Todd Platts

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 1130, recognizing the roles and contributions of America's teachers in educating and nurturing our Nation's children and thereby building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural and economic well-being. A teacher's role in student development is irreplaceable. All of our lives have been influenced by the teachers that directed our classrooms, classrooms where students acquire the knowledge necessary to become a part of our Nation's future. Showing teachers appreciation and recognition during the upcoming National Teacher Appreciation Week which takes place next week helps to remind us how important teachers are and what an integral role they play in the lives of our Nation's citizens. It is important that we recognize teachers for the critical work they do in improving our Nation in so many ways. Teachers today devote more of their lives to teaching young people than ever before and spend more time on professional development, their own education and on class preparation outside the classroom. Teachers spend an average of over 50 hours per week on teaching duties and an average of $443 each year out of their own pockets to meet the needs of their students, all the while earning an average annual salary of slightly more than $31,000. The future of our Nation's children is dependent on the individuals to make these time, energy and monetary commitments, and they deserve recognition for their service. On a personal note, I certainly am honored to recognize the teachers I had in kindergarten through 12th grade in the New York suburban school district and know but for their support and guidance, I would not have had the opportunity to pursue my dreams, including the dream of serving in this very body, the United States House of Representatives. Behind the upbringing of my mom and dad, my teachers, Dorothy Mirtz, my third grade teacher who is now 97 years old and still going strong as I visited with her just a few weeks back, my eighth grade teacher, Earl Lucius, who took the lessons of my parents of community service and inspired me to pursue a career in public service, they and so many other teachers and administrators I had the blessing to interact with in my education and career played a critical role in my life, as teachers do in all of our Nation's children's lives, in the past, the present and the future. So I am honored and pleased to stand in support of this resolution, recognizing the important roles and contributions of America's teachers and support National Teacher Appreciation Week. I certainly thank my colleague, Mr. Graves from Missouri, for introducing this resolution, and encourage an ``aye'' vote in favor of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and again thank all the teachers of our great Nation for their devotion to our Nation's children and for their commitment to bettering the lives of those children and, in doing so, strengthening our Nation as a whole. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1149, expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month to bring attention to this disease, its potential causes, and the need for research on the causes and potential treatments. Sarcoidosis is a noncontagious systemic disease of unknown origin that causes inflamed, microscopic growths called granulomas that often affect one or more systems in the body, including the lungs, skin, eyes, and nervous system. This disease is sometimes difficult to diagnose. The American Lung Association reports that more than 90 percent of the people diagnosed with sarcoidosis experience some degree of problem with their lungs which may reduce their ability to absorb oxygen. Because of scarring caused by the inflammations, between 20 and 30 percent of people with pulmonary sarcoidosis end up with some degree of permanent lung damage. Although death is relatively uncommon, mortality can occur due to lung failure or if the disease causes serious damage to a vital organ other than the lungs. It has been observed that the disease occurs throughout the world in all races and both sexes, although gender and ethnicity may have an impact on the risk of developing sarcoidosis and its severity. Women and people of African descent, along with those of Scandinavian, German, Irish and Puerto Rican descent, are particularly prone to the disease and its more chronic and serious manifestations. The reasons for this are yet unknown. The cause or causes of sarcoidosis remain a mystery. Our best medical evidence to date has not discovered the extent to which lifestyle, environment, or heredity affects the development, severity, or length of this disease. The American Lung Association reports that most researchers believe that the disease involves an altered immune system. Some studies suggest sarcoidosis is caused by a respiratory infection triggered by bacteria or a virus, or even by exposure to burning wood. Others suggest possible occupational or environmental risks. And some studies also show that sarcoidosis may run within families, suggesting a genetic link. Medical science has developed treatments that manage the symptoms of the disease, but no treatment is clearly effective for a prolonged period, and there is no cure. Considering the broad reach of this disease, across people of different genders and ethnicities throughout the world, and the lack of scientific evidence as to its cause or a cure, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and organizations to observe National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month and work on promoting awareness and the search for the cause and effective treatments. I am pleased, therefore, to stand in support of this resolution and ask for a ``yes'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and 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 1119, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week. I am proud to have introduced this resolution, with my National Service Caucus cochairs, Representatives Chris Shays, David Price, and Doris Matsui, as well as Representative Buck McKeon. Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week was created in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every year since that time, each President of the United States, along with many Governors, mayors, and other elected officials, have signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. This year, National Volunteer Week is being recognized this very week, April 27 to May 3. Various events are being held throughout the Nation to promote the 2008 theme of ``Volunteer to Change the World.'' Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have valued an ethic of service. Volunteering not only has a positive impact on local communities, but also on the volunteer himself or herself. Those Americans who give their time to serve are valuable assets to our local communities, and National Volunteer Week is our opportunity to thank them for their service and to encourage others to serve. Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the United States Census Bureau, Americans are volunteering at historically high rates. Between September 2006 and September 2007, 61.2 million Americans donated their time to help others, by mentoring students, beautifying neighborhoods, restoring homes after disasters, and much more. In fact, earlier this week I had the pleasure of participating in a recognition ceremony at a local senior center, the Red Land Area Senior Center in York County, Pennsylvania, where dozens of senior volunteers and others were recognized for thousands of hours of donated volunteer service time in 2007. In fact, the top two volunteers recognized, Jim Fitzkee and Leona Deardorff, each contributed almost 700 hours of volunteer service to this center in 2007. Volunteering is not only a rewarding but a necessary aspect of meeting the most pressing needs facing our Nation, including combating crime and gangs, poverty, disasters, illiteracy, and homelessness. Volunteering is also an important part of maintaining the health of our citizens, as research consistently shows that those who volunteer, especially those 65 years of age and older, lead healthier lives than those who do not engage in their communities. The intangible benefits alone, such as pride, satisfaction, empowerment, and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve and give back. Today I would like to recognize the diligent efforts of our major federally funded community service and volunteer service programs, thank the millions of dedicated and caring volunteers for their service, and encourage all Americans to give of themselves to make a difference in their local communities. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1119. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1154, supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor, remember and pay tribute to the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace. Monday, April 28 marked the 20th annual Workers Memorial Day, a day to honor our Nation's workers who were injured or lost their lives as a result of incidents in the workplace. I was honored in my district in York, Pennsylvania, to participate with the York Adams County Central Labor Council in a Worker Memorial Day ceremony where three individuals were remembered following their deaths in the workplace in 2007, and pay tribute to them, with their families being in our thoughts and prayers and our sympathies going out to them on the loss of their loved ones. We remember and pay tribute to all Americans who have given the most to ensure our Nation's economic growth and sustainability. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to guarantee a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Employers, employees, and the local, State, and Federal Governments have all shared in the mission of protecting our Nation's workforce. I would note, Mr. Speaker, that labor organizations are not specifically mentioned in the resolution, but certainly they have played a critically important role in promoting and enhancing workplace safety. We all aspire to have hazard-free workplaces, and the combined efforts of these groups and individuals have moved us closer towards achieving this goal. According to OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke, Jr., in 2006, the Department of Labor reported that the Nation's injury and illness incident rate of 4.4 per 100 employees was the lowest ever recorded. Additionally, fatality rates remain at historic lows. Clearly these numbers show that workplaces are getting safer, but we must ensure that this trend continues. April 28 also commemorated the 37th anniversary of the start-up of the Department of Labor's Occupation Safety and Health Administration. We commend OSHA for years of hard work and dedication. From day one, the agency has promoted a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. OSHA's regulations, educational efforts, and enforcement activities have enhanced both workplace safety and success across the United States. Moving forward, it is important to remember that OSHA cannot guarantee the safety of our workers by itself. OSHA cannot write and enforce rules effectively if it does not receive adequate funding and valuable input from all interested stakeholders. We must ensure that our efforts to enhance workplace safety provide for this funding and input. We must maintain a strong commitment to work with OSHA on its mission of protecting the American worker. Even one workplace injury or fatality is one too many. Workers Memorial Day serves to reaffirm our commitment to protecting all employees. On a day when we remember those who have sacrificed so much, it is clear Americans must work together to ingrain a culture of safety in all workplaces. I am pleased to support this resolution and ask for a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the York-Adams County Central Labor Council, for helping to bring safety awareness to the issue of worker safety. Every April for the past nineteen years, the York-Adams Central Labor Council has celebrated Workers Memorial Day by sponsoring public events to recognize workers who have been killed or injured on their job. While the workplace fatality rate has decreased significantly since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA, in 1970, we must remain vigilant in working to ensure that workers are employed in safe environments. As a Member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I believe that ensuring worker safety should be one of Congress' top priorities. Congress must appropriate adequate funding for OSHA so that representatives can carry out safety inspections and enforce safety regulations within workplaces across the Nation. It is imperative that employers understand OSHA regulations and comply accordingly to maintain the safest work environments possible. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the York-Adams County Central Labor Council for its strong commitment to promoting safety in the workplace and look forward to joining them in honoring injured and deceased workers everywhere.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I thank the ranking member for yielding me the time. I rise in support of H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Access to Student Loans Act. While not a complete solution to the current credit crunch that exists in the student loan market, this bill is a very important and strong starting point to ensure that students can continue to obtain affordable loans for their education. I am especially pleased that the manager's amendment included a provision that I was planning to offer as a stand-alone amendment to the underlying bill. Specifically, this provision will permit the Secretary of Education to enter into forward purchasing agreements with student loan lenders when purchasing loans through the newly established secondary market. This contractual agreement will provide the necessary confidence for lenders to not only participate in the market, but to continue to originate loans for students. Some lenders, such as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, PHEAA, in my home State, have recently announced that they will not be originating additional loans due to the unstable market conditions. This could result in difficulties for students in Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, in obtaining the loans they need. It is imperative that Secretary Spellings at the Department of Education continue to work with Congress, as well as Secretary Paulson at the Department of Treasury and Chairman Bernanke at the Federal Reserve Bank, to provide access to capital sources for use in originating and purchasing loans. Last month, I joined with the majority of my colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation in sending a letter to Secretaries Spellings and Paulson and Chairman Bernanke requesting that they adopt both a short-term strategy to inject revenue into the student loan market and a long-term strategy to prevent future capital market disruptions. While H.R. 5715 is a very important step in the right direction, the actions of Secretaries Spellings and Paulson and Chairman Bernanke will continue to be critically important to getting the student loan market fully back on track. I certainly commend Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for bringing forward this bipartisan piece of legislation--and, as the ranking member said, in such a quick fashion--the committee leadership and staff in getting this bill to the House floor aimed at providing relief to both students and lenders. Again, I also thank the chairman for including language in his manager's amendment providing for forward purchasing agreements. Allowing these agreements with the Department of Education will help to stabilize market conditions and thereby encourage lenders to originate more loans. I strongly support this legislation and encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate bill 793, which, as was well delineated, reauthorizes this very important legislation, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. I am honored to join with Representative Bill Pascrell in introducing the House version of this legislation, which expands support systems for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. As the gentleman from New Jersey referenced, for the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of serving with him as cochair of the Congressional TBI Task Force. I am pleased to recognize my distinguished colleague from New Jersey for his tremendous leadership and dedication related to TBI research and treatments over the course of many years. I have been delighted to serve as cochair for 3 years, but, long before that, the gentleman from New Jersey has been leading this effort and been a real champion of the importance of this work. I have been honored to work with the gentleman from New Jersey to bring awareness to the unique issues that surround TBI, such as frequent misdiagnoses and barriers to adequate and meaningful treatments. Most Americans do not fully understand the amount of devastation caused by TBI each year. Most people do not realize that the incidence of TBI is greater than the incidence of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and spinal injuries combined. Additionally, TBIs can manifest themselves in various manners, from a small behavioral change to complete physical disability and even death. Brain injuries affect the whole family emotionally and financially, often resulting in substantial medical and rehabilitation expenses. The TBI Act of 1996 produced extensive research at the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the incidence, detection and diagnosis of TBI. The time has come to better use these results and translate them into more extensive treatments. This is an important part of what Senate bill 793 aims to do. In addition to expanding the research of NIH and CDC, this legislation will build on the support systems that States have already implemented to increase the independence and productivity of individuals living with TBI. Soldiers returning from Iraq have brought much-needed attention to the variety of symptoms associated with TBI. Thanks to the state-of- the-art body armor with which our men and women overseas are equipped, these heroic individuals are able to survive violent attacks while receiving blunt force to the head. Studies have found that over 60 percent of all soldiers wounded in an explosion, vehicle accidents, gunshot wound to the head or neck sustain a traumatic brain injury. This legislation provides additional support for States to integrate veterans into community-based treatments after these heroes return home from combat. This is a bill aimed at helping individuals who, due to traumatic experiences, may never live their lives the same way again. Senate bill 793 builds on current research and support systems to help vulnerable individuals lead a more comfortable, productive and independent life. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and, I, again, commend my colleague from New Jersey for his great leadership in advancing this cause.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) as much time as he may consume.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5563, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, which will strengthen our Nation's national and community service programs. As you know, we debated this legislation for hours last week and adopted some very positive amendments. I'm pleased that the majority has included these amendments in the bill, as well as the Republican motion to recommit, which will ensure that adequate criminal history checks will be performed on anyone seeking a federally funded national service position, and that individuals who are registered sex offenders or convicted murderers will not be selected for such positions. While it was my hope that the duplicative Energy Conservation Corps is struck from the bill during the conference because the bill already addresses that through other sections of this legislation, I'm proud to be part of this effort to provide more flexibility for existing community service programs to ensure that the most innovative and effective grantees continue to receive funding and to increase the accountability within the corporation. Programs such as Foster Grandparents and Learn and Serve truly impact the lives of America's most needy. AmeriCorps and NCCC participants engage often disadvantaged youth and provide them with a sense of pride and civic responsibility. These programs are truly win/win and provide a tremendous return on the Federal investment. Again, I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and Chairwoman McCarthy for working with me, and for all the staff who have made this effort a success. I urge a ``yes'' vote and hope that my colleagues will support these commonsense reforms to our national service programs and to support the GIVE Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) as much time as he may consume.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl).

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I would just, again, urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the GIVE Act. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2733, the Higher Education Extension Act of 2008. While this is the first extension of the Higher Education Act for this year, we have passed over a dozen extensions of this law since it first expired. S. 2733 will ensure that vital Federal college access and student aid programs continue to serve those students who depend upon them for an additional month. Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008, by a vote of 354-58. Unlike last year when the Senate failed to act when the House passed its bill, the Senate passed their Higher Education Act reauthorization bill as well. We are now the closest we have been in recent years to passing a reauthorization bill. I stand in support of this extension of the Higher Education Act through April 30 of this year because I hope that we can move forward in developing a conference agreement in a bipartisan and thoughtful manner. If it takes 1 more month or 2 more months, I think others would agree that we would rather see a thoughtful product rather than something that was rushed through the process to meet an artificial deadline. I join with my colleagues in fully supporting efforts to extend the Higher Education Act today and hope that we can work together to develop a conference agreement that will fundamentally reform the programs included in the Higher Education Act. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in support of this extension. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PLATTS

Mr. PLATTS. I reserve my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to speak today, and I certainly rise also in support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. This program will certainly strengthen and finally reauthorize the Nation's national and community service programs. And after 15 years, this reauthorization is certainly long overdue. I want to add my words of praise and thanks to my Chair, Chairwoman McCarthy, as well as to the full committee Chair, Chairman Miller, and the ranking member, Buck McKeon, for their important leadership in moving this reauthorization forward of this very important program that promotes active involvement of citizens of all ages. In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, DVSA, to foster and expand volunteer service in communities while helping vulnerable and disadvantaged populations such as the elderly and the poor. DVSA authorized the National Senior Volunteer Corps, made up of the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Seventeen years later, Congress passed the National and Community Service Act, NCSA, of 1990. NCSA aims to address unmet human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs, as well as to renew a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging citizens to participate in national service programs. Authorized under NCSA are Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps State and national grants, and the National Civilian Community Corps. Both DVSA and NCSA are administered by the Corporation for National Community Service, and both laws were most recently amended in 1993 by the National and Community Service Act. While authorization of appropriations for both laws expired at the end of fiscal year 2006, these programs have remained funded through annual appropriations measures. I'm pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, and believe that this bill makes commonsense improvements to our Nation's national service programs. Not only does it provide increased flexibility for States, but importantly, and as referenced by Ranking Member McKeon, it also increases accountability and efficiency within the administration of these programs. H.R. 2857 strengthens existing community and national service programs by providing year-round service opportunities for students and elderly alike, and further encourages involvement of disadvantaged youth. This legislation also expands eligibility requirements for senior serving programs like Foster Grandparents and the Senior Companion Program, ensuring that individuals with an interest in serving have options available to them. Finally, the GIVE Act reauthorizes DVSA and NCSA through fiscal year 2013. Recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the wild fires in California, have showcased the important efforts of AmeriCorps and NCCC volunteers. I am proud to be part of this effort to strengthen national service programs and ensure that participants can continue to aid disadvantaged and needy populations. And I have seen firsthand in my district the great work of senior citizens in the Senior Companion Program and young citizens in AmeriCorps partnering with Habitat for Humanity to truly make a difference in Central Pennsylvania. And we know that these efforts are being replicated across the country. So, Madam Chairman, I hope that all will join in supporting the GIVE Act and vote in favor of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I do plan on supporting this amendment and appreciate the intended maker of the amendment. And to make sure that we are being thorough in our approach to this important issue, I do want to express just some reservation that we don't duplicate the efforts of the subcommittee and the work of the subcommittee or the corporation itself in exploring the ideals of public service, but I will be supporting it and encourage a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I yield as much time as he consumes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I certainly am pleased to be part of moving this legislation, the GIVE Act; but I do want to associate myself with the gentleman from Michigan, the ranking member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, on the importance of us moving the reauthorization of FISA; and, hopefully, we will get to that as quickly as possible and restore the tools to our intelligence community they need to protect our Nation and our citizens. With that, I'd like to yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).