Todd Tiahrt

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to President Bush's veto of H.R. 6331. This legislation is a critical bill to ensure that our seniors have access to health care and so I will again vote in its favor. I am disappointed with the President's decision and am compelled to make a stand in support of our seniors. By the nature of our democratic process, almost no bill considered in Congress is perfect, and H.R. 6331 is no exception. We cannot, however, ``let the perfect be the enemy of the good.'' H.R. 6331 is a good compromise that will help preserve our health care delivery system. This bill will increase investment in preventive and quality care, expand programs in rural communities, expand the patient centered medical home, and begin to transform the health care delivery system through the adoption of electronic prescribing. This investment will yield generations of healthier adults, improved quality of life, and long-term health care savings. One of the most important pieces of this bill is the physician reimbursement rate fix--which is really an access issue. Perhaps the most critical situation facing our seniors in the coming decades will be access to physicians. Due to the paltry reimbursement rates for their services, more and more doctors are unable to take on new Medicare patients, or even serve any Medicare patients. They simply cannot pay the bills. The formula that CMS uses to determine the reimbursement for physician services is not based on cost accounting standards. No one seems to understand why CMS adopted this formula decades ago, yet no one at the agency seems willing to overhaul it. The result is decreasing reimbursement for physicians. When they cannot cover their own costs, they have to stop seeing Medicare patients and this is a grave concern. We are not only concerned that our parents will not be able to see a physician when in need, but also that there won't be adequate health care access when the baby boomers and our children become Medicare eligible. I'm for a permanent fix, which this House voted for in 2004 as part of the Medicare Modernization Act before the Senate stripped it, but until we get there, preventing the annual cuts must be our priority. This bill prevents a reimbursement rate cut and helps physicians continue to see their senior patients. I strongly disagree with the President--and even my own leadership-- on his position. Access to healthcare is one of the greatest issues facing our seniors--along with rising fuel costs--and it is irresponsible to stand in the way of providing that access. I urge my colleagues to join me in overriding the veto of H.R. 6331.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I offer my support for the passage of both amendments which constitute H.R. 2642, the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations. Our service personnel serving abroad and here at home deserve the full support of this Congress. After months of partisan posturing by the Democrat Leadership, this bill finally puts the needs of our troops above the needs of politicians. This bipartisan agreement provides $161.8 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) to carry out the will of this nation. This funding pays the salaries and benefits of military and DoD civilian personnel, the fuel for their vehicles, and ammunition for their guns. This funding also takes care of their loved ones left behind. In addition to providing for our service personnel in combat, this important legislation expands the GI education benefits for our veterans and extends unemployment insurance, Although unrelated to the primary purpose of this legislation, I agree that these are vital priorities to the American people. In December 1943 when Kansan Harry Colmery wrote the guiding principles that would become the GI Bill of Rights, the promise was clear. Veterans returning from war would be provided with free education and a host of other benefits as a token of America's thanks for their service. Today, returning veterans receive many of these same benefits, but the value of the educational benefits has fallen due to the rapid rise in the cost of higher education. The important educational expansion to the GI Bill found in H.R. 2642 renews the promise first proposed by Harry Colmery. Service members in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world fighting the Global War on Terror deserve our support while in uniform and when their duty is complete. As a Kansan, I am proud of the work Mr. Colmery started in 1943 and the work Congress continues today with the passage of this legislation. This bill provides increased educational benefits for all members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. The new benefit includes tuition reimbursement equal to the established cost regularly charged for in-state tuition at a public institution of higher education, a housing allowance, and a stipend for supplies and equipment for four academic years. The amount of the benefit is determined by the length of time, after September 11, 2001, the service member was on active duty. This provision also allows educational benefits to be transferred to the spouse or child of a service member. As a co-sponsor of H.R. 5740, which provided the base concepts of this GI Bill expansion provision, I am very pleased that these benefits were included in H.R. 2642. Thankfully these much deserved benefits are not linked to a tax increase on small businesses, which was the case on an earlier version of the Iraq/Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations. In addition to providing funding for our troops fighting the Global War on Terror and valuable educational benefits to our military veterans, this legislation includes an extension of unemployment insurance for 13 weeks in every state through March 31, 2009. Contrary to previous versions that had been considered by this House, this provision incorporates a 20-week work requirement in order to qualify for benefits. This work requirement is essential to ensure that people do not gain unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than they worked. Mr. Speaker, this is a proud day. I am privileged to support this important legislation to honor our commitments to those in uniform and our veterans. They deserve nothing less. I hope all my colleagues will support both amendments to the H.R. 2642.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, the Interior approps bill will be in the full committee tomorrow and is, on balance, a very good bill. Chairman Dicks has done a thorough job, with many hearings, and has been very fair in looking at the various elements of the bill. But it is an energy bill as well, and with gas at $4.089 as a nationwide average, and with great opportunity in the Interior bill, we have done nothing to bring down the price of gas. So, tomorrow, in the full committee, we have a series of amendments that will address the price of gasoline, and I urge all my colleagues to join in the effort to bring down the price of gas. We can do this by increasing production in ANWR, in the Outer Continental Shelf. We can start to do the permitting process for oil shale. In every case, we will increase a reliable, environmentally safe supply of oil, and bring down the price of oil for working men and women here in America. So, again, Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join with us and bring down the price of oil by increasing the supply.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support to H. Res. 1243, which recognizes the importance of fathers in American society. In 1965, while reporting to the Johnson administration on the problems of under-class America, Daniel Patrick Moynihan cut to the root of many of the problems we in Congress work so hard to address. His report stated that, ``. . . A community that allows a large number of young men to grow up in broken families . . . never acquiring any stable relationship to male authority, never acquiring any rational expectations about the future--that community asks for and gets chaos.'' Tragically, since the Moynihan Report was issued, the number of fatherless homes has more than tripled. Is it any wonder, then, that our society has the problems that it does? Several studies conducted in recent years emphasize the importance of fathers in the well-being of their children. Children living without their fathers are 5 times more likely to live in poverty as those who live with both parents. Not living with both parents quadruples the risk of having an affective disorder, such as depression, and are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with breathing problems such as asthma. Cigarette, alcohol, and drug use, and violent crime rates are all significantly lower for children that come from two parent households. Children with fathers are half as likely to drop out of school, half as likely to repeat a grade, and much more likely to get A's, enjoy school, and participate in extracurricular activities. And where fathers were present, young men were more likely to grow up to become good fathers themselves. It would be naive for me to suggest that the simple presence of a father guarantees the success of their children and a life without problems. But the evidence is overwhelming that fathers do play a vital role in the growth and development of their children. So, Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to celebrate Fathers' Day this weekend, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this resolution that expresses our appreciation for the hard work that fathers do in providing for their families, for modeling good relationships, and for raising their children to be responsible citizens of this great country. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take just a moment to honor my own father, Wilbur Tiahrt. Truly a member of the Greatest Generation, he raised me and my siblings to be people of integrity, to value our families, and to appreciate and cherish the freedoms we have in America today. Seven years ago, my father underwent open heart surgery. That experience has served as a very personal reminder to how short life is, and each Fathers' Day I am especially grateful for the time that I have with my father.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, gas is over $4 a gallon and people are upset. According to a May 20 Gallup poll, 57 percent of Americans support drilling in U.S. coastal and wilderness areas that are now off- limits. The tide is turning. Americans know we can solve this problem of high gas prices. Just this week the Sioux City Journal reported the results of what they called the ``most important election in the county's history.'' By a solid 58-42 percent, the voters of Union County approved a zoning ordinance that will keep alive the county's chances of landing the Nation's first oil refinery in 32 years. They know we need to increase our energy supply, and that's why I introduced the Refinery Streamlined Permitting Act, H.R. 2471, a bill that would require agencies to give high priority to refinery applications that would result in greater capacity, a cleaner-burning fuel, and a reduction in refinery's pollution output. Mr. Speaker, Americans need substantive solutions to secure our Nation's energy future. Let's join together in our efforts to open up the coasts, the wilderness areas, and drill for more oil to increase our domestic supply and bring down the price of gasoline.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support of H. Con. Res. 334, honoring the Armed Forces of the United States of America during ``National Military Appreciation Month.'' During this month, we Americans honor and recognize all the military members who serve and have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today. This bill recognizes those on active duty in all branches of service, the National Guard and Reserves, retirees, veterans, and all of their families. We must continue to impress upon our children and grandchildren the sacrifices that our armed services have provided this country. We must be diligent in reminding all Americans, young and old, that the price of freedom is paid for everyday, through the blood, sweat and tears of our brave men and women of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices made by their family members. Additionally, our Education System has the duty and the responsibility to continue to highlight the historical impact of the military throughout the last 230 years. Americans must never forget the historical impact of the military in United States history and the role they played in ensuring the American way of life. Events like the American Revolution, the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Normandy, and World War I and II, must always be remembered for the important role they played in making the United States of America the greatest country in the world. Finally, while we understand and praise the personal sacrifices our brave men and women make in defending our great Nation, we frequently forget that duty is a 24-7, 365-day commitment for the soldiers and their families. As we continue our Global War on Terror, military members of the Armed Forces will continue to shoulder the burden of freedom and independence. A month-long dedication to their tireless efforts is the cast we can do as Americans. Americans, during the National Military Appreciation Month, should go out of their way to shake the hand of a military member, say a special thank-you, and continually pray for our soldiers and their families. The Armed Forces of the United States of America continue to play a vital role in the defense of this country. Their contributions and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed and designating May as National Military Appreciation Month is a perfect opportunity for us as a Nation to pay great tribute to their tremendous sacrifices. I encourage my colleagues to support this important resolution and am pleased that today the House recognizes the valuable contributions of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Congressional Club on the occasion of their Founder's Day Celebration and their 100th anniversary. I am grateful to the Congressional Club for embracing my family since I was elected to the House in 1994. It has played such an important role in our lives that my wife, Vicki Holland Tiahrt, served as president of the Club in 2005 and 2006, and remains very involved. This organization, founded in 1908 by a unanimous act of Congress, has provided a setting for bipartisan friendships for 100 years. The only club to be commissioned by an act of Congress, the bill was signed by Teddy Roosevelt, who knew the value of a loving wife. When his wife passed away, President Roosevelt lamented, ``The light has gone out of my life.'' It was so wise for Congress in 1908 to form the Congressional Club for wives. While never receiving any tax dollars or public money, and governed by a bipartisan board, the Congressional Club has remained a home away from home for spouses, a safe place for sharing the trials of public life, and for developing bipartisan friendships that encourage civility and good will in government. The membership and relationships extend to the administration of the White House and the Supreme Court. A clubhouse was built in 1914 at 2001 New Hampshire Avenue, in Northeast (Washington). The land was donated by Mary Foote Henderson and chosen because the women could look south down 16th Street and see the White House. Immediately, embassies began building in that area in order to be close to the Congressional Club. The Club has been a good neighbor for nearly a century, staying when others left as the area suffered urban decay. The women paid their mortgage and kept their property in good repair with money raised from dues and the selling of 14 published editions of the Congressional Cookbook. Due to its success, the club was able to pay off its mortgage in 1948. To commemorate the occasion, Club member and First Lady Bess Truman ceremonially burned the papers at the 40th anniversary celebration. Since that time, their funds have been given to charity, and been used to pay for the upkeep of this historic home. The presence of the Congressional Clubhouse helped promote renewal in the DuPont Circle neighborhood until finally the U Street corridor is booming and busy again. The Clubhouse is on the National Register of historic places. This is much more than just a social club. During World War I, the women rolled bandages and kept a room at Union Station for traveling soldiers. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged the women to promote patriotism and public safety in their home districts as part of the war effort. After September 11, the spouses were given a briefing to share with their home districts about how to prepare their families and communities for the possibility of additional terrorist attacks. For a century now, spouses have done inner-city charity work. Every December, a Christmas party hosts underprivileged children who celebrate the season with gifts and a holiday meal, the singing of carols and making of crafts with Congressional families. At the end of each school year, a pizza party is held at the Club for at-risk inner city children. The wives have encouraged a sense of community by honoring the local fire and police departments and hosting the annual appreciation day for local nursing home senior citizens. They continue to contribute to the lives of Congressional families by providing orientation for spouses of newly elected Members, annually honoring the First Lady and giving tens of thousands of dollars to a charity in her name. Their regular luncheons provide programs of education and entertainment. Also worth mentioning is the global reach of the spouses through the annual honoring of ambassadors' wives. This past week, the Congressional Club hosted over 50 countries, who modeled fashions from their native land. This extension of the hand of friendship around the world surely promotes good will and encourages understanding of our culture of freedom and equality for all people. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the work of the Club's Anniversary Committee, and its president, my beloved wife, Vicki. They have put together a number of events celebrating the anniversary, including a ringing of the official bells of the United States Congress, a birthday cake at the annual First Lady's luncheon, and a commemorative cancellation stamp. It is fitting that this Congress should honor the good work of our political spouses and of the Congressional Club. In a time of extreme partisanship that all too often poisons relationships and stymies legislative action, the Congressional Club serves as a poignant reminder of life without partisanship. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Congressional Club and their 100 years of friendship and community service.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, owning a home is an essential component of the American dream, and an accomplishment that millions of Americans aspire to and take pride in. In recent months, however, the housing market has entered a slump. The effort to provide a way for all Americans to own their own homes brought a sharp increase in the usage of subprime and exotic mortgages, which proved to be more than the market could handle. We now find ourselves grappling with decisions on how best to ``fix'' the problems that have arisen in the housing market and in our economy. However, a broad government handout, such as what has been proposed in recent legislation, is not the answer. While the housing slump must be addressed, I am concerned by the precedent of using taxpayer dollars to bail out fraudulent lenders and, in some instances, irresponsible borrowers. H.R. 5818 and H.R. 3221, the so-called ``Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008'' and ``Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008,'' propose such a bailout at the cost of responsible, hardworking American families. These bills do contain important provisions such as the modernization of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and reform of Government- Sponsored Entities (GSEs). These bills, however, also include a $300 billion taxpayer-funded government subsidizing of irresponsible lending behavior. I fully support the FHA and GSE reform measures that have passed the House of Representatives, yet I cannot support a massive bailout to irresponsible lending practices and market speculators. For these reasons, I voted against H.R. 5818 and H.R. 3221. While I cannot support legislation that rewards bad behavior at the expense of taxpayers, I remain strongly committed to supporting measures that provide the necessary relief to families who have been victimized without burdening taxpayers for the irresponsibility of others. Therefore, I am supporting two alternative bills introduced before the House of Representatives that precisely address the needs of homeowners in a responsible and fair way. First, H.R. 5974, The Housing Opportunity for All Americans Act of 2008, addresses the housing slump in a responsible way. Instead of providing a massive bailout to irresponsible lenders and borrowers, this legislation creates a market incentive approach to the housing slump. The market approach includes a one-time tax credit for homebuyers of 10 percent of the home's purchase price (up to $10,000) for 1 year after the enactment of the bill. Also, under this legislation, taxpayers who are non-resident aliens, flip a home within the 1 year period, or sell a house to a relative simply for the credit, would not be eligible. Furthermore, mortgages which exceed the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage Freddie Mac will purchase would not qualify. Second, H.R. 5857, the Homeownership Protection and Housing Market Stabilization Act of 2008, is also a more responsible approach to addressing the current problems facing the housing market. The bill includes provisions to directly protect home buyers and owners, such as housing counseling, improved disclosure practices, fraud combating and prevention measures, and encouragement to rework loans instead of foreclosing. It also aims to help prevent lenders from falling into the same habits that have recently developed in the industry by providing liability protection for helping troubled borrowers, requiring escrow accounts for subprime borrowers, and reforming appraisal practices for prospective homebuyers. In addition, this legislation contains provisions similar to those that have passed this House with my support: FHA modernization and improved regulation of GSEs, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. These alternative bills provide the integrity of the appraisal process and strengthen mortgage fraud prevention efforts that will help bring stability to the current housing market. These bills together represent a viable alternative, offering an appropriate response to a serious problem without burdening taxpayers for the irresponsibility of others. I am hopeful that a bipartisan compromise can be achieved in Conference that can be supported by majority of the Members of the House and Senate, as well as the President. An effectual and responsible solution to the current situation must be reached for the sake of our economy and our citizens, and I hope to be able to vote on legislation that provides sensible but effective relief for American homeowners.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: H.R. 5658, The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009, contains $7,412,000 for MXG Consolidation and Forward Logistic Center, Phase 2 in the Air Force, Military Construction account. This project is for McConnell Air Force Base located 57837 Coffeyville St., Kansas, 67221. The funds will help complete phase two of the Maintenance Group (MXG) Consolidation and Forward Logistics Center that will streamline many different facilities into one maintenance facility, resulting in improved military operations and saving taxpayer dollars by reducing operations and maintenance spending. No matching funds are required for this military construction project.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my reluctant opposition to the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007. This legislation is a real mixed bag for Kansas farmers. While there are many provisions that will benefit them, it contains many provisions that I believe will hurt them in the long run. The latest information from the Congressional Budget Office indicates that this bill will cost us $714.2 billion over the next ten years--a pretty significant increase over the last farm bill. In fact, the only reason we are having this debate on the floor today at all is because the rule that provided for consideration of this bill waived points of order against violations of the pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, rules, which require any additional spending to be offset by tax increases, or spending cuts. House rules require the use of the most recent budget numbers available from CBO. And although we have numbers for FY 2008 available, the bill before us today is based on FY 2007's numbers. Why has this legislation not been updated to reflect the current fiscal year? Because doing so would reduce the baseline of available spending. If the Farm Bill followed the rules and instead used the updated baseline, it would violate PAYGO by $3.1 billion over 10 years. Ignoring the most recent budget numbers is like going to the gas station, and instead of paying $3.66 a gallon to fill up my car, I decide that I liked the price of a year ago better, and only pay $2.60 a gallon. Someone ends up getting stuck with the extra cost, and in our case, it's the American taxpayer. Time shifts and budget gimmicks hide another $8.5 billion. That's $11.6 billion worth of hidden costs in this bill, all born in the backs of American taxpayers. Yet, with all of the extra money that seems to be magically available in this bill, the majority could not find enough money to avoid cutting $300 million from direct payments and $6 billion from crop insurance. These are the two programs that benefit Kansas farmers the most. We couldn't find the money to help them, which seems strange, as there was plenty of money available for pet projects. During the debate today, several of my colleagues have mentioned two programs that were airdropped in conference. One would provide for the purchase of 400,000 acres of forest land for the preservation of fish, and allow the Nature Conservancy to receive a $250 million tax refund, even though they are a non-profit organization, and pay no taxes. A second program provides $170 million--more than we provided for the victims of Hurricane Katrina--for the restoration of salmon fisheries. By themselves, these are rather ridiculous and unnecessary programs that should have been subject to House approval. Instead, they were inserted into the Conference Report without undergoing the scrutiny of this great body. That alone is disconcerting. But what makes these provisions especially painful for the farmers in my district is the fact that, if these two programs were eliminated, there would be more than enough money to restore the $300 million cut from direct payments. The cuts to crop insurance and direct payments remove the two most important aspects of the farm bill for Kansans. Taking money from these programs is unacceptable given the significant spending increases elsewhere. There are, however, good provisions in this bill. The conference report addresses many of the concerns voiced to me by Kansas livestock producers. Especially of note are the country-of-origin labeling provisions that will allow producers to transition into compliance in a smooth and cost-effective manner while providing consumers with more information about where their food comes from. This bill creates, for the first time, limitations on income for those receiving federal farm assistance. It provides for nearly 49 million acres to be enrolled in conservation efforts, preserving the land for future generations. Another positive provision included in the farm bill is the tax incentive for cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol has great potential for helping lower the cost of fuel for American consumers while lessoning the strain on food prices. Mr. Speaker, this is the third farm bill I have had the privilege of considering here on the House floor. As a Kansan, I take pride in the work it does to help Kansas, its farmers, ranchers and producers. It saddens me, however, that for the first time, I cannot vote for the original bill or this conference report before us today. I cannot endorse a bill that follows the same song and dance we've seen all too often in Washington--a disregard for the rules of this House, coupled with large increases in wasteful Federal spending. This farm bill leaves farmers in the dust and sacrifices Kansas food producers on the altar of special interest fish projects. It is a shame some have forgotten the ``farm'' in our consideration of the farm bill.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. ``Gather 'round the good stuff.'' That's what Pizza Hut says in their ads today. But they have been gathering around the good stuff for 50 years. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of an American success story, Pizza Hut. It has grown from a single brick building in Wichita, Kansas, to more than 11,000 stores worldwide with sales of more than $1.8 billion in the last fiscal quarter alone. Founded on May 31, 1958, by Dan and Frank Carney, Wichita, Kansas, natives, Pizza Hut represents the very essence of the American Dream. The Carney brothers borrowed $600 from their mother, purchased used kitchen equipment, and rented a 550 square foot brick building and began selling pizzas. The business grew quickly, and in 1959 they opened their first franchise restaurant in Topeka, Kansas. By 1966, just 8 years after opening, Pizza Hut established its first home office in Wichita to oversee the booming business of 145 restaurants. In the late 1960s, a pizza company from California was beginning to expand eastward, and the Carney brothers were faced with new business challenges. They decided that Pizza Huts would be the neighborhood pizza restaurants, with standard layouts and looks. In 1969 the red roof was instituted as the national standard for Pizza Hut locations. The move paid off, as Pizza Hut became the number one pizza chain in the world, both in term of sales and in the number of restaurants. Frank Carney attributes the early success of Pizza Hut to the good values and solid work ethic he and his brother learned from helping their father at his neighborhood grocery store. They believed that growth would come through a commitment to quality and an attitude of service from dedicated employees. The 1970s were a significant time of growth for Pizza Hut. They became a publicly traded corporation in 1970, opened their 1,000th store in Wichita, Kansas, in 1972, and their first international restaurant in Costa Rica that same year. Four years later the 100th international store opened in Australia and the 2,000th Pizza Hut store worldwide. In 1977 they merged with PepsiCo. Since then Pizza Hut has grown in terms of restaurants and menu options. In 1986 they began offering delivery services. In 2000 Pizza Hut joined with several other restaurant holdings, including KFC and Taco Bell, to become YUM! Brands. A number of events are planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pizza Huts' founding, culminating in a gala at the Gaylord Hotel in the DC area here on the evening of May 31. I want to especially commend Bev Jeskie for all her hard work in organizing these events and for making sure that I remained informed of their activities. Madam Speaker, the idea began 50 years ago in a little hut in Wichita, Kansas. It has been immensely successful. Dan Carney cites the relationships he developed, strengthened with friends, family members, co-workers, and franchisees, as being the most important aspect of Pizza Hut. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to take a cue from a couple of good Kansans: ``Gather 'round the good stuff.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the gentleman from California. Madam Speaker, Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. This rule is poorly devised and the underlying bill is poorly conceived. This bill did not go through the committee process, it is unprecedented and it violates the intent of the rules of the House. Why is this important, Madam Speaker? Well, the American people would not allow the Democrat leadership to cancel the next election. The American people would not allow one person to determine who our next President is going to be; but on a smaller scale, that is exactly what has happened on this bill. The Speaker of the House has determined what is in this bill, not the appropriate committee. An election was cancelled. There was no vote. The representatives of the people did not have a voice in this process. We did not have any committee hearings. This is not the democratic process. Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. The rule accepts this violation of our own House rules, that's why I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this rule because Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. We have to change the process here because Washington is broken and it needs to be changed.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Speaker, Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. This bill has been excluded from the normal rules and regulations of the House, and America's Representatives have not had their voices heard or their rights allowed. It would be a totally different bill if we had not violated the House rules and let the committee process work. Washington is broken and we need to have it changed. For example, if we had committee meetings, we would not have had a tax increase in here. We have a huge tax increase in this bill that affects small business owners. Eighty percent or 83 percent of the taxes here, of the people that are going to be taxed here, are small businessmen. Now, in Kansas, just like a lot of America, four out five jobs are created by small businesses. And for those of you that have not been reading the newspaper, our country is in a period of slow growth. This is exactly the time we need to strengthen small businesses, instead of punishing them through this bill. Eighty- three percent of the people punished in this bill are people that are creating jobs. If we'd had a committee process, we may not have added in other ancillary issues into this idea. Instead, we would have had a clean bill that would address the needs of our young men and women who are faithfully serving this Nation, protecting our families, take the fight to the enemy and helping us keep this country safe. But, Mr. Speaker, Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. We have avoided the committee process and because of that, there are portions of this bill that could have been improved, portions of it that could have been improved for our veterans that have served so faithfully, come home to us broken, people we need to take care of. But because the committee was not involved in this process, we have not had the ability to improve this care for those who have done so much for us. The reason is, Mr. Speaker, is because Washington is broken and it needs to be changed. We need to use the committee process. The committee process is a very important part of this. It's been violative of our own House rules. Washington is broken and it needs to be changed.

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protest the Democrat Leadership's dictatorial tactics. Our Founding Fathers, in their infinite wisdom, created a system of government by which the people's voice would be heard in legislative decisions, especially those affecting the use of their hard earned taxpayer dollars. The House of Representatives has the awesome responsibility to represent the will of the people, and for that reason, under the Constitution of the United States, spending bills originate in this body. What we have here today, however, is the suppression of the people's voice. This bill is brought to the floor without consideration by the committee of jurisdiction whose chairmen didn't even have input and without true consideration by the House with a lockdown rule that does not allow for consideration of amendments or a substitute bill. Democrat and Republican Members have been shut out of this process. This bill contains funding for the men and women who protect this nation at home and abroad--yet the defense subcommittee which holds hearings year round about their needs has not been consulted. This bill contains funding for our nation's veterans, yet again the subcommittee that best understands their needs has not been consulted. This bill contains funding for domestic priorities and yet again the subcommittees of jurisdiction have not been consulted. Why is the Speaker of the House opposed to allowing the House of Representatives have their say? I can only assume it is that she knows the American people would reject this irresponsible use of their hard earned tax dollars. This bill takes $250 billion out of the pockets of American workers. $250 billion. That cannot be taken lightly. Families across this nation are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of gas, rising food prices, rising education costs, etc. The people must have a say in whether this is a wise use of their money. I strongly support our troops, as do my constituents, yet we are not given a chance to have a say in how to best supply them. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to stand up for their constituents and demand that we have a say. Vote against the bill and force the Democrat Leadership to bring this bill through regular order.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, congratulations to the people of Israel and their fore bearers on the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Born out of genocide and conflict, the modern State of Israel has developed into a free, democratic and prosperous country. An unfailing ally of the United States, Israel is a beacon of freedom and religious tolerance in the Middle East. I am honored to strongly support the modern State of Israel and reaffirm the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. The narrow strip of land that now constitutes modern Israel has been important to the Jewish people for four millennia, and the first Jewish kingdom was established in this region over 3,000 years ago. Although forced to emigrate from the historical Jewish homeland over the centuries, the Jewish people have continuously yearned for and often returned to their home. History shows that waves of Jewish people returned to the Holy Land at the very least during the 12th, 15th, 16th, and 18th centuries. Large-scale migration back to Israel started in the late 1800s and continues through today. On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly formally approved the partitioning of the British Mandate of Palestine and the creation of a Jewish State. On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Under the leadership of President Harry S. Truman, the United States was the first nation to recognize the State of Israel and establish full diplomatic relations. Over the course of three wars, countless military operations, constant terrorism, and unjustified diplomatic and economic boycotts, Israel's existence has been continuously threatened. But, through it all, the Jewish people have remained vigilant and continue to build a strong and vibrant state. Today, Israel has one of the leading economies in the Middle East, while maintaining a strong commitment to human rights, freedom of speech, press and religion, and democratic values. With open and free elections, and an independent judiciary, Israel remains the most democratic country in the region. Since the creation of the modern State of Israel, the hallmark of the relationship with the United States has been a strong friendship. Israel has been a trusted military ally and partner for six decades. The close relationship between our governments and continued military assistance are essential for promoting democracy and peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. In times of humanitarian need or global crisis, the United States can always count on Israel to stand close and provide assistance. From contributing search-and-rescue teams following the 1998 bombings of the American Embassies in east Africa, to providing humanitarian aid following the 2005 devastation of the Gulf Coast from a series of hurricanes, the State of Israel has always been a stalwart friend to the American people. The United States must remain committed to supporting the State of Israel. It is important to honor this historic milestone. The United States Congress and the American people look forward to continued growth and success of the State of Israel. I ask that all my colleagues honor this important anniversary.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote. Motion to Table Offered by Ms. Castor

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

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

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

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

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the Speaker. Mr. Speaker, they say that in America all you need to do to be successful is to work a half a day, and you can choose whether it's the first 12 hours or the second 12 hours. The American people probably expect double from their government these days when we have serious challenges to our economic and national security. So what is Congress doing? Are we doing what it takes to be successful to solve these problems? No. We're not starting business today until noon. Congress is sleeping in. Maybe we're on California time, but I will wager we will not be here until midnight. Any Third World dictator would be pleased at the way we are operating today. Our economy is in a precarious situation. We learned this morning that oil is at $120, could go to $200 per barrel, that gas is at $4, easily could go to $5. We're still denying our intelligence community the tools important to keep this country safe. And Congress is sleeping in. Many of us came to Washington sacrificing a good, normal lifestyle in our respective States' districts to serve this nation and work hard to help make America stronger, but we're not being given a chance to do our job. Kansans have been asking me for months, ``What is the government going to do about the rising cost of gas?'' In April 2006, the Democrat house leadership assured Americans they ``have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Democrat leadership to unveil this plan. Since 2007 when the Democrats took control of the House, gas prices have risen 50 percent. We have $4 a gallon, going to $5. Today we hear that the House Democrat leadership has intentions to bring a $250 billion supplemental on the American people without proper input from Congress. I guess we don't have time. Congress is sleeping in till noon. As a body, Republicans and Democrats are very proud of our responsibility to oversee the power of the purse, but the Democrat leadership has completely undermined that power. What is this defense supplemental appropriations bill about? We don't know. Nor does the chairman of the respective appropriations subcommittees. Why? Because the Speaker doesn't think it's important for Members of Congress to weigh in and oversee the appropriations process. We don't know if this package will give our men and women in uniform the resources that they need to protect themselves. We don't know if this package will address price of gasoline or the price of food. We don't know if this package will ensure that our veterans are properly taken care of. The experts, the men and women, Democrat and Republican, who serve in Congress on the committee could answer these questions. We spend time overseeing the process, the funding needs of our agencies, but we've been cut out of the process. In other words, the people's representatives have been cut out of the process. How do the American people feel about a $250 billion monstrosity that has no input from their representatives? Unless you're from San Francisco, who will be represented in this bill? Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, David Obey, and I are friends. Last year, as a part of overseeing the national park system, we went to Death Valley National Park in California. As fate would have it on that very hot day, we took a drive into Death Valley and the truck that we were in that the Park Service gave us had not one, not two, but three flat tires. With the capable assistance of Rob Nabors, the committee staff director, Chairman Obey and I changed all the flat tires and got ourselves back on the road. By working together we got it back on the road. In many respects, the development of the emergency supplemental reminds me of that day in Death Valley. The environment on the House floor is hot and getting hotter every minute. The Democrat leadership is having a very difficult time getting this legislation on the road. I believe Chairman Obey would have better success if he enlisted the assistance of his fellow appropriators, Democrats and Republicans. Let us work together on this legislative vehicle, together through the normal process, as we did on that hot day in Death Valley last year. This has been the most disappointing Congress in recent memory. The Democrat leadership shirks their duty to tackle the real issues facing American families. They've left Congress out of the workload. It's no wonder that we have the lowest approval ratings in history. A banana republic could not do it better. Mr. Speaker, don't slip on the banana peel.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H. Res 1096, Head Coach Bill Self, and his national champion basketball team at Kansas University. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding season, and a thrilling ride through March Madness. The season began with high expectations, as the Jayhawks were ranked fourth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today poll. These expectations were justified, as KU won the first 20 games of the season and climbed as high as number 2 in the polls, before losing to Kansas State University at the end of January. Two additional losses, including a heartbreaker to then 7th ranked Texas, dropped them as low as 7th in the national polls, and many sports pundits questioned their ability to win in big games. Coach Self and his players continued to believe in themselves, however, and finished the season ranked fourth in the Nation, with a 28-3 record. It was a rocky trip through the Big XII Conference Tournament, with narrow wins against Nebraska and Texas A&M, before avenging their regular season loss against co-conference regular season champion Texas. The Jayhawks were getting hot at the right time. Their 10 point victory over the Longhorns gave them their 7th Conference Tournament championship in 12 years, and was enough to lock up a number one seed in the national tournament. KU did not meet a significant challenge in the tournament until the regional final, where they met tournament darlings Stephen Curry and Davidson. They played each other neck and neck throughout the game, with neither team leading by more than 5 points at any time during the game. An errant three point shot by Davidson as time expired gave Kansas the win, and secured their place in the Final Four. Kansas avenged another loss in the national semi-final--that of former coach Roy Williams, who left the university in 2003. Thought to be the best team in the country this year, North Carolina could not keep up with KU's fast paced game plan, and had no answer for their swarming defense. Kansas won in a rout, 84-66. The national final against Memphis was an instant classic. Though the teams were close for much of the game, Memphis began to pull away towards the end. Undeterred, KU was able to capitalize on the Achilles' Heel of Memphis--free throw shooting. Even so, they were still trailing by 3 with 10 seconds left when Sherron Collins drove the length of the floor, and passed to Mario Chalmers who drained a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left, sending the game into overtime. Kansas continued to perform well through overtime, and won the game 75-68. This was the first national championship for Coach Bill Self, and the first for KU since Danny and the Miracles in 1988. Congratulations to Coach Self, the basketball team, and the entire Kansas University community. Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!