Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 622, the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act. Congress enacted the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) in 2003 to help improve the FDA review of new animal drugs, and subsequently enacted the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) to improve the review of abbreviated new animal drug applications, or generic versions of animal drugs. These programs have been extremely effective, and have helped expedite the approval process, reduce application backlogs, and improve communications with drug sponsors. Without congressional action, the current agreements will expire at the end of this fiscal year, which would have a serious and harmful impact on the ability of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine to review new and generic drug applications in a timely manner. S. 622 will extend FDA's authority to collect user fees from manufacturers for five years. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 622, so that progress is not impeded and the Food and Drug Administration can continue to review new and generic animal drug applications in a timely manner. Industry, farmers, ranchers, and pet owners are counting on an uninterrupted supply of animal drugs.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I want to thank my colleague. It's really with a great deal of sadness that we come to the well this evening to announce--or to comment, if you will--on Senator Lautenberg's passing. I really can't imagine the Congress without him. I worked on his campaign from the very first day in 1982, and he was the longest- serving Member of the U.S. Senate from the State of New Jersey in our entire history. The fact of the matter is that Senator Lautenberg was always there for the little guy. Many of you know that he was a wealthy individual, but he never forgot his roots, and they were very humble roots. He always believed that the Congress should be there for people in need and that the American Dream required that everyone had an equal opportunity and that Congress could do things. Frank Lautenberg understood that there were a lot of problems out there, but he felt that Congress needed to work together on a bipartisan basis to solve those problems. There are so many that I can mention, but I won't. Whether it was the Nation's infrastructure, mass transit, all of the environmental concerns, whether he wanted to clean up the ocean or clean the air or clean the water for the next generation, he really believed that things could get done here, and he worked hard to get things done. We know, more than anybody else, he was able to accomplish a lot because of the hard work that he put into it. So I just want to thank him for all of that and for his legacy, and I want to express sympathy, obviously, to Bonnie and his family. He will be missed for what he accomplished and also for what he told us about what our job is when we're here--to get things done and to worry about the little guy and to make sure that we are always out there, working every day to make this a better country.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to our chairman emeritus from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask how much time remains on each side.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I believe the other side has more time, and so at this time I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Arizona keeps talking about the terrible things in the health care reform bill. But let me just say, in his State, if the ACA was repealed, that would mean in Arizona, drug costs for over 65,000 seniors would have been $102 million higher; 69,000 young adults would not have had coverage through their parents' plans; 917,000 women and 434,000 seniors and people with disabilities would not have had access to free preventive care; 414,000 people would not have received $28 million in rebates from their insurance companies; and next year, 948,000 people will not have access to quality, dependable health insurance coverage. And so these are the facts, the real problem that happens in the State of Arizona, if this bill were to pass and the health care reform were to be repealed. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to set the record straight that there is no government takeover in the ACA, which is contrary to what my Republican colleagues are saying. The ACA is built on expanding private sector coverage by improving options in the individual market and by encouraging employers to provide coverage. The claim that the ACA is a government takeover is totally unfounded. A system built on private insurance, private doctors and private hospitals is not a government takeover. I yield now 1 minute to my colleague from California (Mrs. Capps).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), the ranking member of our Budget Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. I rise today in opposition to the Patients' Rights Repeal Act. I greatly respect my colleagues on the other side from Tennessee and from Pennsylvania, but I have to say they are simply obstructionists. This is what we get from the GOP on a daily basis. Nothing happens here in the House of Representatives. We know there is a problem. Historically, there has been a problem with health care and a lot of people not having insurance or having discriminatory practices or not being able to get on their parents' insurance policy. So we as Democrats came up with a solution, and that solution is working. We have kids now--almost 6 million or 7 million kids--that are now on their parents' policies. We have a situation where we are plugging up the doughnut hole in Medicare for part D prescription drugs for seniors. We have all kinds of preventive care that is out there relative to women's health. And the list goes on and on. These things are happening. Beginning next year, most Americans will have health insurance. What do I hear from the other side? They don't want solutions. I'll be honest with my colleagues: if you really care, why don't you make some suggestions, and maybe we can work together. Anything can be improved. I don't say that anything can't be improved. But, no, they come on the floor, and what do they want to do? Just repeal it, which is not a solution. It basically would eliminate all the progress that we have made in terms of health care. Yes, costs are not going up as much. And, yes, people are getting rebates if their insurance companies charge them too much. All these things are happening because of the Affordable Care Act. All I hear from you is: no, obstructionism. No, we have to repeal this because this is such a terrible thing. Bringing in all these distractions about what the Secretary of Health and Human Services is doing. This is not what you are elected to do. You are not elected to come here and just repeal things and say how bad everything is. You are supposed to come up with solutions. I never hear it from the other side of the aisle. I simply do not hear it, which is why I get very upset the 37th time, the 38th time we are going to vote on the same thing, which is repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains?

Mr. PALLONE. I yield myself the balance of the time, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just heard the gentleman from Indiana say, We can't do this; we can't do that. I mean, this is the problem with the other side of the aisle, with the Republican side of the aisle: they always believe that we can't do anything here in the House of Representatives. The fact of the matter is that Democrats saw the problem. The problem was discriminatory health insurance practices. The problem was young people not being able to get on their parents' insurance policies. The problem was women not being able to access health care and so many Americans, 40, 50 million Americans, that did not have health insurance. And what did we do as Democrats? We found a solution to the problem, which was the Affordable Care Act, and it was working. The discriminatory practices are going away. More and more people are going to have health insurance. Most Americans will have health insurance by the beginning of 2014. And the doughnut hole for prescriptions drugs for seniors is being closed. All these things are answers that the Democrats have brought through the Affordable Care Act for the problems that existed with our health care system. And all I hear from the other side of the aisle is, We can't do this; we can't do that. Well, we've done something. Don't just come here and tell us we have to repeal it. As I said before, if you have a solution, you want to work with us to improve things, that's fine; but don't come here for the 37th and 38th time and say, We're just going to repeal the Affordable Care Act. You never come up with a positive solution to the problem. In this Congress, all we hear from the Republican side of the aisle is, We want to repeal everything; we want to waste time. Don't continue to do this. This bill is a complete waste of time. It passes here, it goes to the Senate, and nothing happens. Let's keep this bill, the Affordable Care Act, in place. It's doing wonderful things for the American people. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Doyle).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to our Democratic whip, Mr. Hoyer from Maryland. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard J. Clayton on his selection as the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce 2013 Citizen of the Year. Mr. Clayton's contributions to his community are truly deserving of this body's recognition. Richard Clayton grew up in Spring Lake, New Jersey, graduating from St. Catharine's School in Spring Lake and Manasquan High School. He lived in Spring Lake with his wife Linda until 1980, when they moved to nearby Manasquan where they remain today. Mr. Clayton currently serves as President and co-owner of Clayton Livery Service in Spring Lake, which his family founded in 1917. He began working at Clayton Livery Service after completing two years of higher education at Ocean County College and began a full-time career there in 1977. In addition to his employment at the Livery Service, Mr. Clayton also spent time working at a local funeral home, which has been an asset in the advancement of the Livery Service. Mr. Clayton is a member of the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, a member of the Spring Lake Downtown Steering Committee and Chairman of the Board of the Spring Lake Business Improvement District (BID). In addition to his role of Chairman of BID, he also serves on its Land Use Committee, Management Committee and Design Committee. Not only is Mr. Clayton an active member of the Spring Lake business district, he is also active in the community. Together with his family, he began a LGB train display to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in Long Branch and the Spring Lake Community House. Since beginning the display in their office, they have raised over $65,000 for the charities. Mr. Speaker, please join me once again in honoring Richard Clayton as the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce 2013 Citizen of the Year. His dedication and service to the Spring Lake community is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sharon M. Root, D.P.M., FACFAOM as she is recognized by fellow colleagues at the 64th Annual American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Region 3 Scientific Meeting. Dr. Root's dedication to her profession and her selfless actions outside of the office are truly deserving of this body's recognition. Dr. Sharon Root graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Previously, she completed Biological Sciences and Pre-medical studies at Rutgers University--Newark and earned her Associate in Applied Science Degree and was a Highest Honors Graduate in Nursing at County College of Morris. She completed her residency in Podiatric Surgery at The Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1993 and currently practices in Succasunna, New Jersey. Throughout her career, Dr. Root has been a member of several professional organizations. She is a current New Jersey Delegate to the APMA House of Representatives and serves on the Resolutions Committee and Elections Committee. In addition, Dr. Root was president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society for the 2006-2007 year and held many other positions within the Society, including Advisor of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and Chair of the Carrier Advisory Committee. Dr. Root is also a dedicated physician outside of the office. On March 16, 2012, while at dinner in Washington, DC, Dr. Root performed the Heimlich maneuver on another diner, Maryland psychologist Dr. Ellen Lent, who was choking. Dr. Root's quick actions saved Dr. Lent's life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Sharon Root on her many professional accomplishments and thanking her for her actions to save another life.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Temple Beth Ahm as members gather to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Since its humble beginnings, the congregation has grown structurally and in membership, while continuing to provide outstanding spiritual guidance to the community. Temple Beth Ahm traces its roots back to a community committed to its Jewish values. They established the Strathmore-at-Matawan Jewish Center as an organization for meetings, worship, education and activities. These events were held at various locations throughout the town, including members' homes, schools and fire houses. The organization affiliated with United Synagogue of America in 1963 and continued to grow in membership. In 1968 it completed the construction of its synagogue and changed its name to Temple Beth Ahm, the House of the People, as individuals from surrounding communities began to join. Temple Beth Ahm continued to grow as it established a Hebrew School, preschool and theater group and its social groups expanded activities held at the temple. Over the years, other congregations merged with Temple Beth Ahm--The United Hebrew Congregation of Keyport in 1974 and Temple Ohav Shalom of Sayreville in 2002. Each of the mergers brought not only additional membership, but also Judaica and other objects and assets that enhanced the synagogue. It expanded its construction, adding classrooms and a permanent sanctuary in 1983 and later expanding its library and building a chapel. Throughout its 50 year history, Temple Beth Ahm has also expanded its vision. In 1973 it elected its first female president and followed Rabbinical Assembly procedure to open roles of ritual aspects to women. In 2011 it hired its first female Rabbi, Lisa Malik. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Temple Beth Ahm on its 50th Anniversary. Its service to the community is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Since 1962, the Auxiliary has provided critical fundraising for special projects and contributed countless hours of volunteer service that directly impact and improve the lives of patients served by JFK Medical Center. Due to the remarkable efforts of the Auxiliary over a half- century of service, JFK Medical Center has grown into a highly respected health care facility that provides clinical excellence to the people of Edison Township, Middlesex County, and throughout Central New Jersey. The Auxiliary actually predates JFK Medical Center by five years. Indeed, the idea of building a hospital in Edison was little more than a dream of late Edison Mayor Anthony M. Yelencsics when he called local resident Joanne Wira in March 1962 to request her assistance in seeing his vision come to fruition. Mayor Yelencsics asked Mrs. Wira to create an Auxiliary to support the creation of a hospital that would serve the rapidly expanding populations of Edison, Woodbridge, Metuchen, and surrounding communities. Mrs. Wira accepted the challenge and served as the first President of the Auxiliary, which held its initial meeting on November 19, 1962 with 163 women in attendance. The Auxiliary's first pledge was made at that meeting: $30,000 to fund the construction of the future hospital's Gift Shop and Coffee Shop. This seemed like an enormous undertaking at the time, but it has been dwarfed by the subsequent efforts of the Auxilians. By the time the hospital opened its doors on August 7, 1967 as a 205-bed facility (it has since expanded to 498 beds), the Auxiliary had contributed over $110,000 in pledges raised from the community. Over the years, the Auxiliary has contributed significantly to every major expansion of JFK Medical Center, including $500,000 towards the construction of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, JRI, in the mid-1970s. Over the past three decades, JRI has developed into a national leader in rehabilitation care and performs cutting-edge research that has benefited patients worldwide, including service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries. The Auxiliary's work continues unabated today. At the Auxiliary's annual Fall General Meeting in 2012, final payment was made on the most recent pledge of $2.5 million, which benefitted the JFK Emergency Pavilion Expansion Project. Its cumulative contributions to JFK Medical Center now exceed $15 million. Unsurprisingly, the Auxilians are not resting on their laurels and already are moving forward with raising funds to meet their newest pledge of $3 million, the largest pledge to date. These funds are earmarked to benefit JFK Medical Center's new 5th floor Maternity and Pediatrics facility, which will offer private rooms to every patient so as to allow mother and newborn to be physically proximate and extend every comfort to fathers and other family members. The Auxiliary has presented JFK Medical Center with the first $100,000 contribution towards the pledge as it moves seamlessly into its second 50 years. Mr. Speaker, the tremendous efforts of the Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation over the past 50 years are to be highly commended. The civic pride and community spirit demonstrated by the Auxilians is remarkable. I particularly would like to single out the efforts of the Auxiliary leadership, especially current Auxiliary President Barbara Braynock and the Auxiliary Board, for volunteering their time and effort to this great cause, and note their great collaboration with the JFK Board of Directors and President & CEO Ray Fredericks. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I once again would like to congratulate the Auxiliary of the JFK Medical Center Foundation for 50 years of incredible service to their community. I have no doubt that the next 50 years will build upon this great legacy.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Representatives Runyan, Grimm, LoBiondo, and Bishop of New York be removed as cosponsors of H.R. 1445.