Leonard Lance

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dean Janeway, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wakefern Food Corporation. Mr. Janeway is retiring after nearly five decades of service. Wakefern Food Corporation, headquartered in Woodbridge, New Jersey, is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Members of this cooperative operate supermarkets under the ``Shop-Rite'' banner throughout the Northeast, including several locations in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. Mr. Janeway joined Wakefern in the 1960s as a junior accountant and eventually worked his way to Executive Vice President. He was later named Wakefern's President and Chief Operating Officer in 1995. Under his tenure, Wakefern significantly expanded the corporation serving more localities and employing more people. Mr. Janeway has been dedicated to giving back to the community. During his tenure, he has directed more than $24 million in donations to regional food banks. Wakefern has also championed numerous local charities in support of medical research and treatment, fighting hunger, and educating young adults. Mr. Janeway has also been honored by the Special Olympics of New Jersey and the Archdiocese of Newark for his support of charitable causes. I congratulate Mr. Janeway on his tenure with Wakefern Food Corporation and I commend him for his achievements throughout the years.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Thank you, Chairman Dreier, for your leadership on this extremely important issue. I rise in support of the rule, and I rise in support the underlying legislation which is, by its nature, bipartisan, bicameral and a compromise that avoids default, adds certainty to our economic recovery, and puts our Nation on a sustainable path towards fiscal responsibility. What we need in America is jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, and this will help that effort forward. This support is consistent with my longstanding efforts to bring fiscal sanity to New Jersey and to be among those attempting to bring it here to Washington. The main portions of the compromise have been outlined, but for the first time the narrative on Capitol Hill is no longer how much can government spend, but how we can best reduce spending. This new awakening to fiscal prudence is in the best interests of the Nation and, indeed, I believe is the critical issue of our generation. I commend Speaker Boehner for his superb leadership on this issue, and I shall vote for the rule and the underlying legislation in the belief that it will help move our Nation forward.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation's debt now approaches its current $14.29 trillion limit, many Americans rightfully ask: How did this happen? In the past decade alone, Congress has authorized an increase in the debt 10 times. When Republicans had controlled the White House and Congress, it was Republicans who voted for it. When Democrats have controlled the White House and Congress, it has been Democrats who have voted for it. The Federal Government has only managed to balance its budget five times in the last 50 years, most recently with President Clinton, a Democrat, and Republican control in the House of Representatives. Washington now borrows approximately 40 percent of every dollar it spends. Foreign investors hold half of our Nation's $14 trillion debt-- not only from China, but from Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, and other places as well. Admiral Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has called the national debt ``the single biggest threat to our national security.'' For the first time in modern history, last year's Congress passed no budget, no fundamental blueprint for spending, and no final decision on spending levels through the appropriations process for the entire fiscal year. We've been operating under a series of continuing resolutions, which has led to uncertainty as to Federal levels of spending and as to tax rates, which in turn has led to a lack of hiring in the private sector, with an unemployment rate of 9.2 percent, which in turn has led to less revenues in Federal coffers--a vicious cycle that cannot continue. Any agreement to President Obama's request to increase our borrowing limit should include a real plan to bring our fiscal house in order and reduce the Nation's unsustainably high levels of Federal spending, debt and deficits. This should include substantial reductions in current spending--at least $100 billion in fiscal year 2012--limiting Federal expenditures to a certain percentage of gross domestic product. The historic norm has been 20 percent over the last generation. Tragically, we're now at 24 percent--and safeguards that will restrict future spending, such as a balanced budget amendment, which is contained in 49 of our 50 States. Also, we must put partisanship aside and include reforms to save Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. If we do nothing, for example, regarding Medicare--and the President's budget in the winter did nothing--the program will begin to go bankrupt in 2024, 13 years from now. That is simply unsustainable and unacceptable. When I was a boy and a young man, the fundamental issue confronting the Nation was the threat of the Soviet Union and international communism, the focus of evil in the modern world, as President Reagan said. The fundamental issue confronting the Nation in the 21st century is fiscal responsibility. Will our children live in a diminished America? Will the promise of America that each generation will do better than the generation before it continue to exist? Will we continue to lead the world or will leadership pass to China or India or to some other place? This is the great issue confronting the people of the United States, and it is the great issue confronting us here in Congress as well. Let's get our fiscal house in order.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate eight outstanding public high schools in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District that were recently recognized by Newsweek Magazine as among the top 500 public high schools in America for 2011. In all, New Jersey claimed 36 high schools of Newsweek's top 500. In the Seventh Congressional District in New Jersey, that I have the honor of representing, I congratulate the Academy For Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains; the Union County Magnet High School, also in Scotch Plains; Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren; Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights; Westfield High School in Westfield; the Academy for Information Technology, also in Scotch Plains; Cranford High School in Cranford; and Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield. Newsweek contacted more than 1,100 high schools across the country and reviewed their graduation and college matriculation rates, SAT and Advanced Placement test scores and other information, as well as the school's ability to turn out college-ready and life-ready students. I congratulate all of the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other property taxpayers who help make New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District the home to so many of the top- performing high schools in the Nation. When it comes to the best education in the country, New Jersey's public school system makes the grade.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, on July 8, 2011, Temple Emanu-El of Edison will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. I am proud to join the more than 250 families in the congregation, the clergy and temple leaders in celebrating this golden anniversary. This special event will kick off a year-long celebration of the Temple's history, successes and contributions it has made over the course of five decades to its members and to the Middlesex County and surrounding communities. Over the last 50 years, Temple Emanu-El has earned a reputation for its open door policy, which is a hallmark of its congregational community. The renowned religious school was the first in the area to offer special education programs. The Temple has sheltered the homeless and welcomes interfaith families with no categorizing of Jewish and non-Jewish members. A good community partner in Middlesex County, the Temple offers adult education programs. Its members deliver weekend meals-on-wheels to those in need and collects and distributes food and funds to the needy in the community. At the Temple Emanu-El religious school, children learn Hebrew and the traditions of Judaism. Adults study with renowned Scholars-in- Residence and to take part in an Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. Interfaith families can learn how to create Jewish homes. As Temple Emanu-El celebrates this important milestone, I congratulate Rabbi Deborah K. Bravo, Cantor Jacqueline Shuchat-Marx, Rabbi Alfred B. Landsberg--Rabbi Emeritus, Jill Santoni, Educational Director, and the Temple's Board of Trustees for their dedicated efforts. As the Temple's journey continues and traditions are passed along Dor v' Dor, I wish the Temple all the best in celebrating the next 50 years. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Temple Emanu-El in Edison, New Jersey in celebrating 50 years of service to the community. I am proud to share this important milestone with my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. LANCE. The language of section 740 is within the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, and our committee is the appropriate forum for considering such language. Having said that, the House should know--and the Food and Drug Administration should know--that we agree with the spirit of the language and the goal of the members of the Appropriations Committee, who supported its inclusion in the bill. After speaking with the sponsors of the language, we know that together we share a concern about what is happening at the FDA. We believe that policy decisions at the FDA should be based on science and not on any irrelevant consideration. As much as officials at the FDA claim that their decisions are based on sound science, their recent actions give us pause. For example, 2 months ago, Chairman Upton, along with Chairman Lucas and Chairman Graves, sent a letter to the FDA regarding the potential ban of antimicrobial animal drugs and the lack of scientific support for that action. This potential ban has caused significant worry among our Nation's producers, veterinarians, and consumers. The chairmen finally received a response from the FDA last Friday, and the FDA refused to answer the questions about the scientific basis of their action, claiming that the matter is still, quote, under consideration. This response is unacceptable and makes us wonder why the FDA refuses to discuss the scientific basis for its conclusions. We pledge that the Energy and Commerce Committee will explore whether there are steps that Congress should take to prevent the FDA from pursuing regulatory actions that are not based on sound scientific analysis and fact. Those at the FDA should know that many in Congress are watching and carefully studying whether the FDA's actions are justified. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I raise a point of order. Section 740 constitutes legislating on an appropriations bill because it requires a new determination and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI of the rules of the House and should be struck from the bill.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hunterdon Central Regional High School's Softball Team on its outstanding victory this past weekend in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's Blue Ribbon Awards Group 4 Championship. Hunterdon Central had previously been given the state ranking of fourth by the Newark Star Ledger and earned this title after compiling an astounding 31-2 record for the season. Hunterdon Central had previously won the Group 4 championship in 1999. Hunterdon Central prides itself on fundamentals and execution and the team's skills and experience demonstrate a mastery of the sport. The hard work of the Lady Red Devils shows determination and teamwork. I also congratulate Hunterdon Central coach Pete Fick who has now achieved a career record of 699-227-1. I commend the entire team on its hard work and congratulate all of the players on their stellar season and well deserved championship. I am also pleased to praise the team's accomplishments with my colleagues in the House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to announce the passing of William J. ``B.J.'' Giannone III of Mountainside, New Jersey. B.J. was only 18 when he died suddenly following an athletic competition. B.J. should be remembered for his outstanding academic achievements at Saint Peter's Preparatory High School in Jersey City. He was a commentator for the school football games, a co-founder of the Society of Comedic Appreciation and a member of the baseball and swimming teams. He was also active in Campus Ministry, the Yearbook Committee and Marauder's Nation. With a love for community service, B.J volunteered his time through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and Our Lady of Lourdes Church Youth Organization. And he left behind a strong and growing talent for songwriting. A cherished son of Maureen and William Giannone and a beloved friend to many, B.J. Giannone will be missed. I extend to the Giannone family my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Chabad of Hunterdon County, New Jersey in honoring the Resnick family. This year, Carl, Ted and Martin Resnick of Flemington, New Jersey will receive the Chabad of Hunterdon County's prestigious Community Leadership Award during a community celebration that will be held on Thursday, June 2 at the Grand Colonial in Hampton, New Jersey. Each year the Chabad of Hunterdon County presents its Community Leadership Award to recognize individuals, families and businesses who take leadership roles in the community, by giving back to the community and being involved to improve the overall community. As a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County, I have known Carl, Ted and Martin Resnick and their family for most of my life. In addition to owning the Flemington Department Store--which is a successful family- owned business--the Resnick family have been active members of our community for more than 50 years. Over the years, the Resnicks have been involved with local sports teams, clubs, service organizations, wildlife refuge efforts, the arts and area first responders. In 2009 the Resnicks deservingly received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Central New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America for their community involvement. I am proud to join the Chabad of Hunterdon County in praising Carl, Martin and Ted Resnick for their hard work and devotion to the Hunterdon County community. I am also pleased to praise their accomplishments and share their story with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1213. We currently have a debt in this country of $14 trillion and it is rising rapidly. The annual deficit this year will be $1.65 trillion, the largest as a percentage of gross domestic product since 1945. Current levels of Federal spending are simply unsustainable. We cannot continue on this fiscal path that we have been traveling. To this end, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has spent nearly the entire portion of its spring session identifying excess and unaccounted spending within programs, particularly the President's health care bill, in an effort to decrease Federal expenditures, in an effort to put our Nation on a path of fiscal responsibility. This is one of the legislative fruits of the committee's efforts. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, passage of this bill to repeal the Federal health care insurance exchange funding requirements would save American taxpayers $14 billion over the next 10 years. I urge my colleagues here in the House to pass this fiscally responsible piece of legislation that takes an important step in defunding the health care law and reduces Federal spending and the deficit, and I hope that at an early date the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the health care law.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1217. As members of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have participated in a number of hearings that have explored the fiscal impact of the new health care law. These hearings have revealed the existence of several programs and mandatory spending provisions contained in the law. Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius said during testimony that she had the sole discretion over billions of dollars in direct, unlimited mandatory spending under the law. This means without any congressional hearings, without any language in appropriations bills, and without any oversight, the executive branch has been granted unprecedented spending authority. Today's legislation, H.R. 1217, will repeal one of those little-known programs called the Prevention and Public Health Fund and subject it to the annual appropriations process. The aim may be worthy, Mr. Chairman, but this should be subjected to the annual appropriations process. This action, according to the Congressional Budget Office, will save American taxpayers $16 billion over the next 10 years. Mr. Chairman, as we all know, the Federal Government is $14 trillion in debt. Our deficit for this year will be at least $1.5 trillion. We must get Federal spending under control. We can start by repealing programs that run afoul of congressional oversight. I urge Members to support H.R. 1217.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening in a very sad moment for the people of the State of New Jersey. I want to thank Congressman Pallone for joining with me this evening, as well as other Members of the House, as we pay tribute to our colleague, John Adler, who served in this House in the last Congress, an extremely close personal friend of mine, he and I having served 17 years together in the New Jersey legislature. Mr. Speaker, before I deliver my remarks, we are honored this evening to be joined by the minority whip, the former majority leader, who certainly knew Congressman Adler well. I yield to the distinguished minority whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. LANCE. Thank you very much, Mr. Hoyer. Mr. Speaker, I have known John Adler for 20 years. He entered the New Jersey State Senate in January 1992, having been the only Democratic candidate to win an open seat that year, defeating an incumbent in what was not a strong year for the Democratic Party, his party. It was a strong year for my party, the Republican Party. And so he came to Trenton as a phenomenon. He was a very young man. He was born in 1959, so he would have been 32 years old when he became a member of the State Senate. I had been elected to an unexpired term in the General Assembly the year before, and I served in the 1990s in the General Assembly, the lower house of our legislature, and he served continually in our upper house, in our State Senate, having first been elected in 1991 and then reelected in 1993, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2007. He rose to a position of prominence in the New Jersey Senate. He eventually chaired the State Senate Judiciary Committee, which is an extremely important responsibility in the structure of our government in New Jersey. And he was always interested in public policy. The year before he was elected to the State Senate, he had run as an underdog in a congressional race. And although he did not win that race, I think that many took note of his candidacy, and I think that propelled him into our State Senate. I moved from the lower house of the New Jersey legislature to the State Senate in the election of 2001 when we became direct colleagues, and we worked together on many different issues. And he always worked in a collegial and extremely competent fashion. Indeed, we sat next to each other for a period of time of our service in the State Senate, divided only by the center aisle. To those who know our State Capitol in Trenton, the State Senate chamber is a very small room. It was designed originally for 21 members, one State Senator from each of our 21 counties, and when the State Senate was increased in population in the 1960s, based upon the principle of one person one vote, to 40 members, it became a place where it's really quite overcrowded. And so we really sat extremely close to each other in this small chamber of the State Senate. John Adler's career in the legislature was one of distinction--for example, prohibiting smoking in indoor public places and workplaces. He also sponsored an act promoting lower vehicle emissions and an antipredatory lending act to protect consumers from unfair credit practices. And based on that and many other accomplishments when he came here, he was appointed to the Financial Services Committee, the committee to which I was appointed, as well, and so we became colleagues not only here in this Chamber, the House of Representatives, the people's House across the United States, but we became colleagues on the Financial Services Committee. John was not raised in circumstances of affluence. He lost his father when he was a young man, and for him and his mother, it was a struggle. And yet despite that, he went to Harvard. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1981, and from Harvard Law School in 1984. He was an excellent student. And at Harvard, he met the person who became his wife, Shelley, someone whom I know and who is known by my wife, Heidi, and we consider ourselves to be friends with the entire Adler family. And together, John and Shelley brought into this world four wonderful sons, Jeff, Alex, Andrew and Oliver, all of whom I know. Jeff is at Harvard at the moment, Alex is at Cornell, and they have two younger brothers. And tonight on this sad day, the day when John's funeral took place at Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill, we remember prayerfully his wife, Shelley, and their beautiful sons, Jeff, Alex, Andrew and Oliver. In 2008, there were two open seats in the House of Representatives in New Jersey due to retirements: Jim Saxton in District 3 and Mike Ferguson in District 7. And John succeeded Jim Saxton, as I had the honor of succeeding Mike Ferguson. So we were the only freshmen in the class of 2008 from New Jersey. And I think that we shared that bond as, of course, every member of a freshman class shares a particular and special bond. Certainly, it is exciting for someone to move from a State legislative chamber here to the House of Representatives, and I think we shared that excitement, for example, when we went together to the Harvard seminar that took place for new members, and of course the orientation that takes place here and when we would bump into each other in the Hall here during orientation sometimes we thought, what were we doing here? It was an exciting time for both of us. John Adler was a person of enormous wit, a very dry, subtle, and sophisticated wit. And it really pierced the veil of much of what occurs in public life and in political life where in so many instances we take ourselves too seriously. That was not Congressman Adler. He had been involved over the course of his life in many different charitable activities. He served on the Cherry Hill Township Council before he went to the State legislature, the boards of the Camden County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Food Bank of South Jersey, the Virtua West Jersey Health and Hospital Foundation, and the Camden County Advisory Board on Children. And certainly his respect for the political process is something that we should all recall, especially those of us who had the honor of serving with him in Trenton and in Washington. I believe that those who serve in public life do so out of a sense of responsibility. John Adler could have made a great fortune in the practice of law given his native intelligence, given his academic training and given his ability as a speaker. He chose to be involved in public life in Cherry Hill, a great suburban community in Camden County in southern New Jersey, in the State legislature, where he was very much involved in making sure that the judges who were appointed to office in New Jersey were men and women of ability. We have a system in New Jersey, Mr. Speaker, where our judges are appointed, not elected; appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. And as chairman of the State Senate Judiciary Committee, John was intimately involved in that. The district he served was an interesting district. The only Camden County community in the district is his hometown of Cherry Hill, and he served vast portions of neighboring counties, Burlington County and Ocean County. And to those who are not familiar with the geography of the State of New Jersey, places in Ocean County are among the most beautiful beaches anywhere, not only in this country but in the entire world. And I know that he had a commitment to protecting our environment. John Adler's life was ended by a bacterial infection in his heart at age 51. His father had died in his late 40s also based upon a heart condition. So perhaps John Adler had a weakened heart. But he had a very strong heart in his views on public policy, in his views on helping the people whom he represented, first in a municipal governing body for many distinguished years in our State senate, and in the 111th Congress, where he was my colleague and my friend. And where we, too, alone, were the freshmen from the State of New Jersey. I'm pleased to yield to Congressman Holt.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of John Adler at age 51. John was a friend of mine for 20 years. We served together in the New Jersey State Senate for 7 years sitting next to each other, divided only by the center aisle. When we arrived in Washington in 2009, John and I were the only freshmen Members of Congress from New Jersey. We worked together on many issues here and served together on the Financial Services Committee. I believe John Adler worked for the best interests of New Jersey and, more recently, for the entire Nation. My wife, Heidi, and I are friends with the Adler family, including John's beloved wife, Shelley, and their four sons--Jeffrey, now at Harvard, Alexander at Cornell, Andrew, and Oliver. Heidi and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Adler family. Today our hearts are broken and we are devastated.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 10th annual celebration of Tartan Day on Ellis Island. The tartan is the definitive symbol of Scotland. No other fabric or pattern is so steeped in tradition, and for the past 10 years, Tartan Day on Ellis Island has promoted Scottish history, heritage, and culture under the leadership and guidance of the Clan Currie Society, one of the largest Scottish heritage organizations in the United States. This year, the Clan Currie Society will be unveiling a new American tartan, the Ellis Island tartan, in honor of National Tartan Day on April 6. The American tartan's fabric is steeped in colors that represent the experiences of all of those who have traveled to the United States over the last century in search of the American Dream. The tartan's blue illustrates the great Atlantic Ocean, the copper-green in honor of the Statue of Liberty, red signifying the bricks of the historic buildings on Ellis Island, and the gold representing America's golden door, walked through by millions as they looked to this new land as the land of opportunity. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Bob Currie and the entire Clan Currie Society in the unveiling of this American tartan, the Ellis Island tartan, and for their years of hard work honoring and recognizing the contributions that Scots and Scottish Americans have made to our great Nation.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate William Vince of Bernardsville, New Jersey. This year Mr. Vince is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his dealership, VIP Honda, which is located in North Plainfield, New Jersey. VIP Honda was founded by Mr. Vince and he continues to own and operate it to this day in the heart of the Seventh Congressional District. VIP Honda has been praised by customers for ``making car buying stress-free,'' and it has consistently met the standards of excellence Honda and consumers expect. One customer said, ``I would recommend VIP Honda to any of my family and friends.'' VIP Honda was among the first Honda automobile dealerships in the Nation, and its success paralleled that of Honda automobiles across the country. From the beginning, Mr. Vince shared his success by giving back to the community. Mr. Vince is constantly ready to lend a helping hand to the community and has consistently proven his willingness to help throughout the years. His support for local police and fire departments shows his dedication to our public servants, and his involvement in community-wide events has been well documented throughout the years. Mr. Vince is also involved in a variety of charitable, nonprofit and other worthwhile organizations, for which I commend him. Mr. Vince will be 87 on March 17. I am pleased to congratulate him and his dealership on their achievements throughout the years.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, an important first step toward implementing sustainable health care reform that our Nation can afford. The health care law passed last year includes sleights of hand to mask the true cost of the measure. For example, 6 years of entitlements and subsidies are paid by 10 years of taxes, and premiums are collected for the first 10 years for a long-term care program with no benefits during that period. Douglas Holtz-Eakin said it best when he wrote in today's Wall Street Journal that the health care law is ``all about budget gimmicks, deceptive accounting, and implausible assumptions used to create the false impression of fiscal discipline.'' Failure to repeal the health care law will add an additional $700 billion to our national deficit in the next 10 years. However, we can work together in a bipartisan capacity to enact commonsense health care solutions that lower health care costs without raising taxes or adding to our national debt.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. We come together to extend our thoughts and prayers to those who were killed and to those who were wounded during the horrific attack in Tucson on Saturday. As we gather in the people's House, we pray for the recovery of our colleague, Representative Giffords, and the others who were wounded, including those who serve the public in the Congresswoman's office. We mourn the loss of Judge Roll; Gabriel Zimmerman; the 9-year-old girl, Christina Taylor Green; and the others who were senselessly killed that terrible morning. While the horrific events in Tucson provide a stark reminder of the fragility of human life, we are also reminded that we meet on the floor of the House of Representatives in what Franklin Roosevelt, and more recently George W. Bush, have called ``the warm courage of national unity.'' We have heard the inspiring stories of those whose selflessness protected the lives of others. Violence has no place in the life of the American Nation. This tragedy will strengthen, not weaken, our resolve to serve the true principles of democracy. May God bless those who are fighting for their lives as a result of this attack, and may the souls of those who were lost be received in His loving embrace.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. ``To borrow money on the credit of the United States; to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; to establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States.''

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the underlying bill that ensures that taxes will rise on no one in America on New Year's Day, 15 days from now. What a terrible New Year's present that would be to the American people. This bill creates greater certainty in the business community so that businesses across America can create the jobs this country so desperately needs, especially given our current 9.8 unemployment rate. New jobs will lower our annual deficits. Almost 85 percent of this bill provides tax relief, including preventing the job-killing tax hikes; enacting the AMT patch--extremely important to the district I serve and to New Jersey as a whole; and reducing the Federal estate tax from the scheduled 55 percent rate on January 1 down to 35 percent--also extremely important to New Jersey where residential real estate is so expensive. This bill has been endorsed by leading conservatives, including our new reform Governor in New Jersey, Chris Christie. It will give us time in the new Congress to enact fundamental reform, including deficit reduction, a permanent extension of existing tax rates, and the elimination of the Federal estate tax.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of New Jersey's great public servants, W. Cary Edwards, who passed away in October at the age of 66. Over the course of four decades in public life, Cary Edwards served at the highest levels of New Jersey government, including as State assemblyman, chief counsel to Governor Thomas H. Kean, and State attorney general. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation. To me, he was a wonderful mentor and good friend. I had the honor of working under him and learning from him when he served as Governor Kean's chief counsel in the first half of the 1980s. Cary Edwards inspired a whole generation of young people in the field of law and public policy. He will be remembered as an inspiring leader in the State of New Jersey. To his wonderful wife, Lynn, his daughters and sister and to the entire Edwards family, we extend our deepest sympathy. W. Cary Edwards of Oakland, Bergen County, New Jersey, will be greatly missed by the people of our State.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. Thomas Drewes of Raritan Township, New Jersey. At the end of 2010, Thomas Drewes will retire from the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service after 36 years of dedicated public service. Throughout his long and distinguished career Mr. Drewes has been an enthusiastic advocate for the importance of soil health and has inspired many educational and outreach efforts in New Jersey. Thomas Drewes has made a real difference in his community and throughout New Jersey as a lead conservationist. Over the years Mr. Drewes has received numerous awards for his contributions to conservation. In 2005 Mr. Drewes was nominated by his peers and selected to receive the New Jersey ``State Conservationist Award'' for his leadership in conservation in the Garden State. In 2010 the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts presented Mr. Drewes with a ``Special Recognition Award'' for his commitment and dedication to conservation in New Jersey. That same year Mr. Drewes received the ``Employee Choice Award'' from the New Jersey Conservation District Employees Association. It gives me great pleasure to share the remarkable efforts of Mr. Thomas Drewes of Raritan Township, New Jersey with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people. I am honored to join his friends, family and colleagues in congratulating him on his retirement after 36 years of service to the people of New Jersey in making a real difference in my home state's conservation efforts. Congratulations Tom and best of luck to you in your retirement.