Todd Platts

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, again, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the resolution. I am honored to join with the gentlemen from Michigan and Georgia, and I am certainly delighted and honored to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from California and his work in establishing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. PLATTS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 860, supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. I want to commend the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Chicago (Mr. Quigley), for his leadership on this issue. Most of us here today can remember ample time during our childhoods which was spent outdoors. In fact, to this very day, the child in me still enjoys hikes in the woods and tent-camping. In fact, for my wife, Leslie, and our two boys, T.J. and Tom, some of our most wonderful vacations have been tent-camping in our national parks throughout our great Nation. Unfortunately, however, many children today do not have these same opportunities. Due to a lack of safe outdoor play areas, an abundance of video games and television time and, unfortunately, little encouragement to play outdoors, many children today do not experience the benefits of outdoor activities. Research indicates that being active outdoors benefits children in countless ways. Active outdoor play has been shown to help children manage stress, to lower their blood pressure, and to help children develop cognitive skills. The Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights encourages children to participate in outdoor activities and to explore opportunities--to discover the wilderness, to learn to swim, to follow a trail, and to explore other outdoor resources. The Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights highlights the importance of outdoor activities to the development and nourishment of children. Our Nation boasts some of the world's most beautiful parks and natural monuments, an array of wildlife not found elsewhere, and abundant natural resources. Certainly, children should be encouraged to take advantage of these unique opportunities and resources. For most of us, outdoor play was a regular part of growing up. Unfortunately, again, this is not true today. By supporting the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, we highlight the importance of children participating in outdoor activities. In doing so, we will bless not just our Nation's children but our Nation as a whole. Again, I am honored to support this resolution, and I urge a ``yes'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, before I conclude, I would just reference that on a family visit to Chicago this past summer, we think of Chicago as an urban center and city, and what a wonderful city it is, but my boys also had the chance to fish in the Chicago River as part of a City of Chicago fishing program, encouraging just what we're talking about in this resolution, getting kids outdoors and enjoying the activities of the outdoors. The fish they caught in the Chicago River may not have been big, but they still caught some; and they remember that visit very well. Again, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley) for sponsoring this resolution.

Mr. PLATTS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's health care bill (H.R. 3962). I plan to vote against this legislation for numerous substantive reasons, including my concerns about its trillion dollar plus cost to taxpayers, its mandates on individuals and employers, its deep cuts to Medicare, and the strong likelihood that H.R. 3962's provisions will cost millions of Americans their jobs. H.R. 3962 is a health care bill that fails to abide by the physician's guiding principle: ``First, do no harm.'' H.R. 3962 consists of approximately 2,000 pages and costs more than $1 trillion over ten years. If adopted, this legislation will destroy millions of jobs by raising taxes on small businesses and other employers. H.R. 3962 also imposes new taxes on certain employer- provided health benefits and on medical devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. In total, H.R. 3962 includes more than $700 billion in new taxes. Unbelievably, in the name of health care reform, H.R. 3962 cuts Medicare benefits by more than $400 billion and raises Medicare premiums, making access to comprehensive health care more difficult for our Nation's senior citizens. Additionally, over time, H.R. 3962 will move countless Americans involuntarily from private health insurance to government-run health care. I have long maintained that there is no ``silver bullet'' for health care reform. We should aim to build upon the current health care system in a variety of ways, making health insurance more affordable and more accessible. In other words, Congress should fix what is broken in our nation's health care system and be certain not to break what is not. Congress should adopt insurance reforms to end the practice of denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions and ensure the portability of one's health insurance. Additionally, Congress should allow small businesses to band together to negotiate insurance coverage for their employees, just as large corporations and labor unions are already allowed to do. Congress should also allow individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines from a competitive, nation-wide market and should enact responsible medical malpractice reform to lower health care costs. I plan to join with my fellow Republicans in voting for an alternative legislative proposal that includes such reforms. The full Senate has yet to act on a health care bill of its own. Hopefully, when it does so, the Senate will adhere to the principle of: ``First, do no harm.''

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 878. I am proud to have introduced this resolution that recognizes the benefits of parental involvement in a child's education, and supports the goals and ideals of National Family Literacy Day. As we all know, the role of a parent or guardian in a child's life is one that is irreplaceable and lasts far beyond the adolescent years. Today, I stand in recognition of the importance of family literacy in the education of children. While a child's education at school is irrevocably important, we must fully recognize that education begins at home. National Family Literacy Day occurred on November 1st of this year reminding us of the integral role parents play in their child's pathway to learning. Approximately 8,000 literacy programs and schools held readings, workshops, book drives, and family activities at libraries and community centers across the country in honor of this important day. Research has shown that a parent's education and income are the two largest indicators of a child's success in school. Given that children spend five times as much time outside of the classroom as in school, we must continue to focus on the importance of family literacy programs. Children who participate in family literacy programs demonstrate significant gains in oral language skills and score higher on standardized tests. The future and prosperity of our great Nation is dependent on the quality of education that our children receive today. That is why I stand in support of this resolution, recognizing the goals and ideals of Family Literacy Day. I ask for my colleagues' support of House Resolution 878.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 736, which honors the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address as ``Dedication Day'' on November 19, 2009. I am proud to have introduced this resolution as we celebrate the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birthday in 2009 and remember the words of this most remarkable speech. Arriving by train to Gettysburg on the evening of November 18, 1863, few knew the impact Lincoln's words would have on the future of our Nation and its citizens. The Address' message was one of paying tribute to those who lost their lives while at the same time affirming a belief that democracy may prevail despite the immeasurable losses suffered by both the North and South. Lincoln's speech was just over two minutes in length, but its meaning has long endured. Nearly 63 years ago, Congress passed a joint resolution designating November 19, 1946, the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, as Dedication Day and declaring the Gettysburg Address to be ``the outstanding classic of the ages.'' The resolution suggested that the Gettysburg Address ``be read on that day in public assemblages throughout the United States and its possessions, on our ships at sea, and wherever the American flag flies.'' Additionally, lines from the Gettysburg Address can be found in Martin Luther King Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech, and its entirety is marked a short distance from where we stand today, on the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial. During this bicentennial year of Lincoln's birth, the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which have both endorsed this resolution, are holding numerous events celebrating the life and legacy of our sixteenth President. On November 19, 2009 the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Commission is hosting ``Dedication Day,'' with events occurring at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. As we celebrate Lincoln's bicentennial, I urge my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take time to read the words of this remarkable speech: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that `all men are created equal.' Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate--we can not consecrate-- we can not hallow, this ground--The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here. It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Two centuries after his birth, the message of the Gettysburg Address is as significant as ever. As such, please join me in paying tribute to one of our Nation's most important speeches and support House Resolution 736.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, in my district, I am often asked do I think health care reform will pass this session. My answer is always, I certainly hope so. The status quo should be unacceptable to everyone. However, Speaker Pelosi's reform proposal is not the right reform. Our overriding principle should be first ``do no harm.'' Unfortunately, in my humble opinion, Speaker Pelosi's proposal will do significant harm. Just two examples: The Speaker's proposal seeks to cut funding from Medicare by over $400 billion, making access to quality health care more difficult for our Nation's senior citizens. Second, it raises taxes on small businesses, making it more difficult for employers to cover their employees with health insurance. There is a better way. The Republican alternative is about lowering the cost of health care for all Americans, about ensuring the portability of health insurance, and ending the denial of health insurance due to preexisting conditions. Remember, first do no harm.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend my constituent, Joyce Boland, for receiving the Regional Commissioner's Citation from the Social Security Administration. The Regional Commissioner's Citation is the second highest award that Social Security gives to employees who demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism as established by the agency. Joyce Boland has worked for the Social Security Administration for 39 years and has dedicated her life to public service. She is often asked to train and mentor employees in other branches, which she does without hesitation. In fact, this is the third time she has received the Regional Commissioner's Citation, an award that is rarely awarded even once in a career, let alone three times. I applaud the good service that Joyce Boland has not only provided the Social Security Administration, but to the citizens of York County and Pennsylvania as a whole. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Joyce Boland for her good work and service to her country.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chair, today, we will be considering as part of the Manager's Amendment, an opportunity to provide 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. Based on the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act that Representative Patrick Murphy introduced--with myself as a lead cosponsor--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 servicemembers 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.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, recently, I was asked during a radio interview if I thought legislation for health care reform would pass the House sometime this year. My answer was, ``I hope so.'' All of us want more affordable, better, more accessible health care for our citizens. The question is: How do we achieve this very important goal? Unfortunately, the plan embodied by this diagram is not the way to do that. This plan will cost millions of jobs. It will cut almost a half trillion dollars out of Medicare, hurting seniors. It will raise taxes on small businesses, making it harder to provide health insurance. As the CBO has told us, when fully implemented, it will raise the cost of health care by over $200 billion. That's more than $2 trillion in 10 years. Unfortunately, the House leadership who are promoting this plan and those who are supporting it have forgotten the physician's principle of ``first do no harm.'' This plan will do great harm to health care for each and every American citizen. We must defeat this plan, and we must enact legislation that will truly be about empowering the American citizen, and that will be about what is best for their health care.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Todd Russell Platts (PA-19) Bill Number: H.R. 3288--the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (1) Craighead Bridge Replacement Project--$750,000 Account: FHA, Transportation and Community and System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Address of Requesting Entity: One Courthouse Square, Room 200, Carlisle, PA 17013 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Cumberland County would use funding to engineer, design, and replace Craighead Bridge. Craighead Bridge is a 110 year-old steel thru truss bridge that carries nearly 2000 vehicles per day across the Yellow Breeches Creek. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because Craighead Bridge has been named one of the worst bridges in Pennsylvania and is functionally obsolete, structurally deficient, and has an estimated remaining life span of four years. (2) Rabbittransit Bus Facility--$250,000 Account: FTA, Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: York County Transportation Authority (d.b.a. Rabbittransit) Address of Requesting Entity: 1230 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17404 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: The York County Transportation Authority (Rabbittransit) is the public transportation provider for York County. Rabbittransit would use this funding to relocate its facility to a location that could house all 86 buses in its fleet. The current location can only house 65 buses. Due to rapid growth over the past decade, Rabbittransit has been providing increasingly valuable service to the community. However, because of the growth, Rabbittransit is completely out of parking space and the bus facility has become over crowded. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the project would provide Rabbittransit with the ability to continue to meet the needs of the community. (3) West Manheim Township Park Facilities Improvements--$250,000 Account: HUD, EDI Legal Name of Requesting Entity: West Manheim Township Park and Recreation Board Address of Requesting Entity: 15 Waterview Road, Hanover, PA 17331 Description of Request/Justification of Funding: West Manheim Township Park and Recreation Board is a non-profit organization dedicated to the planning for and funding of a 113 acre recreation park in West Manheim Township in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The Board would use this funding to outfit two regulation-sized baseball fields with backstops, bases, scoreboards, specialized infield dirt, field drainage systems, and fencing. The funding would also be used to purchase two sets of restroom facilities. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the facilities in the park will provide a safe outlet for the activities of the local youth population. The West Manheim Recreation Park will be a premier destination for Southern Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland residents.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Todd Russell Platts (PA-19) Bill Number: H.R. 3293--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (1) York College of Pennsylvania--Facilities and Equipment--$300,000 Account: Higher Education, FIPSE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: York College of Pennsylvania Address of Requesting Entity: 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year institution of higher education serving over 5,600 students. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because York College would use this funding to expand their existing Nursing Department. Specifically, funds would be used to refurbish laboratories and purchase equipment related to the project. This is also a good use of taxpayer funds because York College operates one of the largest bachelorette nursing programs in the region. York College's ability to continue providing a pool of highly educated and trained nursing graduates helps fill the critical demand for nurses, both locally and nationally. (2) Hanover Hospital--Electronic Medical Records Initiative--$450,000 Account: HRSA, Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hanover Hospital Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Highland Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Hanover Hospital would use this funding to convert all paper records at the hospital to an electronic medical record system. This is a good use of taxpayer dollars because the use of such records is proven to improve clinical outcomes and enables health systems to better define, measure, monitor, and reward quality care. Electronic medical records create efficiencies for patients, physicians, and the hospital. (3) WellSpan Health of York, PA--Purchase of Equipment--$100,000 Account: HRSA, Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: WellSpan Health Address of Requesting Entity: 912 South George Street, York, PA 17403 Description of Request/Justification of Funding: WellSpan Health would use this funding to purchase a remote monitoring system for the York Hospital Emergency Transitional Care Unit, allowing physicians to monitor patients in a distant location without physically leaving the main Emergency Department. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the remote monitoring system would create remote access using video/ audio conferencing technology so that a physician could monitor multiple patients at one time. In addition, while caring for a patient in the main emergency department, the physician could answer questions and communicate with patients and families who are waiting in the Emergency Transitional Care Unit, eliminating the constant disruption of walking back and forth.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, as the House of Representatives addresses the very important issue of health care reform, we need to adhere to the principles of all physicians: first, do no harm. Unfortunately, the legislation that came out of the House Education and Labor Committee late last week does not adhere to this principle. CBO tells us it will drive up the costs of health care in the United States. In fact, when it's fully implemented, over $200 billion a year this plan will cost, it will not protect the right to keep the insurance coverage that you currently have. If you like it--that was one of the underlying principles of the administration--this bill will not protect that right. It will not adhere to that principle: do no harm. It will drive up costs. It will take away freedom of choice of the American citizens, and it is also going to have an impact on the ability for small businesses to provide insurance because of the taxes included in this bill. It's going to cost people insurance because small businesses will not be able to continue to afford the 8 percent payroll tax as well as an increase on small businesses filing a subchapter S. First, do no harm. We need to adhere to that principle. Unfortunately, this legislation does not do that.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Todd Russell Platts (PA-19), along with other Members Bill Number: H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Penn State University Address of Requesting Entity: 117 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: Penn State University--Improved Dairy Management Practices: Penn State is a public university. Some of the most important challenges facing the dairy industry today lie in the areas of nutrient and emission management. Penn State faculty will use this funding to research nutrient management through cow nutrition modification and the impacts of emissions from dairy operations. In addition, funding will be used to develop new technologies to address problems associated with dairy production in Pennsylvania in an effort to improve water quality, lower impacts of air emissions, and use energy more efficiently. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the sale of dairy products accounts for nearly half the farm gate value of Pennsylvania's agricultural income. The profitability of Pennsylvania dairy farms is inextricably tied to management decisions that are being made by farmers. ($243,000) Penn State University--Milk Safety Program: Penn State would use this funding to identify issues in milk and dairy products safety and seek interventions that can be transferred to producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to continue to improve consumer confidence in the quality of their food supply. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because dairy is the single largest economic component of the Pennsylvania agricultural portfolio. ($771,000) Penn State University--Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources: Penn State University would use this funding to create a new collaborative research and education program that will help diverse farm operations better adopt more sustainable farming practices. Investment in this special grant would increase field research and demonstration to increase the exposure of farm advisors and farmers to sustainable cropping system practices. Practices to be further investigated include: crop species and cultivars for inclusion in crop rotations that improve the performance of sustainable and organic cropping systems, especially for the Northeast; fine tuning of management guidelines for mechanical control of cover crops and weeds in conservation and no-tillage systems to reduce or eliminate herbicides; factors that better promote conservation of biological control organisms and beneficial soil microorganisms for weed seed predation and management of other pests; and practices that increase soil organic matter. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the demand for increased farmer understanding and adoption of sustainable farming practices continues to be a high priority in the agricultural community. ($133,000)

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, the Department of Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Requesting Member: Congressman Todd Russell Platts (PA-19) Bill Number: H.R. 2996--Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act Account: STAG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: York City Sewer Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 1701 Blackbridge Road, York, PA 17402 Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding: The York City Sewer Authority is a public, municipal authority providing wastewater services for residential, commercial, and industrial users in an eight municipality service area. The York City Sewer Authority would use this funding to construct a new headworks facility, which includes the replacement of the building's heating and ventilation system and replacement of the activated carbon bed in the building's odor control system. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the combined improvements provide the most cost effective solution for updating infrastructure for the authority's residents and businesses.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I have received as part of H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Paladin Integrated Management (PIM): This project would fund the completion of testing and evaluation of the PIM self-propelled howitzer and companion ammunition resupply vehicle. These vehicles are manufactured in part by the BAE Systems facility located in York, Pennsylvania. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the changes to this vehicle will reduce the logistics footprint thereby reducing operational and support costs. ($9 million above the President's Budget in the Research and Development Account) BAE Systems, 3811 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22203.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I have received as part of H.R. 2487, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Adams County Department of Emergency Services: Adams County Department of Emergency Services is the Public Safety Answering Point for Adams County. The entity provides Public Safety Communications to all Emergency Response Agencies within Adams County. Adams County would use this funding to develop a new, standards based wireless communication system that will operate in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the system would be capable of supporting all public safety operations in the County and would allow for increased interoperability. I certify that neither my spouse nor I have a direct or foreseeable financial interest in this project. ($200,000 in the Community Oriented Policing Services Account) Adams County Department of Emergency Services 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17321 Carlisle Borough: Carlisle Borough is a municipal government located in Cumberland County. Carlisle Borough would use this funding to acquire between 25 and 50 surveillance cameras to be installed in public areas in downtown Carlisle. The cameras would be operated remotely at the Carlisle Police Department. Cameras would be of a mobile, wireless variety so that they can be relocated if necessary. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because Carlisle has experienced an increase in crime, specifically robberies, which pose a public safety threat. The project is expected to deter crime and assist in the apprehension of suspects. I certify that neither my spouse nor I have a direct or foreseeable financial interest in this project. ($200,000 in the Community Oriented Policing Services Account) Carlisle Borough 53 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17031 Cumberland County Government: Cumberland County would use this funding to relocate and replace communications infrastructure that is essential to the operation of the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Emergency Preparedness (including the Emergency Operations Center), and the 911 Public Safety Answering Point. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because the County is a critical regional player in emergency planning and response and this facility would assist Cumberland County in executing these responsibilities. I certify that neither my spouse nor I have a direct or foreseeable financial interest in this project. ($200,000 in the Community Oriented Policing Services Account) Cumberland County Government 1 Courthouse Square, Room 200, Carlisle, PA 17013 Survivors, Inc: Survivors, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which supports individuals who experience domestic violence or sexual assault. Survivors, Inc. provides a 24-hour crisis counseling hotline, shelter services, transitional housing, supportive counseling, support groups, and legal advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. Survivors, Inc. would use this funding to partially fund staff salaries, on-call stipends, and expenses for hotline provision. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because safety is one of the most essential needs to both individuals and society. When an individual is not safe in their own home they must have resources available to them to meet their needs. I certify that neither my spouse nor I have a direct or foreseeable financial interest in this project. ($25,000 in the Office of Justice Programs, Byrne Account) Survivors, Inc. 233 West High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 York County Children's Advocacy Center: The York County Children's Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that works to reduce the trauma of child abuse investigations, foster professional collaboration and cooperation, and promote education and advocacy regarding the prevention of child abuse within the community. The York County Children's Advocacy Center would use this funding to establish the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) Team. SAFE Team members are registered nurses who have advanced education and clinical preparation in forensic examination of sexual assault victims. The SAFE Team would provide compassionate care to victims of child abuse by simultaneously gathering evidence of a crime. Funds would be used to purchase medical supplies and cover exam costs. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because York County ranks as the third highest county in our Commonwealth for substantiated cases of child abuse. Currently, less than 10% of the children involved in substantiated cases receive a forensic medical exam. I certify that neither my spouse nor I have a direct or foreseeable financial interest in this project. ($60,000 in the Office of Justice Programs, Juvenile Justice Account) York County Children's Advocacy Center 28 South Queen Street, York, PA 17403

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I appreciate the gentleman's yielding time to me, especially given that we have different views on this piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I appreciate the Senate's swift consideration of this bill. After many years of consideration, I'm pleased that this important public health legislation will finally be signed into law. As one of the deadliest products on the market, tobacco must be subject to the same serious regulation and oversight that most other products consumed by Americans are subject to. This bill will help to ensure that Americans are fully aware of the harmful effects posed by tobacco products. Most importantly, this legislation will ensure that tobacco products are not advertised to or sold to children. Addiction to tobacco begins almost universally in childhood and adolescence. Tobacco companies have long taken advantage of this vulnerability by promoting their products through such tactics as cartoon advertisements, free tobacco-themed merchandise that appeals to kids, and sponsorship of sporting and entertainment events. With health care costs spiraling out of control every year, the cost of treating these smokers later in life is fast becoming prohibitively expensive. Prohibiting advertising to children will go a long way in preventing young people in America from starting to smoke and will save billions of dollars and, most importantly, countless lives in the years to come. It is important to emphasize that this bill does not ban tobacco products. Rather, H.R. 1256 allows the FDA to scientifically evaluate the health benefits and risks posed by ingredients in cigarettes and takes steps to reduce the harm caused by tobacco products. This legislation preserves an adult's choice to smoke and makes sure that tobacco products marketed as safe alternatives to cigarettes are, in fact, scientifically safer. I am pleased to have worked with my colleague, the distinguished chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Henry Waxman, the gentleman from California, on this legislation. I commend him for his leadership on this issue as well as former Congressman Tom Davis. I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 503 to recognize National Physical Education and Sports Week, which took place this year from May 1 through May 7. The health and wellness of America's children is undoubtedly a subject of great concern at this time in history. Over 33 percent of America's elementary school children are overweight or obese, and over 13 percent of America's high school children are obese. Overweight and obese children are developing diseases and vascular conditions that were once thought of as conditions affecting only the middle-aged. Obese children have been shown to be at an increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and numerous other debilitating diseases. In addition, they often suffer from low self- esteem and feelings of isolation and other psychological side effects. Physical activity is an important aspect of health in preventing obesity and obesity-related illnesses in both children and adults. Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of a number of preventable diseases, such as coronary heart disease, the Nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight, contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints, reduces falls for older adults, and is associated with fewer hospitalizations. Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial, but in the age of innumerable video games, computer activities, and television channels, it often takes a back seat in the lives of America's youth. Physical education and sports encourage children to participate in physical activity on a regular basis in a group setting that can foster teamwork, competition, and a sense of accomplishment. In addition, a correlation has been seen between children that participate in sports and higher academic achievement in the classroom. Participation of children in organized sports has grown in recent decades. However, the percentage of children participating in daily physical education programs has declined in recent times; although the importance of physical activity has become increasingly apparent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity 5 or more days a week. Only 35 percent of children regularly meet this recommendation, however. Physical education programs and sports create an opportunity for children to build lifelong healthy habits in a fun and engaging environment. As such, they should be supported and encouraged. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Fleming).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any additional speakers. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.