David Reichert

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional Members seeking time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I will keep my closing statement short. This obviously is an important bill to this country for our Nation's security and is especially important on this day when our good friend, Gabrielle Giffords, has presented her resignation. I urge all Members to join me in support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a fallen constituent, a National Park Ranger who will be remembered for her love of the outdoors and her co-workers, her dedication to community and family, and as a hero. Mr. Speaker, Ranger Margaret Anderson was killed on January 1 while performing her duties at Mt. Rainier National Park. The senseless and heartbreaking act of violence ended the life of a public servant and law enforcement officer who respected and enjoyed her colleagues and the natural world. Washington State has a long tradition of outdoor enthusiasm and it is because of Rangers like Margaret Anderson that the people of the State explore our natural resources safely. She worked at Mt. Rainier for four years. She served as a Ranger at other locations previously and met her husband while performing her duties. As friends and colleagues around the country react to her death, Mr. Speaker, the same words get repeated: sweet, kind, selfless, loving. She respected and loved her colleagues and the same respect and love was returned. Margaret and her family lived in Eatonville, Mr. Speaker, a small community in the 8th District near Mt. Rainier. Her friends, neighbors, and relatives recall a woman who volunteered her time for many causes, and doted on her two little girls. Her husband--like Margaret, a park ranger at Mt. Rainier--and her two girls, ages 1 and 3, need a community of support. I'm heartened to know that community, because there is no doubt the family will get it in Eatonville. While Margaret was with us, she cared for her family and her community. Now, her community will help care for her family. The manner of Margaret's death will not soon be forgotten. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, neither will her spirit and life. I urge members of this House to keep Margaret's husband Eric and her two daughters Anna and Katie in their prayers. As Eric, Anna, Katie, and the rest of Margaret's family move forward in life, I want them to know that Margaret is a hero and her sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, each year we recognize November as National Adoption Month. I encourage my colleagues in both chambers to raise awareness about the adoption of young boys and girls in our foster care system who dream of one day having a forever family. Many of us have brothers or sisters, aunts or uncles, sons or daughters, who have lovingly decided to add to their family through adoption. By raising awareness about the many benefits of adoption, and the process for families and children in foster homes, we can make sure more children go to sleep in their own home every night. According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, 423,000 children are living without permanent families in the U.S. Today, 115,000 of these children are eligible for adoption but almost 40% will wait more than 3 years in foster care before being adopted. Every single year--and this number is climbing--over 29,000 of our young people ``age-out'' of foster care. A child that ``ages-out'' is more likely to be undereducated, unemployed, homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol and/or utilizing government benefits to survive, compared to their peers who grew up outside the foster care system or were adopted before aging out. Our children deserve better than this, and the good news is we can help. We can help by encouraging more families to consider adoption, and offering assistance to those who do by extending the adoption tax credit. Our young people are our greatest treasure. To continue to allow thousands of our young people to begin adulthood at a distinct disadvantage would be devastating. Please consider the plight of so many of our children and young adults living in foster care; shuttled back and forth between homes, towns, cities, schools, friends, support groups, and so on. Children in foster care without a more permanent structure and support system are more likely to distrust adults or have strained relationships with the adults in their lives and with their peers. National Adoption Month is also an opportunity to recognize the foster parents in our communities who are selflessly giving so much to help our youth. They too deserve our support and our thanks. Foster parents across this nation are wonderful examples for all of us and provide some of our most vulnerable young people with protection and a sense of family and home. I appreciate their sacrifice and I hope they know it does not go unnoticed. The decision to become foster parents or adoptive parents can sometimes be scary; not knowing how one's family dynamics may be impacted or if you'll be able to create a bond with the child and the child with you. To all who may be considering these options today, trust me. I know from personal experience that the worry melts away as soon as you bring that special child into your home. As a foster grandparent, and now a proud grandpa of two adopted children, I can assure you that it won't be long before you realize that it's not just the children who gain so much through adoption. You too gain more joy and more love than you ever could have imagined. Look for ways that you can get involved with adoption efforts in your local community. Locate adoption services in your community and help with your time, money, or both. Adoption is essential to the health of our nation. Supporting adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and foster parents is a duty for all of us.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, we've heard some of the partisan comments this morning, and I think America is tired of that. America needs jobs now, and they're looking at us to work together. There's been a lot of discussion and debate around job creation and economic recovery--rightly so. But I believe we all want to put America back to work, Democrats and Republicans together. We all want that. We must work together now to make that happen. Just because we have different ideas doesn't mean we can't work together. Adam Smith and I, both from Washington State, in fact, next week will be putting together a jobs fair that we call Helping Identify Real Employment in America. We're going to do that together, a Democrat and a Republican. There will be 75-plus different vendors, different businesses who have jobs, actually have jobs waiting. We're going to match employees with employers, bring them together so they can find jobs. And our hope is that before Christmas, before Thanksgiving, Adam Smith and I can get some people back to work and energize their families and help energize our community. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of us in this House to do the same--work together to identify jobs.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today we are considering a national reciprocity law for firearms licenses and permits. I have always supported Second Amendment rights for people to carry and keep firearms. I come at this from a little bit of a different perspective. I was a police officer for 33 years. I worked the streets for 6 years in a patrol car, SWAT commander, hostage negotiator. I have had guns pointed at me. I have looked down the barrel of a shotgun. I have looked down the barrel of a rifle. I have heard the shots fly by. I have been at the other end of the gun, too. Fortunately, I have not had to fire at anyone, but in protection of the people in my community, I have experienced being at both ends of a firearm. So I understand and I get the concerns of cops, my brothers and sisters in law enforcement. What we want to make sure today is that those law enforcement officers across this country that protect us--and they're protecting us while we're in the Capitol today--are equipped and prepared to enforce this law. I have a concern, so my amendment would require that the GAO look into whether or not law enforcement officers are able and have the ability to verify the validity of out-of-State concealed firearms permits and licenses. Within 1 year of enactment, the results of this study will be reported to the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Our State and local law enforcement across this country every day put their lives on the line. They put the badge on. They put their uniforms on. They walk out into the street. They go out in their patrol cars and are putting their lives on the line. It's a risk and responsibility that they will gladly accept. They want to come home safely, of course, to their families, but they know the risks when they leave their home. They know the risks when they put on the badge. We owe it to them to ensure the underlying bill does not create any unintended consequences or additional safety concerns. Right now it is unclear whether every cop in every jurisdiction across this Nation can efficiently determine the validity of concealed- firearms permits. Each State decides how best to store that information and have access to its own concealed-carry permit information, but maybe not that of other States. Only 12 States right now are participating in a program that allows electronic access to a joint concealed-carry database. In the remaining 38 States, law enforcement officers are required to contact appropriate local officials over the phone or by email. This method is not timely enough and not effective. We must understand how long it takes for law enforcement officers to determine whether or not a State concealed- carry permit is legitimate or fraudulent. This is critical to both the safety of the cops patrolling our neighborhoods and protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. This GAO study will help us better understand the impact of national reciprocity for concealed firearms on our Nation's law enforcement and their ability to effectively enforce the law. We must pass this amendment to ensure that our cops have the adequate tools to enforce this law. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. The question is whether or not this study is tied to the passage of the bill. No, the study is not tied to the passage of the bill. The study will begin upon passage of the bill, and the report must be filed before 1 year is up.

Mr. REICHERT. The way that this amendment is presented, it's presented allowing the study to go on as law enforcement encounters this new law and will then know what challenges they face as they look to enforce the law. We won't know all of those things until the law is in place.

Mr. REICHERT. Yes, sir. That is what my amendment is intended to do, to gather that information so we can appropriately revise the current policies that may exist in police departments across the country and sheriff's offices across the country.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to co-sponsor the resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Washington. On this momentous occasion, I'd like to personally thank UW for its outreach to the community, academic leadership, and overall impact on the Puget Sound region. Each time I return to my district, Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of the incredible work of the University of Washington and its many contributions to our state and nation. The UW is not only a leader in educating students, but also the entire community; hosting several professional and informal public events on medicine, agriculture, the environment, current events, history, transportation, weather patterns, and much more. The pioneering work done at UW research laboratories in medical research is astounding. The university collaborates with other professional organizations as well as academic institutions; no duplication, just groundbreaking research. The teaching and research at UW have international significance. It is saving lives and changing long-held perceptions. Across cultures and countries, UW's work is significant. Every year, UW is featured as one of the leading universities in the nation--indeed, in the world. Its schools of medicine, science, forestry, engineering, business, public affairs, and law consistently rank at or near the top of multiple ratings lists. It is an amazing place to learn and grow. The Puget Sound--and the world--is a better place because of UW. Especially during football season, watching dozens of people, young and old, walking down the street wearing the purple-and-gold is remarkable. The support for every part of the UW from its alumni is a testament to its influence and longevity. The community loves UW and UW loves its community. The professors, students, faculty, alumni, boosters, coaches, and facilities that make the Puget Sound home, also make the Puget Sound unique. Mr. Speaker, the University of Washington is a unique and historic institution. Its true impact is immeasurable. UW's outreach and academic accomplishments are legendary. Here's to the next 150 years, Mr. Speaker. Go Dawgs!

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, the late Norm Maleng, a courageous man and King County's former prosecuting attorney, once described domestic violence as ``. . . [A] crime against the human spirit.'' Mr. Speaker, Norm was right. Domestic violence is a terrible scourge that irreparably damages individual lives, families, and communities. Its effects are permanent. It can't be taken back or apologized away. We like to set up lines of demarcation, Mr. Speaker, and separate each other into distinct groups: women and men, black and white, young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, and so on. Domestic violence ignores these distinctions in its assault on the human spirit. The startling statistics send a clear message: domestic violence is a powerful force that recognizes no boundary. Every year, fifteen-and-a- half million children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes and 2,000 children will die because of it. One in four women and one in nine men will be victimized by domestic violence in their lifetime. In my home state, 755 lives were lost to domestic violence between 1997 and 2010. The majority of homeless women and children in the United States are in that position because of domestic violence. If, somehow, those statistics don't frighten and sadden you, think about it in another way: Every year, the United States spends $5.8 billion dollars in health care, lost productivity, and lifetime earnings because of domestic violence. I urge my colleagues to support organizations committed to stamping out domestic violence in their hometowns and across their state and nation. Organizations like the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, EDVP, in the 8th District of Washington. In 2010, EDVP answered 10,069 crisis calls from victims of domestic violence and provided services to 4,700 victims. EDVP not only provides a 24-hour help line for victims, but they also provide shelter and safe places for victims to stay after they've made the difficult choice to leave their home behind. Unfortunately, for every person receiving shelter at EDVP, they are forced to turn away 18. They simply lack the resources needed to meet the full need of the community. Mr. Speaker, together, as a community and as a nation, we can help prevent domestic violence and better serve those who've been victimized. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October, I urge every American to take the time to tell their spouse, mother, father, child, brother, sister, or friend how important they are to their life. Hug every single one. Find out how best to extend a helping hand to victims and find the ``EDVP'' in your area.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. Well, the beast in the room is jobs, and that's what these bills are about: jobs. We need to pass these trade agreements just like President Obama said. Pass these trade agreements now. Pass these jobs bills now. That's what these are, jobs bills. Korea alone, 70,000-plus jobs. And how does that work? Well, 95 percent of the tariffs that we pay currently to Korea disappear. They're eliminated almost immediately. What happens then? Guess what. Our prices go down. More demand for our goods. More demand for our goods, what does that mean? Produce more products. When you produce more products, what happens? This is Economy 101. You have to hire more workers, more workers to make more products. Guess what. The unemployment rate goes down. That's what we need to do today. We have to come together, and we know this is a bipartisan effort. We know that people have come together on both the Democrat side and the Republican side. We know that the White House has supported these trade agreements. What happens if we don't pass these bills? We lose. The European Union has already made their agreement with Korea. It went into effect on July 1. Their exports to Korea have already increased by 17 percent. We are losing market share. Ninety-five percent of our market is outside of this country. We need to sell America. We need to pass these trade agreements now. We need to pass these jobs bills now.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank you for all of your hard work and your leadership in this area. I'm a newcomer to the world of trade, and a fairly newcomer to Congress, having been here for 6 years. I want to talk a little bit about the frustration that I think a lot of us here in the House have been experiencing, and I think a lot of people, Mr. Speaker, across this country are feeling, and that is a lot of frustration, a lot of anger at this Congress, the fact that we can't work together. But the good news is that today, we're going to have that opportunity. The President has finally decided to send those trade agreements that we've all been waiting for for the past 4 years to Congress so that we can have a vote on the South Korean agreement, the Colombia agreement, and the Panama agreement. And these are all important. Why? Because they create jobs. We know they create jobs. In Washington State alone, one out of every three jobs is connected to trade--one out of every three jobs. South Korea is Washington's fourth-largest trading partner. It's important for the people of Washington State to have this partnership with Korea, with Colombia, and with Panama. Right now, we are falling behind. The European Union, as I think was mentioned earlier, signed their agreement and it became final on July 1 of this year. Since July 1, the European Union has increased their exports to Korea by 17 percent. We are losing market share. We are losing jobs. We must act now. The estimated jobs that we are losing is almost 350,000 jobs as we sit here and wait. Ninety-five percent of our market is outside of the United States. Ninety-five percent of our market is outside the United States. We want to sell American. Sell American; that's our goal. Yeah, we want to buy American here in the United States. We all want to do that, but we want to sell American. We can create 280,000 jobs by passing these agreements, and I think this is a time when Members of this Congress, both sides of the aisle, and including those divisions within the parties, need to come together. If you want to create jobs and you want to be a leader in this global economy, if you want to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, the time is now. It's time to come together and pass these agreements by a wide bipartisan majority, show the American people that we are here to lead, show the rest of the world that we are here to lead. And we are here to compete because America has the best products, the best workers, and the best imagination in the world.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, in September we observe National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity, I rise to call attention to the increasing incidence of obesity among our Nation's youth and the need for comprehensive solutions to this growing epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980. Overall, nearly 25 million children in the United States are overweight or obese. At the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic in Seattle, which serves mostly low- income and minority patients, nearly 40 percent of children treated are overweight or obese. Obesity places our children at greater risk of developing heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint problems, as well as social and psychological conditions such as depression and low self-esteem. Unless this trend is reversed, for the first time in history the current generation of children could have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. In addition to the many public health implications of childhood obesity, the financial consequences are just as alarming. The indirect costs of obesity have been estimated at $56 billion per year and climbing. Children treated for obesity cost our health care system three times more than the care for children of healthy weight. There is also growing concern among our military leaders about the potential effects of rising childhood obesity rates on our Nation's military readiness and defense. Many young adults who wish to serve their country are unable to join the armed services because they cannot pass the minimum physical fitness standards required for entry. Mr. Speaker, while the statistics are painful and the outlook appears dim, the good news is obesity is preventable and we can reverse the trends and defeat childhood obesity in America. During this month and throughout the year, I encourage all Americans to speak up about this problem, educate themselves, and explore ways they can make a difference in their own communities. It can be as simple as grabbing a friend or family member and going for a walk, hike, or bike ride; or working with local educators to introduce fresh, healthy meal options in our classrooms. Treatment alone isn't the answer and the task before us is not easy--there is no ``quick fix'' or magic diet pill--but if parents, schools, communities, health care providers, and government officials work together we can and will succeed in creating healthy environments and healthy lifestyles for our children.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Israel and in my belief that a nuclear-armed Iran poses a dire threat not only to Israel, but to the entire world. Israel is a crucial ally and friend to the United States. There is a long, rich, and productive history between our two countries. If Israel's sovereignty and ability to compete on a level playing field is being threatened, it is important for all levels of the U.S. Government to stand up and act. The partnership between our two democracies is strong and must remain so. Palestinian leadership is attempting a push toward statehood through the United Nations but Middle East peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations. An agreement suitable to both Israelis and Palestinians must achieve real security and mutual recognition of each state's right to exist. That cannot be achieved through unilateral action. As unrest continues in the Middle East, the United States must remain steadfast in its unyielding support of our friend and ally. Sadly, Israel is in a volatile region of he world where our shared values of self-determination and democracy are under constant attack. That is why I continually support vital security assistance to Israel and support legislation to impose sanctions on those aiding Iran's nuclear program. Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can never, at any time, be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Israel's security, and regional stability in the Middle East, is a vital U.S. interest. As a Member of Congress, I urge all branches of U.S. Government to remain consistent in emphasizing their support for Israel.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a husband- and-wife team filled with love, faith, and determination. I'm proud to call them constituents and friends and I'm honored to be able to recognize their efforts on this floor today. Mack Strong and Zoe Higheagle-Strong will be honored on Saturday evening, September 17 by the Association of Washington Generals as the Washingtonians of the Year. Mack and Zoe earned the honor by founding and leading the TEAM-WORKS Academy, a program that ``develops strong minds, strong bodies, and strong character in underserved youth.'' Founded in 2002 by Mack and Zoe, TEAM-WORKS Academy grew out of many years of dedicated community service and a strong belief in the validity of their vision for the future. I am thankful that Mack, a graduate of the University of Georgia and a longtime fullback of the Seattle Seahawks, put down roots in the community. His selfless and tireless work on behalf of at-risk youth in my District and beyond is an inspiration. And his wonderful wife Zoe, a member of the Nez Perce tribe and the Executive Director of TEAM-WORKS, is an inspiration to us all. The tandem of Mack and Zoe in the Puget Sound region represent an unstoppable force in the betterment of our communities, schools, and families. It is clear that TEAM-WORKS is having a positive effect on the young people it directly serves. Over and over again, I hear stories and see the results of improved performance in the classroom and on the field of play. Mack, an accomplished athlete, believes that the link between consistent physical activity and school performance in our young people is a strong one. I couldn't agree more. I think the tactics of TEAM- WORKS should be replicated across this Nation. Mack and Zoe are doing remarkable things. Reading and math scores are up. Relationships at home have never been better. TEAM-WORKS is a godsend and Mack and Zoe show no signs of slowing down. Again, Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mack and Zoe for their efforts and congratulate them on their well deserved honor. They truly represent the best of the State of Washington. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Association of Washington Generals for recognizing their efforts and providing Mack and Zoe with the kind of official recognition too many of our best community leaders go without.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, last year this House dedicated the second week of September as ``National Arts in Education Week.'' As a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I was proud to co-sponsor the resolution at the time and my belief in the importance of arts education and a robust arts scene for artists and innovators is as strong as ever. House Resolution 275--introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier--states, in part: ``Arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students.'' In the Eighth District of Washington--the District I represent in this House--the community is blessed with teachers, mentors, and parents adamant that young people have an opportunity to participate in the arts. It is a joy for me to host an annual Congressional Arts Competition and view the paintings, photographs, sketches, and sculptures students create. I receive support on picking winners in the contest from members of local school boards, parents, teachers, and interested community members. The Competition culminates in an evening of celebration for the young artists and the smiles and pride on the faces of parents, grandparents, friends, and students light up whatever room the celebration takes place. Professional and amateur arts exist in my District as well. Even during a historically difficult economic time such as this, support for the arts is robust. The support is present because people understand what arts and artists provide: a unique, illuminating, and important perspective on life. My hope is that this country and this House never lose its belief in the arts. My hope is that we all continue to view arts education and support for the arts as an indispensable part of our culture and the education of our young people. I'm happy in the knowledge that House Resolution 275 dedicates a week to supporting arts in education and I hope this House joins me in spotlighting the arts in the individual districts of the United States.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chair, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped ensure the permanent protection and maintenance of critical lands in our national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Equally important, it has provided matching funds to support countless state parks and recreation projects in thousands of communities in every state in the nation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund not only helps provide outdoor recreation access so that parents can teach their children about active, healthy lifestyles, it also provides an economic boost. In Washington state alone, the 2.7 million people who enjoy hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching contribute $3 billion to the local economy. I've joined bipartisan efforts to protect this important fund because, in the Pacific Northwest, we take special pride in our natural resources. I'm proud to, again, follow in the footsteps of so many who have worked together to protect the outdoors and our environment. I urge my colleagues to support the Bass amendment.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of VFW Post 2995 in Redmond, Washington, and its members' dedicated service to our men and women in uniform. For more than six years now, members of the Post have collected items to put together ``comfort packages'' for our troops. Each package is sent to an individual service member on the front lines. After six years of dedicated work on behalf of our troops, the Post is celebrating today because they are packing their 10,000th comfort package! To pay their postage expenses, Mr. Speaker, the Post holds fundraisers and accepts donations from appreciative members of the community. The most dedicated and tireless volunteer involved with the program is an 85-year-old WWII veteran named John Kenny. Mr. Kenny was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in WWII and he certainly deserves recognition for his service now, too. Mr. Speaker, I hope this House can somehow conduct our work and our lives as selflessly as Mr. Kenny. Please join me in thanking him, Mr. Speaker, and thanking VFW Post 2995 in Redmond for never wavering in their support for the bravest men and women on the face of this earth. 10,000 packages to our troops is quite an achievement and quite a service, thank you.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman and Members of this great body, this week is Law Enforcement Memorial Week. We have thousands of police officers from across the Nation here in Washington, D.C., to honor those fallen officers of last year and years before. Last year we lost 156 police officers who were killed in the line of duty protecting each and every one of us. This year we are on track to beat that record, unfortunately. Sixty-eight police officers have already been killed. I stand today to have all of you recognize their sacrifice and the families who have survived and the police officers who continue marching on. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. REICHERT. If we may have a moment of silence.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an organization that my family and I hold close to our hearts: the Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC). PICC opened its doors in 1990 in Kent, Washington, and since that time has saved the lives of more than 2,500 drug-addicted newborns. An organization like PICC--with visionary leaders and founders like Barbara Drennen and Barbara Richards--reminds us every day just how fragile and precious life is, and how much promise it holds. For 20 years PICC and its leadership, staff, and volunteers have transformed lives, bettered communities, and served a purpose greater than self. Simply perusing PICC's website is enough to make an individual know with heart, mind, and soul that the work being done down there is good and life-altering. Going to PICC in Kent and having the opportunity to hold the beautiful and precious babies there can change one's life. I know it did mine, in many ways. My daughter Tabitha and her husband Ken adopted two beautiful babies from PICC. There is no doubt that raising a drug-addicted baby is difficult. Tabitha and Ken endured many sleepless nights, countless frustrations, and more than a few tears. Of course, life's biggest struggles so often bring life's biggest blessings. And what a blessing those beautiful babies have been. Tabitha, Ken, my wife, Julie, and I, and the rest of my family feel incredibly blessed everyday to have received gifts from PICC in the form of Emma and Briar. Emma is now seven and Briar is nine. They've blessed our family and our friends immensely. They've grown from fragile babies into energetic and precocious kids who play and enjoy life everyday with the intensity and wonder reserved for youth. While making discoveries and investigating life with my two remarkable grandchildren, I thank PICC staff and volunteers for the life-altering and truly beautiful work they do. Over the course of 20 years, PICC has provided countless memories to thousands and continue to expand on their legacy. The scourge of drug use and abuse afflicts families and communities in every part of our nation. Children born into drug abuse start life at a distinct disadvantage. Children exposed to illegal drugs are more likely to ingest drugs themselves, abuse alcohol, fail in their relationships, and fall short of being an asset in their community. Sometimes it's easy to give in and think the cycle of abuse and failure will never end. That's when an organization like PICC provides hope. Hope for families looking to adopt. Hope for mothers ready to turn their lives around. Hope for innocent babies who only need love and an opportunity to grow. The heartwarming stories of hope and love at PICC can be found on their website and in homes across this country. PICC provides safety, education, and a helping hand to those who need it and don't ask for much in return. PICC succeeds on a shoestring budget and a lot of hard work and dedication. Kent is a better place because of PICC. The Eighth District is a better place because of PICC. The state of Washington is a better place because of PICC, and our nation is a better place because of PICC. In the end, why does Barbara Drennen do it? Why do the staff and volunteers at PICC spend countless hours holding babies, working in the community, and educating? Because everyone at PICC believes in their mission: protecting and serving the least among us. They believe in a purpose bigger than themselves. I'm so happy that mission and that purpose is still alive and well 20 years after it was conceived by Barbara Drennen and Barbara Richards. PICC's mission and purpose is Emma and Briar and the thousands of other children that enrich our lives every day. We're all thankful for that.