Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I thank my friend from Florida, and I rise in support of this rule. Since its inception, Democrats have been the party to keep Medicare working for America's seniors and disabled. Contrast that with Republicans when they were in charge. During their majority, Medicare funding increased dramatically so they could shower their pals in the insurance industry with higher reimbursements than regular Medicare, all in an effort to privatize the program. Republicans are willing to look past all of that, pat themselves on the back and call themselves the party of fiscal responsibility because of some arbitrary policy that they inserted into the Medicare Modernization Act that pretends to address Medicare financing. This provision is more about smoke and mirrors than it is about ensuring Medicare remains intact. Republicans say it is about cost containment; I say it is about cost shifting. The sad truth is that the 45 percent trigger is designed to reduce the obligation of the Federal Government to fund part of Medicare, thereby shifting more costs to beneficiaries. Since taking control of Congress, Democrats have set out to put Medicare on a sustainable track. During our first year in charge, the House passed the CHAMP Act which would have extended Medicare solvency by 2 years by reducing wasteful overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans. And just a couple of weeks ago, we enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patient and Providers of 2008 against the President's objections. According to the CBO, under that bill the 45 percent threshold would be first crossed in fiscal year 2014, 1 year later than under the prior law. So I say contrary to what my friends on the other side of the aisle are saying, the fact of the matter is that Democrats are being fiscally responsible. Democrats are confronting Medicare's challenges, and we don't need an arbitrary policy that is a relic of the previous majority in order to do that.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues on the House floor to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus. On July 20th 1974, Turkey began its brutal invasion of Cyprus, which forced nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots to flee their homes--making one- third of the Cypriot population refugees in their own country. Today, Turkey occupies the northern third of the island. It is one of the most militarized areas in the world, with more than 43,000 Turkish soldiers trying to maintain the status quo of the illegal occupation. Forty-three thousand soldiers may not sound like a lot, but consider that there is almost one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish Cypriots. When Cypriots were forced to flee their homes 34 years ago, a large number of their properties were unlawfully distributed to tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. Today, 34 years later, Greek Cypriots, who continue to own these properties, are prevented by Turkey from returning and enjoying their homes and properties. Included amongst this number are approximately 5,000 Cypriot-Americans who own property in the occupied area but who have no legal recourse. This is an outrage. Since Cypriot-Americans cannot return to their illegally-seized property, I believe they should be allowed to seek financial remedies with either the current inhabitants of their land or the Turkish government itself. Last year, I introduced the bipartisan American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act. Through this legislation, Americans who are being denied access to their property and even their ancestral homes will finally be able to seek restitution. Specifically, it authorizes the president to initiate a claims program under which the claims of U.S. nationals who Turkey has excluded from their property can be judged before the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. If this commission determined that Cypriot- Americans should be compensated for their property, negotiations would then take place between the U.S. and Turkey to determine the proper compensation. My legislation would also empower U.S. district court to hear causes of action against either the individuals who now occupy those properties or the Turkish government. The U.S. Government must not idly stand by and refuse 5,000 of its citizens any legal recourse to address the grave injustices committed by the Turkish government. For 34 years, these Americans have been separated from their homes and their businesses. It is time Congress vindicate the property rights of U.S. citizens in Cyprus. While we commemorate the 34th anniversary of this illegal occupation, it is also important to recognize the progress that is being made on the island and some encouraging signs that we all hope lead to a united Cyprus one day soon. Working Groups and Technical Committees have been set up by Cypriot President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Talat to build the framework for possible substantive negotiations between the two leaders down the line. The two leaders have also met--once in May and then again at the beginning of this month--to discuss the progress that the Groups and Committees are making. They will also meet this Friday to conduct a final review of the work that has been completed to date. Another hopeful sign is the integration that continues to take place between Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots as a result of the nearly 13 million crossings along the cease fire line that have occurred over the last five years. Over the last three years, Turkish Cypriot incomes have more than doubled, and more than 60,000 Turkish Cypriots have received Cypriot passports, which will allow them to travel freely in any E-U country. Madam Speaker, as we commemorate the 34th Anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, we are hopeful that these recent developments will finally produce something all Cypriots have waited 34 years to see--a united Cyprus.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, last week, Congress sent to the President a commonsense proposal that passed both Chambers with strong bipartisan support. The bill that we sent to President Bush was a balanced approach that would keep Medicare working for America's seniors, doctors and taxpayers. This bill makes a number of improvements to Medicare that have been long overdue. The bill expands access to services for beneficiaries and provides additional financial assistance for low-income seniors. This bill also staves off the 10.6 percent cut to physicians' payments that are being implemented right now by CMS. What this bill does not do is make drastic cuts to Medicare Advantage; it makes very modest and sensible reforms to the program. Now, do I think that we should do more to reform Medicare Advantage? The answer is yes. Because the Bush administration has created a bias in favor of Medicare Advantage. I would like to make reference to yesterday's New York Times editorial called Medicare's Bias. It says, ``Many of the private plans that participate in the huge government-sponsored health insurance program for older Americans have become a far too costly drain on Medicare's overstretched budget.'' ``These private plans--that now cover a fifth of the total Medicare population--receive large subsidies to deliver services that traditional Medicare provides more cheaply and more efficiently by paying hospitals and doctors directly. Congress was right--for reasons of equity and of fiscal sanity--to pass a bill that would at least begin to remove some of these subsidies.'' Madam Speaker, now is the time to vote to protect health care for the elderly and disabled. Now is the time to vote to protect fair reimbursements for our Nation's doctors and pharmacists. And now is the time to vote to protect Medicare. Now is the time to vote to override the President's misguided veto.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. J. Frederick Grassle on his retirement from the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Dr. Grassle served as director of the Institute for 19 years. Under Dr. Grassle's direction, the Institute gained a national and international reputation for excellence in marine and coastal research, education and service. Dr. Grassle's creativity and vision led to establishment of the world's first undersea observatory, commonly known as LEO-15. This achievement enabled development of the Nation's Integrated Ocean Observing System that now supports critical national missions associated with saving lives at sea, enhancing homeland security, and forecasting effects of natural disasters. Dr. Grassle is known for his innovative thinking and many scientific achievements, which are highlighted by his pioneering work on the biology of hydrothermal vents, biodiversity, and effects of waste disposal in deep sea systems. He devoted his time and effort to ensure that the results of science were transferred in a timely manner to environmental managers and policymakers. His work on waste disposal culminated into a national policy change based on his scientific findings and testimony before Congress. Serving the state of New Jersey, Dr. Grassle advanced novel approaches for disposal and management of contaminated sediments that helped to preserve the region's port industry and coastal-based economy. He also fostered new approaches to science education that have enriched the critical thinking skills of youth in New Jersey and throughout the Nation. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in celebrating the service of Dr. J. Frederick Grassle, a man whose deep commitment to excellence in marine and coastal research, education for all ages, and services to resource managers have enabled New Jersey to be a national and international leader in these fields.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in recognition of Dean Carmen Twillie Ambar. I join with President Richard L. McCormick and all of Rutgers University in honoring Dean Ambar for her outstanding tenure at Douglass and for her recent appointment as President of the Cedar Crest College. During her tenure as Dean of Douglass, Dean Ambar demonstrated her commitment to the educational advancement of women by leading the fight to save Douglass College. Dedicated to women's success and leadership, Douglass is a unique institution that has enabled countless young women to receive an excellent education and fulfill their potential as leaders in public service, academia, and business. In addition, Dean Ambar's exemplary service and dedication to Douglass was evident in her pursuit of women's global leadership. Dean Ambar spearheaded programs that showcased and promoted women's leadership skills and encouraged young women to pursue careers in math, science, and technology. Madam Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing Dean Ambar for her invaluable contributions to Douglass and the greater Rutgers University community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in recognition of Dean Carmen Twillie Ambar. I join with President Richard L. McCormick and all of Rutgers University in honoring Dean Ambar for her outstanding tenure at Douglass and for her recent appointment as President of the Cedar Crest College. During her tenure as dean of Douglass, Dean Ambar demonstrated her commitment to the educational advancement of women by leading the fight to save Douglass College. Dedicated to women's success and leadership, Douglass is a unique institution that has enabled countless young women to receive an excellent education and fulfill their potential as leaders in public service, academia, and business. In addition, Dean Ambar's exemplary service and dedication to Douglass was evident in her pursuit of women's global leadership. Dean Ambar spearheaded programs that showcased and promoted women's leadership skills and encouraged young women to pursue careers in math, science, and technology. Madam Speaker, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring and recognizing Dean Ambar for her invaluable contributions to Douglass and the greater Rutgers University community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the American people are looking for real energy solutions that will bring down prices at the pump. Unfortunately, all they are getting from Washington Republicans are more of the same old policies that are actually responsible for the high gas prices in the first time. The Republican solution is to open up more of our pristine land and our ocean to oil drilling. They neglect to say that Big Oil already has leases for 68 million acres that, for whatever reason, Big Oil refuses to explore. Experts estimate that these 68 million acres of leased land could produce about 4.8 million barrels of oil which would nearly double our Nation's total production. Why should we give Big Oil access to more of our land and water when they refuse to drill on 68 million acres they already have? And if drilling is indeed the answer to high gas prices, as my Republican friends always claim, why aren't they demanding that Big Oil start drilling on these lands? Mr. Speaker, this week House Republicans will have an opportunity to act on their rhetoric by supporting Democratic legislation that tells Big Oil to either use it or lose it.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6331) to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) be permitted to control 10 minutes of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to offer their support for this bill. H.R. 6331 would make a number of improvements that are important to protecting the health and well-being of our seniors. The legislation also addresses the reimbursement concerns of doctors who treat Medicare patients. It also completely is paid for by implementing sensible reforms to the Medicare Advantage program that is supported by almost every expert body, including MedPAC and GAO. Mr. Speaker, while I still believe that the CHAMP Act, which the House passed last year, was the best way to address Medicare's future, the bill before us today is a reasonable compromise that both Democrats and Republicans should support. In the end this legislation would allow us to take the steps necessary to keep Medicare working for America's seniors, doctors, and taxpayers. And with less than a week to go before the impending physician cuts go into effect, it is time to put politics aside and pass this commonsense policy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barrow) be permitted to control the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, for 7 years Americans have endured the failed economic policies of President Bush, policies that have favored the wealthiest few and the big corporations at the expense of the middle class and those aspiring to reach the middle class. Last week for the fifth month in a row, we learned that the Bush economy had lost more jobs than it created. This unimpressive economic record is once again drawing comparisons to that of another Republican President, Herbert Hoover. President Bush has the worst job creation record since Herbert Hoover, who presided over the stock market crash and led our economy into the Great Depression. And just like Herbert Hoover, President Bush refuses to take the necessary action and begin to turn this economy around and to help those who are suffering the most. Madam Speaker, history is not going to be too kind to President Bush when it comes to his handling of our Nation's economy. But this week, he has the opportunity to work on that record by supporting our efforts to extend unemployment benefits to millions of our Nation's workers. And it is the right thing to do.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I would like to urge all my colleagues to support this bill overwhelmingly. And I want to make a commitment to Congresswoman Pryce, as she had urged, that we get this over to the Senate and get it passed as quickly as possible so we can send it to the President. I know that this is in memory of her daughter Caroline, and all the different things that have been said here today is certainly a tribute to you and all that you have done here in the House of Representatives. I just want to say, I've watched you over the years. I know you were the chairwoman of the Republican Conference, and as you said, we were often battling. But in all of that, Congresswoman Pryce was always a lady and really someone who was able to get along with people on both sides of the aisle and work towards good government goals. So this bill really is a tribute to her in memory of her daughter. And I just want to thank her again for all that she has done. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional minute to the gentlewoman.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Sestak).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, if I could yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I would yield 4 minutes to the lead Democratic sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, we're here today to consider H.R. 1553, the Caroline Pryce Walker Cancer Act of 2008. Between infancy and 15 years of age, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. In 2007, approximately 10,000 new cases of pediatric cancer were diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14 years. Although the incidents of invasive cancer has increased slightly over the past 30 years, mortality has declined dramatically for many childhood cancers. Despite these advances, treatments for some childhood cancers are inadequate. Negative effects resulting from current pediatric cancer therapies indicate a need to strengthen Federal support for activities leading to an enhanced understanding of childhood cancers and treatments that are less toxic and more effective. H.R. 1553 would strengthen the Federal investment in pediatric cancer research and reassert Congress's commitment to conquering childhood cancer. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue to enhance, expand, and intensify pediatric cancer research and other activities related to pediatric cancer. Furthermore, this legislation directs HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance and expand infrastructure to track the epidemiology of pediatric cancer into a comprehensive nationwide registry of actual occurrences of pediatric cancer. I want to thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for working together in a bipartisan fashion to get this important legislation to the floor today. I would also like to commend, in particular, Representative Chris Van Hollen and also Representative Deborah Pryce, whose diligent work and commitment to this issue are the reason we're here today. This legislation, Madam Speaker, is named in memory of Representative Pryce's 9-year-old daughter Caroline who tragically lost her valiant battle against a rare form of cancer, neuroblastoma, on September 4, 1999. I can't think of a more fitting tribute to Caroline Pryce Walker than to see her mother's legislation overwhelmingly pass the House floor today. I encourage all of my colleagues in the support of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I would yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1553) to amend the Public Health Service Act to advance medical research and treatments into pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have access to the current treatments and information regarding pediatric cancers, establish a population-based national childhood cancer database, and promote public awareness of pediatric cancers, as amended.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday gas prices hit an average of $4.04 a gallon, a new historic high. While Democrats are taking action to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and lower prices, Republicans continue to repeat the same old rhetoric, continue drilling in ANWR, even though the President's own Energy Department has concluded that opening up the Arctic for drilling would not reduce the price of gasoline for another 20 years, and then it would only go down by about 1 penny per gallon. That's not an energy plan to be proud of. From day one this Democratic Congress has been fighting to reduce our independence on foreign oil, bring down record gas prices and launch a cleaner and smarter energy future. We passed bills holding OPEC and oil companies accountable for price fixing, investing in renewable energy for green jobs and cracking down on price gouging by oil companies. The only problem is that we are not getting enough support from either House Republicans or from President Bush. How high are prices going to actually have to get before Republicans support these important bills?

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend and someone who has served the people of Bradley Beach and my State of New Jersey with distinction--Mayor Stephen G. Schueler. Steve has served as Mayor of the Borough of Bradley Beach since 1992. Located on the Jersey Shore, Bradley Beach is ``New Jersey's Family Resort'' with a year round population of 5,000 that swells to 30,000 in the summer months as families come to enjoy the sand, surf, and bustling downtown. Since becoming Mayor, Steve has helped Bradley Beach continue to thrive as a vibrant town with acclaimed restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and a historic movie theater, in addition to its excellent beaches and beautiful boardwalk. Under Steve's leadership, the many community events that Bradley Beach hosts have continued to provide countless hours of enjoyment for families from all over New Jersey. The Summer Gazebo Concert series on the boardwalk, the annual fireworks display, the Italian-American festival, and the annual Bradley Beach Invitation Lifeguard tournament all provide excellent recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Also, the end-of- summer Mayor's Clambake, which raises funds for local organizations, is one of the nicest events on the Jersey Shore each year. Madam Speaker, I am proud to call Steve my friend, and I wish him the best as he ends his time as Mayor of Bradley Beach. While he may no longer be mayor, his example will continue to inspire us all and families will continue to enjoy their visits to Bradley Beach because of the path he has set us on.