David Reichert

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I now yield to the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks).

Mr. REICHERT. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. REICHERT. Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman, and I look forward to working with you. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and passion. I know all of us in this body would support this issue once we can get it solved. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I now yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young).

Mr. REICHERT. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the ranking member. I look forward to working with you and Mr. Langevin in making sure that our wounded veterans returning home are rehabilitated, are counseled, and receive the medical care and encouragement they need to lead a fruitful life.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I want to engage in a colloquy with my colleague from Florida, the chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Committee. I stand today to support wounded warrior rehabilitation programs that support our brave military men and women who have sacrificed parts of their body for our freedom; men and woman who have sacrificed so much that today we can stand here on this floor and offer our remarks. These programs provide life- saving, life-changing rehabilitation services to thousands of injured servicemen and -women. We must keep our promise to our troops and veterans, consistent with the Pledge to America, which allows exceptions related to government funding so that we can honor our commitment to those who have served. We all know in this Chamber that we can never repay what our military men and women have sacrificed for us and for our freedom, witnessed today by Mr. Johnson's presence at the chair and our recognition of the troops who have served. These programs are a small way to support those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free. Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Dicks, as you begin the difficult task of reviewing the fiscal year 2012 budget, I ask that you consider the needs and the well-being of our injured servicemen and -women. I hope that we can work together to ensure that these types of rehabilitation programs for wounded warriors are given fair consideration during that process. Mr. Chairman, I now yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin).

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I am here today to say that I am going to vote ``yes'' to repeal this health care bill because I think the American people deserve better. There were promises made in this bill--promises, promises, promises. There were promises made and, unfortunately, promises that were broken. Think back to last year. Think back to what the American people were promised in this bill. Three promises come to mind: One, Americans were told that the overhaul would make health care more affordable. Two, they were told that this would make health care more efficient. Three, they were told that they could keep their health care if they liked it. The American people deserve to hear the truth, and the American people deserve better. It is their health. It is their life. Here is the truth: Over $500 million worth of taxes on small businesses and American families across this country and $500 billion cut from Medicare. Here are some examples: a 2.3 percent tax on medical devices, wheelchairs, and walkers; a 3.8 percent tax on employers; an additional tax penalty on employers who don't provide a certain amount of health care for their workers; a 40 percent tax on so-called ``Cadillac'' health care plans--and government paperwork bureaucracy. There is a requirement that you fill out a 1099 form for employees, requiring the hiring of 16,000 IRS workers. Who is going to pay for that? Remember this promise President Obama made and others made: You can keep your health care if you like it? President Obama himself said, Well, there might have been some language snuck into this bill that runs contrary to that promise. Madam Speaker, the American people deserve better. The American people deserve the truth. It is their health and it is their life.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, there are a few words that have touched me over the last few days that I would like to share. First, thankfulness, thoughtfulness, prayerfulness, patience, wisdom, and hope. First we should remember those who have lost loved ones, keep them in your thoughts and prayers. They'll not need them just today, but they'll need them in the weeks, the months, and the years to come. A pain that will never leave their hearts. Second, thankfulness. We sure thank God for Gabby's remarkable recovery and pray that her recovery continues in a speedy way and in a way that causes her to recover to the point where she can return to this House and work with us again. And I think of patience and wisdom--and I'm addressing the Speaker but asking the Members of this body to think about patience and wisdom in a moment because first of all, let's respect the investigation that's being conducted by the law enforcement officers across this country, the Federal, local, and State agencies. Let's respect their continued efforts in weeding through the information that they're gathering. Let's be patient when we think about legislation and laws that we might be passing that could inhibit that investigation or maybe even inhibit some of the freedoms that we today enjoy, patience in allowing them to gather the needed information where we can base good decisions on building good laws that protect the citizens of this great Nation. And lastly hope. Hope, which is a thing we all hold near and dear to our hearts, hope that this country continues to maintain its freedom, hope in the American people, hope that we can all stand together after this tragedy. If there is a silver lining in this tragedy, it is the hope and the strength and the trust that the people of this country can build together to keep this country free.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an outstanding marching band in my district--the Eighth District of Washington--that recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London to perform in the invitation-only New Year's Day Parade there. It isn't the first time the band has performed on a grand scale and to a grand audience and it most certainly won't be the last. The Mercer Island High School marching band, composed of approximately 200 young people, returned from their whirlwind trip to London just a few days ago. And although the winter storms slowed down 87 of the band's members, Mr. Speaker, their performance went off without a hitch. They marched from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben and on to the steps of Parliament. The bells of Westminster Abbey sounded out and the entire experience was, as their director Parker Bixby put it, ``surreal.'' One of the more notable things about the Mercer Island High School marching band's trip to London, Mr. Speaker, is that this is not the first time the band has performed at such a prestigious event. In 1996, the band performed at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and played there again in 2006. What's more, the band will return to Pasadena for the Parade next year, as well. The band's engagements are well documented and internationally known. The community of Mercer Island, with a population of 22,890, is remarkably supportive of the arts. The City's Arts Council, the Rotary Club, the Schools Foundation, other community groups, and many individuals comprise a community dedicated to young musicians and artists. It is indeed a testament to the community, Mr. Speaker, that the trip to London was even possible. Raising money is never easy, especially in our economic climate. However, the people of Mercer Island generously gave to help make the dream trip a reality. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate director Bixby for his tireless efforts, Mercer Island Superintendent Gary Plano for his support, Mayor Jim Pearman and the City Council for their support, and the people of Mercer Island for their generosity. Above all, I would like to thank the members of the band for working every day to create a product that is respected and admired around the world.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I am excited to be here today. And I thank my constituents for the opportunity to once more serve them again as their Representative here in the United States Capitol. In the days ahead, Congress will debate and pass proposals that will affect the health, the livelihood, and the well-being of every American citizen. Today, as Mr. Dreier said, we are setting the tone now for how well we will serve them in this Congress. Our service should, first and foremost, be transparent and be respectful, be inclusive, work together. So I am proud that legislation that I authored a couple of years ago is now included in this rules package that we are about to vote on today. My bill requires each of the 21 standing committees in this House to post recorded votes on their Web sites within 48 hours because Americans deserve to know how bills take shape at every step along the way. They deserve easy access to votes taken not just on the floor but also in the committee. Government transparency is essential to a healthy democracy. By using existing committee Web sites, we can offer this information in a fiscally responsible and easily accessible way. And I am pleased that my work was included in this bill.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for this bipartisan tax compromise. We need to do this. We need to do this to prevent a massive tax increase on the American people, on American families and on American businesses. The clock is ticking and the American people are waiting. If Congress doesn't approve this proposal, our small businesses will be saddled and crushed by a $858 billion tax hike. One-third of all business activity in the United States will see higher taxes--businesses that create 80 percent of our jobs in this country. Raising taxes on small businesses in the middle of a recession is absolutely the last thing Congress should do. Even those in Congress who want to raise taxes must question the timing of doing so when credit is scarce, wages are being cut, and people are losing their jobs. As I travel around my district, I hear one consistent theme over and over again from small business owners: they need certainty. They want certainty--certainty so they know what Uncle Sam is going to take from them from their bottom lines now and into the future; certainty so they can plan for and make future investments--hire workers and buy equipment; certainty so they can pursue the American Dream without worrying about how government will get in the way. Opponents of extending all of the individual income tax rates ignore the fact that more than 4.5 million small businesses in America pay taxes at the individual rate, not at the corporate rate. Failure to extend the current individual tax rates is a tax hike on small businesses. My colleagues who want to discuss comprehensive tax reform should remember that extending all of the rates now will give us the chance to have that discussion without adding a massive tax increase on small businesses. Avoiding this tax hike is just as important for families across this country as it is for our small businesses. Millions of Americans are employed by small businesses that will face this tax hike; and in many cases, their wages and their jobs hang in the balance of the decision that we will make here today. The business world needs certainty and families need certainty-- certainty to plan for the cost of higher education for their children, certainty to buy homes that they can call their own, and certainty for the day-to-day task of making ends meet in order to provide for the basic needs of their families. Businesses are struggling and families are hurting. The last thing we need government to do is to reach deeper into their pockets and take their hard-earned dollars. This compromise package isn't perfect, as has been said over and over--compromise rarely is--but perfection shouldn't be the barrier to what is practical and necessary.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this omnibus trade package. I, along with my friend and colleague from Washington State (Mr. McDermott), urge all of my colleagues to support it. I am particularly pleased that this bill extends trade preference programs. Preferences are a powerful developmental tool, and they can also be used to improve laws, environment and labor standards, and intellectual property rights protections. Developing nations, American workers, and businesses have benefited considerably when our preference program partnerships move to a permanent free trade agreement. One country that has graduated from preferences is South Korea. It continues to be among the leading exporters to the United States. It is a great model of how a country can graduate from the preference partnership to a free trade agreement that levels the playing field for American workers--a free trade agreement that deserves broad support and swift passage in the next Congress. As unemployment remains high, we must continue to knock down trade barriers for American goods and services--``sell American'' to customers all over the world--to protect and create jobs here at home. I urge support for this package today.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today somberly, recognizing a larger-than-life entertainer and broadcaster in the Pacific Northwest who passed away on Wednesday, November 10. Dave Niehaus, the fantastic voice of the Seattle Mariners, will be remembered as a terrific husband, father, and grandfather, a loyal employee, and a broadcaster who left an indelible mark in Seattle and beyond. It's a true honor to know Dave was a constituent of the 8th District of Washington, the District I represent. His wife Marilyn, along with many of Dave's family members and friends remain in the District. I offer my sincere condolences for their loss and thank them for allowing Dave to share his profound gifts with all of us. The public lost an astounding sportscaster on November 10, Madam Speaker, but his family lost a remarkable friend. I wish them all the best in the future. After word of Dave's death reached the public, Madam Speaker, a Seattle sportswriter wrote this: ``The pleasure of listening to him on a stormy day in April or one of those long, lush nights in July always has felt like an inalienable right of being a sports fan in Seattle . . . What a voice!'' I can attest to the power of his voice. My family, friends, and staff can as well. We all welcomed him into our homes on summer evenings like a member of the family. The talent he possessed was both enviable and cherished, Madam Speaker. When the Seattle Mariners take the field on Opening Day next year, every individual on and off the field will be thinking of Dave. The Seattle Mariners have played 5,385 games since they became a franchise in 1977. Dave Niehaus called 5,284 of those games, Madam Speaker. What a legacy! I doubt an organization anywhere can depend on an employee like the Mariners depended on Dave. And he didn't just show up, Madam Speaker. He defined his profession and he finally earned the ultimate recognition in 2008: Major League Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick award, the highest honor a baseball broadcaster can achieve-- an honor he richly deserved. Madam Speaker, Dave is one of the finest sportscasters of all time, regardless of the sport. His Hall-of-Fame career will never be forgotten. Children in middle school right now will be telling their grandkids about listening to Dave on the radio--reminiscing on his classic voice and truly incredibly talents. His catches phrases will be immortalized and his unfailing optimism will never die. God bless his wonderful family and, Madam Speaker, I speak for millions of baseball fans when I say Dave will be greatly missed, thank you.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today applauding the work of a pair of constituents, Marta and Frederic De Wulf, who decided to use their many talents and passion for education and healthy living to create a website--foodnme.com--dedicated to the pursuit of healthy living and interactive nutrition information. Their innovative work earned them a trip to the White House to be honored as a top winner in Michelle Obama's ``Apps for Healthy Kids'' contest. Marta and Frederic teamed up because of their understanding of the problems associated with poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Instead of bemoaning the problem of obesity privately, Marta and Frederic used their knowledge and experience. Marta, a nutritionist by trade, and Frederic, an experienced and successful filmmaker, believed an interactive website encouraging children and their parents to properly scrutinize their eating habits could help in the fight against obesity. Therefore, FoodNMe' was born. The aspect of the website deemed extraordinary is the `Smash Your Food' tab, which allows users to gain an understanding of the nutritional content of everyday foods--hamburgers, pizza, French fries, and the like. This great tool is a creative way to educate parents and children about what's in their food and encourages them to make healthy dietary choices. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Marta and Frederic for creating a unique tool in the fight against obesity. I'm proud to congratulate them for their good work.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of a constituent whose lifetime of passionate and intensive work on behalf of developmentally disabled children and adults has been recognized at a national level. Margaret-Lee Thompson, a resident of Redmond, Washington, and the coordinator of the King County Parent Coalition for Development Disabilities, was awarded the ``Advocacy Matters!'' honor by the Arc of the United States because of her efforts and courageous advocacy. Ms. Thompson's adult son, Dan, has lived with disabilities his entire life. While focusing wholly on the daily needs of her son, Madam Speaker, Ms. Thompson identified a variety of inconsistent and wrong- headed policies and practices at different levels of government and local organizations. In 1990, seizing on a six-month grant opportunity to bring parents of the developmentally disabled and policy makers together, Margaret founded the Parent Coalition. Twenty years later, Ms. Thompson is nationally recognized as a committed, veteran leader of an incredibly worthy movement. Her work and advocacy have changed hearts and minds, Madam Speaker. The Parent Coalition--with Ms. Thompson as its leader--has three overarching goals: to work for a better future for people with developmental disabilities and their families through systems advocacy, to organize parent training workshops, and to inform families in King County, Washington about the developmental disabilities system at all levels. Under Ms. Thompson's leadership, the Coalition has accomplished its goals--and much more. Madam Speaker, Margaret-Lee Thompson is a leader, an advocate, and a social entrepreneur. She's helped thousands of developmentally disabled individuals in King County and influenced thousands more policy makers, community leaders, and residents. After 20 years of leadership and advocacy, Ms. Thompson has finally received the type of recognition she so richly deserves. She's a selfless humanitarian, Madam Speaker, and I'm honored to call her a constituent, thank you.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, last year on the 22nd of October I submitted remarks in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a tradition that started in this House in 1989. Today, Madam Speaker, I'm doing the same. Domestic violence is a debilitating scourge in our society, and our goal in this House and as a nation should be to completely eliminate it. Before joining this House in 2004, I spent 33 years in law enforcement, Madam Speaker. I witnessed acts of domestic violence, and I watched the debilitating results play out in families and communities for weeks, months, and years afterward. The toll domestic violence takes on people across this country is incalculable. Madam Speaker, domestic violence recognizes no boundaries. Children who witness abuse and are themselves abused are more than twice as likely to commit acts of domestic violence as adults. Generations of Americans have failed to break this terrible cycle of violence and even more alarmingly, many of those same Americans have not properly identified acts of domestic violence or sought help or protection due to ignorance, fear, or a host of other troubling reasons. In 2006, a survey conducted by Teen Research Unlimited showed that fifteen percent of teens who have been in a relationship reported being hit, slapped, or pushed by their boyfriend or girlfriend. Madam Speaker, we must work harder to raise awareness of this critical issue to ensure people know that help is available, and that they can feel safe in reaching out and taking hold of that help. I urge members of this House to support organizations committed to stamping out domestic violence, Madam Speaker. I also urge every American to take the time during October--Domestic Violence Awareness Month--to tell their spouse or child how important each is to their lives. Hug your spouse. Hug your children. And should people feel moved to do so, figure out how to extend a helping hand to victims in communities across our country. Every day in October we have the opportunity to work against domestic violence. Americans must stay vigilant; thank you.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an organization headquartered in Tukwila, Washington, celebrating its 30th year of being a place of hope for victims of domestic abuse in King County and speaking loudly, boldly, and clearly on their behalf. The Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) in Tukwila is much more than a shelter for victims of domestic violence: it is an invaluable resource of specialized information, domestic abuse awareness, and anti-abuse training modules. The professionals at DAWN provide victims of domestic abuse in King County with the education, care, and support they need to take their individual lives back. According to DAWN, 78 percent of its clients are poor or very poor; and 77 percent have children. At a time when our Nation is struggling mightily against wave after wave of poor economic news, DAWN provides a ray of hope to those who need it most. DAWN values results; the organization is constantly reevaluating itself to meet the needs of its clientele. DAWN values service; its programs and exceptional staff work tirelessly to serve. Finally, DAWN values its resources; much like individuals and families across our country, DAWN is adept at stretching dollars and helping those in need. Domestic abuse is an unspeakably horrendous scourge, Madam Speaker. It ruins families and communities, churches and schools, and has no economic measure. More and more, Madam Speaker, resources, programs, and dollars must be available to help fight against domestic abuse. DAWN is an organization doing its absolute best to provide normalcy in the face of travesty, and I thank every individual associated with the organization for working tirelessly on behalf of victims of abuse. Specifically, Madam Speaker, I want to thank Dawn's Executive Director Cheryl Bozarth, President Debra Fiest, the Board of Directors and the staff and volunteers carrying out a vision and providing services that have saved countless lives over the past 30 years. I urge every Member of this House, Madam Speaker, to support in thought, word, and deed any organization fighting against domestic abuse. It effects us all, and we all must work together to eliminate it.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an inspiring group of 11- and 12-year-olds in my District who grabbed the attention of an entire region and were welcomed home as heroes because of their performance in this year's Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The Auburn little leaguers and their coaches, Kai Nahaku and Dale Wilson, won the Northwest Regional Little League Championship en route to their trip to Williamsport. Once there, the team lost their opening game to the Little Leaguers from Fairfield, Connecticut. Madam Speaker, people started talking about Auburn's dream season coming to an end, but the team had other ideas. The boys won their next three games, staving off elimination each time. Playing in front of as many as 30,000 people, the team stared down fear and played an exhilarating brand of baseball, beating Minnesota and Texas before dispatching Connecticut in a rematch. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, the team's magical ride ended on August 26, in a loss to Texas. The community of Auburn supported the team the entire season and some even traveled to Williamsport. The supporters who stayed home cheered wildly at viewing parties around the Auburn area. When the team returned home to Auburn, they were welcomed with a truly special celebration in front of City Hall. It was an honor to participate in the revelry and meet the coaches, players, and their supporters. Not only did the team play well on the diamond, Madam Speaker, but the boys also represented Auburn and Washington State with class at every turn. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Hudson, Dylan, Isaiah, Ryan, Casey, Chandler, Ikaika, Dillon, Tyler, Robbie, Dillon, Coach Kai and Coach Dale for their inspiring play and for creating such fantastic memories. I want to thank Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and the community of Auburn for providing unique and overwhelming support for the team throughout the season and upon their return. I'm excited to see what this special group of boys will accomplish in the future. Thank you.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I'm always pleased to thank our business leaders for their environmental stewardship and leadership. In Washington State, our two largest ports--the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle--just received recognition from the American Association of Port Authorities for innovative and remarkable environmental stewardship. The Port of Tacoma won the Environmental Enhancement Award and Honorable Mention in the Environmental Mitigation category. The Port was recognized because of its demolition program that produced 7,071 tons of recycled or reused materials--nearly 90 percent of the total materials used. The Port also converted a former public landfill along the Puyallup River into a wetland habitat for native plants, shore birds, and juvenile salmon. Not to be outdone, the Port of Seattle earned this year's Comprehensive Environmental Management award for its Environmental Compliance Assessment Program. The program was implemented by the Port in 2009 to evaluate and assist with tenant environmental compliance to better meet high expectations and environmental quality regulations; obviously the program is working well! The wonderful people of Washington State are very fortunate to have two world-class, busy ports that help drive our region's economy. The newly appointed Port of Tacoma CEO, John Wolfe, is a well-known and well-respected business leader committed to keeping the Port competitive in a global marketplace and making his Port environmentally sound. I can say the same for the Port of Seattle's CEO, Tay Yoshitani. My staff and I have enjoyed working with both Ports in the past and look forward to continuing our working relationship into the future. Madam Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Yoshitani, the executive leadership teams, and the staffs tasked with carrying out a forward-looking, innovative agenda.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that concluded at Fort A.P. Hill, near Fredericksburg. Thousands upon thousands of Boy Scouts, Troop masters, and other staff and family descended on the greater DC area to join together and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Madam Speaker, the Boy Scouts of America make positive contributions in every community around the United States. Boy Scouts volunteer many hours to improve their communities, enhance the environment, and help those in need. In their dedication to service to others, Scouts never shy away from a challenge. I trust the Jamboree that just concluded was a successful and joyous one, Madam Speaker. The Boy Scouts of America, as an organization, has a lot to be proud of and celebrate. Every former and current Scout should be proud of their contributions to humanity and their community. The Jamboree encouraged participants to ``Be Prepared'' as they anticipate the challenges of life and continue to act as leaders at home and school. Ultimately, Madam Speaker, the Jamboree ``Inspire[d] every participant to return to their home, troop, chartered organization, and community telling the story of the freedom that is ours and the greatness of the United States of America.'' I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Boy Scouts of America on their very special 100-year milestone. Madam Speaker, the Boy Scouts of America prepare our young men for lives of leadership and selflessness. I applaud the organization for its longevity and commitment to service.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, Monday we recognized the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's important to recognize the work this country has done to ensure equality for people with disabilities, to make sure they experience a good quality of life; that their rights are protected; that they have access, resources, and tools to live fulfilled, productive lives. I am thankful for the leaders who fought for this law 20 years ago because it benefits people I love, family, friends, and coworkers. But Mr. Speaker, this Congress failed our disabled community miserably this year when it passed the health care overhaul, and it did so at a steep cost. Somehow this Congress thought, let's tax medical devices, tools that people with disabilities depend on every day. Was this the right thing to do? I don't think so. Some thought taxing pacemakers, hearing aids, prosthetics, and wheelchairs was okay, it's acceptable. If that isn't an example of broken government, I don't know what is. It's not okay. It's not acceptable. Taxing our disabled population is flat out wrong.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, the American people are sick and tired of broken government. They are sick and tired of business as usual, which means no business at all. No business at all means no jobs. And why are there no jobs? Business is being taxed to the max. Government borrows like there is no tomorrow. Government spends to the end, the end of American ingenuity, the end of American business. Here is what we need to do. Don't raise the capital gains tax. Don't increase taxes on families and small businesses. Hey, I know, let's repeal the estate tax. What about make the R&D tax a permanent tax credit? Allow small businesses to deduct the cost of expensive machinery. I mean, there are ideas after ideas after ideas about what we can do to make this country grow. How about this, Mr. Speaker? Have a little faith in the American people.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I was home again this weekend and, guess what, the American people are still sick and tired of this broken government and business as usual, and so am I. They said that new government leaders promised them change, and that's what they got. And that's what they still get when they stick their hand in their pocket, a handful of change. The new government said we will pay for everything we do. They call it ``pay as you go.'' The people I talk to say what we got instead was tax to the max, borrow like there's no tomorrow, and spend to the end. Spend to the end of American ingenuity, spend to the end of American innovation, spend to the end of our children's future, the end of a great American experiment, the end of our freedom. Instead of building our country on the word ``change,'' let's get America back on track, build it on words like responsibility, accountability, God, family, country. Mr. Speaker, how about faith, a little faith in the American people?

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, let's get real. The real deal is government is broken. I'm always thankful to go back to the district and hear from our constituents, but you know what I'm hearing? The government's broken, and the American people are sick and tired of it. So am I. They're tired of partisan games and business as usual. So am I. Why can't we work together to solve this country's problems? Why can't we get it right? Why are we not listening to the American public? Why? That's the big question the American people are asking. Why can't we, as Members and Representatives of this great country and each and every district that we represent, stand here together on this floor in this House and work together to solve the problems that this Nation is facing? It's about freedom. It's about jobs. It's about our country. It's about our people. It's about our children and our grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, let's listen to the American people. This government is broken.