Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time we have remaining on our side?

Mr. PALLONE. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), who is the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Stark), and I ask unanimous consent that he control that time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Tracey L. Brown, of Ruth Fellowship Ministries in Plainfield, New Jersey. She was commissioned and installed as Pastor and Founder on April 17, 1999 and is being honored for her 10th Pastoral Anniversary. Over many years, Rev. Brown has served her community well as an active leader. She is an International Pastor with the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, serves as the Third Vice Moderator for the Middlesex Central Baptist Association, and as a Commissioner for the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority in Plainfield, New Jersey. She is also a former member of the Plainfield Board of Education. Rev. Brown often preaches the value of our communities and how important it is that we work together, as a team, to make the City of Plainfield a better place. I think her team mentality comes from the lessons she learned on the basketball floor, where she was recently inducted into Montclair State University's Athletic Hall of Fame for Women's Basketball. Rev. Brown has been a fixture in the Plainfield community as a role model for young women and a spiritual leader for the city. She continues to work every day with tremendous enthusiasm and energy. Rev. Brown will be celebrating her 10th Pastoral Anniversary as the pastor and founder of the Ruth Fellowship ministries. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Brown's great achievement and I wish her the best.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority (PMUA). The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority has provided the City of Plainfield with a stable and affordable solid waste operation and sanitary sewer service for more than a decade. With many investments and accomplishments in the City of Plainfield, the utility authority is a mainstay in the community. It is not only the fifth largest employer of the City of Plainfield, it also holds an annual Environmental Fair. I am pleased to support Plainfield's continued efforts to positively impact both the economy and the environment. I very much look forward to the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority's 10th Annual Environmental Fair on September 12, 2009. In its 10th year, this festive, community-based fair symbolizes a progressive shift toward bettering the environment. This is an important milestone for the City of Plainfield and it coincides with our hard work on energy issues. The PMUA has done an excellent job over the years of promoting environmental awareness, particularly among the youth. The annual Environmental Fair demonstrates this achievement by featuring fun activities for children. The fair also provides the community with information about utilities, recycling and community services through vendors, public and environmental agencies and civic organizations. This year's theme of ``Conserve and Save'' is a message by which we must all abide, for a safe, sustainable, clean energy future. Congratulations to the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority and the City of Plainfield.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, health care reform in the Congress took a major step forward today with the announcement of the Senate Finance Committee proposal. There may be differences between that proposal and the bills that we have passed in the House, but the bottom line is that we are moving forward in trying to pass crucial health care reform. If you look at the Senate Finance proposal, it basically has the health exchange in an effort to provide choice and competition and provide affordability for those Americans who either do not have health insurance now or are afraid that they may lose their health insurance because their costs continue to go up. The Kaiser Foundation came out yesterday with an analysis that showed that more and more employers now are passing off the cost of health insurance to their employees, either through higher costs that they have to pay or cost-sharing or deductibles or co-pays, so something has to be done. It's not just a question of those who are uninsured; it's also a question of those who have health insurance now who may lose it because their employer will not provide it or their costs continue to climb. We need to move forward, and we are taking a major step today.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ruth Hyman on the occasion of her 90th birthday celebration. On September 13, we celebrate Ruth Hyman's birthday as well as her many years of service to her local community. Ms. Hyman is certainly deserving of the recognition that she has received over the years for her passionate work. Ms. Hyman has been a longtime leader in the Jewish community. Her leadership as the president of the Long Branch Hadassah brought fresh ideas and a successful path towards empowering and motivating women in the Jewish community. Also, as a benefactor and board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County, Ms. Hyman has provided a place where people of all ages have access to programs that improve their health and enrich their lives. Ms. Hyman has been recognized for her superior support of Jewish causes both in my district and in Israel. Perhaps the greatest reflection of her commitment is the dedication of the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center by the Community Center of Greater Monmouth County. It is appropriate that the center be named after Ms. Hyman considering her years of hard work, generosity and devotion to her fellow members of the community. As Ms. Hyman celebrates her 90th birthday I am sure she will reflect on her many unique experiences. The world has changed in many ways over these past ninety years. However, our country would not be the great power it is today without the dedication and hard work that citizens like Ms. Hyman put forth over the last 90 years. Surely these many years have departed on her wisdom and knowledge that few can share. I appreciate the contributions that my constituents make to their communities and Ms. Hyman's have certainly been numerous and valuable. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring Ruth Hyman on the occasion of her birthday. Her leadership and dedication will long serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished by the determined human spirit.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day. My committee, the Energy and Commerce Committee, will report out the health care reform bill today. It is very exciting because what it means is that people will finally be guaranteed health care, and they'll know that they'll have health care regardless of what job they have. They won't lose it if they go from job to job. Right now, we have a lot of people in this country who are uninsured. They will be provided with health insurance. We have a lot of other people who are afraid they're going to lose their jobs or who are afraid they're not going to be able to afford their health insurance. Again, we'll address the affordability issue by bringing down costs for people who actually have insurance, and we'll guarantee that, whether or not you have a health condition and regardless of your gender, you'll be able to get the same health care; you'll be able to get the same insurance policy, and you won't be discriminated against. This is a real opportunity for America to see that this Congress can actually do the job, that we can get the job done--that we can cover everyone and reduce costs--so that you'll finally have the peace of mind that you're guaranteed health insurance.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. It is time that we put in place a stronger and more thorough system to prevent food-borne illness rather than continuing to simply react to outbreak after outbreak of contaminated products. This bill will require that food manufacturers put in place preventive controls to monitor the production lines and identify, prevent or eliminate hazards, should they arise. It requires them to have food safety plans detailing all the food safety activities that the company is undertaking to ensure the safety of their products. Under the bill, the FDA will have the authority to set performance standards that companies must incorporate into their food safety plans; it requires the FDA to put in place a traceability system for food products. It requires the FDA to inspect facilities according to a minimum inspection frequency, and it provides the FDA with enhanced enforcement authorities. Mr. Speaker, this is the strongest bill it can be. It will catapult the FDA into the 21st century, and it will arm the agency with the necessary authorities and enforcement power to protect our Nation's food supply.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I know that time is short, so I'll be very brief. This is a very important bill to the Nation's beaches, and I represent a coastal area. Basically, a few years ago, we passed the original BEACH Act, which allowed for the testing of ocean waters so that people would know, as sort of a right-to-know measure, when to go into the water and when not to. It has been very successful in keeping beaches clean and in notifying people when they shouldn't go swimming or when beaches have been cleaned up and they can go back into the water. We found out that we needed some better protection, and that is what we're doing with this bill today. It calls for more rapid testing, within 24 hours--well, within a few hours, I should say--because, in the past, sometimes it would take 24 to 48 hours before we would know whether beaches should be closed. So there is a much more rapid testing method, which is within a few hours. In addition to that, the grants allow for the support for actually preventing beach closings and for using the Federal money for tracking so that, actually, the waters do not become more polluted. So there are a lot of improvements in this bill over the current BEACH Act, and I urge its passage. I think we can get it signed into law quickly.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, President Obama in his speech to the Nation on Wednesday night really brought home the fact that we need to act on health care reform immediately before this Congress adjourns for the August recess, and the reason is simple: costs continue to go up. The cost of health insurance, inflation is way out of line by comparison to any other developed country, and we still have about 40 million to 50 million Americans that have no health insurance. So we need to do both. We need to cover everyone as best we can, and we need to bring down the costs of health insurance. The bottom line is that many of the organizations who opposed health insurance reform 15 years ago when I was here under President Clinton now support a plan that the insurance companies, the AMA, the doctors, PhRMA, the pharmaceutical industry, all these groups have come together with President Obama because they realize that we can't continue with the status quo. The time is now for health insurance reform, and we need to get together as both Democrats and Republicans to pass it.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues on the House floor to commemorate the somber 35th anniversary of Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus. On July 20, 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. The U.S. must do our part to nurture steps towards a united Cyprus. As a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I have joined many of my colleagues in calling on the Administration and the Department of State to urge Turkey to demonstrate that it has the political will necessary for constructive negotiations. A successful settlement effort must take on ground realities into consideration: the two Cypriot communities have a history of living peacefully together. A solution will be a reunified Cyprus that is a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation. A solution must flow out of the interests of the Cypriots themselves. It is the Turkish Government that needs to show a genuine interest in resolving the dispute. It is in Ankara that leadership must be taken to signal to Turkish Cypriots that they can be free to negotiate a solution. Removal of thousands of Turkish troops from Cyprus is essential to that solution. When Cypriots were forced to flee their homes 35 years ago, a large number of their properties were unlawfully distributed to tens of thousands of illegal settlers from Turkey. Today, 35 years later, Greek Cypriots, who continue to own these properties, are prevented by Turkey from returning and enjoying their homes and properties. This past April, the European Court of Justice, ECJ, ruled that the judgment of a court in the Republic of Cyprus must be recognized and enforced by all other EU-member states even if it concerns land situated in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus. The ECJ landmark ruling reaffirms the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and once again upholds the undeniable right of all Greek-Cypriots: That they remain the sole owners of properties that were illegally stripped from them. It is an outrage that approximately 5,000 Cypriot-Americans who own property in the occupied area, but who have no legal recourse. 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 Congress, 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. I will once again introduce a similar bill. While there are many difficulties, hopeful signs of progress do exist. There is ongoing integration that takes 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. Madam Speaker, as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, I remain hopeful a united Cyprus can become a reality.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I am glad to report that two of our committees have already reported out the health care reform bill. CBO indicated that 97 percent of the non-elderly, in other words, those who are not on Medicare now, would be covered by the health reform plan that our committees are now considering. Small businesses would benefit greatly. There is a 50 percent tax credit for premiums that are paid by employers of small businesses. So this legislation has the opportunity to allow small businesses to benefit significantly, to cover their employees, to cover 97 percent of Americans who are not covered currently by Medicare. And it is moving. We expect it will be out of committee by next week and on the House floor by the end of this month. And, finally, Americans will know that their guaranteed health coverage, reduced costs, and 97 percent of Americans not in Medicare will achieve health care coverage. I am very happy about the fact that we're proceeding with this along the promise of President Obama.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I heard my Republican colleague from California who just spoke say that somehow the President was suggesting that this health care reform bill, which is so important, might go so far as to cure cancer. I tell you, it's not going to cure cancer. But if you think about the fact that in this bill we put so much emphasis on prevention and we make sure that 97 percent of Americans who are not elderly would now be covered, the fact of the matter is that means that people go to a doctor on a regular basis. And if they go to a doctor and they find out that they have cancer at an earlier stage, then they get the attention so maybe they don't die from the cancer. You know what? If everybody goes to the doctor now and as a result of that they don't have to go for more serious treatment and the expense that's involved with that, there will be money saved--and that money can go towards more research on cancer and the cure for cancer. So I would say to my colleague, we're not saying it's going to cure cancer, but I tell you it would do a lot towards preventing those people that have serious problems, finding them out early, being diagnosed, and helping them out.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed from House Resolution 648.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today, the House leadership will unveil a uniquely American solution for health care reform. It will build upon existing programs like Medicare and Medicaid that will be improved significantly. It will say to employers that if you like the health insurance you're providing your employees, we want you to keep it, and we will certainly encourage more employers to provide health insurance for their employees. But for those Americans who have no health insurance, or those Americans who have difficulty affording health insurance because they have to go out on the individual market, or have a small group plan that becomes very expensive, those individuals will be able to buy cheaper health insurance, much more low-cost health insurance through what the Federal Government would provide. There will be competition between public and private plans, and that will be our way of reducing costs. Because what this plan will do primarily is to reduce costs for most Americans and, at the same time, make sure that every American has health insurance. I can't tell you how important that is. It is so important that every American know that they can have quality and affordable health insurance. It basically allows them to have peace of mind to not have to worry about whether they have one job or another, and this is what we're doing because we believe it's important for the average American.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The Partnership for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Science is incredibly important to the commercial and recreational fishing industry on the east coast. It ensures fisheries managers have the best possible science when making decisions regarding a multi-billion dollar industry. This amendment would also arbitrarily cut much needed funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Partnership for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Science addresses the most urgent scientific issues limiting successful management of the summer flounder and black sea bass fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is a multi-state multi-institutional partnership that will utilize academic and recreational/commercial fisheries resources to develop targeted science initiatives. Summer flounder and black sea Bass are among the most valuable recreational fish in the Mid-Atlantic. Both are also important commercial species. This project will benefit the participating recreational and commercial fishermen of the Mid-Atlantic, their shore- based supporting industries, and tee many consumers of seafood that count these species among their preferred seafood items. This program helps us incorporate critical information into the fisheries management process. By using the best possible science fisheries managers will be able to create healthy sustainable fisheries and protect the fishing industry.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the House in the next few weeks is about to unveil a health reform plan that will seek to cover all Americans, reduce costs and basically improve the quality of our health care system. When I talk to my constituents, they tell me how it is increasingly difficult for them to find affordable health insurance either because their employer will not provide it or they go on the individual market, and it's simply too expensive. The current system is simply unsustainable. We want people to be able to keep their health insurance if they like it and if they can afford it, but we must provide alternatives for people that can't find health insurance or find it increasingly difficult to afford the health insurance that they want. I think this is a real priority for the American people, and it will be a priority for this Congress because we understand that the average American increasingly sees health insurance as an economic issue, something that's making it increasingly difficult for them to get through the day if they can't find an affordable plan. So I'm looking forward to this. I think it's going to be a major achievement for this Congress.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I want to thank Chairman Waxman for his tireless work on this tobacco legislation. Madam Speaker, today is long overdue, and he should be so proud of the fact that this is finally passing today and going to the President's desk. As we pursue serious and historical health care reform, this legislation comes at the right time. Smoking kills. Smoking also is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and a host of other illnesses. Almost half a million Americans die from their own cigarette smoking a year. And even more alarming, studies have estimated that more than 6 million children alive today will ultimately die from smoking. In President Obama's call for health care reform, he cited the need to use our resources wisely and efficiently. Tobacco is a health care issue that taxes and burdens our health care system. The costs to private and public payers are over $96 billion annually. Regulating tobacco products is a win-win for our Nation's health and our need to be fiscally responsible in a time of economic hardship. This bill will finally give the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, restrict tobacco marketing, especially the marketing techniques designed to entice and addict our children. They are vulnerable and impressionable, and the tobacco industry exploits that. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill in the House, and I'm even prouder to vote for this bill today because I know that it is long overdue.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize that last month was National Arthritis Awareness Month. This commemoration provided an important opportunity to discuss the serious impact of arthritis, particularly for older Americans, and to highlight the range of treatments available to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with arthritis. However, just because May is over, doesn't mean our awareness of arthritis and the millions of Americans living with arthritis should be any less diminished. The term arthritis describes more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting the joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a painful chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects almost 27 million Americans. Older Americans are particularly impacted by this disease, with a third of the population 65 and older affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis limits the movement of most patients, and can seriously interfere with basic activities of daily living. In fact, osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the leading causes of disability among non-institutionalized adults. As an indication of the seriousness of this disease, hospitalizations for osteoarthritis also are on the rise, increasing from about 322,000 in 1993 to 735,000 in 2006. Fortunately, there are a range of treatments available that can help many individuals with osteoarthritis reduce the pain they experience, minimize damage to their joints, and improve their physical functions. In some cases, these treatments involve lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and weight loss. In other cases, physical therapy or medications can lead to improvements. And even in the more advanced cases of osteoarthritis, including those that have not responded to other treatments, surgical intervention, including debridement, resurfacing, and total joint replacement, can relieve pain and improve joint function. Given the prevalence of osteoarthritis among the elderly, it is especially important for senior citizens to know that Medicare covers a wide range of osteoarthritis treatments. Doctor's visits, physical therapy, and surgical procedures, including total joint replacement surgery, all may be covered by Medicare if medically appropriate. It is also important to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries with advanced OA do not forgo medically necessary joint replacement procedures because of concerns about copayments, since pain and disability can get progressively worse when such procedures are delayed. In fact, most Medicare beneficiaries have supplemental coverage, such as Medigap or employer-provided insurance, to help pay the premium, deductible, and coinsurance associated with joint replacement surgery. Fear about copayments should not stand in the way of a beneficiary obtaining relief from this painful and debilitating disease. Whether it be National Arthritis Awareness month or any month, individuals with arthritis should take the opportunity to talk to their doctors about lifestyle changes and other treatments available to help them manage their condition. With appropriate care, individuals with arthritis can take steps to live active, pain free lives.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of New Jersey Tinton Falls and Toms River. Throughout the years, employees within these hospitals have worked to rehabilitate those who are fighting heart disease and stroke. On May 30, 2009, their accomplishments earned them the American Heart Association Have A Heart Ball Community Leadership Award, presented by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. At the annual Have A Heart Ball, the Community Leadership Award is given in recognition of outstanding and consistent dedication to the well-being of Ocean and Monmouth County Communities. The American Heart Association is in need of allies in its attempt to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, and I can safely say that it has found two in the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of New Jersey Tinton Falls and Toms River. The services of these two hospitals have been invaluable to their local communities. Serving 4,000 inpatients and 28,000 outpatients annually, the hospitals of Tinton Falls and Toms River are committed in their care for the community. This commitment begins at the top with Linda A. Savino, Chief Executive Officer of the Tinton Falls hospital, and Patty Ostaszewski, Chief Executive Officer of the Toms River hospital. Their devotion to this honorable cause shows that they are truly deserving of this award. The areas of Tinton Falls and Toms River are undoubtedly better off with the presence of these hospitals. HealthSouth has become part of these communities through charitable support, community education programs, and support on local and state-wide initiatives. Moreover, HealthSouth has contributed to various initiatives such as the Shoreline Start! NJ Heart Walk, Go Red For Women movement, and the Have a Heart Ball. I am sure that this commitment will continue as time goes on. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of New Jersey Tinton Falls and Toms River on this achievement and thanking their employees for their service to the community. Their accomplishments will continue to benefit and inspire my constituents and future generations.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mayor James T. Phillips, who has committed the past five years of his life to being the mayor of the Township of Old Bridge. Under his leadership, Old Bridge has thrived and become a vibrant home to many New Jersey citizens. On May 3, 2009 his accomplishments earned him the Hubert H. Humphrey Friend of Labor Award, presented by the Middlesex County AFL-CIO. Every year since 1983, the Middlesex County Central Labor Council has recognized a prominent individual who has followed the example of U.S. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey's dedication to human and civil rights. As a leader and key proponent of labor unions and their interests, Humphrey furthered the rights of laborers across the nation. Mayor Phillips has followed in his footsteps as a strong advocate for labor who has furthered the cause of labor unions and civil rights. The Honorable James T. Phillips has become a valuable leader and advocate for the state of New Jersey. The mayor began his career in 1995 as the Middlesex County Treasurer, as well as serving on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. His involvement with the County Board led to the acquisition of a 2,500 acre plot of land designated for public open space. In addition to acquiring this land for open space he created the Middlesex Co. Old Bridge Waterfront Park, which maintains a healthy and protected community forest. The influence of Mayor Phillip's hard work and his active presence in the area extends throughout the Township of Old Bridge. Mayor Phillips is a member of the Old Bridge Township Housing and Redevelopment Agency, which has founded two important residences: the Maher Manor and the Chuck Costello Home. The Maher Manor is a 100-unit complex that provides senior citizens with health, wellness and recreation activities. The Chuck Costello Home offers independent living for seniors with more than 60 units of housing. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Mayor Phillips 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.