Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one of the many egregious and punitive parts of ObamaCare is the burdensome 1099 rule, a paperwork regulation that forces millions of businesses to file a 1099 tax form each time they spend over $600 per vendor. The National Association for the Self-Employed reports that those companies with 10 or fewer employees, their paperwork burden is going to jump from an average of two per year to roughly 27 per year, a whopping 1,250 percent paperwork increase. Main Street mom-and-pop shops don't need the added costs of more regulatory requirements at a time when their efforts are rightly focused on just staying in business. It's jobs we are protecting. It's time to repeal the 1099 rule right now.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today President George H.W. Bush accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. President Bush, dubbed ``41,'' and I share the common bond very few combat veterans have experienced. We both were shot down while flying for our country. I am thrilled to report that he had a better experience after the shoot down than I did, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that instantly bonds you with fellow survivors. I will always recall the day that I said goodbye to him on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base as he left Washington when President Clinton took office. I still hang the note that he wrote me thanking me for being there in my office. He's just that kind of personable guy who not only thinks of the little things that helps people feel great, he makes time for them. To commemorate the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, I would like to submit a poem, the Man the Lord Pulled from the Sea, written by Albert Caswell. Congratulations, President Bush. You're an outstanding American and a great patriot. God bless you, and I salute you. The Man The Lord Pulled From The Sea A patriot's plane was shot from the sky . . . Would this brave heart live or die? What was to be? With his two comrades gone . . . As their fine souls rose up to Heaven, with our Lord living on, eternally . . . And from the heavens up above, our Lord God in his love . . . reached down and pulled this Hero, this Man From The Sea! Our 41st President . . . born, George Herbert Walker Bush in Milton Massachusetts . . . on June 12th, 1924 . . . Score a lifetime of public service, to his Nation so great be assured! As none other in history, have so equaled so before! When all is said and done, his records are the ones . . . The historians will contend, are one of the greatest Presidents I'm sure! Born of wealth, power, social prestige and such fame . . . How so easily, he could have so made . . . his life just a game! Instead, he chose public service . . . As had too, his most distinguished Father Prescott Bush . . . all of Senate fame! With a lifetime of public service, he can now so claim . . . Has so given even greater honor, to that already prestigious family name! Just out of Phillips Academy, at 18 as he knew he had to be . . . Off to war for this his country `Tis A Thee . . . ready to die! With, The World To Be Saved, and a war to be won! This hero flew off, to that land of the rising sun, up in the sky . . . Not hiding behind social position, as the world lie in such a horrid condition! All because, patriot's never ask why! Leaving, he was barely a man . . . But returning home, as before us now so stood a hero so grand . . . One of America's Best, no one denies! As once again, in 1944 he was so blessed . . . As he wed his true love and wonderful wife, Barbara Pierce no less . . . And still, to this very day . . . Their great love story and wonderful family they consider, of their life's greatest of all success! Returning home, as straight to Yale . . . As his heart would so roam, eager to grow at Andover he had been ready to learn . . . Captain of a championship baseball team, even then the word Bush meant lead! As great respect as a Leader, he had so earned . . . For athletics and exercise, he truly yearns . . . For within his heart, this great passion and way of life has ever so burned! As a cowboy at heart, as so soon he drove off westward ho . . . out of town . . . As to Texas as an oilman, he was so surely bound . . . Then, giving up his company he had built from the ground . . . As when inside his great heart, so came a calling sound! So soon he discovered, it was public service that he was in love with . . . Where his future and heart, and life's work were so to be found . . . Following his respected Dad, Prescott footsteps into Congress for two terms . . . And as the head of the CIA, as all of those commies he so burned . . . Ever striving to improve, growing and learning, as The Man On The Move, as for great challenges his heart ever yearned! With it becoming clear, that ``The White House'' was ever near, and all of the World.... The Name of Bush would so soon learn . . .'' Serving as Vice President . . . for two terms . . . As no higher respect . . . in this that office has so since been so returned! As Timber Wolf, was the ``Go To Guy''! Among world leaders, his respect was so very high! That's something, that which must be so earned! Then The President in 88, no more accomplished resume has ever been so great! As has had The Electoral College so confirmed! As history one day . . . shall so forever say . . . No more productive 12 years of Executive service, has ever come her way! Because in 12 years . . . such incredible events! As a real future for our children, had so commenced . . . As the records will say . . . Bush and respect, and World leadership, are now one in the same . . . As communism fell, do you remember that magnificent day? Our Lord so remembers, your great fight and devotion doing right . . . To save that most sacred gift of life, ``The Unborn Child!'' As now, high above you he so stands so proud . . . With tears in his eyes, as all across the heavens with great smile . . . For each and every life, is so precious and so dear . . . For it's our Lord's greatest gift which so blesses us, as Robin your sweet child so clear! While, all of the others questioned . . . it was you who so drew that line in the sand! ``This aggression shall not stand!'' Mr. President, your plan saved the Mid East! Bringing together each, Jewish and Arab, woman and Man . . . For you had seen Hitler, and the evils that men do . . . As you all in your lifetime, had so lived through . . .``No Never Again!'' As you had stood in harms way once before! And you knew of the great cost to families in of war! So you followed a code! Giving to each and every hero, all that they would so need so! So that they could so carry that load! As you said, ``if a hero must die valiantly in this honor's code''! Then, to their loved ones . . . their true fine worth must be showed! And no classier First Lady, or President have ever so graced our Heartland . . . Reaching out to all, with but a warm hand . . . The Old System, a Member of The Gold System . . . for which you so surely stand! In your treatment, of the average woman and so man . . . We come this way but only once, and how the big people treat us, so surely makes our world's of such . . . All in our Lord's plans . . . For in this Capitol Town, the words class are often found . . . Whenever, the name of George Bush we so sound! As his secret service tell of a man so renowned! While, working for Timber Wolf in town . . . he's a guy they love to be around! With his great sense of humor, as him and Dana roll on the ground . . . And his buddy Arnold, never lets him down! On your last days in office, how some people had forgotten what you had done . . .`Oh, how it gives us such pain! But, history shall be far kinder and remember your name . . . And never forget your great record there, as always will remain . . . As it's your words which so ring true, indeed it is what you do! ``It's all about character'' . . . Time and Time Again! Now, listen ever closely . . . From up in the Heavens up above . . . As our Lord looks down upon you, on this earth in all of his love . . . As he's been watching you, throughout all of these years . . . As these words you may hear, on a gentle breeze from up above . . . ``George my Son, you've never let me down'' . . . I'm so glad that I pulled you, from the sea as I found . . .on the wings of a dove'' . . . --Albert Caswell

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. You know, every Texas family must live within a budget. I don't understand why the Federal Government can't do the same. To get our fiscal house in order, we need to cut spending, balance the budget, pay down the debt, and shrink the deficit. As a fiscal hawk, I know that in November the American taxpayers voted for Congress to roll back the failed stimulus spending, stop bailing out Wall Street, end Government Motors, stop saving Fannie and Freddie, and defund and repeal ObamaCare. Plain and simple, the American people want Washington to tax less, spend less, and borrow less. The CR represents some tough choices, but I know the American public is willing to make some sacrifices now so we can make a brighter and better future for our children and grandchildren tomorrow.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of freedom and free enterprise. This is America where the Constitution and freedom and free enterprise are the hallmarks of this great democracy. I think one of the most compelling reasons people went to the ballot box last fall and cast their vote was they felt angry that those in power were disregarding personal liberties and trampling the U.S. Constitution. As you know, under ObamaCare the Federal Government forces freedom- loving Americans to hand over their hard-earned money for a mandatory product, in this case health insurance. That's just not how it should be done in a democracy. In a democracy, you have the freedom to choose if you want to buy something. In a democracy, you have the freedom to choose if you want to purchase health insurance. In a democracy, you have the freedom to choose just to say no. This vote is about freedom and free enterprise and what's best for the future of America. As a constitutional conservative, I say vote for freedom and repeal ObamaCare. I will close with some words from Patrick Henry: ``The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people. It is an instrument for the people to restrain the government--lest it come to dominate our lives and our interests.'' Let's stand up for freedom and repeal ObamaCare.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize before the United States House of Representatives Governing magazine's 2010 Public Official of the Year, and my good friend from the great state of Texas, Jerry Madden. State Representative Madden has faithfully served the people of the 67th district since his election to the Texas Legislature back in 1992. In his nine consecutive terms, he has held honored roles on twelve committees, including four years as the Chairman of the House Committee on Corrections where he is sitting Vice Chair. While Madden is the recipient of countless awards, including being named to Texas Monthly's 10 Best Legislators list and the University of Texas at Dallas' Distinguished Alumni group, this top-notch legislator's latest accolade comes as national recognition for turning the State of Texas into a shining model of corrections reform. A West Point trained engineer by trade, Madden tackled corrections reform with facts and statistics. He found that targeting a relatively small amount of state funds toward treatment, mental health, and rehabilitation programs, rather than spending billions on new prisons, would yield a decrease in the prison population. With that in mind, Madden and his colleagues on the Committee on Corrections formulated public policy that worked. They turned a projected 15,000 inmate rise in the Texas prison population into a population decrease, saving taxpayers money and, more importantly, rescuing lives along the way. I have known Representative Madden for over a quarter of a century. I have seen him rise from a local leader to the national spokesperson for Texas on Criminal Justice. I can vouch for the testimony he has given Congress and know the respect that national organizations have for his work. In fact, just this month Jerry served as a guest speaker at my Congressional Youth Advisory Council meeting where he shared his extensive knowledge of state government with local high school students. For his service to America in the United States Army, his service to Texas in the State Legislature, and his priceless contribution to our society through innovative corrections reform, it is with pride and gratitude that I commend State Representative Jerry Madden for a job exceptionally well done. To my good friend--congratulations, God bless you, and I salute you!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary man, Mr. Norman D. Kass, for his 30 years of service to the United States Government. I am grateful for his dedication to our country and wish him an enjoyable retirement and success in his future endeavors. For more than 10 years, Mr. Kass has overseen the analytical and investigative efforts of the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs. I have served as a Commissioner for many years, and it has been my great pleasure to work alongside Mr. Kass in this worthy cause. Norm has played an integral role in the compilation of the fullest-possible accounting for missing American servicemen from conflicts since World War II. His involvement with U.S. and Russian leadership allowed for close cooperation that has brought answers to POW/MIA families who have long awaited them. Mr. Kass has previously held various positions within the Defense Technology Security Administration, DTSA, notably as the Deputy Director of DTSA's Licensing Directorate. He also served in the U.S. Army where he was awarded the Bronze Star following a tour of duty with First Field Force, Vietnam. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Norm for his exemplary service to our country. His expert advice and counsel to the Commission will be greatly missed. Please join me in honoring this outstanding individual and wishing him all the best during his retirement.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you know, I hate references to what we are doing today to this. Bipartisan congressional efforts established the cost-of-living adjustment or COLA formula beginning in 1975 to make sure that Social Security benefits retain their purchasing power for our Nation's seniors. The COLA formula is designed to achieve a simple goal. Increases in consumer prices trigger an increase in Social Security benefits. In 2009, seniors received the largest COLA since 1982, 5.8 percent, because of a temporary spike in energy prices. Since then, energy prices fell, and even though the inflation rate used to determine the COLA was negative between 2008 and 2009, benefits were not reduced in 2010. Instead, they remained constant. That is because the law prevents benefits from being reduced when prices decline, and that helps seniors in these tough economic times. Since prices have remained short of the peak they reached back in 2008, the Social Security Administration announced there will not be a COLA in 2011 either. Though seniors are understandably disappointed, the COLA formula is working as intended. The good news is that most seniors do not face an increase in their Medicare part B premium when there is no COLA due to hold harmless protections in current law. Also, last year seniors received a $250 economic recovery payment through the stimulus. While many seniors are hurting, so too are American working families. Doing an end-run around a current bipartisan COLA formula without even one hearing to examine whether it is working or the many options for change our colleagues have offered is wrong. Sending out $250 checks to people like Ross Perot or Warren Buffett, or to the Members of this House who may be eligible for them, as this bill does, is wrong. Sending $250 checks to prisoners or dead people, as Social Security has done in the past, is wrong. Increasing our Nation's crushing deficit on the backs of our children by an additional $14 billion is wrong. Unfortunately, our side is unable to right these wrongs as we are prohibited from offering any amendments to this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we are getting calls from our constituents telling us that they don't want the COLA to continue just giving money away. What they are interested in are tax decreases. I would say that this is ill-advised at this time, and we should not just throw more money at a problem that we can solve and have solved already, so I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we are digressing from the business at hand to something that has already happened. He needs to know that the people out there do understand the cost-of-living adjustment. It is fixed under Social Security rules, and they don't need it this year. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. It is good for America. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I concur with all that's been said so far. You know, Americans worry about the security of their personal information, including their Social Security number, and I don't blame them. Even though Social Security numbers were created to track wages for determining Social Security benefits, these numbers are widely used as personal identifiers. In fact, in their April, 2007 report, the President's Identity Task Force identified the Social Security number as the ``most valuable commodity for an identity thief.'' And these thieves are working overtime. Identity theft is the fastest growing fraud in America--last year there were over 11 million victims. The Federal Trade Commission says identity theft costs consumers about $50 billion per year. Today, we are taking a step forward--albeit a small step--to protect Social Security numbers by preventing prisoner access to these numbers and prohibiting Social Security numbers from appearing on government checks. Believe it or not, the Social Security Inspector General found that eight States currently allow prisoners to work on jobs that give them access to Social Security numbers. With today's vote we will be one step closer to putting an end to that practice. I am glad to report that over the years the Ways and Means Committee has been working on a bipartisan basis to stem the tide of identity theft through restricting the sale, use, and public display of Social Security numbers, and I thank my colleague for that. Most recently, these provisions are part of the Social Security Number Privacy and Identify Theft Prevention Act introduced in this Congress by then Subcommittee Chairman John Tanner and myself. I was also pleased to join Chairman Pomeroy when he introduced H.R. 5854, the No Prisoner Access to Social Security Numbers Act of 2010. This is a great bill. I urge my colleagues to support this important first step by voting ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it's just a few days till all taxpaying Americans will be hit with the largest tax hike in history in the wake of the longest recession since the Great Depression. Given this country's economic condition, I think a huge tax hike is exactly what we don't need. We ought to be creating jobs, boosting the economy. Apparently, the Democrats think a $3.8 trillion tax hike is the answer. I say make the tax rates permanent and let's get this economy moving again with new jobs and investment. Empower small businesses to grow, hire, and expand. They can add more employees, buy more equipment, and rent bigger spaces. We ought to support them by stopping the largest tax hike in history. If we want Americans to prosper, they want, need, and deserve better than the Democrats' massive tax increases.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the passage of this legislation, and I think the Supplemental Security Income and Social Security disability benefit programs provide an essential income safety net for people with disabilities. Yet these programs face a real fiscal challenge. Waste, fraud and abuse continues to threaten public confidence. Most importantly the disability program will not be able to pay full benefits beginning just eight years from now in 2018. Those who depend on these critical benefits are counting on us to act. They want answers and we must turn to these issues without delay. With respect to the legislation we are considering today, just over 10 years ago Congress passed The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act to help those with disabilities get back to work. The two grant programs we would reauthorize today were created as part of that landmark legislation. One of the grant programs, The Work Incentives Planning Assistance Program funds community-based organizations to assist those receiving benefits to find work as well as understand Social Security's complex rules and the effect of working on their benefits, their health care and on other public benefits they may receive. Today there are a total of 103 community-based cooperative agreements in all 50 States. Last year these programs served over 37,000 people. One example is The Work Incentive Planning Assistance Program of Easter Seals North Texas which serves 19 counties in the north Texas area, including my district. Thanks to their hard work, so far this year over 20 percent of their caseload has jobs. The other grant program, The Protection and Advocacy Program for Beneficiaries of Social Security Program funds 57 grant programs covering all 50 States. These programs served almost 9,000 people last year, helping those working or trying to work by assisting in the resolution of potential disputes, including those with their employer. The authorized funding level included in the bill for these two programs is $30 million. This funding level has remained constant since these programs were created. While I support a one-year extension of these two important programs, I am disappointed that our Subcommittee has not continued the work it began in May of last year when we learned that Social Security's Ticket to Work Program wasn't working as we would like. Despite some signs of improvement since new rules were issued, now more than ever, we need to look at how every taxpayer dollar is spent. No matter how well intended these programs are, at the end of the day taxpayers deserve to know if they are getting their money's worth. Programs that don't work must be changed or must end. I urge all my colleagues to vote yes. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Sahil Khetpal, 17, of Plano, Texas on being named a 2010 Davidson Fellow by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. Davidson Fellowships, offered by the Institute since 2001, are honors given to only the very best of America's very brightest. As one of just 20 young people to receive the designation this year, Sahil Khetpal certainly fits that distinguished category. He is a recent graduate of the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), an advanced program for high school students offered through the University of North Texas. During his time at TAMS, Sahil took the specialized, college-level coursework necessary to fuel his Davidson Research Project, ``Carbon Nanotubes as a Cancer Drug Delivery System.'' In his project, which was motivated by the tough experience of watching several family members fight cancer, Sahil developed a nanotube based drug-delivery system that can be used for both chemotherapy and photo-therapy of cancer. His innovative system has the potential to treat cancerous tumors more efficiently and effectively with fewer side-effects, and it could even allow for earlier diagnosis in some cases. In short, this outstanding young man's work will likely save lives. Using his talent and voice to help others is not a new concept for Sahil. In the midst of a strenuous coursework and research load, he made time to co-found and serve as copresident of the local branch of Invisible Children, an organization that raises awareness of the conflict taking place in Northern Uganda. Sahil is currently continuing his higher education at the University of Pennsylvania where he is a double-major in business and chemical engineering. This incredibly talented, hard-working young man is an exceptional representative of Texas' Third Congressional District, and it is my distinct honor to enter his accomplishment into the Congressional Record for posterity. To Sahil Khetpal, 2010 Davidson Fellow, congratulations and God bless you!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand to voice my support for protecting small business on Main Street from the Obama tax hikes that start January 1. To create jobs, we need lower tax rates for everyone. Most small businesses pay taxes based on the individual tax rate. Increasing the individual tax rate means mom-and-pop business owners will have less money for business investment and job creation. It's not smart to raise taxes ever and certainly not in the wake of America's longest recession. How will raising taxes put people back to work? As a former small business owner, I know that the very threat of tax hikes, combined with the new health care law and the countless new rules and mandates coming from the Democrats, are impacting the ability and willingness of small businesses to create jobs. We need an up-or-down vote on freezing tax rates for everyone before election day so the American people can see for themselves who supports or opposes small business and free enterprise.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Richardson, Texas, branch of Cisco Systems, Inc. on 10 years of outstanding operations. Cisco, the global leader in building the ``Human Network,'' has over 70,000 employees worldwide, 1,400 of which work in the Third Congressional District of Texas. The American public recognizes the company's internationally famous name and logo from popular TV shows such as 24 and Rubicon where, true to life, Cisco's unmatched technology is used by government agencies to defend the Nation against enemies foreign and domestic. The company also leads the way in keeping our kids safe as they navigate the Internet. In fact, Cisco invented key technology that helped shape the Internet--transforming how people connect, communicate and collaborate. The vision of Len Bosack and Sandy Lemer, Cisco's founders, propelled this company into a multi-billion dollar business. Recognized by hundreds of magazines and investors as one of the ``Best Places to Work,'' Cisco's commitment to innovation and research is at the company's core. With over five billion dollars a year invested in Research and Development, R&D, Cisco represents one of the biggest R&D spenders in the world. Their technology and innovations have changed the way the United States--and the world--communicates. It is a privilege to have many of this top-notch company's best and brightest living and working in North Texas. To the outstanding employees of Cisco-Richardson, happy 10th anniversary, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the finalists for the 2010 Tech Titans Awards presented by Metroplex Technology Business Council, the largest technology trade association in Texas. At the 10th annual Tech Titans gala this August, the 2010 winners will be announced in categories designed to showcase the most cutting-edge technologies and the brightest talent emerging from the North Texas region. The event will also reveal the rankings of the 2010 Titan Fast Tech, which lists the fastest-growing DFW technology companies based on percentage of revenue growth over the last year and the last 5 years. Founded in 1994, the Metroplex Technology Business Council, MTBC, is a non-profit organization composed of approximately 300 members that include technology businesses and providers from across the DFW Metroplex. The MTBC produces numerous events, including the Management in High-Tech Luncheon Series, the Technical Luncheon Series, Tech Week in Austin and the Tech Titans and Fast Tech Awards. The MTBC is a shining example of the face of the future for Texas. Make no mistake, the MTBC is making great things happen for the Lone Star State--and the world. In addition to the MTBC, supporters of the Tech Titans Awards and Fast Tech event include PricewaterhouseCoopers, TechAmerica, Deloitte, Dallas Business Journal, BKD, LLP, Time Warner Cable Business Class, GSCS Inc., Farstar Inc., and AVMG. Congratulations to all finalists. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to excellence. I salute you. The 2010 Tech Titans Finalists' names and categories follow: Corporate CEO Award: Valerie Freeman, BravoTECH, Dallas, TX; Suri Gurvenda, Optimal Solutions Integration, Inc., Irving, TX; Dale Sohn, Samsung Telecommunications America, Richardson, TX; Charlie Vogt, Genband, Plano, TX. Emerging Company CEO Award: Andres Ruzo, Link America, Inc., Rowlett, TX; Devender Aerrabolu, American Unit, Frisco, TX; Bettina Bennett, WhichBox Media, LLC, Dallas, TX; Shama Kabani, The Marketing Zen Group, Carrollton, TX. Corporate Horizon Award: D4D Technologies, Richardson, TX; Entrust, Dallas, TX; Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., Richardson, TX; Genband, Plano, TX. Emerging Company Horizon Award: GlobeRanger Corporation, Richardson, TX; HealthPoints, Inc., Dallas, TX; MicroTransponder, Inc., Dallas, TX; Revere Security, Dallas, TX. Technology Innovator Award: Drs. Caddedu, Scott, Fernandez, & Bergs, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Arlington, TX; Yves Chabal, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX; Will Rosellini, MicroTransponder, Inc., Dallas, TX; Steve Wallach, Convey Computer, Richardson, TX. Technology Advocate Award: Matt Blanton, StarTech Early Ventures, Richardson, TX; Gabriella Draney, Tech Wildcatters, Dallas, TX; Robert Scott, Scott & Scott, Dallas, TX; North Texas RCIC, Dallas, TX. Technology Adopter Award: City of Richardson Animal Shelter, Richardson, TX; Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Irving, TX; The Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano, Plano, TX; Top Golf, Dallas, TX. Community Hero Award: Wanda Gass, Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX; Suri Gurvendra, Optimal Solutions Integration, Inc., Irving, TX; Lin O'Neill, Futures Consulting, Dallas, TX; Nina Vaca- Humrichouse, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc., Dallas, TX. Tech Titan of the Future--University Level: Caruth Institute for Engineering Education, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX; Geo Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX; UT Dallas Innovation Opportunity Camp, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX; UNT Summer Robocamp for Girls, University of North Texas, Denton, TX. Tech Titan of the Future--High School Level: Joanne Blast, Lake Highlands High School, Richardson ISD; Kevin Cieszkowski, Richardson Berkner STEM Academy, Richardson ISD; Aaron Hampshire, Parish Episcopal School, Addison, TX; Alisa Salvans, Richardson High School, Richardson ISD.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Savage Precision Fabrication, Inc. of Wylie, Texas. Founded by W.T. and JoAnn Gardner in 1975, and still run by the couple today, Savage Precision has been named the 2010 Subcontractor of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration, SBA. This is the fourth time that the company has earned a prestigious designation from the SBA. As a top-notch manufacturer of precision-machined and sheet metal components, Savage serves a number of major aerospace and defense contractors, as well as high-tech corporations. In fact, the company proudly supplies F-35 Joint Strike Fighter parts to Lockheed-Martin, playing a crucial support role for our Armed Forces. Service to country has always been a priority at Savage Precision. The company's founder and CEO, W.T. Gardner, is a United States Army veteran. He and JoAnn grew their company through their belief in the American principles of honesty, loyalty, and hard work. From the moment they opened the doors of Savage Precision, the couple's company motto was, ``If it doesn't work, you don't have to pay me.'' That's fair, that's right, and that's true commitment to excellence. As the company continues to excel, I am honored to congratulate the Gardners and the many outstanding employees of Savage Precision Fabrication, Inc. The award-winning title you've received from the Small Business Administration this year is hard-earned and well- deserved. God bless you, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. America, hold on to your wallets. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are coming after you with higher taxes--in the middle of a recession. Come January, tax rates are going to skyrocket on hardworking, middle class families and small businesses. A new poll says 55 percent of voters in battleground States would be less likely to vote for Democrat congressional candidates if Congress doesn't stop or delay next year's scheduled tax increases before election day. Most small business owners file personal income taxes and will feel the tax hike, which will make it more difficult for them when they try to hire more people or give their employees a raise. This is about stopping a job-killing tax hike on small businesses during tough economic times. Let's stop it for our future and our freedom.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for working with me on this resolution. This resolution calls attention to the importance of saving for retirement by designating October 17 through October 23, 2010, as National Save For Retirement Week. With fewer and fewer employers offering traditional pension plans and with Social Security intended to provide only basic income support, saving for retirement is more important than ever before. The good news, however, is that the tax code offers any number of savings incentives that not only are intended to encourage Americans to save but also make it easier for them to do so. For young workers, just putting away a little bit from each paycheck through tax-deferred retirement savings accounts such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA can add up to a sizeable nest egg. While young workers may not start off with big paychecks, they at least have the benefit of time and compound interest on their side. Meanwhile, for older workers nearing retirement, the tax code can help by enabling these workers to make catch-up contributions. With this resolution, it is my hope that we can make more Americans aware not just of the importance of saving for retirement but of the available tax incentives to do so. By taking advantage of these incentives and regularly putting away a little bit, Americans can better secure their retirement. That's why Ms. Schwartz and I have offered this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when the clock strikes midnight on December 21, 2010, a $3.8 trillion Democrat tax increase will ring in the new year. The Democrats' ticking tax bomb means all tax-paying Americans will face higher taxes starting on January 1. For married couples, get ready to give up date nights in order to pay the tax penalty for I saying ``I do.'' For families with children, get ready to give up the family summer vacation so that you can fork over to Uncle Sam an extra $500 per kid. For already struggling small business owners, get ready to share more of your hard-earned profits with Uncle Sam, hard-earned profits that could be used to hire new workers. The American people want, need, and deserve better than the Democrats' massive tax hikes to pay for their Big Government agenda. Let's stop the big tax increase and protect America's future.