Pat Tiberi

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to submit to the Record the attached information concerning a constituent and a mother of a soldier that served in Afghanistan. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, October 8, 2009. Hon. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Secretary: Last month I received a letter from a constituent and mother of a soldier that served in Afghanistan. She was concerned after learning that the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) had not been authorized the necessary Improvised Explosive Device Detection Dogs (IEDDDs) for its mission. After forwarding her concerns to the U.S. Department of the Army, I received a response from U.S. Army Central Command dated September 30, 2009 from Chief of Staff Colonel Stephen M. Twitty. The response stated ``On August 14, 2009, the command submitted an urgent universal needs statement to their higher headquarters, United States Forces--Afghanistan for 75 IEDDDs with handlers for immediate fielding'' and that the request was still pending at that time. It is my understanding that after fifty-six days of operations since the urgent request was made by commanders in the field, the 5th Brigade has yet to receive the necessary IEDDDs. I am concerned that commanders on the ground are not receiving resources they are requesting. Please provide an explanation of the plan that is in place to ensure that our troops on the ground have the assets needed to keep Americans safe and detect IEDs. If you have any questions, please contact my district director, Mark Bell. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter, and I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Patrick J. Tiberi, Representative to Congress. Enclosures.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Con. Res. 51, Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. This resolution recognizes that the Antarctic Treaty has ensured Antarctica's peaceful use and the continuance of international harmony for the past half century. Also, it encourages international and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Antarctic Treaty Summit. The Antarctic Treaty was signed by the United States and eleven other nations in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1959. Over the past five decades, the Antarctic Treaty has succeeded as a firm foundation for ongoing international cooperation. It has grown to include 47 nations, representing nearly two-thirds of the world's population. The Antarctic Treaty was established to continue and develop international ``cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year.'' November 30th through December 3, 2009, on the 50th anniversary of its signing, the Antarctic Treaty Summit will convene in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Institution. The summit will be an international and interdisciplinary meeting that will offer a unique venue for scientists, legislators, administrators, lawyers, historians, educators, executives and others to explore the scientific and policy achievements of the Antarctic Treaty System and its global precedents in international governance. This resolution also encourages international and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Antarctic Treaty Summit to identify lessons from 50 years of international cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty that have legacy value for humankind. I would especially like to recognize my constituent, Dr. Paul A. Berkman. Professor Berkman was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Scholarship at the University of Cambridge to plan the Antarctic Treaty Summit: Science-Policy Inter-actions in International Governance. Dr. Berkman now serves as Chair of the international board for this interdisciplinary project. I am thankful for his dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for the Antarctic Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty Summit. I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing the important contributions, and peaceful international cooperation the Antarctic Treaty has encouraged for the past half century by passing H. Con. Res. 51. A truly bipartisan measure will both capture and accurately honor the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of the CEO of the Ohio Association of REALTORS, Don Freels. Homeownership has always been the cornerstone of the American Dream. When moving into a home of our own, we gain immeasurable independence and confidence, as faith in the future of our family and our community grows. 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. Therefore, those who contribute to the furtherance of the American Dream for others deserve to be honored for their service. The Ohio Association of REALTORS was created to help protect the investment Americans place in their homes, and for 17 years Don Freels has led this organization with honor and distinction. Starting over 39 years ago, Don began serving as an active REALTOR in the Chicago area, working as the executive officer of two local boards. By 1985, due to his leadership and the remarkable reputation he built with his peers, Don was selected to head the Michigan Association of REALTORS. The success he achieved in this post caught the eye of REALTORS in the Buckeye State, and in 1992 Don was hired as CEO of the Ohio Association of REALTORS. Since then, Don's unparalleled leadership and passion for his craft has helped maintain the stature of Ohio's largest professional trade organization, improve the realty profession, and solidify its irreplaceable role in the furtherance of the American Dream. Through commendable loyalty to his profession, Don stands as a pillar of his community. As a former REALTOR, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for Ohio. I offer my congratulations to Don Freels for a career spent in service to REALTORS everywhere. 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. Madam Speaker, with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of my constituent, Jim McCann. For several decades, Jim served the Central Ohio community as the principal of Westerville North High School, passionately dedicating himself to the education of thousands. We all should strive to make a difference in this world, and Jim brought a remarkable level of energy and decency to his job, winning admiration from the community for his commitment to ``The Warrior Way.'' After retiring, Jim continued to give back to the youth of Central Ohio by serving as a chairman of my academy selection board. From that position, Jim took an active role in mentoring applicants, often staying in touch with them years after their first interview. To this day, Jim continues to serve his community in a number of civic committees, while also still educating and guiding many youths in the Westerville and Central Ohio area through his home school program. Through commendable volunteer work and civic leadership, Jim stands as a pillar of the Westerville, Ohio community. Therefore, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for our area. I offer my congratulations to Jim McCann for a career spent in service to others. I hope the spirit he daily brings forth in his life and work continues to inspire us to action and a renewed commitment to our country.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Joseph W. Testa for his service to the people of Franklin County, Ohio. Joe Testa has been a tireless advocate for good government, first serving as Franklin County Recorder from 1985 to 1992, and since then, as Franklin County Auditor. Throughout his career as an elected official, Joe acted as a resounding voice of fiscal responsibility. Joe's career also showcased the finest level of professionalism. For more than 17 years, he ran one of the most effective and innovative county offices in the State of Ohio, and was consistently recognized as such by the County Auditor's Association of Ohio. As an early advocate of the potential of the internet and its benefits to local government, Joe's vision helped Franklin County government to become an example for other metropolitan areas in the region in how to maximize technology for public use. In addition to his work with the county as an elected official, Joe made a lasting impression on the greater Central Ohio community. Driven by his deep faith, he has made service a priority throughout his life. Serving as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, and a founder of a local charter school, Joe spent much of his free time helping provide a quality education for area students. Joe also founded a local non-profit which helps to locate, renovate and restore veteran gravesites going back to the Revolutionary War, ensuring that all veterans are remembered for their sacrifice. This sense of service and level of commitment has made Joe a highly- respected figure in our community. While the Auditor's office and the taxpayers of Franklin County will certainly miss his principled leadership, I know he will continue to assist many in Central Ohio through his service as a private citizen. For his years of service to Franklin County and consistent hard work toward the betterment of Central Ohio, I commend Joe Testa upon his retirement.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, we have before us this week, maybe, H.R. 3200, the health care reform bill. Those of us on this side of the aisle are for health care reform. We believe there are many who need insurance, many who need reduced costs for health insurance. Mr. Speaker, this isn't it. In fact, the President is fond of saying, if you have it and you like it, you can keep it. Not true. On pages 16 and 17--and I would encourage the President to read pages 16 and 17, in fact, the entire bill--and he will see that we take a hatchet to private insurance, to employer health care, and, in fact, the Congressional Budget Office Director, a Democrat, said that the President not only doesn't bend the curve to reduce health costs, we increase it. And we create a $200 billion deficit. Americans deserve better, Mr. Speaker. They deserve a better bill than this one.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Ohio State University Medical Center. OSU Medical Center has been listed among U.S. News and World Report's list of ``Honor Roll'' hospitals. Praised for their quality care and performance, OSU Medical Center is among only 21 hospitals in the country named to this elite list. This is the 17th consecutive year that OSU Medical Center has been considered one of ``America's Best Hospitals'' by U.S. News and World Report. The Ohio State University Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country. OSUMC has been recognized for more than six specialties including the Ross Heart Hospital, which ranked 37 among 4,861 hospitals and the James Cancer Hospital, which ranked 18th for cancer treatment. In addition, the list also includes ear, nose and throat, diabetes and endocrinology, gynecology, kidney disease, orthopedics, respiratory disorders, rehabilitation and urology. This success is a direct reflection of the staff and faculty at the Ohio State University Medical Center. All are credited for helping to make the OSU Medical Center a leader in medicine in creating a future that will improve people's lives. Their education, research, and dedication to personalized care for every patient is truly commendable. I offer my congratulations to the entire OSU Medical Center community for the hospital's excellence in care and the honor of ranking as one of America's Best Hospitals in 2009 and 2010.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, a hundred of my colleagues have come and asked, Mr. Speaker, ``Where are the jobs?'' We passed a stimulus bill months ago, and in Ohio, we had 33,000 jobs lost just last month. The jobs I see created, Mr. Speaker, are here in Washington--czars, commissars--not real people back in Ohio. Mr. Speaker, where are the jobs? We passed a bill on this floor creating a national energy tax which is going to cost Ohioans hundreds of thousands of jobs. We're debating a health care bill where small business owners are concerned that they're going to shed additional jobs at a time when we need small business owners to create more jobs. Mr. Speaker, Ohioans, as this chart points out, are shredding jobs in this administration, are shredding jobs this year. We're creating a record amount of deficits, record debt, higher taxes. All Americans want, all Ohioans want, Mr. Speaker, are jobs. Where are the jobs?

Mr. TIBERI

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

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Italian-American delegation it is my pleasure to offer my support of H. Res. 430-- Expressing condolences to the citizens of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy. As the son of Italian immigrants from Abruzzo, I am pleased my colleagues agreed that we should stand behind Italians as they begin the process of rebuilding areas damaged by the earthquake. H. Res. 430 serves to reaffirm the deep ties between the United States and Italy, and show the Italian people our nation's support in their time of need. I hope the reconstruction efforts will be completed quickly so the region's cultural and artistic heritage will be restored, while homes, businesses, and schools can be rebuilt. Abruzzo is truly a beautiful region and I look forward to its revival.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize Congregation Torat Emet. This synagogue is the product of the hard work and dedication of many individuals in Central Ohio and their commitment to the religious growth of their membership and the local Jewish community. Central Ohio is blessed with many houses of faith that can claim long traditions of service to our community. The addition of Congregation Torat Emet to Central Ohio will continue to make it a vibrant and thriving spiritual center. The congregation will serve the community well and is an inspiration to all. Throughout our community's history those seeking a place to learn more about their faith have found a home among our houses of worship. The faithful dedication exhibited helps to make Columbus and Central Ohio the kind of place where citizens of all religions and nationalities desire to live, work and raise their families. This congregation, of more than 150 families, began only five years ago. The goal of securing and strengthening modern Orthodoxy in Central Ohio has been driven by Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein along with Rabbi Howard Zack. Rabbi Zack has been the Spiritual Leader of Congregation Torat Emet since its inception in September 2001. Today, as they open their second Synagogue in Columbus, Ohio may the local Jewish community celebrate the reality of this vision. I offer my congratulations to the Congregation Torat Emet and the dedication of their new facility.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Well, thank you for yielding. The gentleman from Michigan brings up the stimulus bill, and I just had a thought cross my mind. Not to add more questions rather than answers, but maybe the next edition of Clue is to figure out how--as the gentleman from the Cleveland area knows and as the gentleman from western Ohio knows, just today, we find out that 1,200 jobs in the Miami Valley at NCR were lost from Ohio to Georgia, in part because, at least according to the employer, in the stimulus bill, there were provisions to allow for a potential office building/manufacturing facility to be used to build and to lure jobs from Ohio to Georgia, which is absolutely outrageous. These aren't the types of jobs that we thought were going to be created. These are pitting States against States and localities against localities. So I would ask the gentleman from Ohio if, maybe the next time we get together, we could add that to the auto industry and to the AIG bonuses. These are things that are done here, not on this House floor, not in the people's House, but in one of those rooms behind closed doors. I yield back.

Mr. TIBERI. Well, I thank the gentleman and my friend from northeastern Ohio. Your explanation and your comments have been very, very enlightening. I'm pleased to be here to participate in the travel edition, as well as the original edition. I'm a bit confused, though. You haven't explained why the pictures, the six pictures--I understand five of the six. But the top, as I'm looking at it or as I guess the viewers are looking at it, the top left, right there, why the former President's picture is on it when he's been out of town since mid-January of this year.

Mr. TIBERI. Well, and just to kind of emphasize a point that you had made earlier about your mayor and the response that she got, that the President's quote of it will not disrupt the lives of the people who work at Chrysler or live in communities that depend on it, his quote, and then the reply back to her meaning, well, those communities outside those targeted for closing. Well, that doesn't include, to the point of your chart right there, the thousands, the tens of thousands, the hundreds of thousands of jobs that are going to be lost by dealers throughout America and many communities, and those who are subcontractors within the industry or others in the supply chain, suppliers of different parts. And we have in Ohio, as you know, one of the larger presence of auto suppliers throughout our State. And if you look at the dealers, as your chart demonstrates, 789 Chrysler dealers throughout many small communities and larger communities, 2,600 GM dealers, many of whom by the way made money last year. These are not dealers that were struggling or going to be put of business. They were making money. They were employing people. They were participating in their communities, in their Rotaries, sponsoring Little League baseball teams. This is a huge jolt to many communities throughout our State, throughout our country, let alone the plants that you had spoke about earlier. But there is a missing link here as to who is calling these shots, how are they determining which dealers close, who is actually making the call, the decision, that Chrysler cut their budget in half, what kind of decisions are being made with respect to General Motors that we don't know about. I know I'm asking more questions rather than providing answers. Maybe one day we will get to some of these answers, but I see the gentleman has a new chart.

Mr. TIBERI. Being a lawyer and former prosecutor, can you explain the advantages of a bankruptcy in New York City rather than Detroit?

Mr. TIBERI. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. TIBERI. They could essentially say to a dealer, If you don't sign this agreement which we could ultimately say you're going to rebuild your store, you're going to make it so many more square feet, you're going to move your location, if they don't sign that, if that business owner doesn't sign that, they're out. They have absolutely no leverage. All contract law has been violated.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I am submitting the exchange of letters between Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel, Representative John B. Larson and myself regarding the tax treatment of fractionally-owned aircraft.'' House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 21, 2009. Hon. Charles B. Rangel, Chairman, Committee on Ways & Means, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Rangel: We write to you regarding the tax treatment of fractionally-owned aircraft and ask that you carefully consider this issue as you continue work on H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. Under current law, fractional aviation is treated as commercial aviation for taxation purposes. However, the Federal Aviation Administration treats fractional aviation as non-commercial, general aviation operations for regulatory purposes. We believe that the current Federal tax law should be modified so that, going forward, it properly reflects this regulatory treatment. In addition, we recommend that an appropriate adjustment in the aviation fuel excise taxes be placed on the fractional aviation community. It is important to note that both of these recommendations are fully supported by the fractional aviation community and are consistent with the agreement reached on this issue last year by the Senate Finance and Commerce Committees. We had originally hoped to raise this issue during the Committee's mark-up on the aviation tax provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. In the absence of this opportunity, we ask for your commitment to continue to work with us on this issue as this legislation moves forward. Sincerely, Patrick J. Tiberi. John B. Larson.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my support for the provisions in this bill that would establish a fair process for addressing contract disputes between the FAA and our country's air traffic controllers. Air traffic controllers ensure the safety of air passengers every day. I thank the air traffic controllers in my Central Ohio district, across Ohio and across the country for their hard work and dedication to keeping our skies safe. In 2006, I cosponsored legislation that would have required the contract dispute between the FAA and the Air Traffic Controllers Association to be submitted to binding arbitration if the two parties did not reach an agreement. Unfortunately, this did not happen. The provisions in H.R. 915 are a good start and I rise in support of them today.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the dedication and achievements of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Ohio State Association of Letter Carriers. May 9th, 2009 marks the 17th annual NALC National Food Drive to ``Stamp Out Hunger.'' On that day, letter carriers will collect non-perishable donations from homes as they deliver mail along postal routes. Letter carriers from over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam collected a record setting 73.1 million pounds in last year's drive. The drive is held annually on the second Saturday in May. Donations will be collected by more than 1,400 local branches of the 300,000-member postal union and delivered to food banks, pantries and shelters in the communities where they are collected. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Ohio State Association of Letter Carriers for their dedication and hard work in the communities to help provide food for the growing number of American families facing hunger in these difficult economic times.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Dr. C. Brent DeVore for his service and tenure at Otterbein College. Dr. C. Brent DeVore has been a tireless advocate for higher education. Known to his peers as, ``the Dean of Higher Education,'' Dr. DeVore has brought a great deal of leadership to Otterbein College throughout his 24 years of service. His service on the boards of 23 national and local non profit organizations earned him the honor of the President's Call to Service Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Otterbein has grown to 3,107 students under Dr. DeVore's guidance. He has improved retention rates and increased the endowment from $6 million to $100 million. Not only have student facilities been renovated, but land acquisition has nearly doubled the size of campus under Dr. DeVore's direction. In addition to his work at Otterbein College, Dr. DeVore has made a lasting impression on the community. He has made service a priority of the college and student life. Last year alone, Otterbein students donated over 32,000 hours of community service to Central Ohio. Nearly 70 percent of the student body has participated in service projects throughout the community. Otterbein's generous service to the community earned Otterbein College the President's Award for General Community Service in February 2008 from the White House. For his years of service at Otterbein College and consistent hard work toward the betterment of our higher education system, I commend Dr. C. Brent DeVore upon his retirement.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus. Praised for its dedication to saving and restoring lives, the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus serves over 1.3 million residents in Central Ohio. Having recently celebrated ``Red Cross Month'' during March, I am pleased to highlight the successes of the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus. As one of the most trusted charities in Central Ohio, this chapter is at the forefront of helping individuals and families prevent, prepare for, and respond to large and small scale disasters. Led by Mary Navarro, Michael Carroll and a committed Board of Directors, this group of over 700 volunteers and 55 full-time employees responded to 356 local disasters in 2008. Their service and assistance directly impacted the lives of over 470 families in Central Ohio. Educating more than 73,000 individuals about how to prepare for emergencies and training more than 46,000 residents in First Aid, CPR, Water Safety, and other life-saving courses the Greater Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing much more than relief to victims. The benefit of programs like these provides support to the public beyond times of need. It is my pleasure to recognize the American Red Cross of Central Ohio for their unrelenting and inspiring record of service to the families of Central Ohio. All have produced a safer place for the residents of Central Ohio to call home.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the grand opening of the Metropolitan Emergency Communication Center (MECC). This new center represents the commitment the participants of six fire departments in Central Ohio have had to serving their communities. This innovative center serves Mifflin, Plain, Jefferson, Truro, and Violet Townships as well as the City of White Hall. The state-of-the-art communications center opened on April 16, 2009 in Gahanna, Ohio. This multi-jurisdictional emergency dispatch center for Fire, Rescue and EMS serves six fire departments and assists over 120,000 Central Ohioans. In 2008, the MECC handled over 27,000 calls for fire and EMS service. The opening of this new facility for the MECC offers room for training, meetings, additional consoles, upgraded technology, and on-site IT support. This partnership improves efficiency, enhances capabilities, and shares technology to better serve our community. Emergency responders have access to the resources they need to best do their jobs because of the innovative approach to dispatching the Metropolitan Emergency Communication Center has taken. The MECC allows all six participating fire departments to stay on the cutting edge of technological developments to better execute emergency runs and to serve our Central Ohio community. I offer my congratulations to the six communities that comprise the Metropolitan Emergency Communication Center and I applaud their hard work and dedication to preserving the safety of Central Ohioans.

Mr. TIBERI

Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Paola Grullon for receiving the Charles J. Ping Award. This outstanding accomplishment is a result of Paola's hard work and dedication to serving her community. This honor is awarded to undergraduate students who exemplify leadership in their communities and boast a record of outstanding achievements in service. This is the fifth consecutive year that a student from Ohio Wesleyan University has received the Ping Award. This is proof of the University's commitment to conveying the importance of service-learning to their students. Paola Grullon is a member of Ohio Wesleyan University's Class of 2010. Paola recently completed an internship with Delaware's Woodward Family Resource Center, and organization that provides outreach opportunities for the city's Hispanic community members. As a pre-med major from the Dominican Republic, Ms. Grullon has created a strong support network for Delaware's Hispanic community by helping people with translations for numerous medical and utility services, government benefit services and child care assistance. In addition to her work with the Woodward Family Resource Center, Ms. Grullon volunteers with Grace Free Clinic and St. Mary's Church. Paola has led fellow students from Ohio Wesleyan on spring break volunteer experiences, inspiring other students to follow her example of leadership and service. I am pleased to commend Paola Grullon on this wonderful achievement as well as Ohio Wesleyan University for encouraging service-minded students to give back to Central Ohio communities.