Mike Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. This country's in a lot of trouble. We're facing a fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportions. They say the first step toward ending an addiction is recognizing you're an addict. After spending 10 years here in Washington, D.C., after witnessing runaway Federal spending by both political parties, one thing is clear: Washington, D.C., is addicted to spending. It's high time for Congress to own up to its spending addiction and institute long-term, sustainable budget and spending reforms that will permanently limit the size and scope of the Federal Government. Happily, the budget resolution today offered by the distinguished Chairman Paul Ryan of the committee puts our Nation back on a pathway toward fiscal solvency and prosperity. This Republican budget represents a bold step toward fiscal responsibility and limited government. It cuts $6.2 trillion in spending over the next 10 years, reins in government spending below 20 percent, includes tax reforms to increase competitiveness for American companies, and ensures that Medicare will be solvent for future retirees. It even ends the one-size-fits-all approach to Medicaid, giving States more flexibility. It also stands in stark contrast to the President's budget, which includes a $1.6 trillion tax increase on families, small businesses, and family farms, and adds $13 trillion to the national debt. This budget resolution renews our commitment to finally forcing Congress to live within our means. We must succeed in this cause. Because if we fail, the American Dream will fail. We will burden our children and our grandchildren with a mountain range of debt, robbing opportunities and prosperity, and leaving, for the first time in American history, the next American generation worse off than the generation that went before. This we must not do. I urge my colleagues to offer strong support for the Ryan budget resolution. Let's put our Nation on a pathway toward fiscal solvency and prosperity.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Matt Howard and the rest of the Butler University men's basketball team. America watched as the Bulldogs demonstrated hard work and personal sacrifice throughout the NCAA tournament and achieved what many said was impossible. The Dawgs epitomize what the word ``team'' is all about, and although they did not take home the trophy, they made their state and fellow Bulldogs across the nation proud. As Andrew Carnegie said, ``teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.'' Matt is one of the Bulldogs I am proud to say is from my district. After leading the state in rebounding his senior year at Connersville high school, Matt chose to attend Butler University. Matt's work-ethic and tenacity on the hardwood translated into the classroom as well where he was named to the Capitol One Academic All-America Team for a school-record 3 years. He was also named NCAA 2010-2011 Division 1 Academic All-American of the year, and he recently received the prestigious Elite 88 Award for the second consecutive year. Matt is a three-time all Horizon League First-Team player, and in 2008-2009 was named Horizon League Player of the Year. He's been named to the Horizon League All-Tournament team for three consecutive years including the tournament's Most Valuable Player in 2010. There is no doubt Matt's talent helped advance the Dawgs to the final game of the NCAA tournament. What many may not know is the incredible support that Matt Howard has received not only from his family, but from his community. As one of ten children, Matt grew up in a strong and loving family. When word spread that the Howard family would not be able to attend the Final 4 in Houston, their friends and neighbors donated money to pay for the family's travel expenses. The town raised over $17,000 and the entire Howard family was able to watch Matt play in-person. Acts of kindness like this from a small East-Central Indiana town never cease to amaze me. Today I echo the pride of Hoosiers across the state on Butler's strong performance. And I especially congratulate Matt for his leadership and strength of character throughout the tournament.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chase Stigall and the rest of the Butler University men's basketball team. America watched as the Bulldogs demonstrated hard work and personal sacrifice throughout the NCAA tournament and achieved what many said was impossible. The Dawgs epitomize what the word ``team'' is all about, and although they did not take home the trophy, they made their state and Bulldog fans across the nation extremely proud. As Andrew Carnegie said, ``teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.'' I am proud to say that many of the Bulldog players hail from my district. One such young man is Chase Stegall. He was a star player at Chrysler High School in New Castle, and he helped lead his team to victory in the Indiana Class 3A state championship. There is no doubt that his talent also helped advance the Dawgs to the final game of the NCAA tournament. I echo the pride of Hoosiers across the state on Butler's strong performance. And I especially congratulate Chase for his leadership and strength of character throughout the tournament.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Emerson Kampen and the rest of the Butler University men's basketball team. America watched as the Bulldogs demonstrated hard work and personal sacrifice throughout the NCAA tournament and achieved what many said was impossible. The Dawgs epitomize what the word ``team'' is all about, and although they did not take home the trophy, they made their state and Bulldog fans across the nation proud. As Andrew Carnegie said, ``teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.'' Emerson Kampen is one of the Bulldogs I am proud to say is from my district. Emerson starred at Yorktown High School where he was named Honorable-Mention to the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association All- State team as a senior. There is no doubt Emerson's talent helped advance the Dawgs to the final game of the NCAA tournament. I echo the pride of Hoosiers across the state on Butler's strong performance. And I especially congratulate Emerson on his leadership and strength of character throughout the tournament.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Zachary Hahn and the rest of the Butler University men's basketball team. America watched as the Bulldogs demonstrated hard work and personal sacrifice throughout the NCAA tournament and achieved what many said was impossible. The Dawgs epitomize what the word ``team'' is all about, and although they did not take home the trophy, they made their state and Bulldog fans across the nation extremely proud. As Andrew Carnegie said, ``teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.'' I am proud to say that many of the Bulldog players hail from my district. One such young man is Zachary Hahn. He was a star player at Chrysler High School in New Castle, and he helped lead his team to victory in the Indiana Class 3A state championship. There is no doubt that his talent also helped advance the Dawgs to the final game of the NCAA tournament. I echo the pride of Hoosiers across the state on Butler's strong performance. And I especially congratulate Zachary for his leadership and strength of character throughout the tournament.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of the Department of Defense and Further Continuing Appropriations Act. This 1-week continuing resolution will fully fund the Department of Defense for the remainder of this fiscal year and reduce government spending by $12 billion, and it is worthy of the support of every Member of Congress. Look, no one wants a government shutdown. But if we don't take a stand for fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C., we're going to shut down the future for our children and grandchildren. To be honest with you, I'm frustrated that we're here again with another stopgap measure. I'm frustrated that liberals in the Senate continue to resist efforts to accept even modest budget cuts in this year's budget. We're talking about a 2 percent reduction in this year's budget. That's unacceptable to the liberals down the hallway. It seems like liberals in the Senate would rather shut the government down than accept a 2 percent cut in the Federal budget. It seems like liberals in the Senate would rather shut the government down so they can continue to borrow money from China to fund the largest abortion provider in America. But in this moment, I'm going to support this resolution because the troops come first. We cannot put fiscal battles ahead of support for those who are currently engaged in America's real battles. This CR reaffirms our commitment to our troops. It fully funds DOD for the balance of the year, and it reaffirms our commitment to our most cherished ally, Israel, during these uncertain days. Now, earlier this week, Senator Harry Reid said the biggest gap in negotiations is between Republicans and Republicans. Nothing could be further from the truth. The biggest gap in these negotiations over a possible government shutdown are between liberals here in Washington, D.C., and the American people. That's where the gaps lie. The American people want to restore fiscal discipline and provide for the common defense, and they know we can do it. Today, Senator Reid took to the floor of the Senate and called this very resolution ``a surefire way to shut down the government.'' And, astonishingly, the Commander in Chief has threatened to veto a bill that would fund our troops at a time of war. Astonishing. Look, we are going to pass this continuing resolution. We are going to fund our troops in harm's way and stationed all across the world and all across this Nation. And if Democrats here in Washington would rather play political games and shut down the government than support our troops, defend our Treasury and respect our values, then I say shut it down. And I'm certain the American people are going to know who to blame.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and storied career of Sam Hanna. Sam is not only a friend, but a man whom I greatly admire. Sam has strength of character and a true servant's heart in his community. After graduating from Anderson High school, he went on to receive a degree in Administration of Criminal Justice from Anderson University and then graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He is a member of the Madison Park Church of God, and coached football in the Anderson community for thirty years. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Sam has boldly answered the call of duty even in the face of danger. In 1978 Sam was shot six times in the line of duty--in the face, chest, and arm. Yet even after that tragedy, Sam remained dedicated to public service and only recently retired after 37 years of service with the Madison County Sheriff's Department. Those who know Sam and worked with him on the sheriff's department recognize him for his dedication to helping others and willingness to do whatever it takes. He served selflessly day after day, and received the distinguished ``Law Enforcement Officer of the Year'' award five times. I know that his integrity and commitment to the cause will forever be an example to those who serve after him. Though Sam has officially retired from the Madison County Sheriff's Department, he continues to serve as Investigator of Senior Protective Services for the Prosecutor of Madison County. He is a dedicated husband of more than thirty years to his bride Lori, and the father of three sons--Kris, Matt, and Andrew. Today I honor Sam's legacy of service, and wish to express my sincere gratitude for his leadership. I am grateful for his friendship and look forward to his continued community impact. He is truly an inspiration.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011, which would prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. With gas prices averaging $3.70 per gallon, up from $3.50 a month ago, up nearly a dollar from a year ago, and with unemployment rates continuing at heartbreaking levels, the last thing the American people need is a national energy tax. Yet the Obama EPA seems intent on implementing policies that will not only drive up the price at the pump, but drive even more American jobs to places like India and China. According to a study conducted by the Heritage Foundation, annual job losses will exceed 800,000 should the Congress fail to act in preventing the EPA from moving ahead with their global warming agenda. In this difficult economy, the federal government must make affordable, domestic energy production a top priority and House Republicans are doing just that. I applaud the work of my colleagues in developing an all-of-the-above energy solution that will create jobs and end our dependence on foreign sources of energy. But Congress first must stop the EPA's assault on working families, small businesses and family farms by rejecting this backdoor national energy tax.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the House floor during rollcall votes 192 and 193. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 192 and ``no'' on rollcall 193.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, abortion on demand is an American tragedy, but public funding for abortion and abortion providers is an American disgrace. Fortunately, we have never been closer to denying public funding to abortion providers in America than we are today. On February 18, 2011, with bipartisan support, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, which included the Pence amendment ending taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America. Despite efforts to suggest otherwise, the Pence amendment does not reduce funding for cancer screening or eliminate one dime of funding for other important health services to women. If the Pence amendment becomes law, thousands of women's health centers, clinics and hospitals would still provide assistance to low-income families and women. The Pence amendment would simply deny all Federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America. Over the past several weeks, Planned Parenthood has used its vast resources to launch slick Madison Avenue television ads portraying the Nation's largest abortion provider as an altruistic organization that provides health care services to the poor with only an incidental interest in the abortion industry. The truth is far afield from the image. The truth is that a major source of Planned Parenthood's clinic income comes from the abortion business. Despite attempts by advocates for the abortion industry and ideologues on the left to portray efforts to defund Planned Parenthood as some kind of a ``war on women,'' the issue here is big business, and that business is abortion. This legislative battle over the Pence amendment is about Big Abortion versus American taxpayers and American women specifically. As Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director, recently said, ``Planned Parenthood's mission, on paper, is to give quality and affordable health care and to protect women's rights. But in reality,'' she said, ``their mission is to increase their abortion numbers and in turn increase their revenue.'' There is no doubt that Planned Parenthood's focus is on making Big Abortion even bigger. In 2009, the group made only 977 adoption referrals and cared for 7,021 prenatal clients, but performed an unprecedented 332,278 abortions. In fact, in 2009, a pregnant woman entering a Planned Parenthood clinic was 42 times more likely to have an abortion than to receive either prenatal care or to be referred to an adoption service. According to their most recent annual report, the organization raked in $1.1 billion in total revenue. Of that amount, $363.2 million came from taxpayers in the form of government grants and contracts. This is about big business, and that business is abortion. And for all the talk about how poor women would be harmed if taxpayers stopped subsidizing Big Abortion, it is telling to see how they have been spending their money. According to a June 2008 story in The Wall Street Journal, Planned Parenthood was flush with cash and using its profits to rebrand itself to appeal to more affluent American women. Their rebranding effort was designed to build their business by increasingly targeting wealthy consumers to complement their existing targeting of poor and minority women. While taxpayers underwrite their operations, Planned Parenthood is building large luxury health centers in shopping centers and malls designed by marketing experts with touches like hardwood floors, muted lighting, large waiting rooms and the like. And Big Abortion routinely puts profits over women's health and safety. When women testify on behalf of improved safety standards at abortion clinics, Planned Parenthood opposes it and fights them every step of the way. And despite the fact that 88 percent of Americans favor informed consent laws that provide information about the risks and alternatives to abortions for women, Planned Parenthood opposes these efforts and works to keep women in the dark in jurisdictions across the country. The reality is abortion on demand is an American tragedy, but public funding of abortion providers is an American disgrace. The time has come to deny any and all funding to Planned Parenthood of America and this week, as House Republicans reaffirm our commitment to H.R. 1, to reaffirm our commitment to make a down payment on fiscal responsibility and reform. Let us also seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to defend the broad mainstream values of the American people in the way we spend the people's money. I urge continued support by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle of the Pence amendment denying public funding to Planned Parenthood of America.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. The SOAR Act opens the schoolhouse door. It reopens the door for opportunities for these families and for their children in the District of Columbia. And I believe it was before a model for the Nation, and it can be so again. So I encourage my colleagues to join me in respectfully opposing the Norton funding amendment but vigorously supporting H.R. 471. Let's stand with those families. Let's put joy in their hearts. Let's create a boundless future for their children. Let's pass the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act.

Mr. PENCE. I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue, which is near and dear to my heart, as it is to the hearts of thousands upon thousands of families in the District of Columbia. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in opposition to the Norton funding amendment. The gentlewoman and I have worked together on occasion on issues, and I know her devotion to the District of Columbia. But we will just have to respectfully disagree on this issue, because I simply believe that the Scholarships for Opportunities and Results Act represents the continuation of one of the most important programs that I have had the privilege of being a part of here in Washington, D.C. Now, there is a suggestion that this legislation takes money away from the public schools. But I think, as we have heard in this debate, because of the three-sector approach created by the original authorizing legislation, District public schools and public charter schools have received over one-quarter of $1 billion in additional direct Federal payments since 2004. Both DCPS and the charter schools will continue to receive increased Federal dollars under this legislation. So the old arguments against giving students and parents more choices because it denies funding to public schools don't even attach here on the facts. But beyond that, let me say the reason why I felt the need to come to the floor today. The reason why I so respect Speaker John Boehner's leadership on this issue is because of meetings that I have had in my office with oftentimes the teary-eyed parents of children in the District of Columbia. I will just never forget last year meeting with moms and dads from the District of Columbia, most of them from the minority community, who came to me with tears in their eyes and said, ``I have one child that is in a private school. I was able to take advantage of the D.C. scholarship. But because this administration and the last Congress terminated it, I cannot give that other opportunity to their younger brother or sister.'' And they literally came to me--at that time I was in a leadership position in the Republican majority--and they said, ``Please do something about this.'' And my heart went out to those families. We had an election, and now we find ourselves in a renewed Republican majority. And the Speaker of the House of Representatives today is a man who probably has a larger heart for kids as a former chairman of the Education Committee than maybe any other former Speaker in the history of this institution. So we find ourselves at this moment when I can say with no small amount of emotion, I can say to those families, yes, we are going to put the scholarship back. We are going to say to the rest of your children that they deserve the best choice for their education future as well. It is a noble moment for this Congress. The Old Book tells us that whatever you do for the least of these, that you do for Him. I think this is one of those moments where we look at families that are struggling under the weight of some of the most beleaguered public schools in America and we are putting our arms around those families and saying, we are going to give you more choices. We are going to let you as parents, regardless of your race or income or status in society, we are going to give you the opportunity to make the same choice for a private school and a public school and a charter school as Americans that have the means to do so can make. Let me also say I see this debate over educational choice, whether it is in the District of Columbia or in my own beloved Indiana, as all tied up in the debate over education reform that has been manifest throughout this country over the last half century and more. I mean, there was a day almost in my lifetime, just on the periphery of my lifetime, when some stood in the schoolhouse door and said, You may not come in. But we fixed that as a nation. And now there are some in the massive education establishment in this country who stand in the schoolhouse door and say, You may not come out. You may not have the same choices that other Americans have, simply because of your means and your condition in life. The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act levels the playing field.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, with a $14 trillion national debt and a $1.65 trillion deficit this year alone, our Federal Government is facing a fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportions. With the passage of H.R. 1, House Republicans took an important first step toward turning our national government back in the direction of fiscal discipline, defunding ObamaCare, and even restoring the sanctity of life to the center of the Federal budget. But it was rejected by liberals in the Senate. In fact, last week, the Senate majority leader called the Republican budget cuts mean spirited, reckless, and irresponsible, even defending Federal funding for a cowboy poetry festival. Seriously. Is it reckless and irresponsible to ask for $61 billion in cuts when the national debt is 230 times that size? The truth is, they just don't get it. I think it's time to take a stand for taxpayers and for future generations. And I will not vote for the short-term continuing resolution that is coming to the floor of the House today, to make that statement. Things don't change in Washington until they have to. It's time to pick a fight.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. With a $14 trillion national debt, a $1.65 trillion deficit this year alone, yesterday the United States Senate voted to reject the House effort to fund the government for the rest of the year. The Senate majority leader even took to the floor and called our $61 billion in savings ``mean spirited,'' ``reckless,'' and ``irresponsible.'' He even defended Federal funding for the Cowboy Poetry Festival, apparently in his own State. You know, I learned a long time ago out here in Washington that sometimes things don't change in Washington, D.C., until they have to. I think we have to pick a fight. If House Republicans want to win this battle, we need to take a stand for the budget cuts and the policy changes enshrined in H.R. 1--that's $61 billion in savings this year, defunding ObamaCare, and defunding Planned Parenthood of America. It's time to take a stand for fiscal responsibility and reform. We have to say, This far and no farther. For the sake of our children and our grandchildren, we need to make a stand for the American people. And make no mistake about it: If we make this fight, we can win this fight, because the American people are on our side.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Two weeks ago, after 90 hours of debate, House Republicans in this majority passed a long-term funding resolution that found more than $100 billion in savings off the President's budget. It defunded their government takeover of health care. It even denied all Federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America. But while House Republicans have done the people's business, at this moment, Mr. Speaker, the Senate has virtually done nothing except find a way to fund the government for another 2 weeks, and the White House just appointed a few negotiators yesterday--just 2 short days before government funding would have run out to begin with. Look, the patience of the American people is wearing thin, and so is mine. Our Nation is facing a fiscal crisis of epic proportions--$1.65 trillion in deficits this year, $14 trillion national debt. The time to put our fiscal house in order is now. No more delays. No more kicking the cans. Let's have the debate. Let's hash it out. Let's defund ObamaCare. Let's defund Planned Parenthood, and let's use this moment to have this fight to make a downpayment on restoring fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Chair, this Nation currently faces a $1.65 trillion deficit, $14 trillion national debt. And despite all the talk for the President's so-called fiscal discipline, this administration just proposed a budget that will add $12 trillion to that mountain range of debt facing our children and grandchildren. Fortunately, under the leadership of Chairman Rogers, House Republicans are keeping our word to the American people. We said, if you gave us a second chance to lead this Congress, we would find at least $100 billion in savings this year, and House Republicans will do that before we adjourn for this week. But House conservatives believe we can do more. I truly believe that the Jordan amendment--which provides an across-the-board cut of 5.5 percent, more for the legislative branch, doesn't touch our most cherished ally, Israel--is one of those opportunities where you have a chance to underpromise and overperform. We said to the American people that we would do at least $100 billion. We have added hundreds of millions of dollars to that. Let's do more. Let's do $22 billion more. Let's underpromise, overdeliver, and set this Nation back on a pathway towards fiscal responsibility and reform.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chairman, I believe that ending an innocent human life is morally wrong. But I rise tonight because I also believe it's morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use it to fund organizations that provide and promote abortion--like Planned Parenthood of America. The American people deserve to know that Planned Parenthood is not only the largest abortion provider in America, Planned Parenthood is also the largest recipient of taxpayer funding under title X. According to their latest annual report, Planned Parenthood received more than $363 million in taxpayer money while boasting of having performed an unprecedented 324,008 abortions during the same period. The amendment that I bring to the floor tonight would deny any and all funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates for the rest of the fiscal year. But let me be clear. This amendment would not cut funding for health services. It would simply block those funds already in the bill from subsidizing America's largest abortion provider. Now I am aware that title X family planning funds are eliminated in this bill. But eliminating title X funding has never been my goal. I support the important work of title X clinics across the country. The reality is that Planned Parenthood receives hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from Federal funding sources other than title X, and our effort tonight is specifically to focus on denying any and all Federal funding to the largest abortion provider in America. The reasons for doing so are many. The case for defunding Planned Parenthood has made headlines for years. In 2002, Planned Parenthood was found civilly liable in Arizona for failure to report statutory rape. Since that time, Planned Parenthood affiliates have been found violating reporting laws in Indiana and California, and found to have violated statutory reporting laws in places like Ohio. Recently in California, Washington, New Jersey and New York, Planned Parenthood clinics have been accused of fraudulent accounting over billing practices. And, of course, last week as the Nation watched in horror, new undercover videos were released that showed Planned Parenthood employees in multiple States apparently willing to aid human sex traffickers by coaching them on how to falsify documents to secure secret abortions for underage prostitutes. As the father of two teenage daughters, there are not words strong enough to portray my contempt for this pattern of fraud and abuse against young women by Planned Parenthood, and that's what brings us here today. Now I know that some consider this amendment to be something of a war on Planned Parenthood. But this is not about Planned Parenthood's right to be in the abortion business. Sadly, abortion on demand is legal in America. This is about who pays for it. Nobody is saying that Planned Parenthood can't be the leading advocate of abortion on demand in America, but why do I have to pay for it? Nobody is saying that Planned Parenthood can't continue to be the largest abortion provider in America. But why do tens of millions of pro-life American taxpayers have to pay for it? Let me be clear as I come to the floor. I long for the day that Roe v. Wade is sent to the ash heap of history, when we move past the broken hearts and the broken lives of the past 38 years. But as this debate rages on, I call on my colleagues in both parties: Let's at least respect what has been the historic and overwhelming consensus of the American people: that we ought not use their taxpayer dollars to provide or promote abortion at home and abroad. Let's end taxpayer support for abortion providers, specifically Planned Parenthood, once and for all. I urge my colleagues to take a stand for taxpayers and to take a stand for life, to take a stand against a pattern of corruption, and to take a stand for young women in crisis pregnancies, who deserve access to unbiased and compassionate health care services. Let's end the taxpayer support of Planned Parenthood. The Pence amendment's purpose is to do simply that and, in so doing, to stand with the American people, to stand with the American taxpayer, and to stand without apology for the sanctity of human life. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chair, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chair, I do rise today in opposition to the amendment offered by my friend and colleague, Mr. Camp, from Michigan. And let me say, I think I take a second chair to no one in my respect for the gentleman from Michigan. I respect his passion and his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee and his passion for the ecosystem known as the Great Lakes. I know it's sincere and it's real. And this problem is real. Anyone who has taken more than a passing glance at the issue of Asian carp recognizes that this is a serious but manageable threat to the Great Lakes region. It is one that deserves the continued attention of this Congress and this administration and the States within the Great Lakes region. But that being said, I rise in opposition to the Camp amendment for the following reasons: Principally, because I believe that this amendment would have a devastating effect on Hoosier jobs and the Ports of Indiana. The Camp amendment would prohibit the Army Corps of Engineers from operating the navigation locks located in the city of Chicago. It is the only waterway in the Great Lakes system with access to the Mississippi River Basin. The separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River will cost thousands of jobs and will cause great harm to many Hoosiers who manufacture and grow our products. According to a study by the Ports of Indiana, commerce through the Chicago locks is responsible for $1.9 billion in economic activity and nearly 18,000 jobs in my home State. In addition to the economic damage this action will inflict, I would submit respectfully that there is no evidence that actually closing the locks will definitely keep the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife found a year ago that there is no ``combination of lock operation scenarios that experts believe would lower the risk of Asian carp establishing self-sustaining populations in Lake Michigan.'' In fact, according to the Asian Carp Working Group, there are dozens of alternative methods fully to be explored. And Indiana is fully participating in the Federal Government-led effort to stop the Asian carp migration. Electronic barriers have shown promise. We need to continue energetically to work in that area. The gentlewoman from Illinois also outlined different areas. Let me say, while I urge my colleagues to oppose the Camp amendment, allow me to use this moment to say that we will continue to lock arms with the gentleman from Michigan, with our neighbors in Michigan, our neighbors in Illinois to deal with what is a very, very real threat to the ecosystem, to commerce in the area, and to the enjoyment of the waterways in the area.

Mr. PENCE. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. PENCE. I was pleased to yield to the gentleman. Let me just say that the demonstration projects of the electronic fence began slightly before 2006. The fence and the studies are ongoing. Let me say, on behalf of other Hoosiers in that delegation, we're not patient to wait 5 years for action. We will continue to work with the gentleman from Michigan to work, Mr. Chairman, on behalf of immediate action and continue to call on this administration. The economic impacts are devastating. The impact on the ecosystem broadly would be equally devastating, and so we join the gentleman from Michigan in calling for urgent action by this Congress and this administration. I just respectfully offer that both with regard to its economic impact and with regard to its questionable effectiveness, that dealing with this from the standpoint of the locks and this continuing resolution is not the best approach. So I urge my colleagues to oppose the Camp amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I want to thank the distinguished chairman for yielding time and for his leadership on this and so many issues. After years of runaway Federal spending by both political parties, last year House Republicans took the pledge. We said to the American people, give us another chance to lead this Congress, and the first thing we'll do is we'll reduce domestic spending to pre-bail out, pre- stimulus levels, saving the American people at least $100 billion. And today, simply put, this new majority will keep our word with the American people. And in Washington, D.C., that's saying a lot. Now we'll consider H.R. 1, which will save at least $100 billion in this fiscal year. It is, in fact, the single largest rescission package in the history of this Congress. With a $14 trillion national debt and a $1.5 trillion deficit this year, cutting $100 billion will not solve our fiscal crisis, but it's a good start, and it's a promise kept. And here in Washington, D.C., that's really saying something. Now, to save our Nation from an avalanche of debt facing future generations, we must just do a couple of basic things. First, we've got to stop what we've been doing, piling a mountain range of debt on our children and grandchildren. We've got to turn around and we've got to begin to head in the other direction. We have to face our present fiscal crisis squarely and with courage. And today, this new Republican majority will do just that. We'll begin the process of turning our ship of state back toward that horizon of fiscal responsibility and fiscal solvency and sustainability for generations to come. I urge my colleagues in both political parties, join us in this important first step. Join us in this important promise kept. Work with us, and we will work with you to put our Nation on a pathway toward fiscal solvency and, ultimately, lay a foundation for real economic growth for generations to come.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I rise in support of H.R. 514 to extend the three expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Nearly ten years removed from the attacks of September 11, 2001, it is all too clear that America is still a nation at war and these expiring provisions are still valuable tools in the Global War on Terror. I was here at the Capitol on that day. I saw the evil of our enemies written in the smoke rising above the Pentagon. We are reminded even today that their desire to inflict such violence on our homeland and that of our allies is real. Just last week, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified that the ``threat continues to evolve'' and went on to say that the risk of attack ``may be at its most heightened state'' since that fateful day in 2001. Because we are still a nation at war, I support the extension until December 8, 2011 of the three provisions, set to expire on February 28, 2011. The first, Section 206, authorizes the use of roving wiretaps by law enforcement after approval from the FISA court. This allows for terrorists or spies who throw away their cell phones and change locations frequently to be tracked before they can execute an attack. Roving wiretaps have been routinely used for decades by domestic law enforcement in criminal cases. Quite simply, the USA PATRIOT Act gives our national security and intelligence communities the same tools provided to local law enforcement and it is an essential tool to fight terrorism in the modem world. Section 215 authorizes the FBI to ask FISA courts to issue an order that allows the FBI to investigate business records related to international terrorism and clandestine intelligence activities. With this provision at their disposal, the FBI will have a greater opportunity to obtain foreign intelligence information. Now some will argue that this provision will allow the federal government to spy on the business records, internet activities and library accounts of ordinary, law-abiding citizens. That is not the case. To use Section 215, national security agents need approval from the FISA court. The government must demonstrate to the court that the business records sought are ``not concerning a United States person,'' but in connection with international terrorism. The oversight requirements of this provision are very stringent. Every six months, the Attorney General must report to Congress on the number of times a Section 215 order has been sought, granted, modified or denied. The third provision, found in section 6001 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Protection Act, commonly known as the ``Lone Wolf'' provision, allows law enforcement to track those non-U.S. citizens who seek to inflict terror under their own initiative, without affiliation to common terrorist groups. Mr. Speaker, only weeks ago, Members of this body took the oath of office and swore to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies. We have the responsibility to uphold that pledge, and in doing so, I believe we must equip law enforcement and intelligence officials with the tools necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attack. There is no doubt about America's determination to protect itself and this legislation will ensure that our intelligence community--those who work tirelessly every day to protect us--have the tools they need to prevent the horrors of September 11th from being brought to our soil again. We must also safeguard the precious civil rights and liberties that make our lives free and fulfilling. The PATRIOT Act includes strong protections for the civil liberties of Americans and continues extensive measures for oversight and review of the Department of Justice and our intelligence agencies. As a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, I fully understand the need to strike a proper balance between security and the rights of the American people, and I believe that in extending these provisions, we will do just that. I am confident this Congress will continue its oversight duties so that we can ensure that every tool available to the intelligence community is coupled with safeguards that ensure the civil liberties of the American people. Our solemn duty is to protect Americans from terrorists and safeguard their civil liberties, and we will fulfill that duty by passing this bill to extend, through December 8th of this year, these crucial provisions of the PATRIOT Act. I urge passage.