Brad Schneider

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to lend my support for the underlying bill we are debating today that addresses critical health care, housing, education, and unemployment needs for our soldiers who are deploying and our veterans who are returning from the battlefield. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations measure is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress considers annually. It provides the necessary funding to house, train, and equip our brave men and women in uniform, support our military families, and maintain our military base infrastructure. Put simply, no one should stand ahead of our men and women in uniform or our Nation's veterans when it comes to making Federal funding decisions. Critical to this discussion is the priority placed on investments in medical care for our Active Duty servicemembers and veterans. I appreciate that the committee continues the precedence set in past years of providing advanced appropriations for the VA. Allowing for advanced appropriations provides a platform for long- term planning and investment in critical programs that meet the emerging needs of our servicemembers and military families. I want to personally thank the committee for providing these resources that will allow our VA hospitals, including those in my district, to prepare adequately for the number of veterans returning home from deployment. This approach will provide flexibility to capitalize on emerging technology and treatments that will ensure our warriors here at home are receiving the very best health care possible. As well, I would like to thank the committee for its important work to ensure that we are maintaining investment in our military installations. I applaud the inclusion of $35.8 million for the construction of housing units at Naval Station Great Lakes, located in my district. This funding will allow more servicemembers to receive the training they need, while not overburdening them with complicated, temporary housing conditions. This forward-looking investment is one that illustrates how we can further utilize existing military infrastructure to achieve efficiencies in training and services. I want to again thank the committee for its work on this important bipartisan bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man and a wonderful community. Ten years ago, on June 3, 2003, Gideon Missionary Baptist Church in Waukegan invited the Rev. Dr. Wade A. Stevenson to become its pastor. Since then, the church has grown its following and expanded its positive reach in the community. I have had the privilege of getting to know Pastor Stevenson as an exceptional leader of men, student of faith and community servant. On the several occasions that I have visited his church, I leave each time with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Pastor Stevenson is dedicated to the belief that helping your neighbor helps you. Pastor Stevenson's ten years at Gideon Missionary Baptist Church have been a joyous time for the community, and his presence is an indelible part of Waukegan. Since his earliest days growing up in Kentucky, Pastor Stevenson has heeded the call to serve others. Rather than constantly guide his church members, he prefers to teach, or, as he says, ``to equip.'' Armed with the tools of faith that Pastor Stevenson teaches, his church members are better prepared to have the same positive impact on their communities that Pastor Stevenson has had on his. During the course of his career, Pastor Stevenson has been recognized with many awards and by various organizations-during the course of his career, Pastor Stevenson has been recognized. In honor of his tenth pastoral anniversary with Gideon Missionary Baptist Church, I congratulate Pastor Wade A. Stevenson, his wife Gloria and his three sons on this great achievement.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding community service of the Rotary Club of North Chicago and to recognize this year's recipients of their Humanitarian Patriot Award. Each year the Rotary Club in North Chicago, home of Naval Station Great Lakes, recognizes their Humanitarian Patriot honorees for their service to veterans. This year's recipients have all demonstrated an incredible sense of commitment to the men and women of our armed forces. They understand that veterans have sacrificed greatly for this country and deserve nothing but our highest gratitude and respect. The Rotary Club was founded on the principle of service, and the Humanitarian Patriot Award is an inspiring extension of that original mission. It is entirely fitting that this year's ceremony will be held at the Lovell Federal Health Care Center--an institution dedicated to caring for the brave members of our armed forces, veterans and their families. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate this year's recipients: Alan Belcher; Ken Duffy; Patricia Jones; Alain H. Oller, Donna E. King; Tom Marks; John Mroczka; the Navy League of the United States, Lake County Council; Paula Caraballido; William R. Beiersdorf; Gregory Padovani; Eli Williamson; Thomas Zengeler; and Jim Dolan. But much more than that, I thank them for the incredible work they have done. Their service strengthens our communities, and I am grateful for the work of the Rotary Club of North Chicago and all of this year's honorees.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Waukegan Public Library and its staff for receiving the 2013 Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Medal. Waukegan Public Library is one of only 10 institutions nationwide that received this distinguished honor. I attended the award ceremony last week at the White House, where First Lady Michelle Obama presented Waukegan Library with the medal. She praised the library for its innovation, its passion and its commitment to serving the community. That commitment is exactly what Richard Lee, the library's Executive Director, wisely pointed out when he explained that success is no longer defined by ``the number of books checked out,'' but rather it is measured by service to the community. By this standard, the Waukegan Library shines. Their Conversational ESL Program helps create new opportunities for the 55 percent of Waukegan residents whose primary language is something other than English. Their programs do not merely teach skills, but they empower residents with the skills to achieve their own success. We speak often of our communities and what makes them strong. Institutions like Waukegan Public Library make our communities strong. The library is a pillar of the Waukegan community, and it has enriched the Tenth District. As doors of opportunity open to more and more residents, we will all prosper, and I congratulate Waukegan Library for helping pave the paths to that future.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, my district is home to Highland Park's Elm Place Middle School. The sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who make up the Problem Solvers team recently won their division at the Illinois Future Problem Solvers Bowl, and they will compete in the international competition in June. The Future Problem Solving Program encourages young students to think critically and creatively in order to develop a vision for the future and to become leaders. In my view, these Elm Place students have achieved all three. Their project, Tefkiir, connected them with a girls school in Jordan, and they began to exchange books and educational materials. Quickly, the students realized how much they all have in common--how much more binds us than separates us. The Elm Place students are moving on to the International Problem Solving Bowl, but they don't want to go without their partners, without their friends in Jordan. So the team raised money in our community to pay for the airfare. These students, a half a world apart, started this project together, and that's how they will finish it. Madam Speaker, I am proud to use my time today to honor the students of Elm Place Middle School's Problem Solvers.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Barbara Paget and her extraordinary work establishing in 2003 Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day (CSBSD). This extraordinary endeavor for the past ten years has brought support and kindness to countless men, women and children cancer survivors. Barbara is a remarkable woman, dedicated to brightening the lives of cancer survivors across the country. In conceiving and launching CSBSD, Barbara has united full communities across the country in support for their friends and neighbors. Taking place the first Tuesday of June each year, CSBSD provides cancer survivors in all 50 states with the opportunity to enjoy a day of complimentary services at salons, spas, barber shops and beauty parlors. Barbara has worked tirelessly to expand CSBSD, and she has succeeded tremendously, expanding the initiative each year and receiving previous recognition in Congress. The beauty of the day, as Barbara would put it, is the support that it gives. CSBSD does not require any money--the day is all about volunteering. Participants donate only their time, services and kindness. The helping, caring hand of a volunteer on CSBSD and the one- on-one connection it fosters are incredibly powerful forces for cancer survivor and service provider alike. Barbara has more than 1,000 places celebrating CSBSD in all 50 states, working to reach out to as many of the more than 12 million cancer survivors as possible--offering a supportive, fun and rewarding day. Cancer affects so many of us, our friends and family. We have seen the toll it takes. Barbara has seen it too, and that is why she stepped up and decided to take action. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Barbara Paget and Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day for all the good they do.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. I rise to offer this motion to ensure that our strategic reserve of helium gas does not fall into the hands of those who wish to harm the United States or target our allies abroad. Helium is a crucial component of manufacturing and research processes here in the United States. The consistent availability of helium to United States companies and research institutions is, therefore, essential to our global competitiveness as well as our national security. NASA is one of the largest consumers of helium gas in the United States, utilizing helium for a number of crucial national security priorities. For example, the deployment of critical communications satellites, which is made possible by helium, helps to support our global information network and must remain a strategic U.S. asset. Helium has been utilized to purge explosive rocket fuel from intercontinental ballistic missiles and continues to be a strategic resource for any nation looking to build an advanced missile program. Helium is also utilized in cooling nuclear reactors. This motion seeks to manage this national resource in a safe and responsible way by ``banning exports to hostile nations that seek nuclear weapons or missile technology.'' Helium can be used in the missile technology utilized by Iran, Syria, and North Korea, putting millions of lives at risk in the Middle East, on the Korean Peninsula, and possibly around the world. Over the last several months, we have seen escalating belligerence from North Korea, Iran, and Syria, including missile tests, the acceleration of nuclear programs and, most recently, the apparent use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime against its own citizens. Mr. Speaker, I believe the House must adopt this language to ensure that the proper safeguards are in place to deny those rogue states access to our national helium reserve for their nefarious purposes. I know we can all agree that the threats emanating from these countries are serious and that our enemies seek access to technology and resources to harm the United States and our allies. Our helium reserve is an asset we must secure from their reach. The actions of these regimes continue to invoke national condemnation. This body has repeatedly acted to sanction these regimes for their reprehensible behavior. This motion is simply one more step to provide safeguards against the threat posed by these countries. We must deny the export of helium from the strategic reserve to specifically the nations of Iran, North Korea, and Syria, and allow the President the authority to deny exports to businesses or entities that could potentially divert helium to these governments. We have seen an increasing number of provocations from North Korea, Iran, and Syria. These incidents have directly targeted the United States, threatened the existence of Israel, and endangered the lives of countless civilians in Syria. It is our responsibility to ensure that our national assets, including our strategic helium reserve, are guarded from being used against us. This motion to recommit would help in achieving that goal. The motion provides a meaningful and necessary safeguard against potential use of the strategic helium reserve and helps to support our national security. Again, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. I urge all Members to support this commonsense language. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. I am opposed in its current form.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Every day, U.S. Web sites, databases, and operating networks are threatened by foreign governments, criminal organizations, and other groups trying to hack into our systems and wreak havoc. Daily we read about infiltrations of the networks of our banks, newspapers, and even Federal agencies putting sensitive information at risk. These cyber attacks are real, and they can have devastating consequences: billions of dollars a year in stolen intellectual property and the potential to shut down our power grids and financial systems. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act gives the private sector the necessary tools to protect itself and its customers against these cyber attacks. Currently, the intelligence community has the ability to detect cyber threats, but Federal law prohibits the sharing of this information with the very companies whose firewalls are under attack. By sharing this information, private companies can actually prevent these attacks. The amendment I'm offering makes a small, clarifying change to the underlying bill, simply allowing independent contractors to be eligible for security clearances to perform the critical work of handling cyber threat intelligence. This clarification will allow companies--in particular, small and medium-sized businesses without the resources to employ full-time experts--to hire the most capable individuals and organizations to analyze network information, coordinate with the Federal Government, and protect ordinary Americans. We cannot allow ourselves to be in a situation where the Federal Government has available the information to prevent or mitigate a cyber attack, but companies remain defenseless because there was no legal framework to share that critical information. The networks at risk power our homes, our small businesses, and are what allow our banking systems to function. They facilitate nearly every aspect of our daily lives. These networks must be protected as best and responsibly as possible. I urge my colleagues to support both my amendment and final passage of this critically important bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chairman, I just want to thank the ranking member and the chairman for the way you have approached this in a bipartisan effort, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Thank you. It is an honor to speak in celebration of Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the 65th anniversary of the birth of Israel, and of the partnership between our country and the country of Israel for all of those 65 years. I am proud that the United States was one of the first countries to recognize the new state 65 years ago and that our bond has continued to grow. I had the privilege of being in Israel 15 years ago for the Jubilee celebration--to see the vibrancy of the country and the hopes for prosperity and peace in the region that were shared by so many of the people--and as we come forward 15 years, to see that the partnership between the United States and Israel has continued to grow, as was mentioned earlier, in so many different aspects: on security and defense as well as economically and culturally. We are sharing technologies. We are sharing experiences. We have a special bond built on common values and a common dream of a better world for our children, and we are contributing to the world in so many different ways. I was in Israel 3 years ago, and I had a chance to see some of the new technologies that were emerging, both with electric cars and some of the medical technologies; and you see the partnership with the United States and Israel in technology is contributing to the entire world. In medical aspects you see where research is being collaboratively done between our country and researchers in Israel, working to find cures for disease to ease the pain and burdens of families and individuals who are afflicted with different diseases, cancers, and other types. This is something that's a beacon to the rest of the world. My district in Illinois, the 10th Congressional District of Illinois, is home to many people who have family in Israel, who travel to Israel. Our connection to Israel is not strictly political; it is personal. And the relationship we have and will continue to have is a special bond that I'm pleased and honored to be able to represent. With you, being a member of the Middle East and North Africa Committee, being a life-long advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, it is a great distinction and honor for me to stand here to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the 65th anniversary for Israel. I am honored to be going to Israel again in 2 weeks with members of the Chicago community. We will be going throughout the country. We will have a chance to visit Iron Dome, I will have a chance to visit Sderot, and places where Israel is at the front lines of a battle that is ours together. So I am proud and honored to represent Illinois here in the United States House of Representatives knowing that the bond, the connection, between the United States and Israel is sound, secure, and permanent.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, an organization in my district that is dedicated to helping immigrants realize their dreams here in the United States. We are a nation of immigrants, but without the work of organizations like Mano a Mano, we are merely a nation that accepts immigrants, rather than one encouraging them to be active, engaged members of the community. Started out of a small storefront, Mano a Mano has grown over the last decade to help more than 4,300 people per year. With language courses, early education programs, GED tutoring, computer skills training and health education, Mano a Mano has helped countless families and individuals become complete participants in American life. The beauty of these programs, and what makes Mano a Mano so effective, is how they are tailored to client and community needs. For example, recognizing challenges managing or understanding life with diabetes, Mano a Mano launched an initiative to educate the community on living with a chronic disease and how better to manage it. The success stories go on and on and on and are too many to enumerate. Let me highlight, however, what I think is a most telling attribute of their success: year after year, Mano a Mano clients often return as volunteers, tutors or educators. Not only are these programs successfully enriching our communities and the lives of their clients, but they also inspire a tradition of giving back, of paying it forward, and of doing for others as Mano a Mano did for them. Such is the cycle--a community of reaching out--where one good turn leads to another and another. On the eve of the annual gala, I thank Mano a Mano for all that they are and all that they do. I am proud that this organization makes its home in our Tenth District.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, this week, Mr. Hoyer launched his Make It In America initiative to strengthen our manufacturing sector and spur job growth. American manufacturing has been a bright spot in our economic recovery, but too often I hear from my district that a lack of skilled workers is limiting their opportunities for growth. In Illinois' 10th District, we have nearly 700 manufacturing facilities employing over 98,000 people. These businesses, and our country, will remain globally competitive only if we continue to develop and train our workforce with the skills necessary for the highly technical work that 21st-century manufacturing requires. That's precisely why I introduced the AMERICA Works Act. I'm proud to have it included in the Make It In America agenda. This commonsense legislation promotes collaboration between industry leaders, colleges, and job-training programs to prepare students and workers with the precise skills and jobs where talented people are most needed. AMERICA Works and the Make It In America agenda is the comprehensive approach we need to ensure success for American workers and manufacturers.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Loren Duke Abdalla. Duke is the great-grandson of Chief Running Bull of the Yankton Sioux. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1943, and for his courageous service, Duke earned a Purple Heart and a rank of Corporal. In September of 1944, at the Battle of Peleliu, Duke's machine gun team was shelled. Duke lost his machine gunner and two ammo carriers, while himself taking shrapnel that left him with holes in both legs. Rather than being sent home, Duke recovered and then quickly was promoted to leader of 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company. Beginning April of 1945, Duke and A Company began an assault on Okinawa. In early May, Duke demonstrated true bravery in a series of heroic maneuvers and actions. Over the course of the day, Duke carried a wounded fellow Marine to safety and successfully neutralized six machine gun nests, clearing the way for U.S. forces to advance. Duke lost his entire squad after clearing four of the nests, but he continued on and cleared the final two by himself. Duke and his fellow Marines fought valiantly and withstood fierce counterattacks from enemy forces. Their commitment and selfless dedication to their country was emblematic of the effort put forth by ``The Greatest Generation'' during the world's time of greatest need. I thank Loren Duke Abdalla for his service to this nation. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to Duke and to all those brave men and women who sacrifice so much for the good of this country.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the deep commitment to charity exhibited by Kathryn Bufano and my good friend Keith Jaffee, this year's recipients of the Housewares Charity Foundation Lifetime Humanitarian Award and Humanitarian of the Year Award. Since 1998, the Housewares Charity Foundation has raised more than $20 million, including $12 million for breast cancer research. This year's gala was an outstanding success and benefitted the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. It truly takes a full community approach to tackle the issues before us, and organizations like the Housewares Charity Foundation are what help keep us strong and safe. In recognition of her long history of philanthropic endeavors, Kathryn Bufano is well deserving of the HCF Lifetime Humanitarian Award. Her own charitable work and the work of Belk and the Belk Foundation have accomplished incredible good over the years. I am thrilled to congratulate my good friend Keith Jaffee on receiving this year's Humanitarian of the Year Award. His huge heart and lifelong commitment to helping others are an inspiration to those of us who know him. Since he first became a member of the board of the Housewares Charity Foundation, he has worked tirelessly to help them make a difference. Through these difficult times, HCF has consistently raised more than $2 million each year--a testament to Keith's dedication and the entire organization's commitment to helping others. I wish both honorees only the best and look forward to following their charitable work in the future.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William J. Brodsky, Linda Johnson Rice and J.B. Pritzker, this year's Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center Humanitarian Awards Dinner honorees. Mr. Brodsky, Ms. Rice and Mr. Pritzker embody what is best about the humanitarian spirit in our community. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center has, for 32 years, worked to ensure that we will never forget the unspeakable evil of the Holocaust, and that the world works diligently to prevent such evil in the future. The Museum & Education Center has educated countless students, young and old, on the perils of hate and discrimination, and since its new building opened in 2009, the center has stepped to the forefront of global Holocaust studies. Each year, the Museum and Education Center recognizes the civic leadership of a select few, and this year's honorees are an outstanding and impressive group, with deep roots in the community and long records of service. William J. Brodsky is the Chairman and CEO of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and in more than 15 years in his position, he has successfully guided the company through turbulent economic times and done much on behalf of the Chicagoland community. He is being honored this year for his outstanding commitment to the ideals of promoting human rights and defeating hate through education. His support for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center has furthered its greater mission and helped elevate the center on a global stage. Linda Johnson Rice has served as the Chairman of Johnson Publishing since 2010 and before that as CEO beginning in 1987. Throughout her tremendous career, she has maintained a dedication to the causes of women, minorities and, especially, children. Her parents instilled in her beliefs in education and improving society, and she has applied those beliefs to the Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Her continued support of the Museum and Education Center's goal of combating hate, prejudice and indifference is a true inspiration. The side of equal, global human rights is stronger with her as an ally. My friend J.B. Pritzker, whom I've known for more than 20 years, is a titan not only of industry, but philanthropy. Through the Pritzker Family Foundation and his work as Chairman of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, J.B. has led international efforts to empower the world's children. He spearheaded the efforts to fund and build the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. His tireless work on behalf of survivors and in the cause of ending genocide has accomplished remarkable good. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center would not be what it is today without J.B. Pritzker's efforts. I can think of no one more deserving of the inaugural Survivors Legacy Award. I'm proud to call J.B. a friend, and I'm pleased to see his commitment recognized. At a time when Congressional gridlock has prevented critical work from being accomplished, seeing people like these three, with deep senses of civic duty, step up and take the lead on important issues is something we can all be thankful for. I congratulate Mr. Brodksky, Ms. Rice and Mr. Pritzker on their awards and wish them continued success. I look forward to following their future philanthropic endeavors.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Larry Dobkin. The world sometimes has a cruel way of taking the best among us, and Larry was one of the best. In September, he succumbed after a noble battle with cancer. He left behind a wife, Nanci and three kids, Alex, Carlie and Sydnie. But Larry's loss was felt far beyond his immediate family. That was Larry's gift--we all felt like family. Perhaps never have I met another person so fiercely loyal, devoted and loving. If you were a friend--and Larry considered pretty much everyone a friend--then Larry would work himself to exhaustion for you. He made a recruiting visit to his beloved University of Illinois law school even as he was battling late-stage cancer. From his hospital bed, Larry still advocated on behalf of young lawyers in his firm and the children of friends. I had the privilege of knowing Larry through many lenses, from Aitz Hayam, to the Jewish Federation, to Response Center and Nachshon. His passion for Israel was second to none. On countless trips to Israel, Larry touched countless more people overseas. The Jewish community lost a giant. We all did. He thought deeply about the world and religion and family and community. Conversations with Larry always sought the highest ground, and they always focused on making the world safer, making it better for the next generation. One of Larry's greatest endeavors was his support for Response Center, which provides outreach, counseling and sexual health services to teens and their families. For those of us who knew Larry, this isn't a surprise: it's helping kids. In recognition of his peerless efforts, Response Center has created an endowment in his honor and--perhaps even more to Larry's liking--they renamed their annual teen music showcase in his memory. From this year forward, it will be ``Tuned In: The Larry Dobkin Music Showcase.'' Now, Larry will be responsible for helping support young people and their families. I can't think of anything he'd want more, and I know that somewhere Larry is bear-hugging everyone in sight, not because he's proud of a personal achievement, but because his mission continues. Though we miss him with all our hearts, our lives are immeasurably better for having shared a lot of his life together. We have to dedicate ourselves to working tirelessly, every single day, working ourselves to exhaustion and beyond because there's a void that Larry left. As we continue to grieve, we continue to work. Larry never stopped and neither can we. Larry, I miss you. We all miss you.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, we are just days away from an $85 billion sequester that will result in arbitrary, devastating cuts to our Federal Government. Despite the looming deadline, this House has not debated any alternative to protect programs that benefit this country's most vulnerable populations--our seniors, our students, and our middle class. Our fiscal house may be in disarray, but targeted decisions, not wholesale cuts, are needed. This is the opportunity to come together--for both sides to roll up their sleeves and find a way forward. This is the moment to take a balanced, measured approach to deficit reduction that reduces spending thoughtfully and increases revenue responsibly. I know there is common ground between the sides; but it won't be found unless, together, Democrats and Republicans get to the table and prevent these across- the-board, irresponsible cuts. No two programs are the same, and no difficult decision should be made without thoughtful deliberation. There is no excuse for not sitting down and bridging the gap. Hardworking families everywhere are counting on it. I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced bill to replace the sequester with spending cuts and revenues.