Pedro Pierluisi

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution recognizing National School Social Work Week.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I support health care reform, but I do not support the proposal put forward by the White House, because it mistreats 4.4 million Americans living in Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories. They are treated like second-class citizens. My loyalty to my party and to our President is beyond question, but my principles and my people come first. This proposal violates my principles, and it mistreats my people. In Puerto Rico, the Federal Government pays less than 25 percent of the cost of providing Medicaid services. That is a national travesty. The House took important steps to mitigate this disparity in funding. Yet the White House proposal does not make a good-faith effort to address this inequality. Moreover, the proposal excludes Puerto Rico from the exchange but allows noncitizen residents of the States to participate. This is discrimination, and it is no way to treat one's fellow Americans. I do not believe this proposal reflects the President's thinking, and I cannot believe my colleagues will allow it to stand. The people of Puerto Rico and the other territories fight proudly for their country. Their country should fight for them, too.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This bill lives up to its name. Most importantly from my perspective, this bill does justice to the 4.4 million American citizens living in Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories. Too often in the past, the territories have been treated as an afterthought in important legislation. Thanks to the efforts of leadership, that is not the case with this bill. While the legislation is not perfect, it constitutes a giant step forward. The bill addresses the unprincipled funding disparities that the territories have always faced under Medicaid. It also provides funding to enable Americans of modest means residing in the territories to purchase subsidized coverage through the health insurance exchange. It makes my constituents eligible for the worthy consumer protections established in the bill. I hope the Senate will follow the House's lead, and I will continue to work with our allies in that Chamber to ensure that their bill treats American citizens in the territories in a fair and just manner.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Congress' efforts to reform our Nation's health care system. Too many Americans have no health insurance or are a job loss away from losing their insurance, and reform will give them access to secure, affordable coverage. The House bill will also benefit the vast majority of Americans who already have insurance. Your insurance company will no longer be able to deny you coverage or raise your rates because of a preexisting condition. Your insurance company will no longer be able to drop or reduce your coverage when you get sick. Mr. Speaker, I represent nearly 4 million U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico. My fellow delegates from the territories and I have fought hard to make certain that the House bill is fair to our constituents who are no less American than their fellow citizens in the States and are no less deserving of care. Thanks to the determined efforts of our leadership, I am confident that the House bill will ensure that quality health coverage will be available for all Americans, whatever their financial means and wherever they happen to reside.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 854) recognizing Weber State University for the 120th anniversary of its founding as an institution of higher education.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I ask for 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 854 into the Record.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 854, which celebrates the 120th anniversary of Weber State University. Founded in 1889, Weber State Academy eventually became what is now known as Weber State University. From its humble beginnings, Weber State has grown into a 400-acre campus in Ogden, Utah and a 105-acre campus in Layton, Utah. The university takes great pride in serving the needs of its students while preparing them for life-long service to their community. Offering more than 200 undergraduate majors, WSU is home to the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate program in the State of Utah. U.S. News & World Report cites WSU as one of the top 10 public master's institutions in the West. The campus features more than 100 student clubs and organizations, in addition to 14 athletic programs which compete in the NCAA Division I. While most of its students are drawn from Utah, the campus is enriched by students hailing from the 50 States and 35 foreign countries. The student body of WSU is an accomplished one, with a variety of campus programs achieving national recognition. For example, Wildcat athletes have qualified for the Olympic trials in track and captured the Big Sky Conference championship. The WSU Wind Ensemble was invited to the Los Angeles International Band and Orchestra Festival, and WSU theater students were selected to perform at the renowned Kennedy Center right here in Washington, D.C. In addition to its esteemed academic and cultural reputation, Weber State University is known for its commitment to civic engagement and community service. The campus' Community Involvement Center seeks to engage students by providing opportunities of academic learning and community service. The center coordinates with community agencies and runs the AmeriCorps Education Award Program. I congratulate Weber State University on 120 years of service and leadership and look forward to what the coming years have for this accomplished institution. I thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) for bringing forth this resolution to this floor and ask my colleagues to join Mr. Bishop and me in supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I don't, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I ask that my colleagues support the resolution celebrating the 120th anniversary of Weber State University. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 368) congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team on winning the 2009 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships, as amended.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 368 into the Record.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team for their victory in the 2009 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship tournament. On March 21, the college wrestling fans were treated to an exceptional wrestling match as the University of Iowa won its 22nd national team title with a final team score of 96.5 points, edging runner-up Ohio State University by only 4.5 points. That was the closest margin of victory since Iowa won the 1999 team title by 2 points and only the second time in school history that the Hawkeyes won the NCAA title without an individual champion. The Iowa Hawkeyes put together a remarkable season. The wrestling team was represented proudly at the NCAA national championship match with nine championship qualifiers. Brent Metcalf, a junior, won his second straight Big Ten title and earned Outstanding Wrestler honors. Dan Erekson, a junior, won his first Big Ten title of the Big Ten championships. In total, the 2009 team produced 15 All-Americans and 19 All-Academic Big Ten athletes. The Hawkeyes wrestling team is a premier program. The extraordinary achievement of this season is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the many wrestlers, coaches, students, alumni, families and fans that have helped to make the University of Iowa a wrestling powerhouse. I want to extend my congratulations to Coach Tom Brands, who returned to his alma mater and led the team to a perfect 24-0 overall record, an 8-0 record in Big Ten dual matches, and a national championship in just his third season as a head coach. Impressive feats such as these are why Coach Brands was named the 2009 Coach of the Year by the Big Ten conference. Congratulations are also in order for assistant coaches Terry Brands, Doug Schwab and Mike Zadick; strength and conditioning coach, Jared Frayer; and administrative assistant, Luke Eustice. They all played a vital part in the success of this talented team. Last season's victory adds to a robust history. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling program began in 1911 and has produced a rich history of champions with 33 Big Ten conference championships and 22 NCAA Division I national championships. Winning the national championship, finishing the season with a 24-0 overall record and winning the Big Ten Conference championship for the 33rd time has brought national acclaim to the University of Iowa. I know the fans of the university will revel in this accomplishment as they look forward to the 2010 season. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Loebsack for bringing this resolution forward. Once again, I congratulate the University of Iowa for their success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support the resolution congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeye's wrestling team for their victory in the 2009 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championship tournament. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 562) congratulating Syracuse University for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 562 into the Record.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Syracuse University men's lacrosse team for their victory in the 2009 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament. On May 25, 2009, the Syracuse Orange men's lacrosse team celebrated their NCAA Division I championship title after a close 10-9 victory over the Cornell Big Red. This victory marks the 11th national championship for the Orange in lacrosse, the most in NCAA history. This is the second consecutive year that the Syracuse men's lacrosse team has successfully won this title. In addition, this win capped a season for the Orange that saw the team tie the NCAA record for the best 1- year win-loss improvement. The game that secured the Orange's victory was especially exciting. Down three goals with four minutes to play and the ball in Cornell's possession, Syracuse staged an unlikely comeback. Scoring the definitive goal in sudden death overtime made for an exhilarating and especially exciting win for the team, showcasing their focus under pressure and excellent teamwork. I congratulate John Desko on his fourth national title as coach of the Orange. In his 11 years as head coach at Syracuse, he has led the Orange to seven NCAA final appearances and nine Final Fours. Coach Desko serves as a wonderful mentor to his players both on and off the field. I want to recognize the Syracuse Orange for their incredible season, characterized by tenacity, talent, and leadership. I am certain that this team will carry this momentum into next season. Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate Syracuse University men's lacrosse team on their 2009 Division I NCAA championship title. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I ask my colleagues to support the resolution congratulating the Syracuse University men's lacrosse team for their victory in the 2009 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PIERLUISI

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 824) congratulating the Northwestern University Wildcats on winning the 2009 NCAA women's lacrosse championship, and to commend Northwestern University for its pursuit of athletic and academic excellence.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 824 into the Record.

Mr. PIERLUISI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 824, which recognizes and congratulates the Northwestern University Wildcats for winning the 2009 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship and for pursuing athletic and academic excellence. The Wildcats posted a 23-0 regular season record and broke NCAA records both for total points and total goals in a season. The team applied the lessons learned during their undefeated year and displayed their outstanding athletic skills and cohesive team strategy in post- season play, trailing only once during the entire tournament. On May 24, 2009, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels cut the Northwestern Wildcat's lead to two goals midway through the first half of the championship game. Northwestern responded with 10 consecutive goals to win its fifth straight NCAA championship in women's Division I lacrosse. The team's 21-7 victory over the Tar Heels set the record for goals scored in the title game. Special congratulations are due to Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller, who now boasts a 20-1 record in the NCAA tournament. Amonte Hiller took over a program that had club status, and not only brought the team to official collegiate standings, but amassed five national championships and six conference titles in just eight seasons. The seniors on this team had one of the most successful collegiate athletic careers. Recognition also should be given to senior Hannah Nielsen, who won the Tewaaraton Trophy for the second year in a row. This award is given to the Nation's top lacrosse player by the Tewaaraton Foundation. Northwestern University succeeds not only on lacrosse fields, but in its classrooms as well. It ranks 12th in the 2010 national university rankings issued by U.S. News & World Report and boasts a 92.5 percent graduation rate, an amazing statistic for any university. In addition to over 70 established majors, Northwestern University empowers students to choose or design nontraditional concentrations and offers a wide range of field experiences and internships. It is an institute of higher learning from which its graduates, including its athletes, go on to accomplish great things and make important contributions to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team on its 2009 Division I NCAA championship title. I wish the program much success in the 2010 season. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PIERLUISI. Having no additional speakers, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues support the resolution, congratulating the Northwestern University Wildcats for winning the 2009 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship. I yield back the balance of my time.