Erik Paulsen

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. I rise to offer an amendment, Mr. Chair.

Mr. PAULSEN. If I could just close by saying I appreciate the leadership of the Chair and of the gentlewoman, and I extend my appreciation for the support of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to a gentleman who has a great understanding of the importance of medical technology and who is emerging as one of the more thoughtful members of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

Mr. PAULSEN. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today to offer an amendment that I am hopeful will help to strengthen and accelerate advancements in medical technology. My amendment would require the SBA to conduct a study that would determine the feasibility of a program that would help bring funding to startup medical technology firms. The amendment would also require the SBA to report its suggestions on how to best structure such a program. It is my hope with this information, Congress will be able to strategically implement a program to help fund medical technology. Programs of this nature are already in place and exist for renewable energy and for rural manufacturing. This amendment would simply look at also expanding this to medical technology. Medical device companies face startup costs that are very steep, and a program under the SBA would help bring funding to these companies and allow them to get their products to market quicker. Mr. Chair, we know very well that the development of these new cost- saving technologies allow patients to lead longer, healthier and more productive lives. These technologies also improve the quality of health care in America while helping to fight rising health care costs. Furthermore, the medical technology industry is a proven job-creator. According to one study, the medical technology industry nationwide employs more than 350,000 people. These are good, high-paying jobs. The average salary of a med tech employee is higher than the State salary average in 49 of the 50 states; and in some States, medical technology jobs pay nearly 25 percent higher than the State average salary. Many of these jobs are also often in the area of research and development, which keeps America in the forefront of innovation. It should also be noted that these companies are truly America's small businesses and success stories. Of these companies, 71 percent have fewer than 10 employees. It fits right in with this bill, Mr. Chair. A week ago, I held a field hearing in my district on the issue of medical technology, and we heard firsthand from small businesses in my district about the work that they are doing and the jobs they are creating. As cochair of the Medical Technology Caucus, I would ask support for this amendment so we can have Congress spur additional advancement in medical technology. I urge adoption of my amendment and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House today to remember an American hero, Major Tad Hervas of Coon Rapids, who died in Iraq on October 6. It's so easy for us in the hustle and bustle of life to focus on our own challenges and our own concerns, and it's only natural for us to seek as much comfort and security as we can get in our own lives. But then something happens that comes to remind us that whatever success, security or hopes that we have depends on the sacrifice and the service of those who offer their lives in defense of our Nation. Everything that we have as Americans was built on such a foundation over many generations. Every privilege that we will enjoy in the future will be bought with the heroic way our military performs its essential duty. In the community of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, we continue to mourn the death of Major Hervas, who truly embodied the sacrifice that makes America what it is today. Tad graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1979. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he began a successful career in the military. Major Hervas served in the Air Force in the very first Gulf War. After 9/11, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard, joining Minnesota's great 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. He was serving his second tour in Iraq when he lost his life in Basra just a few weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, I have never worn our country's uniform myself, but one of the greatest honors of this job is all the opportunities I have to spend with those who do so. Hollywood movies tend to glamorize military folks and portray them as super men or super women, but what I have found to be so truly amazing is that they are just regular people who achieve super things. What makes them special is their drive to answer to a higher calling and truly put service to country above everything else. As the Scriptures affirm, there is no greater love that a person can show than to lay down their lives for their friends. Major Hervas, over a period of decades, laid aside his own comfort, security and personal plans for his family, friends and neighbors, including millions of people who never, ever knew him. We owe him a debt of gratitude that we can truly never repay. We stand with his father, Ned, and his mother, Barb, and his whole family in grief, and we assure them that we will do everything we can to try to help ease their pain in his passing. Basra, Iraq is a long way from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, in every conceivable way. I know that the inspiration for Major Hervas' service was a love for his country and a desire to see freedom grow around the world so that others can enjoy the same freedoms that we all do. By creating a safer place for freedom to grow, Major Hervas gave a gift to future generations of Iraqis who may be able to live better than their predecessors were able to do. Mr. Speaker, as we get back to debating health care and other important issues here like the economy, I want to make sure, and I hope that we will all take a moment to remember Major Tad Hervas and his sacrifice for all of us. He and thousands like him make our freedom possible and our future bright. Let us do everything in our power to make this a Nation that is worthy of the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to another job-killing proposal that only Washington could dream up. Only here would people proclaim to lower the cost of health care by taxing it and making it more expensive. Just today it has been reported that House leadership is now likely to include a $20 billion excise tax on medical devices as part of their health care reform bill. This new proposal will halt innovation and ultimately make health care more expensive for patients. One week ago I held a field hearing in my district about the impact of this innovation tax. I heard from companies both large and small that there will be resultant job losses and cuts to research and development. Mr. Speaker, these proposed taxes are a very wrong-headed approach. Let's get back on the right track and remove this tax so we can keep the jobs we have and make sure that we continue the innovation that is alive and well in both Minnesota and in our Nation.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the recent winners from my congressional district of the 2009 Tekne Awards from the Minnesota High Tech Association. In the 10th year of these awards, the Tekne Awards continue to acknowledge companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota. Of the awards, I can proudly boast that 9 of the 14 winners are from my Third Congressional District. On that note, I would like to recognize the following winners: Minnesota Thermal Science, SearchAmerica, Nonin Medical, Starkey Laboratories, Digital River, Access Genetics, XATA Corporation, and Laurie Toll from Maple Grove schools. Madam Speaker, their accomplishments are proof positive that the spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship is alive and well in Minnesota. I am proud to recognize these Minnesota companies and individuals for their hard work, and I congratulate them on their 2009 Tekne Awards.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to remember the victims of this terrible and often hidden crime and also a time to renew our commitment to eliminating it. I recently had the privilege of participating in the dedication ceremony for a new Peace Garden at Cornerstone Shelter in my district. The garden honors both the victim of the crime as well as those people committed to restoring hope for those who have experienced domestic violence. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has reported that 70,000 primary victims have received services from battered women's shelters and domestic abuse agencies in 2008 alone. Thankfully, we have organizations like Cornerstone who provide needed assistance and resources to victims while working to end domestic violence as a whole. When we bring the light of truth to an issue like domestic abuse, its power to destroy decreases. It's important that we remember the victims of domestic violence and let them know they are not alone as we fight to make the world a better place.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard team for their victory at the Army's recent National Guard Honor Guard competition in Fort Myer, Virginia. The competition featured eight of the most elite honor guard teams from around the country, testing their knowledge, testing their abilities and performing military funeral honors, uniform items and other aspects of military honors. Properly honoring the men and women who have given their lives and service to the United States demands the utmost commitment, attention to detail, and training. The Minnesota National Guard holds that commitment in the highest regard, and their victory in this competition is a testimony to that fact. But as we offer our congratulations to the Minnesota honor guard team, let us also remember those who have given their lives in the name of the United States of America and continue today to recognize those that also work and serve to protect our country each and every day.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, in closing for this side, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, at the end of last month, Iran finally got around to notifying the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency of a previously undisclosed nuclear enrichment facility located on a military base. This additional enrichment facility will allow Iran to make more enriched uranium and make it faster. Now, what this means is that previous estimates on when Iran could potentially achieve a nuclear weapons breakout are now inaccurate and unreliable. What is especially disconcerting to many of us in Congress is that this is supposed to be a civilian facility but it's located on a military base. This raises quite a few red flags, and we must make sure and not allow the Iranian regime to buy even more time. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this is another violation of Iran's obligation under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which requires all members to declare all nuclear facilities and allow inspection. Mr. Speaker, it is high time we begin to act on the threat of a nuclear Iran by demanding action, and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act is one more tool in the toolbox, an important step in moving that direction forward. I ask for its passage, and I commend the leadership again of the chairman for moving this bill in a bipartisan manner forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in strong support for H.R. 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009. The author of this legislation, Chairman Frank, deserves a great deal of credit for helping shepherd this legislation through committee in a very strong bipartisan basis and for his tenacious work in bringing it to the House floor today in a bipartisan manner. I also want to commend my colleague from Illinois, who I know could not be here today, Mr. Kirk, who also has been a champion of this legislation in the past. Mr. Speaker, with the recent disclosure of a second site for enriching uranium in Iran, our relations with that country continue to be at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. The Iranian regime has made no secret of its ambitions to acquire nuclear technology while it continues to engage in human rights violations and suppressing dissent. The U.S. can and should demand that Iran take specific actions, concrete actions, in the near term. This legislation today is going to help in that effort. The Iranian government will be more responsive if the United States can isolate the regime and apply some distinct pressure that will help force Tehran to deliver on its commitments and not merely to do what it has done in the past, and that is use negotiations to merely run out the clock. This legislation increases the economic pressure that is placed on Iran by permitting State governments, local governments and educational institutions to divest from investments related to Iran's energy sector. In addition, the legislation would extend to private actors the ability to consider U.S.-Iran relationships in their investment calculus. This means that registered investment advisors are provided a safe harbor, allowing them to divest from or elect not to invest in securities of companies that invest in Iran's energy sector. Many States, as the chairman had noted, including my own State of Minnesota, have already moved in that direction. But today we have the opportunity to push this important initiative a step closer at the Federal level, and in doing so we can help leverage and we can help slow down Iran's nuclear program and move one step closer to helping diminish this major security threat to the Middle East and the rest of the world. With the recent revelation of the second enrichment site, passage of this legislation is imperative, and it is even more important than it has been in the past. So I would urge immediate passage of H.R. 1327, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Just seeing Dairy Queen as an institution also cooperate with the Girl Scouts to promote their cookie sales is outstanding. So, Madam Speaker, this legislation before us honors an institution that has positively impacted the fabric of America for decades, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. PAULSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue as well. For nearly 100 years, the Girl Scouts have helped girls throughout the United States develop their full individual potential. The first Girl Scout troop was founded on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. And since then, more than 50 million American women have enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood, and that number's still growing. There's over 3.7 million Girl Scouts across the Nation today. And as the father of four daughters, I can speak to the testament where Cassie and Briana were involved in the Girl Scouts themselves, and Tayler and Liesl still are actively participating in the Girl Scouts, and I certainly understand the importance that this institution has had and is having on their life. So through a variety of experiences, ranging from field trips to community service projects to cultural exchanges, the Girl Scouts have helped girls build individual character and skills to succeed in today's world. And by fostering the development of these skills, the Girl Scouts have helped millions of girls contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, their leadership skills and cooperation with others. 2012 will mark the 100th year anniversary of Girl Scouting here in the United States of America. And the legislation before us with the leadership of the gentleman, my colleague from Illinois, as well, would honor this milestone by authorizing the minting of 350,000 $1 coins, and the proceeds from that sale of these commemorative coins would, in turn, go back to the Girl Scouts program which is so important. And the Senate counterpart bill I know, as well, has over 70 cosponsors and is moving forward in a bipartisan manner. I expect it's going to pass swiftly as well. But finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the cookies as well, and I'll put in one more vote. It's been a staple of Girl Scout fundraising for a long period of time all the way back to 1917. But just like my colleagues from Illinois and Georgia, my personal favorite is the Thin Mint.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I just want to rise in support tonight and commend my colleagues from Florida and North Carolina for their support in this effort and bringing attention to this very important issue. As I listened to the personal stories tonight, I couldn't help but think about how this has touched so many different people in so many different ways. As the father of four daughters myself, I certainly have the perspective of wanting to focus early prevention and attention on this issue. I have staff members who have family members who have been afflicted by this terrible disease. I think it is very important to recognize that as we look at October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the efforts that are going on here this evening, the more that we can do as a Congress bipartisanly and across the aisle, especially to drive attention and focus on a disease that is afflicting so many people and is something that is very preventable, as was mentioned. This is the disease that is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States after skin cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer death, after lung cancer, among U.S. women. Twenty-five years ago was the first observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness. We have come a long way since then, but we have a long, long way to go. We must continue to do more to raise awareness of this very serious issue. That is the reason that I am a cosponsor of the gentlelady's legislation from Florida. It does focus the education on the prevention measures which are so critical. I mention that, having four young daughters myself. That is a bill that has 370 cosponsors. There aren't that many pieces of legislation that garner that type of support. It really is a testimony of not only the issue, but the leadership of the gentlelady from Florida. It is an honor to be part of this effort tonight and to drive focus and attention on this. This bill really does focus important attention to early detection, which is the key to preventing and curbing this horrible disease. Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer can and does save lives. Mammograms performed every 1 or 2 years for women aged 40 years or older can reduce mortality by approximately 20 to 25 percent over 10 years. So it works. I was proud last night to highlight an example of two young entrepreneurs, enterprising constituents in my district, that began their own efforts to drive attention on this deadly disease. They started their own lawn care business, but on the side they decided to dedicate a portion of their profits toward breast cancer research. So these two young 15-year-olds have begun one of the most inspiring and philanthropic organizations throughout Minnesota, and now they are trying to drive more attention to this around the country and throughout Minnesota to raise money to focus attention on breast cancer research. It goes all the way down to the younger and youth that are trying to bring attention to this issue. I hope this month serves as a reminder of early detection and screening and working towards a cure for breast cancer. I thank the gentlelady for giving me some time this evening and for her leadership.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Hopkins Police Department for being awarded the 2009 Civil Rights Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. By involving themselves in the Joint Community Policing Project, the Hopkins Police Department has enhanced communication and understanding between the law enforcement community and the multicultural residents of Hopkins. The department is setting a very strong example of leadership on this project through truly connecting with the community whom they protect. I recently met with over a dozen police chiefs as part of my law enforcement advisory committee, and I continue to be very, very impressed with the level of service and dedication shown by our law enforcement community. Congratulations again to the Hopkins Police Department for receiving this recognition and also for working hard for the community that they protect.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to two young and enterprising constituents from my district. Two years ago, friends Max Woodrich and Doug Ellingson, decided to start a lawn mowing business, and their venture was unique in that they decided to use part of their profits to benefit breast cancer research. Today, these 15-year-olds have had their idea turned into one of the most inspiring, philanthropic organizations in Minnesota's recent history. Think Pink Kids is now dedicated to providing education and awareness about breast cancer, constantly working to earn, raise, and donate money for research. They also have the goal of forming Think Pink Clubs in every school and civic organization in Minnesota. One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, but thanks to the commitment of people like Doug and Max--and organizations like Think Pink Kids--the fight will continue until we ultimately defeat this terrible disease.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This deadly disease hits 1 in every 72 women in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. As a husband, brother, and father, I believe it's of the utmost importance to call attention to this disease that hits 20,000 American women every year. In just 2008 alone, over 15,000 women died of ovarian cancer. Cases of this deadly cancer can be very difficult to diagnose because of subtle symptoms that are sometimes confused with many other conditions. When it's detected, however, 9 out of 10 women will survive. However, only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed at an early stage. Let's not only remember those that we have lost to this deadly disease, but as this month ends, let's work together towards creating and improving treatments to save the lives of mothers, sisters, daughters, and all those around us that we love each day.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, just in closing, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a good, bipartisan bill. It was crafted by Senators Dodd and Shelby in consultation with Mr. Watt and Mr. Bachus. It passed the Senate last week under unanimous consent. Although we're in the middle of hurricane season and in a tough conflict in Afghanistan, these powers will expire at midnight 1 week from today if we do not reauthorize them. So I hope that all Members will support this legislation and send it to the President quickly so he can sign it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in strong support of S. 1677, the Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009, and ask for its immediate passage. We deal with many important pieces of legislation in this Chamber, and there's one law that may seem a little bit more obscure--but enacting it is critically important to this country--and that's the Defense Production Act of 1950. While not specifying the purchase of a single weapon system or a single sandbag, it does provide the orderly framework for interventions into the normal functioning of the economy when they are necessary to aid in national defense or in mitigating the results of some disaster. Without this bill, Mr. Speaker, the government would not have been able to acquire on a timely basis special switching equipment to get trains running back into the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina. We wouldn't have been able to quick-order new radio equipment before the first Gulf war to help soldiers from different countries working together in Desert Storm communicate with each other. And we would not have been able to ensure that domestic sources of production for some highly specialized defense equipment for which no company otherwise would see the economic case to produce was made available. This bill before us, Mr. Speaker, authorizes the DPA for 5 years. It removes some archaic language in a text that is nearly 70 years old and reinstates some of its purposes without materially changing the authorities themselves. It changes the way that the government notifies Congress in those specialized domestic production cases and conforms language in sections allowing loan guarantees to match other parts of Federal law. The only real change is the creation of a new Cabinet secretary-level committee which will advise the President on the use of the DPA and to facilitate interagency communications on DPA issues, correcting lines of communication in the executive branch that have been identified for decades. This same committee would report annually to Congress on the use of the DPA with any recommendations for reforms so that we in Congress can keep those important powers current. Mr. Speaker, as evidence of how valuable the Defense Production Act authorities can be, I would like to submit for the Record a story from yesterday's Washington Post that details the work by Army scientist Scott Schoenfeld, who developed some special lightweight armor to protect our troops in the Gulf from a new and deadly type of explosive device that was overcoming vehicles' existing armor plating. The research was done at Aberdeen Proving Ground, but the expedited acquisition authorities in the DPA allowed the Army to secure an adequate supply of the new armor quickly, saving countless lives. More recently, the Department of Defense has also used the DPA as an innovation tool to provide seed money to develop new technologies. One such instance is the development of radiation-hardened microelectronics, which are designed to withstand extremely harsh natural and manmade radiation environments. A few years ago, Honeywell opened a production line devoted to this high-performance technology in my district. This project can be used to produce components for the most sensitive national security systems, and employs 425 highly educated and highly skilled workers in the exacting science of microelectronics in my district. This technology protects our Nation's most critical assets from nuclear and radiological damage and interference. Mr. Speaker, I think it's important to note that the DPA does not itself specify the purchase of any weapon, but rather it is a framework to ensure that there is the least disruption possible to the economy when the government needs to step to the head of the production line to obtain material. It's the jurisdiction of the Financial Services Committee to referee and minimize interferences in the economy while leaving departments such as Defense or Homeland Security or Transportation the actual use of the powers as they are delegated by the President. I hope we have strong support for this important legislation. [From the Washington Post, Sept. 22, 2009] Vehicle Armor Recognized in Army Awards (By Michael E. Ruane) In the deadly contest last year between American experts trying to protect soldiers from roadside bombs and enemy technicians designing the lethal devices, Army scientist Scott E. Schoenfeld often pondered his adversary. The enemy was fielding new so-called EFPs--explosively formed penetrators--that were so potent they were destroying even the most-heavily armored vehicles. As Schoenfeld and his colleagues at the Aberdeen Proving Ground studied captured explosives, the American, who has a PhD in applied mechanics, worried that his opponents might be much like himself. Monday, in a sense, the latest round went to Schoenfeld. He and a team of Army experts were recognized for devising an ``add on'' lightweight armor kit that the Army said has proved resistant to the powerful EFPs. Schoenfeld's work and the efforts of nine other programs deployed in the field last year were recognized as the Army's top inventions of 2008 by its Aberdeen-based Research, Development and Engineering Command. The 10 winners were selected by a panel of soldiers from 30 nominees, said spokesman Robert DiMichele. ``These are actually innovations that have been put into the field that soldiers are using right now,'' he said. ``A lot of these are things that are really innovations that protect the soldier and save soldiers' lives.'' One device was a special gauze bandage designed to stem arterial bleeding. Another was a steel roof to protect Humvee gunners from overhead fire. Another can detect sniper fire and allows a gunner in a vehicle to automatically aim at the source of the fire. Yet another can help detect radio emissions used to detonate makeshift bombs. And another was a kind of armored TV truck that can raise video and other sensing equipment mounted on a 30-foot mast to spot trouble nearby. One of the most lifesaving programs was the add-on armor kit for the Army's mine and ambush resistant vehicles, which had become vulnerable to the penetrating roadside bombs. At Aberdeen, where thousands of captured roadside bombs have been studied, scientists were able to detonate powerful bombs and monitor how they worked. Part of the solution was plastic armor made of high-density polyethylene fibers. ``It's kind of an amazing process,'' Schoenfeld said Monday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal City, where the recognition ceremony was held. ``It's plastic, and the plastic is processed very heavily. It's drawn into fibers. The fibers are very high strength, and they're consolidated into composite panels. And they give very good ballistic performance.'' Schoenfeld said the Army brought captured roadside bombs to Aberdeen and set them off to see how they worked. ``We tested . . . devices ourselves,'' he said. ``We actually detonated many of them.'' Experts measured the explosions with a host of sophisticated instruments, he said. ``We can do X-ray diagnostics, where we actually flash high-energy X-rays and make shadowgraphs of things that are coming off of the IEDs,'' he said, ``so we understand the actual detail, of the penetrators that they form.'' The scientists then study what they call ``terminal effects,'' or what the explosive does to its target, and design armor to counter it. Along the way, he said, the American experts think a lot about the designers of these bombs. ``We try and think, 'What would they do next?' `` he said. ``They have some expertise, and it's pretty obvious what it is. And you start understanding that. And you try and anticipate what else they might do.'' ``I'm worried that I might know'' such an adversary, he said. ``The scientific community is worldwide.'' He said such devices ``very easily could have been'' the work of someone like himself. For now, though, the American scientists seem to have the upper hand. ``The rewarding part,'' Schoenfeld said, was getting back photographs of vehicles blasted by IEDs in which ``people were not getting killed.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate two schools in my congressional district: Our Lady of Grace in Edina and Thomas Jefferson Senior High School in Bloomington. They were both recently named 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. They were just two of 314 schools nationwide to receive this honor. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors elementary, middle, and high schools that display superior academic achievement or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Both of these schools are carrying on a proud tradition we have in Minnesota. Our students consistently score at the top in national assessments and tests, and our educational experience from birth to adulthood rates among the best in the Nation. The Blue Ribbon Schools designation is one of the highest awards the school can ever receive. I congratulate the students, the teachers, the administrators, and the parents who've earned this honor for both Our Lady of Grace and Thomas Jefferson Senior High School.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, as part of Children's Cancer Awareness Month, I rise to call attention to the innovative work of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Each year in the United States, there are approximately 12,400 children who will develop cancer before their 20th birthday. Children's Hospital is helping to combat cancer by embracing a simple motto: ``better journey, better outcomes.'' They believe that the more you can help a child by simply being a kid during treatment, the more likely the cancer will be defeated. Children's Integrative Medicine Program treats children dealing with all types of illnesses and injuries, bringing together the best therapies to help kids and their families. Most importantly, Children's gets results. Their treatment results are consistently among the best in the Nation. Finding out a child has cancer is a terrifying moment for any family. I am proud to recognize that an institution that is working so hard to bring new approaches and a unique philosophy to families facing this terrible disease is successful in helping children get back to living their lives cancer-free.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 215 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Minority Business Development Agency. It was nearly half a century ago that President Nixon recognized the need to stand by minority businessmen and businesswomen advancing the ability of minority businesses to compete financially on a national level. With approximately 40 business centers around the country, the MBDA set up a national network providing minorities access and support to the resources necessary to compete in a global business environment. Access to capital is the primary focus of the MBDA. Since its creation, this Agency has worked alongside more than 25,000 minority business owners to generate $1.85 billion in contracts and financial awards for minority businesses. Mr. Speaker, MBDA also provides minority entrepreneurs with one-on- one assistance in writing their business plans, writing their marketing plans, management and technical assistance, and the financial planning that's necessary to assure adequate funding for business ventures. Since its inception, the MBDA has expanded the scope of its initiatives internationally by participating in the very first U.S. trade mission to Bahrain as well as additional International Trade Administration missions to South America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. As we observe this anniversary, we do need to applaud its continued commitment to the growth of minority businesses by providing access to capital. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers. I would urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Mr. Moore, the leader of the subcommittee, for his leadership on this issue as well and on the subcommittee in general. The legislation before us requires that the Special Inspector General report to Congress on how smaller financial institutions are faring under the TARP program and whether they are gaining access to needed funding. It would also require the Special Inspector General to examine the impact of TARP funding on small businesses. During the August recess, I met with community bankers throughout my district. They outlined their desire to increase their lending to local small businesses that have been frozen out by the credit crunch. Similarly, I met with dozens of small business owners who expressed concerns over access to credit and to capital, key components of their ability to create jobs. This problem was echoed in a recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The article outlined the problems that smaller financial institutions are having in trying to obtain TARP funds. They were primarily local banks that wanted to obtain TARP funds, but they had not received them or had not been given permission to receive them. Mr. Speaker, in hearings held by the Financial Services Committee, we heard concerns that the large institutions may not be increasing their lending and that it was going to be the smaller institutions that would ultimately help revitalize our economy. The problem is the small businesses are not receiving the funds they need to help maintain and to grow their businesses. The reason is simply that those funds are not available. When I asked about the assistance the community bankers, in particular, are getting from TARP, the representatives from the community banks responded by saying, All community banks have lost the trust of the Federal Government's ability to negotiate with them. Now, Mr. Speaker, that concerns me especially if we are looking to get out of the financial and economic mess that we are facing. Community banks make the bulk of their loans to small businesses, and it's the small businesses that have created two of every three net new jobs in the United States since the early 1970s. We need to expand lending so we can create jobs and can grow our economy. The government's ``too big to fail'' approach, which has been the guiding principle for a long time in Washington, also implies ``too small to save.'' This premise is shortsighted; it's inaccurate and it's unfair to smaller institutions and to small businesses. By requiring the Special Inspector General to also examine now and to report the impact on smaller financial institutions as well as on small businesses, this will result in recommendations to both the U.S. Treasury and to Congress on how to improve the TARP program so we can focus on job growth. Above all else, job growth needs to be our number one priority for each of us in Congress. I ask for support, and I urge passage of H.R. 3179. I reserve the balance of my time.