Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Again, this is a problem we are facing. Instead of saying we are going to increase certain budgets by 12 percent over the year before, we have to go back maybe a budget before that and say that is where we need to start the cuts. One of the things that is happening with small businesses across the country, or large businesses, when I go across my district and when I have the opportunity, I try to go to as many factories and businesses as I can. And when I am talking to these individuals, I like to find out what is happening to them. But they like to ask this one question: We have cut way back to keep our doors open; what have you done in the Federal Government to help along these lines? I think one of the interesting trips I was in was at a factory in my district. I went into the plant and they had to scale back. They had to unfortunately cut employees. But at the same time they were in there saying we had to reduce the number of hours people were working. So maybe it was not 40-plus hours, but it was a 32-hour work week. Then they said we have to make sure that management does their share. They were cut 10-20 percent in their salary. And management was cleaning the restrooms in the factory to try to help do anything to scale back on costs that they would pay someone else to do.

Mr. LATTA. Well, when you look at these budget projections, you have to have people working. When we are looking at an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent in this country and a little under 11 percent unemployment in the State of Ohio, and we all know what is going to happen later this summer when all of those people who were hired to be census takers, working for the census are going to be back on unemployment, these numbers are going to go right back up because it kind of is a false data time that we are in right now when we are looking at these numbers. Of course we saw what happened when the unemployment numbers came out and only 41,000 jobs had been created in the private sector, what Wall Street thought of that. They are looking at things are not going well for this economy. I know you heard these same statements that were projections from the Congressional Budget Office director when he was before the Budget Committee. We are looking at probably 2014 or 2015 before we get back to, and I don't care if you want to say normal employment or normal unemployment in this country. The question is for areas that are hard hit like a lot of parts of Ohio and a lot of parts of the Midwest where manufacturing takes place, what are we going to do in our areas for the next 4 or 5 years with these high unemployment rates? Where are people going to go?

Mr. LATTA. That happens all of the time, unfortunately. We have situations where we are competing. I know years ago when I was a county commissioner, we were competing against many other parts of the State of Ohio or maybe someplace in southern Michigan or eastern Indiana. In a short 20-year period, now we are competing with somebody 8,000, 12,000 miles away. If they are in a situation where they have lower labor cost, and if they have lower cost for their electricity or other fuel costs, and we are all for clean air and clean water, but if they are in certain areas where there is no concern for that, and we have heard under the cap-and-trade legislation, if we did everything that was asked for under this piece of legislation that passed out of the House, in 8 years there would be absolutely no difference in CO2 emissions. Why, because China and India would be making that amount up. But at the same time, we would have lost all of those jobs in this country. Those jobs would have moved someplace else.

Mr. LATTA. I would just like to conclude on a statement that was made as you talk about Americans getting re-involved. Again, when I speak to the students on our steps here at the United States Capitol, I can't think of a better place to tell kids what they have to do. But one of the interesting things, especially when I have seniors in high school and I say, how many of you are registered to vote, I remember one day we had about 100 students out there, and I probably had maybe 20 percent of the kids sheepishly start trying to raise their hands. They were going to put them down and I said, wait a minute, leave your hands up. I said, I want everyone to look at who has their hands up because they're going to be making the decisions for you. I said, if you want to participate in this great experiment, you have got to be registered, you have got to be involved. It kind of goes back to what Benjamin Franklin said. It was reported when he left the Constitutional Convention--it was very contentious--a lot of people think it was just fine and dandy. They showed up in Philadelphia starting in May of 1787 and they wrote this great document. But it was hard-pressed, hard work, and they got it done. And when Franklin left, a woman asked him as he left, she said, Mr. Franklin, what have you given us? And he said, ``A republic if you can keep it.'' I yield back.

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentlelady for yielding and a couple of your earlier points, you know, you were talking about pay here in Washington. I've got a bill that hasn't had any hearings, and what that bill says is that there are no COLAs anymore for Congress. If you think you deserve a pay raise, then you should introduce a piece of legislation saying that, and what this bill would do is say no more COLAs, period. We wouldn't have a 1-year freeze or a 2-year freeze; this bill would say no more COLAs. Again, going back to what you said on that interest on that debt, and I mentioned a little bit earlier about going back to the early 1980s, with that 21.5 percent interest rate that people experienced. I was first starting to practice law that year, and I'll never forget, we had to do land contracts. And what a land contract, of course, is, say you want to buy my house, well, you couldn't go to the bank and get a loan because you couldn't borrow any money. So I would have to, as the owner of the home, would sell you the house. We would have a contract that you pay me the principal and interest over about a 3-year period of time, and hopefully, at the end of that 3 years, then you would find a bank that you could go out to and get a loan from. We don't want to see this go back, like I said, to where we had 21.5 percent interest. We don't want to go back to have some businesses out there at over 26 percent. When the Federal Government is out there, as you said, you know, if they have to start raising the interest rates to make it more profitable or for either the country--of course, right now, we know $3.7 trillion of our debt is owned by foreign countries, and you know, we're only seeing that only grow, where they will control more of our public debt than anybody else. So it's important that we get this under control because we cannot have interest rates that high into future. Businesses will stagnate. Businesses will not have the ability to go out and borrow money. And that's what we're going to be looking at. We'll be staring that in the face in a very short period of time, and what we need to make sure is that businesses can go down to that local bank on the corner, that people can go down to that bank on the corner and draw money and also loan money from that bank because, again, if we're in a situation that we were, you know, having learned that a lifetime ago already, not too many years, but back in a situation that we would be in where we were before, we can't compete. And something else I guess we're kind of forgetting, when you look back on some of these statistics, maybe 10, 20, or 30 years ago, the United States was pretty much at the top of the heap. We could make some odd, dumb mistakes along the line, but we could correct them pretty quick because we controlled about everything. Not anymore. When you're looking where the Chinese want to be in the next 10 to 15 years and where other global competitors are, we're not going to be there. So that's why the United States and this Congress cannot misstep at any time, from now or into the future, because our future, not only for this generation but the generations to follow, are at stake.

Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much for yielding, and again, you go back to the Responsibility Investment Act again, you were talking about cutting taxes here and what we can do to really get things moving. Again, if you get rid of and make permanent the repeal of the death tax, well, what happens? People are going to say, now I can invest that money back into the business instead of going out saying, how am I going to try to soften the blow when the taxes finally come, you know, through buying insurance or, you know, going to multiple years of tax planning on how you're going to get this thing done? And I'm sure everybody this year is going crazy with the thought that the death tax comes screaming back at the $1 million level at the end of this year, and you have a lot of folks with their A and their B trusts already funded where they're supposed to be, and they're going to say, now what am I supposed to do? So it's right back doing what? You know, it's not just the money that people invest, it is also the time. If you think how much time is invested by businesses to try to figure out how they have to cope with all these taxes and regulations out there, I think that that's one of the important things out there. Again, in a piece of legislation that I have on the Responsibility Investment Act, again, repealing that death tax, we're talking about what we can do on the small business side. You know, if we're doing a 20 percent cut for small businesses and 20 percent tax cut for businesses, that's going to allow those businesses to take up to a 20 percent deduction equal to their income. And it's regardless of whether they're paying corporate or personal income tax. So those are things we have to do to try to make sure that we get businesses back moving in this country again, and again, we just can't expect folks out there to say, you know what, I'm going to work like a dog 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for X number of years to try to get this off the ground and then have to watch it all be taken away from me.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 28, 2010, I missed a series of votes on account of traveling back to Ohio to attend my daughter's high school graduation. If I had been present, I would have voted ``no'' on Rollcall No. 324, ``no'' on Rollcall No. 325, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 326, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 327, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 328, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 329, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 330, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 331, ``no'' on Rollcall No. 332, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 333, ``no'' on Rollcall No. 334, ``aye'' on Rollcall No. 335, and ``no'' on Rollcall No. 336.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember the five lives of five constituents from my district who were killed this past weekend as a severe thunderstorm which produced two tornados swept across my district, leaving a trail of absolute destruction and devastation. Mary Walters and her 4-year-old son, Hayden, in addition to Ted Kranz, Kathy Hammitt, and Bailey Bowman, all died during the storm. On Sunday I rode with the Fulton County sheriff, and on Monday I rode with the Lake Township, Wood County chief of police to get a firsthand view of the devastation left behind by these tornados. During these visits, I spoke with many residents who survived the storms and heard them relate their miracle tales of survival. I also want to recognize the 2010 graduating class of Lake High School in Wood County for their steadfast will and character in the wake of this deadly storm. One of the tornadoes hit Lake High School, completely destroying the school. This happened only hours before the senior class of 110 students were scheduled to hold their commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon. And, sadly, the class valedictorian, Katie Kranz, lost her father during that storm. The true character, compassion, and strength of the people of America come through in times like these, as the surrounding communities have stepped up to help in whatever way possible during the recovery effort. The local chapter of the Red Cross and other volunteer organizations were quickly on the ground to lend their support. The local elected officials and administrators of Wood and Fulton Counties should also be commended for their organization and leadership during these trying times. Their quick response to help those in need has held the community together during this time. I also want to commend other communities in the area, like the city of Northwood, who helped by letting the Lake Township Police use its communications headquarters after the Lake Township Police Department was destroyed, as well as the administration building. The city of Oregon has lent three police cruisers to the township, as well as the Wood County sheriff lending two. Why? Because the Lake Township lost six of their cars during the storm. Yesterday I sent a letter to President Obama requesting that Wood and Fulton Counties be declared Federal disaster areas as soon as possible. This will be important for the counties so that they may have access to as many resources as possible during the recovery efforts. This afternoon, Governor Strickland is also asking for a declaration for Federal assistance, and I thank him for it.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to a brave group of individuals fro Ohio. The 1483rd Transportation Company is celebrating its return from service in the theater of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the broader conflict of America's Global War on Terror. There is no question the Ohio National Guard is one of the fundamental military components of our country. Over its brief but active course of service to our great nation, the Ohio Army National Guard's 1483rd Transportation Company has demonstrated its commitment to the cause of freedom. These soldiers have contributed to the long history of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, dating back to 1942. This Walbridge, Ohio-based Guard unit travelled over 325,000 miles, carrying with it almost 33,000 tons of equipment in support of America's efforts in Iraq. These soldiers conducted nearly 150 combat patrols, five vehicle recovery operations and a humanitarian mission where educational materials were shipped abroad. The 1483rd Transportation Company also moved over 400 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, nearly 150 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1 Abrams tanks, and also helped in the U.S. military drawdown initiative in Iraq. The 1483rd Transportation Company is deserving of the greatest respect and our highest honor. These individuals have not only ably and faithfully served our great nation in the theater of war, but have selflessly supported humanitarian efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. Surely, America's safety and wellbeing have been strengthened by its steadfast service. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Ohio Army National Guard's 1483rd Transportation Company. America is well served by dedicated service men and women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect our beloved nation. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize these citizen soldiers upon their return from serving America's interests in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay special tribute to a military hero from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. United States Army LTC Thomas P. Belkofer, 44, of Perrysburg, Ohio, lost his life in combat on May 18, 2010 as a result of wounds sustained in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer was assigned to the headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York. He is survived by his dear wife Margaret, and their daughters Alyssa and Ashley. An individual dedicated to giving his all in everything, Thomas Belkofer was a determined athlete at his alma mater, Rossford High School, where he graduated in 1983. Thomas served in the Ohio Army National Guard, and in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC, in college. In 1992, Thomas received his Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green State University in Architecture and Environmental Design. It was this same year he married his college sweetheart, Margaret Maness, and both were commissioned in the United States Army. Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer earned his Masters in Business Administration degree from Syracuse University during his active duty service. A committed Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer served 18 years at various military assignments, including the bases in Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort George G. Meade in Maryland; The Pentagon; a 13-month deployment to Afghanistan; Vincenza, Italy; and Fort Drum, New York. During his first deployment in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer assisted with the establishment of a financial infrastructure for Afghan government employees, many of them soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer's life and accomplishments reflect his commitment to his country and the protection of its freedoms. In addition to his various assignments that have taken Lieutenant Colonel Belkofer all over the world, he received many badges, medals, and ribbons. These include the Overseas Service Bar, Army Staff Identification Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Combat Action Badge, Army Joint Meritorious Award, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with the Bronze Service Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Legion of Merit Medal. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and selfless service of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer. We stand with his family and loved ones in mourning the loss of America's finest, and remain forever grateful for his sacrifice toward the peace and security of our nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, why does this country need a budget, and why does this House need a budget? It is very, very simple. We are looking at a $20 trillion debt in less than 10 years; $20 trillion. What is the yearly interest going to be on that in 10 years? Over potentially $1 trillion; $1 trillion in interest in one year that we are facing. This year, Washington is going to spend a record $3.6 trillion, and at least $1.5 trillion to $1.6 trillion is going to be in the deficit. The CBO and OMB when they testified before the Budget Committee, their directors both said that the spending is unsustainable. Unsustainable. But what happens here? We don't produce a budget. How do you get this under control? Our kids and their kids are going to be paying for it. It is tough to look these kids when they come to Washington in the face, when they are out here on the Capitol steps, look at them and ask where are they going to be in 10 years? It is not going to be what we did for them; it is what we have done to them. When we look in the future, it is getting worse, because right now when you look at this little chart that came out from the Treasury, 47 percent of our debt today is foreign-owned. This has got to stop.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding public servant from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. My District Director, Barbara Barker of Antwerp, Ohio will be retiring following Twenty-One years of service to Ohio's Fifth Congressional District Offices. Barbara Barker began her service to Ohio's Fifth Congressional District as a Staff Assistant to the late Congressman Paul E. Gillmor. Barbara was soon promoted to serve in various capacities under Congressman Gillmor, being selected to serve as District Representative, Senior District Representative, and then lastly as District Director during her tenure. Following the vacancy left by the late Congressman Gillmor, Barbara's professionalism as a manager of congressional district operations made her a natural choice to assume the same role in my district offices. I have found Barbara to be a dedicated public servant, who has not only managed the day to day functions of my district offices, but has demonstrated that she made the well-being of the constituents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District the hallmark of her career with the United States House of Representatives. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Barbara Barker for her role in my district offices. Our communities have undoubtedly benefited from her years of faithful service. We wish Barbara Barker all of the best upon her retirement as District Director of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District Offices.

Mr. LATTA

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

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak against the rule for H.R. 5019. I offered an amendment in full committee markup which would have prevented enactment of H.R. 5019 if there was an impact on deficit neutrality. I withdrew that amendment in committee due to an exchange I had with the chairman, Mr. Waxman, where he told me we would continue to work on this amendment so we could pay for this bill before we brought it to the House floor. I do thank the chairman for meeting with me. There has been no pay-for secured, unfortunately, and therefore I offered a similar amendment in the Rules Committee. The amendment was not accepted in the Rules Committee, and therefore we are not able to have open debate on the issue today on the House floor. It is frustrating that the majority has shut down the opportunity to have a debate on the cost of the legislation and the addition it would be to the Federal deficit. Very simply, my amendment stated that the provision of this act, including the amendments made by the act, shall be suspended and shall not apply if there is a negative net effect on the national budget deficit of the United States. While this is an authorizing bill, I am concerned that the majority could not give any assurance that this bill will indeed be paid for. I'm very concerned about the $6.6 billion price tag of this legislation. At a time when there is a national deficit crisis, it is not appropriate to add $6.6 billion in spending to the deficit. As a Congress, we absolutely must stop this excessive spending. President Obama submitted his administration's fiscal year 2010 budget proposal with a record-breaking cost of $3.8 trillion. This budget proposal includes a $2 trillion tax increase over the next 10 years and projected record deficits. This proposal will double our Nation's debt in 5 years and triple it in 10 years from the levels from fiscal year 2008. CBO has stated that under current spending levels, by 2020, American taxpayers will be paying $2 billion per day in interest on the national debt. It also estimates that the debt will be $20 trillion by that year. Our Nation's economic future requires that this Congress and the administration exercise serious fiscal restraint. Also, we know there will be devastating effects on the economy due to the recently passed health care bill. The recent CMS analysis concluded that national health care expenditures will actually increase by $311 billion. This analysis also shows the recently passed health care bill increased health care costs to 21 percent of GDP by 2019. Finally, CBO released figures showing that the ``doc fix'' will cost $275.8 billion through 2020, and that is if rates are frozen at current levels. This is a 33 percent increase from the initial figure of $207 billion. I'm against this rule and disappointed my amendment was not approved by the Rules Committee for consideration today on the floor.

Mr. LATTA. I yield.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the motion to recommit for H.R. 5019. As I stated earlier during floor debate, I have very serious concerns that my amendment regarding deficit neutrality was not accepted through the rules process. The majority has not allowed the debate to occur regarding this budget deficit issue. This MTR will ensure that this act is sunsetted if the legislation has a negative net effect on the Federal budget deficit. I feel that if this new program is important enough to authorize, it should be important enough for us to find a way to pay for it. I am concerned that the majority could not give any assurance that this bill will indeed be paid for without increasing the deficit. While I support the incentives to help provide energy efficiency, I am very concerned about the $6.6 billion price tag of this legislation. At a time when we are in a national deficit crisis, it is not appropriate to add $6.6 billion in spending to the deficit. As a Congress, we absolutely must stop this excessive spending. President Obama submitted his administration's fiscal year 2011 budget proposal with a record-breaking cost of $3.8 trillion. This budget proposal includes a $2 trillion tax increase over the next 10 years, and projected record deficits. This proposal will double our Nation's debt in 5 years and triple it in 10 years from fiscal year 2008 levels. CBO has stated that under the current spending levels, by 2020, American taxpayers will be paying $2 billion per day in interest on the national debt. It also estimates that by 2020 the debt will be $20 trillion. This simply is not the time for a new $6.6 billion government program. That is why I offered the amendment to the legislation regarding the national deficit and why I urge you to support the motion to recommit. It ensures fiscal responsibility and ensures taxpayer dollars will be spent wisely. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the MTR.

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise today to speak against H.R. 5019. As I discussed earlier during the rule debate, I have very serious concerns about how we are paying for this legislation. In exchange for withdrawing my deficit neutrality at the full committee markup, Chairman Waxman said he would work with me in trying to find a way to pay for this piece of legislation. I do thank the chairman for meeting with me on this matter. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a pay-for during our negotiation. Although this is an authorization legislation and not an appropriation, I feel that if this program is important enough to authorize, it should be important enough for us to find a way to pay for it. I am concerned that the majority could not give any assurance that this bill will indeed be paid for. I offered an amendment yesterday regarding the Federal deficit that was not accepted in the Rules Committee, and therefore we are not able to have an open debate on this issue today on the House floor. It is frustrating that the majority has shut down the opportunity to have a debate on the cost of this legislation and the addition it will be to the Federal deficit. The majority is claiming that this bill does not need to have a pay- for since, again, it is an authorizing bill. However, I believe that the issue of the budget deficit should at least be able to be debated. While I support the incentives to help provide energy efficiency as well as programs to promote job growth, I am very concerned about the $6.6 billion price tag of this legislation. In addition, this is duplicative of an existing government program that has not been fully implemented. Just a little bit ago, the gentleman from Florida stated--but I think it's really important to reiterate--that the Department of Energy recently issued a report concluding that as of February 2010, of the $4.7 billion DOE has awarded in grants to States under the stimulus weatherization programs, only $368 million--less than 10 percent--has been used by the States for weatherization programs and only 30,297 homes have actually been weatherized. Of the 10 States receiving the most money under the $4.7 billion allocated for the weatherization program under the Recovery Act, only two had weatherized more than 2 percent of the homes covered by the program. The other eight States weatherized fewer than 400 homes each. Because the $4.7 billion weatherization program has been incredibly slow to implement, I have concerns about the effectiveness of the $6.6 billion in the Home Star Energy Retrofit program. This simply is not the right time for a new program. Ohio currently has an unemployment rate of 11 percent, and my district has an average unemployment rate of 13.5 percent. Individuals in my district are asking, Where are the jobs? And these same individuals are asking how Congress can continue to spend more and more money on government programs rather than cut spending to ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren. They are very concerned about the debt and the deficit that this Congress is amassing. That is why I offered the amendment to the legislation regarding the national deficit and why I wanted to have a debate on this amendment on the House floor in regards to this legislation. Unfortunately, I cannot support another government-run program that will do nothing to help the constituents of my district. I urge a ``no'' vote on the bill.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Kyle Hall of Greenwich, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Kyle's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Kyle brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending South Central High School in Greenwich, Ohio, Kyle attained an impressive grade point average. Kyle was inducted into the National Honor Society, active in the Student Council, was a class officer, and achieved numerous academic honors. Throughout high school, Kyle was a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He was co-captain of the football team and was a third year letterman in the sport. Kyle served the community of Greenwich by assisting with the Salvation Army. I am confident that Kyle will carry the lessons of his student leadership to the Merchant Marine Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kyle Hall on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Kyle will excel during his career at the Merchant Marine Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Anderson Showman of Willard, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Anderson's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Anderson brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending Willard High School in Willard, Ohio, Anderson attained a grade point average that placed him in the top ten percent of his graduating class. Anderson was inducted into the National Honor Society, active in Student Council, and was a class officer. Throughout high school, Anderson was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He earned varsity letters in those sports and was also an instructor with the Midwest Baseball Camp. Anderson served the community of Willard by assisting with the community's hospital events, the Salvation Army, and the local food bank. I am confident that Anderson will carry the lessons of his student leadership to West Point. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anderson Showman on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Anderson will excel during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Richard Snyder of McClure, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Richard's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Richard brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending Napoleon High School in Napoleon, Ohio, Richard attained a 4.0 grade point average that placed him first in his graduating class. Richard was inducted into the National Honor Society and attained the A.P. Scholar Award. Throughout high school, Richard was a member of the cross country and track teams and active in intramural basketball and volleyball. Richard received the Greater Buckeye Conference's All Academic Award. Richard served as senior class president at Napoleon High School and has been an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio. He was selected to attend Buckeye Boys State, was a Student Council representative and a member of Peers Achieving Win-Win Situations, P.A.W.S. I am confident that Richard will carry the lessons of his student leadership to West Point. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Richard Snyder on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Richard will excel during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Sean Murray of Defiance, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sean's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Sean brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending Defiance High School in Defiance, Ohio, Sean attained a 4.0 grade point average that placed him first in his graduating class. Sean was inducted into the National Honor Society and also received the Scholar-Athlete Award, Academic Achievement Award, Eagles Excellence Award, Academic All-League, Academic All-Ohio, and was named to the Principal's List. Throughout high school, Sean was a member of the football and track teams, serving as captain of the football team his senior year. Sean received his varsity letter in both sports and holds the school record for the 4x800 meter relay. Sean also served as National Honor Society vice president and Student Council vice president, in addition to being active in the D.A.R.E. middle school role model program. He also volunteers within the community for various organizations. I am confident that Sean will carry the lessons of his student leadership to the Air Force Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sean Murray on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Sean will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Jacob Brodman of Tiffin, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Jacob's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Jacob brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Calvert High School in Tiffin, Ohio, Jacob attained an impressive grade point average. Jacob was a member of the School's Spanish Club and Quiz Bowl team, and he earned academic letters throughout his high school career. Outside the classroom, Jacob was a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams. Jacob utilized his leadership skills by participating in Calvert High School's National Honor Society and Student Council. I am confident that Jacob will carry the lessons of his student leadership to West Point. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jacob Brodman on his acceptance of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Jacob will excel during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with the recently released analysis done by CMS of the health care bill that confirms that our Nation's health care costs will increase rather than decrease as the President has pledged to the Nation. The CMS analysis concluded that the national health care expenditure will actually increase by $311 billion. At a time when our employment rate is continuing to rise, how are American families supposed to pay these increased costs? The latest figures show that the Ohio unemployment rate is 11.5 percent, and in some parts of my district it is 14 percent. My constituents are continuing to ask, where are the jobs? In addition, the small businesses in my district are asking how they're supposed to pay the new mandates being placed on them under this bill. The CMS analysis also shows that the recently passed health care bill will increase health care costs to 21 percent of the GDP by 2019. In addition to this increased spending in health care, the Congressional Budget Office has stated that under current spending levels, by 2020 American taxpayers will be paying $2 billion a day in interest alone on the national debt. It also estimates that the debt will be $20 trillion by that year. Our Nation's economic future requires that this administration and Congress exercise serious fiscal constraint and stop excessive spending.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Bo Joost of Sherwood, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Bo's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Bo brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending Fairview High School in Sherwood, Ohio, Bo attained a grade point average of 4.0 that placed him first in his graduating class. He was inducted into the National Honor Society where he served as vice president his senior year. Bo was also a member of the Varsity Club and Foreign Language Society. Throughout high school, Bo participated in the football, baseball, and archery teams, having served as co-Captain of the varsity football team his senior year. Bo has been active and held numerous leadership positions in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Students for Action in Education, served as a D.A.R.E. role model, and participated in Lutheran Youth Fellowship. Bo also volunteers for relay for life, central shares, and vacation bible school. I am confident that Bo will carry the lessons of his student leadership to the Naval Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bo Joost on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Bo will excel during his career at the Naval Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Michael Watrol of Rossford, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Michael's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2014. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Michael brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2014. While attending St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio, Michael attained an impressive grade point average. He received numerous academic awards. Throughout high school, Michael was a member of the water polo, tennis, CYO basketball and Belmont Swim teams. He received his varsity letter in tennis. Michael has been active in Young Marines of Toledo, Junior State of America, Bethel Lutheran Church, and has volunteered for numerous organizations in the community. I am confident that Michael will carry the lessons of his student leadership to the Naval Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Watrol on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Michael will excel during his career at the Naval Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.