Todd Platts

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I'm offering with my colleague from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen) would insert the text of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act--H.R. 985 in the last session--into the underlying legislation. H.R. 985 passed by a bipartisan vote of 331-94 in 2007. This amendment strengthens the inadequate protections currently afforded to Federal employees who report illegalities, gross mismanagement and waste, and specific dangers to the public health and safety. As proposed, the underlying bill includes whistleblower protections for the employees of recipients of Federal funds approved through this bill, including State and local employees and government contractors. Federal employees responsible for overseeing the hundreds of billions of dollars in spending in this bill, however, will remain inadequately protected unless this amendment is adopted. In 1989, as a result of findings that the civil service protections of the time were inadequate, Congress and the first Bush administration enacted into law the original Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). In response to decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Federal Circuit Court weakening the WPA, Congress adopted additional whistleblower protections in 1994. Unfortunately, we are once again back to where we started. Since the 1994 amendments were adopted, more than 200 whistleblower cases have come before the Federal Circuit Court; however, only three whistleblowers have prevailed. The Federal Circuit Court has weakened whistleblower protections by requiring that for a Federal employee to reasonably believe there is evidence of waste, fraud or abuse, he or she must overcome with ``irrefragable proof'' the presumption that the agency was acting in good faith. This is an unheard of legal standard defined in the dictionary as ``impossible to refute.'' With the enactment of this amendment, the court and administrative decisions that undermine whistleblower protections would be overturned. This amendment replaces the irrefragable proof standard with a reasonable belief standard, grants employees the right to a jury trial in Federal court if the head of an agency does not take action within 180 days, and ends the Federal Circuit Court's monopoly jurisdiction. Given the amount of money involved in the underlying legislation, Federal whistleblower protections will be that much more important to ensure effective oversight and accountability. As such, I urge adoption of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman and ranking member's and Intelligence Committee's concerns. I look forward to working with them. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished Member from Iowa (Mr. Braley).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remaining 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 23 (Hinchey Amendment to H.R. 384), I was delayed en route to the Capitol due to two traffic accidents (not involving my vehicle) and then not able to record my vote on said amendment. Had I been present for rollcall No. 23, I would have voted ``aye,'' in favor of the amendment.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I had a speaker arrive after I had already yielded my time back. I would ask unanimous consent to reclaim my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished Member from California (Mr. Dreier).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 50, a resolution honoring the life of Claiborne Pell, the distinguished former Senator from Rhode Island. While I never had the privilege and pleasure of working with Senator Pell, I know the Senator was a force to be reckoned with and have seen the impact of his 37 years in the Senate in a number of areas I have worked on with the Education and Labor Committee. Senator Pell was a dedicated public servant who served our country during a time of war in the United States Coast Guard and had a career in the Foreign Service prior to being elected to serve the people of Rhode Island in the United States Senate in 1960. Senator Pell was instrumental in creating the Basic Education Opportunity Grant program, later renamed the Pell Grant Program, in his honor. This program was inspired by the GI Bill, which had helped World War II veterans pay for educational expenses after the war. The Federal Pell Grant has become the cornerstone of every financial aid package for America's neediest students. Since the creation of the Pell Grant, the Federal Government has distributed approximately 108 million grants to help lower income students achieve their goals of a college education. During the past 8 years, Pell Grant funding has increased by 86 percent, supporting a 28 percent increase in the number of students who have benefited from this program. Additionally, Congress strengthened this vital program during the last Congress through the Higher Education Opportunity Act. These important reforms allow students who want to accelerate their studies to receive a Pell Grant year round, expanded eligibility for the Pell Grant to students whose mother or father made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation, and included a sensible limit on the number of Pell Grants one student could receive over their educational career. While many of us know Senator Pell for his work on creating the Pell Grant, he also sponsored legislation to create the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Amtrak rail system. Senator Pell's interests were not purely domestic. He made important contributions in foreign affairs as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later as a United States delegate to the United Nations. I know that I speak for all of our colleagues in offering great praise to Senator Pell in honoring him and expressing condolences to his family as we remember his many contributions to our great Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 41, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution celebrates National Mentoring Month, commends mentors who are positively impacting the lives of young people, and highlights the need for additional mentors to make themselves available to America's youth. Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, and positive reinforcement. By all estimates an astounding 17.6 million young people, nearly half the population of young people between the ages of 10 and 18, live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their full potential. Without immediate intervention by caring adults, they could make choices that not only undermine their futures but ultimately the economic and social well-being of our great Nation. With the help and guidance of an adult mentor, every child can discover how to unlock and achieve his or her full potential. Youth development experts agree that mentoring is a critical element in any child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. It builds a sense of industry and competency, boosts academic performance, and broadens the horizons of prospective students. By honoring mentors and mentoring programs, we recognize the importance of mentoring programs implemented in our local schools and communities. We also draw attention to the components of a quality program, including appropriate screening of potential mentors and careful matching of youth with adults who have a genuine interest in providing guidance and being exemplary role models. Today, thanks to the commitment and dedication of mentoring advocates, 3 million young Americans are now enjoying mentoring's many benefits through school-based, faith-based, and community organizations. That's a six-fold increase in formal mentoring relationships since the national mentoring movement galvanized the Nation in the early 1990s. It's an impressive accomplishment. However, 15 million more young people who need mentors are waiting their turn. They make up our Nation's mentoring gap. To be a mentor, you don't need any special skills, just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance, and encouragement to a young person growing up today. Today, I'm asking all Americans to give a child hope by sharing their time and knowledge along with their experiences. I urge all Members to support this resolution.

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

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 43 and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 43 promotes the Martin Luther King holiday as a day of national service and recognizes the efforts of the countless Americans who will volunteer their services 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 and David Price. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the King Holiday and Service Act to officially establish Martin Luther King Day as a day of national service in recognition of Dr. King's selfless and courageous service to his fellow citizens. Since this time, millions of Americans have recognized this holiday as ``a day on,'' not ``a day off,'' by volunteering in soup kitchens, organizing charity drives, mentoring children or aiding in urban revitalization efforts. This year, the Corporation for National & Community Service, America's Promise Alliance and AmeriCorps NCCC are hosting a food drive across Capitol Hill to restock the shelves at the Capital Area Food Bank. Washington, D.C. schools will be closed for a 5-day weekend with the Martin Luther King holiday and the Presidential inauguration this coming week, leaving over 50,000 students without nutritious meals they would have otherwise received through the school lunch and breakfast programs. Non-perishable canned food items can be delivered through this Thursday, January 15, to either my office or the offices of Representatives Doris Matsui, David Price and Mike Honda. On Thursday, AmeriCorps NCCC students will pick up the canned food items and ensure their delivery to the Capital Area Food Bank. Finally, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day. I urge my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take time out of their daily lives and give back to their communities. A list of volunteer opportunities is an available online at mlkday.gov. I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor the heroic life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King than by serving one's community, and encourage all Americans to do so. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize October 29, 2008, as World Psoriasis Day. Madam Speaker, over 125 million individuals across the globe have been diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a lifelong skin disorder that causes thick, red lesions to appear on the skin. These lesions are often painful and itchy for the diagnosed individual. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for psoriasis. A number of treatments have been developed and are often effective in controlling the disease. However, continual therapy is usually essential. I became aware of World Psoriasis Day through a constituent of mine, Nicholas Stem, who was diagnosed with psoriasis when he was just 7 years old. Fortunately, Nicholas has been able to control his psoriasis by taking a biologic drug in the form of an injection every week. I am honored to represent the Stem family, who have made advocacy on behalf of Nicholas and the millions of other individuals affected by psoriasis a family mission. At 9 years of age, Nicholas has already given educational presentations in front of his classmates, Cub Scout pack, and Members of Congress and their staffs. I commend the Stem family for their efforts. World Psoriasis Day aims to bring global awareness to the disease and increase the understanding of psoriasis within the general public. A long-standing myth is that psoriasis is contagious. This myth is perhaps one of the most damaging psychologically to individuals with psoriasis and is simply untrue. It is my hope that someday a cure for psoriasis will be discovered. Until that time, Madam Speaker, it is important for efforts such as World Psoriasis Day to bring awareness around the globe regarding the prevalence of the disease and the need for effective treatments.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the York County Economic Development Corporation, YCEDC, for providing economic development leadership to the York community for 50 years. YCEDC was established in 1958 to attract new industry, promote industrial development, and create new jobs. Since its inception, YCEDC has facilitated funding in excess of $73 million toward an estimated 150 economic development projects, creating and retaining more than 10,200 jobs throughout York County. YCEDC has facilitated effective community and business partnerships and has evolved its leadership role in economic development to advance a positive vision for York County's economic future. York County will continue to experience the positive effects of the organization's commitment for years to come. Madam Speaker, the observance of the 50th anniversary of YCEDC provides a special time to express our appreciation and gratitude to its employees, board members, and members for their work and dedication to York County's continued economic well-being and quality of life. Therefore, it is with heartfelt wishes that I congratulate YCEDC for their continued success.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to support House Resolution 1143. This resolution is intended to help increase awareness of our nation's domestic apple supply and promote healthy food choices for students and communities. The United States is the second largest producer of apples in the world, after China. I am fortunate to have a very large apple industry in my District, with many growers and processors. Growers in the states of Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California are the largest domestic producers. To promote domestic apple production, the U.S. Apple Association recognizes October as National Apple Month, which focuses on educating consumers about the positive health outcomes associated with apple consumption. The Apple Crunch was created to encourage children to participate in National Apple Month activities. The Apple Crunch was started in my home state of Pennsylvania and incentivizes schools to serve apples on their school lunch menus, as snacks in the classroom, and for use in classroom activities. Schools that create the most original activities integrating apples into the class day win monetary prizes to be put toward the school's food service operation. Communities are also encouraged to participate in the Apple Crunch to support their local participating schools. Many local businesses voluntarily serve apples and apple products to their employees and to customers. Madam Speaker, this October will mark the second year in which the Apple Crunch has been celebrated nationally. I think that we can all agree that supporting our nation's domestic agriculture production is not only important to our economy, but also the health of our citizens. I urge your support of this resolution, which promotes the goals and ideals of National Apple Week, and specifically the Apple Crunch.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 6358, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. H.R. 6358 puts protections in place to guard against abuse, neglect, and death at residential treatment programs. These residential treatment programs help seriously troubled teens with drug addiction or behavioral or emotional problems. For many parents, they are a last resort when no other treatments or interventions have worked. Members on both sides of the aisle share a commitment to protect young people enrolled in residential treatment programs. Even one instance of abuse, neglect, or death is one too many. The bill we are considering today has been developed in an effort to reach a bipartisan consensus. It's important to note that the provisions in the version of this bill that the Education and Labor Committee reported in May have been revised or edited, including the requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a new bureaucracy to inspect every private residential treatment program in every State, and the requirement creating a new private right of action for lawsuits. This legislation ensures that the standards required in the bill apply to both public and private residential treatment programs. The language also contains strong background check requirements that ensure that before coming into contact with children, potential employees are thoroughly scrutinized with tools, including the National Sex Offender Registry and an FBI fingerprint check. Stopping child abuse is a necessary and essential function of State and local government. It is clear to me that the most effective and appropriate way to protect those enrolled in these programs is to require States to establish a system of standards, licensure, and regulation to ensure that States are working to stop instances of abuse and neglect at residential treatment programs. The Federal role is to ensure that States live up to their vital responsibilities in stopping abuse in these facilities. In this bill, the responsibility for licensing and inspecting these programs rests with the States and is tied to their receipt of funds under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The role of the Federal Government relates to establishing minimum standards and investigating instances of abuse and neglect upon a referral from a State. I think Members on both sides of the aisle can agree that there's still more work to be done. Just yesterday, Congresswoman Bachmann offered a proposal to strengthen parental notification and consent requirements regarding prescription medications given to teens at residential treatment facilities. Hopefully, this important issue will be further addressed as this legislation moves through the legislative process. In closing, it's important to acknowledge the great progress that has already been made to strike a bipartisan consensus. I especially want to commend Chairman Miller, Subcommittee Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Member McKeon, along with their staffs, for working together to strengthen this important effort to protect our nation's teens against abuse and neglect in residential treatment facilities. I stand in strong support of this important legislation and encourage my colleagues to also support it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I appreciate the ranking member for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5876, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. This legislation will create and enforce safety standards for residential treatment facilities that serve to rehabilitate troubled youth. While many residential treatment facilities for teens, such as boot camps and substance abuse treatment programs, provide effective rehabilitation services for troubled youth, it is the few bad actors that bring us here today. Families send their teens to residential treatment facilities many times after all other options have been exhausted. Though many of these programs involve extreme physical activities as part of their treatment plans, no child should be forced to endure suffocation, dehydration, or other types of physical abuse that surfaced during hearings that the Committee on Education and Labor held earlier this year. While I supported the original bill, I believe that this manager's amendment makes the bill even stronger, and I thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for working together on this very important issue. The substitute places the responsibility of monitoring and enforcement of these safety standards in the hands of each State government, rather than officials here in Washington. In addition, the manager's amendment would ensure that all facilities that provide treatment to children, public or private, are subject to safety standards. I want to stress that not all residential treatment facilities are abusive or bad actors--in fact, quite the opposite. Through the process of considering this legislation, I have heard from many facilities which are proud of the positive impacts that they have had on the lives of teens. I've also heard from graduates from these programs who believe that they owe their lives to a treatment facility. This bill, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act, aims to ensure that all programs are working in good faith to achieve these goals and do not use violence or intimidation under the guise of treatment. Again, I'd like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for working together to improve this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the manager's amendment and ultimately to support H.R. 5876, legislation that is critically important to the safety of our Nation's children.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, my vote was not recorded for rollcall No. 365. The vote should have been recorded as a ``yea'' vote.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the dream of the restoration of a sovereign and independent State of Israel was realized. On that day, a mere 11 minutes following the declaration by Israel's Government, the United States officially recognized the Israeli state--extending a hand of friendship and support which has not once been withdrawn. Today, 60 years following that historic occasion, I rise to commemorate Israel's independence and congratulate the Israeli people on their dedicated efforts toward establishing a flourishing and thriving state. Israel is currently the only fully established democracy in the Middle East, having free elections, a free press, freedom of religion, and the separation of powers. In addition, Israel is home to several of the leading universities in the world--spurring on its advanced economy with an emphasis in the technology sector. Israel's political, cultural, and economic success has not been easy, however, being attained in the face of war, ongoing terrorist attacks, and unfair boycotts against Israeli businesses. I first visited Israel with five other members of Congress in 2003 and was struck by the degree to which ordinary Israelis were under the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Homes had bulletproof windows, security guards and metal detectors were necessities in most public places, and the threat of suicide bombings was a daily reality. I am confident that terrorist attacks and other roadblocks to Israel's security and prosperity will not serve to undermine the resolve of Israel's people. Instead, these attacks will only increase the vigor with which the Israeli people defend their commonly held values of justice, freedom, and democracy. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, and sincerely hope that Israel will in the coming years finally attain the lasting peace its people have long desired.

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 1096, commending the University of Kansas Jayhawks for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball championship. On April 7 of this year, trailing 60-51 with just 2:12 left in regulation, the University of Kansas Jayhawks mounted a comeback that will go down as one of the most memorable in NCAA history. In overtime, the Jayhawks defeated Memphis 75-68 to win the national championship, its fifth national title in school history. With this win, the Jayhawks achieved a school record for all-time season wins, posting a 37-3 record during their run for the title. The Jayhawks finished the season with a 13-game winning streak, securing the Big 12 Conference championship in addition to the national title. Jayhawks guard Mario Chalmers was chosen as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and was named to the NCAA Final Four All- Tournament Team along with guard Brandon Rush and forward Darrell Arthur. Seniors Jeremy Case, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson, Rodrick Stewart and Brad Witherspoon ended their collegiate careers with a national championship. In addition, this was Head Coach Bill Self's first NCAA title. He improved his all-time record at Kansas to 142 wins, 32 losses. KU has a rich history beyond the basketball court as well. Opened in 1866, the University of Kansas is a comprehensive educational and research institution with 29,000 plus students and more than 2,000 faculty members. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence, a city of about 88,000 in northeastern Kansas; the Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas; the Edwards Campus in Overland Park; a clinical campus of the School of Medicine in Wichita; and educational and research facilities throughout the State. Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners have graduated from this great university, and many pharmacists, teachers, nurses and doctors have begun their careers at KU as well. Today, I would like to congratulate Robert Hemingway, KU's Chancellor; Lew Perkins, the Director of Athletics; the student athletes, the students, alumni and all fans for the Jayhawks' historic win. I'm happy to join with my colleague, Representative Moore, in honoring this exceptional team and all its accomplishments, and wish them continued success in their future endeavors. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) and would recognize that he is proudly wearing his KU colors as an undergraduate and law degree graduate of the university.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1100, congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team. Since the program began in 1911, the University of Iowa wrestling team has had a rich tradition and a history of producing champions and outstanding collegiate athletes and coaches, and this year proved to be no different as the top-ranked Hawkeyes wrestling team clinched its 21st national team title in the NCAA championships. In addition to the team title, the Hawkeyes also crowned two national championships, Mark Perry and Brent Metcalf; seven All-Americans; and six Academic All-Big Ten wrestlers. At the helm of this outstanding team sits Head Coach Tom Brands, who was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year and the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Coach of the Year. Coach Brands, a former Hawkeyes wrestler, 1996 Olympic gold medalist, and four time All- American, is in his second season as head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. Former head coach and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable should also be commended for his leadership and guidance provided to the current 2008 championship team. Throughout his tenure, Coach Gable helped establish one of the most successful wrestling programs in the Nation. The University of Iowa wrestling team has brought honor to themselves, but I would be remiss if I failed to also recognize the university for its outstanding commitment as a public university. Established in 1847, Iowa has won international recognition for its wealth of achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Iowa was the first United States public university to admit men and women on an equal basis and the first institution of higher education in the Nation to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art as theses for advanced degrees. It established the first law school and the first educational radio station west of the Mississippi, broadcast the world's first educational television programs, and developed and continues to hold preeminence in educational testing. I extend my congratulations to the University's president, Sally Mason; Athletics Director Gary Barta; Head Coach Tom Brands and his staff; all the hardworking wrestlers; their fans; and the entire University of Iowa community. I am happy to join with my distinguished colleague Representative Loebsack in honoring this exceptional team and all of its accomplishments and wish all involved continued success. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.