Erik Paulsen

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker and Members, military leaders, national security experts, diplomats, administration officials, Democratic and Republican Members of Congress all agree that sanctions against Iran have worked. Several years ago, 400 Members of Congress in this body--a huge bipartisan majority--voted to increase sanctions on Iran because they recognized that smart, targeted sanctions would curtail the Iranian economy and help unite the world against the Iranian nuclear weapons program. Desperate for sanctions relief, Iran came to the negotiation table. I support diplomatic efforts and was hopeful that the President would be able to bring back a good deal. In fact, 365 Representatives--84 percent of the House--sent a letter to the President, saying we could accept a deal that accomplished four things: had a long-lasting deal that ensured that Iran had no pathway to a bomb; that it fully disclosed the military aspects of its program; that we had anytime, anywhere inspections; and that we would address Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its destabilizing role in the region. Sadly, none of these principles were met under this deal. The President has claimed that this deal is the strongest nonproliferation agreement ever negotiated, but that just isn't true. In our nonproliferation agreement with Libya, we demanded that they completely eliminate centrifuges, halt all advanced centrifuge research and development, that they completely eliminate their enriched uranium stockpile, that they give unfettered access to the IAEA, and that they completely eliminate their long-range missile program, and that we also would ratify the strictest safeguards regime, known as the additional protocol. Under this agreement, Iran doesn't have to do any of this. Will a nuclear Iran make the world a safer place? Instead of giving the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism hundreds of billions of dollars and more intercontinental ballistic missile technology and conventional weapons, we should demand a better deal. The President should be working with Congress in a bipartisan way because the world deserves a verifiable, enforceable, and accountable agreement that enhances safety, stability, and security.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, you can't get much more American than Little League baseball, and in that spirit, I want to congratulate the Coon Rapids Little League baseball team for their great run this year. After winning their district and then emerging victorious at the Minnesota State tournament, Coon Rapids came up just one game short at the Midwest Regional Tournament from making the Little League World Series. While Coon Rapids didn't make it to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, their deep run had the community abuzz with baseball fever. The dedication of these 11- and 12-year-olds to spend their summers at practices and tournaments is outstanding. The skills that baseball often develops-- focus, commitment, and hard work--will surely serve these young players in the future. Mr. Speaker, the coaches, the parents, the family members, and the players of the Coon Rapids Little League team should be very proud of their tenacity and their effort. I want to congratulate them. They make their community proud.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, every day, cutting-edge medical innovation is making it possible for patients to live healthy, active lives. One of the best examples of this is lower limb prosthetics. Losing a limb is a traumatic and life-altering experience, but the continued advancement and development of prosthetics has made it possible for many of these patients to continue to have significant amounts of functionality, along with ensuring they won't be confined to wheelchairs. However, proposed changes to Medicare rules threaten access to important medical innovation and medical technology. Recently, a number of patients and advocacy groups came to Washington to share what the proposed rule changes would mean to them. One patient from Minnesota noted that the proposed rule would turn back the clock and force her to use a prosthetic that she claimed would be the car equivalent of a 1970s Vega. Mr. Speaker, I share the apprehension that these patients have, and I encourage CMS, the agency in charge of administering Medicare, to chart a different course when it comes to administering lower limb prosthetics.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, one of the issues that I have been most passionate about is stopping the horrific crime of sex trafficking and protecting young victims. Earlier this year Congress took action and passed a package of bipartisan bills, including one that I authored aimed at combatting this crime. I said at the time that this legislation would save lives. Madam Speaker, in the short time since these laws have gone into effect, we are already seeing results. Recently, a provision in the legislation that allowed local law enforcement to coordinate their efforts with the U.S. Marshals Service was used to help find a kidnapped Tennessee teenager. The 14-year-old girl was rescued in Virginia, and her abductor, a known sex offender, was taken into custody. Madam Speaker, ending human trafficking requires vigilance and a bipartisan commitment to ensure that children are safe from those wishing to exploit them. The actions we have taken to combat this awful crime are making a difference and saving lives.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer Democrats and Republicans came together to pass a trade authorization bill that set the standards for any trade deal that the United States negotiates with other countries. It guarantees oversight by Congress, it guarantees transparency for the public, and it guarantees that our negotiators have the opportunity to get the best deal for our workers, our farmers, our ranchers, and our employers. This week trade negotiators from 12 different countries around the Pacific Rim are meeting in Hawaii for negotiations with the Trans- Pacific Partnership. It is a deal that will open doors for American businesses to sell their products overseas and create jobs right here at home. Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is this: 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States; 80 percent of the world's purchasing power is outside of the United States. We need to allow our American companies to compete and to be able to sell their products and goods and services or we will fall behind. In addition, these negotiations will allow America to act as a counterweight to the growing influence of China in the region. If the United States doesn't write the rules for the global economy, China will step in and write them, and it won't be to the benefit of American workers and businesses. Mr. Speaker, while Congress and the American people should and will vet any deal that results from the current Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, it is important to understand what a successful agreement will mean here at home. For starters, it means boosting pay and higher wages. That is because jobs that rely on trade pay 18 percent higher than those jobs that don't. It also means boosting job growth right here in America. That is because one in five jobs are tied to trade. In Minnesota, Mr. Speaker, 775,000 jobs are currently supported by trade, and new trade with Asia will enhance and support that opportunity to build on new success. It also means boosting our country's small- and medium-sized businesses. In Minnesota, 90 percent of these small businesses are the companies that export goods and services. Now, that being said, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done by our negotiators to make sure they reach an agreement that is best for the American people. We need cooperation from the other countries that are involved in these negotiations. Canada needs to step up to the plate on tariff and quota issues dealing with their dairy and their egg industries. Japan needs to step up on agriculture issues. Progress still needs to be made to ensure that American intellectual property is protected. However, with commitment from our trading partners, I am confident that we can overcome these remaining hurdles. Mr. Speaker, we need trade deals where everyone benefits and everyone follows the rules. We live in an interconnected world, and we should be embracing opportunities that open more markets for American goods and services. It is time to show the world that America will continue to lead the way in the 21st century global economy.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Plymouth Fire Chief Richard Kline, who has announced that he will be retiring at the end of this year. For over 20 years, Chief Kline has diligently served as the head of the Plymouth Fire Department during a period of tremendous growth and change. Chief Kline has led the way when it comes to bringing firefighting into the 21st century by embracing new technology and equipment techniques not only locally, but also being involved at the national level through education and speaking engagements. He also serves as chair of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Safety and Health Committee where his influence is felt throughout the State of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chief Kline for his service, for his dedication in leading our first responders, and keeping our community safe. I know the Plymouth community will miss him, but Chief Kline's steadfast leadership leaves Plymouth on a firm foundation for the future.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, when I talk to small businesses in Minnesota about what their biggest challenges are, one of the top concerns they mention is of the regulations coming from Washington. For these small employers, unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic red tape make it difficult to expand and create jobs. That is why I support the REINS Act, which the House will be voting on this afternoon. The concept is simple: If a government agency proposes a regulation that will have a significant economic impact, Congress should have to sign off on it. With an average of 10 new regulations a day, small-business owners are spending more time on paperwork and less time on their businesses. Mr. Speaker, with our sluggish economic recovery and anemic growth, there is no doubt that we have to get the engine of our economy going and small businesses moving again. That means passing the REINS Act today.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, one out of four child abductions in the United States are not committed by a stranger, but instead are perpetrated by a relative. An inspector general's report has found that tax filings can help locate these missing children nearly half of the time because new addresses can be identified, but law enforcement can't access this critical information. We owe it to these children to give law enforcement the tools they need in order to find the more than 200,000 children that are kidnapped by family members every year here in the United States. That is why Congressman Courtney and I have introduced the bipartisan Recovering Missing Children Act, which will allow law enforcement, with a court order, to access tax filings that could aid in the search for abducted children. This legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Major County Sheriffs' Association, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association. Mr. Speaker, this is a zero-cost, commonsense way to cut red tape and help law enforcement bring these missing children home.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, we continue to see issues with the President's healthcare law, including the most recent GAO investigation that has revealed that there are major fraud problems with the enrollment Web site. The nonpartisan watchdog discovered that www.healthcare.gov is unable to detect and prevent blatant fraud, as fake applicants were able to sign up for subsidies. This red flag is yet another example of how the healthcare law is not achieving the goals that it has claimed. Premiums continue to rise. Medical innovation has been stifled. And patients have less choice when it comes to their own healthcare decisions. Mr. Speaker, www.healthcare.gov was supposed to include a working verification system to ensure that nobody could cheat the system. However, it is clear from this investigation that there is very little fraud protection in place. Mr. Speaker, whether it is through incompetence or apathy, it is unacceptable that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being wasted because administrators aren't implementing fraud protection measures. The status quo must change.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an event this weekend in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, that will raise critical funds for cancer research. The Relay for Life brings together individuals from all walks of life that have been affected by cancer as they team up to find a cure. This year's event, which combines previous relays that have taken place in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Richfield, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, is aiming to raise over $90,000 for cancer research. Mr. Speaker, every year 14 million people learn the devastating news that they have cancer, and the Relay for Life helps provide important funding that helps develop the cures and treatments that will also help millions of people. A big thank you to the organizers of this event. Helping find a cure for cancer will not happen without the dedicated effort and events like the Relay for Life.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, our veterans have earned the care they are due to receive through the Department of Veterans Affairs. So many men and women of the military put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety and security of our country. Unfortunately, bad news coming out of the Department continues to pile up. This week, it was revealed that nearly one-third of the 847,000 veterans with pending applications for health care may have already passed away. This means, at some point in their lives, over 200,000 men and women who served our country bravely weren't able to access the care that they were promised. These benefits were earned through service, but due to mismanagement, they remained in an endless waiting line. Mr. Speaker, we can and must do better for our Nation's servicemen and -women. We must continue to institute reforms at the VA to ensure that our veterans receive proper care.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, the American people have an expectation that the hard-earned money that they pay in taxes will not be wasted or used fraudulently. However, we have seen far too many examples of the Federal Government squandering taxpayer dollars. Take the IRS, for example. We have learned the earned income tax credit has an error rate of over 27 percent. That means taxpayer money is wasted to the tune of $15 billion. Compare that to the private sector, where Visa maintains an error rate of 0.06 percent. In another shocking revelation, it was even discovered that a single mailbox received 24,000 fraudulent tax returns, totaling $46 million. One mailbox, Mr. Speaker. In addition to fixing a broken Tax Code by making it simpler and fairer, Washington needs to also be good stewards of taxpayer money, making sure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted, are not misused, and that there is appropriate oversight over the IRS.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue. As has already been mentioned, last summer, millions of Americans participated in the ice bucket challenge, raising more than $100 million to combat ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. What most people don't realize, though, is at the exact same time this movement was sweeping the Nation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was implementing misguided policies to deny access to speech-generating devices for those patients with ALS and other degenerative conditions. Now, for many people who have ALS, speech- generating devices and the eye-tracking technology that is often used with these devices are the only way to communicate with your loved ones, with families, friends, and others. In response to the agency's new policies, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers and I led a bipartisan letter with over 200 Republicans and Democrats asking for changes to the proposals. While the agency has taken some actions to roll back some of the rules, we have got to guarantee that these patients will have access to speech- generating devices. That is why Senator Vitter, Representative McMorris Rodgers, and Majority Whip Scalise and I first introduced the Steve Gleason Act. Now, this bill gets its name, as was mentioned, from former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason. Steve famously blocked a punt, resulting in the first touchdown for the New Orleans Saints in their dramatic return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Today, Steve faces a new opponent as he battles ALS. This bill is for Steve and the millions of people who have ALS. The ice bucket challenge was a good start, but there is more we can do to help people with that deadly disease. Instead of limiting access to life-improving devices, we should be embracing 21st century cures and technologies that empower millions of Americans living with degenerative disabilities to have a better life and communicate with their family, friends, physicians, and loved ones. I am glad we could come together in a bipartisan manner to embrace innovation and help so many patients, Mr. Speaker. I encourage passage of this important legislation.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, we should always strive as a country to make sure that the promises we make are kept. Unfortunately, when it comes to the students at our Bureau of Indian Education schools, our promise to them is falling far short. Students at these schools in Minnesota and around the country have endured deplorable conditions, including leaking roofs, schools with no heat, and other problems that make it difficult, if not impossible, to learn. However, momentum is gaining to right this wrong. Some of us in the Minnesota delegation, including my colleagues John Kline and Betty McCollum, have highlighted the need for critical repairs and construction for these schools. The issue is not just financial, though. Washington, including the executive branch, needs to ensure that red tape is not keeping these students from getting an acceptable learning environment. Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to take action and focus on making sure that these students have a safe school setting where they can learn, grow, and excel.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation, the Preservation Enhancement and Savings Opportunity Act. Let me start by thanking the gentleman and the ranking member of the committee for their long efforts to bring this legislation forward with support. As was mentioned, in 1990 Congress enacted the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act, or LIHPRHA, to preserve and extend the availability of low-income housing throughout the country. Many low-income housing properties at that time were nearing the end of a 20-year period of the owner's obligation to maintain below-market rents for qualified tenants, and Congress was worried about a flood of thousands of properties coming out of the low-income housing pool. Congress used LIHPRHA to create new incentives, in the form of low- interest restructured mortgages, to entice property owners to maintain their properties as low-income housing. In exchange for the incentives, owners who agreed to extend low-income use of properties became obligated to operate properties as low-income housing for 50 years or the remaining useful life of the properties, whichever would be greater. Property owners also agreed to a fixed cap on their allowed annual cash distributions from rents from the properties. The cap was designed to provide the owners with an 8 percent equity return, based on property values at the time. The income from the properties above the cap is still the owner's money, but it is held at HUD in an account that the owners have no right to access until the end of that 50-year period. These 8 percent distribution limits, while initially workable, over time have resulted in very adverse and unexpected consequences, in particular relating to the Federal income tax liabilities of the owners. Initially, owners were able to offset a portion of their taxes owed with depreciation and mortgage interest deductions. The 8 percent cash distributions were sufficient to meet those tax obligations. However, since that time, rents have increased, and deductible mortgage interest and depreciation deductions have decreased for LIHPRHA property owners. This effectively means that the annual Federal taxable income of the owners has increased substantially, despite the fact that their allowed cash distributions have remained capped at a constant dollar amount fixed in the 1990s. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, for example, owners' income tax liabilities have often been more than double the amount of cash permitted to be distributed to them under the law, and this is unfair to LIHPRHA property owners. It will only worsen over time. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to the problem. The Preservation Enhancement and Savings Opportunity Act will allow LIHPRHA property owners to access their funds held at HUD, after all operating expenses and property maintenance costs have been paid. More importantly, removing the limitation on distributions will not result in any cost to the Federal Government, as the funds belong to the owners and not to HUD. The legislation also requires individuals refinancing LIHPRHA properties to provide adequate rehabilitation and replacement reserves. It includes protections for low-income housing tenants from excessive rent increases. Removing the limitation on distributions and the refinancing provisions will facilitate additional recapitalization of these properties by private sector developers and other preservation entities, which will in turn extend the availability of low-income housing across the country for those who most need it. This all happens at no additional cost to American taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, I insert into the Record a letter to Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters from nine national housing organizations endorsing this bill. I close by asking my colleagues to join me in support of this legislation. June 11, 2015. Hon. Jeb Hensarling, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services. Hon. Maxine Waters, Ranking Minority Member, Committee on Financial Services. Dear Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters: The undersigned organizations urge you to support H.R. 2482, the Preservation, Enhancement and Savings Opportunity Act of 2014. The bill provides technical changes to the Low Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 (LIHPRHA) while ensuring long-term preservation of these affordable multifamily housing properties. When LIHPRHA was enacted, property owners were provided incentives to maintain the affordability of the properties for low and moderate income renters for the remaining useful life of the properties in exchange for relinquishing the right to prepay the mortgage after 20 years. As part of the process, the owners' equity contributions in the property were redefined but a contractual limitation on property income distributions remained, even though all surplus funds belong to the ownership entity. Such a limitation was workable twenty years ago, but as the mortgages mature the annual distribution becomes insufficient to address increasing tax liabilities. The bill would remove the limitation on distributions and provide the ownership entity/sponsor access to its own funds to address tax liabilities or other expenses while ensuring continued preservation and adherence to the properties' use agreements. Such action provides additional incentives for future investors to recapitalize these multifamily properties, therefore extending their useful life and the continuation of a scarce housing resource for years to come. For the last 15 years, HUD has administratively removed limitations on distributions where it had the authority to do so. HUD has concluded that it lacks this authority with the LIHPRHA portfolio. The bill's changes to LIHPRHA have no associated budgetary or tax cost to the Federal Government and ensure the preservation of an important housing resource. We urge you to support H.R. 2482. Sincerely, Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH); Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM); Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation (IRHP); Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA); National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA); National Apartment Association (NAA); National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); National Leased Housing Association (NLHA); National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC).

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Wayzata High School boys golf team on winning this year's Minnesota State championship. After finishing in the runner-up position for the last two seasons, Wayzata broke through and won the State title by three strokes this year. It was a well-balanced performance by the entire team that allowed them to take the championship. While many think of golf as an individual sport, it took strong performances from each and every golfer to bring home the State title. The game of golf, Mr. Speaker, can be very humbling, and it takes focus, mental toughness, and skill to compete at a very high level. I commend these student athletes on their commitment and dedication not only to golf, but to their family obligations and their studies as well. The time commitments required to be a top high school athlete are not easy. And their friends, families, and communities are very proud. Congratulations again to the Wayzata High School boys golf team.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, we have seen small brewers in Minnesota and around the country continue to meet the needs of a public that is growing in its appreciation for craft beverages. At the same time, these brewers are burdened by out-of-date regulations and high taxes that make it difficult for them to grow their businesses and play an increasingly greater role in their local economy. That is why I have introduced the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act with my colleague, Ron Kind from Wisconsin, to modernize the Tax Code and streamline regulations for these small businesses. These small breweries are a true example of the American dream. Many start out as hobbyists in the basement or in the garage, and they grow to be successful while, at the same time, creating jobs and creating a quality product. Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure we embrace the potential this industry has, and that means modernizing our tax rules and our Tax Code to ensure that these small employers continue to grow.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, it is time to personalize and modernize our healthcare system and bring it into the 21st century. We have an opportunity through the 21st Century Cures Act to pass bipartisan reforms that will accelerate the discovery, development, deployment, and delivery of lifesaving and life-improving techniques and cures. The 21st Century Cures Act is the result of bipartisan work to ensure that our regulatory system keeps pace with the advances we are seeing in our science and technology fields. 21st Century Cures will make a difference in people's lives. For the 10,000 known diseases, there are only 500 FDA-approved treatments. By removing barriers to research and development, by modernizing clinical trials, and by incorporating more patient perspectives, we can more effectively develop treatments and cures to fight cancer, Alzheimer's, and other diseases that affect millions of Americans. Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to help bring the newest, cutting-edge medical technology to the people who need it the most.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in bringing forward some additional trade legislation today that is very, very important. I am going to rise in support of H.R. 1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act, for a couple of key reasons, because there are some key, important provisions that accomplish some very critical goals. First, it extends those vital trade preferences with both Africa, through the African Growth and Opportunity Act, as well as Haiti. And these investments now, these preference programs, provide vital opportunities for American investment, for U.S. investment, long-term investment. These countries are asking for this investment for the long term. It helps the African workers, it helps Haitian workers and businesses as they establish themselves as developing countries to making sure they are going to be set for the 21st century global economy. So, Mr. Speaker, this is more about establishing soft power, strategic alliances, and that is smart power. Secondly, the legislation renews the Generalized System of Preferences program. Now, this is another very important program that reduces tariffs and, therefore, it reduces prices. It helps consumers here in the United States each and every day and the amount of product that they consume. Importantly, Mr. Speaker, the bill authorizes also the USTR to designate certain travel goods, including purses, briefcases, attache cases, and backpacks, to be eligible under this GSP program, expanding new production opportunities for U.S. businesses. This is a provision that I personally have long supported. Mr. Speaker, I think what you are seeing over the last few days is the trade agenda moving forward on a very bipartisan basis. Every President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt, regardless of their political background and their party background, has understood and engaged the world with the United States leading in trade. That tradition is continuing now with this Congress, with this President. We want to see it through. We want to see more opportunity for enhanced trade, because more trade means more jobs and higher- paying jobs for our American workers, especially in manufacturing right here at home. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for bringing this important bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Wayzata High School boys track and field team on winning the Minnesota State championship. After coming up just short the last 2 years, the Trojans were boosted by strong performances from distance runners Jaret Carpenter and Connor Olson. In addition, Wayzata was led by Wesley Jackson's second-place finish in the long jump, Tyler Didier's third-place finish in the 400- meter dash, and a number of strong relay teams. It absolutely was a complete team effort. These athletes spend practice after practice pushing themselves and each other to reach their personal bests. In addition, every single one of these student athletes still manage to meet and excel at other school, family, and social obligations. Mr. Speaker, the families, teachers, friends, and entire community are very proud of these high school champs. Congratulations to Coach Aaron Berndt and the Wayzata High School boys track and field team on a job well done.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, behind every man and woman in uniform serving our country are family members: husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and other family members who make sacrifices as members of military families. Recently, I attended the dedication of a new Minnesota military family tribute that is now part of the Capitol Mall area in St. Paul at our State Capitol. It was built entirely with private donations. It commemorates the military Gold Star families, Blue Star families, and families of our veterans. This memorial is the first of its kind in the country, and it recognizes the military family members that do so much to support our servicemen and -women and our veterans. Being a member of a military family comes with many sacrifices. It means many sleepless nights during deployment. It means unexpected moves around the country and serving as the frontline resource when our soldiers transition into a new life. Every military family does this proudly. Mr. Speaker, I commend Bill and Teri Popp and everyone who has worked so hard to make this tribute recognizing our military families possible.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker and Members, defibrillators, operating room monitors, insulin pumps, pacemakers, heart valves, artificial hips, x ray machines, ventilators, and ultrasound machines, these are life- improving and lifesaving technologies that have reduced costs for the improved health of millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the President's healthcare law implemented a new tax on all of these innovative devices, a tax on medical devices. Only in Washington, Mr. Speaker, would you impose a tax on lifesaving medical technology and think you will actually reduce healthcare costs. This is bad tax policy, and it needs to be repealed. The medical device industry is truly an American success story, employing more than 400,000 people. In my State of Minnesota, 35,000 people are employed in this industry, 400 companies alone in the State of Minnesota; 80 percent of device manufacturers are small businesses with less than 50 employees; 98 percent of all these companies have less than 500 employees. It can take these small startups 10 to 15 years to even achieve profitability or earn one penny of profit because they rely on investment and the promise of a future of earnings to survive. The device industry is a net exporter. We have a trade surplus with our exports. Most importantly, these companies are producing lifesaving and life-improving devices for millions of our patients across the world. Medical advancements have helped add 5 years to U.S. life expectancy in the last two decades. It has helped slash the death rate from heart disease by a stunning 50 percent and cut the death rate from stroke by 30 percent. Devices have contributed to a 16 percent decrease in mortality rates and an astounding 25 percent decline in elderly disability rates in just the last 20 years of innovation. Medical innovation is leading and will continue to lead the way we improve lives for our seniors who have chronic disease. Despite all the benefits that this industry provides, a 2014 Harvard Business Review article recently found that the device industry now faces one of the most uncertain competitive environments in the entire country. Instead of hurting this industry, we should be empowering this industry, creating more jobs, producing more innovation, and helping more patients. We often hear that America needs to start making things again to help jump-start the economy, and one of the best ways to protect American manufacturing and spur innovation is to repeal this harmful medical device tax because here is what the tax is doing: it is costing us jobs. One company that I spoke with said they have never laid off any employees in the last 22 years of their history of business, but they laid off 25 employees, and they refrained from hiring another 15 employees because of the tax. If you take it to a bigger, larger picture, up to 39,000 jobs have been lost because of the tax since it has been imposed. These are high- paying jobs, Mr. Speaker, that pay nearly $20,000 more than the national average. And the 2.3 percent excise tax, it may not sound like much, but here's the problem: it is taxing revenue; it is not taxing profit. A small device manufacturer, they may not be making any money, but they still have to pay that tax. One company I spoke to, they have 20 employees. They recently said they are borrowing $100,000 a month from the bank just to pay the tax. That doesn't make any sense. Mr. Speaker, it is also raising tax rates. Medical device companies now have to pay one of the highest effective tax rates of any industry in the world. Recent testimony in the Joint Economic Committee, there was a small company from Minnesota that now says because of the tax, they have a 79 percent effective tax rate. Who here can justify that? It is also harming innovation because instead of investing in the next generation of innovative devices that can literally save people's lives, companies are spending money on compliance and accountants instead of on research and development, which is the lifeblood of this industry. Members should know that this is separate from the debate about how we reform health care. This is about a bipartisan effort today on the floor to promote American innovation to protect and promote American manufacturing and research and development jobs because Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals in both parties, in the House and the Senate, favor repealing this tax. It is a bad tax policy that is killing jobs. It is hurting our seniors, and it is harming innovation. Mr. Speaker, it is time to protect our American seniors, American patients, and American innovation and repeal this destructive tax. With that, I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 160, as amended.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds. Mr. Speaker, just in response to the report that was just mentioned, the Ernst & Young report, it is true that companies have been hiring and growing in certain cases, but all of that growth from the report is outside of the United States. So if you want to continue to promote more jobs outside of the United States, don't vote for the repeal, and we will continue to see jobs move overseas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meehan), a member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita). Since he was first elected in 2010, he has been a leader on this, organizing freshman Members, recognizing the importance of repealing this disastrous tax.