Michelle Lujan Grisham

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this rule. Every weekend, I go home to New Mexico, and my constituents always ask me: What's going on in Congress? What is Congress doing to create jobs and grow the economy and end the sequester? There are currently 2,000 constituents in my district who are getting furloughed every week, and they want to know. There are countless teachers, construction workers, small business owners, and first responders; and they want to know. Unfortunately, the answer is ``nothing'' because of the House Republican leadership. They simply cannot govern. Yesterday, Republicans pulled the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill from the schedule, illustrating that the sequester and the Republican budget are not feasible. Tomorrow, we will adjourn for a 5-week district work period, and we still haven't passed a jobs bill or a budget that replaces the sequester or that reduces the deficit, and we haven't passed comprehensive immigration reform. Instead of addressing any of these critical issues, House Republicans have decided that it's more important to vote one more time to repeal the Affordable Care Act--for the 40th time. Mr. Speaker, New Mexicans and Americans want Congress to focus on jobs and economic growth.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, for the past 48 years, Medicare has provided seniors and the disabled with the quality health care, economic security and peace of mind they deserve. Because of Medicare, millions of Americans have been able to grow old with respect and dignity instead of mounting medical debt and uncertainty. Let's not forget: Medicare is a family benefit. As a caregiver for my mother, I know firsthand just how important this benefit is to families all over New Mexico and America. Without Medicare, my mother would not be able to get the health care she needs, and there is absolutely no way I would be able to take care of her. Medicare has always been personal to me. It's personal to this day. This week, House Republicans will vote for the 40th time to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Every vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act is a vote to undermine Medicare. The Affordable Care Act has already strengthened Medicare and saved seniors money by eliminating co-pays for preventive care services, closing the prescription drug `donut hole' and extending the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by nearly a decade. Mr. Speaker, on this day and every day, we must remain committed to protecting and strengthening Medicare for today's seniors and for future generations.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to this bill and in support of New Mexico's children and the dedicated men and women who educate them. This bill cuts federal funding for education at a time when other countries are strategically investing in the next generation, and seeing positive results come from those investments. We can't afford to cut funding for education, especially when the U.S. is lagging behind in several key indicators. American fourth graders now rank eleventh in math and sixth in reading. And in a few years, we'll ask them to compete in a global economy without giving them the tools to succeed. But funding isn't the only problem with this bill, Mr. Chairman. This bill also fundamentally alters the federal role in education. Traditionally, the federal government has assumed the responsibility of maintaining equity in education. Of ensuring that students with disabilities, or students in low-income or unique communities, have equal access to a public education. This is particularly important in my home state of New Mexico, where students of color make up a significant portion of the school-age population. Provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act requiring that data be broken down into subgroups, and that schools be held accountable for the achievement of those subgroups, have allowed us to identify where there's more work to be done, and to begin shifting support to the areas where it's most needed. But we've got a long way to go. This bill represents a step back for equity, eliminating requirements that ensure that all students have access to the services they need, and that schools, school districts, and states are held accountable when they fall short of that all-important goal. When I talk to New Mexicans about what's wrong in public education, it's never that there's too much money, or that we provide too much support for our students facing the greatest challenges. It's that we're not getting funds to where they're most needed or providing support services that care for the whole child. That's why we can't afford to pass this bill; I urge my colleagues to reject this approach and oppose this legislation.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, In 1990, the existing U.S. satellite-communications capacity would not support the warfighters during the first gulf war. The United States made an urgent attempt to launch an additional Defense Satellite Communication System III spacecraft to support the war effort; but it was not until February 11, 1992, more than a year after the war ended, that the mission was finally launched. In nearly every national space policy guidance document, resiliency and responsiveness are key objectives in global communications, navigation, and guided munitions, all of which rely on satellites that provide game-changing advantages on the battlefield. Before Operationally Responsive Space, ORS, was established, the capacity to rapidly develop and deploy satellites was inadequate. ORS's mission is to respond to emerging, persistent, or unanticipated needs and quickly deploy cost- effective satellites to provide transformational advantages on the battlefield. ORS has the ability to launch field-ready satellites within just a few days or weeks. It also rapidly develops, delivers, and employs new capabilities in a few months to less than a year. Increased speed for the delivery of space assets not only helps to close gaps in the United States' space systems capacity; it can also improve resiliency and reconstitute satellites lost to countermeasures. In 2007, China used a ground-based missile to destroy one of its own satellites, demonstrating their capacity to target our satellites and space-defense systems. Russia is currently developing a sea-based missile and space-defense system. As other countries modernize their military, the threat level to our communications, navigation, and guided munitions satellites intensifies. ORS has also demonstrated the ability to cost effectively deploy space assets. General Schwartz said: ORS is exactly what we need, innovation and greater efficiency as we contend with ongoing fiscal constraints and changing space posture. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley called ORS ``critical to our Nation's national security posture, and we need to proceed at the speed of need.'' Eliminating ORS would cut the very programs that give our Nation's warfighters their military asymmetric advantage in space. The growing need for information dominance is driving a remarkable transition in space systems. ORS is integral to maintaining our advantage in space. Our amendment reserves $10 million from RDT&E for this program. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chair and the ranking member, and I look forward to continue to work on this important issue.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my amendment. Amendment No. 20 Offered by Mr. Nadler

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we always remember why we're here and who we serve. And the best way to do that is by spending time with the people that we were elected to represent. For the past few days, I've had the honor of showing some wonderful residents of New Mexico's First District around our Nation's capital, and this group includes my daughter Taylor Grisham and her new family: Ian, Kamen, Kwane and Kaden, the Stewarts. These people are leaders in the community, they're model citizens, they're family members, and they're longtime friends. And today I would like to recognize two of these individuals for their service to New Mexico and to our Nation. Lori Drury and Maureen Salmon, both of whom are here today, are exceptionally talented teachers and dedicated public servants. Teachers play an invaluable role in our society. Creating jobs, defending and expanding the middle class, growing the economy, and making sure everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream, teachers directly contribute to all of these noble missions. And they don't do it for the money and they don't do it for the glory. They do it because they care deeply about the students they teach. So I rise today to thank Lori and Maureen, to thank my family, and to thank all the teachers and public servants in New Mexico and in America for the work they do each and every day to make this a finer and stronger America.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I thank the gentleman from California. Madam Speaker, I could stand here all night talking about the many reasons why our country needs comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together, provides a tough but fair pathway to citizenship, enhances border security, and that's in line with our core American values. But tonight, I'm going to focus on why immigration reform is good for the American economy and good for the economy of New Mexico. Nationally, it's estimated that immigration reform will create 121,000 jobs a year and boost American GDP by $832 billion over the next decade. Nearly every day, we hear Members from both parties talking about the need to reduce our debt and deficit. Well, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has determined that comprehensive immigration reform will reduce our national deficit by nearly $850 billion over the next two decades. In New Mexico, comprehensive immigration reform will create 6,000 jobs over the next decade and increase our GSP--gross State product--by $3.8 billion. These economic benefits and new jobs will have a ripple effect, leading to even more economic activity, higher productivity, more critical investments, better wages, and even more jobs for New Mexicans and Americans. Simply put, we cannot afford not to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Our economic future demands it, and that's why I'm glad that so many of my colleagues are taking to the floor this evening to make the case for comprehensive immigration reform because the American people need to know that it's good for the economy, good for business, and good for job creation. The Senate has done its job and acted in a bipartisan manner. Now it's time for the House to do its job so we can send a comprehensive immigration reform to the President's desk and finally fix our broken immigration system.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I thank the gentleman from New Mexico. Madam Chair, America is facing security, economic, and environmental challenges that are unparalleled in our history. Our national laboratories have a unique set of assets we can leverage to meet these challenges. Projects financed by LDRD have allowed the National Nuclear Security Agency to rapidly respond to unforeseen national security needs. In 1988, Sandia National Labs, located in my district, made a breakthrough in parallel computing that resulted in the ability to compute extremely complicated numerical simulations to ensure the safety and reliability of our nuclear weapons stockpile without the need for nuclear tests. As a result, we have not tested a nuclear weapon since 1993. The benefits of parallel processing supercomputers have also improved the competitiveness of U.S. industries in the global economy. They were used to map the human genome, develop new drugs, and shorten the development time of products by finding mistakes before they end up in prototypes. Parallel processing supercomputers have also greatly increased our understanding of atmospheric changes through global atmospheric circulation simulation. These advancements have helped provide an understanding of the climate that cannot be determined by theory or by other experiments. LDRD investments have been historically important in advancing the state of high-performance computing. Ongoing LDRD investments are enabling next-generation computing hardware and software approaches that will eventually lead to much better performance. I am confident that we can work with the chairman and the ranking member to fund LDRD at levels that will maintain our vital national security assets, and I thank them for their willingness to work with us on this issue.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I rise in opposition to the rule and the bill because I am absolutely appalled by the proposed cuts to the SNAP program in the FARRM Bill. Now, I know how important the FARRM Bill is to American ranchers and farmers and to New Mexico ranchers and farmers. I want to vote for the bill, but I cannot support it if these disastrous cuts remain. For the past week, I've joined dozens of my colleagues in the SNAP challenge, to take a walk in the shoes of the over 442,000 New Mexicans--half of whom are children--who have to eat on less than $4.50 every day, to show just how devastating any cuts to the food program would be. Nearly one in three children in New Mexico is chronically hungry. It's the worst in the Nation. It's unconscionable, and these cuts make it worse. In addition to the SNAP cuts, this bill also cuts funding for nutrition education programs that teach SNAP recipients how to stretch their dollars further and feed their families nutritious food. New Mexico's farmers, ranchers, and consumers need and deserve a farm bill. But this cut, this bill is morally wrong, it's cruel, and it's reckless--harming children, seniors, the disabled, and veterans in the process.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Father's Day is a time for families to come together, a time to honor the role of fathers in our lives, and a time to count our blessings. But for many Americans, this Sunday will be the first Father's Day where they won't be able to hug their dad tight. And for fathers who have lost a child in the past year, this will be the first Father's Day where they can't look into their son's or daughter's eyes and tell them how much joy they bring them every day. This Father's Day, I would like to honor one of my constituents, Diego Arencon, who has sadly lost both his father and his son in the past year. A dedicated public servant, Diego is a member of the Albuquerque Fire Department and is President of the Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 244. He has selflessly risked his life to keep the residents of Albuquerque safe. He is an effective advocate for his fellow firefighters, an accomplished jazz drummer, and I'm proud to be counted among those who call Diego a friend. Diego and his continued commitment to his wife, Lupe, and to his surviving children, Santiago, Loliana and Diego, is an inspiration to all who know him. In early January of this year, Diego's father, Jose ``Pelete'' Arencon, passed away. A prominent gypsy flamenco singer, Jose was known for his compelling voice. He began singing as a child, and became a professional singer as a teenager. Born in Spain, he moved to Albuquerque with his wife in 1975, bringing the traditional roots of flamenco to the Duke City. Diego's son, Nikolas Ventura-Arencon, was only 14 when he tragically passed away the day before Thanksgiving last year. Even at his young age, Nikolas had ambitions to serve his community and his country just like his father. Nikolas was a member of the Los Alamos High School ROTC and had dreams of attending the New Mexico Military Institute to become a Marine. He also wanted to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a firefighter. Within their ranks, New Mexico firefighters say Nikolas Ventura-Arencon was ``one of us.''

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, with Memorial Day just around the corner, I rise to honor the memory of our brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed their lives for our country in what Abraham Lincoln called ``the last full measure of devotion.'' At this weekend's parades, festivals, and barbeques, let's all pause for a moment to recognize the sacrifices of those who put themselves in harm's way so we don't have to. Let's continue to support our troops on the battlefield, and let's make sure to support our veterans and their families when they return home. That means ensuring quality health care for the 61,000 veterans in New Mexico's First Congressional District, ending the unconscionable backlog of disability claims at the VA, and providing our veterans with good-paying jobs. Our national heroes deserve nothing less.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor 32 women who were recognized as New Mexico ``Women of Influence'' for 2013. It is important to highlight women in our communities who are achieving incredible success as local business and community leaders. Albuquerque Business First partnered with the local business community to evaluate a record number of nominations for the Women of Influence awards. I understand the challenges of being a small business owner and overcoming hurdles that are all-too-common for women in a male- dominated culture. I appreciate and applaud this year's honorees, each of whom has contributed to the state of New Mexico in unique and exiting ways. New Mexico's Women of Influence include CEO's, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in financial services, government, health and fitness, non-profits and technology firms. Business Services Virginia R. Dugan, Esquire, Atkinson & Kelsey, P.A.; Annette Gardiner, President, New Mexico Gas Company; Debra P. Hicks, PE/LSI, President and CEO, Pettigrew & Associates, P.A.; Jennifer Hise, Vice President, CEMCO, Inc.; Laurie Monfiletto, Vice President of Human Resources, PNM Resources; Dorothy Stermer, Manager, Sandia National Laboratories; Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Director, NM Small Business Development Center, CEO, Dream Givers, LLC, Independent Associate, LegalShield. Education Barbara Bergman, Interim Dean, University of New Mexico School of Law; Marilyn Melendez Dykman, Director, University of New Mexico Veterans Resource Center; Dr. Viola E. Florez, Professor and PNM Education Endowed Chair, University of New Mexico College of Education. Entrepreneur Sherry M. Keeney, President/CEO, PECOS Management Services, Inc.; Janice J. Lucero, CEO/Owner, MVD Express; Susan MacLean, President & CEO, The Solutions Group; DeAnn Sena O'Connor, Creative Director, dso creative. Financial Services Karen M. Bard, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch; Dohnia Dorman, MBA, VP of Marketing, Rio Grande Credit Union, Part-Time Adjunct Lecturer II, UNM; Tammy S. Jaramillo, Director of Administration, Burt & Company CPAs, LLC. Government Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, Executive Director, El Camino Real Housing Authority; Ann Lerner, Film Liaison, City of Albuquerque; Katherine Carroll Martinez, Director, Construction Industries Division/ Manufactured Housing Division, Regulation and Licensing Department, State of New Mexico. Health/Fitness Kristie Bair, J.D., President, Bair Medical Spa; Gayle Dine'Chacon, MD, Surgeon General, Navajo Nation, Associate Professor, UNM School of Medicine; E. DeAnn Eaton Azar, CEO, Haverland Carter Lifestyle Group; Kim E. Hedrick, Vice President Strategic Business Development, University of New Mexico Medical Group, Inc.; Mary G. Martinez, Franchise Owner/CEO, Home Instead Senior Care; Dawn Tschabrun, COO, Chief Nursing Officer, Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell. Nonprofit Andrea Fisher Maril, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico; Kathy Mechenbier, Founder and president of the board, El Ranchito de los Ninos Inc.; Carol Wight, CEO, New Mexico Restaurant Association. Technology Marjorie M.K. Hlava, President and chairman, Access Innovations Inc.; Caroline Dennis, Cyber Security and STEM education consultant; Elizabeth J. (Lisa) Kuuttila, President and CEO, STC.UNM. I congratulate these women leaders and thank them for their contributions to New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Steve Paternoster, who was recently selected as the National Restaurant Association's 2013 Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year for his extraordinary contributions to his community and for his philanthropic service to others. Steve has selflessly dedicated his life to improving the lives of countless New Mexicans. An alumnus of New Mexico Military Institute, Steve now serves as CEO of the YMCA of Central New Mexico and is the owner of a successful restaurant. From donating about $200,000 annually through his business to serving on local non-profit boards, he focuses on organizations that support chronic disease, the less fortunate, young adults at risk and the arts. In 2009, Steve and his daughter Haley founded the Special Programs Youth Assistance Foundation to help troubled arid disadvantaged youth in New Mexico, including those in Children's Drug Court and those suffering from domestic abuse. After losing Haley to a heroin overdose in 2010, Steve has made it his life's mission to help others overcome obstacles similar to those Haley and the Paternoster family faced. Steve also hosts an annual holiday dinner at his restaurant for troubled teenagers, their families, Court staff and their families. Steve works closely with many other causes including Isshin Ryu, a non-profit organization designed to provide education, recreation and enrichment activities to disadvantaged youth. He also works with the Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation, which helps hard-to-place children in foster homes. Additionally, Steve is involved with New Mexico AIDS Services, the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the Heart Hospital of New Mexico Foundation and Dismas House, which provides support for people with chronic illnesses. I congratulate Steve on receiving this prestigious award and thank him for his hard work and for the many contributions he has made and will continue to make to New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor New Mexico Rep. Nick Salazar who received the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from Los Alamos National Laboratory. Rep. Salazar is one of the most distinguished members of the New Mexico Legislature, having represented his district, which encompasses Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba and San Miguel counties, since 1973. Incredibly, Rep. Salazar has worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory for 63 years. In both roles, Rep. Salazar has been an effective leader who has had a profound impact on his community, his state and a thankful nation. During his distinguished career at LANL, Rep. Salazar was responsible for ensuring that the lab was a responsible and productive partner to the communities of northern New Mexico. He played a key role in expanding opportunities for research and development, the development of small and minority-owned businesses, technology transfer initiatives, math and science programs, and job training and development. He promoted these programs while advocating for stringent environmental regulations that protected the public. He also served as a member of the Los Alamos National Security Board of Governors. Rep. Salazar honorably served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force and his community as a County Commissioner from 1964 to 1968. Rep. Salazar is one of the longest-serving members of the state House of Representatives, having been elected 20 times and serving 40 years. He has been a champion for working class families. Rep. Salazar sponsored legislation to create Northern New Mexico College in Espanola, and led the effort to broaden the mission of the school to allow for four-year degrees. He has also served as chairman of the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District for decades. Rep. Salazar is one of New Mexico's foremost advocates for the state's senior citizens. In 1991, he led the effort to establish the nation's first Indian Area Agency on Aging, and in 2003, he sponsored legislation that created the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, elevating the agency to Cabinet-level status. Rep. Salazar's colleagues in the Legislature have turned to him through the years as a trusted mentor, known for his erudition and his principled approach to the most important issues facing the state. He is a quintessential leader who cares deeply for his family, his community, the Labs and the institution of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Rep. Nick Salazar is a resident of San Juan Pueblo. He is married to Maria Ana and has three adult children, Yvonne, Earl and Gregory.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today appalled by proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the 2013 Farm Bill. This program provides crucial support to families in New Mexico and across the country that continue to struggle to make ends meet. SNAP benefits help many households lift themselves out of poverty, and prevent families from falling even deeper into poverty. With SNAP benefits already averaging less than $1.50 per person per meal, any reduction in a family's monthly benefits or eligibility would be devastating. We cannot keep expecting poor working families and senior citizens to shoulder the burden of misguided deficit reduction. In my state, over 78 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children. Instead of taking food out of the mouths of the one in five New Mexicans who depend on these benefits for their basic nutrition and economic security, Congress should focus on creating jobs that will grow the economy. New Mexico's farmers and ranchers deserve a Farm Bill, but it's wrong to harm our children, seniors and veterans in the process. I urge the House of Representatives to oppose any short-sighted cuts to this vitally important program.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about jobs. I've served almost 5 months in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, and I've heard a lot of my colleagues talk about jobs, but we've had little opportunity to actually vote on legislation that would create American jobs. Just this week, the Albuquerque Journal reported on the unbelievable difficulty that many New Mexicans are having in finding a job. The headline says it all. According to the article, when the Downs Racetrack and Casino in Albuquerque held a job fair last week to fill 400 openings, 6,400 job seekers showed up. One young man interviewed said, ``I've put in 60 applications in the year I've been unemployed and haven't had a single callback.'' Another job seeker noted, ``This is the first time in my life, in 49 years, I've been without a job. You read about it, you think about it, and then when it happens it's a real awakening.'' But instead of creating an environment that would foster economic growth, Congress has done the exact opposite by allowing the indiscriminate, across-the-board budget cuts, known as ``sequestration,'' to take effect. According to the Director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, sequestration could result in a loss of 750,000 American jobs this year alone. If there is one State that cannot afford to lose any more jobs, it's New Mexico. Our State's economy has been barely crawling along since the Great Recession of 2008. Last week, however, we finally got some good news. New Mexico's Department of Workforce Solutions reported that our State's employment growth in April was the best it has been in 5 years. A Department of Workforce Solutions official said, in fact, ``The economic recovery in New Mexico may be gathering momentum as we start a sustained recovery.'' Now, just as New Mexico finally appears to be on the way to the economic recovery our families and businesses so desperately need, the sequester threatens all of this progress; and this week, New Mexico got some really bad news. The Department of Defense announced plans Tuesday to furlough about 680,000 of its civilian employees, including 7,000 New Mexicans, for 11 days through the end of this fiscal year. Some might think that 11 days doesn't sound like much, but let's take a closer look at what 11 days without pay means to individual families. When furlough notices begin going out at the end of this month, 7,000 hardworking New Mexicans will find out that they will be losing about 20 percent of their salaries for the rest of the fiscal year. Now, these families are trying to pay their mortgages, make their car payments, and put their kids through college. Families are already living paycheck to paycheck and are struggling just to get by. Can you imagine what losing 20 percent of a paycheck means to them? It's devastating. Although New Mexicans may feel the worst of the consequences of the sequester this year, sequester is not just a 1-year problem. It will negatively impact our Nation's economy for the next 9 fiscal years. We all agree we need to reduce our long-term deficit, but we need a balanced approach that will create jobs. On May 14, the CBO released new projections that the deficit will fall by an extra $200 billion this year than previously expected. The CBO now forecasts that the deficit will shrink to 2.1 percent of the GDP by 2015 from a high of 10 percent of GDP in 2009. The International Monetary Fund has called the pace of deficit reduction ``overly strong,'' arguing that Washington should focus on job creation in the short term and develop a long-term strategy for future deficit reduction. The IMF added that this year's $85 billion in sequester-mandated cuts will negatively impact growth this year and beyond. It's true that you can't tax your way to prosperity, but you can't cut your way to prosperity either, and draconian, across-the-board budget cuts aren't going to create jobs. I agree with those who say we need to get our fiscal house in order, but to do that we first need to solve the unemployment problem that is plaguing small towns and big cities throughout the Nation. More than half of the deficit stems from a sluggish economy and an unemployment rate that is above 7 percent. Mr. Speaker, we need more Americans to get back to work. We need more Americans to get back to work so that fewer Americans will need to rely on social safety net programs in order to survive. We need more Americans to get back to work so that they will have more money to spend on goods and services, which will create even more jobs. It has become clear that the House Republicans' so-called ``plan'' to create jobs was just empty rhetoric, a hollow promise to the American people. If House Republicans were serious about creating jobs, they would vote on the updated Van Hollen substitute--a real plan to replace the sequester with a sensible, balanced approach to deficit reduction that puts job creation first.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, instead of taking steps to create jobs and grow the economy, Republicans yesterday voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act for the 37th time. The Affordable Care Act is working, and its benefits are being felt throughout the country, especially in my home State. Almost 525,000 New Mexicans now have access to free preventative services, such as mammograms, flu shots and colonoscopy screenings. Almost 19,000 seniors have benefited from lower prescription drug costs, and over 26,000 young adults in New Mexico can stay on their parents' insurance plans until they are 26. So why in the world would we want to hurt seniors, women and young people by repealing the Affordable Care Act? Let's not forget that the Affordable Care Act is a job creator. The Medicaid expansion alone will create 6,000 to 8,000 jobs in New Mexico and will pump more than $5 billion into our economy over the next 6 years. Mr. Speaker, let's stop trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and let's get back to work on behalf of the American people.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement in the Record opposing the GOP's dubious Mother's Day gift--more work and less pay for working moms. Happy Mother's Day.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor 32 women who were recognized as New Mexico ``Women of Influence'' for 2013. It is important to highlight women in our communities who are achieving incredible success as local business and community leaders. Albuquerque Business First partnered with the local business community to evaluate a record number of nominations for the Women of Influence awards. I understand the challenges of being a small business owner and overcoming hurdles that are all-too-common for women in a male- dominated culture. I appreciate and applaud this year's honorees, each of whom has contributed to the state of New Mexico in unique and exciting ways. New Mexico's Women of Influence include CEO's, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in financial services, government, health and fitness, non-profits and technology firms. Business Services: Virginia R. Dugan, Esquire, Atkinson & Kelsey, P.A., Annette Gardiner, President, New Mexico Gas Company, Debra P. Hicks, PE/LSI, President and CEO, Pettigrew & Associates, P.A., Jennifer Hise, Vice President, CEMCO, Inc., Laurie Monfiletto, Vice President of Human Resources, PNM Resources, Dorothy Stermer, Manager, Sandia National Laboratories, Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Director, NM Small Business Development Center, CEO, Dream Givers, LLC, Independent Associate, LegalShield. Education: Barbara Bergman, Interim Dean, University of New Mexico School of Law, Marilyn Melendez Dykman, Director, University of New Mexico Veterans Resource Center, Dr. Viola E. Florez, Professor and PNM Education Endowed Chair, University of New Mexico College of Education. Entrepreneur: Sherry M. Keeney, President/CEO, PECOS Management Services, Inc., Janice J. Lucero, CEO/Owner, MVD Express, Susan MacLean, President & CEO, The Solutions Group, DeAnn Sena O'Connor, Creative Director, dso creative. Financial Services: Karen M. Bard, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch, Dohnia Dorman, MBA, VP of Marketing, Rio Grande Credit Union, Part-Time Adjunct Lecturer II, UNM, Tammy S. Jaramillo, Director of Administration, Burt & Company CPAs, LLC. Government: Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, Executive Director, El Camino Real Housing Authority, Ann Lerner, Film Liaison, City of Albuquerque, Katherine Carroll Martinez, Director, Construction Industries Division/ Manufactured Housing Division, Regulation and Licensing Department, State of New Mexico. Health/Fitness: Kristie Bair, J.D., President, Bair Medical Spa, Gayle Dine'Chacon, MD, Surgeon General, Navajo Nation, Associate Professor, UNM School of Medicine, E. DeAnn Eaton Azar, CEO, Haverland Carter Lifestyle Group, Kim E. Hedrick, Vice President Strategic Business Development, University of New Mexico Medical Group, Inc., Mary G. Martinez, Franchise Owner/CEO, Home Instead Senior Care. I congratulate these women leaders and thank them for their contributions to New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate William Telford Barnhouse II, known as Bill to his friends, was born on April 18, 1923 and is celebrating his 90th birthday this year along with family and friends. Bill was raised in Austin, Texas when it was still a small town. He graduated in 1940 from Austin High School where he competed on the debate team. His fondest memories of those years are of his family, his dog and the car he was able to buy with the money he made selling fireworks. After high school Bill went to the University of Texas in Austin where he joined the United States Navy as a Naval Reserve Officer Cadet. He received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve on February 26, 1944, married his college sweetheart Margaret Pierson on February 27, 1944, received his degree in Business Administration on February 29, 1944 and his orders to report to the USS Kidd, Destroyer 661 in the South Pacific that same day. After surviving repeated kamikaze attacks during the battle of Okinawa, on April 11, 1945 the Kidd was struck by a kamikaze killing thirty-seven and wounding seventy-five of the Kidd's sailors and officers. Bill survived the attack and helped sail the Kidd back to the United States for repairs. After it was decommissioned, the Kidd eventually sailed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where it now serves as Louisiana's Naval War Memorial in Baton Rouge. After the war, Bill worked in a number of jobs before going to work for Southern Union Gas Company as its Office Manager in Austin, Texas. In 1961, Southern Union moved Bill to Albuquerque to be its office manager here, where he worked in the building now housing the Flying Star at 8th Street and Central. After advancements that required moving to El Paso and Dallas, Bill was named President of the Gas Company of New Mexico and returned to Albuquerque in 1975. He retired from that position in 1983. Margaret and Bill were married for fifty years and were blessed with five children: William T. Barnhouse III (known as Tig to friends and family) who lives in La Union, New Mexico and, along with his wife Lydia, owns two businesses operating out of El Paso, Texas; Gene Barnhouse who along with his wife Carmen owns Albuquerque Lighting; Kyle Barnhouse who owns Southwest Childcare and its three child care centers in Albuquerque; Dolph Barnhouse, a lawyer practicing in Albuquerque; and Marlane Barnhouse, who works as a special education teacher for the Albuquerque Public Schools. After Margaret passed away in 1994, Bill renewed an old friendship with Glyn Walker, who he knew from his days in Austin. Bill and Glyn enjoyed sixteen years of marriage before she passed away. Glyn's daughter Donna Agler and her husband Hal live in Santa Fe and remain close to Bill and his family. Bill was again blessed when a close cousin introduced him to Anne Weigers, who he married last year. Anne's daughter Margaret Vitullo and son David bring to eight the number of Bill's children and step children. During his ninety years Bill has always worked to help others and build his community. In addition to his service during WW II, Bill helped establish the New Mexico Museum of Natural History (where he is honored by name on its wall of recognition), the El Paso Cancer Research Center, the Board of Advisors for the New Mexico Cancer Research Center, and the USS Kidd and Louisiana Veterans Memorial in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Other highlights of his nine decades include his tenure as Chairman of the Lovelace Medical Center Board of Advisers, Chairman and President of the El Paso United Way and his service as a Boy Scout Troop Leader for nine years. Family and friends will join Bill on April 18 to celebrate his ninetieth birthday, and honor all he has done over those ninety years.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and so I missed rollcall vote No. 90 ``to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of hydroelectric power on the Diamond Fork System of the Central Utah Project'' (H.R. 254). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and so I missed rollcall vote Number 91 ``To authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program'' (H.R. 1033). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Republican budget plan. This misguided and cruel plan abandons the economic recovery. It is a path to greater disparity, and it protects the affluent while further squeezing the middle class. We cannot afford this Republican budget. According to the Economic Policy Institute, it will cost us 2 million jobs in 2014. This is on top of the 750,000 jobs we will lose this year due to sequestration. The Republican budget attacks the various industries where the largest job growth should be occurring. We need to invest in critical infrastructure like the health care system as a key way to create jobs here at home and protect our most vulnerable. According to a 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics study, the health sector is going to be the leader in job growth throughout the rest of this decade. Unfortunately, the path once again chosen by Republicans in this Congress will put job growth in jeopardy. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the budget plan under consideration cuts $2.5 trillion from health care by 2023. How? It turns Medicare into a voucher program and it block grants Medicaid to States. This will force health care providers to cut jobs and to reduce services to their patients. With an aging population that will require greater care, we should be investing in critical infrastructure like health care and other programs like disease and care management, which have and will continue to reduce spending in Medicare. So let's be clear: this budget wreaks havoc on health care systems in this country, it hurts patients, and it devastates future job growth in the health sector. Lastly, this plan also chooses to arbitrarily balance the budget in 10 years, which is harmful to our fragile economy and middle class families. The notion that 10 years is the magic number to balance the budget is ludicrous. It is similar to telling mortgage holders who are responsibly paying their mortgage that, instead of having 30 years to pay it off, now they have 10. Would they be able to? Many of them would end up losing the house. That is exactly what the Ryan budget does and why, to the Nation's budget and to our economy, it puts us under water. Instead, I would encourage all of my colleagues to support the Van Hollen substitute, which is a balanced approach that leads to job creation and is the right way forward.