Albio Sires

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Chair, I rise today to express my deep concern regarding the drastic cuts being made to the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012. While I understand the need to balance the budget, I cannot support cuts made to WIC, which has proven to be an effective tool in improving the health of our Nation's children. Over nine million low and moderate income women, infants, and children rely on WIC to provide them with quality nutrition education services and access to maternal, prenatal, and pediatric health-care services. WIC is a premier public health nutrition program and makes sure that our Nation's children begin their life as healthy as possible. During early childhood, infants with poor nutrition are susceptible to increased chances of anemia and negatively impact a child's ability to learn. WIC plays a vital role in ensuring that WIC infants are in better health than eligible infants not participating in WIC. With approximately one out of every two babies born in our country enrolled in WIC, it is a vital service that not only ensures infants' healthy well-being, but also saves health care costs. Up to $3.13 for every WIC dollar spent within the first 60 days of birth results in health care cost savings. Additionally, lower Medicaid costs are tied to prenatal participation in the WIC program. Preterm births cost our country over twenty-six billion dollars every year with the average first year medical costs for premature births costing over forty-nine thousand dollars and first year medical costs for babies without complications cost just over four thousand dollars. It has been proven that for every dollar spent on prenatal WIC participation for low- income Medicaid women, the results included fewer premature births, longer pregnancies, and fewer infant deaths. In my home state of New Jersey, the number of women, infants, and children that participate in the program is 171,060. Sixty-one percent of WIC participants are families with income below the poverty level-- these are our constituents that are most in need. If the bill is passed, and depending upon the rate of food inflation, New Jersey may lose 3,700 to 6,500 WIC participants, and nationwide there may be a loss of 200,000 to 350,000 WIC participants. During the past fifteen years, Congress has been committed to provide enough funding to all eligible women and children who apply for WIC, and this legislation will break this promise. Indeed, if funding for WIC is insufficient, thousands of women and children will be put on a waiting list to receive the services they deserve. I urge my colleagues to oppose these devastating cuts, which so many of our constituents rely upon.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the more we learn about the true impact of the majority's plan to end Medicare and gut the Medicaid program, the more there is to dislike. For starters, under their plan, seniors will pay $6,000 more in annual out-of-pocket costs for health care services. Current seniors will see higher costs on prescription drugs as a result of reopening the donut hole, as well as a spike in the price of preventative care because free annual wellness visits will be eliminated. Individuals who are 54 years of age and younger, including 540,000 people in my district, will be denied access to Medicare's guaranteed benefits. Additionally, the majority's budget slashes Medicaid funding by $800 billion over 10 years and converts the program into block grants. Nearly 60 million Americans that rely on Medicaid for their health coverage will be in jeopardy of losing their health care. From my district in particular, their plan will impair the health care of 21,000 dual eligible seniors who rely on Medicaid to supplement their Medicare coverage, and 82,000 children who receive coverage under Medicaid. Mr. Speaker, given the current economic climate, now is not the time to be cutting valuable services to our most vulnerable citizens.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, last night we saw once again a great display of political theater. My friends across the aisle scheduled a vote on raising the Nation's debt limit, knowing that it would fail. The vote occurred specifically after the stock market closed because they knew the harsh effect that this game could have on the market. This was simply an effort to distract the public away from the disastrous attempt to end Medicare as we know it. Under their plan, from day one seniors will see an increase in the cost of prescription drugs and preventive health care. They no longer want to discuss the vote they took to end Medicare and force seniors to pay more for less. We all agree that smart, responsible budget cuts are needed. That is why Democrats and Republicans from the House, the Senate, and the administration are working together on a plan. We should allow the negotiators to continue their work in good faith with open discussions on the future of our economy and how to decrease our deficit. Mr. Speaker, now is not the time to play games with the American public. We must focus on creating jobs, jobs, and more jobs, and move our economy forward.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues across the aisle have recently claimed that current seniors won't be impacted by their plan to end Medicare as we know it. This simply is not true. From day one their plan would force seniors to pay more for prescription drugs and health services because the doughnut hole will be reopened and free wellness visits under Medicare would be eliminated. As a consequence of the reopening of the doughnut hole in my State of New Jersey alone, an estimated 142,800 seniors will pay $80 million more for prescription drugs in 2012. Additionally, the majority's plan to rescind the ban on copays for wellness visits for seniors would force at least 30,000 New Jersey seniors to pay over 3 million more for annual wellness visits next year. Once the plan takes effect in 2022, out-of-pocket expenses for seniors will soar. A typical 65-year-old in New Jersey would pay $7,060 more in 2022 for health care costs, more than double the cost under current law. Mr. Speaker, the majority's plan for Medicare does not preserve the program as we know it. Rather, it takes money from seniors' pockets and places them at the mercy of rising insurance costs.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Lyman Graham, a devoted member of the United States military, who recently passed away in Neptune, New Jersey at the age of 92. Lyman was a native of Franklin, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Graham School, Franklin High School, and Franklin Business School. In 1941, Lyman was drafted into the U.S. Army and received his officers training at Fort Monmouth, after which he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. During this time, Lyman met his wife, Betty Freeman of Bradley Beach, and they were married in Taullahoma, Tennessee on May 8, 1943. Lyman has a proud record of military service. As a member of the Army Signal Corps, Lyman played a key role during World War II. Soon after 1943, his unit was deployed to Great Britain, where they prepared for the invasion of Normandy and followed the battles fought throughout France, Belgium, and Germany, providing supplies and provisions for the Allied troops. Lyman received a number of medals for his service, including the European War Theatre medal. Following V-E Day, Lyman remained in Europe for several months and returned to New Jersey and his wife in the fall of 1945. He was promoted to the rank of captain and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946. Lyman and Betty briefly lived in Oil City, Pennsylvania. They returned to Bradley Beach in 1946, where they resided at their Hammond Avenue home. Not only did Lyman faithfully serve his county, he maintained an active role in his community throughout his life. He was a member of the Bradley Beach Post 337 of the American Legion for many years, serving as Finance Officer and participating in the group's activities. Lyman was Grand Marshall of the 2004 Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade. In 1954, he was appointed Postmaster of the Bradley Beach Post Office, and he remained in that position until his retirement in 1979, following 25 years of service. Following his retirement, Lyman and Betty joined the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, where he served as treasurer for 20 years. Lyman was also a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church of Bradley Beach, where he was a Lay Leader, and a member of the Staff Parish Committee, United Methodist Men, and the Adult Choir. Lyman and Betty chaperoned the youth fellowship groups on a number of trips and activities. A Boy Scout in his youth, Lyman remained active in that organization as Scoutmaster for a number of years. Throughout his life, Lyman was an exceptionally devoted husband and father and I know that Lyman will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Lyman's story will live on to serve as an inspiration for generations to come, and I thank him for his dedication to this great country.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Parish in Bayonne, New Jersey. In 1860 Father Callano was entrusted with establishing a small Catholic Church in Bayonne to be called St. Mary's Star of the Sea. Since its humble beginnings on Evergreen Street to its current location on 14th street in Bayonne, it has been a place of worship and home for residents of Bayonne and beyond since 1860. Monsignor Lawrence Miller was named Pastor of St. Mary in 1989, and has since led with piousness and confidence as the church and the community have changed over the years. Since the beginning of his term, Monsignor Miller has worked to engage the community in church life, particularly its youth. Because of his efforts, there has been an increase in youth ministry members, and a Pee Wee Basketball Program was established through the church. He currently is on the advisory board of All Saints Catholic Academy, works with 8th grade religion classes, is chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, and works at a local soup kitchen, which he helped found. His leadership has been steadfast and no doubt is a reflection of the vibrant parish of St. Mary's and the community it has supported for 150 years.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage over this weekend's religious violence in Egypt. Despite January's inspiring calls for freedom and democracy, religious minorities in Egypt, such as the Coptic Christians, are facing increasing attacks during Egypt's transition. On Saturday, a religious clash broke out in Cairo involving an estimated 2,000 people. In the aftermath of this weekend's sectarian violence, six Muslims and six Christians were dead. The Coptic Christians, like all Egyptians, are demanding freedom and respect. I am concerned that even with Egypt's transition, minority rights remain extremely limited, and I believe that the interim government is not doing enough to protect the rights and lives of its citizens. Coptic Christians deserve to live and worship without being threatened, injured or killed. Violence in the name of religion is unacceptable, but when governments do not sufficiently address such behavior, the violence is far more troubling. The United States must stand firmly with the people of Egypt, and the U.S. assistance to Egypt must be tied to a strong respect for human rights and freedom of religion.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the brutal beating and subsequent death of Juan Wilfredo Soto. Last Thursday, Soto, while participating in a peaceful protest against the Castro regime, Cuban authorities beat him so badly that he was later taken to the hospital, where he died. Soto was a brave man and a respected advocate who helped support the hunger strikes of human rights award winner Guillermo Farinas. Juan Wilfredo Soto's death is the latest brazen illustration of the violent methods the Castro brothers utilize to oppress freedom in Cuba. In the last 2 months reports of oppression have increased. As many praised the false promises of the Sixth Communist Party Congress held in Cuba last month, few acknowledged the crackdown on dissidents and journalists that took place. Prior to the congress, Cuban authorities reportedly arrested and detained opposition members to ensure that all voices critical to the regime would be silent and that no protests would be visible. The United States and the international community must join together in condemning the wrongful death of Juan Wilfredo Soto and supporting human rights on the island. We must show Cuban leaders that their brutality is not going to go unnoticed.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, late Sunday night, we learned that the United States had successfully captured the mastermind behind the horrific attacks of September 11th, and today I rise to congratulate President Obama, the Navy SEALs, and all the men and women of our military and intelligence community on a successful mission. Osama bin Laden had been on the run for nearly 10 years, but in the end, he was not able to evade the tireless pursuit of the United States. President Obama made the courageous decision to send U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 on a mission to Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, and within forty minutes, our ten year ordeal was ended. In this short period of time, the SEALs were even able to collect intelligence to further aid the United States in its ongoing fight against terrorism. I commend the heroism of all those who participated in this expertly designed and executed operation, and I applaud President Obama's tough decision to move forward with this operation. Osama bin Laden has been brought to justice.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, on April 22nd, we celebrate the 41st Earth Day and recognize the achievements Americans have made to improve our environment. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Americans have worked to improve the air we breathe and the water we drink. Four decades later, we have made great strides towards protecting our planet for future generations by making investments in a clean energy economy to create millions of American jobs, lower energy costs for American families and businesses, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and our carbon foot print We must tackle tough environmental challenges, such as climate change, through investments in a clean energy economy to wean our nation off of our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and create green American jobs. It is also important that as we find ways to reduce our deficit that we do not jeopardize the safeguards in place to protect our air and water. It is necessary to continue to push forward with a clean energy plan, but the environmental challenges we face cannot be solved by laws alone. That is why it is important on this day for every American to take a moment and recognize the simple things that they can do within their own homes and communities to contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet Earth.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Autism Awareness Month and to express my support for ongoing efforts across the Nation that are devoted to improving the treatment of those individuals with autism, and their families. Today, one in 110 children is affected by autism, and my home State of New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the country. With the help of treatment and support centers, the lives of individuals and families affected by autism are improving every day. I am proud that such a facility exists in my district. The Center for Autism at The North Ward Center provides the highest quality of care to individuals and families in the greater Newark area. Under one roof, the center offers a seamless and comprehensive range of services for the lifespans of individuals with autism, treating the whole person and the whole family, focusing on strength-based interventions. The center represents a one-stop approach in relieving the burden on already stressed families dealing with autism. The Center for Autism at The North Ward Center in Newark is only one example of how concentrated care can greatly better the lives of individuals and families affected by autism.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe National Minority Health Awareness Month and to spread awareness on the disparities between the health of minorities in the United States and the general population. Nationally, minority groups are disproportionately affected by many health conditions and diseases, many of which are preventable. For example, minority groups have higher rates of infant mortality, low birth weight babies, and HIV/AIDS. African Americans, in particular, suffer disproportionately from such chronic conditions as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Similar disparities exist between other minorities such as the Hispanic populations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for example, reports that Latinos are twice as likely to die from diabetes. Eliminating the causes of similar health and healthcare disparities must remain a priority in this Congress. Additionally, we must continue to raise awareness of the need to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations across America and to develop health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to stand with the Polish people as they commemorate two horrific events on this Saturday, April 10. First, the 71st anniversary of the Katyn Forest massacre, and the second, the first anniversary of the tragic airplane crash that killed 96 people, including the Polish President and top Polish officials. The Katyn Forest massacre occurred during World War II in April and in May of 1940 while Poland was fighting a war on two fronts. The Soviet secret police brutally killed over 20,000 Poles whose bodies were later recovered in a mass grave at Katyn. Tragically, last year, as a delegation of Polish officials were en route to Katyn to commemorate the massacre, their plane unexpectedly crashed in western Russia, killing all aboard. It was with great sadness that I heard the news after having had the great honor of meeting the Polish President Kaczynski in the past. His devotion to the Polish nation and the people were immeasurable. Madam Speaker, the Polish people over the past year and through the course of history have been unwavering in their resilience and patriotism in the face of adversity. Their courage is admirable and inspiring. On this day, we stand in solidarity as they commemorate two occasions of great loss.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the majority's proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 undermines our Nation's values and priorities, attacking our middle class and in particular our Nation's seniors. Today's seniors have a median income of only $19,000 a year. Both the Medicare and Medicaid program enables seniors to have health care coverage they would not otherwise be able to afford. The proposed budget will end the Medicare program as we know it under the disguise of reform, threatening to turn it into a voucher program that will shift more and more costs to seniors and their families. The majority's budget also attacks seniors from another angle, by proposing deep cuts in Medicaid, which serves as our Nation's primary payer for long-term care services. Medicaid will be starved by shifting the costs of the programs from the Federal Government to the States, which in turn could force seniors out of their own homes and communities into nursing homes. Before Medicaid and Medicare, nearly one-half of America's seniors were uninsured. Mr. Speaker, we cannot go back to the days of the past. We must be committed to strengthening Medicare and Medicaid for the well-being of our seniors and future generations.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Bob Hurley of Jersey City, New Jersey. Some may know Coach Hurley as the third high school career basketball coach to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Some may know that despite limited resources and no gym facility at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, he recently led St. Anthony High School's basketball team to their 24th State championship and fourth national title, and has led the team to over 1,000 wins. However, the more important numbers are those that show the impact he has had on his players. In his nearly 40-year career, only two of his players have not attended college, and of those graduates, over 200 young men have continued to play basketball and 150 have received college scholarships. Coach Hurley sees the potential in his players, even when they don't see it themselves. He is an inspiration to young men, a true role model, and a father figure to many. I congratulate Coach Hurley, his players, and St. Anthony High School on their recent national title and wish them well and much success in the future.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to promote early childhood programs, which are an investment not only in our children, but in our country's future. In 1990, the Child Care and Development Block Grant was created for low-income parents who are either working or in school. If the proposed cuts to Child Care and Development Block Grants are signed into law, 150,000 families nationwide will lose child care subsidies. In my home State, the annual cost for child care for an infant can be nearly $12,000 a year and the annual cost for a toddler can be as much as $9,000. Head Start is another vital service that has provided education, health, nutritional and social services for 3- and 4-year-olds since 1965. If the cuts proposed in H.R. 1 become reality, 218,220 children nationwide will lose access to Head Start, and approximately 55,000 Head Start employees will lose their jobs; 3,719 children in New Jersey would be left without access to Head Start, and we already have 9,500 children on the waiting list. I ask Congress to continue debate in support of the bill.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans have had control of this Chamber for 11 weeks now, and yet there's still no plan to create jobs or spur our economic recovery. Instead of tackling unemployment, my Republican colleagues are again targeting vital programs designed to keep families in their homes. The Republicans are proposing to terminate the Home Affordable Modification Program, which provides critical mortgage modifications to deserving homeowners who are facing devastating foreclosures. To date, more than 600,000 homeowners have received a permanent mortgage modification, and tens of thousands of Americans are joining their ranks each month. The Republicans also want to eliminate the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which works to stabilize areas hard-hit by the housing crisis by helping States and cities purchase foreclosed homes and protect the value of our communities. My home State of New Jersey is slated to receive $11.5 million through this program. Mr. Speaker, this is funding that my constituents need to help redevelop our communities, create jobs, and grow our local economies. I urge my colleagues to stop blindly cutting programs and focus on legislation to create jobs and bring the economy around.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to make our way through the budget process, we must ensure that all funding reductions we make are done in a responsible manner. While I strongly agree that we need to get our deficit under control, we cannot do it in a way that undermines public safety and job creation. For example, the Republican long-term CR will cut $88 million in funding from the Food Safety and Inspection Service. This little- known cut will force food safety inspectors off the job for over 30 days, resulting in shutdowns of plants across this Nation. The USDA has estimated that such cuts will result in an $11 billion loss in productivity. Additionally, meat and poultry production is supposed to grow over the next year. If we decrease funding for food safety, there will be fewer inspectors to examine our food and make sure it's acceptable for consumption. Mr. Speaker, this is just one example of how we need to dissect each cut and the impact that it will have in the real world. I hope this Chamber can come together and make sensible decisions when it comes to reducing our deficit.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans have been in control of this Chamber for the last 10 weeks now, and we have taken 164 recorded votes. Yet they still have no plan to create jobs and spur economic growth. Instead of tackling unemployment, my Republican colleagues have now turned their efforts toward eliminating vital programs that are helping families deal with the fallout of the mortgage crisis. Seven million families have lost their homes with another 3 million foreclosures expected through 2012. And what is the Republicans' response to this crisis? They want to terminate programs designed to help homeowners keep their houses and avoid foreclosures. This week they will bring a bill to the floor that will abolish a program that makes temporary loans to unemployed homeowners to help cover mortgage payments until they can find a job. Mr. Speaker, it is bad enough that they have no plan in sight to bring Americans back to work; but to actually put their energy towards ending programs that are helping the unemployed during difficult times is unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to stop cutting programs that will keep American families in their homes and focus the legislation on creating jobs and move the economy forward.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, Republicans have been in charge for 8 weeks, and this Chamber has taken 154 votes, yet we still see no signs of job creation or a jobs plan. With 14 million Americans still looking for work, I ask my colleagues on the other side, Where are the jobs? Where is the plan? In this House we have talked about repealing health care reform and instructing committees, but nothing about a jobs plan. And, now, as we approach the deadline for government funding and the looming threat of a crippling government shutdown, House Republicans are focusing on irresponsible budget plans than actually threaten job creation. In fact, the Republicans' proposed long-term CR not only fails to create jobs or spur the economy, it would actually cause more job losses and depress economic growth. Economists have discovered that their plan would destroy around 700,000 jobs through 2012. Mr. Speaker, as the impending funding deadline approaches, my Republican colleagues should negotiate in good faith and fund the government in ways to support job creation and economic growth, not cause greater job loss or economic damage.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the Republicans' dangerous spending cuts. Our commitment to reducing our deficit must not come at the expense of our Nation's future and the security of our communities. The Republican spending bill is irresponsible and reckless, and the proposal would eliminate jobs at a time when we need to create them the most. It would have cut funding for 1,300 police officers through the COPS hiring program, and it will eliminate 2,400 jobs for firefighters through the SAFER program. By cutting transportation funding, this bill eliminates 3,427 jobs in New Jersey alone. It rescinds $2.5 billion for high-speed rail and makes deep cuts to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects outdoor recreational spaces. Additionally, this bill cuts millions from housing programs that help families pay their rent. We have had 101 votes in this House, and not one Republican proposal has created one single job. Now this spending measure threatens to make matters worse. I urge my colleagues to oppose these shortsighted cuts.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and commemorate the heroes of the African-American community, the accomplishments they have achieved for their communities and the freedoms they bravely championed for all Americans. This year, the theme of Black History Month ``African Americans and the Civil War'' allows us to reflect on just one of the many moments in history where African Americans played a significant role in the fight for freedom. Roughly 179,000 African-American men served as soldiers in the U.S. Army and another 19,000 in the Navy. 2,900 of these men were from the State of New Jersey. African American women, while not formally permitted to join the army, nonetheless served as nurses for the wounded. Their valiant efforts and the extraordinary sacrifices helped unite a divided country and free millions from slavery. During Black History Month we must also commemorate the accomplishments of the civil rights activist, both known and unknown, who helped imbed equality in the fabric of our great nation. The impact of African American's service to this country since its founding has been immeasurable, and there is no doubt that they will continue to shape the future success of our country.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, as I listen to the debate in this House, we need to put politics aside and pursue policies that move America forward. I encourage my Republican colleagues to focus on legislation that creates jobs, economic recovery, and debt reduction. While cutting spending is an important aspect of reducing the deficit, we must ensure that it is done in a way that will not threaten jobs, economic growth, and the security of our middle class. I am particularly troubled by recent proposals that would slash long-term investment in transportation, clean energy, innovation, and education. Spending cuts in these areas are unwise for our economic future, especially when it comes at the expense of the American workers. We need to continue to foster investment in these fields in order to expand private sector growth and put America back to work. The situation in this country is such that every bill that comes before this House must be measured by whether it creates jobs, strengthens the middle class, and reduces the deficit. It is imperative that we come together to meet these goals in order to lay the foundation for future prosperity in this country.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2011, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 17 and 18. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 17 and ``no'' on rollcall 18.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, yesterday was an unfortunate day in this Chamber. The majority party voted to bring our Nation back to a system where insurance companies' needs are placed before those of middle class Americans. The truth is that millions of Americans are already benefiting from health care reform. Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against children and others who are sick; small businesses are receiving billions of dollars in tax credits; and seniors are saving money on prescription drugs and are receiving free preventive care through Medicare, including 72,000 seniors in my district alone. If repealed, these benefits will be removed and the impact on my district will be devastating. The number of uninsured in my district will increase by 104,000 people; 326,000 residents would yet again be vulnerable to insurers' devious practices, such as lifetime limits and rescission; and insurers could once more deny coverage for up to 294,000 individuals in my district alone, including 35,000 children with a preexisting condition. Madam Speaker, we should concentrate on creating jobs, not repealing health reform for middle class Americans.