Todd Platts

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I again would be honored to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).

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

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1545, expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the third Monday of September--this week--as National Postdoc Appreciation Week, and join with the gentleman from Colorado in recognizing Mr. Stearns, the gentleman from Florida, for his sponsorship of this resolution. Postdoctoral research is academic or scholarly research conducted by a person who has completed his or her doctoral studies, normally within the following 5 years. It is intended to further deepen expertise in a specialized subject area, including necessary skills and methods. Postdoctoral research is often considered essential to the scholarly mission of the host institution and is expected to produce relevant publications accordingly. Postdoctoral research may be funded through an appointment with a salary or an appointment with a stipend or sponsorship award. Appointments for such research positions may be called postdoctoral research fellow, postdoctoral research associate, or postdoctoral research assistant. Depending on the type of appointment, postdoctoral researchers may work independently or under the supervision of a principal investigator. Postdocs make invaluable contributions to the research enterprise, which is important if the United States is to remain competitive in a global market. To do so, we must make every effort to attract the best and the brightest men and women from all groups, including international scholars, to ensure that progress and innovation takes place in all fields of study. Today, we recognize the accomplishments and contributions postdocs make to relevant institutions, fields of study, and communities around the world. We encourage the improvement of training and career opportunities in various research fields at all levels of training and stages of all research careers. I urge all my colleagues to join in supporting this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize South Middleton Township, Pennsylvania on its 200th Birthday. Established in 1810, South Middleton Township is comprised of approximately 52 square miles and has a population of almost 14,500. A wonderful community in which to live, work, and play, the Township is bordered on the north by Carlisle Borough, North Middleton Township, and Middlesex Township. To the east is Monroe Township and to the south are York and Adams Counties. Dickinson Township borders South Middleton to the west. The Township is predominantly a rural farming community and forested area. Approximately 75 percent of the land is used for farming, forest, or woodland. South Middleton Township was created when the area known as Middleton was divided into North Middletorn and South Middleton. The governing body consists of five elected supervisors and an appointed township manager. Madam Speaker, the observance of the 200th Birthday of South Middleton Township provides a special opportunity to pay tribute to the citizens of the township, past and present, who have contributed immeasurably to the township's wonderful quality of life. South Middleton Township will be celebrating the Bicentennial all summer long with parades, picnics, and events at local venues. Over Memorial Day the Township had floats accompanied by veterans in both the Boiling Springs and Carlisle Memorial Day parades. Labor Day will conclude the official Bicentennial celebrations and will include a fireworks display. I encourage all of my constituents, whether South Middleton residents or visitors, to attend these gatherings and commemorate the Township's birth. It is with heartfelt wishes that I recognize South Middletown Township on its 200th Birthday.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Robert Williams, 47th Commandant of the United States Army War College. Just last month, Major General Williams retired after serving our nation admirably for 36 years. Major General Williams is a highly decorated officer who served in a number of combat and non-combat assignments. His assignments included: Tank Company Commander in the 4th Battalion, 63d Armor at Fort Riley, Kansas; Executive Officer of the 3d Battalion, 67th Armor at Fort Hood, Texas; Assistant Division Commander (Support) for the 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany; Deputy Chief of Staff, G3/Operations, HQ Allied Command Europe, Rapid Reaction Corps, Moenchengladbach, Germany; and Commanding General of the United States Armor Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the C3 for CJTF-7. In January 2008, Major General Williams was assigned as the 47th Commandant of the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I had the distinct privilege to interact regularly with Major General Williams during his tenure at the Ware College and witnessed first-hand his exemplary leadership. Major General Williams' candor and passion for the Professional Military Education (PME) system helped to strengthen the critically important mission of the War College and thereby enhance the strategic leadership qualities of the College's graduates. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Major General Williams on his well-deserved retirement and express my heartfelt gratitude for his patriotic service to our nation. I and all Americans are forever indebted to him.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Susan (Smith) Rodriguez of Bethesda, Maryland, who in 1944 answered her Nation's call to service in a time of great need. Mrs. Rodriguez joins a special sisterhood of women who share a unique place in American history. Mrs. Rodriguez was born in York, Pennsylvania, in my congressional district, where she later worked as a French teacher at the former York Collegiate Institute (now known as York College of Pennsylvania). To help in the war effort, she received her commercial pilot's rating and gave flight instruction to U.S. Army pilots throughout the spring of 1944. Mrs. Rodriguez was later assigned to the Office of Strategic Services, America's first intelligence agency, where she was posted to Tangier, North Africa and served until the end of the war. Similar to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, whom earlier this year were rightfully awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service during World War II, Mrs. Rodriguez helped blaze a trail for women who seek to serve their country. The achievements of Mrs. Rodriguez and other female pioneers continue to inspire generations of young women to achieve the impossible. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Mrs. Rodriguez for her service to the United States of America. I know that her family and friends join me in paying tribute to her.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, today marks the one year anniversary of the enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I was proud to have partnered with Representative Henry Waxman in introducing this bill and seeing its passage through the House of Representatives. The Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act took important steps to educate the American public about the harmful effects of tobacco-use. The law provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate tobacco products and ensures that these products are not advertised or sold to children. While many of the provisions of this law are still being implemented by the FDA, a number of important changes have already taken place. For example, a ban on flavored cigarettes is now being enforced. Cigarettes with flavors such as strawberry and lemon were clearly marketed toward children and lured young adults into trying their first cigarette. In addition, tobacco companies are now prohibited from sponsoring athletic and cultural events, which are widely attended and viewed by millions of children each year. No longer will a child's favorite race car driver be covered in tobacco ads nor will a favorite baseball player hit a homerun over a large cigarette banner. The FDA has also begun enforcing the prohibition of vending machines that sell tobacco products in settings in which children are present. Vending machines served as an easy way for minors to access tobacco products since no age verification is present. Because the vast majority of all smokers try their first cigarette between the ages of twelve and twenty, these important changes will go a long way toward preventing children from trying their first cigarette, and becoming smokers as adults. Thus far, the FDA has moved expeditiously in their implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I hope that they will continue their efforts to discourage our nation's young people from smoking and educate them of the harmful effects of tobacco use. For too long tobacco companies have targeted our nation's children through cartoon ads, event sponsorship, and free merchandise. I am confident that the continued implementation of this law will lead to generations of fewer tobacco-addicted youth.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, which takes important steps to eliminate Federal Government waste and inefficiencies. I served as the chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability for 4 years, where I focused my efforts on making the Federal Government more accountable. My subcommittee held numerous hearings in which, all too often, accounting errors such as overpayment for services or redundant payments were discovered or where programs were not effectively fulfilling their intended mission. At a time when the national debt is over $13 trillion, it has never been more apparent that the Federal Government must spend tax dollars wisely. Federal programs must be monitored to ensure that our investments are presenting clear results and that those programs that are not performing effectively must be reformed or eliminated. One of the reasons that we find ourselves in such a substantial debt today is that Federal programs never end. Both high-performing and low- performing programs continue on year after year after year, often with increasing funds. The Federal Government needs a clear evaluation process for each program, the results of which would be used to provide Members of this House with the information needed to determine which programs should continue and which should not. The legislation we are considering here today, similar to legislation that I introduced in the 108th and 109th Sessions of Congress, would require that all Federal agencies work with the Office of Management and Budget, OMB, to clearly identify outcome-based goals and then submit an action plan to achieve these goals. Agencies would be required to conduct quarterly performance assessments outlining how effectively they are working to meet the stated goals, and all information would be available to Members of the House and Senate and the American people. In addition the Government Accountability Office, GAO, would be tasked with performing frequent and detailed evaluations outlining how effective each agency has been in achieving their goals. GAO would also assess whether the goals are appropriate and determine if the program is providing direct value to the American people. This impartial review of Federal programs will assure that agencies are being good stewards of our Federal taxpayer dollars. I strongly commend my colleague, Representative Cuellar, for introducing this bill to ensure that Federal resources are spent efficiently and that waste is minimized. Now more than ever, while American families are cutting extraneous expenses from their budgets, the Federal Government must do the same. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this important effort. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, the loss of life is always regrettable, but it is wrong for members of the international community to rush to judgment against Israel with respect to the Gaza flotilla incident. Israel has a right to protect its borders and defend itself against terrorism. The terrorist group Hamas is engaged in a war against Israel from inside Gaza. Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005 in the hopes of furthering peace. Instead, Hamas consolidated its power in Gaza and launched thousands of rockets and mortar shells against innocent Israeli civilians. Israel's blockade is an act of self- defense--a necessity to deny Hamas the weaponry it needs to continue in its acts of aggression. Israel was willing to cooperate in a manner to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it has in the past. However, organizers of the flotilla appeared intent on provoking confrontation. Video has been released which indicates Israeli soldiers came under violent attack first, before the Israelis switched from using paint guns to using pistols in their own apparent self-defense. The knee-jerk condemnation of Israel by some in the world community obscures two important facts that should never be forgotten: First, Israel is a democracy and an ally of the United States with a right to protect itself. Second, Hamas is a terrorist group that refuses to recognize the right of Israel to peaceably exist. As an investigation into the specific facts of the incident proceed, we must ensure that it is both balanced and respectful of these underlying facts.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chair, I am proud to have joined with my friend from Texas, Mr. Sessions, in introducing this amendment which will provide our servicemembers that are affected by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with access to cutting-edge treatments. As we all know, TBIs have become the ``signature wound'' of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Record numbers of troops return to American soil in need of treatment and rehabilitation. While the Department of Defense has been a leader in providing treatment to our wounded warriors, it has been slow to embrace innovative treatments, such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This amendment would establish a five-year ``pay for performance'' innovative treatment pilot program. The pilot program would allow healthcare providers outside of the Department of Defense to treat active duty military personnel and veterans with cutting-edge TBI treatments not offered at military medical facilities. The private healthcare providers would only receive reimbursement from the Department of Defense if the treatment was proven to be successful. Servicemembers and veterans who voluntarily opt into this program would do so at no cost. I see this amendment as a win-win. Not only will our troops receive access to innovative therapies, but it encourages the private sector to invest in new and inventive treatments for TBI. The amendment also requires the Department of Defense to maintain a database to track the effectiveness of such treatments. It is my hope that after the conclusion of this five-year pilot, the Department of Defense will begin providing proven therapies at military medical facilities. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best treatments available. This common-sense amendment would help to expand access to new therapies in a fiscally responsible way. I encourage all of my colleagues to join with me to support this amendment.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this important amendment and I thank my friend from New Jersey, Bill Pascrell, for allowing me to work with him on this issue. The Department of Defense and the RAND Corporation have recently estimated that 20 percent of our military personnel who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Because symptoms of TBI often go unnoticed, at least initially, it is difficult to know exactly how many troops are living with this disability. If not diagnosed early on, TBIs can lead to memory loss, severe headache disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse. Neurocognitive assessment has been proven to be an effective tool in detecting and measuring the severity of TBI. This is why the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization required the Department of Defense to screen ALL military personnel for TBI both before and after deployment. Post-deployment screenings are to be compared with pre- deployment (or baseline) assessments to determine whether or not the servicemember is suffering from a TBI. Unfortunately, too many of our men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are still not being screened for TBI. Servicemembers that have been screened post-deployment are currently given a self-assessment checklist, in which the results are not even comparable to their pre-deployment neurocognitive screenings. Not to mention that because the checklist is self-administered, the results are typically inaccurate since these troops either do not realize or do not want to admit that they are living with a TBI. I am pleased that this year's Defense Authorization includes language requiring the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive screening and assessment policy by the end of 2011. However, until this policy is fully implemented, thousands of our men and women in uniform are returning from combat without the necessary screenings to ensure that they receive proper treatment. This amendment, which I am proud of to have introduced with Congressmen Pascrell, Andrews, Cole, Ortiz, Coffman and Joe Wilson, will ensure that until the Department of Defense has put in place a comprehensive screening policy, all of our military personnel will receive neurocognitive assessments both before and after deployment. The amendment requires that the same neurocognitive tool used for pre- deployment assessment also be used for post-deployment evaluation. Using the same test allows physicians to compare the baseline screening with the post-deployment results to determine whether a TBI does in fact exist. The current system of using different tools for pre and post deployment screenings is like comparing apples to oranges. It is essential that our men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect us every day receive immediate and appropriate care. Though TBIs are difficult to detect because no one symptom exists, it is imperative that the Department of Defense take every possible measure to diagnose and treat our troops affected by TBI. This is why I strongly support this amendment and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this important amendment and I thank my friend from New Jersey, Bill Pascrell, for allowing me to work with him on this issue. The Department of Defense and the RAND Corporation have recently estimated that 20 percent of our military personnel who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Because symptoms of TBI often go unnoticed, at least initially, it is difficult to know exactly how many troops are living with this disability. If not diagnosed early on, TBIs can lead to memory loss, severe headache disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse. Neurocognitive assessment has been proven to be an effective tool in detecting and measuring the severity of TBI. This is why the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization required the Department of Defense to screen ALL military personnel for TBI both before and after deployment. Post-deployment screenings are to be compared with pre- deployment (or baseline) assessments to determine whether or not the servicemember is suffering from a TBI. Unfortunately, too many of our men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are still not being screened for TBI. Servicemembers that have been screened post-deployment are currently given a self-assessment checklist, in which the results are not even comparable to their pre-deployment neurocognitive screenings. Not to mention that because the checklist is self-administered, the results are typically inaccurate since these troops either do not realize or do not want to admit that they are living with a TBI. I am pleased that this year's Defense Authorization includes language requiring the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive screening and assessment policy by the end of 2011. However, until this policy is fully implemented, thousands of our men and women in uniform are returning from combat without the necessary screenings to ensure that they receive proper treatment. This amendment, which I am proud to have introduced with Congressmen Pascrell, Andrews, Cole, Ortiz, Coffman and Joe Wilson, will ensure that until the Department of Defense has put in place a comprehensive screening policy, all of our military personnel will receive neurocognitive assessments both before and after deployment. The amendment requires that the same neurocognitive tool used for pre- deployment assessment also be used for post-deployment evaluation. Using the same test allows physicians to compare the baseline screening with the post-deployment results to determine whether a TBI does in fact exist. The current system of using different tools for pre- and post-deployment screenings is like comparing apples to oranges. It is essential that our men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect us every day receive immediate and appropriate care. There are currently a number of neurocognitive tools available for the Department of Defense to use for screenings. Several of the branches have initiated comparative studies assessing the effectiveness of the various tools, however, most have yet to be completed. The amendment also requires the Department of Defense to oversee the completion of all outstanding studies and conduct an analysis of the options available. Though TBIs are difficult to detect because no one symptom exists, it is imperative that the Department of Defense take every possible measure to diagnose and treat our troops effected by TBI. This is why I strongly support this amendment and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 959, the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act, which provides financial assistance for higher education to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Representative Patrick Murphy and I introduced this legislation so that a child of one of these fallen service men and women would become automatically eligible for the maximum Pell Grant amount. This benefit already exists for the children of military service members who are killed in action. This legislation is aimed at ensuring we do right by police officers, firefighters and other first responders who put their own lives at risk everyday to keep us safe. Making a college education more accessible to the children of these fallen heroes is an important expression of our Nation's gratitude. This legislation is a justified price for our Nation to pay to ensure that those serving on the front lines in our communities know that a higher education will be within their children's reach should the unthinkable happen. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation and yield back the remainder of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 231. I was inadvertently detained and missed said vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I appreciate the gentleman yielding. I certainly rise in agreement with the maker of the amendment that we need to get the best value for the American taxpayers when it comes to the acquisition of goods and services. In fact, the underlying bill we're discussing here today is about achieving that exact goal--getting that best value. I do want to express a concern, however, that sometimes getting the best value may mean paying more for a superior product or service, especially when it comes to the complex technological requirements of the equipment of our men and women in the American Armed Forces. There may be legitimate cases where the cost, the price of a good or service, is less important than other factors. Probably a good example of that is pretty recently the acquisition of MRAPs and body armor that certainly have saved the lives of our courageous troops. A concern that I think we need to weigh here is just that this may be a little premature, this specific amendment, because a similar amendment was included in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. During the conference, a provision was added to that language that requires the Government Accountability Office to do a study to determine how often it occurs that cost is not the overriding factor or the primary factor. That study is due back to us in October of this year. It seems like it would be appropriate to get that knowledge base from GAO before going further with another requirement at this time. So I don't oppose the intent of the sponsor of the amendment. We are certainly in agreement that we want to get the best value, but just believe it may be helpful to wait for GAO to complete its work.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, all members of Congress agree that the status quo in health care is unacceptable and that we must act to make affordable, quality health care accessible for all Americans. The legislation before us today, however, is the wrong solution. Simply put, it is bad public policy. Throughout the debate on health care reform, I have emphasized that Congress must be certain to adhere to the physician's principle of ``First, do no harm.'' Unfortunately, the Senate-passed health care bill (H.R. 3590) and reconciliation legislation (H.R. 4278) that we are considering today will do significant harm. A primary focus of health care reform must be on bringing down the rapidly rising cost of health care and health insurance. Instead, the legislation before us today costs over $1 trillion in the first 10 years. When fully implemented, the proposed plan's costs will total more than $200 billion per year. That's $2 trillion in additional health care-related costs over the course of the plan's first full decade of implementation. Once the budgetary gimmicks are stripped away, the legislation before us will increase the overall budget deficit dramatically. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the proposed legislation will do significant additional harm as well. CBO analysis concludes that health insurance premiums in the individual market will increase by 10-13%, Medicare will be cut by more than $500 billion, taxes will increase by $579 billion, and millions of Americans will ultimately be forced off private health insurance plans into government-run plans. Countless new taxes are included in the proposed health care legislation. For example, new taxes would be imposed on: individuals without health insurance; employers, whether they provide health insurance for their employees or not; certain employer-provided health insurance plans, more and more of them over time; medical devices, like wheelchairs and walkers; investment income; Flexible Spending Accounts; and health insurers and pharmaceutical companies, taxes that are likely to be passed along to their customers. The proposed legislation's cuts to Medicare will detrimentally impact millions of senior citizens. For example, CBO estimates that, as drafted, the cuts to Medicare Advantage funding will result in approximately 4.8 million seniors losing access to such plans. Plans in which they chose to enroll. Mr. Speaker, the process by which we are considering these bills is also wrong. Ordinarily, the reconciliation process is used to pass legislation making changes in existing federal programs or taxes. The reconciliation legislation under consideration today will make changes to a health care bill that has yet to even be enacted. Importantly, there is no guarantee that the reconciliation bill will be passed in the Senate. This means that the House would be effectively trusting that the Senate health care bill will be ``fixed'' by the reconciliation process, even as the Senate health care bill is approved by the House and becomes law. The entire health care reform legislative process has been tainted by proposals offered along the way to gain votes--like the infamous ``Cornhusker Kickback,'' as well as special provisions for other states that have undermined confidence in the final product. Similarly, the House leadership's initial plan of using a ``deem-and-pass'' legislative tactic--enacting the Senate bill into law without a straight up-or-down vote--greatly diminished the American people's trust in this legislation's provisions. Rather than enacting the legislation before us today, Congress should restart the process and enact common sense health care reforms that have bipartisan support. Reforms such as small business health insurance pools, medical malpractice liability reform, tax credits and deductions for health care expenses, and insurance reforms addressing the issues of pre-existing conditions and wrongful coverage termination will better ensure access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans, while also adhering to the physician's principle of ``First, do no harm.''

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. And I certainly rise in support today of H.R. 4395, a bill to extend the boundaries of the Gettysburg National Military Park. I am honored to have introduced this legislation and certainly appreciate the support of the chairman and ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee in moving this bill to the floor. Madam Speaker, Gettysburg is a unique and very special place. When I travel around the country, I am always proud to talk to fellow citizens about my district in central Pennsylvania, including Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where the United States Army War College is located, and certainly my hometown of York, where the Continental Congress met for 9 months in 1777, and where the Articles of Confederation were adopted. No town, however, that I mentioned gets quite the reaction as Gettysburg. Not only did Gettysburg host the battle that marked the turning point of the Civil War in 1863, but it is also where President Lincoln gave one of the most historic addresses in our Nation's history. H.R. 4395 would expand the boundaries of the Gettysburg National Military Park to include the historic Lincoln Train Station, as well as a 45-acre plot of land at the southern base of Big Round Top, in order to ensure preservation of these properties for generations to come. Both pieces of land are historically significant. The Lincoln Train Station served as a hospital during the time of the 1863 battle and was the departure point for many wounded and deceased soldiers as they were returned to their homes. The station is also where President Lincoln arrived when he visited Gettysburg to give his historic Gettysburg Address in November 1863. The 1858 structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently owned by the Borough of Gettysburg. The Borough uses the station currently as a visitor's center. However, due to the lack of funding and available volunteers, it is unable to keep the center open on a regularly scheduled basis. The Borough of Gettysburg supports this legislation and wishes for the National Park Service to acquire this historic parcel and, as was referenced, be truly restored to its original beauty so it can be an added destination point for so many visitors to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The 45-acre parcel of land at the base of Big Round Top hosted cavalry skirmishes in July 1863 as part of the battle and currently contains critical wetlands and wildlife habitat associated with Plum Run. The Gettysburg Foundation currently owns this piece of land and would like to donate it ``fee title interest'' to the National Park Service once it is added to the park's boundary. As we all certainly appreciate, the National Park Service is tasked with preserving and maintaining a huge number of very important parks, over 400, I believe. Like all Federal agencies, the National Park Service works within a constrained budget to allocate resources efficiently and effectively. I am sensitive to the current obligations of the NPS and believe that we should expand these commitments with thoughtfulness and without haste. I strongly believe that these two additions proposed by this legislation are truly historic in nature and would add great value to the park's already impressive resources. With that, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Everyone agrees that the status quo in health care is unacceptable, but the proposed health care reform legislation is also unacceptable. Two of the greatest gifts that my parents gave my four brothers and sisters and I was a solid foundation in the ideals of common sense and right versus wrong. This health care bill fails to pass both of these principles. Common sense tells us that a health care bill that increases health care costs by over a trillion dollars is wrong; that raises taxes by over $500 billion is wrong; that cuts Medicare by $500 billion is wrong; that forces millions of Americans off of private insurance into a government-run health care plan is wrong; and a plan that allows taxpayer funds to be used for abortion services is wrong. A simple application of the ``right versus wrong'' test tells us that seeking to pass such a monumental piece of legislation by deeming it passed without an up-or-down vote is wrong. Basic principles--common sense, right versus wrong. This proposal fails both of those very important principles. My mom and dad got it right. These matter.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1030--Congratulating Messiah College men's and women's soccer teams on winning the 2009 NCAA Division III national championships. Messiah College, located in my home district, is a private four-year Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences in Grantham, Pennsylvania. With a population of 2,744 full-time undergraduate students and a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, each of these students are encouraged to grow through their education, faith and community involvement. Recently, Messiah was distinguished as one of only seven colleges in Pennsylvania to be placed on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its service to disadvantaged youth. Additionally, Messiah received the 2009 Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification for its outreach to the local community. For the men's and women's soccer teams at Messiah College, 2009 proved to be a remarkable and historic year. On December 5th 2009, both teams won the Division III national soccer championships, remaining the only men's and women's soccer teams at any level in the NCAA to do so in the same year. The women's team garnered their third national title since 2005 and the men's team won their seventh national championship in the last ten seasons. The Messiah women's team defeated Washington University-St. Louis by a score of 1-0. The lone goal was scored early in the game by senior Amanda Naeher, who was later named the offensive player of the tournament. She was joined on the all-star team by her fellow teammates Katie Hoffsmith, Amy Horst, and Katlyn Musser. Musser was named defensive player of the tournament. Remaining players on the women's team include: Seniors Emily Cope and Carey Cortese; Juniors Molly Bletz, Shalisa Brubaker, Joanna Haqq, Erin Hench, Sarah Henningsen, Katie Hoffsmith, Marla Sensi and Meagan Wademan; Sophomores Kelsey Gorman, Rachel Loya, Autumn Reilly, Olivia Scott, Jessica Shirk, Leah Sipe and Lisa Wingard; and Freshmen Stephanie Andrews, Tannia Nieto, Elizabeth Phillips, Anne Trapp and Corinne Wulf. Assistant coaches and athletic trainers include: Todd Balsbaugh, Maggie Futato, Bethany Sauer, Sandy Bush and Jason Besse. Later that same evening, the men's team defeated Calvin College in a 2-0 victory, making them an unprecedented 7-0 in national championship game appearances. Senior goalkeeper Jared Clugston was named defensive player of the tournament, while junior Geoff Pezon was named the offensive player. Trey Overholt and Derek Black both joined them on the all-star team. Remaining players on the men's team include: Seniors Brett Faro, Jevon Gondwe, Josh Mull and Calvin Todd; Juniors Jon Burke, Sean Cunningham, Kyle Fulks, Mark Jeschke, Keaton Kasiguran and Nick Thompson; Sophomores Trevor Lee, Kent Ramirez, Tom Renko, Jordan Sands, Danny Thompson and Sam Woodworth; and Freshmen Jake Berry, JP Fulton, Luke Helmuth, Dan Squire, Logan Thompson and Joshua Wood. Assistant coaches, managers and athletic training staff include: Aaron Faro, Troy Sauer, Dustin Shambach, Ken Heck, Gerard Marrone, and Beau Herndon. It is with great pride that I congratulate these two outstanding teams, led by head coaches Scott Frey and Brad McCarthy. The teams, coaches, faculty and students at Messiah College have much to be proud of with both their commitment to academics and this remarkable display of athletic excellence. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1030.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 862 congratulating the staff, students, and faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction competition. Math and science education at all levels is a necessary part of strengthening the future of scientific research in the United States. As a result of the changing nature of the global economy, American economic competitiveness is now at the forefront. Emphasizing math and science education will ensure a competitive 21st century workforce. Madam Speaker, I would now like to yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

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

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1001-- Congratulating North Central College on winning the 2009 NCAA Division Ill men's cross country championship. North Central College is a private 4-year liberal arts college located in Naperville, Illinois. North Central has 2,333 full-time undergraduate students and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Students at North Central have excelled both academically and athletically. NCC was recently named a ``College of Distinction'' and was named one of ``America's Best Colleges'' by US News and World Report. The NCC Cardinals have won 24 national championships and is the only school in their conference to win four national championships in four different sports. North Central College athletics are best known for their Men's Track and Field and Cross Country teams. The Cardinals men's cross country team has been excelling for over 40 years. The first Cardinal was named All American in 1964 and the team won their first NCAA Division Ill Championship in 1975. On November 21, 2009 the North Central College men's cross country team swept the NCAA Division Ill championships for the 13th time. The Cardinals took first place by a 131-point margin of victory, the largest ever in the history of the championship. Each of the team's seven competing players were named All American and Head Coach Al Carius was named National Coach of the year. The North Central College men's cross country team is one example of collegiate excellence. Congratulations to Head Coach Al Carius, the team members Neal Klein, Michael Spain, Ryan Carrigan, Nathaniel Hird, Kyle Brady, Sean Carlson, and Nathan Rutz, the faculty, staff and North Central students on this victory. Today, we recognize and commend North Central College for its pursuit and achievement of athletic, academic and collegiate excellence. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1001. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the distinguished gentlelady from Illinois, Judy Biggert.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of House Resolution 1001, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1002, which promotes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day of national service and recognizes the efforts of the countless Americans who will volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of many worthy causes. I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my fellow co- Chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Doris Matsui, Vern Ehlers, and David Price; as well as Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, Representative John Lewis, and numerous other colleagues. It was in 1994 that Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday as a national day of service in recognition of Dr. King's selfless and courageous service to his fellow citizens. Since then, we have seen a growing number of individuals embrace this day as a day on, not a day off. In 2009, millions of Americans spent Martin Luther King, Jr. Day serving in over 13,000 projects all across the country. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service is again working with the King Center and six other grantees to promote the King Day of Service. In years past, organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club all benefited from the volunteer efforts of everyday Americans. I am looking forward to again volunteering myself at the Crispus Attucks Association of York back in my home town. As January 18 quickly approaches, I encourage my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take advantage of the countless service opportunities available in your local communities. A list of opportunities can be found at Serve.gov as well as MLKday.gov. In addition to the day's activities, families and individuals will be given resources as to how they can serve their communities throughout the year. As we reflect on the great gift of compassion and selflessness that Dr. King has given us both in his life and in passing, may we remember his words, ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.'' I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).