Tom Price

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I initially want to start and thank the chairman and staff of the Education and Workforce Committee, and Members on both sides, cosponsors on both sides of the aisle here, for their support and their assistance as we bring this important resolution forward. A couple of quotes from the Hart-Rudman Commission report in 2001: ``The harsh fact is that the United States need for the highest quality human capital in science, mathematics and engineering is not being met. Another reason for the growing deficit in high-quality human capital is that the American kindergarten through 12th grade education system is not performing as well as it should.'' And then just a year and a half ago, the former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich said, ``The biggest challenge for the United States domestically is to fundamentally, profoundly overhaul math and science education. This is a real crisis.'' Mr. Speaker, in order to sustain America's economic growth and national security, United States must remain at the cutting edge of innovation and ingenuity in such fields as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, often referred to as STEM. And staying at the cutting edge will only happen by putting the right workforce in place for the 21st century. Creating the 21st century workforce begins by answering the domestic demand for occupations like scientists and engineers. In fact, the demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate of all other occupations over the next decade. Already the Federal Government makes a sizeable investment to promote STEM-related occupations through education initiatives. But if the Federal Government is going to continue to have such a role, it makes sense to take a look at the current Federal programs, the total investment of those programs and gauge the effectiveness of those programs. In October 2005, the Government Accountability Office released a study on Federal STEM programs and concluded the Federal Government funds 207 education programs across 13 separate Federal agencies. In total, those programs cost $2.8 billion in fiscal year 2004. However, only 51 of the 207 programs received $10 million or more, meaning that most received not a substantial investment. In the study, the GAO went on to conclude that before adopting any changes, it is important to know the extent to which existing STEM education programs are appropriately targeted and making the best use of available Federal resources. Based upon the recommendations of the GAO, Congress went on to establish the Academic Competitiveness Council in order to identify all Federal education programs with a math and science focus. The primary duties of the council are to determine the effectiveness of each program and identify areas of overlap or duplication. Now, the rudimentary evidence points to a system that is fragmented and in need of much better coordination. Congress is eagerly anticipating the report of the Academic Competitiveness Council to see how the larger facts bear out, and to that end the Department of Education and other Federal agencies should be commended for their rapid response in creating the council and their aggressiveness in finding the truth. But as Congress examines the investments made on math and science education, the effort also must focus on duplication and standards of evaluation. Federal resources are precious, and it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that money is not being thrown at repetitive or duplicative efforts and that these programs can be properly monitored for their effectiveness. Instead of spreading money around on programs that span the Federal Government and lack an overall coherent plan, Congress must direct the money to the best possible use in a consistent manner. The recommendations of the Academic Competitiveness Council should be closely watched and bring semblance to math and science education programs. This resolution would move us in that direction. So I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution. Now is the time to affirm the importance of such an investment, but also to properly evaluate the recommendations produced by the council. As America looks to sustain its economic vitality and national security, investments in the field of science, technology, engineering and math are too important to leave fragmented and without proper guidance. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for his support, and yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 421.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to once again reiterate my thanks to the ranking member and to Mr. Davis for their support and for the support of all the cosponsors on both sides of the aisle who understand and appreciate the importance of this resolution. I am so pleased to stand with both Republicans and Democrats who appreciate that Federal resources are precious, but also that they are finite. It is our responsibility, Congress' responsibility, to provide the oversight and to be certain that hard-earned taxpayer money is wisely spent. This resolution is truly a win-win. It allows Congress to be certain that the money is being spent effectively, and it reiterates our appreciation and support for increasing the interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the following correspondence. Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, June 6, 2006. Hon. Sherwood Boehlert, Chairman, Committee on Science, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Boehlert: Thank you for your recent letter regarding the consideration of H. Con. Res. 421, expressing support for Greater Opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs. I appreciate your efforts to improve the text of the resolution. When the bill is considered on the floor, the changes you have suggested will be included in a manager's amendment. I also appreciate your agreement to not request a sequential referral and your willingness to forgo consideration of H. Con. Res. 421 by your committee. I agree that waiving consideration of H. Con. Res. 421 in no way diminishes or alters the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science. I will include your letter and this response in the Congressional Record during the bill's consideration on the House floor. Sincerely, Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, Chairman.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 421) expressing the sense of Congress and support for Greater Opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (GO-STEM) programs, as amended.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I do.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for his comments and appreciate his concerns regarding the wording and the accuracy thereof, and we look forward to working with him as this process moves forward, and I appreciate his support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Department of Homeland Security awarded a contract to a private company for limousine and shuttle services for its employees for $22 million. All of our budget discussions are indeed discussions about priorities, and Mr. Kuhl and I would suggest that this simply is an issue of priorities. This amendment shifts $22 million in funds previously used to pay for limousine services to increase the much- needed FIRE grants program. Created by Congress in 2003, the SAFER Grants are meant to help communities with career, volunteer, and combination fire departments to meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards, and to fulfill traditional missions of fire departments that antedate the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. These SAFER Grants will help fire departments meet these minimum industry standards prescribed by National Fire Protection Association Standards 1710 and 1720. It seems to both Mr. Kuhl and to me that our priorities as a Nation should be for FIRE and SAFER Grants and not limousines, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to take these few short moments and bring a little more positive perspective, a brighter outlook, and hopefully a little more unifying message than we have just heard and, frankly, than we often hear in the United States House Chamber, especially by some of my good friends from the other side of the aisle. We call this the Official Truth Squad. I thank the leadership and the conference for allowing me to come and share a few words tonight. The Official Truth Squad grew out of a frustration on the part of the freshmen class of the Republican Conference. We all were elected in 2004, 24 strong, now 26 of us here in the United States House of Representatives. After a relatively few number of months, we grew frustrated with the fact that there was a lot of misinformation and a lot of distortion and a lot of frankly deception that was going on here. And so what we wanted to do was to put together a group of folks that would come to the House floor and try as best we could to provide some truth, some facts to the situations that we address here in the United States House of Representatives. We have just gotten back, Mr. Speaker, from a week at home, a district work period, over the Memorial Day week. I heard from constituent after constituent about two big issues. One was illegal immigration, obviously the largest issue we have to deal with as a Nation right now. But the second one in meeting after meeting after meeting with constituent after constituent all across my district on the north side of Atlanta was people asking why on earth is Congress so divided. Why is it so partisan? Why do you have the kind of sniping that goes on? And I am loathe to answer that question because it is so difficult to understand why there are many in this Chamber who are not interested in working positively or productively together. It just boggles my mind. These are not Democrat problems or Republican problems, Mr. Speaker; these are American problems. And American problems deserve a united Congress working together. So what you have just heard in the last 15 minutes is an individual who will tell you that, quote, ``this is a Republican Congress problem.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, we do better if we work together. The fact is that it is extremely difficult to get anything moving forward positively in Congress without the support of many different folks. And so we work better when we work together. What you hear so often is what I call the politics of division. The politics of division is so destructive, they do a disservice to every single one of us in this Nation. I tried to put some words to the consequences of the politics of division, and I think I have found a quote. I have shared it with you before, Mr. Speaker, and it comes from the Reverend William Boetcker, who was a philosopher and leader around the time of the late 19th century and early 20th century. He described what he said was a social philosophy and he attributed it to Abraham Lincoln. Nobody can actually determine whether President Lincoln actually said these words, but Reverend Boetcker talked about them, and I think they crystallize and capture my concern, my suspicion about what the consequences are of this politics of division that is so destructive. He said, ``You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You can't help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer, you cannot encourage the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred, and you cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. Now, Mr. Speaker, that kind of crystallizes, I think, what is a unifying American philosophy. It is a philosophy that would serve us extremely well here in the United States House of Representatives. How often do you hear people just castigate out individuals who are more wealthy than others, destroying the rich in an effort to build up the poor. It doesn't work that way, Mr. Speaker. It doesn't work that way. Our system never has. Our system never has done that. And so the Official Truth Squad tries to bring some credibility and truth to these discussions. We have adopted a motto which is a quote from a wonderful United States Senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan from the State of New York. And this quote, I think, makes it so that everybody has to be held accountable. And what Senator Moynihan said is that everyone is entitled to their opinion. And they are, and opinions are here in the countless number. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but they're not entitled to their own facts. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but they are not entitled to their own facts, which is why it is so, frankly, troubling, Mr. Speaker, that the Blue Dog group gets up here night after night, week after week and talks about how they want to be fiscally responsible. You know, we used to say that folks who were politicians that said one thing at home and did something different in Washington weren't being responsive to their constituents. Well, the Blue Dogs have perfected the art of saying one thing in Washington and doing another thing in Washington. And we will use some facts, Mr. Speaker. Here are some facts. You want to talk about facts? During the fiscal year 2006 budget, this was the plan of the Blue Dogs and the Democrats. Instead of being responsible about spending, they offered programs that would have spent 21.5 more billion dollars. You didn't hear that from folks on the other side of the aisle. That is the truth, Mr. Speaker. That is the truth. How many in new taxes? $54 billion in new taxes. Talk to me now about what the truth is and what is being proposed and what is being said in Washington and what is being voted on in Washington and what is being said back home. How many mandatory savings? The Republican conference, all on their own, in a very difficult way, because we got no cooperation from folks who will tell you one thing at home, in fact, they will tell you one thing, that same thing in Washington, but they will do exactly the opposite. We gained $40 billion this savings with the Deficit Reduction Act. Earlier this year, how much mandatory savings on the part of the other side? Zero. Zero, Mr. Speaker. That is the truth. That is a fact. That is not opinion. That is a fact. The bills that they brought forward, the Blue Dogs, my good colleague just before me, talked about wanting a balanced budget. We have given them an opportunity to vote on a balanced budget. In fact, we did so just 3 or 4 weeks ago here on the floor of the House of Representatives. Not a single one of those 37 Blue Dogs voted in favor of that balanced budget. Not one. They talk about making certain that you pay as you go, that you only pay for programs that you have the money for. We have offered that on the floor of the House, Mr. Speaker. We do not get the support of the Blue Dogs. They talk about having a rainy day fund. Doesn't it make wonderful sense to have a rainy day fund because we know year after year after year we will have emergencies like Katrina or other emergencies. There is an average of $20 billion annually where there are emergencies that need Federal money during the course of any given year on average. $20 billion. So what does the Republican Congress propose that we are being accused of doing? In fact, what we do propose is a rainy day fund in the budget that we just adopted for fiscal year 2007. How many Members of the Blue Dog, how many of those 37 Blue Dogs voted in favor of that rainy day fund? Mr. Speaker, not one. Not one. Same number that we got when we talk about the mandatory savings. Zero. Not one of them support it. I want to talk about a little positive information about this economy because you won't, you may not hear about it on the nightly news. You may not read about it in your newspapers. You certainly won't hear about it from some folks who want to make certain that they practice this politics of division and this politics of deception. Did you see the new job figures, Mr. Speaker, last month, the month of May? 75,000 new jobs created. And this economy, over the past 12 months has created 1.9 million new jobs. 1.9 million new jobs. More than 5.3 million new jobs since August of 2003. The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.6 percent, lower than the average of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Mr. Speaker, a picture oftentimes says it so much better than any of us can, so let me see if I can show you the picture of that kind of job growth that we have seen over the past 3 years. Here it is on a graph. Here we are in January 2002 with unemployment up at about 5.7 to 8 percent. Here is the job growth at that time. And then on the bottom, we have the number of months going by. We haven't even gotten to this month. But earlier this year, what has happened to the unemployment rate? It has gone down, Mr. Speaker. What's happened to the job growth? It has gone up significantly. Again, 5.3 million new jobs since August of 2003. So the curious individual, the individual who wanted to solve problems and work positively and productively on behalf of the American people would say well, what happened when this seemed to change, when unemployment rates began to go down, when the job growth began to go up? What happened? What occurred there? Well, lo and behold, Mr. Speaker, you know what happened. We had tax decreases, appropriate tax decreases, responsible tax decreases. By making certain that Americans got to keep more of their own money, and when you allow Americans to keep more of their own money, what happens? They spend it and they save it in wise ways and then the economy flourishes. So because of the tax policies of this Congress, of this Congress, and this administration, we have seen increasing job growth and decreasing unemployment. What else about the economy is going on? Revised reports show the fastest real gross domestic product growth in over 2\1/2\ years in the first quarter. Real GDP growth grew at an annual rate of 5.3 percent in the first quarter. Productivity increased at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the first quarter. Hourly compensation, real hourly compensation rose at a 3.2 annual percentage rate in the first quarter. Personal income increased at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in April. Since January of 2001, real after tax income has risen by 12.9 percent. Why, Mr. Speaker? Because of tax policies, appropriate responsible tax policies put in place by this Congress, this administration, this leadership. And oftentimes, in spite of what you hear at home, and in spite of what you hear by my friends on the other side of the aisle, oftentimes, more often than not, frankly, without a single individual helping on that side of the aisle. In fact, they come down and they say these tax decreases, the tax reductions will destroy the economy, will throw people out on the streets. But, Mr. Speaker, you know what happens. What happens is that unemployment goes down, job growth goes up, and in fact, sometimes they will even say that at 1 minute and then they will vote for the same thing that they just said was awful, just said was awful just a moment before that. Mr. Speaker, truth is so doggone important in the public discourse. Remember, you can have your own opinions, but you are not welcome to your own facts. You have got to talk about facts. And that is why the Official Truth Squad takes the opportunity as often as possible to come down here and talk about facts, talk about facts with the American people because the politics of division again, does a disservice to every single American. Mr. Speaker, we live in a glorious Nation, a wonderful Nation, a Nation that is still seen by men and women around the world as a beacon of liberty and a repository of hope. I am proud to serve in the United States House of Representatives and to have the opportunity to share a positive, productive perspective and vision with my colleagues, and I hope that we can be joined by more and more colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to solve the incredible challenges that we have before us as a Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, there are some agreements here. One is that this is a long-standing discussion and battle and it is in ongoing litigation in the court. It is a battle between some States, but I do not know that there is not a whole lot of agreement. Everybody says that we ought to let the courts decide, but those who are opposed to this amendment begin the double talk at that point. If this amendment fails, the Corps of Engineers will not be able to follow the court order. On January 6 of this year, the D.C. court ordered the corps to undertake the NEPA process ``as expeditiously as practicable.'' Section 110 that was put in the bill would not allow them to do so. Curiously, Alabama informally requested that the judge stay the corps from proceeding with the NEPA analysis or updating the water control plans, but she refused to do so. Alabama itself says let the courts decide, and we agree. Let the courts decide, not an amendment which was inserted into this bill without discussion. By accepting the language in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, Congress is inserting itself both into the three-State negotiation on State water rights and a legal issue which has been ongoing. Support the Deal amendment.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and applaud the inauguration this past weekend of Iraq's new permanent unity government. For 3 years, democracy has been coming to Iraq, and now it is officially here. Millions have participated in the process, voting and debating, and now the people of Iraq finally have their own sovereign, democratically elected government. The Iraqis have overcome huge obstacles, uncertainty, threats, violence and fear, but have continued to stand firm for the most noble of ideals, freedom and democracy. In just 3 years, we have seen a tyrannical oppressive dictatorship removed and a fully sovereign democracy born. Their new government is one of unity with Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis all serving in prominent leadership roles. All the people of Iraq may proudly stand up and say, this is their government, their country, and they will honor and protect it. Mr. Speaker, the historic significance of this event cannot be overestimated. From this day forward, we must always look at Iraq as a nation of independence, a nation of freedom and a nation of democracy. May it always be.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the continued good work by an Atlanta-based company in helping rebuild the hurricane ravaged gulf coast. Nine months after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the area, Home Depot continues to play a lead role in reconstruction. The region remains in need, and to date Home Depot has contributed over $11 million to the relief efforts, and their employees have volunteered countless hours and resources to help rebuild the region. The company has vowed to continue their work to make sure that the region realizes that rebirth. And while it may be easy for a company to pledge support early when the spotlight is on, it is admirable to see Home Depot still out there with hammer and nails in hand months after the media frenzy has subsided. While time has passed, Home Depot's enthusiasm and compassion for the victims of this disaster has not. It is important to recognize these ongoing efforts and all the people continuing to aid in the recovery. Mr. Speaker, the gulf coast region remains in need of a helping hand, and Home Depot is an outstanding example of corporate responsibility and compassion.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, May is the first annual Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month. Unfortunately, this syndrome, which affects nearly 60,000 Americans and 1.5 million people worldwide, is still largely unrecognized by the healthcare community. In 1986, the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation was established to research, support, and awareness for those suffering from this potentially debilitating illness. A heritable connective tissue disorder, EDS, in its most severe circumstances, weakens the vascular system making it rupture. This potential for complication is coupled with an inadequate level of funding and recognition which all too often leads to a lack of diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. Early detection is the key to an effective treatment and affords the individual suffering from EDS the opportunity to manage their syndrome and enhance the quality of life. It is imperative that, in the absence of a cure, we in Congress join hands with the healthcare community to focus more attention on this matter. Accurate detection and sustained treatment will lead to a more fulfilling life for those afflicted with EDS. I am pleased to have this opportunity to applaud the efforts made by the brave men and women living with this illness as well as the countless friends, families and health professionals that have committed their time and expertise.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a group of true American patriots from Georgia. This past Monday, I had the ultimate privilege to welcome home from Iraq members of the B-Company First Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment of the 48th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. These brave men and women, known as the Rough Riders, have just returned home after a year-long tour of duty in south Baghdad. The B- Company First Battalion patrolled the streets gathering intelligence, looking for weapon caches, and keeping the peace in a hostile area. Each of these patriots made remarkably selfless sacrifices for us, for their country, leaving behind family, friends, and careers to protect the liberty and freedoms we cherish in this Nation. It is only because of the brave men and women like the 108th that we are able to enjoy these freedoms. Our level of respect and appreciation for these soldiers should truly know no bounds. We all, as Americans, owe thanks to them and to all our armed services who risk their lives to protect all of us. Mr. Speaker, the B-Company First Battalion are real-life heroes. We owe them our unwavering gratitude and support. God bless each and every one of them.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, May 21, 2006, the Congregation Etz Chaim of Marietta, Georgia will mark its 30th anniversary. As the first Jewish congregation in Marietta, Etz Chaim has grown from its beginning in 1975 to be a leader today in the Jewish community of Atlanta. In celebrating their commitment to faith and service, the congregation is honoring two of their most distinguished members: Judy and Stan Fineman. Over the years, Judy and Stan have dedicated their time and energy to Etz Chaim with a selfless devotion. They share in the excellent reputation and tradition of this congregation, and I applaud their generous contributions to our community. On this anniversary, we have the opportunity to reflect on the message of excellence and altruism Etz Chaim has brought to Marietta. Spurred by their spiritual leader Rabbi Shalom Lewis and embodied in each individual member, the principles of the message of Etz Chaim are as important today as they were 30 years ago: A ``commitment to our faith and tradition, community service, giving to others, life long learning, and the passing of Judaism from generation to generation.'' It is my privilege to join Congregation Etz Chaim in looking forward to a future of continued growth and service to others.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to talk about a group of exceptional students in my district. After coming to Congress last year, I put together several advisory councils made up of constituents. These panels perform research, investigations and advise me on the needs and concerns of my district, our State and our Nation across a variety of different areas. Most recently, my Youth Advisory Council presented their report. Made up of 46 students representing 25 local high schools, the council met monthly to discuss and debate three very pertinent topics of their own choosing: Social Security, tax reform, and illegal immigration. During that time they also compiled and reviewed data from surveys administered to fellow students. Much to my delight, the most consistent conclusion in all three working groups was that many of our young Americans are thirsty for more information on these issues. They want to be a part of the national dialogue. I am excited to have had the opportunity to hear their voices. The information and conclusions they presented to me were extremely thorough and valuable. I thank them for their time and effort. I will work with colleagues here to implement many of their recommendations.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Or you go into junk yards, they are scrapping metal just to give them some body armor. That is despicable. That is never going to happen again. We are going to make sure of that.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam Speaker, last night the President spoke to the American people about his plan for establishing a secure border and a sound immigration policy. The highlight of President Bush's plans is to send up to 6,000 National Guard troops to assist Border Patrol agents, and I applaud the President for taking steps necessary to try and secure the borders. For far too long this Nation has had a policy of benign neglect, one that has left our system of immigration fundamentally broken. National Guard troops are an excellent short-term solution. However, this action must not be part of a real effort to enforce our laws and must not be coupled with a thinly veiled attempt to grant amnesty. The American people want assurances that our sovereignty and security are being respected. America is a nation of immigrants. It is built upon the dreams and sacrifices of those who came to share in our common goals of liberty, fairness and adherence to law. It is in celebration of these principles and in honor of those who came before us that we should act in respect for law and in respect for liberty.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the evidence is crystal clear: 32 straight months of job growth, 5.3 million new jobs created since August of 2003, the stock market within sight of a record high and homeownership at an all-time high. These are all good things. So how should we keep the good things going? Continue the policies that brought them about. The House should ensure that we build on this success by supporting the tax conference report. Positive action today will prevent, prevent, a tax hike on millions of hardworking American families and small businesses that would greatly harm our economy. By extending the reduced rates on capital gains and dividends, all Americans, all Americans, will be able to plan for the future with a greater sense of stability. Furthermore, we will extend alternative minimum tax relief for Americans. The AMT was created in the 1970s, and times were much different. Today, an unacceptable number of families are exposed to this unfair tax, and this needs to stop. Mr. Speaker, the facts are crystal clear: The Republican progrowth economic policies adopted by this House and this Congress are leading the way, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put politics aside, vote for the American people, vote today to prevent a tax increase on millions of hardworking American families.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I thank the gentleman from Illinois once again for his leadership and for yielding on this issue. As you mentioned, right below those top button issues for folks all across this Nation, but especially in the suburban area, if you ask them what is important to them, education and health care are truly right there. They are concerned about being able to have access to health care. They are concerned about being able to afford health care. They are concerned about health care for their parents, and they are concerned about the accuracy of the records that are kept regarding health care and the portability, moving those records around. As a physician, I practiced medicine for over 20 years; and so many things have changed in medicine, the different medications that we use, the different surgical procedures that we perform. The vast majority of those were not around 20 years ago, but what is around still, not just from 20 years ago but from 40 years ago and 60 years ago is the paper record of one's health care. Most of us go into the doctor and the paper chart shuffles through the office. That was not all bad in that time, but today we can cut down on the errors in health care. We can cut down on the cost of health care. We can improve health care access to folks, to go from a primary care physician to a special physician by the use of health information technology. Our colleague, Nancy Johnson from Connecticut, is introducing, along with the Suburban Caucus, the Health Information Technology Promotion Act. It will result in a remarkable incentive to fully promote electronic medical records that will cut the costs and reduce medical errors by over 80 percent is what the statistics will tell you. Civilian patient records in New Orleans were wiped out. One of the things that made it so was that there was not the portability of health care for those individuals. But the electronic records for veterans were fully protected and available at any VA hospital. This is just a case in point for how much advantage we could gain as a Nation having health records available in an electronic form. Over 60 percent of Americans support this, and it is imperative that we move in this direction for safety reasons, for access reasons, and for ease of availability of health care for all citizens across this Nation, and especially in our suburban areas. So I look forward again to working with my colleague from Illinois and all members of the Suburban Caucus and the House to promote these positive, positive agenda items in the area of health and elsewhere.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I tell you, one of the things that excites me so about this suburban agenda is that it addresses real issues of real people, in real life, in real-time. Oftentimes, we deal with issues and they seem kind of out there. They are far away, and they are issues that are difficult to get your arms around; but I tell you, in my community, the issue of gangs and gang violence has reared its head. When we have neighborhood meetings or you get together with PTA groups and you talk about this, folks just shake their head. They say, It doesn't make any sense. How can this be going on? That is why I am so excited about the suburban agenda because what it does is bring issues that people are talking about every single day in our districts back at home and saying, Why can't we do something about that? That is what Congressman Reichert has brought forward. H.R. 5291 is the Gang Elimination Act of 2006. Will it eliminate gangs? No, but it will go a long, long way because what it does is charge the Attorney General with identifying those gangs that are the most egregious, that are the most violent, that are the most threatening to our communities all across this Nation, a lot of suburban areas, but all across this Nation and says, Let's get a strategy down to make certain that we address these and start knocking these gangs down, start making it so that these gangs are not able to function in the way that they are able to function right now and not able to threaten our families and our children.

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Thank you so much. This is another one of those items, as you mention, it is just common sense. When moms and dads at home wonder why their kids are subjected to the kinds of threats that they are at school, when a teacher stepping in at an appropriate time could have solved that problem, it just doesn't make any sense to them. And you mention why it needs to be done at the Federal level. When individuals have access to Federal courts for these kinds of issues, then it is imperative that Congress step in and act because the threat of liability of a teacher ought not get in the way of the safety of our children. When you and I were going to school, our parents would say, look, I don't care what you do, but you ought not upset the teacher. The teacher is right. The teacher is, in essence, your parent while at school, in loco parentis. I am not an attorney, but what that means is that the teacher can act as the parent while the child is at school. When the child is at home, the parent certainly is able to search the child. So that ought to be the case at school as well. And it is important because of the day and time that we live in. Our children are subjected to risks that you and I never dreamed about, and so it is imperative that adults that are on the scene, the teachers in the classroom, administrators in the school, be trusted to make the right decisions in these areas and not be exposed to liability, not have to think in the back of their mind, if I do that, will I get sued. That's just foolishness, and it threatens our children. So I am proud once again that you brought that forward.