Mike Pence

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, first, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for working in a bipartisan way on what is very worthy legislation that I support. Small business America is the engine of the American economy, and I appreciate in these tumultuous times the development of this program in this legislation. But I rise today with a heavy heart, Mr. Speaker, a heavy heart, because this morning we crossed a milestone. Unemployment was announced this morning at 10.2 percent, the worst rate of unemployment in the United States of America since 1983. Now, that is just a number, but I can't help but feel and see in my mind the faces and the families and the businesses that that represents. Working families, small businesses, and family farmers in this country are hurting; and at 10.2 percent unemployment, it is time for this Congress to rethink the approach that we have taken to legislation and to this economy. First, on the economy. Clearly, the so-called stimulus bill that was passed in February of this year has failed. The American people know that we can't borrow and spend and bail our way back to a growing economy. But, sadly, that was the approach that this administration and this majority took. Borrowing more than $700 billion from future generations of Americans, spreading it out in a wish list of liberal spending priorities, has seen unemployment go from 7.5 percent at the time the stimulus bill was passed to today's gut-wrenching 10.2 percent unemployment. So we have got to take a different approach to this economy. Back in Indiana, I can tell you a lot of things we focus on out here are not really what I hear about walking up and down the streets of Muncie and Anderson and New Castle, Indiana. I hear people talking about jobs. People are asking, when is Congress going to get the message that the time has come for us to enact fast-acting tax relief for working families, small businesses, and family farms, tax relief that would take effect right now, hit the bottom line of households and businesses all across this country right now? Republicans offered an alternative to the so-called stimulus bill earlier this year that, using the economic models of the White House at the time, would have cost half as much and created twice as many jobs; and there is still time to get it right. The lessons of history are clear: John F. Kennedy knew it, Ronald Reagan knew it, and after the Towers fell, George W. Bush knew it. The way to jump-start the American economy is to give the American people more of their hard-earned tax dollars to spend on their families and on their enterprises, and that we should do. That is first. Secondly, let me say I think the time has come, Mr. Speaker, for this Congress to make the priorities of the American people its priorities and set aside this massive government takeover of health care that is being driven to the floor of the Congress tomorrow, with $700 billion in higher taxes, with $1.3 trillion in new spending. 111 new government programs and bureaucracies are created; 43 entitlements are created or expanded. At 10.2 percent unemployment, now is not the time to launch a massive new government-run insurance plan and pay for it on the backs of working families, small businesses, and family farms. An analysis of the tax increase, there is $729.5 billion in new taxes on small businesses and individuals who can't afford health coverage in the Democrat health care bill. I saw one piece of analysis that suggested that, despite the President's promise in last year's election that he would allow no tax increases on any Americans that make less than $200,000 per year, 87 percent of the new taxes in the Democrat health care bill will be paid by Americans who make less than $200,000 per year. A 1,990-page bill creating a massive new government-run insurance plan at a time when working families and small businesses are struggling and shedding jobs and making sacrifices at home and at work just to keep the lights on and the doors open is unthinkable. So, Mr. Speaker, I plead with this party: Belay your plans to launch a government takeover of health care. Put the interests of American families in this hurting economy first. Let's not add the insult of a massive new government program to the injury of 10.2 percent unemployment. And one last point. I note, Mr. Speaker, an admired colleague of mine just moments ago said on the floor of this House that it was a shame that Members of the minority were using unrelated legislation to talk about health care reform, and I don't begrudge that esteemed Member his opinion. But let me say, with press reports that suggest that we won't spend any more than half a day on the floor of this House debating what could amount to a government takeover of one-sixth of the American economy, it is a shame. There are great ideas on the Democrat side of the aisle. I want to say without hesitation, there are better ideas on the Republican side of the aisle. But why don't we let the People's House work its will? Why don't we start the debate immediately? Let's bring the hundreds of amendments that Republicans and Democrats have offered, as we do with appropriations bills, let's bring them to the floor. Let's have wide- open, free-wheeling debate, and let's call the votes one after another. I have nowhere to be, except home standing with my veterans next Wednesday, from now until Thanksgiving. So let's get started. Let's go around the clock. The people that should be feeling shame, Mr. Speaker, are those that would pile drive through this Congress a massive expansion of the Federal Government, an enormous increase in taxes, at a heart-breaking time when unemployment reaches historic levels in this generation. It is time for Washington, DC, to listen to the heart of the American people and make their priorities our priorities. General Leave

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, across the country, the American people have been calling for months for Washington to pass responsible reform that will lower the cost of health insurance to small business owners, working families, and family farms. Yesterday, House Republicans answered that call by putting forward commonsense legislation that will reduce the deficit, lower health insurance premiums, and ensure coverage for those with preexisting conditions. You can read all about it by going on www.healthcare.gop.gov. As a result of the House Republican bill, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office now confirms, families will see their health insurance premiums reduced by up to 10 percent, and hardworking taxpayers can expect deficits to decrease by $68 billion over the next decade. The Pelosi health care plan: more government, more spending, more deficits. The Republican plan: less government, lower deficits, and lower health insurance premiums. That's your choice, America. Let your voice be heard.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule. And while I appreciate my good friend's clarification that this rule has to do with a credit card bill that's on the floor today, I take this opportunity respectfully to speak about that issue which is foremost in the minds of the American people at this hour, and that is this freight train of Big Government moving through the Congress at a frightening speed that we believe with all our hearts will result in a government takeover of health care in America. After months of behind-closed-doors dealings, the Democratic majority, in cooperation with the White House and special interest groups, produced late last week finally a bill. It may be amended again, Mr. Speaker, but we have a 1,990-page bill that, according to independent press estimates, includes $1.2 trillion in new Federal spending on expanded health insurance coverage over the next 10 years. It includes $729.5 billion in new taxes on small businesses and individuals. It is in every real sense a government takeover of health care and the burden and payment of which will be borne principally by Americans that make less than $200,000 per year. An independent estimate that we received yesterday, as Republicans spent hours reading the bill in our reading room, was that actually, despite the fact that as a candidate President Obama pledged that he would not raise taxes on Americans who make less than $200,000 a year, with the Pelosi health care bill, actually the tax increases would fall most squarely on Americans making below that threshold amount. Eighty- seven percent of the taxes that are being levied in the Democrat health care bill will be paid by Americans that make less than $200,000 a year, fees and mandates and fines and penalties falling squarely on our middle class. It's really extraordinary when you think of it that it's taking place during what is, without debate, the worst recession in a quarter of a century. But it doesn't just stop there. When we say that it's a government takeover of health care, we are talking real numbers and real bureaucracy. Those that say otherwise ignore the fact that in this legislation there are 43 entitlement programs that are created, expanded, or extended. There are 111 additional offices, bureaus, commissions, programs, and bureaucracies that the bill creates over and above the entitlement expansions included in the prior bill. Lastly, we all know as legislators that the word ``shall'' is not a friendly word when it comes in law. When the word ``shall'' appears in law, it means that someone must do something, a business, an enterprise, an element of the bureaucracy shall take action. The word ``shall'' appears in the Democrat health care bill 3,425 times. Yet the majority and the administration continue to insist that this is not a government takeover of health care? I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, the American people are catching on and they know otherwise. But the good news is there's an alternative. People can go to healthcare.gop.gov, and as has emerged in recent days, Republicans have a bill. I know our colleagues have been pointing at some blank pages on the floor in the last 24 hours, but the American people surfing the net know that the Republican bill is actually a little bit over 200 pages, allows Americans to purchase health insurance across State lines the way big businesses can, allows associations to pool their employees to bring down the cost of insurance. It brings about medical malpractice reform to end junk lawsuits and end defensive medicine in America, and we use those savings to actually strengthen those funds at the State level, those programs that cover preexisting conditions for Americans. While the majority is focused on growing government to achieve something called universal coverage, Republicans are focused on what the American people want us to focus on, and that is lowering the cost of health insurance and lowering the cost of health care by giving the American people and American enterprise more choices, reasonable limits on litigation, and helping people with preexisting conditions.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. The American people want health care reform that lowers the cost of health insurance rather than increasing the cost of government, but it looks like that's exactly what they're getting in the Pelosi health care bill. Here are the numbers: 1,990 pages; $1.2 trillion in the Pelosi plan in new Federal spending over the next 10 years; $729.5 billion in new tax increases. It's just extraordinary. Within the confines of the bill, 43 entitlement programs are created or expanded; 111 additional offices, bureaus, commissions, programs, and bureaucracies; and this legislation uses the mandatory legal language--the word ``shall''--3,425 times. And this isn't a government takeover of health care? Give me a break. The Pelosi health care plan is a freight train of big government, higher taxes, and mandates--and it must be opposed. The American people deserve a better plan. You can go to healthcare.gop.gov and start getting the details of a plan that will lower the cost of health insurance instead of growing the size of government.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, now comes the Pelosi plan for the government takeover of health care. It is a freight train of runaway spending, bloated bureaucracy, mandates, and higher taxes. If the liberals in Washington, D.C. have their way, they will forever change the relationship between government and we, the people, as it pertains to the health care of this Nation. Now, the Republicans in Congress who are standing in the gap can't do this alone, but I often tell my colleagues: a minority in Congress plus the American people equals a majority. We, the people, have the power to stop the Pelosi health care plan in an effort to nationalize one- sixth of our Nation's economy. We, the people, have the ability to protect the finest health care system the world has ever known and to demand real health care reform that will reduce the cost of health care without growing government. I appeal to my fellow Americans, not as Republicans or Democrats: if you cherish freedom, if you fear the crushing weight of Big Government, debt, mandates, and taxes, this is your moment. Now is your time; let your voice be heard.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, sometimes I like to say Washington, D.C., is the world capital of unintended consequences. That seems to be becoming more true every day. The American people want health care reform that lowers the cost of health insurance and lowers the cost of health care. But a new study produced by Indiana's leading provider of health insurance yesterday shows that the cost of health insurance under the Democratic bill will actually go up for most Americans. That's right. You heard that right. According to a 238-page study by the actuaries at WellPoint, the Democratic plan, with its mandates and regulations, will actually drive up premiums for small business owners and individuals. Get this, young and healthy consumers will be hardest hit. For young and healthy Americans, their premiums could actually triple in some States. And for a family of four, premiums would more than double. Now the White House has denounced this, and I know there will be denunciations here on the floor of this study; but the reality is the experts in the industry are pointing out regulations and mandates are going to result in Democrat health care reform meaning higher cost of health insurance to Americans. P.J. O'Rourke had it right when he said if you think health care is expensive now, wait until it is free.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, at nearly $1 trillion in spending and tax increases, the Democrat health care bill is a bad deal for taxpayers; but it is a worst deal for American seniors, and senior citizens deserve to know about it. Included in the Democrat health care plan are massive cuts in Medicare Advantage, $162 billion in reductions in this popular program. As a result, Medicare Advantage plans will drop out of the program, limiting seniors' choices and causing many to lose their current health care coverage through Medicare Advantage. This will have an exceptionally negative impact in rural areas, like my district of eastern Indiana. According to the Congressional Budget Office as well, the Democrat's health care plan will increase the cost of Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent in the next decade. The President said, If you like your current plan, you can keep it. Well, after looking at the Democrats' plan for seniors, I guess he wasn't talking about senior citizens when he said that.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. For every American President, there are moments of decision, moments where the credibility of the United States and the fate of people in foreign lands hang in the balance. President Obama faces such a moment in Afghanistan. The President must decide whether to adequately equip our military in Afghanistan or lose the war to al Qaeda and the Taliban. General Stanley McChrystal was brought on to implement the counterinsurgency strategy the President himself endorsed in March. And that commander has made it clear what resources he needs to get the job done. If we fail in Afghanistan, we risk that country turning into a training ground again for al Qaeda, increasing instability spilling over into nuclear-armed Pakistan. The consequences to our people would only be a matter of time. Our soldiers and the people of Afghanistan cannot afford to wait any longer. Now is not the time to risk the hard-fought, blood-bought gains in this critical front in the war on terror by extended deliberations and indecision. Now is the time for our President to act decisively, to give our commanders and our soldiers the resources they need to win the war in Afghanistan and come home safe.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. You know, the American people cherish our freedom of speech and a free and independent press. That's why I found this morning's headlines so troubling. Goaded on by a White House increasingly intolerant of criticism, lately the national media has taken aim at conservative commentators in radio and television, suggesting that they only speak for a small group of activists, and even suggests in one report today that Republicans in Washington are ``worried about their electoral effect.'' Well, that's hogwash. To suggest the men and women that are taking a stand for fiscal discipline and traditional values in the national debate today only speak for ``grassroots activists'' is absurd. As evidenced by the hundreds of thousands who filled town hall meetings this summer and the nearly million Americans that gathered here in Washington in September, millions of American, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, are worried about liberal social policies and runaway Federal spending, deficit, and debt. So, to my friends in the so-called mainstream media, I say, conservative talk show hosts may not speak for everybody, but they speak for more Americans than you do.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, sometimes our heroes fall on foreign soil, and sometimes they come home and fall, but we honor their service and their sacrifice all the same. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to mark the sudden passing of a hero from my home State of Indiana and to honor his service and his life. Army Specialist Jacob Sexton, a combat veteran of conflicts both in Iraq and Afghanistan, tragically passed away while on leave from his overseas duties earlier this week. A native of Farmland, Indiana, Jacob graduated from Monroe Central High School, and like many men in the Sexton family, Jacob chose to wear the uniform. Jacob served with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, of the 151st Infantry Regiment in the Indiana National Guard. Those who served with him remember a selfless soldier who was quick to volunteer for difficult assignments. A Humvee driver while in Iraq, he took on dangerous positions, often leaving himself exposed to IED and small-arms attacks. As an infantryman in Afghanistan, Jacob saw firsthand the perils of combat, but he faced those perils with courage. Those close to Jacob noted that the stresses of combat and long deployments seemed to have little effect on his infectious personality. However, after this week's tragic events, it is painfully clear that Jacob Sexton was deeply affected by his experiences in uniform and on deployment. While his loss leaves far too many questions unanswered, I believe it is yet another reminder of the special care our heroes need and deserve, those who defend freedom, when they come home. Heroes like Army Specialist Jacob Sexton are the pride of their family and our Nation's most treasured citizens. Jacob's family, his parents, Jeff and Barbara; his brothers, Joshua, Jeremiah and Jared; and all those who served with him, know that you have our deepest condolences, the gratitude of the people of Indiana, and you shall remain in the hearts of a grateful Nation forever.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I respect the President of the United States of America. I pray for this President often in my private devotions. But after months of extraordinary public opposition to a government takeover of health care, opposition that spontaneously drew more than 1 million people to the West Front of this Capitol just one month ago, President Obama spoke words this weekend that were, frankly, hard to take. He said in his radio address, ``What is remarkable is not that we have had a spirited debate about health insurance reform, but the unprecedented consensus that has come together behind it.'' Unprecedented consensus that has come together behind a government takeover of health care? Well, maybe here in Washington, D.C., but not across America. There is an unprecedented consensus. The American people are fed up with runaway Federal spending and government takeovers. And now that the committee work is done and both chambers of the House and Senate are headed to the back rooms to write up health care reform, let's home and let's pray that the unprecedented consensus that will shape this bill will be based upon the consensus of the American people for more freedom and lower health care costs, and not the consensus in Washington for more government and higher taxes.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and in opposition to the hate crimes provisions and the balance of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Throughout my nearly 9 years in Congress, I've been down range with our troops every year, in Afghanistan and Iraq. I've also supported every Defense authorization bill that has come before this body, and so I rise with a heavy heart today to say that I will break that personal tradition in opposing this bill. Now, no one doubts that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 is an important piece of legislation whose essential elements will provide for our troops the critical resources they need to accomplish their mission. However, the majority in this Congress has cynically included hate crimes provisions in this legislation that threaten the very freedoms of speech and religion that draw our soldiers into the uniform of this Nation. Men and women throughout our history have put on the uniform for a variety of reasons, some out of a sense of patriotism, some out of a sense of love for their families, love for their country, a sense of duty; but in every single case, I would offer that, from the American Revolution forward, every American who has put on the uniform of this country has done so to defend freedom. Therefore, the very idea that we would erode the freedoms for which our soldiers wear the uniform in a bill that is designed to provide resources those soldiers need to get the job done and come home safe is unconscionable. It is simply inappropriate to use the Defense bill as a vehicle for divisive liberal social policies wholly unrelated to our country's national security. Here, the Democrats in the majority, with the assent of this administration, are piling liberal social priorities on to the backs of our soldiers. This is disturbing, I suspect, to millions of Americans and counterproductive to the legislative process. But on to the substance of hate crimes. I find myself in strong agreement this day with Thomas Jefferson who said, and I quote, ``Legislative powers of government reach actions only, not opinions.'' And he actually connected that very principle with the foundation and rationale for the First Amendment. The hate crimes provisions in this legislation, as before, are antithetical to those First Amendment traditions and unnecessary. Violent attacks on people are already illegal, regardless of the motive behind them. And there's no evidence that the underlying violent crimes at issue here are not being fully and aggressively prosecuted under current law. Therefore, in a practical sense, hate crimes serve no purpose. But they instead penalize people for thoughts, beliefs and attitude and send us down that very slope that Thomas Jefferson warned against. Now, some of these thoughts and beliefs and attitudes, racism, sexism, bias against people because of their sexual preferences, I find abhorrent. I disdain discrimination. I disdain bigotry. But these hate crimes provisions, including those that will be added to Federal law today, are broad enough to encompass legitimate beliefs, and protecting the rights of freedom and speech and religion must be first and foremost and paramount on the floor of this chamber. To put it quite simply, adding hate crimes provisions in this Defense bill puts us on a slippery slope of deeming particular groups as more important than others under our system of justice. Singling out particular groups of victims erodes our longstanding legal principle of equal protection under the law as well. The First Amendment of the Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. America was founded on the notion that the government should not interfere with the religious practices or expressions of our people. But there is a real possibility that these provisions in this Defense bill having to do with hate crimes and sexual preference could have that effect. These provisions, as written, could result in a chilling effect against religious leaders in this country. As has been previously stated by Judge Carter of Texas, under section two of title 18 of the U.S. Code today, an individual may be held criminally liable who aids, abets, counsels, commands or induces or procures in the commission of a Federal crime. Therefore, to put a fine point on it, any pastor, preacher, priest, rabbi, or imam who may give a sermon out of their moral traditions about sexual practices could presumably, under this legislation, be found to have aided, abetted or induced in the commission of a Federal crime. This will have a chilling effect on religious expression from the pulpits, in our temples, in our mosques and in our churches; and it must be undone. So let me say, as I close, the provisions added to this legislation threaten religious freedom by criminalizing thought. It is simply wrong to further criminalize thought and chill religious expressions of Americans. But let me also say, as I said before, a Defense authorization bill ought to be about the national defense. And here we have, in this majority, in an effort, presumably, any effort to move liberal social policies at home, a willingness to pile unrelated liberal priorities on the backs of an effort to advance our national security. And that's unconscionable. Let's remember what our soldiers are fighting for. Let's remember why they put on the uniform. They wear the uniform to defend freedom. So let's take a stand for freedom today and let's take a stand for a legislative process that has genuine integrity to purpose. I urge my colleagues to vote against the rule, and I sadly urge my colleagues to vote against the Defense authorization bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank the ranking member and the distinguished chairman of this committee for their work on the defense elements of this legislation, but I rise with a heavy heart to express my opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act because today's vote isn't just all about providing for the national defense. Because of actions taken in the United States Senate, unrelated, divisive, liberal social policies have been added to this legislation in the form of hate crimes. For that reason, I must oppose it. The majority in this Congress and in the Senate has included hate crimes provisions in this legislation that have nothing to do with our national defense and will threaten the very freedoms of speech and freedom of religion that draws the American soldier into the uniform in the first place. Thomas Jefferson said it best: ``Legislative powers should reach actions only and not opinions.'' The reality is that by expanding the Federal definition of hate crimes, as this legislation does, we will generate a chilling effect on religious leaders in this country. Pastors, preachers, rabbis, and imams will now hesitate to speak about the sexual traditions and teachings of their faith for fear of being found culpable under the aiding, abetting, or inducing provisions of current law, and that must not be. It is just simply wrong to use a bill that's designed to support our troops to erode the very freedoms for which they fight. As a result, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise to state for the record that I was unavoidably absent and unable to vote on rollcall votes 740, 741, and 742. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Nos. 741 and 742, and ``nay'' on No. 740.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, well, Washington, D.C., is focused on a lot of things these days. The debate over health care continues outside of committee hearings, and we hear news reports that health care reform is being rewritten in the back hallways of this building somewhere. We also heard today that leading Members of the Senate on the Democratic Party introduced a national energy tax, the so-called cap- and-trade legislation, that will raise the cost of utilities on working families and small businesses across this country by dramatic amounts. And of course, the President is making plans to travel to Copenhagen later this week on an economic development mission for the city of Chicago. But I've got to tell you, as a constituent of mine from Alexandria, Indiana, that's with us today, Mr. Speaker, might well attest, when I'm back home, folks aren't talking about how we can pass legislation that raises utility rates or how we can pass legislation that will lead to a government takeover of health care paid for by hundreds of billions of dollars in new taxes and individual mandates, and they're not much talking about the Olympics. What folks back in Alex are talking about is jobs. They're talking about what in the world this Congress is going to do to put America back to work. Now, back in February when Congress passed the so-called stimulus bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi stood on this floor and said, This bill is about jobs, jobs, jobs. The administration suggested that if we didn't borrow nearly $1 trillion from future generations of Americans and spread it out in the so-called stimulus spending, that unemployment would reach 8 percent. In fact, this very useful chart illustrates the point. The Obama administration said that without passing the stimulus bill, unemployment would go from 7.5 percent upwards over 8 percent. They said, with the stimulus bill being passed, that unemployment would not exceed 8 percent. Now, as people are looking in from the gallery and around the country can see for themselves, the reality is a little bit different. Since the passage of the so-called stimulus bill back in January, not only has unemployment exceeded the high water mark the administration projected at 8 percent, but now it's almost 9.7 percent, and I say with a heavy heart, it might be rising as soon as this Friday. You know, look, we need a strategy for energy independence in this country, a strategy that begins to take us in the direction of new resources and exploiting our current reserves. Our American Energy Act does that. We need health care reform in this country that will lower the cost of health insurance for working families and small businesses and lowers the cost of health care in the long term without a government takeover. Chicago might even need the Olympics in 2016. But more than anything else, we ought to be willing to set all those enterprises aside and work on this. We ought to be willing to do what has always worked to get this economy moving again, and that is fiscal restraint in Washington, D.C., and tax relief for working families, small businesses, and family farms. You combine that with a pro-growth trade policy, you combine that with policies that will result in a stable dollar, you combine that with rational regulatory reform, and you have a prescription for economic renewal and growth. In a word, to borrow the Speaker's phrase, you have a prescription for jobs, jobs, jobs. And I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, apart from providing for the common defense and apart from, I believe, standing up for the values that make this country great, we have no higher calling in this institution than to pursue policies that will create conditions to create growth in this country. And so I challenge my colleagues as we find ourselves talking about government takeovers of health care with their higher taxes, as now the Senate begins in earnest to work on passing a cap-and-trade bill in the name of climate change that will result in a massive national energy tax, why don't we all just do what they're doing back in Alex, Indiana? Let's take a breath. Let's have those debates in the cool of the day, after first and foremost we come together in a bipartisan way, we do what President Kennedy did, we do what President Reagan did, we do what President George W. Bush did after the tower fell, and we pass fast- acting tax relief for working families, small businesses, and family farms this year, and we begin to practice fiscal restraint on Washington, D.C. That combination of traditional American principle applied to this economy will create nothing short of jobs, jobs, jobs, and that's still job one on Capitol Hill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Irving Kristol, an extraordinary modern intellectual leader who sadly passed away recently. Irving Kristol will be remembered as ``perhaps the most consequential public intellectual of the latter half of the 20th century'' as The Daily Telegraph recently memorialized him. Born to Jewish immigrants in New York City in 1920, Irving grew up during the Great Depression, and his experience during those dark times undoubtedly shaped his worldview. Kristol was a Trotskyist in his youth who embraced socialism long before he ever advocated for free markets and tax cuts; however, he broke from liberalism and will be remembered most for his conservative thoughts and writings that had a profound impact on generations of Americans. He worked as the managing editor of Commentary magazine, executive vice president of Basic Books, and in the Mid-1960's, Kristol co- founded The Public Interest, a domestic policy journal that cast wide influence among policymakers. Kristol also served as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, senior fellow emeritus of the American Enterprise Institute, and a member of the board of contributors for the Wall Street Journal in addition to the many books he authored. To honor this distinguished career, President George W. Bush awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Irving Kristol was a thought leader and his forward-thinking ideas shaped policies and helped cement the Republican Party's position as the ``party of ideas.'' A soldier during World War II, Kristol once wrote that ``my army experience permitted me to make an important political discovery . . . The idea of building socialism with the common man who actually existed--as distinct from his idealized version--was sheer fantasy, and therefore the prospects for 'democratic socialism' were nil.'' These beliefs helped shape the policies of President Ronald Reagan's administration in defeating communism. Our former colleague, Speaker Newt Gingrich recently said that it was Irving Kristol's insights that helped create the solutions-oriented Republicanism that led to the Contract with America. Irving Kristol was a cheerful conservative, rejuvenating and shaping American politics, often with a smile. The list of those who will mourn his loss is long and distinguished as he touched many lives, but I take comfort in knowing that both the Kristol name and legacy will live on. I offer my most sincere condolences to his wife Gertrude, and children, Elizabeth and Bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a dear friend to the community of Muncie, Indiana. Lenette Freeman, known to all as a giving and determined woman, passed away following a five year battle with cancer. Though the pain of her passing is deeply felt, we will continue to be inspired by the life she led. Lenette Freeman was born on October 29, 1958, in Evanston, Illinois to Leonard and Dolores Hartowicz. A graduate of Taft High School in Chicago, Lenette went on to receive her bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University. In 1987, Lenette moved to Muncie, where she would become an active leader and vital asset in this eastern Indiana Community. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Rotary Club, the Muncie Endurathon, and co-founder of the youth Academy for Community Leadership. For 4 years, Lenette served as the executive director of the Muncie Children's Museum, a children's educational learning facility in the community. When the City of Muncie authorized the creation of a Mayor's Youth Council in 2002, Lenette volunteered countless hours as a mentor to the young students on the founding Council and remained active in the years to follow. Her impact on the members of the Mayor's Youth Council, as well as the effect the Council had in the community, will be felt far into the future. In 2004, Lenette was named director of the Cardinal Greenway. The Cardinal Greenway is a series of recreational trails spanning 27 miles throughout my district. Lenette was keenly aware of the benefits of these trails and advocated for its continued development. Her passion and dedication to the preservation and extension of the trails will forever be remembered by a grateful community. Just one month after becoming Director of the Cardinal Greenway, Lenette was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumbing to feelings of self-pity and defeat, Lenette said her diagnosis was a ``blessing in disguise'' that resulted in a greater appreciation of people and deeper relationships with them. Despite her illness, Lenette was a determined fighter and continued her work with the Greenway, holding meetings in her home and working via teleconference when necessary. Lenette's determination was evident not only in her work, but in her personal life. She was the proud mother of three boys, and she encouraged each of them to pursue their own individual talents and goals. Fondly referred to as her ``cowboys,'' her boys were undoubtedly a major source of strength and inspiration in Lenette's fight against cancer. Lenette will be sorely missed by her sons, her mother and three siblings, those fortunate enough to know her, as well as the entire Muncie Community. We have lost an important figure in the Muncie community, but I know that Lenette's legacy will not soon be forgotten. Let us keep Lenette's three boys, family, and cherished friends in our prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Irving Kristol, an extraordinary modern intellectual leader who sadly passed away recently. Irving Kristol will be remembered as ``perhaps the most consequential public intellectual of the latter half of the 20th century'' as The Daily Telegraph recently memorialized him. Born to Jewish immigrants in New York City in 1920, Irving grew up during the Great Depression, and his experience during those dark times undoubtedly shaped his worldview. Kristol was a Trotskyist in his youth who embraced socialism long before he ever advocated for free markets and tax cuts; however, he broke from liberalism and will be remembered most for his conservative thoughts and writings that had a profound impact on generations of Americans. He worked as the managing editor of Commentary magazine, executive vice president of Basic Books, and in the mid-1960's, Kristol co-founded The Public Interest, a domestic policy journal that cast wide influence among policymakers. Kristol also served as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, senior fellow emeritus of the American Enterprise Institute, and a member of the board of contributors for the Wall Street Journal in addition to the many books he authored. To honor this distinguished career, President George W. Bush awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Irving Kristol was a thought leader and his forward-thinking ideas shaped policies and helped cement the Republican Party's position as the ``party of ideas.'' A soldier during World War II, Kristol once wrote that ``my army experience permitted me to make an important political discovery. . . . The idea of building socialism with the common man who actually existed--as distinct from his idealized version--was sheer fantasy, and therefore the prospects for `democratic socialism' were nil.'' These beliefs helped shape the policies of President Ronald Reagan's administration in defeating communism. Our former colleague, Speaker Newt Gingrich recently said that it was Irving Kristol's insights that helped create the solutions-oriented Republicanism that led to the Contract with America. Irving Kristol was a cheerful conservative, rejuvenating and shaping American politics, often with a smile. The list of those who will mourn his loss is long and distinguished as he touched many lives, but I take comfort in knowing that both the Kristol name and legacy will live on. I offer my most sincere condolences to his wife Gertrude, and children, Elizabeth and Bill.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the House Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, following the defeat of tyranny throughout Europe in 1945, and in the ashes of the Holocaust, the United Nations was born. It was formed to create a forum to confront dictators before they rose to global power. President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address warned some four decades ago that the United Nations must not become a forum for invective against the West. But as we saw yesterday, with the leader of Libya decrying Israel in terms of ``the Israeli demon,'' as we saw the leader of the discredited regime in Tehran denounce the ``barbaric'' attacks of the Zionist regime and continue to deny the Holocaust in public forums, we have seen the United Nations become not only a forum for invective against the West but especially a forum for invective against our most cherished ally, Israel. Today the American people provide 20 percent of the financial support for the United Nations. Today the American people are asking why.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of a very important friend to my home state of Indiana, Mildred L. Cox. For more than a quarter century, Millie, as she was known, tirelessly advocated for Indiana's credit unions and worked to ensure that they would provide the best financial services to their members. Millie was born to William Clyde and Vonnie Pearl South in Jamestown, Tennessee on May 17, 1940. A graduate of Kennard High School in 1957, Millie's zest for life was obvious to all those who were fortunate to know her. As the ``Team Mom'' of her late husband's little league teams and president of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Mille touched many lives. In her free time, Millie could often be found reading, gardening, or researching her family's genealogy; however, it was her work on behalf of Indiana credit unions that will cast Millie's most lasting legacy. Millie joined the staff of the Indiana Credit Union League in February of 1977, serving as secretary in the Governmental Affairs Department. Due to her tremendous work ethic, Millie was first promoted in 1980 and two years later, she became the department's legislative coordinator. In this position, Millie began actively lobbying the Indiana Statehouse and U.S. Congress on behalf of Indiana's credit unions. Millie soon became a recognizable figure both at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. She was known for her passionate convictions and spent a great deal of time educating others with regard to the legislative process, as well as strongly encouraging political involvement. In 1986, Millie became the Vice President of Governmental Affairs and served as a liaison between the credit unions and regulatory agencies that shape policy. Upon her retirement in 2003, Millie had amassed a legacy of service that will be remembered for generations to come. Of the many honors she received, the late Governor of Indiana, Frank O'Bannon awarded Millie with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash. The Indiana General Assembly adopted a resolution honoring Millie's service as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs in 2003, and each year, the Indiana Credit Union Foundation now awards the Millie Cox Award. It is presented to a deserving recipient that best exemplifies Millie's qualities in advocating on behalf of the credit unions. Millie was also blessed with a loving family. She will be sorely missed by her son Curt, her brothers and sisters, extended family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. We have lost an important figure in our community and I have lost a dear friend. Let us keep Millie Cox and her family in our thoughts and prayers as we mark her passing.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. Yesterday, Democrats in the Senate unveiled a much anticipated new compromise on health care reform, and as my late father used to say, ``Here comes the new guy. He looks a lot like the old guy.'' The compromise for government-run insurance is more government-run insurance, but I rise this morning to draw particular attention to a proposal in the compromise that would force Americans who don't have health insurance to buy it. Under the proposal, everybody would be forced to buy government-approved policies, and if you don't, families could face tax penalties of $3,800 per year and, individuals, $950 if they don't comply. Well, none other than candidate for President, now President, Barack Obama opposed such mandates. He said in a primary debate in January of '08 that you can mandate it, but there are still going to be people who can't afford it, and if they can't afford it, the question is: What are you going to do about it? More memorably, the President said on CNN's American Morning in February of '08 that if a mandate were the solution, we could try to solve homelessness by mandating everybody to buy a house. Mr. President, I couldn't have said it better myself. The President was right. Mandates are not the answer. Let's scrap this government-run insurance plan and work in a bipartisan way to lower costs without more government, more mandates and more taxes.

Mr. PENCE

Mr. PENCE. I rise today in opposition to the resolution of disapproval of Mr. Wilson. A friend of mine back in Indiana likes to say that Washington, D.C., is 100 square miles surrounded by reality. That never felt truer than it does today. Think about it. Our economy is struggling, families are hurting, and Congress is poised to demand an apology from a man who has already apologized. Extraordinary. First, let me stipulate that Joe Wilson is a good man and a man of integrity. He is a devoted husband to his beloved Roxanne, a proud father of four American servicemen. I have traveled with Joe into some pretty tight spots, like many of my Democrat colleagues have. I have seen his devotion to our soldiers. I have never failed to be inspired by his love for the men and women of this country in uniform, his love of his country, and his constituents. The Old Book tells us a harsh word stirs up anger. We might have seen a little bit of that last week. In the midst of a highly partisan speech by the President of the United States, Joe made a mistake. Immediately after the speech was over, Joe recognized his mistake and he offered his sincere apology to the President and the President's staff. And he was right to apologize. But it's important to note that, despite his admitted error, the broader national interest was actually served. The American people didn't send us here just to get along. They sent us here to get it right. Ironically, because of Joe Wilson's outburst, we have been engaged in nearly a week-long debate about what's really in H.R. 3200. In fact, now the American people know there's nothing in the Democrat's bill in the House that requires an individual to verify their identity or citizenship, leaving open the very possibility of undocumented workers receiving health care benefits. This was concurred in by the Congressional Research Service that noted in the absence ``of a provision in the bill specifying the verification procedure, undocumented immigrants could receive taxpayer-subsidized health benefits.'' If you need any further proof, the White House clarified their position last Friday, stating their support for verification expressly of an individual's citizenship. Despite the controversy and the sound and the fury, Congress has a shot to get it a little more right than they would have otherwise. Let me speak, as I close, about the broader issue of bringing this resolution to the floor of the Congress today. I was home in Indiana yesterday. Hoosiers were shocked with the news that one of our most storied companies, Eli Lilly and Company, was announcing 5,500 layoffs. I was in Evansville, Indiana, in August, on the very day that Whirlpool announced they were closing a factory and sending more than a thousand jobs out of that city and out of this country forever. More than 2 million jobs have been lost since the so-called stimulus bill was passed. Fifteen million Americans were out of work. Yet here we are, taking time in the people's House to demand an apology from a man who has already apologized. The American people want better. The American people want less politics and more jobs. They want Congress to set aside petty partisan politics and come together to take action to get this economy moving again. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. PENCE. Last Wednesday was not a good day in the House, but today is worse. Today we see politics overwhelming this institution. The American people are tired. So let me say again, without the din of the gavel, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution, put attention back on the work that the American people sent us here to perform, and that is to serve the interests of their families and the interests of this Nation with everything we've got. I'm with Joe; vote ``no.''