Peter Roskam

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Ronald A. Moser on his upcoming retirement. Ron has served the Village of Hanover Park for 14 years, including 11 years as Police Chief and most recently as Village Manager. Having started his career in police work in 1977, Ron served at 5 municipal police agencies in numerous capacities. He has always worked diligently to improve the safety of his community and its residents. As Village Manager, Ron has had a significant impact on Hanover Park through his interactions with elected officials, employees, and residents. He has served as a confidant and friend to many. In his positions of leadership, Ron has been highly-respected. Additionally, Ron has made important contributions to DuPage County. He served as President of the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association, and in this capacity upheld its mission to reduce crime, maintain order, and improve the quality of everyday life for DuPage County residents and visitors. In his endeavors, Ron has demonstrated strong professionalism and impressive leadership. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Ron Moser for his career of service and in wishing him every happiness in the well deserved respite of his retirement.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its President, Ma Ying-jeou, on the impending inauguration of his second term on May 20, 2012. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting President Ma in October of 2011, and I wish him and the Taiwanese people well during his second term of office. The friendship enjoyed by the United States and Taiwan rests upon a strong foundation of democracy, trade, and security. Through the elections held on January 14, 2012 and the inauguration on May 20, Taiwan is reaffirming that commitment to democracy and that is something that should be held up as an example for others in the region and the world at large. President Ma's first term was marked by many successes, including securing observer status with the World Health Assembly and increasing trade and reducing tensions in the East Asia region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to ensure that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship grows and strengthens and that Taiwan remains a safe, strong, and stable ally in the region. Please join me in congratulating President Ma and in wishing him a successful second term as he guides the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the next four years.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Deputy Police Chief for the Village of Bloomingdale, Randy Sater, on his exceptional career. Randy began his career of service and commitment to the Village of Bloomingdale in 1982. During his time of service, Randy has led in many different capacities. He served early on as a Detective and was later promoted to Sergeant. After nearly four years as Sergeant, Randy was assigned as Watch Commander. Most recently, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations. Through his commitment to a wide array of leadership posts, Randy has demonstrated great integrity. From his start in the police force, Randy has been an active member of the community and has taken important leadership roles. Since 1994, Randy has served as Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. He has also worked with the youth in the community through the Character Counts Coalition. Since its inception in 1998, Randy has served on the Board of Directors of the Coalition and as Chair of the Coalition for a number of those years. The Character Counts Coalition works to uphold six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Without a doubt, Randy has carried out these six pillars of character in his own life. Valuing the safety and well-being of those in his community, he has also taken leadership as a B.A.S.S.E.T. (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Training) instructor since 2005. It is evident that Randy's involvements and reach has positively impacted the lives of many. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Deputy Chief Randy Sater on his successful career.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Steven K. Humphrey on his upcoming retirement after serving 42 years as an educator. Having earned his bachelor's and master's degree from Western Illinois University, Dr. Humphrey went on to receive his doctorate from Illinois State University. Over the past four decades, Dr. Humphrey has served the students of Illinois as a teacher, a building administrator, a district administrator, and as a superintendent. In 1970, Dr. Humphrey began his career in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, at Brown County High School teaching social studies and history. Three years later, he started his administrative career as principal of Seymour High School in Payson, Illinois. For the next eleven years, Dr. Humphrey served as administrative assistant and then assistant principal of Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. He became assistant superintendent of Thornton High School District 205 in 1987, where he served until 1993 when he became superintendent of Crete-Monee School District 201U. He began his current post as superintendent of DuPage High School District 88 in 2001. Throughout his career, Dr. Humphrey has set high expectations for his students, and has championed his belief that all students can learn at high levels. He has built important partnerships between businesses and educators, and has always put students first. Of particular note, Dr. Humphrey successfully led the nine communities in District 88 to support a referendum to modernize the infrastructure and environment of District 88's Addison Trail High School and Willowbrook High School. When both high schools made the Top Schools in America list in 2008, it was a testament to his leadership. Additionally, he has served as a member of several professional and community organizations. Dr. Humphrey's service and commitment to the community has helped strengthen the Illinois school system. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in honoring Dr. Humphrey for his remarkable career and in wishing him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to speak for just a minute on the substitute. Speaking of drafting errors, you can only assume that there was a drafting error on the substitute. Look, that happens. If it was a drafting error, the best thing to do is take the bill out of the record and start again. I think the notion of comparing $287 million in tax relief to $47 billion in tax relief is simply a nonstarter. It's as if the minority is saying, We sort of accept part of the premise of this tax cut, but we're going to cut it down. And then we're going to cut down the tax relief a little more. And then we're going to cut down the tax relief a little more and a little more and a little more and a little more until finally it's this obscure little bit of nonsense that isn't going to do anything. Here's what we need to do. We need to give relief to the small business in my district. I was touring a plant, and the owner/ entrepreneur who started the company said, Look, the smart move for me, Congressman, is to put three-quarters of a million dollars into this new production line. It would mean that I would expand production, bring in more people, and so forth, and have a very simple ripple effect, but I'm not going to do it. The reason I'm not going to do it is because Washington, D.C., tells me I'm rich. I'm not rich. I'm just a prudent businessman who's built a successful business. What we need to do, Mr. Speaker, is to create an environment where that business owner, that entrepreneur says to himself or herself, I'm willing to invest. They need relief. They're begging for relief in suburban Chicago from their tax liability, and this is an opportunity now with this language that is authored by the majority leader and that is on the House floor. I urge its passage, and I urge rejection of the substitute.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, thank you for yielding. Madam Chairman, did you notice something? The gentleman from Oregon-- and I took a note and I'm kind of paraphrasing, but he basically was arguing from the other side of the aisle that IPAB, this cost control board, will basically never come into play as long as Congress does its job. During the health care hearing that we had in the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin on the other side of the aisle characterized IPAB as a leap of faith, and now we just heard from the gentleman from Texas who acknowledged it's not the best solution, but let's stick with it. Here's the problem with sticking with this failed solution, Madam Chairman. They're asking seniors to bear the brunt of this. We had an expert witness, Madam Chairman, who came into the Ways and Means Committee, and I posed this question to him. I said: There's no rationing per se. It's defined out of the bill, although it's not defined in the bill. But the bill says there can't be rationing, but can there be per se rationing? In other words, if coverage is denied based on cost, is that rationing? And he said: Absolutely, Congressman. So think about what the other side of the aisle is asking. Take a leap of faith, a leap of blind faith, that somehow Congress is going to come up with the remedy and that seniors are not going to be held at risk. The gentleman from Texas said that we're only here criticizing things. Let me tell him, Madam Chairman, what we are for. We're for the repeal of IPAB. We're for the repeal of something that is going to put such downward pressures on seniors, it will make people's heads spin. What we've got to do is make sure that we put remedies in place that empower seniors, that create patient-centered health care and don't deny care and put more out-of-pocket costs on the backs of seniors. We can't repeal this thing fast enough. We need to vote ``aye'' and get this done.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Bartlett Fire Protection District Chief Michael Falese on being named the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association's ``Chief of the Year.'' Chief Falese began his career of service and commitment to the community with the Elgin Fire Department in 1983, where he rose to the rank of Fire Chief, and remained until 2007. In 2010, Falese became a Fire Chief at Bartlett Fire Protection District. For the past two years, Falese has served as one of the Illinois fire service representatives sent to Washington D.C. to discuss Illinois fire service issues with elected officials. He has also served as a member of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) Board of Directors for the last two years and will become IFCA's President this coming October. In a large scale train derailment that took place last November, which involved more than 30 local, state, and federal agencies, Falese exhibited strong leadership as in command of the response. Falese continues to devote his time to the community. He is currently President-elect of the Bartlett Rotary Club. He has made sure that the Fire District is represented at every U.S. troop homecoming in Barlett. He is an esteemed partner to the Village of Barlett, DuPage County, and Hanover and Wayne Townships. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Chief Michael Falese for this highly-respected distinction.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to voice my concerns about recent FDA draft guidelines impacting the health supplement industry. Each year millions of Americans choose to take vitamins and supplements. These supplements are regulated under law and represent just one way consumers can make informed decisions about their healthcare. In July 2011 the Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines relating to new dietary ingredients or NDIs. These guidelines were aimed at ensuring the safety of ingredients contained in dietary supplements. While the FDA is responsible for the safety of supplements and the general public, I am concerned this regulation will create unnecessary paperwork and ultimately cost valuable jobs. The FDA received over 146,000 pages of comments from the public on the guidelines and it is my hope they will take these into serious consideration as they draft a final guidance. In February 2011 President Obama stated in a speech before the United States Chamber of Commerce that if there are rules and regulations, ``. . . needlessly stifling job creation and economic growth, we will fix them. Already we're dramatically cutting down on the paperwork that saddles businesses with huge administrative costs.'' Instead the Administration continues to promulgate burdensome regulations like the New Dietary Ingredient guideline that go beyond the original Congressional intent and will ultimately make it more difficult for companies to operate.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to offer a tribute to His Excellency Han Duk-soo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States, who is leaving his post in Washington after three years of representing and serving his country here. Before arriving in Washington in March 2009, Ambassador Han served as his country's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance and Economy, after previous service as ambassador to the OECD and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The past three years have been particularly busy for him, culminating in the ratification of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, which takes effect next month. During Ambassador Han's tenure in Washington, he also dealt with sensitive and timely issues like security matters in Northeast Asia. I am particularly reminded of his thoughtful and steady leadership during the challenges Korea faced in the wake of the attacks on the Cheonan Naval Vessel and on Yeonpyeong Island in 2010. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Korea has a special place in my heart. My father fought in Korea. I grew up hearing stories from him about the horrid conditions, and I know he carried his battle-scars with him throughout his life. Yet he never wavered in his pride for having served his country. In November 2010, my father and I visited Korea, where we were treated with utmost hospitality and--in my father's case--gratitude. It was a memorable trip and Ambassador Han and his embassy staff helped make it possible. Where we once forged a relationship on the battlefield together, building a secure environment for the nation to prosper over the last 60 years, today we attempt to forge a new economic and strategic bond for the future prosperity of our two nations. A country once ravaged by war, Korea received a substantial amount of foreign aid, but now enjoys an advanced and dynamic economy, and is itself today a generous donor of foreign aid. We work closely with Korea, maintaining a considered influence in that region as a deterrent to North Korean aggression and a counter to Chinese dominance. The United States and Korea hold a forward-looking relationship. Every year, in so many ways, the United States and the Republic of Korea grow closer and closer together. The implementation this year of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade agreement is just one further symbol of the strength of our countries' friendship. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in extending best wishes to my dear friend, Ambassador Han. We thank him for his service as South Korea's top diplomat in the United States and wish him every success as Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in recognition of the long and distinguished service of Firefighter James Dykstra of the Streamwood Fire Department on the occasion of his retirement. He recently concluded his loyal service of over 30 years to the community. Jim earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Thornton Community College in December of 1980. Firefighter Dykstra began his firefighter career in Streamwood in 1981 as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter. His training included becoming an EMP/Paramedic and Firefighter before being hired as a career firefighter. With dedication and persistence, he worked alongside his colleagues at the Streamwood Fire Department to promote the safety and well-being of his community. As a testimony to his service and commitment to Streamwood, he earned several Illinois certifications, including Firefighter III, Fire Apparatus Engineer, HazMat First Responder Operations status, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Investigator, Provisional Fire Office Instructor I, and Certified Officer I. Jim was a founding member of the Department's Fire Investigation Team. On February 28, 1999, he received the Disaster Service Medal for participating in a structure fire. His leadership has been demonstrated through an unwavering display of courage and achievement. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in celebrating this special occasion and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Streamwood, Illinois, in my district. St. John the Evangelist celebrated its first Mass with approximately 300 families in June of 1962. In September of 1962, the parish began constructing its first building which served as a church and school. Five years later, due to the rapid growth of the Catholic population of Streamwood, the Cardinal approved the parish's request for the construction of a permanent church building. Over the last 50 years, St. John the Evangelist has continued to grow. Currently, there are more than 2,660 families registered in the parish. Reaching out to the youth in the community, St. John the Evangelist School has 228 students from kindergarten through the eighth grade, and plans to have 300 students by 2013. St. John the Evangelist also has 331 students enrolled in evening and weekend religious education programs. Reaching out to the community, St. John the Evangelist's parish has participated in community activities and events that have helped make Streamwood a great place for families to live, play, learn and worship. Annually, St. John the Evangelist sponsors the Bingo table at the Streamwood Fest. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing this 50th Anniversary as we celebrate St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church's legacy of faith and service.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in recognition of the long and distinguished service of Lieutenant Gary Bober of the Streamwood Fire Department on the occasion of his retirement. He recently concluded his loyal service of over 34 years to the community. Lieutenant Bober began his firefighter career in West Dundee in 1976 as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter. In 1978, Lieutenant Bober was hired by the Streamwood Fire Department. His training included becoming an EMP/ Paramedic and Firefighter. On July 20, 1988, Gary was promoted to Lieutenant for the Streamwood Fire department. Day in and day out, Lieutenant Bober worked with the men and women from the Streamwood Fire Department to protect the Village of Streamwood. As a reflection of his commitment, he earned several Illinois certifications, including Firefighter III, Fire Apparatus Engineer, HazMat Technician, Certified Instructor II, Hazmat Incident Command, and Certified Officer I. On February 28, 1999, he received the Disaster Service Medal for participating in 3 structural fires, and later that same year, he received the Meritorious Service Award for rescuing a victim from a residential structure fire. His leadership is reflected in his bravery and achievement. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in celebrating this special occasion and the long years of service and commitment that Lieutenant Bober has dedicated to the community.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send up a signal flare about a grievous concern that has foisted itself upon this Nation from the Obama administration, and that is this: the Obama administration is now going up to communities of faith and poking their chest and saying, either you will change the dictates of your conscience, or we will fine you. We will use the long arm of the Federal Government to manipulate you into our view of the world, not the view of the world that you think is bestowed upon you by God. Mr. Speaker, that is a grievous error. That is a provocation that needs to be answered, and, in a nutshell, we have a foreshadowing of what happens when that isn't answered. It's a foreshadowing that comes in the form of a quote from Pastor Martin Niemoller, an anti-Nazi activist, who said: First they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me. Mr. Speaker, it's time for this country to rise and to speak out and to push back on this outrageous provocation from the Obama administration.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Benet Academy, a Catholic Benedictine college preparatory high school located in Lisle, Illinois. On March 2, 2012, Benet will celebrate its Founder's Day, representing 125 years of dedication to academic excellence and Christian morality. Benet Academy was founded in 1887 on the Benedictine motto ``Ora et Labora,'' ``Pray and Work.'' Generation upon generation of the Academy's devoted faculty and promising students have upheld this motto in a tradition that carries back 1,500 years to the Order of Saint Benedict. I applaud Benet Academy's commitment to nurturing an atmosphere of prayer, work, and stability among its student body. Its distinctive qualities draw students from six counties, including many in Illinois' Sixth Congressional District. Benet Academy has helped students consistently achieve at rigorous academic levels while instilling the Benedictine core values of community, hospitality, respect, stewardship and love of learning. On this special occasion, we recognize Benet Academy's rich history and faithfulness to God. We thank the Academy for its partnership with parents, who strive to educate the current generation that will become our nation's future leaders. For well over a century, Benet Academy has contributed toward this brighter future. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in honoring the legacy of Benet Academy, and in wishing them continued success.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 4 of rule XVI, I move that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant from my Congressional District, Donna Becerra of the Village of Glendale Heights. After an extraordinary career of 34 years of service, Donna is stepping down from her position as Village Administrator. Over the years, Donna has proven herself as a vital asset to the Village of Glendale Heights. Since her first position as a secretary in the Community Development Department, she has tirelessly served from within the Department in a number of leadership positions. Her steadfast commitment, diverse experience, and vibrant interest in the history and welfare of the Glendale Heights community have caused her to excel in every capacity. In addition to Village Administrator, Donna has also served as Records Supervisor, Assistant Building Commissioner, Staff Planner, and Director of Community Development. She has pursued significant additional training and education, and is an active member in a number of Village committees. In 2005, as a member of the Glendale Heights Historic Committee, Donna was recognized with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for her extensive research and documentation for a History of the Village of Glendale Heights brochure. Donna leaves a powerful legacy in her passionate and conscientious approach to serving the community of Glendale Heights and her robust preservation of its history. She is truly a public servant and a model citizen. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing this special occasion as we celebrate Donna Becerra's faithful service to the Village of Glendale Heights and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. There's a level of anxiety that we're all sensing back at home as people are looking at Washington, DC, for solutions, and there are various tales that are going on right now in terms of what the Joint Select Committee is going to be able to produce, and the fact of the matter is we don't know what the yield is going to be of that negotiation. That's still ongoing, and we will be dealing with that next week. But we know what we can do right now, Madam Speaker. We can create a buoyancy and a sense of clarity and a sense of cohesiveness to seize upon a bipartisan moment, a moment that the country came close to in 1995. It came within a whisker of passing the balanced budget amendment and sending it out to the States. Over 70 House Democrats in 1995, including several of the current leaders, voted in favor of that amendment. And now here we are, and we have that opportunity to do the same thing, although, to do it successfully. This is not about donkeys and elephants. This is ultimately about us coming together as a Congress in a thoughtful way that says one thing to the United States, and that is we can govern wisely; we can govern forthrightly; we can live within our means; and we can do what the overwhelming majority, Madam Speaker, of what the American public wants us to do, and that is to balance our budget. I urge both sides of the aisle to shrug off the bad advice, frankly, of the Democratic leadership and to come down here in a short period of time and vote ``aye.''

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Freemason Elmhurst Lodge 941, which has served the residents of Elmhurst, Illinois, since 1911. The Freemasons are a fraternal organization that was established in the late 16th century, with its primary values being hope, faith, and charity. Noteworthy Masons include George Washington, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, and many other influential figures in politics, business, and entertainment. In the years since its founding, many organizations have benefitted from the charity of the Elmhurst Lodge, including the Illinois Masonic Children's Home in La Grange, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Alzheimer's Foundation, ALS Foundation, Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation, and more. Over the past century, Freemason Elmhurst Lodge 941 has established an important legacy of service in the Elmhurst community. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Freemason Elmhurst Lodge 941, the Masons of this lodge, and the citizens of Elmhurst in wishing them happiness on this special occasion.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, as the public is listening to this, I think they're kind of collectively going, Whew, finally there's something that's going on in Congress. Finally there's something going on with the other body. Finally there's something going on with the White House that is common ground around a very simple premise, and that's this: no-cost job creation. It doesn't cost a single dime. For my home State, the proof is in the pudding. This means it's going to help 145,000 Illinois jobs right now that are tethered within 650 companies that are dealing with exports. This deal helps them. Twenty- five percent of all manufacturing jobs in my home State of Illinois are related to exports. And let's face it, 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States. So you know what this trade deal does, this says: game on. The U.S. can compete. Give us a fair playing field, and game on. We can compete. These were hard-headed, hard-nosed negotiations led by Chairman Camp and the White House and Ranking Member Levin and others. These were tough deals that were put together that were not just weak handshakes. This was staring down opponents and finally coming to common ground and putting something together that has a great deal of possibility, a great deal of promise in a country that is desperate, I mean absolutely desperate, for solutions; and this is a remedy. This is a way for us to move forward. It's important from a strategic point of view. We've got one of our Nation's best friends poised in Asia, the 10th largest economy in the world, a country that has moved from the devastation of the Korean War, that has transcended all of that and is now a donor nation, and we've got the opportunity to be in a unique and strategic relationship with them. This is our opportunity to move forward. I think we need to support all of these FTAs. I urge their passage.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to highlight the good work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund began in 1970 from a parent's idea to begin a fundraising effort with the aim to promote the research of a cure for juvenile diabetes. To date, the organization has raised more than $1.5 billion, including $107 million last year alone. More than 80 percent of those funds go directly to support research and research-related education. JDRF now has over 100 locations around the world and currently funds research in 19 countries. Diabetes and its complications cost the United States more than $174 billion a year and it is a growing epidemic. Every year, there are roughly 30,000 new cases of Type-1 diabetes discovered in America and more than 1.6 million cases of diabetes are diagnosed every year. That's one every 30 seconds. Type-1 Diabetes typically affects young adults and children. They are forced at a young age to learn how to monitor their blood levels and inject insulin when it's low. This can also be a worrisome and anxious experience. This is why we must encourage the Food and Drug Administration to continue in its approval process for the artificial pancreas. Earlier this year, 60 Senators and 250 Representatives sent a letter to the FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg expressing their support for the artificial pancreas. This new device will allow children to return to their lives and give parents the peace of mind in knowing that their children will not forget to check their insulin levels. The artificial pancreas is a device that can automatically monitor and regulate glucose levels without requiring blood to be drawn. Jeffrey Brewer, President and CEO of JDRF, said, ``An artificial pancreas, which would automatically monitor and regulate glucose levels, has the potential to transform the care of people with type 1 diabetes.'' It estimated the artificial pancreas could save Medicare $23 million over 10 years and $1.9 billion over 25 years by lowering the number of complications associated with the disease. I am hopeful that the FDA will stick to its publicly announced December 2011 draft guidance deadline. This will allow us to move into the crucial next phase of real world testing of this potentially life saving device. I would urge my colleagues to continue to monitor this situation and ensure that the FDA stays true to their word on the guidance. There may not be a cure for diabetes yet but with organizations like the JDRF leading the way in encouraging research and funding grant programs we are getting closer to a cure each day.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President Ma Ying-jeou and the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their centennial National Day on October 10, 2011. Nearly 65,000 Taiwanese-Americans live in the Chicagoland area, and I am always impressed by their engagement in the political process and pride in their culture and history. Taiwan is an important friend and ally of the United States. The United States and Taiwan enjoy a robust trade relationship that totals $59 billion in goods and services, making Taiwan the ninth-largest U.S. trade partner. Taiwan also stands as a strong democracy in the Asian- Pacific region. It is important to mention the strides Taiwan has made in improving its relationship with mainland China too. The most significant development in recent times was the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement on June 29, 2010. The agreement reduced tariffs and trade barriers between the two sides, improving not just bilateral trade, but the cross-strait relationship. Regular dialogue between Taiwan and mainland China has also helped reduce military tensions. Please join me in congratulating President Ma and the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their centennial National Day, and in wishing them many more years of friendship, prosperity, and peace.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold Blanchard Mackenzie, a model constituent and a loyal citizen to the United States. Harold was born on October 14, 1913, in Forsyth, Montana. Harold's great-grandfather and grandfather, Jonathan and Charles Blanchard, were the first two Presidents of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he would often visit as a young boy. He eventually attended Wheaton College, graduating in 1936. He then went on to graduate from law school at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1940 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar. That same year Harold felt the call of duty and enlisted in the Illinois National Guard in what would become the 9th Armored Division. In 1944, along with the Division, Harold sailed to Europe and participated in some of the most pivotal moments of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle at Bastogne, and the capture of Ludendorf Bridge at Remagen, Germany, in 1945. Harold was also a witness to the horrors of the Holocaust when he visited Buchenwald concentration camp a day after its liberation. Upon returning home to Wheaton, Harold opened his own firm and practiced law for over fifty years, earning widespread respect and admiration for his legal advice. Always a generous man with a servant heart, Harold would often do work pro bono. This generosity was a reflection of his deep faith in God. An active member of Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church for more than fifty years, Harold would frequently serve on the church's Missions and Evangelism Committees. He also played a key role in the founding of the Christian Medical Society, the Christian Booksellers' Association, the Evangelical Child and Family Agency, and the Missionary Furlough Homes Foundation. Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, Mr. Harold Blanchard Mackenzie was a man who understood well his duty to family, to his country and to God. After ninety-seven years of a life of commitment, love and sacrifice, he is worthy of our deepest honor, respect and admiration. Please join me in remembering him as a shining example of the best the ``Greatest Generation'' ever had to offer.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. I will graciously reclaim my time. Furthermore, they are doing it in an orderly basis; that is, amending the Constitution forthrightly and directly. I think, in closing, Mr. Speaker, my hat is off to the gentleman from Maryland who, no matter what the majority has come up with, always comes up with some argument that just defies logic. But I think most Americans, as they are listening to this debate, are saying cut it, cap it, and balance it. And do it now.

Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I sit back, and as we are watching the debate today, I have got to take my hat off to the gentleman from Maryland, who I think has the toughest job in the whole Chamber, Mr. Speaker; and that is, he is basically, today, the lawyer for the status quo. And that's a tough job. That's a tough argument to make. No matter how thoughtful the arguments have been on this side of the aisle that there is an urgency, no matter how poignant the arguments are that there is an urgency, no matter how jarring the unemployment figures are at 9.2 percent, no matter what the rating agencies are saying, the gentleman from Maryland is basically saying: No, no, no, there's a better plan. But I would submit that there is no better plan. There is no more balanced plan than cut, cap, and balance. Most Americans as they are listening to this debate, they are hearing Washington, D.C., basically say hold the line. Defend the status quo. Lash ourselves to the mast and we're going to get around the cape, by golly, if we only stick on the current course. Well, the current course is a failure. There's nobody who can defend the status quo with a straight face. What happens now is this majority has come up and said: Okay, there is a pathway forward, and the pathway forward is immediate short term and long term. And I don't see what the argument is.

Mr. ROSKAM. I am happy to yield to the gentleman from Maryland.