E. Shaw

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Johnson), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), a great advocate of free trade.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), who knows what it is like to lose freedom in her native country.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentlewoman in the well that this bill contains an unprecedented amount of capacity-building in which we will give assistance to these countries to enforce their own labor laws, more than in any other bill that has ever come to the floor of this House. Also, the enforcement provisions are within the trade bill itself. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Inglis).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Beauprez), a valued member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would remind the gentleman in the well that the vast majority of our agriculture community vigorously supports this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett).

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3\1/2\ minutes. Mr. Speaker, I have been listening to particularly the last few people who have gotten up, and they talk about how they support free trade, but they cannot support this agreement. And I ask why. This is the strongest trade agreement we have ever had, it has the best labor standards of any that we ever had, and they voted for the others, and they cannot vote for this. Mr. Speaker, we already have free trade. The problem is it is free trade from the CAFTA countries into the United States, not from the United States into the CAFTA countries. Now we want fair trade. We want to have the same privacy for American workers and American business, American farmers that the CAFTA countries have by having access to our markets. How can one be against that, particularly when these other countries are behind it? We even put capacity building into this agreement so that we are assisting these countries in enforcing their own labor laws, and we put more enforcement money in this for our being able to enforce those labor laws and keep watch over these other countries. This is a strong agreement. It is a strong agreement. But let us look at something else. The President was up here on the Hill yesterday talking to the Republican Members, and he made a statement that I think all of us can agree to, and that statement is that family values do not end at our border. And he is absolutely correct. We know right well that any of us here as a mother and a father, that if our children are hungry, we are going to find a way to work. And so many of these countries now send their workers north into the United States, most of them illegally. We want to build jobs at home for them, permanent jobs, good jobs, and at the same time we would be able to use our markets to get to supply them. If you get a pair of blue jeans made in Honduras, it is 70 percent American content. These jobs that go to China, if those sewing factories move out and it goes to China, those same jeans are 1 percent American content. So we know that American workers, American jobs will benefit from this type of agreement. And it brings wealth into our hemisphere. Right now, in Nicaragua, the average salary, the average pay for a worker is somewhere less than $800 a year. This will help. Politically, let us talk about it. What is going on down there politically and what will happen? We are going to be driving these countries away that are looking towards us. They are all looking north. They have democracies now, they are capitalistic systems, and they are working towards being a part of this hemisphere. And my colleagues want to kick them in the teeth? They are also supporting us in our war against terror in Iraq, and that is not an easy lift for all of these countries, I can tell you that. This CAFTA agreement has been endorsed by a number of groups, and I would like to put their endorsement in the Record at this time. Former President Jimmy Carter, the American Jewish Committee, and B'nai B'rith, they have all endorsed this agreement. We have also enjoyed the endorsement by many of the newspapers, including The Washington Post and the New York Times, the Miami Herald and the Orlando Sentinel. This is a good agreement. It is good for America, so let us vote for it. Mr. Speaker, I submit herewith for the Record the letters of support I just referred to: Hon. Bill Thomas, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. June 8, 2005. To Representative Bill Thomas: As you prepare for your initial consideration of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the nations of Central America and the Dominican Republic, I want to express my strong support for this progressive move. From a trade perspective, this will help both the United States and Central America. Some 80 percent of Central Americas exports to the U.S. are already duty free, so they will be opening their markets to U.S. exports more than we will for their remaining products. Independent studies indicate that U.S. incomes will rise by over $l5 billion and those in Central America by some $5 billion. New Jobs will be created in Central America, and labor standards are likely to improve as a result of CAFTA. Some improvements could be made in the trade bill particularly on the labor protection side, but, more importantly, our own national security and hemisphere influence will be enhanced with improved stability, democracy, and development in our poor, fragile neighbors in Central America and the Caribbean. During my presidency and now at The Carter Center, I have been dedicated to the promotion or democracy and stability in the region. From the negotiation of the Panama Canal Treaties and the championing of human rights at a time when the region suffered under military dictatorships to the monitoring of a number of free elections in the region, Central America has been a major focus of my attention. There now are democratically elected governments in each of the countries covered by CAFTA. In negotiating this agreement, the presidents of each of the six nations had to contend with their own companies that fear competition with U.S. firms. They have put their credibility on the line, not only with this trade agreement but more broadly by promoting market reforms that have been urged for decades by U.S. presidents of both parties. If the U.S. Congress were to turn its back on CAFTA, it would undercut these fragile democracies, compel them to retreat to protectionism, and make it harder for them to cooperate with the U.S. For the first time ever, we have a chance to reinforce democracies in the region. This is the moment to move forward and to help those leaders that want to modernize and humanize their countries. Moreover, strong economies in the region are the best antidote to illegal immigration from the region. I appreciate your consideration of my views and hope they will be helpful in your important deliberations. Sincerely, Jimmy Carter.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the United States- Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement. The United States and our neighbors in Central America and the Dominican Republic enjoy a healthy trading relationship with over $32.6 billion worth of goods traded between the United States and the six DR- CAFTA countries just last year. The agreement will not only increase exports and income for United States farmers, manufacturers and business, but it also will provide the United States with an opportunity to enhance the well-being of millions in Central America. The DR-CAFTA countries are among the poorest in the world. According to the World Bank, the average person in Nicaragua makes a mere $710 a year. The average person in Costa Rica does a bit better, but still only makes $4,070 a year. Rather than handouts or loans, the United States can quickly improve the well-being of millions of our neighbors by providing the DR-CAFTA countries improved access to our vast markets. New business opportunities create new jobs, not handouts. In turn, a virtuous circle can be created as wealth and income rises along with the demands for United States products and services. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on CAFTA. It is good for America's business.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) for yielding me this time. I rise today in strong support of this legislation. I first want to recognize the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, for his persistence in bringing this bill to the House floor. Today, China continues its emergence as a major global market. As a member of the World Trade Organization, China has developed competitive domestic industries. However, as a World Trade Organization member, China must comply with international standards which promote fairness and respect for the rule of law. Many in this Chamber, including myself, feel that Beijing can do a much better job in demonstrating to the world that its markets are transparent and fair both to consumers and exporters to China. At the same time, we have to be focused and pragmatic in determining how we can be most effective in establishing checks. This is not and should not continue to be an opportunity for political rhetoric that I have heard here this morning. The legislation before us allows for a number of these checks. In this bill we create an extensive monitoring of the Chinese market and its compliance on a range of issues, such as intellectual property enforcement, whether the currency mechanism is being implemented properly, market access to the United States goods, and its accountability of Chinese subsidies. I am pleased to hear the news out of Beijing and the Chinese Government that the Chinese Government has decided to float its currency against a basket of currencies and has appreciated the currency to a certain degree after 10 years. This first step is a positive one, but it must not be met without oversight. We must continue engaging the Chinese Government on the importance of a complete movement toward a managed float of its currency.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 110 Florida communities that received the 2005 Tree City USA recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation. This designation is in recognition of these communities' support of the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program. These Florida communities have dedicated substantial efforts to the improvement of the environment in their cities and towns. For almost 30 years, the Tree City USA program has facilitated cooperation and partnership in the urban forestry community, and has proven a cost-effective way for state and federal governments to support the conservation efforts of local communities. The Tree City USA program has effectively coordinated and engaged public and private participants including municipal leaders, State and Federal governments, tree care professionals, and non-profit organizations, toward a common goal of bettering our environment. Tree City USA municipalities allocate over $765 million each year to forestry programs. These funds go towards enhancing the natural beauty of the environment in order to make our communities a more pleasant place to live. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the communities of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lighthouse Point, Oakland Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach on their efforts to promote environmental conservation and I encourage them to continue to improve the natural beauty of Florida.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise in support of the United States-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement. This important agreement will benefit the businesses and workers not only in my district but also throughout the rest of Florida and, yes, indeed, the rest of this Nation. The high tech companies located in and around my district will immediately benefit from the elimination of duties and other barriers to trade. In addition, DR-CAFTA will protect the copyrights and intellectual property of those companies, thereby helping to spur innovation. The liberalization of services under DR-CAFTA will make it easier for telecommunication, transportation, and computer service companies located in my district to explore new business opportunities in Central America and Dominican Republic. Further, increased trade between Florida and DR-CAFTA countries will lead to increased business for shippers and carriers moving goods in and out of the Ports of Palm Beach, the Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale and, yes, Port of Miami. If we vote to approve DR-CAFTA we ensure future American competitiveness in Central America, the Dominican Republic and the continued growth of our economy. This will benefit my constituents and all Americans. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this most important agreement.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a courageous young man who died while serving our country in the war in Afghanistan. Sergeant Kip Jacoby was a 21-year-old Florida resident who is described by his classmates as someone with a brilliant smile and perfect charm. He joined the Army a few short months after high school graduation and has served our Nation for three years as a member of the Special Forces ``Night Stalkers''. Kip loved his country and served honorably. On the Army's Web site, his family posted a message stating, ``He loved what he was doing, he knew the risks, and he was proud to be a soldier, fighting, so others wouldn't have to.'' On June 28, 2005, Kip was one of 16 soldiers whose helicopter was hit by an insurgent's rocket-propelled grenade. He was part of an elite American military team that was on mission to clear anti-governmental forces from Kumar Province of eastern Afghanistan. Kip Jacoby was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. Mr. Speaker, the people of this Nation will be forever grateful for Kip's selfless sacrifice and valiant service to our country. He died to protect freedom for America and to provide freedom for millions around the globe. Sergeant Jacoby's distinguished service and commitment to freedom will never be forgotten.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh, a South Florida resident who served in the Navy for 5 years and was killed in the line of duty on June 28th, 2005, in Afghanistan. During his years at Deerfield Beach High School and the University of Florida, James excelled both athletically and academically finding himself with a rare opportunity to become a Navy Seal shortly after graduation from college. James was loved by an entire community. His family and friends say he was a young man of exceptional character, intelligence and athleticism with a wry smile and unfalteringly dry sense of humor. Those who knew him saw his immense pride in two things: his close knit family and his job as a U.S. Navy Seal. Roughly two weeks ago James was one of 16 soldiers whose helicopter was hit by an insurgent's rocket-propelled grenade. He was part of an elite American military team that was on a mission to clear anti- governmental forces from Kumar Province in Eastern Afghanistan. Sadly, our country lost 16 heroes that day. Mr. Speaker, the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class James Suh can be proud of his valiant service and selfless sacrifice in the name of freedom. He will always have the thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Pompano Beach, Florida, which has been named as one of only ten cities nationwide designated as a 2005 All-America City by the National Civic League. I have represented the City of Pompano Beach since coming to Congress in 1981, and I take special pride in this recognition of their achievements. The City of Pompano Beach was recognized for two programs which impact the community's youth, and an affordable housing project. The Pompano Beach Junior Lifeguard Program which began as a small part-time recreational swimming program has grown into an annual recreation and education program for children ages nine to seventeen. The program partners parents and local schools in promoting activities which develop healthy lifestyles, sportsmanship and self-esteem in the community's youth. Childhood obesity has also be targeted with parents reporting improved eating habits, weight loss and increased muscle mass in their children. The Kidz-N-The-Hood Program is a weekly TV show produced and scripted by kids of all ages, income levels and ethnic backgrounds. Developed to counteract the often negative and gratuitous images children are too often exposed to on television, the program receives accolades from parents and educators who report more attentive students, improved test scores and reduced drop out rates. Supported by a diverse community group including AT&T Broadband, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Pompano Middle School, Broward County Sheriff's Office, and the Broward County Urban League, the program has reached thousands of children through participation and viewing opportunities. Pinnacle Village, a new affordable rental community, replaces a failed HUD subsidized housing complex which stood as an eyesore and haven for crime in the neighborhood. Frustrated by a failed project which had undergone numerous attempts at rehabilitation for a period of years, the public and private sectors worked together to improve the living conditions for dozens of families. The result was Pinnacle Village--148 town houses with one to three bedrooms. This project not only meets the needs of the resident families, it has had a positive impact on the surrounding community. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate the residents, officials, and the staff of the City of Pompano Beach whose efforts on behalf of their city have earned the title of 2005 All-America City.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Rick Chesser for his 35 years of support and dedication to the State of Florida as an employee of the Florida Department of Transportation. Rick has decided to retire from public services, yet at the time of his departure, he was the longest serving District Secretary with 17 years of service to District 4, which encompasses Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. Throughout his 17 years with the Florida Department of Transportation, Rick has compiled a lasting legacy. Under his watch, the district received much needed funding and he opened constructive dialogue between the district, the public and local elected officials. It should also be highlighted that within District 4, Rick allocated numerous hours to ensure mobility of constituents while simultaneously keeping the best results for the environment and quality of life at heart. In particular, Rick's commitment to South Florida's public transportation system was never more evident when he served as project director for Interstate 595. Through this project, the Port Everglades Expressway was created, Interstate 75 was constructed, and Interstate 95 was widened in two of the five counties within his district. From there, funding was received for a tri-county rail system providing even greater accessibility for South Florida commuters. As construction progressed with these numerous projects, Rick ensured the attractiveness of the land by providing District 4 the highest level of amenities in the state for landscaping, paver blocks, and decorative lighting. He also worked with individual cities to assist them in development plans that would shift with population growth. Mr. Speaker, Rick Chesser's work for the State of Florida and that of District 4 will not be forgotten. Rick has made great strides in the development of various areas to raise the morale and the quality of life for all residents. We are indebted to him and to his service for the past 35 years. My staff and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13 winners of the Congressional Gold Award from the 22nd District of Florida. Each award winner has spent at least 2 years completing over 400 hours of community service, half of which is spent in personal development and physical fitness activities, including a four-night expedition. Ms. Alexandra Brady of Palm Beach Gardens has dedicated her time fundraising for two different cancer groups. One is her local Cancer Society, while the other is the ``Comfort Bag Project,'' a program that brings goody bags to young victims of cancer at St. Mary's Children's Hospital. In addition to these notable achievements, Alexandra has spent the last 4 years teaching in a local children's camp. Ms. Carolyn Cox of Palm Beach Gardens volunteers at the Jupiter Medical Center where she assists the hospital staff. Additionally, Carolyn has dedicated her free time to working on fundraisers to provide medical services for less privileged individuals. Her quest for personal development led her to Costa Rica for a 10-day trip in which she learned about the history and culture of the Pacific Coast area. Mr. Patrick Eucalitto of Palm Beach Gardens has volunteered with several national health organizations. Most notably, Patrick co-founded the Relay for Life Youth Council for the local American Cancer Society. In a pursuit to understand different cultures, Patrick has developed a fluent understanding of both Spanish and French. Additionally, Patrick has logged over 850 hours of training and racing time in competitive swimming. Ms. Regen Foley of Palm Beach Gardens has proven herself as a born leader through her efforts as the founder and coordinator of the ``Comfort Bag Project'' at St. Mary's Children's Hospital. Furthermore, Regen spent time abroad in the Czech Republic, gaining an appreciation for the Czech culture while at the same time receiving a new understanding of her own national identity. Regen has also put in over 300 hours as a starter for her school's JV basketball team. Ms. Elizabeth Folmar of Palm Beach Gardens has been involved with the Safe Harbor Rescue League, a shelter for mistreated dogs and cats, for the last 5 years. Additionally, Elizabeth volunteers at her local youth court serving as a lawyer. During her free time, Elizabeth has developed her nautical skills, navigating and skippering sailboats. This personal development activity has led her to plan a trip to the Outer Abaco islands of the Bahamas on her family sailboat. Ms. Courtney Kneip of Palm Beach Gardens spends her time after school volunteering for a local kindergarten teacher. Courtney has participated in several community fundraisers for medical research. Pursuing her love of music, Courtney achieved a superior rating at Solo and Ensemble for her flute performance of Sonata Number 5. Courtney has spent time in French Canada where she immersed herself in the language and culture. Mr. Kyle Lambrecht of Jupiter volunteers at his local Center for Information and Crisis Services and participates in a program that performs community outreach to the elderly. In addition, Kyle has auditioned for the All-State and Jazz Bands, performing both percussion and piano. Kyle is on both the varsity golf and tennis teams at his high school and he hopes to improve his skills in order to become one of the highest rated players. Ms. Robin Lucas of Palm Beach Gardens serves as a mentor for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. Robin has spent her free time organizing and participating on a fundraising committee benefiting the Headstart Preschool. Robin has studied piano and taken weekly tennis lessons in order to advance to the upper intermediate level. Furthermore, Robin spent part of her time abroad, living with a local family in Mexico, learning Spanish and gaining an understanding of Mexican history and culture. Ms. Kerry O'Neil of Jupiter volunteered for her high school's Academy of Finance, tutoring her fellow students in mathematics and finance. Kerry also spends her time working in the school yearbook office. Additionally, she competes in both lacrosse and swimming, earning Junior Olympic-level times in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle event. Kerry also planned a 10-day exploration to Italy where she learned about Italian culture. Mr. Matthew Puchferran of Boca Raton coordinated the Nation's largest youth-led National Day of Prayer Teen Freedom Rally in 2004. Matthew organized over 1,600 teens and their families in order to hold prayer for the Nation's soldiers and leaders. In his spare time, Matthew has mastered the keyboard, leading his youth group worship band. He has competed on his high school soccer team for the past 4 years, and attended weekend campouts with the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, Matthew spent time in Juarez, Mexico serving children, and helped a Boys and Girls Club on a North Carolina Cherokee Indian Reservation. Mr. Sean Smith of Palm Beach Gardens volunteered for Better Health, a health awareness group. Sean also served as chairperson for the Health Action Council, which is designed to promote youth volunteering. Sean spends his free time mastering the guitar as well as competing on his school's basketball team. Additionally, he has explored the Western United States, viewing several of our Nation's natural treasures such as the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead. Ms. Alexandra Trimper of Jupiter has volunteered for Jupiter Head Start where she organized a Christmas project for young children. Alexandra also plays the flute and competes on her high school tennis team where she advanced to the Florida State Championships. Ms. Christine Vartan of Jupiter volunteered her time teaching the elderly how to use computers. Christine took ballroom dancing lessons, and is a self-taught member of her school's golf team. In an expedition to enhance her understanding of our Nation's history, she visited St. Augustine, Florida and Savannah, GA, learning about the famous River Street and its historical significance.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor several notable teachers for the American Stars of Teaching award. This award is a recognition for exemplary classroom teachers who are successful in using innovative teaching strategies and raising academic achievement from all their students. To locate such teachers, the Department of Education (DEO) relies on nominations from various members of the community who believe these teachers are truly making a difference. There are five exemplary teachers in Florida's 22nd District that deserve recognition as an American Star of Teaching. Anne Blankenship is a resident of Palm Beach County. She has taught for twenty years and currently teaches Advanced Placement English to 11th and 12th graders at Jupiter Community High School. For the past four years, she has had a 100 percent pass rate (above national average) for her students. This year, Anne, was also nominated for Palm Beach County's Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education. Another resident of Palm Beach County is award recipient Cleve Maloon. He teaches Music Theory to students in grades 6th through 8th at Bak Middle School for the Arts. Cleve has been teaching for fourteen years and also directs the school's concert jazz bands. This year he was nominated for Palm Beach County's Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education. Also, in 2003, he was nominated for the Disney Hand Teacher Award which honors creativity in teaching. Shawn Roney, of Palm Beach County, teaches Physical Education to students in grades K-5th at Grassy Waters Elementary school. Shawn has been teaching for seven years, created his school's Fitness and Wellness Club and coaches intramural team sports. He also integrated reading, writing, science, math and FCAT into his daily lessons. He was nominated for Palm Beach County's Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education this year. Jasmin Deboo is from Broward County and has been teaching 5th grade at Deerfield Beach Elementary School for 11 years. Jasmin uses a hands- on approach to teaching and embraces the challenges of personalizing education for each student. She was the winner of the Broward County Teacher of the Year Award and was nominated for Florida's Teacher of the Year Award. Nicole Greggs, a resident of Broward County, teaches music to grades K-5th at Plantation Park Elementary School. She has been a teacher for 14 years. Nicole has developed an updated electronic curriculum planning tool for music educators that aids in meeting grade level expectations for music and in aligning instructional focus with other subject areas. She is the founder and Director of MusicMakers! Summer Camp, believing that prolonged study of the Arts increases student achievement. She was nominated for this year's Broward County Teacher of the Year Award. On behalf of Florida's 22nd District, I wish to congratulate Anne Blankenship, Cleve Maloon, Shawn Roney, Jasmin Deboo and Nicole Greggs for their truly admirable work. Only with the support of enthusiastic and caring teachers can future generations of American students hope to realize their dreams. These five nominees provide a shining example to all of South Florida's teachers.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3130 because it provides much needed medical care funding for our Nation's veterans. As we approach our Nation's 229th birthday, we reflect upon what has kept the United States as a free and sovereign Nation--it is our veterans, who have fought to protect the freedoms we cherish every day. The passage of H.R. 3130 is critical, as it provides nearly $1 billion in emergency funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue treating veterans' health care needs. We made a promise to our veterans to provide them with health care when they made a promise to our Nation to defend us from evils around the world. Since 1995, Congress has doubled the spending for each veteran. In just the last five years, Congress has increased spending on veterans health care by $10 billion--and this is not counting the additional funding, nearly $1 billion, in H.R. 3130. H.R. 3130 solidifies the fact that the House of Representatives stands committed to ensuring that the needs of our Nation's veterans are met. I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this very important legislation. I continue to hold all armed forces veterans in the highest regard and pray for the safety of those currently serving in the armed forces around the world.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I have never heard so many negative statements as we see coming from the other side of the aisle, with speaker after speaker, most of them scripted, making false accusations as to what the Republicans are doing with Social Security. If they are going to criticize what the Republicans are doing to try to save Social Security, let them come forward with their plan. Everybody knows that Social Security is going to be going into the red beginning in 2017. Everybody who has done any research knows there is a $26 trillion shortfall over the next 75 years in cash. So what are they doing? They are sitting there making false accusations about what we are trying to do. One of the speakers just this morning said that we were going to diminish the trust fund by putting the Treasury bills into the individual accounts. Nothing could be more wrong. I assume that these statements are being made out of ignorance and not out of knowledge of the truth, because we know what it is when you say something that you know is not true.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the United States-Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement, which will benefit American farmers, manufacturers, and businesses both small and large. Last year alone, the Central American countries and the Dominican Republic imported nearly $15 billion worth of United States agriculture and manufactured goods. The DR-CAFTA countries combined represent our 13th largest export partner. That is larger than Brazil. As these numbers show, there already exists a strong relationship between the United States and Central America, and this relationship is destined to grow substantially. With the agreement in place, more than 80 percent of the United States industrial and consumer products will become duty free immediately. The agreement also levels the playing field for United States manufacturers who are at a disadvantage to other countries that already have free trade agreements with the DR-CAFTA countries. This translates into increased exports and earnings for American farmers and manufacturers and more jobs. I urge my colleagues to support this very important piece of legislation.