William Owens

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Chairman, I come before you today after spending 27 years in the health care industry representing my local hospitals, and I can tell you that this bill was supported by them because it creates care in our communities, and it creates jobs in our communities. If we're going to focus on how to improve care and reduce cost, the bill is replete with opportunity. We can support accountable care organizations, we can support medical home pilots, we can support community health centers, we can support electronic medical records, we can support telemedicine, and we can support the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. That is how we're going to improve care, reduce cost, and deliver benefit to our constituents.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. In my conversations that I've had the opportunity to have over the last couple of days, clearly, public broadcasting understands that they are going to have to share the pain with everyone else. It's one thing to cut somebody's budget by 3 or 4 percent. It's another thing to eliminate somebody's budget. No one survives when somebody's budget is eliminated. People survive and prosper when they have to make up 3 or 4 percent. That's what I'm urging our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to really think about it.

Mr. OWENS. Thank you very much. I appreciate your leadership on this. When you talk about rural, I represent rural. Fourteen thousand square miles make up my district, a thousand miles around the perimeter. I live in a very rural place, and public broadcasting is extraordinarily important to each and every one of my constituents. I have to do a bit of a disclaimer first. My wife works for our local television station. She's the education director. I volunteered at the station for 3\1/2\ years, and I was the host of a television program. And I was also the lawyer for that station for about 25 years. So this is a real family affair for me. I'm most disturbed because I see what's going on in this situation is really a slash-and-burn tactic that is primarily focused on public broadcasting. It is an attempt to take the continuing resolution and make it into a piece of ideology. That's not what our constituents are asking of us. They want us to make an economic decision and do an economic analysis of where we are and where we're going. I think it's extraordinarily important that we focus on the economics of the debt and the deficit and not on ideology; we have an opportunity to act rationally and in a bipartisan fashion, as we did in the last lame duck session of Congress. Our friends and neighbors at home demand no less. I can agree to cut $100 billion dollars, which is actually about 3 percent of this year's budget, if we do it by sharing the pain. Let me tell you a little bit about public broadcasting. My children grew up with it. It is part of the education that my family experienced. My grandchildren are growing up with it. This is the best in family values and quality programing that you're going to see. If our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are concerned about the development of morals, integrity, and education, then public broadcasting is a place they should support, not kill. Just a few thoughts. My public television station provides essential services to that upstate rural community I talked about. It's aligned with their mission to inform, educate, involve, and entertain. Public broadcasting is America's largest classroom, closing the achievement gap through innovative standards-based educational content and resources for parent, teachers, and students. Public broadcasting serves as a trusted partner and agent of better citizenship in the world's greatest democracy. Public broadcasting is not a luxury we can't afford but an essential service regularly depended on and enjoyed by 170 million Americans in all 50 States. Let me repeat that; 170 million Americans support public broadcasting. Cutting or eliminating Federal funding for public broadcasting will have a severe negative impact on local services and economies in all 50 States. Let me point out that public broadcasting directly supports 21,000 jobs, and almost all of them are in local public radio stations in hundreds of communities in America. Science-focused programing at all age levels, from Sid the Science Kid to NOVA, supports the acquisition of 21st century problem-solving science skills. I could go on. It's clear that public broadcasting brings a dimension to education that we see in no other modality available to us. I agree that reducing spending is a priority, but it must be achieved without resorting to ideological slash-and-burn tactics that will not allow us to facilitate a compromise with the Senate and White House, which brings real reduction in spending based upon the shared pain, which we all understand is needed. Thank you very much.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Arnold ``Arnie'' Amell, the chair of Plattsburgh State's College Council in Upstate New York. A native of Beekmantown, New York, Arnie spent decades devoting his life to the New York education system. Throughout the years, he served as a teacher, a guidance counselor, director of guidance, assistant principal and principal. Outside of the classroom, he served as a member of the college council at SUNY Plattsburgh, President of the Kiwanis Club of Schenectady, and a member of the Northeast Parent and Child Society. Most recently, he spent the last two years as chair of the College Council at SUNY Plattsburgh. Through his decades of service, he worked to enhance the quality of education youth receive in Upstate New York, and provided a strong foundation for countless students of all ages. Everyone who knew Arnie can say that they knew a man completely devoted to his family and his community. I have personally known Arnie for years and have served on the college council at Plattsburgh State University with him. The Plattsburgh community has lost a true friend and a great leader, but his memory and spirit will continue to inspire generations of Upstate New Yorkers who will work to better their community in this tradition.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, their families and everyone affected by the tragic events of January 8, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. It has been my honor to work with Congresswoman Giffords here in Washington, and to call her a friend. Congresswoman Giffords has earned her reputation as a pragmatic, rational and clear-minded lawmaker, and we are all better for having served with her. My wife and I have had the opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, who are truly patriotic and dedicated Americans not deserving of this fate. The details of this horrifying event are still coming to light, but in these uncertain times it is my hope that we can come together to bring relief to the victims and justice to those responsible, not point partisan fingers or score political points. We owe it to those lost or wounded in this senseless crime to grieve for the fallen, pray for those in recovery and reflect on how we might better serve our office and the work of this great nation. Madam Speaker, I know I speak for all my colleagues in wishing her a speedy recovery. I look forward to working with her again soon in the halls of Congress.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Chairman Thompson for their leadership and for bringing H.R. 4748 to the floor with the Senate amendment. Our northern border with Canada spans over 4,000 miles, the longest open border in the world. I am intimately familiar with the unique status of our shared border. My congressional district in Upstate New York includes 13 ports of entry and border crossings, and nearly 2,000 jobs depend on a stable trading relationship with our northern neighbor. We currently lack a unified approach to stopping the flow of drugs from the northern border. As the southern border has witnessed the spread of violence that has accompanied the increased drug trade, we must be proactive and vigilant in ensuring that our northern border remains safe and open for business. Organized criminal elements are increasingly exploiting the northern border to traffic narcotics, illicit cigarettes, firearms, and people. According to the 2010 National Drug Threat Assessment, the amount of ecstasy seized at or between northern border points of entry increased 594 percent from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, there were 1,100 drug-related arrests in New York's North Country. Just last week, the Franklin County Border Narcotics Task Force caught a Malone man believed to be headed downstate with 119 pounds of marijuana. The Narcotics Task Force, consisting of law enforcement officials from the Federal, State, and local level, stand to benefit greatly from this legislation. They will have the added advantage of increased cooperation and information sharing with their counterparts across the northern border. By enacting this important legislation into law, the Federal agency that is responsible for stopping illegal drugs from entering the U.S. will, for the first time, be mandated by Congress to create a comprehensive strategy to stop the flow of drugs across the northern border. By coordinating the efforts of Federal, State, and local officials responsible for the safety of our communities, the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act will help ensure that law enforcement has the tools and information they need to keep the drug trade out of the northern border communities. This legislation also recognizes the important balance between allowing the flow of legitimate trade and travel across the border with Canada and stopping the flow of illegal narcotics. This new strategy will reflect the unique nature of the small communities that dot the northern border and recognize the need for continued cooperation and coordination with our counterparts in Canadian law enforcement. This legislation will ultimately make these communities safer, attracting new businesses and providing the long-term assurances of protection they need to grow and prosper. Upstate New York has benefited for decades from a robust business relationship with our Canadian neighbors, and any illegal activity that takes place over our borders threatens that relationship. The Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act starts the process of developing a new approach to combating the international drug trade along our shared border with Canada. It is a vital component to the economic development and safety of our communities along that border. I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Patty Bentley of Plattsburgh, New York on her retirement after 41 years as a librarian at Plattsburgh State and other institutions. Patty was born in Kentucky, spent her early childhood in Michigan, and began her career as a medical librarian at the University of Cincinnati in 1970. Since 1977, she has worked to improve the quality of education for upstate New York students at Plattsburgh State. For 34 years, she has served to make her community a better place by volunteering countless hours with various local organizations. Simply put, Plattsburgh would not be what it is today without her tireless efforts. I have the privilege of calling Patty my friend, and I continue to look to her for guidance on local issues. At the end of this year, Patty will become a retiree, but I am confident that she will never stop serving the community. Mr. Speaker, I thank Patty Bentley for her years of service and congratulate her on 41 wonderful years on the job.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I was not present for votes on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 and morning votes on Wednesday, December 15. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 628, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 629, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 630, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 631, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 632, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 633, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 634.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lucille Ryan of Brooklyn, my cousin and Godmother, on her 90th Birthday. Lucille has spent most of her life in Brooklyn and now lives in Whiting, New Jersey with her husband, Bill. They have been married for 58 years, raising three wonderful children; and have eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They have contributed to their church and local communities in immeasurable ways. As my Godmother, I have known Lucille for my entire life, spending many holidays at her house. Lucille always kept a warm and welcoming environment in her home, teaching me the value of hospitality and a strong family relationship from an early age. As a person of deep religious conviction, I learned how important love, understanding and tolerance truly are. To this day, Lucille continues to bring loved ones together and teach a whole new generation the value of family. The lessons and values I have learned from her will stay with me throughout my life. I congratulate her on 90 full years and thank her for playing such a strong role in my life.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1217) honoring Fort Drum's soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States, as amended.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The United States Army's 10th Mountain Division, stationed on Fort Drum, New York, has a long and storied history of defending the American way of life. The 10th Mountain Division was first activated as the 10th Light Division on July 13, 1943, at Camp Hale, Colorado. From there, the brave soldiers who made up the 10th Mountain Division's first unit immediately began a rigorous training regimen designed to prepare for the imminent invasion of Axis-controlled Europe. They first entered combat in January of 1945 as they were deployed to the North Apennine Mountains in Italy, opposite battle-hardened German troops, which marked the beginning of a relentless drive to liberate Italy from the clutches of the enemy. As the nature of warfare has changed throughout the decades, the 10th Mountain Division has adapted to defend the Nation against foreign threats. From its work as a training division preparing soldiers for Cold War service to deployments in West Germany, Somalia, Mogadishu, and Haiti, and the current war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 10th Mountain Division has served to maintain both national and global stability. On February 13, 1985, the 10th Mountain Division was activated in the heart of the North Country at Fort Drum. Following the September 11 attacks, units of the 10th Mountain Division were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Since then, the unit has played a role in major offenses throughout the war on terror that have brought stability to embattled areas in the Middle East. For more than 65 years, the brave men and women and their families who make up the 10th Mountain Division have endured untold sacrifices to make the Nation safer and more secure. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to recognize the achievements of the soldiers serving in the 10th Mountain Division, as well as citizen soldiers of the Army Reserve and National Guard who have fought with the 10th Mountain Division during its 60-year history. I would like to thank the family members of the 10th Mountain Division for their tireless service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States, and I commend the North Country community for their unwavering support of Fort Drum and the men and women serving in uniform. Finally, I speak for the House of Representatives when I offer my condolences to the family and friends of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Linda Lehman for being recognized as the 2010 Caregiver of the Year by the Behavioral Health Services North Inc. Caregiver Resource Center in Plattsburgh, NY. Behavioral Health Services North Inc.'s Caregiver Resource Center bestows the honor of Caregiver of the Year each November, in commemoration of National Family Caregiver's Month. Lehman was chosen as Caregiver of the Year in recognition of her work as full-time caregiver for her father, Reggie Love. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and sacrifice, and Mrs. Lehman's actions have demonstrated exactly this. She has enjoyed a full career as a caregiver, describing her work as a labor of love and crediting her family and friends for providing a support system that is so critical to her work. Mrs. Lehman's work for her father is representative of what makes our community great, and today I congratulate her on her achievement.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the Boy Scouts Adirondack District in honoring Bob Smith of Plattsburgh, New York with the Good Scout Award. Each year, the Adirondack District presents this award to a distinguished citizen who has shown exemplary dedication to his community. Bob Smith is truly deserving of this award and I'm pleased to have the opportunity to honor his decades of service. Bob graduated from St. John's Academy in Plattsburgh in 1964 and from Gannon College in 1968. After graduation, he served as a weapons officer on the guided-missile cruiser Columbus CG-12 from 1968 to 1972. Following his service to our country, Bob returned to Plattsburgh, where he and his wife, Diane, raised their three children, Kristin, Lindsey and Michael. I've known Bob for over 20 years, both professionally and personally. He is a person dedicated to his family, his community and his business. Bob's commitment to contribute to his community began when his children were young. He has served on the CVPH Medical Center Board and Executive Committee, and as chair of the Plattsburgh Development Corporation, the 2002-2003 business campaign for Plattsburgh State, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the United Way Fund Drive, and the United Way Board of Directors. Currently, Bob serves as chair of the Development Corporation Strategic Planning Review Committee, as a volunteer for Vision 2040, and as a member of the Plattsburgh State Investment Committee. A co-founder of the Plattsburgh Visitors and Convention Bureau, Bob is also a member of the Strategic Tourism Planning Committee and has served as a board member of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Bob Smith for his ongoing efforts to support his community, and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring his work to improve New York's North Country.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bessie Redmond of Plattsburgh, NY, on her 99th Birthday. Bessie and her family moved when she was 3 years old to Brooklyn, where her parents ran a candy store near the Brooklyn Bridge. Throughout her full life, she has shown an unrelenting passion for education. At the age of 6, she received her first library card and regularly visited her local library every week, looking for more material to learn. This steadfast dedication to learning was engrained in her from her first day of school, where absences from class were never excused by her parents. Bessie attended high school in Saranac Lake, went to college at St. Lawrence University, and took her love for reading to the Columbia Library School in New York City. She currently resides in the same community as my father at the Lake Forest Senior Living Community in Plattsburgh. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of having several conversations with her and look forward to seeing her each time I visit. To this day, Bessie continues to look for new experiences and truly represents the liveliness of her community. I congratulate her on 99 full, exciting years and thank her for playing such a vibrant role in our region.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I was not present for votes on Monday, November 15, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote 566, ``yes'' on rollcall vote 567, and ``yes'' on rollcall vote 568.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shawn Hatch of Massena. Mr. Hatch deserves our congratulations and gratitude for his work to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Beginning in May, Shawn spent his summer vacation rollerblading 3,107 miles from Massena to Los Angeles in an effort to support American troops wounded in combat, and raised more than $16,000 through his efforts. Shawn's recent efforts remind us all that we must work to support our troops every day of the year. Just as our soldiers pledge to leave no man or woman behind, Shawn has carried on that promise, inspiring many in New York's North Country communities to support the Wounded Warrior Project and give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Shawn represents the drive and determination that America's veterans, military personnel and their families contribute to the security and progress of our country each and every day. Again, I congratulate and thank Mr. Hatch for his extraordinary journey in support of our veterans. His accomplishment is something truly remarkable and sets a wonderful example for the rest of us.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the continuing relationship between our men and women serving in our Armed Forces and the communities that support them in their mission. In northern New York, the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and their families have been a part of our community for nearly three decades. Throughout the Division's time in the North Country, residents in the surrounding area have gone out of their way to make the Fort Drum community a productive environment for the U.S. Army to grow and train, and a welcoming place for soldiers to live, serve and retire with their families. The United Service Organization, or USO, has played a leading role in that effort. From providing high quality morale, welfare and recreation activities for our troops in the field to making sure they are adequately recognized for their service when they return, the USO is doing incredible work to support the men and women whose work preserves our way of life. I rise today to commend the USO Fort Drum for their ongoing efforts to support our troops, and ask that my colleagues would join me in commending their work to improve the lives of our military and their families.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Democrats are committed to extending tax cuts for the middle class working families. Unfortunately, our friends on the other side of the aisle have been unwilling to compromise so far on tax cuts for the wealthy, which would add $700 billion to the national debt over the next 10 years. I was proud to join several of my colleagues, led by Mr. Pascrell and Mr. Capuano, in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner advocating for a compromise on this issue. Our idea involves a 1-year extension of the higher tax rates for individuals and joint filers making under $500,000 annually, a 5-year extension of the middle class tax cuts for individuals making less than $200,000 and joint filers making less than $250,000 annually, and a 5-year extension of the current tax rates on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. I hope we come together to address this issue quickly when Congress returns. And I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to focus on working out a compromise.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812 on the event's recent 198th anniversary. The conflict took the lives of 104 American soldiers, injured 116 more, and marked the end of the British invasion of the region during the war. More than a skirmish during wartime, the memory and annual commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh preserves our precious local history and the vital role the region played in the end of the War of 1812. This year's celebration of the North Country's heritage coincided with the anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, providing us another chance to observe the bravery our men and women in uniform have exhibited in two different eras. Madam Speaker, I thank all those involved in the annual commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh for working to preserve the rich heritage our area holds in the North Country. The event truly represents the contributions Upstate New York has provided for the direction of our entire nation. Battle of Plattsburgh Association Kristina Parker-Wingler, Museum Manager; Keith Herkalo, President. Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee Officers & Members Christopher Booth, Co-Chair; Gary VaCour, Co-Chair; Iris McLean, Secretary; Kate Besaw, Treasurer; Bill Arthur, James Bailey, Jack Barette, Sharon Bell, Sally Booth, Martha Bachman, Beth Brumfield, Ann Brady, Diane Brockway, Deb Brunner, Jane Claffey, Donna Coughlin, Anne Cutaiar, Don Craig, Carol Czaja, Mike Doe, Nancy Douglas Vickie Demarse-Giroux, William Glidden, David Graham, Bob Heins, Ellen Hogan, Dennis Hullbert, Mary Joyce, Bruce Kokernot, John Krueger, Carol Lunn, Keith Lunn, Betty Miller, Athena Moore, Bruce Moore, Art Norton, Helen Nerska, Michelle Powers, Chris Ransom, Stan Ransom, Philip Rice, Richard Rogers, Craig Russell, Bud Smith, John Tanner, Louise Tanner, Gerry Tetreault, Brenda Towne, Dick Ward, Linda Ward, Mike Wayne, Lynn Wilke, Josh Wingler.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of an important initiative that got its start here in Washington, DC but could one day make its way across the country for the benefit of our troops returning home from overseas. MusicCorps is taking hold at Walter Reed Medical Center. This revolutionary program pairs injured veterans with working musicians to engage wounded warriors in the creation of music. Whether a particular servicemember seeks to become a professional musician, revive an old talent or simply find joy in learning a new skill, MusicCorps is offering a unique path to rehabilitating soldiers that has significant promise for the future of our Army. Even as Congress is providing unprecedented levels of support for injured servicemembers, we must continue seeking out new and innovative ways to prepare the men and women of our Armed Forces for whatever path they desire when they return home, whether that is retirement, a new career or a return to service within America's military. I ask my colleagues to join me in voicing appreciation to the founders and participants of MusicCorps, along with our sincere desire that this important program continues to flourish at Walter Reed and elsewhere across the country.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. I thank the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Levin. I rise today in support of H.R. 5982, the Small Business Tax Relief Act. This legislation repeals the new 1099 reporting requirements that impose a flood of new tax paperwork on small businesses. This bill evidences our commitment to listening to our constituents and acting to resolve their legitimate concerns. We, on our side of the aisle, are listening. We are acting. I have heard from numerous constituents, farmers, manufacturers and other small businesses, about this issue. Repealing these requirements is critical to protecting small businesses and family farms from having to mail hundreds of forms to vendors each year. H.R. 5982 is fully paid for by eliminating $11.6 billion in tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. We hear constantly about the need for regulatory reform. This bill provides regulatory relief. Foreign tax credits do not incentivize production or manufacturing in the United States, as my colleague, Mr. Murphy, amply and adequately pointed out. We need to focus on incentivizing U.S.-based production by focusing on appropriate tax incentives and reduction in regulatory activity by the government. We have an opportunity today to continue to improve on the health reform law by passing this bill, by helping to create U.S. jobs, and focusing and incentivizing companies to grow the American economy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5982.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Chairman Thompson for their leadership and for bringing H.R. 4748 to the floor. I do live along the Canadian border, and much of my district contains a broad swath of Indian reservation and much of the timber lands that were described by my colleague from California. Our northern border with Canada spans over 4,000 miles, the longest open border in the world. The livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families in Upstate New York depend on a stable trading relationship with our northern neighbor. In my district alone, we saw more than $677 million worth of goods exported to Canada in 2008. Nearly 20,000 jobs depend on this trading relationship. Since coming into office in November, I have met with officials from local and Federal law enforcement, members of the trade community, and small business owners from my district. Immediately before coming to the floor, I was with a number of ICE agents who were discussing this very problem. One issue that nearly every one of them has mentioned to me is the importance of a safe and secure northern border that can ensure the movement of people and goods. Whether it's Canadian tourists who have driven to Upstate New York for dinner or a manufacturing plant that imports its raw materials from Canada, New York has benefited for decades from a robust business relationship across international borders, and any illegal activity that takes place on our border threatens that relationship. Organized criminal elements are increasingly exploiting the northern border to traffic narcotics, illicit cigarettes, firearms, and humans. According to the 2010 National Drug Threat Assessment, the amount of ecstasy seized at or between northern border ports of entry increased 594 percent from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, there were 1,100 drug-related arrests of adults in New York's north country. While our Nation's drug czar has developed a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the flow of drugs across the southwest border, dealing with this problem at the northern border is currently left up to individual law enforcement agencies. The Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act will require the Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop a comprehensive counternarcotics plan on the northern border. By passing this legislation, we will be requiring all the relevant law enforcement officials at the Federal, State, and local levels to come together and start the process of developing a new approach to combat this problem. It is vital to both the economic development of our region and the safety of our community that we take the steps to stop the drug trade across our northern border. I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. OWENS

Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Social Security is a pledge to hardworking Americans that they will be able to retire with the dignity they deserve. As this treasured program reaches its 75th anniversary, we have a responsibility to guarantee that it remains strong for future generations; but as we work toward improving the long-term solvency of this program, we must avoid making ill advised changes, like creating volatile private accounts that could throw millions of seniors into poverty. These are tough economic times, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes. Rising health care, energy and housing costs mean too many seniors do not have the resources they need to live comfortably. Now, more than ever, Social Security is a critical safety net for millions of Americans. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to strengthen the Social Security program for current and future generations. Hardworking Americans deserve to look forward to financially secure retirements.