Doug Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Once again, I commend the National Guard for their service to this country and to the cause of freedom. The freedom they work and fight for is embodied in the constitutional system that we enjoy in this country. Few votes we have taken in this body will affect our constitutional system of freedom more than the vote we take tomorrow on health care. Now, the American people have spoken loud and clear on this issue of health care. They do not want a government takeover of health care. And the latest health care plan that we will be voting on as early as tomorrow afternoon is still a government takeover of health care despite what others have said, because, number one, it includes billions of dollars in new taxes and over a trillion dollars of new government spending. It will cause millions of employers to cancel the health care they offer their employees and force these individuals into a government-run health care plan. It creates a health care czar to impose health care price controls that will lead to a shortage of care and even more individuals falling into government-run insurance. It will mandate private citizens that they purchase health care whether they need it or want it. Democrats are planning to abuse the legislative process to pass purely partisan legislation with no bipartisan support that will change one-sixth of the American economy. Democrat leaders are even considering a process that will allow their health care bill to become law without an up or down vote. That would be the so-called ``Slaughter solution,'' named for the chairman of the Rules Committee, Representative Louise Slaughter of New York. This would declare that the House deems the Senate version of ObamaCare to have been passed by the House. House Members would still have to vote on whether to accept the rule, but then they would be able to say they only voted for the rule and not for the underlying Senate bill. But remember, a vote on the rule is a vote on the bill. Legislative tricks and unconstitutional procedures should not be used to jam through Congress a partisan bill that will impact the life of every American and affect one-sixth of our Nation's economy. The American people have been trying to get the message across that they want Congress to start over on health care through an open and honest dialogue and process. It is time to work step by step on health care reform that will lower costs for families without increasing the size of the Federal Government. I would like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that when you add the 4,872 pages of legislative text to the 1,347 pages of committee reports, you have a total of 6,219 pages of bill text. Now, we got the final version of this 72 hours from the potential vote tomorrow afternoon. And if a Member was to take all 72 hours, allowing for 8 hours of sleep each day, because otherwise they may just get burned out, that leaves 48 hours of solid reading of this 6,200 pages. That works out to 129 pages an hour, or 2 pages a minute. I haven't seen a lot of Members, frankly, spending their time reading 2 pages a minute for this 6,000 pages, and yet that is what we are being asked to vote on as early as tomorrow afternoon. I don't think that's really what the American people deserve for how this body should do its business. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer).

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 1075. I am pleased to join my colleagues, Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer and the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Representative Ike Skelton, both from Missouri, as well as the many cosponsors of this resolution, in expressing the gratitude and pride of the United States House of Representatives for the work of the U.S. National Guard's Agri-business Development Teams. The efforts of these brave men and women, along with their colleagues from the Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development, are critical to creating economic opportunities for nations such as Afghanistan. We know all too well that Afghanistan has been devastated by nearly three decades of war. And such efforts, in addition to what our combat forces are doing, are instrumental in bringing security and stability to the country. I would like to take a moment to recognize all those who serve, our military and civilians. I am proud to stand here today and say ``thank you.'' Thank you for making the choice to serve. Thank you for sharing your skills and expertise with the Afghan people. Thank you for protecting America's interests and representing the best she has to offer. And I thank your families as well for their sacrifices. I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri for introducing this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my constituents who tell me time and time again that they do not want a government-run health care plan. In spite of all this protest, Democrats are seeking to jam the bill down the taxpayers' throats through a convoluted legislative rule known as the Slaughter solution. This scheme allows a vote on a rule that would deem the Senate version of the health care bill to be passed without bringing the actual bill up for a vote. Constituents send their Members of Congress to Washington to represent their interests through votes. The Slaughter House rule would violate our constitutional pledge to protect and defend the Constitution. To pass a bill of this magnitude through a procedural gimmick like the Slaughter House rule would be a cowardly cover-up. What exactly is the majority afraid of? Why are they trying to hide their vote? The American people deserve an open and honest vote.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a noble and humble man lost in the devastating earthquake in Haiti. David Hames of Colorado Springs, Colorado, left an enduring legacy of selflessness and faith. David lived a life completely devoted to his family and to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He and his beloved wife of 13 years, Renee, have been blessed with two beautiful adopted sons, Aidan and Zander, who will remember their father's unending love. He blessed the world with his talent for filmmaking. This was embodied in his award-winning and innovative children's educational video series, ``Cranium's Ark.'' On January 11, David arrived in Haiti for Compassion International to tell the story of orphans and widows as he had throughout the world. After a day of shooting footage, he was in the Hotel Montana when the earthquake hit. God took David home at the age of 40. His life was an amazing journey filled with passion and faithfulness, and his legacy will endure.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the new official site of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial. To recognize the selfless contributions of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel nationwide, the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc., and the Julian Stanley Wise Foundation, in conjunction with To The Rescue, in 1993 organized the first annual National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in Roanoke, Virginia, to honor EMS personnel from across the country who have died in the line of duty. This Memorial is inclusive of all EMS providers, ground and air: first responders, search and rescue, EMTs, paramedics, nurses and pilots. The National EMS Memorial Service Board recently selected the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado to be the new city to host the annual National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial beginning in June 2010. I consider it a great privilege to represent the district that will serve as the host site for honoring the uniquely skilled and dedicated efforts of EMS personnel who work bravely and tirelessly to preserve America's greatest resource--her people.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding member requests I received as part of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: RDTE Air Force, Line 75, PE 0604706F Life Support Systems Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Goodrich Corporation Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1275 N. Newport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Description of the Request: $1.92 million is included in this bill to continue development and testing of the Advanced Common Ejection Seat (ACES 5) modular ejection-seat for the Air Force variant F-35 LRIP as well as its application to the F-22, F-15, F-16, F-117, A-10, B-1 and B-2. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: RDTE Army, Line 28 PE 0602787A Medical Technology Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Trauma Health and Hazards Center Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 Description of the Request: $2.4 million is included in this bill to fund SupportNet, a program through the Trauma, Health, & Hazards Center at The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) providing comprehensive support for the critical treatment of Army service personnel who are treating mental health problems (e.g., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Alcohol and Drug Addiction, etc.) at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express disappointment with Obamacare 2.0. Apparently President Obama did not get the message Americans don't want a big government takeover of health care. This $1 trillion health care bill is just more of the same: more spending, more taxes, and more government mandates. The American people want us to start over on health care, wipe the slate clean, and consider commonsense reforms that won't bankrupt our country. But what Americans want the most of all are jobs. Where are the jobs? Government doesn't create jobs, but we can do things to allow the private sector to create jobs. We could do these three things: across the board tax cuts, increase domestic energy production, and stop the overregulation of business. Those three simple things would create jobs. If the President really wants to, this is where he should start.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the signing of the Rocky Mountain National Park Act and I commend the gentle lady from the Fourth District of Colorado for introducing this resolution. President Woodrow Wilson established Rocky Mountain National Park on January 26th, 1915, and preserved the acreage to be enjoyed by millions of visitors each year. The Rocky Mountain National Park displays the majesty of Colorado, and some of the Nation's most striking scenery. As the country's highest National Park in elevation--with over 60 peaks reaching over 12,000 feet--the Rocky Mountain National Park is among the ten most visited national parks in the United States, drawing an average of 3 million visitors each year. The Continental Divide and headwaters for the Colorado River lie within the Park's boundaries, creating stunning vistas. I am a frequent visitor of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the Park is Trail Ridge Road. According to the National Park Service, it is the highest continuous motorway in the United States, with more than 8 miles lying above 11,000 feet and a maximum elevation of 12,183 feel. Like my fellow Coloradans, I am proud our State hosts this property, and would recommend my colleagues plan a visit to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty and plentiful recreational opportunities. It is a memorable experience our Nation is preserving for future generations. I commend the work of committed staff at the National Parks Service for preserving and facilitating ongoing access to this true national treasure. Rocky Mountain National Park is truly one of the crown jewels in our National Park System.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Boy Scouts of America on their 100th Anniversary. Many of our nation's most respected citizens are members of this esteemed organization, including government officials, business leaders, entertainers, and astronauts. Today, there are almost three million young men enrolled as members of the Boy Scouts. In my home state of Colorado, there are over 40,000 young men currently involved in scouting programs, and over 600 earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009. I have personally seen the positive impact of the Boy Scouts: my wife and I dedicated many nights and weekends with our four sons to carving Pinewood Derby cars, learning to tie knots in ropes, and planning service projects. Today, all four boys are Eagle Scouts. It is an achievement that speaks to years of dedication and hard work. The Boy Scouts of America has played an invaluable role in helping millions of families, just like mine, raise up young men of character. The Oath of the Boy Scouts is this: ``On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' At a time when this country desperately needs men of character, the Boy Scouts of America is actively training the next generation of leaders to fulfill this pledge. May God Bless the Boy Scouts of America during the next 100 years.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Biblica for the contributions they have made to our country and join with them in the celebration of their 200th anniversary. On December 4, 1809, a small group of concerned citizens met in lower Manhattan to discuss how to make the Bible available to the residents of the city and formed the New York Bible Society, beginning an organization that has been woven into the fabric of United States culture for 200 years. The New York Bible Society provided Scripture for members of the United States Armed Forces in each conflict, foreign and domestic, since the War of 1812, and in partnership with the United States military chaplaincy, distributed more than 1,000,000 Bibles to members of the Armed Forces looking for courage, guidance, and comfort. When the gates of Ellis Island opened in 1890, the New York Bible Society greeted new immigrants with a copy of Scripture in their native language, and over the 60 years that followed, provided an average of 160,000 copies of Scripture each year to immigrants. In 1962, John Glenn lifted off into space with a Bible he received from the New York Bible Society. In 1968, the New York Bible Society sponsored the Committee on Bible Translation, a group responsible for creating the New International Version, which is now the most widely distributed, contemporary English version in the world, with more than 300,000,000 copies in circulation. The New York Bible Society moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1988 and became the International Bible Society. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the International Bible Society distributed more than 800,000 copies of Scripture to those seeking hope and comfort during one of the darkest moments in United States history. The International Bible Society also provided Scripture to disaster survivors worldwide, including victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The International Bible Society merged with Living Bibles International and Send the Light and today operates as Biblica. Biblica is one of the largest distributors of Bibles and biblical resources in the world, operates in 54 countries, and has translated the Bible into more than 100 languages. Biblica is the leading provider of Bible translations on the Internet, providing the Bible in 29 languages to more than 100,000,000 Internet users annually. It is an honor to recognize Biblica as an integral part of our nation's history and I commend them for the contributions they have made to the United States and around the world.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, this picture shows what the failed policies of this Congress and administration are doing to America. This sign was put up near a homeless camp in my district. It's next to the highway, down by the river. It says: Welcome to Obamaville--Colorado's fastest growing community. It's obvious that the liberals' prescription for creating jobs only creates more government by taking hard-earned dollars from families and small businesses for taxes that could have gone into creating real jobs. When the President said he wanted more jobs through the so-called stimulus, it's mostly meant more bureaucrats, and that's not the jobs Americans want. When Americans lose their jobs in this recession and end up living in a tent, something is wrong. The policies of this administration and Congress, by raising taxes and putting more regulations in the way of business, will not create the jobs Americans need for the future, but their policies will create tent cities.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dane Nowels, an American patriot who passed away on December 1, 2009. As a resident of Colorado Springs and Colorado, Nowels was a true servant to his nation and community. I rise today to honor his contribution to our community and country. Born in Oakland California on October 18, 1947, Nowels graduated from The Ohio State University in 1969 with a degree in agricultural economics. As an agricultural enthusiast, Nowel was a four time National Champion in Tractor Pulling using the tractors that he built himself. After service in the Army and a career as a commodities broker, Nowels moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to provide heavy equipment to farmers and ranchers throughout southern Colorado for Ellen Equipment Company. Nowels was a natural leader, and he used his talents to serve others in the El Paso County community. As President of the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition and Vice-Chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Nowels accomplished much in El Paso County in defense of liberty. Nowels encouraged minorities, youth, young adults, and businesspeople to rally behind local and state candidates who exhibit support for a strong national defense and limited government. He was an advocate for traditional American values based upon the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amendment right to bear arms. In addition, Nowels was an active member of the Pikes Peak Economics Forum, often speaking to and debating area high school and college students about the free market system and the Constitutional rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout his life, Nowels was committed to serving this great country, whether in the Army or defending liberty in his community. I mourn his passing, and today ask that we honor the life of a true American hero.

Mr. LAMBORN

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

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin). I want to say that she has been a welcomed and strong addition to the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, I rise, too, in support of House Resolution 868, which honors and recognizes the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces. Throughout this great Nation's history, women have answered the call without hesitation to defend our democracy and freedom. Since colonial America, women have fought for our independence and have continued to serve with distinction in some capacity in every one of our Nation's conflicts. Before women were formally allowed to serve in the military, they served on the battlefields as nurses, waterbearers, cooks, and saboteurs. Since 1901, when the Army Nurse Corps was established and formally granted women rank and military status, hundreds of thousands of women have served with honor in the Armed Forces. They have never shirked responsibility, shied away from tough jobs, or hesitated to go in harm's way; 34,000 women served in World War I, 400,000 in World War II, 120,000 in the Korean War, over 7,500 in Vietnam, and over 41,000 served in Desert Storm, the first Gulf War. Today, over 350,000 women are serving in our Armed Forces. Over 190,000 have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other unheard of troubled spots around the world to help rid the world of tyranny and terrorism. They serve on land, at sea, and in the air, performing the technically challenging and dangerous missions we hear of in the news, including pilots, military police, and convoy truck drivers. These women, just like the men in our Armed Forces, are volunteers. They have always been volunteers. They have chosen to serve and chosen to make the sacrifices that are inherent in military service. They endure long hours, long separations from loved ones, and the hardships and horrors of combat. These women have been wounded, imprisoned, and have paid the ultimate price for their devotion and duty to this great country. It is without question that our military forces are unsurpassed. It is also undeniable that women have played a significant role in developing the extraordinarily capable military we are so proud of today. Military women have been pioneers in computer science, space, undersea exploration, and medicine. Through their accomplishments, America has made great strides in technology, mathematics, and engineering. Next week, as we take the time to remember our veterans, I ask that all Americans take a moment to thank the men and women who serve today and who have served our Armed Forces in the past. I strongly urge all Members to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and friend from Colorado for his kind and supportive remarks. At this time. I would like to yield such time as he may consume to my friend, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).

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

Mr. LAMBORN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 139, and I thank the gentlewoman from California for her kind and supportive remarks. Like me, she is a member of the Armed Services Committee, and I enjoy serving with her on that committee. Madam Speaker, I introduced this resolution on June 3 of this year. That date was significant because the resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy. Of the 306 men who entered the newly created Air Force Academy on July 11, 1955, 207 completed the grueling coursework and the transition to military life; 205 graduates were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force; one was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps; and one graduate was medically disqualified. The class included one football Academic All-American, Brock Strom. The academy's top graduate, Lieutenant General (now retired) Bradley C. Hosmer, went on to study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar--the first of 35 Rhodes Scholars who graduated from the academy. The class of '59 spent its first 3 years in refurbished World War II barracks at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. The upperclassmen were stand-ins--active duty Air Force officers, some who had graduated from other military academies. The cadet uniforms and the campus in Colorado Springs were still works in progress. By graduation day, June 3 of 1959, the academy had earned full academic accreditation. Ninety percent of the graduates entered pilot training and were already certified pilots in fighter and bomber aircraft during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The remainder became navigators or pursued other Air Force specialties. During the Cold War, they saw action in the Southeast Asia theater and in the Vietnam war, and they served in major commands of the day, including strategic air command, tactical air command and military airlift command. Since that historic day in 1959, members of the class went on to serve with distinction, as has been noted already, as astronaut, general, Thunderbird pilot, CEO, doctor, farmer, entrepreneur, commander of major commands, and vice chief of staff of the Air Force. Sixty-five percent of that graduating class served until retirement. Many of them went on to second careers in fields including defense, finance, management, education, and religion. Fifteen graduates' impressive careers culminated in being selected as general officers with three members achieving the rank of four-star general. When Secretary of the Air Force James Douglas, Jr., awarded the diplomas in 1959, he applauded the advances in science and technology that the new graduates would embrace and explore. The Colorado Springs campus was chosen as the ideal site of the Air Force Academy because of its unlimited training opportunities and majestic beauty. The famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, a member of the site selection committee, even rented a small plane and confirmed the area was fit for flight training. Additionally, business leaders of Colorado Springs met with local ranchers who owned the land along the Rampart Range north of town. Most agreed to sell if the site were chosen. In tribute to Colorado's strong military commitment, State leaders offered $1 million to be put towards the purchase of the present day 18,500-acre campus, an investment that continues to yield immeasurable returns to our Nation. The Class of '59 created traditions and set high standards for the 41,000 cadets to date who have followed. I am honored to represent the United States Air Force Academy in my district, and I personally congratulate all the living members of the Class of '59 for their 50 years of service to our great Nation, both in their military and civilian successes. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Concurrent Resolution 139. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 856, which was introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler). This resolution recognizes the commissioning of the USS New York, the newest of the U.S. Navy's San Antonio-class ships known as the landing platform dock, or LPD. As has already been stated by my colleague, this is no ordinary commissioning. On Monday this week, it arrived in New York Harbor to fanfare, including a 21-gun salute near the site of the 2001 terrorist attack. It was September 2002, in a ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City, that then-Secretary of the Navy Gordon England announced the decision to name the fifth amphibious ship of the San Antonio class the New York. During the ceremony, Secretary England stated, ``USS New York will project American power to the far corners of the Earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century. From the war for independence through the war on terrorism, which we wage today, the courage and heroism of the people of New York have been an inspiration.'' During that same ceremony in 2002, Governor Pataki highlighted one special aspect of this new ship: ``We are very proud that the twisted steel from the World Trade Center towers will soon be used to forge an even stronger national defense. The USS New York will soon be defending freedom and combating terrorism around the globe while also ensuring that the world never forgets the evil attacks of September 11, 2001, and the courage and strength New Yorkers showed in response to terror.'' I am honored to speak in favor of this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Resolution 856. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I am once again urging all of my colleagues to support this wonderful resolution. I am proud that I can do so as well. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, Washington is attempting to take over our health care system, roughly 16 percent of the economy. In the shadow of an approximately $12 trillion national debt, I am deeply concerned about the financial direction our country is taking. Our annual deficit set an all-time record this year of $1.4 trillion, three times the previous record. Our future obligations are over $50 trillion, and we have no plan to pay any of it back. This is unsustainable. While people in my State of Colorado and all over the country are struggling, the Federal Government has the audacity to propose raising taxes by another $730 billion for health care. Besides higher taxes, the health care plan is largely paid for, if you can call it that, by raiding Medicare, another entitlement program that is nearly insolvent. If Congress were a publicly traded company, it would be looking at huge civil and criminal penalties for shoddy bookkeeping.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, President Obama has promised he wouldn't raise taxes on working Americans or go into debt for health care. Both promises are violated by the Democrat plan for health care. The Congressional Budget Office's score of almost $1 trillion for the Baucus bill is based on 10 years of revenues but on only 7 years of expenditures. This is a dishonest budget gimmick that hides the true cost. Is anyone so foolish to believe that a $1 trillion spending program won't translate into higher taxes and fees on working Americans or into higher deficits or both? The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation has confirmed that just the penalties for not purchasing government-approved coverage will translate into higher taxes on middle class families, in addition to possible jail time--a direct contradiction of President Obama's promise. When the President's and the Democrats' actions do not match their rhetoric, the American people should know.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. That's an excellent question. Just on Monday, I had a town hall meeting with standing room only. It was packed with 600 people there to listen to and debate and discuss health care. And I'm hearing their--and at other times from small business owners, Representative Coffman--and I brought with me some statements that small business owners in my district, which is Colorado Springs and surrounding counties and communities in Colorado, are saying about this Democratic proposal on health care. Here is from a man who is a registered Democrat, ``I do not believe the government can do a better job than the private market in providing health insurance.'' Another business owner said we need to put a halt to the rampant government spending. The estimated $1.6 trillion for new government health care on top of all the other crazy government spending will bankrupt the economy and will require a significant raise to our taxes. As the owner of a small business in Colorado Springs, I can't afford to subsidize all of these government programs. Another business owner said, I am opposed to any health care reform that includes a public option, co-op or any other government involvement by whatever name you may choose. My business training and life experiences have taught me that competition is created in a free market environment and that government only serves to interfere with this process. I do not agree that a public option will introduce efficiency and lower cost. And he goes on to say we should be buying insurance across State lines. We should have tort reform. We should do some of the free market reforms that we can and should do, instead of H.R. 3200.