Erik Paulsen

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 332 (Quigley), I was unexpectedly detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' (By unanimous consent, Mr. Gosar was allowed to speak out of order.) A Moment of Silence in Honor of the Yarnell 19

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and offer congratulations to U.S. Bank, who was awarded the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 to recognize exceptional support of the U.S. Armed Forces from the employer community, and is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to employers for outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. U.S. Bank is one of only 15 honorees out of nearly 2,900 nominated companies. Through U.S. Bank's companywide initiative called Proud to Serve, thousands of veterans have been hired and supported over the past five years. The numbers are impressive. U.S. Bank committed to hiring 1,000 service members and veterans between 2012 and 2013 and surpassed its 2012 goal by hiring 597 new veterans. Minnesota is home to many great corporate citizens like U.S. Bank who are dedicated to supporting those who have made great sacrifices to defend freedom, liberty and our country. Congratulations to U.S. Bank for receiving the Employer Support Freedom Award and thank you for your support of our nation's veterans.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a cancer survivor and a true inspiration--Minnesota's own Kayla Shroeck. Later this week, I plan to attend Eden Prairie's Relay for Life where Kayla will share her story as an honorary survivor. Kayla, who just graduated from Eden Prairie High School, was diagnosed with a Wilms' tumor when she was just 2 years old. After undergoing chemotherapy and numerous surgeries, Kayla heroically survived her struggle with cancer. Through the ups and downs, Kayla has remained resilient and has never lost hope. As she puts it, ``I choose to focus on what I can do rather than on what I can't do.'' She will now turn this focus to raising awareness and supporting cancer funding to benefit cancer patients throughout the country. She and thousands of other cancer survivors are absolute testaments to the value and importance of cancer research and treatment. I want to commend Kayla for her courage. She is now an inspiration for all of those who are struggling with cancer.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Eden Prairie Boys golf team for winning the 2013 Boys Minnesota State High School Golf Championship. Their efforts were nothing short of excellent and their victory was earned through hard work and commitment. The boys team worked hard to improve their skills throughout the season. The winning 10-foot putt was sunk by junior Zach Peters, allowing the Eagles to win over the defending state champion by a single point, truly marking the Eden Prairie team as worthy champions. Together, this team has exemplified perseverance and dedication. I would also like to commend the coaches for leading this Eagles squad to the state title. This is the first time the Eagles have secured the state title since their initial championship in 1999, and Head Coach Ty Armstrong has promised the team that they can throw him into a pond to celebrate. It is a noteworthy achievement to win a state championship title, and the team members and coaches of the Eden Prairie boy's golf team should be proud. They set a great example to fellow students and athletes. Congratulations to these student athletes, their parents, and the coaches. Go Eagles!

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the members of the Eden Prairie Boys Lacrosse Team, which recently won the Minnesota State High School League Lacrosse Tournament. The Eden Prairie Boys had a phenomenal season. Not only did they win the state championship, they also finished the year going undefeated, with a record of 18-0. Their championship game against second-ranked and defending state champion Eastview was won on a last-second goal by freshman J.D. Spielman. This year's team was lead by senior attackman Brooks Armitage, who ended up with 50 points this season. The Eden Prairie lacrosse team persevered through multiple second-place finishes in the state tournament to truly earn this year's state title. Adding to the pressure of the final game was that it was a rematch of last year's championship. The Eagles started off strong with a 3-0 lead, but by the end of the second quarter, the game was a tight 5-4 in favor of Eden Prairie. The teams traded goals throughout the second half, until the game was tied 8-8 with only a few minutes remaining. Spielman called for the ball and scored with just 12.4 seconds left in the game. Our community is proud of this team earning the state's highest collective achievement. Their success this season is a tribute to their high level of commitment, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives. Go Eagles!

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the members of the Minnetonka Girls Track and Field Team, which recently won the Girls Minnesota State High School League Track and Field championship. Minnetonka didn't hold the top rank going into the championship meet, but they quickly showed that they deserved it as they secured first- place finishes in both the 4 800 relay and the long jump on the first day of competition. Rising senior Elizabeth Endy also broke a school record with her second-place finish in the 400-meter race. Some of the team's stars may be graduating, but others--like freshman Lucy Hoelscher, who was a part of two championship relays--are only beginning their high school careers. I look forward to tracking their progress in the upcoming years. Their success this season is a tribute to their high level of commitment, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives. I am proud to honor these hard-working student athletes. Go Skippers!

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Wayzata Boys Tennis Team, which recently won the Boys Minnesota State High School Tennis Championship title. The team had a phenomenal season. After finishing second the past two years, this victory--which marks Wayzata's first boys tennis state title since becoming part of the Class 2A division--was especially rewarding. And everyone can honestly say it was a team effort, with freshman Nicholas Beaty securing the championship for the team and senior Dustin Britton, who was forced to sit out the previous season with a shoulder injury, ending his high school career with a win and a team state title. Their dedication included running miles even after victorious matches and shoveling off the courts during our frigid and extended Minnesota winter. Their success this season is a tribute to their unparalleled determination, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives. It is truly an honor to congratulate and represent these hard-working student-athletes. Go Trojans!

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of National Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder Day. PTSD is a serious mental condition affecting many of our Nation's servicemen and -women, both past and present. Up to 20 percent of those who have been returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are at risk of dealing with PTSD, and their personal battles can continue far beyond their time spent overseas. I'd like to especially recognize the Minnesota National Guard and their Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program and their initiative in this area. This comprehensive and very unique program has helped many of our returning servicemen and -women with their transition to home life, and it has inspired programs around the country to ensure our military members and families have the support they need after they leave active service. So let's continue to do what we need to do to support our veterans in their time of need and ensure that they have the best services and care available to them upon their return home, especially those that are suffering from dealing with PTSD.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the achievements of the Edina High School girls golf team. This talented group of young ladies recently demonstrated extreme passion and dedication and intensity in a commanding win in this year's Minnesota State High School Golf Tournament. The Edina girls team should be proud, not only for being named winners of this year's tournament, but also for having the lowest overall score in State tournament history. This now brings the Hornets' championship total to eight, the most ever in Minnesota. These student athletes are great role models, and they're also setting themselves up to be a positive standard for all of their classmates. Congratulations to the team, and congratulations to the coaches for their hard work and their dedication and for this year's big win. Go Hornets.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, recently, I held a telephone town hall meeting with 7,000 of my constituents, and a good part of our conversation centered on our economy's anemic economic job growth and lackluster job creation. One woman with whom I spoke, whose name was Gloria, is a small business owner in Chanhassen. She expressed her deep frustration with the growing weight of new regulations on her business and on small businesses. Mr. Speaker, Americans are burdened with $2 trillion nearly every year of new regulations--with the number only increasing. Since 2008, 156 new major regulations have been instituted, adding about $90 billion in regulatory costs to the economy and stifling economic growth and job creation. This needs to be fixed. Congress should have more control over a growing bureaucracy by requiring that elected representatives sign off on those new rules and regulations that would have a major economic impact. Cutting red tape will help lower one more hurdle that is impeding opportunity for new jobs, job growers and creators, and entrepreneurs like Gloria.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I just want to recognize a true American hero, World War II veteran Jerry Nauss. After enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after Pearl Harbor, Jerry served for the duration of the war in the 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed the Big Red One. He served as a wire troubleshooter and risked his life time and time again to ensure that communication lines remained intact. Jerry was a native Minnesotan, led a distinguished military career and exhibited immense bravery landing on the beaches of Normandy on D- day and fighting through Europe, including in the Battle of the Bulge. Because of his heroic actions, Jerry has now been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Hollande. The Legion of Honor is the highest decoration in France and commemorates remarkable military service. It is important that we always remember our Nation's veterans and keep those who still serve in our thoughts and prayers. I would like to thank Jerry Nauss for his service and congratulate him on a much deserved honor. You make Minnesota proud.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, many families across Minnesota and across the country took the time to recognize National Cancer Survivor Day. Last year, more than 28,000 Minnesotans were diagnosed with cancer. And while there's hardly anyone who doesn't know a loved one or friend who has suffered from cancer, the good news is that 13.7 million Americans have won their battle against this terrible disease. One great Twin Cities organization working to ensure that those struggling with cancer do not face it alone is the new Gilda's Club that opened up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, recently. The American Cancer Society is now setting aggressive goals for the reduction of cancer. Prevention and early detection are key to reaching these goals. Thanks to advances in medical innovation, it's estimated that over the next 10 years, millions more Americans will have a chance at life after cancer. Mr. Speaker, let's celebrate with those who have won their fight, as they offer hope that all cancer patients may someday be able to proudly say that they too are cancer survivors.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a long time Minnesota nonprofit organization, Opportunity Partners, for serving the needs of developmentally disabled adults for 60 years. The latest statistics reveal that only 33 percent of Americans aged 18 to 64 with disabilities are employed. The founders of Opportunity Partners recognized the many challenges the disabled encounter when trying to integrate into the workforce, so they acted, creating an organization that gives ongoing support to people with disabilities, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives. In 1953, Opportunity Partners was serving 15 teens with disabilities. And now today, the organization is reaching over 1,700 people and equipping them with the work skills and the training these individuals need to gain successful employment. I have toured this amazing operation myself. I have seen first hand the lives that are impacted and affected by Opportunity Partners. The staff and the volunteers are dedicated to empowering others through a simple, but powerful, mission--to help those with disabilities to live, learn, and work. Mr. Speaker, I want to send my congratulations and a thank you to all those at Opportunity Partners for serving Minnesota.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to those men and women who have answered the call of duty to serve their community, to those who place their lives on the line each and every day for their neighbors. This week we celebrate National Police Week, and I want to thank the police officers in my community who exemplify what it means to ``serve and protect.'' Minnesota is proud to be home to some of the most dedicated and professional police departments in the country. I have the distinct honor to meet regularly with local police officers and leaders during my law enforcement roundtables, and I can tell you we are privileged to have such committed officers patrolling our streets. I want to especially recognize the officers that are currently aiding in the search for Mandy Matula, an Eden Prairie woman who has been missing. I pray for her swift return. And thank you to the law enforcement, also, for whose perseverance recently brought closure to the families of Danielle Jelinek and Kira Steger Trevino, who were victims of domestic violence. Mr. Speaker, as we go about our busy lives, let's take time this week to thank the police officers in our communities and keep the memory of those who've lost their lives in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate National Public Charter Schools Week. With over 2 million students attending public charter schools nationwide, it is important that we continue to create and develop this very important educational option. Minnesota is a leader in developing innovative new ways to educate our children, including being the very first State to allow charter schools 21 years ago. In Minnesota, we have 146 charter schools, and we are now ranked number one in the country for having charter school friendly laws and developing high quality and independent charter school options. Last Congress, we made significant bipartisan support and progress with the introduction of the bipartisan All-STAR Act and passage of the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act. I'm building on this progress and success by working now to craft additional options that aid in the replication of successful charter schools. America will continue to lead the world in innovation and ideas if our children receive the best education from childhood through graduate school, and all by strengthening charter schools and helping ensure that a child's ZIP code does not determine the quality of education they are able to receive. That is the direction we should go in Congress.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate National Park Week. Our national parks are truly one of America's greatest natural resources, drawing nearly 279 million visitors and families who go to camp, hike, fish, and explore each year. Minnesota, my home State, is home to several national parks as well, with lakes and rivers and waterways. In just a few years, our national parks will celebrate their 100th birthday. In preparation for this centennial, I have introduced legislation, H.R. 627, to allow the U.S. Mint to issue a National Park commemorative coin, with all of the proceeds going to help our national parks and our National Park Foundation. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and it is one more way that we can provide additional resources for our national parks. Protecting and preserving these beautiful spaces--our national parks, monuments, and Civil War battlefields--for future generations is important. Our National Park Week is a perfect time to reignite this interest for individual community efforts in order to ensure that our national parks remain and retain their place as the most beautiful in the world.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this important legislation which will ensure U.S. manufacturers of medical devices, computer chips, and balloons continue to have reliable access to helium. Helium is a critical element to the manufacturing and operation of these innovative and competitive industries and their products. The Federal Helium Reserve is scheduled to close this year. If that should happen, a global helium shortage would disrupt business in these industries and could cause the loss of thousands of American jobs. In my home state of Minnesota, a large balloon company continues to manufacture their products here in the United States. They depend on reliable access to helium not only to stay in business, but also to continue research and development, innovative engineering, manufacturing, and quality control for their balloon products. But a helium shortage would negatively impact more than just balloon manufacturing. It would also harm the high tech and medical device communities as well. Approximately 250,000 Americans are employed in the manufacturing of computer chips using helium. These chips are used in GPS, smart phones, and MRI machines. Helium is also used to cool the magnets in MRI machines. We must pass this legislation to prevent major shocks to these important industries. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act soon to ensure critical access to helium for the medical device, IT, and balloon industries and to protect these American jobs.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism affects the lives of 2 million Americans. It's the fastest- growing developmental disability, in terms of new cases. In my home State of Minnesota, 1 in every 67 children is diagnosed with autism. Minnesota is also home to some great institutions like the Holland Center and the Minnesota Autism Center, which serve Minnesota families with educational and rehabilitation services for children with autism. Minnesota health care professionals are also on the front lines in the search to discover the cause of the high rate of autism among Minnesota's Somali population. While there's currently no medical detection or cure for autism, this disorder is treatable. Studies show that the early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. Mr. Speaker, I was a cosponsor of the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act last Congress, and we must continue the fight and the effort to ensure those with autism get the attention and care they need.

Mr. PAULSEN

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

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, I urge support for my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the committee chairman.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, last month at a Senate hearing outlining the threats facing our security, it was the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, who warned that the intelligence community is seeing indications that some terror groups are interested in ``developing offensive cyber capabilities, and cyber criminals are using a growing black market to sell cyber tools that fall into the hands of both state and nonstate actors.'' Mr. Chair, just last week in Chairman Rogers' committee, it was Director Clapper who also said, ``As more and more state and nonstate actors gain cyber expertise, its importance and reach as a global threat cannot be overstated.'' Our society has increasingly become reliant on modern technology in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, making the possibility of a cyber attack that much more dangerous. Under cyber terrorist or cyber crime, industries as diverse as financial systems, transportation, social media, and even utilities could be negatively impacted. A successful attack could disrupt the lives of Americans and result in other unpredictable consequences. We do know the threat is real. We've already experienced attacks on our Nation's financial institutions and have faced hackers trying to gain access to the Pentagon and our Nation's critical infrastructure. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the number of U.S. organizations believed to have been hacked has dramatically increased in just the last 6 years. Back in 2006, there were about 5,500 separate attacks noted, compared to 48,500 in 2012. As a January 2013 U.S. Government report found, cyber attacks and intrusions in critical energy infrastructures rose 52 percent between 2011 and 2012 alone. That's in a 1-year period, Mr. Chair. Cyber weapons will likely continue to be used by a greater number of countries and other actors as a form of warfare. Between 20 and 30 states already have the capability to launch cyber warfare, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and others, as has been stated as part of the debate on this bill. Fortunately, these attacks have so far been thwarted by our intelligence before significant and lasting damage could occur, but it would be unwise to choose to act alone in the face of the growing fact of cyber criminality. In order to produce effective outcomes, our intelligence community must continue to promote collaboration among experts and across boards. Just as we conduct our drills and our training exercises with our allies, we need to work together to share our best practices to keep our citizens safe from cyber attacks. My amendment would call on Congress to encourage international cooperation when it comes to cybersecurity. This amendment would not bind the United States to working with other nations, but it simply does promote doing so in situations that would be mutually beneficial. Such collaboration would more effectively allow us to combat cyber terrorism and threats by sharing resources and using proven security techniques when possible. Mr. Chair, in the end, by working together on an issue that poses a threat to all of us, the international community will benefit from the exchange of experiences and potential solutions. Mr. Chair, I just want to thank the gentleman from Michigan and the gentleman from Maryland for their leadership on this very challenging issue. I know that looking forward we will continue to see success in battling these real threats. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Eden Prairie Boys Swim Team on their outstanding performance at this year's Minnesota State High School League Meet. The Eden Prairie Boys put on a dominating performance, winning their second state championship in as many years. This Eden Prairie team has now gone two consecutive seasons undefeated, ending the year with a 7-0 record. This dream season, as described by the team's coach, Kelly Boston, was capped off by winning performances by many of the team's members. Two relay teams and three individual swimmers captured state titles at the meet, and the Eden Prairie squad amassed 9 total top-three finishes while breaking state records in the 400 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay. All of these student athletes, their parents and their coaches deserve praise for their dedication and determination. It's an honor to be able to represent, and recognize, such all-star athletes. Congratulations!