Pat Tiberi

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Can I inquire how much time we might have left?

Mr. TIBERI. So I'm going to go with Rahm versus MoveOn.org.

Mr. TIBERI. Where would you like us to go?

Mr. TIBERI. I think we probably should go People versus Senator Reid.

Mr. TIBERI. I think the People lost.

Mr. TIBERI. But to Senator Reid in the Senate, they lost. Actually, on Christmas Eve.

Mr. TIBERI. I think that's more appropriate.

Mr. TIBERI. Hard to top the gentleman from Michigan's description.

Mr. TIBERI. I think it's hard to argue with the Speaker in a close one, but I'd have to give it to the Speaker.

Mr. TIBERI. We solved that already. You're a sticker behind.

Mr. TIBERI. What we know is if the House takes up this rule on reconciliation on Sunday or Monday, the Senate bill will be deemed passed and on to the President's desk. That means Senator Reid will have won. The question is: Will they get the votes for the reconciliation the bill in the House and then in the Senate without changing it? If they do change it, does it come back to the House, and can they get the votes to uphold the changes, and what will happen then? So this is going to play out. What's clear is, as you've pointed out, the American people end up losing. Health care reform is something that the three of us and the majority of Republicans support, but this isn't going to reform people's health care. This adds people to Medicaid. This adds people to insurance. This adds a slew of taxes, Medicare cuts, cuts to Medicare Advantage, and doesn't allow people to necessarily keep what they have. This is not reform that Americans bought into.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Bexley High School in Columbus, Ohio. Bexley High School is in my congressional district, and I am proud to recognize a school that not only excels in academics but also distinguishes itself in athletics. The Bexley Girls Soccer Team recently won the 2009 Ohio Division II Girls Soccer Championship. The Bexley Lions finished their amazing season 21-0-3. The squad, led by team captains Kendra Wilson, Second Team All-Ohio Charolotte Myers and ``Ms. Ohio'' (girls soccer player of the year) Leah Levey, showed considerable determination throughout the season. For their work on and off the field, members garnered a number of awards. Most notably, the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association recognized five members as ``Scholar Athletes,'' including: Leah Levey, Rebecca Carroll, Rachael Crane, Katie Grady and Mara Kinney. Head Coach Scott Dempsey, and assistant coaches, Stephanie Bowshier, Chuck Crawford and Natalie Contosta comprise the soccer coaching staff. Coach Dempsey was recognized for his leadership by being named ``Coach of the Year'' by the Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people who have a strong dedication to team work and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the Bexley community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I am extremely pleased to honor the work of Phil Urban, on the occasion of his retirement as President and CEO from Grange Insurance. Our nation has always been blessed by the many individuals, who through their innovation and drive led a successful business that impacted a community and its people. Motivated by an unceasing spirit, these entrepreneurs built this great country through their work and accomplishments. Today, the tremendous strength of America and individual communities like Central Ohio are still sustained through the passion and vitality of these dedicated people. Therefore, those who contribute to this heritage deserve to be honored for their service. As president and chief executive officer, Phil Urban directed Grange Insurance to the heights of its industry, becoming a standout-provider in a crowded market. Phil's unparalleled focus on his craft and drive to succeed helped lead Grange to numerous industry awards and unprecedented profits. Yet, profits cannot solely capture Phil's legacy in our community. Since announcing his retirement earlier this year, Phil has been inundated with an outpouring of affection and praise by his peers and the entire Grange family, all of which can surely attest to the impact he made in his position. The respect he showed for his over 1,500 Central Ohio employees is well-known and is a part of why Grange has become a company emulated and respected by many. Additionally, the weight Phil placed on corporate responsibility led Grange to give millions of dollars back to greater Columbus, leaving a legacy for Phil that will stand for years to come. Through such distinction and service to his company and to Columbus, Phil stands as a pillar of our community. I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for Central Ohio. I offer my congratulations to Phil Urban for a career spent in service. I hope the spirit he daily brings forth in his life and work continues to inspire his friends and co-workers for years to come.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. (Mr. TIBERI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4217. Mr. Speaker, this is a straightforward bill, one that will provide a 3-month extension of various excise taxes that support the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, as well as the trust fund's expenditure authorities. These taxes and authorities are currently scheduled to expire at the end of the month, and today's legislation will permit this Congress the time it needs to consider a longer-term FAA reauthorization bill. As the ranking member of the Select Revenue Subcommittee within the Ways and Means Committee, I'm pleased that Chairman Rangel held a hearing earlier this year to examine tax issues related to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. I certainly look forward to working with Chairman Rangel, Chairman Lewis, and all the members of our committee over the months ahead as we determine whether modifications to the financing structure of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund are warranted going forward. Ways and Means is clearly the appropriate committee of jurisdiction regarding these tax issues, and I anticipate working with other Ways and Means members of both parties to ensure that our committee continues to shape FAA reauthorization as it proceeds forward. I would note for my colleagues that under the Congressional Budget Office baseline, expiring excise taxes that are dedicated to a trust fund are assumed to be extended at current rates for budgeting purposes. Consequently, the Joint Committee on Taxation is expected to score H.R. 4217 as having no revenue effect, just as it has with similar short-term extensions of FAA taxes in the past. While many Members on our side of the aisle would argue that the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Tax should make the same assumption about expiring tax relief as well, that is a bigger debate for another day. For now, it's important that we extend the current FAA excise taxes on a temporary basis, and I'm pleased to join with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in support of this legislation today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to an expert on transportation issues in this Congress, a true leader, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

Mr. TIBERI. I will close by asking, again, my colleagues to support the measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure I congratulate the members of the Worthington Christian Boys Soccer team as they recently won the Division III State Championship. The soccer team finished its remarkable season by beating Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 2-1 when junior midfielder, Trent Smith scored the winning goal in the first overtime. Led by Head Coach Dan Roads, the victory reflects his team's outstanding perseverance as they rebounded from losing in last year's final to win the 2009 championship. After their winning 2009 season, the school can proudly display their second title in four years. With a history like that, I'm sure the future is bright for this fine soccer program. This team has set a standard for future Worthington Christian athletes of all sports to strive toward. Everyone at this fine academic institution should be extremely proud of this group of student- athletes, and I'm proud to congratulate this team and join with them in celebrating the history made with their State Championship title.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the many outstanding athletic accomplishments achieved by students at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. DeSales High School is in my congressional district, and I am proud to recognize a school that excels in and out of the classroom. Most recently, this fine academic institution won the 2009 Ohio Division II Boys Soccer Team Championship. As you know, this sort of achievement is earned only through many hours of practice, perspiration and strong commitment. The soccer team, led by Coach Domenic Romanelli finished its remarkable postseason without allowing a single goal. In the championship game, where they beat Bay Village High School 1-0, David Harper scored the lone goal, while keeper Chris Weisgarber finished his accomplished season with yet another shutout. This is the fourth title for the Stallion soccer team, and their first since 1997. Everyone at DeSales should be extremely proud of this group of student-athletes and the standard they have established. Their accomplishments attest to the outstanding athletic department at DeSales High School. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people who have a strong dedication to each other, their sport and their academics. I know every member of this championship team will treasure the memories of their remarkable season and I commend them, and the greater DeSales community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of two students at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. Kim My Li and My Linh Li, who not only are teammates, but sisters, recently won the Ohio Division II State Championship in tennis doubles. The Li sisters won their championship tennis match in remarkable fashion, playing to a marathon score of 6-2 6-7(7-9), 6-2. This year's tournament was My Linh's first and Kim My's third, and through hours of practice, and true demonstration of teamwork, these sisters were able to end their season on a high note. This accomplishment attests not only to the sisters' commendable display of commitment, but also to the outstanding athletic department at DeSales High School. I'm proud to congratulate Kim My and My Linh and join with them in celebrating their historic State Championship title!

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 893, I was meeting with a constituent here in the Capitol but was not able to make it back to the floor to cast a vote before time expired. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to St. Charles Preparatory School in Columbus, Ohio. St. Charles is in my congressional district, and I am proud to recognize a school that not only excels in academics but also distinguishes itself in athletics. The St. Charles Golf Team recently won the 2009 Division I Ohio State Golf Championship. In the championship meeting, St. Charles came from behind to defeat Cincinnati St. Xavier, Cleveland St. Ignatius and Columbus Dublin Coffman. This was the first ever state title for the school's golf program. The golf team exemplifies outstanding hard work, determination and perseverance. Such a win stands as a reflection of the many hours of practice and level of commitment exhibited by all team members. Their victory was directed by such talented golfers as Senior Andrew Steffensmeier, Juniors Alex Carpenter, Michael Ricaurte and Daniel Wiegandt, and Sophomore Nate Yankovich. Coached by Anthony Mampieri, this St. Charles alumnus helped instill in his team a commitment to excellence and culture of teamwork. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people who have a strong dedication to teamwork and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the St. Charles community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, the American people do not want their health care replaced by government-run health care. This bill is flawed in many ways. It cuts benefits to seniors. It increases taxes. It's the largest expansion of Medicaid ever at a time when State governments across our land are cutting services. It creates and extends 43 entitlement programs and 111 new offices, bureaus, commissions. The Ohio State Medical Association that represents doctors in my district is opposed to the bill. They write, ``Medicaid eligibility expansion is a troubling trend for the physician community as payment for these services often fails to cover the cost of providing care.'' They go on to say, the legislation ``lacks many of the critical elements necessary for successfully reforming Americans' health care delivery system and strengthening the physician-patient relationship.'' The bill does not address medical liability reform, which causes defensive medicine to be practiced. Medicare is cut by over $500 billion. Five million seniors could lose the coverage they have today. It turns out that you can't keep what you have if you like it. In fact, one of three seniors in my district could lose the benefits they enjoy today. I am also concerned about the negative impacts on small businesses and employers. Under the ``pay or play'' mandate in this bill, Mr. Speaker, $135 billion in new taxes will be thrust upon those businesses. This could cause over 5.5 million Americans to lose their jobs. Mr. Speaker, we have a better way, a better alternative that will lower health care premiums, guarantee health care to affordable health care for those with preexisting conditions, allow States flexibility to provide more coverage, and protect the benefits of our seniors. Americans deserve better, Mr. Speaker. There is a better way. Let's reject this bill and start over.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of the CEO of the Columbus Board of Realtors, Larry Metzger. Since World War II, homeownership has been at the root of America's vitality and growth. Where homeownership flourishes neighborhoods prosper, as residents are more civic-minded, schools stronger and streets safer. The spread of ownership and opportunity helps give us a vital stake in the future of America and the chance to realize the great promise of our country. At the core of this promise is the industry which helps make this dream a possibility. Realtors serve a vital role in the healthy propagation of homeownership; therefore, those who contribute to the furtherance of this profession are deserving of our thanks and recognition. For over two decades, Larry Metzger has led the Columbus Board of Realtors with distinction as its chief executive officer. Dedicating his career to his fellow realtors, Larry has built a tremendous reputation as a tireless advocate of his profession. His unparalleled leadership and passion for the benefits of homeownership helped maintain the realtor profession's role in the tremendous growth of central Ohio, playing an irreplaceable part in the furtherance of the American Dream for thousands. Through commendable love of his community and fidelity to his craft, Larry stands as a pillar in the central Ohio region. Therefore, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for Ohio. As a former realtor, I am especially pleased to recognize Larry Metzger for his service to central Ohio and the realty community.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of this debate on health care, we've heard a lot about cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse. I support that. In fact, I wrote a letter to the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chairman of the Government Reform Committee asking that we hold hearings on the issue. I haven't heard back. Why would we need hearings when this bill now is being written behind closed doors, behind closed doors for no one else to see? And it appears to me, Mr. Speaker, that the majority's plan for paying for this in part is on the backs of seniors. In my district, a third of my seniors are on Medicare Advantage plans. They like what they have. Under the Democrat bill, they will not be able to keep it because it will be cut. Now, Mr. Speaker, we can only guess at this point what the health care bill will look like because it's being written behind closed doors. Only time will tell. So much for openness and transparency.