Candice Miller

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I certainly want to thank the chairman for his support of the bill, and I thank the gentleman for yielding the time as well. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4251. I'm absolutely convinced that the bill before the House today, the SMART Port Act, will tangibly enhance the Nation's maritime security. We spend a lot of time, as a Nation, and as a Congress, focusing on security threats at the southern border and on the northern border, but sometimes we also need to remember that we have a very long maritime border that deserves our attention as well. A major disruption at one of the Nation's ports, especially a terrorist attack, is a high-consequence event that has the potential to cripple the global supply chain and could severely damage our economy. We simply cannot afford to ignore threats to our Nation's maritime security. To that end, SMART Port builds on the work of the 2006 SAFE Port Act to enhance risk-based security measures overseas before the threat reaches our shore. It emphasizes a stronger collaborative environment between the Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard in sharing port security duties, and it leverages the maritime security work of our trusted allies. If we learned anything after 9/11, it's that we need to move from the need-to-know information to the need-to-share information. The Department of Homeland Security components with shared jurisdiction must cooperate in maritime operations and form partnerships with State and local law enforcement agencies in order to improve the Nation's maritime security. What happens in our waterways and ports affects the entire Nation, so it is incumbent on us to realize that maritime security is not the province simply of the government alone. Leveraging partnerships with private industry, as well as our international partners, is common sense; and trusted-shippers programs, like the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or the C-T PAT, where companies who make significant investments in their security, reduces the amount of resources that CBP needs to spend on looking at cargo shipments that we know the least about. Our trusted allies, like Canada and the European Union, have programs similar to C-T PAT in place, and this bill supports the concept of mutual recognition where the Secretary can accept other countries' trusted-shipper programs when they provide an equal level of security. And not only does this save CBP inspectors from the added burden of having to verify companies who participate in both programs. It also really expedites commerce across our borders, and we really need to do that because of limited use of taxpayer dollars, certainly. And so it makes fiscal sense, as well, to do that. The American port worker, truck driver, and others who make port operations run smoothly are another critical maritime security layer. They're all required to obtain the TWIC cards that the ranking member just mentioned here, and the chairman as well. These individuals have complied with the law. They've done their part. They've purchased a TWIC card. In many cases they've traveled long distances to go to the enrollment center, maybe not once but twice, and undergone the background check. But the problem is that the United States Government has not done its part. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to release the TWIC reader rule, meaning that the biometric information embedded on the card validating the worker's identity just isn't being confirmed. And in reality, because of that, the TWIC card has become little more than an expensive ``flash pass.'' This bill will extend the validity of TWIC cards until the government upholds its end of the bargain and puts out a reader rule. The Coast Guard and TSA must produce the TWIC reader rule which is necessary to give American workers and port facilities certainty after years of delay. As well, we should be cognizant of the fact that CBP and the United States Coast Guard cannot intrusively scan every truck, every cargo container or bulk shipment that comes into American ports. It's certainly cost prohibitive, but it would also cripple the just-in-time delivery system that the industry relies on to keep American commerce running. Instead, I believe that the security of the supply chain is maximized through the use of a risk-based methodology, which is a key element in this bill. Smart, cost effective choices have to be made that maximize our resources while ensuring the security of our ports and, by that, our extension of our way of life. This bill, Madam Speaker, is a step toward smarter security that encourages DHS to become more efficient, better integrated, and more closely coordinated amongst its component industry and international partners. Again, I want to thank the chairman, Chairman King, for his support of this bill, and Ranking Member Thompson of the full committee, and certainly my counterpart on the subcommittee as well, Ranking Member Cuellar.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I certainly appreciate the gentleman for yielding time. Madam Speaker, our economy is struggling, the American people need jobs, and too many families are struggling under the burden of ever- rising energy prices. It's certainly long past time for the Federal Government to act; and, today, this House will act. This Nation, Madam Speaker, has been blessed with so many vast energy resources that if we actually advantaged ourselves, we could actually meet all of our Nation's energy needs. We could create countless good- paying jobs right here at home. We could provide needed funding for our Federal Treasury, expand our economy, and make our Nation more secure. But, unfortunately, we don't do that. Instead, in fact, we are nearly the only Nation I think on the face of the planet, really, that does not take advantage of its own natural energy resources. Instead, we, unfortunately, have made the choice to rely on foreign sources of energy to meet many of our needs--many from unstable or unfriendly nations to whom we export literally hundreds of billions of dollars of our national wealth each and every year and we bypass the opportunity to create needed jobs right here at home. This absolutely needs to change. While President Obama talks about an all-of-the-above energy strategy, his actions tell a different story, really. While exploration of oil and other energy resources is up overall, it's been reduced on lands under Federal control under this administration. And this administration's EPA has made the coal industry public enemy number one, even though it's the cheapest and most abundant source of electric generation that we have here in our Nation. Today, this House will act on a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. This legislation will streamline and remove government red tape as a hurdle to energy production. It will require our Nation to put forward goals for production of all energy sources, including oil, natural gas, coal, renewables, of course, on Federal lands. And it will make the permitting process much easier, and it will open up new areas to exploration and development both onshore as well as offshore. This legislation will lower energy prices for hard-pressed consumers, it will create good-paying jobs here at home, and it will enhance our economic security and national security as well. I certainly urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical legislation, and I support the rule as well.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, among the enumerated powers of the Constitution, providing for the common defense is, in my mind, the most important responsibility of the Congress. A key part of the common defense, of course, is ensuring that we secure the Nation's borders. H.R. 1299, the Secure Border Act, moves the Nation closer to a more secure border by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to gain operational control of the border within 5 years. As part of that plan, the Department must account for staffing requirements, investments and infrastructure, and the justification and rationale for technology choices and deployment locations. Since 9/11, this Nation has spent billions of dollars to increase security along our borders. We've doubled the size of the Border Patrol; built 700 miles of fence; and have invested in technology, such as UAVs and a wide array of surveillance equipment, for use along the border. Most of these investments have been worthwhile. Yet, instead of spending money in an ad hoc fashion, the Department of Homeland Security needs to develop a comprehensive and coherent plan to achieve control of the border while taking into account personnel, technology, and infrastructure needs. The need for a comprehensive strategy is apparent as previous border security efforts succeeded in shifting smuggling and illicit activities from urban areas of the Southwest border to more rural and remote areas, such as Arizona. However, this balloon effect has only succeeded in shifting the problem. How we determine or measure what a secure border looks like has been the subject of a lot of debate, but the fact remains that the Congress and the American people should have a verifiable way to determine if we are making progress along the border. For years, we've relied on operational control as sort of a proxy for border security, and it has become a de facto term, but at the last count, only 44 percent of the Southwest border was under operational control, and less than 2 percent of the northern border was adequately secured. In 2010, the Department of Homeland Security stopped reporting the numbers of miles of border under operational control, and as yet has really not supplied an alternative measure of border security to replace the discarded operational control measure. Just a few weeks ago, the Border Patrol released its new 2012 strategic plan, which makes no mention of operational control. It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that the Department believes operational control is probably not the right measure to describe security at the border, and is working on something called the ``border condition index,'' which is supposed to be a holistic measure to inform our border security efforts. I think we are all open to a new, more robust standard if it supplements operational control and better describes what is happening with security at our border. To this point, I don't think we can automatically assume that this new measure stacks up against operational control. With an issue this important, we just can't change the rules if we don't like the results. So, if the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security decides to use a measure other than operational control, this bill would require that any other measure of border security would be vetted by a national laboratory with prior expertise in border security. I think that boils down to ``trust but verify.'' Security along the border is more often than not described in terms of fences, Border Patrol agents, UAVs, and camera towers. However, that is only one side of the story. We also need to increase security at our ports of entry--the conduit to much of the commerce and cargo that sustains our way of life. This bill requires the Secretary to develop a measure which gauges our progress at the points of entry so that, when combined with operational control or its successor, we have a very full picture of our border security. Mr. Speaker, the men and women of the United States Border Patrol and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have a very difficult job. I know that we all want to thank them for the very hard work that they do in some very demanding conditions to help secure our Nation. Certainly, it is our hope that the requirement for a comprehensive strategy will inform the Congress of the resources needs of the Department of Homeland Security, will give the men and women on the border the tools that they need, and will move us toward a more secure border both at and between the ports of entry. I certainly would encourage all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I once again rise in strong opposition to the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. With all the challenges our nation faces I have a simple question for everyone . . . why in the world is the federal government in the flood insurance business? The federal government is a bad insurance company. This program which began issuing policies in the 1970's is now almost $19 billion in debt with no hope to ever repay that debt because it is not run with sound actuarial standards. I opposed this bill a few weeks ago when it passed this House and while the Senate made improvements by taking away subsidized rates from second homes, which is a start, but it still provides others with subsidies while charging premium rates to others, like many in my district with little risk of ever flooding, to provide that subsidy to others in more flood prone areas. I believe strongly that this is a practice best left to the private sectors or individual states. It is long past time to get the federal government out of the flood insurance business and I continue to oppose this bill.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and in strong support of the underlying bill, the Violence Against Women Act. Madam Speaker, for several years, I had the great honor to serve on the board of my local domestic violence safe house. And I call it a safe house. We didn't call it a shelter. We called it a safe house. So I have personally seen women and children who so desperately needed that safe haven to escape from a cycle of violence. Throughout my service here in Congress, I consistently fought to make certain that support is there for all of the safe houses across my district. Those women and all those victims of domestic violence, who far too often suffer in silence, need to know that they are not alone and that there are people who care. Today, this House is doing what we need to do, by taking a stand in defense of those who face the danger of domestic violence, by passing this reauthorization. I certainly applaud the author of the bill, Sandy Adams from Florida. She's kept politics away from crafting this bill. Instead, she's really focused squarely on protecting the victims of domestic violence. The bill that we are debating here today produces funding at the same level as what was passed by the Senate, but I think it allocates that funding in a way that better supports the victims of domestic violence. For instance, this bill doesn't make any special carve-outs for any particular victim group, because it protects everybody equally. It also includes outstanding revisions developed by listening to those involved in protecting victims from across the Nation. It strengthens penalties for sexual assault and abuse. It improves Federal stalking laws. It helps young women in college by working to prevent violence on our campuses through improved education programs. And it dramatically improves emergency and transitional housing services. As well, the Senate bill mirrors current law, which only mandates 40 percent of the funding in the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to address a backlog of rape testing kits which are required, quite frankly, to successfully prosecute rape cases. Our bill mandates that 75 percent of the funding be used for that purpose so that we can eliminate the backlog that exists and put rapists where they belong, and that's in prison. So, Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me today in standing up for women in need and all victims of violence by supporting this outstanding legislation.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the gentlelady yielding time to me, especially because I am opposed to this bill. I would just have one question for my colleagues, and I would ask this: What in the world is the Federal Government doing in the national flood insurance business? And I would give the sponsors certainly of this legislation credit for the fact that they're trying to reform what I think is an unnecessary Federal Government boondoggle. But rather than reforming this, I think we need to eliminate this program. Let me just give you an example, Mr. Speaker. So many of us were very strongly opposed to ObamaCare, the government takeover of health care, because we didn't believe the Federal Government should be running the health care for our entire Nation. But apparently we have no problem with the Federal Government running a National Flood Insurance Program. This program was created in 1968. We started writing policies in 1972, and today this program is almost $18 billion in debt. And FEMA says that this debt will never be paid for, never, never be paid off. So not only is the Federal Government improperly running a flood insurance program, it's operating a very bad flood insurance program. This program is not actuarially sound. It charges some of the highest risk areas subsidized rates and charges other areas of no risk astronomical rates to pay for those subsidies. You can use my home State of Michigan as a great example where our residents have been forced into this program and have been charged thousands of dollars every year even though we have almost no risk of flooding. In Michigan, we actually look down at the water, not up at the water. We've paid multiple times more in premiums than we've ever received back in benefits. In short, Mr. Speaker, the people of the great State of Michigan are getting fleeced by this program. Obviously, we are a compassionate Nation. When we have a case of a natural disaster, or what have you, we need to make sure that we step up and give relief to our fellow Americans, but what we are doing here today is simply not fair. What we should have is a national catastrophic fund so that everybody pays, not just some who are being forced to subsidize others. That is not fair. So, Mr. Speaker, I would hope that my colleagues would join me in rejecting the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program so that we can get to work on a way to allow the private marketplace to move in and to replace it.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and personal privilege to represent Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the home of the 107th Fighter Squadron, also known as the Michigan Red Devils. The 107th flies the A 10, and they just recently returned from a redeployment to Afghanistan, where they performed so magnificently, so bravely, and made us all proud. The 107th was one of the units scheduled to be eliminated under the President's proposed budget; but, fortunately, the House Armed Services Committee will present a Defense reauthorization bill, scheduled for a floor vote here next week, which reverses that and saves the 107th along with protecting the Air National Guard across the entire country. Instead, the Air Force will be required to do a cost analysis of the National Guard cuts, which is very good because the Air National Guard performs 35 percent of the flying missions for just 6 percent of the budget. That is the best bang for the taxpayers' buck in these very restrained budgetary times. This House, Mr. Speaker, is going to do the right thing for the great American patriots of the Air National Guard, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise to support the rule. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to represent Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is home to the Michigan Red Devils, the 107th Fighter Squadron. The 107th, Mr. Speaker, flies A 10s, and they recently returned from a redeployment to Afghanistan where they performed so bravely and made us all proud. The 107th was one of the Air Guard units scheduled to be eliminated under the President's budget proposal, but fortunately the House Armed Services Committee will present a Defense reauthorization bill next week which reverses that and saves the 107th, along with protecting the Air National Guard actually across the entire country. This House is going to do the right thing for the great American patriots of the Air National Guard by prioritizing spending within our budget, not by spending more money. So I would certainly urge our colleagues in the Senate to join us. Mr. Speaker, we need to remember that the cuts that caused the Obama administration to target the Air Guard were before the sequester. If the sequester is allowed to go into effect, the impact on the community that I represent, for example, would be immense, and the defense corridor we are building as a part of our economic revitalization would be stopped, really, dead in its tracks. Not only would the National Guard again be put at risk of massive new cuts, but military contracting across the board would be faced with additional cuts. In Macomb County alone--the county that I'm proud to represent as part of my congressional district--this would mean $200 million in additional cuts, Mr. Speaker, and obviously would cost countless jobs in the defense-related corridor. This House has taken steps to stop the devastation of our Air National Guard and now is taking steps to stop the devastation of our defense base and needless loss of jobs with commonsense reforms. So I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting reconciliation today, and the Defense reauthorization bill that's coming to the floor next week.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 228, I made an error voting. It was my intention to vote ``aye'' on the Blackburn Amendment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the extension of the current student loan interest rates. Every young American who works hard and studies hard deserves a shot at the American Dream. Unfortunately, the economy, led by President Barack Obama, is denying them the opportunities that they need. Actually, according to an Associated Press analysis, over 53 percent of young college graduates aged 25 or under, which is 1.5 million young Americans, are unemployed or they hold low-wage jobs that don't require them to use the degrees that they just obtained. Our approach to help young people is about more than just the interest rate that they pay on their loans; it's about creating an economy that gives them a chance to apply the knowledge that they worked so hard to learn. That means not raising taxes or imposing new regulations on the very job creators that will offer opportunities to our young people. It means opening up energy reserves to lower prices at the pump because, guess what, Mr. Speaker, young people also are paying these high gas prices as well. Let's stop the rise in student loan interest rates, but at the same time let's get this economy moving so that America's young people can achieve their dreams.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, we all understand that American small businesses are the engine of job creation. I think the Democrats are waging a war on small business. I have spoken with so many small business job creators in my district, and they all share the same message: government overregulation and government overtaxation is stifling their ability to grow. This House has already acted decisively to address government overregulation, and today we're going to act decisively to give small businesses the tax relief that they need to grow. Allowing small businesses with fewer than 500 employees a 20 percent tax cut to free up capital and to allow those businesses to invest in and to grow their businesses to create the jobs that we so desperately need in this economy is the right thing to do. So I was very disappointed to see that President Obama threatened to veto this bill, because, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, I would respectfully tell you that hundreds of small manufacturing firms in Michigan that are struggling to buy new equipment, to pursue new customers and grow their businesses are not among the corporations with the biggest profits; and those small businesses would benefit from this bill. You can contrast that with General Electric, which made over $14 billion in profits in 2010 and yet paid no Federal income tax.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. We need to remember that the CEO of General Electric is actually the head of President Obama's Jobs Council. So, Mr. Speaker, I would say that we can trust the American small businesses to spend their money more wisely than government will ever do. Again, it's mystifying to me that the Democratic Party seems to be waging a war on the small business community of America.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of the legislation and the rule as well. Our Nation has been blessed with such magnificent natural wonders that provide great enjoyment for those who hunt and fish, and today, our sportsmen continue a wonderful and a great tradition that has defined our Nation. Unfortunately, far too often sportsmen are stymied in their efforts to build upon this great American tradition and heritage because of overzealous bureaucrats and activists who seem to want to go to almost any means, really, to stop hunting and fishing. Today, by passing the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012, we will make a statement of support for our Nation's sportsmen and -women. This bill states clearly that fishing and hunting and shooting are important activities that create jobs and must continue on public land, and it requires those that manage the land to make it accessible and holds them accountable. It takes away the power from the bureaucrats to limit types of ammunition and fishing tackle that they've been trying to limit that can be used on public lands. And it removes red tape that keeps hunters from bringing home a limited number of legally-taken trophies from Canada as well. And today, Mr. Speaker, we will send a very clear message to American sportsmen and American sportswomen that we are on your side. We value the important role that you play in upholding our national heritage and its great tradition of America, and the jobs that you create through your activities as well. I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important legislation and this rule as well.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor on H.R. 2920.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege today to recognize an extraordinary individual from Michigan's 10th Congressional District. On February 17, 2012, family, friends and neighbors of Mr. Gordon Fuerstenau will gather at the Richmond Township Hall to celebrate his dedicated and honorable record of public service. In total, Gordon has served the Township of Richmond located in northern Macomb County for an impressive 27 years, having first been elected as the Clerk in 1984 and then appointed to the position of Supervisor in 2003 which he held until 2011. As a former township supervisor myself, I can personally attest to the hard work, long hours and steadfast commitment it takes to efficiently operate and manage the day-to-day business of a township. The job can be difficult at times, but the rewards far outweigh any roadblocks faced along the way. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing the work you have accomplished to improve the community in which you live. Ultimately, you know you are making a positive difference and enhancing the quality of life for the generations to follow. Gordon's resume includes a long list of accomplishments demonstrating his leadership skills and impeccable integrity. He has served on the City of Richmond's Wellhead Protection Team which helped protect drinking water utilized by area residents. He also was a key player in fostering the amicable relationship with the City of Richmond through his work with the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, and triumphing key environmental issues to help maintain the rural setting that is especially unique to Richmond Township. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to properly acknowledge Gordon Fuerstenau's strong record of outstanding and invaluable public service to Richmond Township. I commend him on this very special occasion and offer my best wishes on many more successes in the future.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to recognize a special achievement recently accomplished by the Carsonville-Port Sanilac (C-PS) Tigers High School Football Team. C-PS capped off a remarkable and extremely memorable season by taking home to Sanilac County the first ever Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 8-Player State Championship. After the necessary 20 high schools announced they would be fielding teams in 2011, the MHSAA was able to implement an official playoff schedule. This was more than welcomed news to CP-S since they had gone undefeated the previous year winning an ``unofficial'' title. But with this new opportunity on the horizon, C-PS demonstrated what real team work is to reach the pinnacle of this historic season. With Head Coach Tim Brabant entering his second season in charge, the Tigers played strong hard-nosed football focusing on the basic fundamentals and taking each play one at a time. This meant players executing their designated assignments and beating the man in front of him. This also included playing sound defense with solid tackling and an implementing offense scheme that would make an NFL playbook look elementary. The Tigers kept constant pressure on their opponents forcing them to commit untimely errors and more importantly capitalizing on those mistakes. After making the eight hour trek to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula to face-off against their opponent, the Rapid River Rockets, in the finals at the Superior Dome, the team brushed aside any potential distractions and solely focused on winning. Despite the best efforts of Rapid River, C-PS would not to be denied. Tigers had the proper preparation and were eager to seize the day. Jumping out front quickly in the first quarter to a 27-6 lead, the Tigers saw that margin reduced by halftime to a 39-20 score. One important note is that unlike 11-man football, a 19 point lead is anything but safe. Similar to arena football, points can come quick and they can come often. But once again, the Tigers were up to the challenge and simply closed the door on the Rockets by shutting them out in the second half. This amazing feat is rarely accomplished in 8- player football. There is an old adage in sports which I think holds true for the Tiger's season, ``Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.'' I am proud to say the Tigers capped off this outstanding season with a 59-20 win and an overall record of 12 wins and only one defeat. The Tigers throughout the year exhibited the intangible ingredients which make up a winning football team: heart, discipline and a positive attitude. As legendary Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi once said, ``A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, determination, the dedication and the competition drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.'' I applaud these young men for remaining both mentally and physically ready to compete. In addition, I want to commend the Tigers for staying energized and focused each time they stepped on to the gridiron. I understand this can be extremely difficult considering the numerous pressures and distractions high school student-athletes can encounter. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work and sportsmanship displayed by all the team members. These individuals are: Danny Rickett, Justin Mackey, Sam Washe, Hayden Adams, Ryan Davis, Garrett Salsbury, Ismael Pacheco, Chase Munro, Steven Koehler, Tom Nantz, Aaron Smith, Tim Smith, Jon Childers, Chris Drescher, Levi Hurley, Tim Sherman, Nick Swift, Devin Adams and Trevor Adams along with Head Coach Tim Brabant, Defensive Coordinator Scott Steele, and Assistant Coaches Eugene Binder and Joe Rickett. I also wish to acknowledge the administrators, teachers, cheerleaders, parents, students and fans alike for their assistance and support in making this an unforgettable season. The Tigers proved they had the talent, fortitude and resilience to rise to the challenge and accomplish their ultimate goal--a State Championship. Teamwork, perseverance and friendship all contributed to this title. I know the community and the entire Thumb Region takes great pride in what these young men were able to achieve. In closing Mr. Speaker, I share that same pride. I want to offer my personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards and trophies are rightfully deserved. Way to go Tigers!

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to offer my support of the first ever National Rural Health Day. My district is home to five rural hospitals, Deckerville Community Hospital, Harbor Beach Community Hospital, Marlette Community Hospital, Scheurer Hospital and McKenzie Memorial Hospital. Thanks to these hospitals, my constituents, as well as 62 million Americans living in small towns and rural communities across the United States, have greater access to medical services and comprehensive care near the communities where they live. During my time in Congress, I have been proud to support rural hospitals in my district. I took a leading role in helping to complete the Thumb Rural Health Network's wireless communications system. This infrastructure links all eight of the rural hospitals serving Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties, in order to create greater communication about patient care between this region's hospitals and allow for more medical consultation from specialists from other Michigan facilities via remote technology. I believe that it is critically important for all Michigan residents to have access to quality health care services, and I know that each rural hospital is continually looking for innovative and resourceful ways to reach this goal despite geographical obstacles. In my district, rural hospitals account for nearly 1,000 jobs. In a time of economic uncertainty and rising unemployment that has hurt Michigan businesses and families, I am encouraged by the many benefits rural hospitals bring to the communities they serve. I would like to praise rural hospitals on National Rural Health Day and extend my thanks for the work they do for our communities in my district, as well as across the Nation.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, our Constitution is certainly the greatest governing document ever created by man. It's the bedrock foundation for this, the United States of America, the greatest nation on Earth. Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers, in their genius, provided us with a way to amend the Constitution to deal with a changing world. James Madison, who, of course, is widely seen as the Father of the Constitution, once said that ``A public debt is a public curse.'' In 1995, this House passed a very similar balanced budget amendment to the one that we are considering today. The amendment received 300 votes in this House, but fell just one vote short in the United States Senate. Since that time, Mr. Speaker, our national debt has grown by over $9 trillion, yes, $9 trillion, including nearly $4 trillion in new debt in just the last 3 years, and today the debt is over $15 trillion. And the fact of the matter is that our public debt has become the public curse of which Madison warned us. The American people understand that this level of debt is not sustainable, and that is why they overwhelmingly support this balanced budget amendment. Today we have a choice, Mr. Speaker. Do we answer the call of the American people and embrace fiscal responsibility, or do we continue the status quo of more spending and more borrowing and more debt? It's time for this Congress to use the tools our Founding Fathers gave us, Mr. Speaker, to amend the Constitution to save further generations from the shackles of unsustainable debt. I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense amendment to balance our Federal budget.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chair, my home slate of Michigan is one of 49 in the nation that currently has a law that allows individuals to receive a license to carry a concealed weapon. Some warned that right-to-carry laws would lead to an increase in crime, but the facts bear out that just the opposite is true. Violent crime has gone down substantially across the nation as more and more states instituted right-to-carry laws. When criminals know that law abiding citizens have the ability to defend themselves they have to think twice before victimizing people. This legislation simply allows those who have gotten the training to receive a permit to carry in their home state to use that permit in other states. The bill also requires that concealed weapons permit holders abide by the local laws in the state where they choose to exercise this right and thus is not a federalization of gun laws. Just as another state cannot deny drivers license holders from Michigan the ability to drive in that state, they should not deny concealed carry permit holders from Michigan the right to carry. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation that strengthens the Constitutional rights of all Americans.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. We all understand that our economy is struggling, that millions of Americans can't find a job, that too many families are struggling to make ends meet, and that the American people are very frustrated that Washington is simply not doing enough to get our economy moving. I would argue that not only is Washington not doing enough to get our economy moving but it is actually harming the efforts of American innovators, of manufacturers, of small businesses, of the job creators because of government over-regulation. The fact is today that the Obama administration has publicly listed almost 220 new regulations just this year alone, a 15-percent increase in one year alone, of new regulatory actions under consideration. Each one of them is estimated to cost at least $100 million, if you can imagine. Mr. Chairman, the bill that is currently under consideration would provide relief from some of the new EPA regulations that would cost American job creators more than $14 billion and threaten over 230,000 jobs. In my home State of Michigan, this government over-regulation would cost nearly $800 million and put nearly 13,000 jobs at risk. In my home State of Michigan, we are on our knees economically, and we cannot tolerate this anymore. It has to be stopped. At home, I have talked to so many businesspeople, from small family businesses to major corporations, et cetera; and the message from all of them is always the same: that government over- regulation is absolutely killing their efforts to grow and to create jobs. I'll give you one example. There's a company in Port Huron, Michigan, in my congressional district, called Domtar. Port Huron has been hit particularly hard. Current estimates are that the unemployment rate is approaching 20 percent, if you can imagine that. It's unbelievable how bad it is there at this time. Domtar is a paper company. It currently employs 245 people. It generates between $8 million and $12 million in revenue annually. I talked to them about this regulation under consideration today, and they estimate that this regulation today would cost them $9 million to scrub the coal that they use to operate their boilers or would cost $3 million to $4 million to convert to natural gas and have an additional annual cost of $3 million to $4 million a year just to stay compliant. They estimate that these costs would likely force the company to shut down two of their four paper machines and, of course, force a reduction in jobs, Mr. Chairman. This company, this community, this Nation cannot handle that kind of loss in additional jobs that this regulation would force. It seems today that the three most feared letters to American job creators, where it used to be IRS, today those letters are EPA. It's no longer the IRS. It's the EPA. And why is that? On April 30 of 2010, the EPA issued a statement on a study of the impact of one of their proposed regulations. This is what they said: ``The regulatory impact assessment does not include either a qualitative or quantitative estimation of the potential effects of the proposed rule on economic productivity, economic growth, employment, job creation or international economic competitiveness.'' In other words, they don't care what their regulations have to do with job creation, much less with stifling and killing job creation in this country. This is what our own government is doing to our job creators, and this is from an administration that claims that job creation is its number one priority. Are you kidding? You've got to be kidding. We have to stop all of this government overregulation that is killing jobs. Certainly, House Republicans have been trying to lift the boot of Big Government off the necks--off the throats--of job creators and of workers who are looking for a job. We've heard repeatedly from this President about the need to invest in transportation and infrastructure. At the same time, this President and this administration are talking about how infrastructure is such an economic lifeblood for our economy, which I agree with and which, I think, House Republicans agree with. But at the same time the President is saying we've got to invest in infrastructure--in fixing roads--his administration is moving forward on this regulation that we are talking about today that would put large segments of the American cement plants in this country out of business. I would tell the President that it's very hard to have infrastructure investment to build roads if you don't have any concrete, if you don't have any cement. I would say, Mr. Chairman, I speak against this amendment, but I speak in favor of the underlying bill. I would call on my colleagues to pass this bill now. Pass this bill. Let's get America moving again. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge a special event occurring in the 10th Congressional District this upcoming Sunday, September 11, 2011. For many, this is a solemn time because our Nation is preparing to remember the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives on that tragic day. I think it's important to note Americans across this land share in the grief felt by all who lived through and witnessed that horrendous attack on the United States of America. I too share in that sorrow and want to commend and applaud the Brown City Fire Department for standing up to honor the innocent lives lost 10 years ago--just as they have done each of the past 9 years. Located in rural Sanilac County, Brown City started on this journey almost three years ago to obtain a piece of the World Trade Center by submitting an application to the New York Port Authority. To the delight of the fire department and the entire community, the application was approved and a piece of the I-Beam from the World Trade Center would become the foundation of a memorial in memory of the 343 firefighters lost that horrific day. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct privilege to represent Brown City and coincidentally I have visited to New York City as well. Despite ending in the word ``city'', one could easily state this is where the similarities end. However, I would argue the few things they do share in common build a unique and solid bond which far exceeds the differences. I remind you no matter where we call home; we are all Americans first. Like the NYFD, the Brown City Fire Department is comprised of men and women who have answered the call of duty to serve and protect. Firefighters are cut from the same cloth which is sewn with courage, bravery and fortitude always putting other citizens ahead of their own safety and well-being. Their love of country, honor and service diminishes any geographical disparities. Although America was shocked by the events of 9/11, it ultimately re- affirmed and proved once again that the American spirit, resolve and character are full-proof and can withstand any damage a terrorist attack tries to inflict. Just as Brown City has done, and continues to do, we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans no matter what our differences may be. Liberty and freedom will always prevail. Lastly Mr. Speaker, I ask every American to take a moment to reflect upon and remember those who lost their lives in this senseless act. We all should also say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who gave their lives on that day and for those who since then have fought and sacrificed on battlefields across the globe. Our great Nation was born in a revolution against tyranny. It has stood since that time as a beacon of hope for countless individuals who have come with a yearning to be free. We have sent our sons and daughters to defeat fascism, communism and to protect our freedom and spread it to hundreds of millions across the world. Today we continue that fight against yet another enemy of freedom, and once again freedom will triumph. The world should know that America will never surrender in the fight for liberty and will remain eternally vigilant to the simple statement in our Pledge--``One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.'' I want to commend the Brown City Fire Department for their hard work and commitment to honor their brothers and sisters from New York City by constructing this 9/11 monument. This is a testament to the community's leadership to ensure future generations always remember and never forget. I thank them for their service and I appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge their exceptional work to see this project come to fruition.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today the agreement that we will be voting on is another example of the historic pivot here in Washington because never before in history has an increase in our Nation's debt limit been tied to cuts in spending. No longer will the debate be about how much more is the Federal Government going to spend; the debate now is how much spending is going to be cut. This legislation will require more than $2.1 trillion in Federal spending cuts; puts in place firm caps to hold down future spending; both Houses of Congress must have an up-or-down vote on a balanced budget amendment; it does not impose any job-killing tax increases; it avoids a default on Federal obligations that would be disastrous to our economy; and it begins a process to put this Nation on a path to prosperity. We have so much more that still needs to be done, but this is further progress in turning the Federal Government toward fiscal sanity so we can leave a better America for our children and our grandchildren.

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to tell a story that just happened this past week, which I think is just a vivid display of the human spirit and heroism as well. There is a fellow named Michael Trapp who had a very lucky week. He was flying his Cessna airplane from his home in New York over to Wisconsin and unfortunately had engine problems. The air traffic control tower lost contact with him, and he crashed his airplane in Lake Huron. I represent a district in Michigan. If you think of a mitten, this fellow fortunately crashed his airplane right off the tip of the thumb here. The Coast Guard was having a full search and rescue. The Marine Division was out looking for him. A day went by. A night went by. They couldn't find this fellow. Some very good friends of mine, Dean and Diane Petitpren, were out boating in their boat, and Diane Petitpren sees a fellow waving his sock in the middle of Lake Huron, and they saved that man's life. I just think with everything happening in Washington here this week, it's good for us to take a moment and think about the human spirit and the people that have charitable and caring hearts.