Erik Paulsen

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Jacob Wetterling and offer my deepest prayers to his family. Over the weekend, we learned of the tragic details and reached the awful end of this 27-year-long saga filled with grief, with hope, and with pain that moved Minnesota and the entire Nation. It was 27 years ago, Mr. Speaker, that Jacob was taken, kidnapped from a small rural Minnesota community, and went missing. As a community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Jacob's parents, Patty and Jerry Wetterling. Throughout these 27 trying years, they have remained strong and became tireless advocates for children's safety. Their efforts have resulted in widespread awareness of effective measures to protect children, Federal legislation to monitor known and potential predators, and the founding of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center to inform and prevent similar tragedies from impacting other families. They channeled their heartbreak to activism for the good of children and their families all across this country even as they grieved themselves. Because of their efforts, countless children have been saved from various forms of exploitation. Mr. Speaker, while this is not the ending that we had hoped for after all these years, Jacob will never be forgotten, nor will his family's undying love and commitment to protecting our precious sons and daughters. Jacob, may you rest in peace.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Number 452, I was not present at the time of the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Roll Call Vote No. 452.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata High School Baseball team for winning the Minnesota state baseball championship. The Wayzata Trojans stormed through the three game state tournament with an early decisive victory, a walk-off home run in the semifinals, and a solid pitching performance that allowed only five hits during the final contest. This resilient defensive effort, coupled with scoring four runs in the final two at bats in the fifth inning, ultimately resulted in the Trojans winning their first state championship with a score of 9-1. Baseball is a game that fosters teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. I also want to recognize their commitment not just to their sport, but to the time spent in the classroom and in the community to become outstanding student athletes. Mr. Speaker, the family, fans, and the entire Wayzata community are very proud of this team. Congratulations again to the Trojans on winning the high school baseball championship.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is the proud home to over 100 craft breweries. Many of these breweries are small, but they still provide jobs and a real impact to our local economies across our great State. There are nearly 5,000 craft brewers across the country. Unfortunately, a provision buried deep within the President's new healthcare law mandates that brewers label every single beer they produce with detailed calorie information. This labeling requirement is projected now to cost $77,000 per brewery. It is a financial burden that will be simply too steep for a lot of brewers who are just trying to get up and running and operating with little or no profit. This is just the latest excessive and onerous burden placed upon small businesses by the President's new healthcare law. Mr. Speaker, Washington should be getting out of the way so that craft breweries have a chance to thrive, not putting up more unnecessary red tape that makes it impossible to do business. It is time to act and repeal this harmful labeling requirement to prevent jobs from being lost, and to allow Americans to continue enjoying their locally produced craft beverage.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as I did 1 year ago, to congratulate the Eden Prairie girls lacrosse team on their high school State championship. The Eagles demonstrated incredible perseverance as they rallied from a five-goal deficit, scoring six of the next seven goals to tie the championship game at halftime. That run, coupled with a very impressive second half defensive display, lifted the Eagles to an 11-9 victory. Co-coaches Judy Baxter and Beth Patterson have every reason to be proud of their team's resilience throughout the season and the tournament. It was the Eagles' strong leadership from their upperclassmen that actually made the team difficult to beat. Leading that offensive effort, senior forward Sara Woodring scored two goals and had five assists; and senior defender Payton Borg led the Eagles' defense, allowing only two goals in the second half. Mr. Speaker, achieving a high school State championship title is an impressive accomplishment, but even more admirable is the Eagles' ability to maintain a commitment throughout the season to their schoolwork and other obligations outside of the classroom. The team's parents, teachers, and fellow Eagle students are very proud of their accomplishments. Once again, congratulations to the Eden Prairie girls lacrosse team for their winning championship.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Edina High School Girls Golf Team for winning the Minnesota State High School Championship. Not only did the Hornets win, but they won big by defeating the closest team by 36 strokes. They were led by Hannah Hankinson who shot a 149 over the two rounds and tied for second. Edina's talent did not stop there, however. Christine Portillo and Grace Kellar tied for fourth place with 150, Katie Engelking finished ninth with a score of 153 and Isabelle Ouyang got tenth with a score of 155. The combination of all of these talented players could not be beat. This is the second consecutive victory for Coach Mark Harelstad and tenth state title in team history. Mr. Speaker, it is also important to point out that these student athletes must effectively manage their time in order to excel on the course and in the classroom. It is commendable that they are able to perform on such a high level in both areas. Golf is a game that requires incredible patience and dedication in order to achieve success. And there is no doubt the Edina High School Girls Golf Team showed both this season. Congratulations and go Hornets.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Edina Ultimate Frisbee team for winning the State High School Championship. The Hornets won 13-7 in the final round last month to win their first state championship. Their hard work and dedication helped them earn their state-wide title in one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation. Ultimate Frisbee is first and foremost a team sport and Hornet coach Nate Wohl did an outstanding job leading this dedicated and selfless team. Every one of the players displayed perseverance, diligence, and cooperation that will aid them both on and off the field of play. I want to recognize their commitment not only to their sport, but to being leaders in the classroom as well as in their community. They are setting a great example of what all student athletes should strive to be as young role models. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such a talented group of athletes. The coaches, parents, and fans of the Hornets team are very proud. Congratulations again to the Edina Hornets Ultimate Frisbee team.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata High School Boys Track and Field team on winning their second consecutive Minnesota State championship. The Trojans defended their title led by first place finishes by Jaret Carpenter in both the sixteen-hundred meter and thirty-two-hundred meter races, and strong performances from the relay teams. Wayzata used a complete team effort to win the title and I commend them for their accomplishments. These athletes spend countless hours practicing to reach their personal bests. They understand the value of teamwork and sportsmanship to not only become better athletes and teammates, but better students, members of the community, and future leaders. In addition, they manage their time to excel at school, as well as fulfill and exceed family and social obligations. Mr. Speaker, the families, teachers, friends, and our entire community are very proud of these high school champs. Congratulations to the Wayzata High School Boys Track and Field team on a job well done.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Edina Rugby Football Club for winning their fifth consecutive Minnesota High School State Championship. The Hornets capped off their perfect season by defeating Minnetonka in the state finals by a score of 22-10. Tries scored by Nick Bloom, Evan Holm, and Will Hoff, combined with a suffocating defensive effort, helped carry the Edina side to victory. Theo Madison added to the scoring as well, contributing two conversion kicks and a penalty kick. It was truly a team effort and all of the Edina players should be proud of their accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, it is not often that a team can sustain success the way the Edina Rugby Football Club has over the past five seasons, but their achievement is a testament to the dedication of both Coach Mark Dalton and all of his players. Balancing school and athletics is not an easy task and these student athletes work hard in the classroom and continually strive to improve their craft. The families, teachers, friends, and the entire community are very proud of the Edina Rugby Football Club. Way to go Hornets.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka High School Boys Tennis team on their Minnesota State Team Championship. The Skippers had come up just short in the previous two years, but this year they would not be denied. Although they were seeded fourth out of eight teams in the tournament, the Skippers showed grit and determination as they upset the top two teams on their way to the school's first tennis championship since 1974. They upset Rochester Century in a closely contested final, winning four matches to three. Mr. Speaker, in a sport like tennis where success in a match is a combination of singles and doubles, it is especially noteworthy to recognize how this group of young men worked together to achieve their goal. These student athletes showed that together they were greater than the sum of their parts. The families, teachers, friends, and the entire community are very proud of the Minnetonka High School Boys Tennis team both on the court and in the classroom. Congratulations.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka High School Boys Golf Team on winning the Minnesota High School State Tournament under the leadership of Coach John Coatta. Junior Ben Sigel led the way for the Skippers, shooting five under par over two days. Sigel also won the individual state title by six strokes. Sigel was aided by Sawyer Baily and Mile McCarthy who shot 150 and 152 respectively over the two days. Minnetonka beat the nearest competitor by 13 strokes. It is Minnetonka's second championship and their first since transitioning to the AAA level. Mr. Speaker, golf is a game of inches. It is an incredibly difficult game to master, even more so under the weight of expectation. Such a victory could not have been obtained without tireless practice and unending dedication. Mr. Speaker, what is especially impressive is the amount of time these student athletes dedicate to exceeding in the classroom while also participating in other extracurricular activities. Congratulations again to Skipper Boys Golf Team on being state champs. Your parents, coaches, and community are very proud of you.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chanhassen High School girls softball team on their State championship. After finishing their regular season with a record of 17-3, and in second place in the West Metro Conference standings, the third-seeded Storm went on to win four games straight to win the Section 2 championship. And then, as Section 2 representatives in the State tournament, the Storm won over Forest Lake, Hopkins, and Buffalo, outscoring their opponents 19-5 on their way to the championship. Mr. Speaker, it is accomplishments such as these that are a testament to the skills and the values that all high school athletics teach, and these young ladies demonstrated determination and toughness on the field as well as drive and responsibility in the classroom. Balancing schoolwork and athletics can be challenging, but these student athletes proved themselves to be both leaders on the diamond and in the classroom. The families, teachers, friends, and our entire community are very proud of these young ladies. I congratulate the Chanhassen High School softball team on their win.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and contributions of Elie Wiesel. Mr. Wiesel was a passionate advocate for peace, human rights, and the dignity of all people. His moral authority on international affairs served as a constant reminder and challenge to global leaders to always stand up against violence and genocide, even when it may be easier to do nothing. He sought to use his public platform to highlight atrocities in Darfur, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Yugoslavia; and he called on leaders to take action. He was a strong advocate for the State of Israel, the need for a Jewish homeland, and the spiritual importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people. Mr. Wiesel's belief in the moral absolute of peace was shaped by his personal experience during the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of his father, his mother, and his sister. Generations of children now have learned about the horrors of the Holocaust through his firsthand account in the novel ``Night.'' Mr. Speaker, Elie Wiesel was a visionary scholar and activist. His message of peace and never forgetting the atrocities of the Holocaust will live on for generations to come.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jenkins for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of consumers' choice in health care, and that is exactly what this bipartisan bill does and is all about. It is giving everyone the flexibility and the ability to make healthcare choices that are best for them and for their families, because no matter what your views are about the President's new healthcare law, you have to acknowledge that healthcare costs continue to go up for families, for small businesses, and for individuals alike. It is a pocketbook issue. Families want to have more tools and more flexibility to lower their costs and to set aside money to help pay for health care. Today, more and more people--nearly 20 million Americans--are using these health savings accounts to help save for health care. These are accounts that are used by regular, middle-income folks. In fact, the Joint Committee on Taxation just released brand new information, while we were gone on the Fourth of July recess, that points out that almost 80 percent of people who are using these HSA accounts are middle-income and low-income. Half of the folks had incomes between $75,000 and $200,000, and 27 percent of the folks had incomes below $75,000. This is because the HSA is a very important tool that gives families certainty to help lower their healthcare bills. It allows them to shop around for the best quality care at the lowest price just like anything else they want to buy. Mr. Speaker, HSAs are growing in popularity. We know that. It is time to improve these accounts now to make them easier for all consumers to use. In Minnesota, 800,000 consumers and Minnesotans are eligible and are part of these HSA healthcare plans. This bill contains more commonsense reforms to help patients. It does include restoring the ability of patients to use their own healthcare dollars in health savings accounts and in flexible spending accounts to purchase over-the-counter medications without their having to get doctors' prescriptions first. There is no reason for patients to have to make unnecessary doctors' visits just so they can use their own money to buy allergy medication or cold medicine like Advil or Claritin. In addition, this bill does include provisions, which I authored, to make it easier for spouses to contribute and to consolidate their accounts as they near retirement. It also allows for them to pay for their health care as they open their HSA accounts, and it allows them to set aside enough money to cover all of their deductible and out-of-pocket costs. Mr. Speaker, this bill is good policy. It is bipartisan, and it is fiscally responsible. Most importantly, it helps families save and pay for their health care.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Numbers 334 through 336, I was not present due to airplane flight delays caused by inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Roll Call Vote No. 334, ``aye'' on Roll Call Vote No. 335, and ``aye'' on Roll Call Vote No. 336.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wayzata High School Boys Track and Field team on winning their second consecutive Minnesota State championship. The Trojans defended their title led by first place finishes by Jaret Carpenter in both the sixteen-hundred meter and thirty-two-hundred meter races, and strong performances from the relay teams. Wayzata used a complete team effort to win the title and I commend them for their accomplishments. These athletes spend countless hours practicing to reach their personal bests. They understand the value of teamwork and sportsmanship to not only become better athletes and teammates, but better students, members of the community, and future leaders. In addition, they manage their time to excel at school, as well as fulfill and exceed family and social obligations. Mr. Speaker, the families, teachers, friends, and our entire community are very proud of these high school champs. Congratulations to the Wayzata High School Boys Track and Field team on a job well done.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the Eden Prairie Girls' Synchronized Swimming Team, who recently won the Minnesota High School State Championship. The Eagles triumphed at Friday's state meet, where two Eden Prairie routines--short trio team and long team--were rewarded first-place finishes. It was a close competition, but Eden Prairie's excellent figure scores put them over the edge to secure both wins. This Eden Prairie team was determined to defy odds from the start of the season. They competed in a number of close battles this spring, including one against Hopkins High School where they won by 0.02 points. They ended the season with a strong stroke to bring home a championship for the school and for the community. Mr. Speaker, this synchronized swimming team is fortunate to have so many talented members who have worked hard to get to this point. But even more than that, we commend these student athletes for living up to their obligations in both the classroom and in our community. Congratulations again to the athletes, coaches, families, and fans of the Eden Prairie High School Synchronized Swimming Team.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky for their hard work in bringing this important legislation to the floor today. It is vital that we do provide our men and women in uniform with the support and resources they need to keep our country safe. Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment to provide funding for Defense Production Act purchases for strategic radiation- hardened microelectronics. Through research, development, and testing we have been able to create the most sophisticated weapons systems in the world. These systems are created using thousands of different parts, many of which utilize some of the most advanced technology that is available anywhere. One of those products that many of our systems rely on is radiation- hardened microelectronics. These microelectronics are specially designed to withstand extremely harsh natural and manmade radiation environments. Although they can be small, they play a large role in ensuring our systems work in the toughest conditions. The Department of Defense requires accesses to these unique products from sources that it knows and that it trusts to be responsible for handling those components with the utmost security. That is why, in 2004, the DOD created the Trusted Foundry Program for microelectronics. This program would ensure that the DOD had access to cutting-edge microelectronics that were produced right here in America by American companies. The Trusted Foundry Program has given the DOD the peace of mind of knowing that the microelectronics they receive are not counterfeit, are not tampered with, and have not been compromised in any way as to jeopardize our national security. Unfortunately, through challenges both inside and outside of the DOD's control, we now find ourselves in the unenviable position of having no clear vision for the future of this vital program. One issue that we currently face is that there is a shrinking number of American- owned and -operated companies that are capable of producing strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics. We now face the stark decision of trusting foreign-owned entities or of scrapping these products altogether. I think we all share the same belief that the DOD needs to reevaluate its long-term strategic plan on how it plans to acquire microelectronics going forward. However, in the meantime, we should make sure that we have continued access to these products from sources that the Department already knows and trusts. Mr. Chair, that is simply what this amendment aims to do by providing the funding for purchases through the Defense Production Act. The Defense Production Act was created to make sure we always have access to the industrial resources that are necessary for national defense. This year's report that accompanies the National Defense Authorization Act highlights the exact same concerns that I have raised. In fact, the NDAA encourages the Secretary of Defense to do exactly what this amendment would do, which is to use his authority under the Defense Production Act to ensure that continued access to a domestic supply for strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics is there. Mr. Chair, we should make sure that the DOD has access to as many trusted domestic suppliers as it possibly can instead of relying on just a single supplier for these products. The challenges that a single supplier presents have been well highlighted by the GAO in the past.

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, continuing to modernize the health care system requires improving the quality and delivery of health care, the backbone of which is the health care workforce. I am pleased to have the opportunity today to talk about a group of students from across the country who represent some of the brightest individuals preparing to enter the health care workforce. This year's United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative scholarship recipients represent 36 states. They are working hard in their undergraduate and graduate programs-- whether they are studying to be doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, public health specialists, or technicians--to increase the number of skilled professionals entering the health care workforce. Beyond their academic achievements, I would also like to recognize their commitment to making the health care system more culturally relevant and their dedication to improving the health outcomes of the individuals they will one day serve. Research shows that when people are treated by health professionals who share their language, culture, and ethnicity, they are more likely to accept and receive medical treatment. This will be a great asset to our nation's health care system. Next week, these scholars will be joining us in Washington, DC to examine some of the nation's most pressing health care problems and potential solutions as part of the United Health Foundation's Annual Diverse Scholars Forum. Since 2007, the United Health Foundation has helped more than 1,850 multicultural students from across the country realize their dream of pursuing careers in health while focusing on the needs of local communities through the Diverse Scholars Initiative. This year, these scholars also include a group of military spouses and dependents pursuing health care careers who have received scholarships, and I'd like to recognize their commitment to becoming part of the future health workforce and their support for those who have served. To these exceptional scholars, congratulations and best wishes for success in all of your future endeavors. I know that our nation's health care system will benefit from your hard work and talent. Jean Abac, Miranda Adcock, Sainfer Aliyu, Cadijah Allen, Jose Alonso, Toni Aluko, Evelyn Ambush, Felicia Andrew, Jesse Andrews, Brie Antonas, Kwame Awuku, Lluriana Bailon, Kane Banner, Sophia Barrios, Christina Batarse, Anya Bazzell, Shanell Becenti, Ashleigh Bennett, Carlene Black, Ashley Blackwell, Maya Bryant, Tina Bui, Andrea Burgess, Ebony Caldwell, Ana Cisneros, Danelle Cooper, Sandy Cullins, Radha Dahal, Marcqwon Day, Andres de Avila, Elizabeth De La Rosa, Chelsie Rae Domingo, Katie Duncan, Evelyn Escobedo Pol, Rebecca Espinoza, Mayra Estrada, Laurie Farreau, Clarissa Flores, Nyla Flowers, Thomas Franco, Jeremy Garriga, Misha Gilmore, Homero Guaderrama, Eddie Hackler III, Jackie Hairston, Jada Mone'e Harris, Oswaldo Hasbun Avalos, Katie Haynes, Shakura Howard, Austere Apolo, Wes Hungbui, Jalane Jara, Sophia Jimenez, Valencia Johnson, Karianne Jones, Ramanjot Kaur, Leslie Kedelty, Linda Kerandi, Ashley Kyalwazi, Angel Lara, Vin Lay, Anna Le, Saleena Lee, Edith Leiva, Amy Liang, Korai Liriano, Maria Madrigal, Erin Abigail Marden, Rasheena McCabe, Karen Mendez, Santiago Mercado, Monique Merritt, Alexa Mieses, Kimberly Mondestin, Lynette Morgan, Krista Morine, Binh Nguyen, Whitney Nwagbara, Justin Okons, Francesca Olguin, Chiemeka Onyima, Sylvia Pena, Bert Pineda, Joshua Platero, Cecilia Ramirez, Juan Ramirez, Isis Reyes, Julian Roby, Leah Ruiz, Valeria Salazar Ball, Brianne Samson, Ari St. Clair, May Lei Suen, Hiroshi Usui, Janet Van, Vaithish Velazhahan, Jennifer Villalobos, Shenae Whitehead, Veronica Williams, Taylor Williams-Hamilton, Davontae Willis, Ernestine Wilson, Bethany Womack, Chris Zermeno, and Jingna Zhao.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember Wheelock Whitney, a Minnesota legend, civic leader, and a friend. Last week Minnesota was saddened to learn that Wheelock Whitney had passed away. Wheelock was a successful businessman who gave so much back to our State. He was an impactful leader, principled, generous, and compassionate. When he retired, he passed his knowledge on to future generations by teaching at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Wheelock's civic leadership included playing a large role in local sports franchises, like the Twins, the Vikings, and the North Stars. He also helped save and improve lives in his founding of the Johnson Institute in 1966, one of the Nation's very first drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers. Mr. Speaker, it is really hard to put into words the respect that Minnesotans have for Wheelock Whitney and his stature as a leader. He simply was one of a kind and was somebody who made Minnesota a better place. We will miss him.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a Minnesota legend, Glen Nelson, who passed away last week. Glen was a medical pioneer whose work has transformed the lives of many thousands and thousands of people. From performing surgeries to creating medical devices to leading several healthcare companies, Glen did it all. Health care was his career, and that is because he recognized the power of medicine and innovation and how it could be used to make a difference in the lives of his neighbors. Glen put it best when he said: ``As a surgeon, you save one life at a time, but with medical devices, you know you are saving so many more.'' Glen did what he did not to make money or gain fame. Glen was a leading doctor, inventor, philanthropist, and great family man because he cared about people, and he valued giving back to others. Mr. Speaker, the loss of Glen Nelson is something that all Minnesota is feeling. Our State, our country, and our medical community are better off because of the leadership and passionate spirit of Glen Nelson.

Mr. PAULSEN

Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, it is National Law Enforcement Week and a time to honor the men and women in blue that risk their health and safety daily to keep our communities safe. The shooting of two officers just this last week in New Hampshire shows us that the danger that law enforcement faces is all too real. Whenever I participate in a police ride-along, I am constantly impressed by the professionalism and the commitment to duty from our police officers. It is important that we recognize their efforts and make sure they have the resources to do their jobs effectively. I was pleased that last week we reauthorized the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program to help local law enforcement agencies obtain potentially lifesaving equipment for their officers. In addition, we passed my bill to provide law enforcement with more tools to find abducted and missing children. Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Thin Blue Line and the men and women of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe.