lead to Success, or PALS, has been extremely successful in educating and empowering at-risk children. She has also devoted her time to improving Prairie Trail School's special education program and increasing school attendance by supporting families who are in need. A servant to the Lake County community, Sheryl Gray is an inspiration to her students and to the next generation of educators. With more leaders like Sheryl in schools, all of our children will be able to reach their true potential.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army veteran John Carr, who was recognized as Illinois' January Veteran of the Month. Enlisting in 1969 during the Vietnam war, John was wounded in action and was medically retired in 1972. For his service, John received the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and a Purple Heart, among others. John didn't know what was in store upon leaving the service, but when he saw an ad to transport other veterans to the hospital, he signed up. He then joined the Kane County Veteran's Assistance Commission as a hospital caseworker and was elected as superintendent only 3 years later. He retired last February, after nearly four decades of service to his fellow veterans. My staff is proud to have worked alongside John to help Illinois veterans navigate the Federal benefits system. Constituents regularly told us how John helped anxious veterans or spouses receive their well- deserved benefits. Thank you, John, for your service to our country and to the men and women like you who have made sacrifices to defend it.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Chairman Smith. Thank you for your incredible work on this issue. I rise today to remember with sadness the 41 years since the Supreme Court's sweeping ROE v. WADE decision. More than 55 million have lost their lives to abortion; but after that fateful January, the pro-life movement was born. As Americans United for Life put it, the pro-life movement desires a Nation in which everyone is welcome in life and protected in law. Many warriors have taken up that cause. Next week, many thousands will make the pilgrimage to the March for Life here in Washington to mark and protest the havoc ROE v. WADE has left in its wake. Pro-life warrior, Nellie Gray, started the march, and this annual event has rallied Americans and exposed the brutality of this procedure. A country complicit in taking thousands of lives each day tarnishes a legacy of liberty and justice for all. Defending human life at all stages shouldn't be a political issue. Defending human life is a moral issue. It is a moral outrage and a violation of religious liberty for any American to be forced to participate in the funding of abortion. No one believed this more than the late Honorable Henry Hyde. Another warrior for life, and my hero and mentor, Henry Hyde represented the Illinois Sixth Congressional District for 33 years. His crowning achievement, the Hyde amendment, barred the use of taxpayer funds for abortion. Congress has reaffirmed this amendment over and over again. We must protect this principle by passing bills like the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, a bill which would make the Hyde amendment permanent and government-wide. No one should be coerced into paying for a procedure that violates their conscience. Another warrior for life, Irene Napier, is a woman who lives in the district I represent, the 14th District of Illinois. This Crystal Lake resident has dedicated her life to defending the unborn. Now president emeritus of Right to Life of McHenry County, through the years Irene has stood up to the truth that every child should be given a chance to be loved and wanted. Every human life has inherent dignity that is worth protecting. When we allow abortion, we are really saying that human lives are disposable, that we can throw away anything or anyone that inconveniences us. But people like Irene, Henry, and Nellie and all of us who claim to be pro-life know that notion is repugnant, and we reject it. Each child and each mother is a unique gift. No one--no one--should throw that gift away.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw attention to the regulatory war being waged by this administration on American families, individuals, small businesses, states, cities and towns. The administration has developed a bad habit of making endless rules and regulations, with little regard for their negative effects on Americans. From writing confusing tax forms, to mandating what type of water comes out of fire hydrants, the vast bureaucratic machine in Washington delights in determining how Americans should live and work. The exponential increase of government rules and regulations poses a clear threat to our freedom, for instance, the freedom of individuals to start their own businesses and pursue the American Dream. But there is a solution. I have introduced H.R. 309, the Regulatory Sunset and Review Act of 2013, to break this terrible habit. I believe that reforms are needed to halt this administration's practice of regulating beyond the intent of the laws we pass, and to reduce the burden these regulations place on Americans, especially American businesses. Before talking more about the solution, allow me to more fully illustrate the problem and its impact on growing jobs and the economy. Now, not all regulation is bad, and businesses are more than willing to follow commonsense regulations. The U.S. Grade Standards for fruits and vegetables, for instance, makes sense for grocers by defining the quality standards for fresh produce. If a dispute between buyer and seller arises, the standards can then determine who is at fault. But many federal rules are duplicative, obsolete, unnecessary, conflicting or otherwise inconsistent. An analysis by the Government Accounting Office found that in fiscal year 2013, $95 billion of the $3.6 trillion the federal government spent was duplicative. For instance, according to the GAO report, there are 76 federal drug abuse and prevention treatment programs, spread among an astounding 17 different agencies. Combined, they generate 6.1 million hours of paperwork, almost $300 million in costs, and 122 forms to be filled out by individuals, organizations and businesses. This is an unacceptable waste of tax money and resources. The engine of our economy--our small businesses--need room to innovate and expand. But burdensome and duplicative regulations drain resources from businesses--harming their ability hire new workers and create jobs. In Illinois' 14th District, business owners tell me this is the chief block to investing and hiring. When it costs them more than $10,500 per employee annually to comply with all federal regulations, their concerns make sense. But in 2012, the Obama administration piled on $236 billion in new regulations. It's a little wonder we suffer from weak economic growth and still- too-high unemployment. President Obama has pledged a comprehensive review of existing regulations. But unfortunately, his administration has actually done little to get rid of regulations currently on the books. In fact, he's going to be adding many more next year. According to an American Action Forum report, upcoming regulations from the Obama administration in 2014 could cost the private sector more than $143 billion. That's billion with a ``b.'' The administration calls this the ``unified agenda,'' which includes 15 new ``major'' rules--those that cost at least $100 million annually to our economy. It's these ``major'' rules that my bill addresses directly. How does it actually work? The bill establishes a responsible process for federal agencies to identify, review, and, if necessary, put major regulations that are no longer needed and serve no beneficial purpose on a path to elimination. And I want to make sure the public--who are directly affected by bad regulations--have a say. Under my bill, agencies overseeing these major rules will be required to consider the comments of the public, the regulated community, and Congress with regard to the costs and burdens of rules under review. This will help them determine which rules need to go. The agencies would then establish a review process to ``sunset'' bad rules. The head of each agency would designate an existing employee as the Regulatory Review Officer, charged with implementing the sunset review. Six months later, the Administrator would publish a first list of major rules, and then an updated list annually. The agency would be charged with issuing reports to Congress about rules they reviewed. But some rules are still bad for individuals and businesses even if they fall under the $100 million cost. The public and congressional committees would be able to petition agencies to review these rules as well. This would ensure less-major, but no-less-harmful, regulations could be considered for elimination. And if an agency claims it cannot change or get rid of a regulation because it is bound by congressional statute, then they would have to recommend to Congress what we can do to change the law. This ensures a transparent review process that leads to actual regulatory reform. We must act now to lend a hand to our struggling economy. Federal agencies, mostly unaccountable to the people they regulate, should review and remove regulations that hurt American businesses and individuals. My bill exposes duplicative and obsolete regulations to the public, placing them on a path to elimination. My colleagues are hearing from their constituents about the harm excessive regulations are having on them. And the Regulatory Sunset and Review Act of 2013 now has 61 co- sponsors. We're seeing a real desire to put regulations under closer scrutiny than they've traditionally had. Mr. Speaker, our job creators need all the help they can get. Small businesses and startups should spend their time hiring workers and growing their business, instead of wasting time playing defense against an aggressive federal government. Let's defend and extend the sphere of freedom, freedom to pursue the American Dream without government on your back. H.R. 309 gets us heading in that direction. I urge the House to take up this legislation in the New Year.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Computer Science Education Week. On Monday, I participated in an international ``Hour of Code.'' PJ, a 12-year-old programming genius, helped me write basic computer code for the game Angry Birds. Elgin Technology Center staff, along with local robotics team mentor Carol McKellar, organized an important educational event for students eager about coding. If these kids can accomplish what we did in just an hour, imagine how far students could go if computer science were more accessible at a younger age. Currently, software jobs outnumber students 3 to 1. Teaching coding can help fill employers' growing needs for graduates in computing fields. Coding is not just for computer scientists. Fields such as advanced manufacturing require workers skilled in computer science. If I can learn, it shows anyone can learn to code.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Batavia High School Bulldogs for winning their first-ever Illinois state football championship. On Saturday, November 30 Batavia faced off against Richards High School--which shares the same nickname--in an epic ``Battle of the Bulldogs.'' At NIU's Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, an estimated 12,000 Batavia fans roared as quarterback Micah Coffey threw for two touchdowns, and running back Anthony Scaccia ran for three more. Both teams fought hard but Batavia prevailed, capping their virtually undefeated season with a 34-14 victory. I commend Coach Dennis Piron and the entire Bulldogs team for the hard work that went into a strong 13-1 season and the IHSA Class 6A State Championship. Go Bulldogs!

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Batavia High School Bulldogs for winning their first ever Illinois State football championship. On Saturday, November 30, Batavia faced off against Richards High School, which shares the same nickname, in an epic battle of the Bulldogs. At NIU's Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, an estimated 12,000 Batavia fans roared as Micah Coffey, the quarterback, threw for two touchdowns and running back Anthony Scaccia ran for three more. Both teams fought hard, but Batavia prevailed, capping their virtually undefeated season with a 34-14 victory. I commend Coach Dennis Piron and the entire Bulldogs team for the hard work that went into a strong 13-1 season and the IHSA Class 6A State championship. Go Bulldogs.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Chairman Hensarling. Mr. Speaker, what we are trying to do here today is to get small business jobs growing again, and private equity helps do that. The infusion of private investment helps these small businesses create jobs so we can get the economy moving again. Over the last 15 years, private capital has helped about 23,000 small businesses, employing approximately 3 million people. Businesses backed by private capital grew jobs 3.5 times faster than other businesses. We need to encourage this kind of growth by bringing more opportunity, not more regulation. Capital is better spent getting people back to work and growing our small businesses than it is tied up in compliance costs. In Illinois, my home State, more than $200 billion has been invested in local companies. Private equity is about skin in the game, and we need to keep these resources in the economy, not on the sidelines. I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 1105. I am a proud cosponsor and believe we should pass this important bill.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened and angered by a recent email I received from a distraught constituent. Julia from Gurnee, Illinois, told me she is now one of the millions whose health insurance will be canceled because of ObamaCare. Buying a comparable plan means her out-of-pocket expenses will jump more than $5,200 a year. Worse, the smaller network excludes her current doctor--the doctor she has seen for 33 years. Only doubling her premiums would allow her to keep the doctor who has known and cared for her for most of her adult life. The President promised middle class families would pay $2,500 less in annual health care costs under ObamaCare. He promised they would be able to keep their insurance plans and their doctors. Julia's story proves again how empty those promises were. The Senate and the President must act, as the House has, to allow all Americans to keep their doctors. Americans can't afford more broken promises.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the story of one of my constituents, Jane, whose health care plan was canceled in the wake of ObamaCare. Here is a recent email she sent to me: I am a 61-year-old woman with a husband on Medicare. The day before the exchange opened, I received a letter from BlueCross/BlueShield informing me my policy is no longer available. The policy that is closest in coverage is approximately 50 percent higher in premiums and had an almost 50 percent higher deductible. I feel it is extremely unfair that I was told I could keep my coverage if I liked it. I will also have to pay substantially more for the same coverage. I wonder if the administration ever thought about those of us who have to pay for our health coverage with no extra help and how much more we would be paying. Mr. Speaker, this House passed H.R. 3350 so Jane and others can keep the plan they want and can afford. The Senate must act and not cover for the President, who conceded he broke his promise to Americans. Let's give good news to Americans.

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, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Madam Speaker, this past weekend we remembered the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for this Nation. In many cases, their families join in that sacrifice, forced to be apart for birthdays and other family celebrations while their loved ones serve overseas. I am so grateful for these defenders of freedom who make the tough commitment to be away from their families so they can protect us abroad so we can enjoy peace at home. As these military families make sacrifices, we remember our own families who benefit from their service. I want to wish my incredible son, Kaden, a happy birthday as he turns 12 today. Your mom and I are so blessed by having you in our family, and we are looking forward to the great future God has planned for you. I am so glad that we will be able to see each other this weekend and celebrate, when many other fathers and mothers abroad have to wait months to celebrate with their own kids. Birthdays and holidays give us another chance to pause and remember them this year. Thank you, veterans. And happy birthday, Kaden.

Mr. HULTGREN

Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Congresswoman Hartzler, for putting this together. I appreciate your important work on this. This is such an important subject for us to be talking about. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight troubled by what appears to be growing attacks on the religious freedom of those serving in our military. Our great Nation, as you all know, was founded on the principle that all men and women have a natural right to freely practice their respective faiths. These rights extend equally to the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. Our founding documents were written with the express purpose of protecting the inalienable rights of American citizens, including that of religious liberties. The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. In 1785, the father of the Constitution, James Madison, said: The religion then of every man must be left to the conviction of conscience of every man, and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. He recognized that one's faith contains dictates that, barring harm to others, demand obedience from adherents. And obedience not only in thought and behavior, but also by speech and action as well. An individual's faith is inseparable from the way in which he or she lives and acts. If the Federal Government would curtail the religious speech and action of military members, they would be clearly overstepping the bounds of the Constitution. Unfortunately, over the past several years, a string of aggressive government actions has chilled the religious practice of members of our Armed Forces. These soldiers defend our freedoms abroad but did not expect to lose those freedoms at home. Earlier this year, an officer in the Air Force was asked to remove the Bible he kept on his desk. He was told his displaying his Bible made others uncomfortable and that he could, as a superior, be seen as forcing his religion on others. Does this mean that President Obama has forced his religion on others when he put his hand on President Lincoln's Bible as he swore the oath of office on inauguration day? When did freedom for religion become conflated with freedom from religion? While attempting to avoid elevating one faith above the rest--an admirable goal--the government has stifled all religion. The so-called ``protection'' from religious expression extends further into servicemembers' personal lives. An Army chaplain's assistant was reprimanded for expressing her views informed by her faith regarding human sexuality on her own private Facebook profile. Her post was created in her free time and was only visible to her friends and family. Yet, once the post was discovered, a superior demanded she remove it or potentially face disciplinary action, including loss of rank and pay. She eventually was forced to acquiesce and remove the post. These are not isolated incidents, but reflect an institutionwide problem. Take, for example, a memo released September 14, 2011, to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Here is an excerpt from a section regarding visits by religious leaders: No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit. So the memo prevented a priest visiting an ailing parishioner from bringing his Bible--or imam, his Koran--with him to the hospital. This sparked a national outcry and the memo was quickly rescinded under the claim that it was an ``accident.'' So the memo was ``accidental.'' But what about military briefings? Are they ``accidental'' as well? Last month, several dozen U.S. Army Active and Reserve troops were advised to treat the American Family Association as a hate group. Apparently, the Christian ministry's support for traditional marriage was enough for the instructor to slap on the ``hate group'' label. Fortunately, again under public pressure, the Pentagon later retracted the label. Similarly, a West Point think tank released a report at the beginning of the year labeling ``far right'' conservative groups, specifically those holding pro-life values, as extremists and domestic terrorists. Because a few radical and disturbed activists have used violence to further their cause, the report lumped in everyone who believed in the sanctity of all life as terrorists. It is dangerous and disingenuous to paint with such broad strokes, blaming entire groups for the terrible actions of a few individuals. These stories are just a few examples of rising sentiment that attacks the expression of religion in our military first and then asks questions later. Taken individually, these incidents are cause for concern. Taken together, we must wonder whether this widespread activity is more than just coincidence. We must also wonder why a distinguished institution has taken a political position in opposition and opposing those who have long championed the very values the military purports to uphold. Soldiers are being told with more frequency that religion has no place in the military. If they hope to rise in the ranks or escape punishment, they must leave their faith at the door. The military is unique in its power to make broad demands over individual servicemembers, demands that can't be made over civilians. No one should be forced to choose between service to country and his or her faith. We must ensure that men and women in uniform have the ability to practice that faith without fear of reprimand. The First Amendment secures the freedom of religious expression for all Americans, including those who protect our freedoms. How could we allow this liberty to be stripped away from our soldiers, our sailors, our pilots? Our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers in the Armed Forces all deserve the same rights and liberties that we enjoy--the very ones that they fought to protect. Let's defend them at home as they defend us abroad. Again, thank you Congresswoman Hartzler for doing this.