Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I wish to make known my support for H. Res. 405, a bill expressing the sense of Congress in support of the immediate implementation of the July 8, 2006 agreement as the way forward to prepare for new comprehensive negotiations leading to the reunification of Cyprus within a bizonal, bicommunal federation as set out in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. On July 20, 1974, Turkey illegally invaded the island of Cyprus. Thirty-three years later, we remember this black day as we continue hammering out a suitable way forward. This is absolutely necessary as the people of Cyprus have suffered unjustly for far too long. Thirty-three years ago, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in flagrant disregard for international law. As a result, an estimated 160,000 true Cypriots were displaced and another 5,000 Cypriots were killed. The current occupied area is notably one of the most highly militarized areas in the world with 43,000 Turkish troops stationed there illegally. In an act of further defiance, in 1983, Turkish Cypriots declared themselves a sovereign nation. To date, they are the only ones who recognize themselves as such. Together with both the E.U., and the U.N., the United States has been a strong ally of the Republic of Cyprus, and we owe it to her to continue our steadfast support. As a Congress, we must uphold our Nation's pledge to advance the July 8th agreement that President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reached a year ago. This agreement would begin the process of setting up bicommunal committees and working groups to address day-to-day issues facing those caught up in this conflict. I am a cosponsor of H. Res. 405 because of the history I've outlined here. The July 8th agreement is the way forward for an island that has suffered far too long. As a Greek American and as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I could not feel more strongly about the reunification of Cyprus. The issue is straightforward and clear: we must aid our ally, the Republic of Cyprus, in righting the wrongs of the past 33 years. Passing H. Res. 405 is a step in the right direction.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Don Myers is appreciated for his dedication and contributions to Farm and Science Review; and Whereas, he has been described as one of Farm Science Review's, ``original three musketeers''; and Whereas, he is recognized for his research and educational programs; and Whereas, he has served the organization and his community selflessly and tirelessly; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Don Myers on his contributions to the Farm and Science Review. Congratulations to Don Myers on his induction to the Farm and Science Review Hall of Fame.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mr. O'Malley has shown an extraordinary commitment to his community by serving millions of workers across the United States in need of legal assistance through the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group (WILG) where he has been president; and Whereas, Mr. O'Malley has demonstrated values of hard work and service throughout his life, always maintaining a positive outlook; and Whereas, Mr. O'Malley has served as the Chairman of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America; and Whereas, Mr. O'Malley serves on the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee for Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers and is a counsel member of the Workers' Compensation section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association; and Whereas, Mr. O'Malley is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Interfaith Workers Justice, a group that uses faith and education to bring awareness about issues concerning wages, rights and benefits for hard-working people; and Whereas, Mr. O'Malley has 30 years of experience and a very successful track record of helping workers and their families; be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Todd O'Malley on a lifetime of service. We recognize the tremendous impact he has had in his community and in the lives of those people he has touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail at Rutherford Wetland in Wayne National Forest is being celebrated; and Whereas, the trail is the first wildlife viewing trail accessible to all persons; and Whereas, the trail is \1/2\ mile long and sits on 20 acres on Athens Ranger District; and Whereas, it will display poems completed by Ora E. Anderson and watercolor pictures completed by Barbara Sheriff Kostohryz; and Whereas, the public will be educated on the Ora E. Anderson trail about wetland resources; be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I applaud the Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail and the awareness that it bring to our community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mrs. Smith has shown an extraordinary commitment to her community by volunteering at the Salvation Army in Cadiz, Ohio and at the Harrison Community Hospital, where she has been president of the Hospital Auxiliary for four years; and Whereas, Mrs. Smith has demonstrated values of hard work and service throughout her life, always maintaining a positive outlook; and Whereas, Mrs. Smith has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, the Scio Pottery Company, Lib Gray's Dressmaker Shop, and as a farmer for many years and still continues her active lifestyle by walking two miles every day; and Whereas, Mrs. Smith's character has been praised by her hospital volunteer coordinator, who describes her as ``nothing short of magnificent'' and that her spirit is ``not a day over 14''; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I wish Helen Bass-Smith a happy and healthy 90th birthday. We recognize the tremendous impact she has had in her community and in the lives of all those people she has touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Schrader will celebrate 60 delightful years of marriage together; and Whereas, they will reflect on October 5, 1947 with great joy and fondness; and Whereas, Albert and Elsie have been a symbol of love, dedication and loyalty for all to be in awe of; and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Schrader reminisce on a lifetime full of memories and look forward to many more together; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I wish Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Elsie Schrader a happy 60th anniversary. We recognize the tremendous impact they have had in their family and in the lives of all those people they have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank the gentleman from Oregon. Home foreclosures are, unfortunately, something that Ohioans face far too frequently. Ohio ranks near the top in the Nation in foreclosures. In this year alone, approximately 61,000 families will have their homes foreclosed upon. These are families who have fallen victim to unscrupulous subprime lending brokers, who have fallen victim to failing health, and who have fallen victim to a changing economy, one where we have seen our manufacturing base eroded, our cost of the living through gas and utilities increasing, and stagnant wages. The phantom tax on forgiven debt adds injury to insult, especially to working families who have undergone the trauma of a foreclosure. I am very grateful for Chairman Rangel's leadership on this issue and thankful that our leadership as the Democratic Party has taken up this cause as well. And, furthermore, I am gratified at the bipartisan support that this body has demonstrated in its commitment to tax relief for middle-class and working families.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank my colleague for yielding the time. I'm a first-year lawmaker here in Washington and came in with this new majority in a very partisan time in American political history, a time where too often we're preoccupied with political bickering, a time when we needed more people like Paul Gillmor on this floor. Paul befriended me. We, by chance, both flew out of the Columbus Airport to and from Washington, so we had a chance to sit and talk about nonlegislative matters, about our families, about some of the nonpolitical aspects of this job. And Paul was one to give advice, despite the fact that we're on the opposite sides of the aisle. He provided me, as a good man would, with the wisdom he's obtained, and as a freshman, I was very grateful to him for his help. I didn't know Paul before being elected to the House last November, but we share many mutual friends. Harry Mishel is a dear friend of mine, a former president of the Ohio senate, was a good friend of Paul's and spoke very highly of Paul. And I think it's a testament to the kind of person he is that he would engender that kind of friendship and support, regardless of where one stands on the political aisle. One other small anecdote that I think sums Paul up. A very good friend of mine worked in the Ohio caucus 20 years ago when Paul was with the Ohio senate, and recently, this friend returned to Columbus and ran into Paul who was there while on break here. And after 20 years, Paul still remembered this man, not just his last name, but his first name, and greeted him as a friend after 20 years. That's the kind of man Paul Gillmor was. That's the kind of man I will remember, and my deepest and heartfelt condolences from not just me but the many good folks of Ohio's 18th District go out to Paul and his family. He and they are in our prayers.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank the gentleman from Vermont for yielding this time. I would like to preface my remarks with my condolences to the family of Paul Gillmor as well, an Ohioan and a good man who will be missed. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3052, legislation to rename the post office in Cambridge, Ohio, after John Glenn. I appreciate the bipartisan support the Ohio delegation has shown for passage of this legislation, and am excited to see this bill honoring a true American hero. John Glenn was born in Cambridge, Ohio, a very small town in the beautiful rolling hills of Guernsey County. At a very young age, he moved to nearby New Concord, where he attended both high school and college. After graduating from Muskingum College, John Glenn answered the call to military service. As a naval pilot, he served in both World War II and the Korean conflict, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross on six occasions and the Air Medal with 18 Clusters. After leaving the military, John Glenn became a test pilot for the Naval Air Test Center. In 1957, he set a speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in 3 hours and 23 minutes. It was his experience as a pilot that led to his most celebrated accomplishments in aeronautics. In 1959, John Glenn volunteered to become one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, the first manned space flight program in the United States. Several years later, John Glenn embarked on his famous mission. In February of 1962, he became first man to orbit the Earth, completing that feat three times over. John Glenn's marvels were not merely limited to aeronautical achievements. Following the end of his career in aeronautics, Ohio was the fortunate benefactor of John Glenn's public service. He served as a United States Senator with dignity and honor for 28 years before retiring. As a freshman Member of Congress, I often look to examples to follow. I have had the good fortune of getting to know Senator Glenn in these last few months. As an example of his courage and character, he tells a story of what he was feeling when he was about to be blasted into space 45 years ago. I asked him, were you afraid? And he very candidly offered his response of yes, he was, but he did it because it was the right thing to do. He and his lovely wife, Annie, discussed the fact that there was a very good chance that he would not come back, and they did it anyway. He did it with courage and honor. He did it because it was right for this country. And at this time, in our history, I think it would serve all of us very well, Madam Speaker, to follow the example that John Glenn presented for us, the trails that he blazed. He is, in fact, the best that this country has to offer. He has shown courage in the face of adversity. He has shown selflessness for the sake of making our country a better place. The Cambridge post office is one that has stood the test of time. For the better part of a century it has stood as a landmark in one of the central towns in my district. Moreover, the Cambridge post office serves the folks in the small town where John Glenn was born, and it's the same building in which John Glenn's distinguished military career began so many years ago when he registered for enlistment and service to his country. From this point onward it will bear a name of one that has brought much inspiration to the daily lives of Ohioans.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask support for the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. I hail from Ohio's 18th Congressional District, a district of proud, hardworking people who understand the virtues of personal responsibility, a district whose constituency was betrayed in years past by a Member of this body who crossed a line. My predecessor is now in prison and he has been imprisoned for having, once again, betrayed his constituents and sold his vote. He became mired in and then consumed by a scandal involving lobbyists. This legislation helps further break the link that exists between lobbyists, legislators and the wealthy clients that lobbyists represent. It represents yet another positive step forward. It's not the end. It represents more of the beginning of a process whereby bribery will become deinstitutionalized from this body. It represents a process whereby we can make decisions in this body on an informed, rational basis designed specifically to benefit the good people who put us here. Early on in this Congress, we banned trips and gifts and meals from lobbyists, a good first step. Now we are bringing transparency to the system. But it can't stop here. My colleague from Connecticut raises the prospect of an independent organization to review potential breaches of law, something that I associate myself with, but we need yet to go beyond even that with aggressive and comprehensive campaign finance reform. I support this measure because I think it represents a good first step along that process, but again I urge my colleagues to give serious consideration to taking it yet farther, and that is again with the deinstitutionalization of bribery through comprehensive campaign finance reform.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Kind amendment, and I do so on behalf of the farmers of Ohio's 18th Congressional District. They are a very diverse bunch, but one thing they all have in common is that they are small, family-run operations. They asked for several things in this farm bill: conservation, energy, and a safety net. This bill as it has come out of committee provides those things that will allow those farmers to continue to do business. Those farmers operate on extremely narrow margins, and without a safety net that mitigates their risks, they can no longer do business. Madam Chairman, the people of this country are already experiencing increased rates for gasoline, for utilities, for health care. The last thing that we can afford in this country is to see a spike in the price of food. Madam Chairman, I rise once again in opposition to the Kind amendment and in favor of the bill as it has come out of the committee.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus, which occurred on July 20, 1974. This black anniversary commemorates 33 years too long of suffering and injustice for the people of the Republic of Cyprus. Thirty-three years ago, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in flagrant disregard for international law. As a result, an estimated 160,000 true Cypriots were displaced and another 5,000 Cypriots were killed. The current occupied area is notably one of the most highly militarized areas in the world with 43,000 Turkish troops stationed there illegally. In an act of further defiance, in 1983, Turkish Cypriots declared themselves a sovereign nation. To date, they are the only ones who recognize themselves as such. Together with both the E.U. and the U.N., the U.S. has been a strong ally of the Republic of Cyprus, and we owe it to her to continue our steadfast support. As a Congress, we must uphold our Nation's pledge to advance the July 8th agreement that President Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat reached a year ago. This agreement would begin the process of setting up bi-communal committees and working groups to address day-to-day issues facing those caught up in this conflict. Unfortunately, Talat is not only yet to move forward with his earlier promise, but has also now gone back on his word. We must work to convince Talat that it is in his best interest, and in the best interest of Turkish Cypriots, to cooperate. They will be left behind and without a seat at the table if they choose to disregard plans for progress toward a solution. Meanwhile, Greek Cypriots continue working toward their national commitment. The Republic of Cyprus took the initiative to demolish a portion of the fortification at Ledra Street in the capital of Nicosia. Opening up this crossing point was a confidence building step, as was demolishing a Cypriot National Guard post in Kato Pyrgos in an effort to open up another crossing point. There are steps members of this House can take to show support for the people of the Republic of Cyprus. We can cosponsor legislation to resolve the Cyprus problem--H.R. 1456, H. Res. 405, and H. Res. 407. H.R. 1456 enables U.S. citizens who own property in Turkish-occupied Cyprus to seek financial remedies with either current inhabitants of their land or the government of Turkey. The intent here is to ensure that property not only benefits the lawful owner, but also that it stays out of the hands of illegal squatters. H. Res. 405 expresses the sense of Congress for the support and implementation of the July 8th agreement as a way forward for the reunification of Cyprus. And H. Res. 407 expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions of the Republic of Cyprus to open more crossing points and to reach a cease-fire. These are all bills that I'm a cosponsor of, and I urge other members to join me in my support for these worthwhile measures. As a Greek American and as a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I could not feel more strongly about the reunification of Cyprus. The issue is straightforward and clear: we must aid our ally, the Republic of Cyprus, in righting the wrongs of the past 33 years. I cannot think of a better day than today, on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the Turkish invasion, to express my conviction on the matter. Tomorrow, we must both remember the past and look to the future. In recognizing the significance of July 20th for the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, we must recommit ourselves to the cause of restoring the island nation to its rightful inhabitants. I ask for the support of my colleagues in this worthy undertaking.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, I am offering this bipartisan amendment with Congressman Aderholt to restore funding for the ARC, Appalachian Regional Commission, to $65 million in this bill. This amendment brings the Commission's funding up so that it's equal to the President's request in the previous year's funding level. The Appalachian Regional Commission is very important to my district and many other districts from New York to Mississippi. The Appalachian Regional Commission is a model for Federal economic development initiatives, and has been a responsible steward of the Federal funds it has received over the years. For example, in fiscal year 2006, across all investment areas, each dollar of ARC funding was matched by $3.14 in non-ARC public project funding, and each ARC dollar invested leveraged $11.55 in private investment in ARC projects over time. This restoration of funds will be offset by a $30 million reduction to the Department of Energy's administrative account. I understand that the Appropriations Committee must make difficult decisions this year. However, over the last 10 years, funding for the ARC has remained level, at around $65 million, and the region continues to receive less Federal assistance per capita than the rest of the country. Additionally, the House of Representatives had voted to authorize the ARC at levels much higher than $65 million. The 410-county region still faces a complex set of economic and social challenges, and will need continued support from Congress. Without basic infrastructure, economic development and improvements in the overall quality of life, the Appalachian region will continue to lag well behind the rest of the Nation. I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment to restore funding for the commission to levels equal with the President's request and the current funding level for this program. Mr. Chairman, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. SPACE. I thank the gentleman from Alabama and would yield 1 additional minute to the Congresswoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, with that commitment to work for the concerns of those in Appalachia, I would, at this point, withdraw the amendment and continue to work with my colleagues on this important issue. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. For four decades now, the Appalachian Regional Commission has worked to bring Appalachia to economic parity with the rest of the country. The statistics are devastating. Twenty percent of Appalachian households still do not have access to community water systems. Sixty- two percent of Appalachian counties have a higher unemployment rate than the national average. I want to make one thing clear. The Commission's programs are NOT duplicative. They complement Federal activities and extend the reach of those programs into the most challenging parts of Appalachia. The Commission acts as a key financial partner in attracting private and non-profit investment to the region. In Fiscal Year 2006, every dollar of ARC funding leveraged $3.14 in other public funding and $11.55 in private investment. The modest amount of money we spend on this program is fiscally responsible and enormously beneficial to the taxpayer. The President's own Budget requests that the Commission's funding level continue at $65 million. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, today this House will debate legislation that will help us fulfill our commitment to this Nation's service men and women, their families and our veterans. The Military Construction bill that comes to the floor today was unanimously approved out of the House Appropriations Committee last week. Not one Democrat or Republican opposed the measure. That is because it provides the largest increase in funding for veterans health care in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration and includes other historic funding increases designed to meet the changing need of our Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, this bill unanimously passed out of the Appropriations Committee for a reason: it is a good bill and deserves the support of every Member of this House.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her leadership on this issue. I rise today in support of S. 5. In January, I stood before this body to pledge my support for embryonic stem cell research; and I also shared with the House the story of my son, Nicholas, who is now 16 and has battled juvenile diabetes for 10 years. I asked my colleagues to put aside the differences that they have from a political perspective to support this research that offers the promise of a better quality of life for millions of Americans like my son. When the House passed H.R. 3, I was optimistic. I believed in the power of the government to do good for this Nation and its citizen. I believed we could put politics aside for a cause of such great importance, but, Mr. Speaker, I was wrong. The administration, even many Members of this body, have succumbed to the vices of the game of politics. They put sound bites ahead of their own citizens. In the last Congress, my colleagues in both Chambers worked together to craft legislation that would advance the promise of stem cell research. It was a good, bipartisan bill with broad support. Unfortunately, the President saw fit to veto their hard work, nullifying the opportunity that it offered. Here we are again in the 110th Congress, Mr. Speaker, in exactly the same position we stood 2 years ago. And what has happened in the interim, thousands of children have died from terrible illnesses, and families have been torn apart. In the face of all this, we are having a debate that we have already had. With this enormous opportunity before us, I am saddened and, frankly, frustrated. Today must be a day to start fulfilling our promise to the people of this country and be leaders on this great issue of importance. The future of our children and loved ones simply cannot wait.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2560. Mr. Speaker, I am a fervent supporter of the promise and optimism of embryonic stem cell research. As the father of a child who suffers from juvenile diabetes, I know full well the importance of stem cell research in developing a cure for life threatening diseases. For millions of Americans like my son, stem cell research represents promising hope of a cure within their lifetime. Unfortunately, many Americans confuse embryonic stem cell research as human cloning, a practice which I adamantly oppose. While technological advances continue to give scientists opportunities to explore beyond our horizons, we have an obligation to pursue our goals responsibly. The pursuit of science cannot go unchecked; occasionally, Congress must intervene. The artificial creation of human life through cloning challenges the ethical foundations of this Nation. The development of human life is a natural process that cannot be replaced by scientists in a laboratory. I cannot in good conscience support a world where the chance and wonder of the birth of a child is eliminated in favor of a cold, sterile process. Embryonic stem cell research differs from cloning by developing embryos that might otherwise be destroyed for specific functions. The goal of this practice is not to create new human life, but rather to sustain existing human life by replacing failing parts of the human anatomy. I will always support saving an American life. I cannot support artificially engineering one. The importance of this distinction is critical. I hope that my colleagues in the House will join me in educating the public on the differences between these practices.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority leader for yielding me this time and for his leadership on this issue. I rise today to support this resolution. In order to restore the integrity to this Chamber and restore America's faith in its elected officials, we must continue to undertake substantive action with regard to ethics reform. This Congress has made huge strides in reforming itself and cleaning up Washington, as our majority leader alluded to earlier this evening, but there is still more to be done. Our actions today will not only enhance the most fundamental principles of a democratic society, they will remind our constituents that we are a body of the people, and not above the people. Simply put, when a Member of Congress is indicted, there should, as a matter of course, be an immediate ethics investigation. Coming from a district whose previous Congressman became mired and then consumed by scandal, my fellow district residents and I understand all too well the perils associated with weak and loosely monitored ethics regulations. We have suffered the frustration, disappointment, and anger associated with a betrayal. We suffered from not having a Member of Congress available to attend the needs of the citizens of our district. But we are not alone. Other districts have suffered similar tragedies, and that is inexcusable and unconscionable. The people that we serve in this body deserve a Member of Congress that is committed to representing their needs, and we cannot afford to wait any longer in addressing this issue. The time to act is now. As Members of Congress, we have an extraordinary burden to those who have bestowed this great honor upon us. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important measure.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. For me, reform isn't a political talking point. As the successor of Bob Ney and, to a certain degree, to the illegal actions of Jack Abramoff, it is an absolute necessity. I campaigned on the promise that I would do everything in my power to clean up Washington. This Congress has begun to do that. Earlier this year we enacted a sweeping set of reforms banning gifts, travel and meals from lobbyists. By passing this ban, we made serious inroads into breaking that link that exists between lobbyists and legislators. Now, today, we broaden our campaign to let the sun shine in on a broad scope of lobbyist activities. It is what the American people have demanded, and it is what they deserve. If nothing unethical is taking place, then these requirements will reassure the American public, which is itself a worthy endeavor. But if inappropriate actions are happening, then we have a responsibility, no, an obligation, to crack down on those activities. This bill is not perfect. We have a long way to go in our efforts to restore credibility in this body, but it reflects our serious effort to create transparency, honesty and leadership on this issue. My constituents have been betrayed before, and I will not let that happen again.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today in support of H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act. This bill offers a comprehensive legislative solution to confronting our servicemembers' increasing suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury. Our brave men and women who serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are faced with daunting physical and mental challenges every day as they carry out their duties. Troops deployed in Iraq, specifically, encounter the widespread use of IEDs, which can cause Traumatic Brain Injury. Extended deployments put our troops at risk for longer periods of time. H.R. 2199 brings together solutions to begin addressing the needs of our wounded warriors who have been diagnosed with TBI. The bill requires the VA to establish five centers for TBI research, education, and clinical activities. It also instructs the VA to establish a TBI screening program that would provide critical information to Congress regarding the number of veterans screened, the prevalence of TBI symptoms, and recommendations for improving care. H.R. 2199 dictates that the VA should create a comprehensive program for the long-term care and rehabilitation for veterans who suffer from TBI. The bill also requires the VA to create a Traumatic Brain Injury Veterans Health Registry to generate a list of those who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, who have symptoms of TBI, and who apply for VA medical care or file a disability claim. The VA can then notify those on the registry of significant developments in research on health consequences of serving in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Additionally, this bill authorizes funding for a pilot program of mobile VA centers for rural areas. These mobile VA centers would improve access to readjustment benefits as well as mental health services. The mobile centers would also assist veterans in making disability claims. I represent a rural district comprised of small towns and villages. I know that my rural veterans' constituency desperately needs better access to VA services and care, and these mobile VA centers could be part of the solution. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill because it makes great strides in providing comprehensive care for our Nation's wounded warriors suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today in support of H.R. 2239, the Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits Act. Currently, vocational rehabilitation benefits provided by the VA are not available to veterans until after they have been discharged from military service. This bill extends eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits to current members of the armed forces who are hospitalized or are undergoing out-patient medical care, who have a disability of at least 10 percent incurred or aggravated while on active duty, and who are likely to be discharged from service due to that disability. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am dedicated to providing our Nation's veterans with every service that they have earned and that they were promised. Access to vocational rehabilitation is part of what our Nation's heroes are entitled to, and this bill is a step in the right direction. By supporting this bill, we are ensuring that wounded servicemembers can access rehabilitational benefits more quickly without having to wait for their paperwork to catch up to them. This bill will get our wounded vets back on their feet and reintegrated into the workforce sooner than is currently possible by providing them with vocational benefits while they are awaiting military discharge. Reintegration into the workforce is a key part of easing stability back into the lives of our servicemembers who have often spent months in incredibly tense and mentally-exhausting environments. Re-establishing a ``normal'' working routine at a pace that better suits our servicemembers is beneficial to all parties involved. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2239 because the bill provides our Nation's veterans with more timely access to a promised service as they transition back to civilian life.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1252, the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act. My district is currently experiencing some of the highest gas prices in its history. In several towns in my district, my constituents are paying prices as high as $3.49 per gallon to fill their tanks. The price of gas is a crippling figure for the people of Southeastern Ohio who depend on their cars and trucks for transportation. Working families frequently commute long distances to reach their places of employment. For these families, the rise in gas prices is essentially an undeserved pay cut. The farmers in my district also face the challenge of fueling their equipment on which they depend to make their modest profits. I fear most for the fate of my district's retired and elderly populations. Most of these individuals are on a fixed income that already limits their ability to pay for the prescription drugs and medical visits they need. The rising price of gas places them only further into a bind and forces them to make decisions that no American should ever face. I co-sponsored H.R. 1252 because I believe it is time for Congress to intervene on behalf of working Americans. This common-sense legislation simply ensures that oil companies play by the rules and offer consumers a fair price for gas, not one that takes advantage of circumstances. I am a firm believer in the power of the marketplace to deliver the best possible services to American consumers. Free markets drive our economy and make it the most powerful in the world. However, when companies don't play by the rules, they must be punished because it is the consumer that ultimately suffers. I believe that passage of this legislation offers important protections to the people of my district in their daily battle with the price of gas. I encourage my colleagues to lend their support as well.