Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Dr. Vincent J. Vivona, who has dedicated his time to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. Throughout his many years of service, Dr. Vivona has worked to make the community of Ocean County a healthier place to live. On May 30, 2009 his accomplishments earned him the Ronald Rubinstein, M.D. Hearts-In-Action Award, presented by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association at the annual Have A Heart Ball. Once a year, this prestigious award is given to a health care professional who embodies the spirit and commitment of Dr. Ronald Rubinstein. As a former regional president of the American Heart Association Board in Central-South Jersey, Dr. Rubinstein devoted himself to his community. Dr. Vivona has inherited this passion by also using his skills for the benefit of those around him. Dr. Vivona has become a valuable member of the state of New Jersey, and this is largely due to his distinguished past. He is the founding member of Brick Cardiovascular Specialists P.A., a group that strives to provide its patients with the highest quality medical care. Additionally, Dr. Vivona has served as Chief of Staff at Ocean Medical Center and Chief of Cardiology at Community Medical Center. Currently, he is an active member of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology, two institutions that relentlessly strive for a healthier America. Rarely do you find someone who has such a deeply rooted interest in the well-being of his community. Dr. Vivona has practiced in Ocean County for the past 30 years. Moreover, he has resided within Toms River for 29 years. Dr. Vivona's place in the New Jersey community has allowed the citizens of my great state to receive the best care in dealing with cardiovascular disease and stroke. I am certain that Dr. Vivona will continue to serve his community with the same dedication he has shown in the past. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Dr. Vivona on this achievement and thanking him for his service to the community. His accomplishments will continue to benefit and inspire my constituents and future generations.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work of Kevin Duncan, a devoted member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Administration (BAC). On May 3, 2009 Mr. Duncan was recognized by the Middlesex County AFL-CIO as this year's Labor Person of the Year. This recognition is bestowed upon a committed labor leader who has worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow laborers. The BAC is an organization dedicated to providing fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions. Mr. Duncan joined the former BAC Local #8 in 1980. As the International Union merged local unions to create three larger statewide organizations in New Jersey, Mr. Duncan continued to take on a more prominent role in the new Local #5. Mr. Duncan has been a valuable and faithful member of the BAC for over 29 years. As a Field Representative for BAC Local #5 in 2001, Mr. Duncan held an active position in the labor movement. Three years later he undertook the position of Secretary on the Middlesex County Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO, where he now currently works. In the past, he has also served as vice-presidents and recording secretary to the Middlesex County AFL-CIO Labor Council. Today, he is one of their most committed members and serves as the council's treasurer. Along with his dedicated work at the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Mr. Duncan has been a valuable citizen of New Jersey. Mr. Duncan was born and raised in New Jersey, and now maintains a home and joyful family life in the Garden State. He and his wife Penny have been married for 26 years and they live in Fair Haven where they have raised three beautiful daughters. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in celebrating the accomplishments and hard work of Kevin Duncan. Organized labor in New Jersey would not be the same without his determination and excellent service.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the energy bill that the House Energy and Commerce Committee is about to finish marking up today is a win-win situation for Americans. First of all, it achieves energy independence, which is so important for our national security. At the same time, it basically helps in a significant way to reduce pollution. We know about global climate change. We know we must address it in a significant way. But even more important, I want to stress the job creation. The fact of the matter is, it will create a lot of jobs by investing in new renewable technologies, such as solar power, wind power, geothermal. Imagine this: In one piece of legislation, which will come to the House when we come back after Memorial Day, we will be able to make headway towards energy independence, not rely on foreign oil, create jobs in new industries and new technologies, and also address the problem of global climate change. The fact of the matter is, it's a win-win situation for the American people. It is something that most of my constituents have been clamoring for for a long time. Once again, this new Congress and this President will achieve a major victory for the American people.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have been here for about 20 years now and I have been through various crises, in the 1970s with energy and gas prices and, of course, one that we just faced within the last year or so. The bottom line is that we need energy independence. We can't continue to depend on Middle East oil. At the same time we have a global climate crisis. Anyone who denies it is just kidding themselves. So basically what we are doing here in the House is coming up with a bill that will probably come to the floor within the next 2 weeks that tries to achieve energy independence and also addresses the problem of global warming, but at the same time creates a lot of jobs. Because as we move towards renewables, whether it be solar or wind or geothermal, there are a lot of jobs in research and development. There are jobs in actually building those facilities. There are jobs in trying to create more energy efficiency. And these jobs that would be created, these are the kinds of high- technology jobs, if you will, as well as construction jobs, that we really need, because a lot of people are out of work and are not working in similar industries. Their activities can be basically transferred to these new kinds of job opportunities. So I want to stress that this energy bill is a job creation bill.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 94th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It is morally imperative that we remember this atrocity and collectively demand reaffirmation of this crime against humanity. For thousands of years, the Armenian people have been known for their perseverance in the face of great challenges. Today we honor the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. We pay our respects to the Armenian people for their strength to overcome adversity. It is a somber day as we reflect on the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the continued denial by the Turkish government, and our own government's inaction in using the word genocide to describe these events. There is an absurdity about Turkey's inability to recognize its own past and something deeply disturbing about our government's complacency in this misrepresentation of history. The Armenian Genocide is the first genocide of the twentieth century. Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million Armenians were systematically and deliberately killed by the Ottoman Turks. Our own National Archives and writings from the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau, display how the Ottoman government specifically decided to target the Armenians, move them towards what is the modern day Syrian Desert, and butcher men, women, and children. It is a disturbing history, but one that needs to be retold, remembered, and reaffirmed to ensure its legacy and rightfully honor its victims and survivors. We have stood by for too long as the Turkish government manipulates the issue of the Armenian Genocide. We have watched them pay millions of dollars to Turkish lobbyists to mislead and even threaten members of Congress. We have watched the Turkish government bring scholars and writers to court for insulting Turkishness just for writing the words Armenian Genocide. And two years ago we watched in profound disbelief when Hrant Dink was assassinated in Istanbul. It is enough. Armenian Genocide Recognition is not only important for Armenians, it is important for us as Americans. If we are going to live up to the standards we set for ourselves and continue to lead the world in affirming human rights everywhere, we need to stand up and recognize the Armenian Genocide. To not do so sends a message that we are complicit in Turkey's denial. By not affirming the Armenian Genocide, we fail as Americans to take a stand against all genocides and we fail to end genocide denial. We can reverse this path and officially speak the truth. We as Americans and as an entire international community must recognize the Armenian Genocide so that we can renew our commitment to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. I am hopeful that the U.S. Government can stand behind our statements and our promises.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary citizen, someone who has served the people of Spring Lake Heights and my state of New Jersey with distinction--Mayor Elwood L. Malick. He is being recognized as the 2009 Citizen of the Year by The Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce for the exceptional work he has performed in his community. Mayor Malick served as mayor of the Borough of Spring Lake Heights from 2004 to 2009. Located on the Jersey Shore, Spring Lake Heights is considered one of New Jersey's best places to live, with a vibrant and small beachside community. In his position, Mayor Malick has helped Spring Lake Heights continue to thrive as a vibrant town with acclaimed picturesque views and a tight-knit community. Under his leadership, Spring Lake Heights has become a welcoming summer escape for thousands of visitors every year. Mayor Malick has served on the governing body of Spring Lake Heights for 31 years, 26 as a member of the Borough Council, 13 as council president, and the last five as mayor. Beyond his dedicated service in government, Mayor Malick has served as a model school teacher for over 20 years. His dedication to education is commendable, though his commitment to community service extends outside the classroom. As a coach of Little League and high school basketball, Mayor Malick has touched the lives of young students in many meaningful ways. Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Mayor Malick on his award, and I wish him the best as he opens a new chapter in his life. His example will continue to inspire us all and visitors will continue to enjoy their visits to Spring Lake Heights as a result of his accomplishments.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, the Republicans, the ``Party of No,'' are now the ``Party of No New Ideas.'' The budget plan they released last week is a rerun of the same failed policies that got our country into this deep financial and economic crisis, including massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, huge subsidies to big oil and gas companies, and no plan to bring down the cost of health care. And their approach to the financial market is to ask for more deregulation. The plan will result in deep cuts to vital services like education and public safety. It's basically the same old thing--the Republican ``Party of No.'' I ask my colleagues, vote for the Democratic budget and vote against the Republican alternative.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I include for the Congressional Record an exchange of letters on this bill between the chairmen of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Education and Labor. Committee on Education and labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 25, 2009. Hon. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Waxman: I am writing to confirm our mutual understanding regarding consideration of H.R. 1253, the Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act of 2009. As you know, this bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor which has a jurisdictional interest in several provisions in the bill. Given the importance of moving this bill forward promptly, I do not intend to exercise this Committee's jurisdiction by conducting further proceedings on H.R. 1253. I do so, however, only with the understanding that this procedural route should not be construed to prejudice this Committee's jurisdictional interests and prerogatives on this or similar legislation and will not be considered as precedent for consideration of matters of jurisdictional interest to the Committee on Education and Labor in the future. In addition, should this bill or similar legislation be considered in a conference with the Senate, I would expect members of the Committee on Education and Labor to be appointed to the conference committee. Finally, I ask that you include a copy of our exchange of letters be included in the Congressional Record during the consideration of this bill. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call me. I thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, George Miller, Chairman.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I also yield back and ask for passage, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. PALLONE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 756, the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009. Pain is the most common reason Americans access the health care system and is a leading cause of disability. It is also a major contributor to health care costs. National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 76.2 million, or one in four, Americans have suffered from pain that lasts longer than 24 hours. Millions more Americans suffer from acute pain. While untreated pain can seriously impact every aspect of daily living, most painful conditions can be relieved through treatment. This bill will expand research on the causes and treatments of pain, award grants for pain care education and training programs for health professionals, and establish and implement a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign. Once again, I'd like to thank my colleague, Representative Capps, for sponsoring this bill and for her hard work on the bill. I urge my colleagues to pass this very important bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, once again, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 756) to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to pain care, as amended.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1259) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan, and for other purposes.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1259, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act. This bill addresses the problem of abuse of this drug, particularly by teenagers and young adults. DXM, as it is called, is an ingredient commonly found in over-the- counter cough medications. When taken as directed, there are hardly any side effects. However, this ingredient is often abused, particularly by teenagers and young adults, and can result in devastating health effects. The bill amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to restrict the distribution, possession, and receipt of unfinished DXM to entities registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. I want to thank my colleague Representative Upton for his work on this important bill, and I urge us to pass this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would also yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of the legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), the sponsor of this legislation, and I don't need to tell anyone how hard she works on this and so many health bills. She is the vice chair of our Health Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1246) to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is Public Health Week. Tomorrow, my subcommittee, that is, the Health Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce, will be holding a hearing on the role of public health and health care reform. We'll be exploring the role of public health systems and policies and improving the health status of all Americans. We have before us today a bipartisan set of bills that exemplify this. The bills make a range of policy and program changes designed to keep Americans safer, help them access needed services, and support research into important health problems. These bills have been introduced and cosponsored by Members on both sides of the aisle. They all passed the House under suspension in the last Congress. They were passed unanimously from committee this year, and I urge you to join me and the broad set of cosponsors in supporting these bills. The first one, Mr. Speaker, is H.R. 1246, the Early Hearing Detection Intervention Act. I rise obviously in support of that. Every year, more than 12,000 babies are born with hearing loss. Often, their condition goes undetected for years, and many of these children end up experiencing delays in speech, language, and cognitive development. However, if the hearing loss is detected early, many of these delays can be mitigated or even prevented. For that reason, early detection is critical to improving outcomes for these children. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act would improve services for screening, diagnosing, and treating hearing loss in children by amending the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program which was first enacted in 2000. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program provides grants and cooperative agreements for statewide newborn and infant hearing services. These programs focus on screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and early intervention. I do want to particularly thank my colleague, Representative Capps, for her hard work on this very important issue. I obviously urge us passing this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 479, the Wakefield Act. Every year, more children between the ages of 1 and 19 die due to injury than all other forms of illness. Though we have made huge advances in our system to provide rapid interventions and transport for adults, there has been only limited focus on the specialized needs of children. Recognizing this gap in knowledge, Congress created the Emergency Medical Services for Children grant program in 1984, which is designed to ensure state-of-the-art emergency medical care for ill or injured children and adolescents. The bill before us today reauthorizes this vital public health care program that covers the entire spectrum of emergency medical care. It also allows grants awarded under the EMSC program to be 4 years, with an optional fifth year, which is an increase of 1 year over current law. I would like to thank my colleague from Utah, Representative Matheson, for his hard work on this issue. We passed this bill out of the House of Representatives last Congress, and I urge us to pass it again this year. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, again, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I yield 3 minutes to someone who has been such a leader on so many health care issues, including this one, the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy.)

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the bill be passed, and I yield back the balance of my time.