Greg Walden

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment on behalf of my Energy and Commerce Committee colleague, Mr. Stearns, as well as Mr. Terry and Chairman Upton, and my appropriations colleagues, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. Diaz-Balart, and Mr. Graves of Georgia. We all want an open and thriving Internet, and that Internet exists today. Consumers can access anything they want with the click of a mouse, thanks to our historical hands-off approach. Changing direction now will only harm innovation and the economy. I am bringing up this funds limitation today to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from spending funds to implement its network neutrality rules regarding the Internet. It is a stopgap measure while we work toward passing a more permanent solution, a Resolution of Disapproval, H.J. Res. 37, which would nullify the rules themselves. And I would encourage everyone who cares about keeping the government out of the business of running the Internet to cosponsor that resolution. Before we even get into the harm the network neutrality rules would cause, it is important to realize the FCC's underlying theory of authority would allow the Commission to regulate any interstate communication service on barely more than a whim and without any additional input from the Congress. In essence, the FCC argues it can regulate anything if, in its opinion, doing so would encourage broadband deployment. I am relieved, however, that the FCC declined under its newfound authority to regulate coffee shops and bookstores, airlines, and other entities. Now, this of course means that the FCC believes that if it had not so declined, it would have subjected WiFi and coffee shops and bookstores to government management. If left unchallenged, this claim of authority would allow the FCC to regulate any matter it discussed in the national broadband plan. Recall that the FCC concluded that consumers' concerns over privacy are deterring broadband. So does that mean the FCC can regulate Internet privacy? The national broadband plan also addresses health IT and distance learning, smart grids, smart homes, smart transportation. Can the FCC regulate all these matters, too, in the name of promoting broadband? Under the FCC's rationale, its authority is only bounded by its imagination. The Internet started as a Defense agency project to connect computers at research facilities. It did not become the explosive driver of communications and economic growth it is today until it was opened up to free enterprise to participate in. And the American entrepreneurs and innovators did what they did best: They grew jobs and they created new technology. As early as the 1970s, the FCC took a hands-off approach to data services. FCC Chairman William Kennard reaffirmed this approach during the Clinton administration. In rebuffing requests to regulate cable Internet access service, Chairman Kennard explained in a 1990 speech, and I quote, ``The fertile fields of innovation across the communications sector and around the country are blooming because, from the get-go, we have taken a deregulatory competitive approach to our communications structure, especially the Internet.'' There is no crisis warranting departure from this approach. Most everything that the order discusses is either an unsubstantiated allegation or speculation of future harm. The FCC even confesses in its order that it has done no market analysis. It only selectively applied the rules to broadband providers, shielding Web companies. If the mere threat of Internet discrimination is such a concern, and if the FCC has done no analysis to demonstrate why one company has more market power than another, why would discrimination by companies like Google or Skype be any more acceptable than discrimination by companies like AT&T or Comcast? Instead of promoting competition, such picking of winners and losers will stifle the investment needed to perpetuate the Internet's phenomenal growth, hurting the economy. Section 230 of the Communications Act makes it the policy of the United States to ``preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the Internet and other interactive computer services, unfettered by Federal or State regulation.'' Statutory statements of policy are not grants of regulatory authority, but they can help delineate the contours of that authority. In light of Congress' statutory pronouncement that Internet regulation is disfavored, the FCC's theory of regulation by ``bank shot'' stretches too far. At bottom, this is little more than an end run around the D.C. circuit court's April 2010 ruling in the Comcast case that the FCC failed to show it had ancillary authority to regulate network management. Therefore, I urge your support of this amendment, as well as your support of H.J. Res. 37, our resolution of disapproval. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. I thank my colleague from Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill and the examination of the rules and the regulations that create uncertainty and increased costs and disadvantage our businesses, farmers, and ranchers. My wife and I were small business owners for nearly 22 years. I know what it's like to sign the front of a payroll check and to deal with government rules and regulations. Here is a perfect example of what my farmers and ranchers face in Oregon. These are new rules that are coming out from the Environmental Protection Agency that are relying on what they even termed as a National Marine Fisheries Service document that was less than transparent. This affects new set-asides if you use modern chemicals at all to grow America's food and the world's food. These are new setback provisions that are being required in buffer zones that could, in some cases, be from 100 to 1,000 feet along any body of water, including intermittent streams. Now, if you are from sort of the dry side of Oregon, you have a lot of intermittent streams that only kind of flow with runoff, and they dry up. The practical effect, though, is that you could lose most of your farmland. This is an example, run through their models, of what this could mean if this rule goes into effect. And you would take from 108 acres, which is the whole area here, and you would begin to reduce down the buffers to where you would be able to farm less than 10 acres. That means that for this farm, you could lose upwards of--this crop yield now would produce $21,000 in income. When the Federal Government's rules are fully implemented as described here, you would be down to $1,500. You can't farm if you lose much of your farm ground and you go from 108 acres down to 10. This will occur all over the country, all over eastern and western Oregon, and it is an enormous Federal Government land grab that could affect between 40 and 67 percent of farmlands in Oregon. And in this case, it's an 83 percent reduction if taken all the way to the 1,000- foot buffer along these intermittent streams. Ladies and gentlemen, we need to examine this and many other rules and regulations and look at their practical effect on the ground throughout the countryside, on the men and women who raise our food and produce the jobs in America.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to mark the centennial of the City of Eagle Point, Oregon. Eagle Point was named for a prominent rocky cliff east of town that was a popular nesting place for eagles. Today Eagle Point is known as ``The Gateway to the Lakes'' as it sets the scene for tourists and other visitors traveling east to view Crater Lake and the majestic natural wonders of the southern Cascade Range. During the gold rush days of the 1850s--before it was even considered a ``town''--Eagle Point was known for its rich agricultural production and became the ``food basket'' to the Rogue Valley. That regional importance was solidified in 1872 when the Snowy Butte Mill was built along the banks of the nearby Little Butte Creek. The grist mill quickly became an economic hub for the area. It is said that wagons lined the road to the mill for miles waiting to have their grain ground into flour. In addition to local farmers, the mill was important to Native Americans, who traveled more than 90 miles over the Old Military Trail from Fort Klamath to trade leather and berries for flour. It wasn't until the Pacific & Eastern Railroad arrived in the early 1900s that a commercial district was established in Eagle Point, and as a result, the city became incorporated in 1911. As Eagle Point blossomed it became the home to three hotels, a livery stable, blacksmith shop, a few saloons, and some dance halls known for their ``rowdy behavior and bootleggers.'' Three of the original brick buildings which housed the bank, confectionary store and general store still stand and are now home to modern businesses. Eagle Point residents have gone to great lengths to preserve their history. In 1987, the citizens of Eagle Point relocated a queenpost truss covered bridge built in 1922 from Antelope Creek and placed it across Little Butte Creek for children to cross as they make their way to and from school. In addition to the covered bridge, the Butte Creek Mill also serves as a link to the past, and is still in operation today. This historic, water-powered grist mill with its original, 130 year-old, French- quarried buhr stones is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist attraction. Despite nearly doubling in size over the last decade, modern day Eagle Point continues to be a great place to live and raise children because of its small town rural charm, excellent schools and beautiful surroundings. Along with its rich history and rural setting, Eagle Point boasts a world-class Robert Trent Jones II-designed 18-hole golf course, which has attracted golfers and new residents alike. Many notable celebrities have called Eagle Point home including Ginger Rogers, Patrick Duffy, and Kim Novak. Mr. Speaker, on February 12, 2011, Eagle Point kicks off its Centennial Celebration. I invite my colleagues to join with me in wishing ``Happy Birthday'' to a growing, thriving city which serves as the ``Gateway to the Lakes'' and a window into southern Oregon's rich history.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. And I think that's one of the big arguments here that I get from the people out in my district is: Why did the government take over this, put all of these other provisions in, ram a bill through the House that creates this new trillion dollar entitlement that costs jobs and doesn't drive down the cost of health care? We can do better than this, given the chance. And under the Republicans, the committees will actually have a chance to work on a bill for replacement and everybody can participate from both sides of the aisle. And we will get it right and get to a patient-centered health care system in America that does reform the current system and drives down costs.

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, 42.7 percent of Oregon's seniors--that's about 200,000 in Oregon, nearly 41,000 in my district--were enrolled, at the time this law was established, in Medicare Advantage programs. You know, under this bill, under this new law, Medicare gets whacked by $500 billion, and the reports indicate one out of two seniors might lose their Medicare Advantage across the country. Look, I want a patient-centered health care system. It's your life. It's your health. You should have the right to choose your doctor and your hospital and make those decisions. We will address, with our replacement bill, preexisting conditions, making sure kids who are in college or up to 26 or whatever the age is decided by the committee are going to be able to be covered by your insurance. But I'll tell you what. In the law that is on the books today, it drives up the cost of health care, it drives up premiums, and it adds to the Nation's debt when you look at it in the long term, according to CBO. The manager at Taurus Freight, a small freight logistics business in Bend, Oregon, told me recently, because of the 1099 reporting provision in this bill, she's going to quit buying from various businesses, consolidate. It's going to cost jobs and put new headaches on small businesses.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of Oregon's Second District to offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of Saturday's senseless shooting in Tucson. Americans see each of us taking this personally, because Congresswoman Giffords and her staff were doing what each of us does in our own way: We go home; we reach out to listen to people who agree and disagree, and we practice the art of democracy. It is a practice so fundamental to our Nation that families bring their young children who are interested in public service; senior judges attend to discuss Federal policy, and citizens come to get help with their Medicare or Veterans Affairs benefits. No one comes thinking such a despicable act of violence will occur. Despite deep philosophical differences, sometimes argued vigorously and vociferously in our meetings, Americans share a common belief that violence has no place in democratic discourse. In Romans 12:1, Paul writes, ``Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'' We stand together across America committed to this calling and in the belief that the great good in America will always overcome the isolated evil. May God's healing hand be on our colleague and those affected and bring comfort to all.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the House Administration Committee for his help and assistance as we worked through the transition. I also want to thank the ranking member the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) as well who were designated by then-Speaker Pelosi to be a formal conduit for us on the transition. They were most helpful and gave us good insights. And I want to thank all the Members who participated and the staff whom we reached out to in a survey across this campus to say, How can we do this better? How can we be more efficient with our time and the taxpayers' money? Where can we cut costs? Today is that first installment. There is an old saying that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a single step forward, but it is a $35 million first step. We think we can at least save that in this effort today, and leadership really starts at the top. The American people have spoken loudly and clearly. They are very concerned about the economy and their jobs and their communities and they are equally and deeply concerned about the deficits that have been racked up by both parties over time. We have to turn that around, or we end up looking like some of these countries elsewhere around the globe that are facing financial ruin if they don't change. We have to change, too, and we are asking ourselves to take the first step here and save at least $35 million. As the gentleman from Pennsylvania has pointed out and the gentleman from California has pointed out, this is the first installment. Our management team in this organization is looking at each department on how they can achieve additional savings. As you know, we have an Inspector General that looks at everything on Capitol Hill and identifies ways we can improve safety and security and cut costs and be more efficient, so we are letting them do their management piece. Now, I was a small business owner for 22 years with my wife out in Oregon. I understand that if you don't watch the pennies and the nickels, you will never get to the dollars. You have to look at everything you do in real time to try and squeeze out efficiency, and I think we have done that. As Republicans, our pledge to America was to do exactly that across the government, and you will see oversight hearings about policy, oversight hearings about job-killing regulations because we want to get America working again. And I know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle share that view, that it is the private sector jobs that we have to get restored in this country. We have to grow the economy and create jobs and put Washington's fiscal house back in order, and we will take the first steps today with this legislation and this resolution. So, specifically, we cut we believe $35 million out of our own budgets. It is a 5-percent reduction, except, I should point out, the Appropriations Committee will actually suffer a 9-percent reduction, and they came forward with that level. I applaud them for that. This is firm, but flexible. Members will still determine within their budgets how they are spent. We don't micromanage here. We treat you as adults, and we are going to treat government agencies as adults. But we will expect results because the American people spoke clearly in November and said, we want transparency, we want openness, we want accountability, we want you to cut deficit spending, and we want you to create private sector jobs. So, Mr. Chairman, I think we have begun that process today. I thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for supporting this bipartisan effort.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the Rules Committee. I wanted to talk just briefly about the transition itself, and I want to thank members of both parties who participated in very meaningful ways in our transition. I think it was an unprecedented effort in terms of its size and inclusiveness. Four members of our team were incoming freshmen. We offered Democrats the opportunity to participate both formally and informally, an act of bipartisanship that has been missing, frankly, from prior organizations going back over both parties' tenure in leadership. I asked Speaker Pelosi to designate two Democratic participants. We distributed surveys to every Member, chief of staff, and scheduler on both sides of the aisle to get as many ideas as possible to reform the people's House. Let us always remember that this is the people's House. It is their business. It is the taxpayers' money, and the public has the right to observe and participate in this process. The outcome is the rules package before us today. The transition team received more than 2,000 suggestions from the general public submitted through our Web site. And what did we accomplish? Bills will now be posted online in a searchable format at least 3 days before receiving a vote on the House floor. No longer will bills be dropped in the middle of the night and voted on the next day. We require that all bills include a citation of constitutional authority so Congress respects the limits imposed on it by the founding document. To begin to control the explosion in spending, we are clamping down on budgetary sleights of hand that hide spending beyond the first 10- year window of a bill; any legislation projected to increase the deficit by more than $5 billion in any single 10-year window out to 50 years will be subject to a point of order; a new CutGo rule requiring any suspension bill that increases authorizations or creates new programs to make equal or greater cuts elsewhere; a legislative calendar to ensure Members will be back home listening to the people who sent us here at least a week every month; ending the practice of passing comprehensive or omnibus bills that package unrelated legislation together in an effort to avoid public scrutiny; and will require every committee to Webcast their hearings and markups and make them available online. Transparent, open, accountable. This is the rules package to change the House.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act. On Wednesday, doctors who participate in Medicare will face a 21 percent cut in their reimbursement rates. It is unfortunate that we are again debating only a short-term solution to this problem. Thirty-day patches and 60-day fixes do not provide the certainty necessary for physicians to properly run their practices. Yet, inaction today would disrupt the Medicare system and jeopardize seniors' access to care just as the holidays are approaching. We should pass H.R. 5712, but we must begin working on a long-term, financially viable solution to fix the manner in which physicians are reimbursed under Medicare. The first step must be to repeal the new health care law. The health law cut over $500 billion from Medicare to expand Medicaid and create a new entitlement program, while completely ignoring the looming payment crisis that we must act on with this legislation today. Unfortunately, I think for the last 4 years there has not been a single hearing held on this particular issue. That is long overdue to be done. So while the majority scrambles today to find money to fix the Medicare reimbursement system, we should remember that they deliberately chose not to do this with their disastrous health care law. They needed the law to appear less expensive, and the Medicare doc fix was simply ignored. I support H.R. 5712 to provide a temporary reprieve from the reimbursement cut scheduled to take effect Wednesday; however, we must find a solution to the pending 26 percent cut scheduled to take effect now in January. And we have to work together to develop a longer term solution that does bring stability to the Medicare program. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise on the occasion of Honor Flight of Eastern Oregon's inaugural journey of 10 of Oregon's World War II veterans to visit their memorial here in Washington, DC. On behalf of a grateful delegation, state, and country, we welcome these heroes. The veterans on this initial flight from Eastern Oregon are World War II veterans: Bob L. Hemstreet, U.S. Army; Raymond ``Ray'' J. Kuhn, U.S. Navy; Lavonne ``Vonnie'' I. Kuhn, U.S. Navy; Arthur ``Art'' C. Krantz, U.S. Army; Walter ``Walt'' D. Goodman, U.S. Navy; Gifford S. Hulse, U.S. Army; Leonard ``Lenny'' V. Morse, U.S. Army Air Force; Minnie ``Marie'' M. Colombari, U.S. Navy; David A. House, U.S. Army Air Force; and Henry ``Milt'' M. Prowell, U.S. Army. Madam Speaker, these 10 veterans from Oregon are joining over 35,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have been transported from their home states to our Nation's capital at absolutely no cost to them or their families, to visit and reflect at memorials built here in their honor. The fact that these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen would uproot themselves from their homes and families and put themselves in harm's way for our country is very humbling. The sacrifices they--and the families they left behind--made are truly incredible. The debt of gratitude we owe them can never be repaid, for without their honor, courage, commitment, and above all--sacrifice we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Please join me in thanking these Oregon veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Eastern Oregon for their dedication, commitment, and service to this great Nation.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and express gratitude to Colby Marshall, a very special individual who recently traded in his public service in the Congress for public service in his community and dedication to his family's half-century old ranching business in eastern Oregon. Colby was born and raised in the rural high desert area of Burns, Oregon, near Riley, where his parents Gary and Georgia still operate the Broken Circle Ranch. Colby recently returned ``home on the range'' after 8 years of selfless service to the people of Oregon's Second District. His transition to the ranching business continues a proud family tradition five generations in the making. In 1993, Colby graduated from Burns High School and went on to attend college at Ambassador University in east Texas, where he met his beautiful bride of 15 years, Shelley, whose family has ranched in and around Pendleton and been involved with the world-famous Pendleton Round Up Rodeo and Happy Canyon Pageantry Show for 100 years. Together, Colby and Shelley have two wonderfully charming children: seven-year- old daughter Hadley and nearly-four-year-old son Wyatt. Colby graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science in agriculture business management in 1999 from Eastern Oregon University. He worked several jobs to put himself and Shelley through school: he drove a mail carrier truck, tutored his peers, worked at the local grain co-op, and fought wildfires with the elite La Grande Hotshots. He still found time to rise to president of the student body. Little wonder he was honored with the Outstanding Agriculture Graduating Senior Award and Outstanding Student Leadership Award. Colby got his first taste of Congress as an intern for Chairman Bob Smith, my predecessor in the Second District, on the Committee on Agriculture. Post-college, he worked for Pendleton Grain Growers before serving as Eastern Oregon University's alumni and government relations director. While there, he oversaw the formation of an alumni board of directors and helped lobby successfully for $32 million to construct the EOU Science Center, a state-federal-private shared enterprise. In 2002, I made the very wise decision to hire Colby. He remained in my office for the next 8 years. Colby spent 2 years managing my central Oregon office in Bend before moving with Shelley to Washington, DC to manage natural resources and energy policy. Colby helped shepherd key bipartisan bills through the legislative process, including the Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Reauthorization, and the Mount Hood Stewardship Legacy Act. Colby managed a package of bills aimed at improving watersheds and water supply--an exceedingly important and delicate issue in the arid lands of eastern Oregon. The Oregon Water Resources Management Act contained four different acts-- all became law with overwhelming bipartisan support. The last major act Colby handled was the Healthy Forests Restoration Amendments Act, which would give federal foresters the tools they need to bring our sick national forests back to health and put people back to work in the forests again. This bipartisan legislation is vital to the rural West. I am hopeful we will carry across the finish line the good work that Colby started. Colby returned to eastern Oregon in January 2008 to open my office in La Grande--the first ever congressional office on the east side of the State. In July 2009, Colby moved to Bend to once more manage the central Oregon office while continuing to oversee the operation in La Grande. In March 2010, Colby transitioned out of my office and returned to the family land and livestock business. He is now a manager of the Broken Circle Company, the holding company for Broken Circle Ranch. He and his family live on the ranch 27 miles outside of Burns. His daughter, Hadley, attends the same one-room school that Colby and his mother both attended. My colleagues, please join me today in paying tribute to Colby and his family as they turn to their new form of service. His unfailing dedication and faithful service will not soon be forgotten by myself or the many people whose lives he enriched through his outstanding work. While I will miss his counsel, I look forward to his close friendship for many years to come.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share with you and my colleagues my pride in an incredible woman who has the distinction of being the oldest active paramedic in Oregon. Jane McLaughlin is 74 years of age and is completing service as the Emergency Medical Services Chief for the Chiloquin Volunteer Ambulance Service, capping off a long and distinguished career. Jane began her EMS career almost three decades ago when her youngest son suffered an accidental wound and was treated and transported by Chiloquin Volunteer Ambulance Service. From that day on, she knew that her calling was to meaningfully serve and comfort those in need of emergency medical assistance. Since accepting this calling, Jane has served her community for over 28 years in a variety of emergency response functions. She has held every level of EMS certification the State of Oregon authorizes and has volunteered thousands of hours of service. Jane has never stopped learning and she has never stopped growing. At 61, she completed her fire fighting academy training. The many awards and accolades presented to Jane are a strong testimony to how much her community and others value her service to her fellow man. The Klamath County United Way has recognized Jane both with their Accommodation for Excellence and Volunteer of the Year Award. The State of Oregon Department of EMS and Trauma Systems awarded her the Meritorious Service award as paramedic of the year. Jane was chosen by the mayor of Chiloquin to be the grand marshal in the 2009 Fourth of July Parade for her outstanding service. Madam Speaker, however noteworthy Jane's age, years of service, and many awards are, the real story is the good that she has done for almost three decades of service. Jane's neighbors and local citizens are familiar with her accomplishments, but they know her best for her kindness, her compassion, her dedication, and her unselfishness. In the community, when people think about the Chiloquin Volunteer Ambulance Service, Jane McLaughlin comes immediately to mind. Jane has demonstrated heroism when she has on many occasions risked her own life to save the lives of others. Jane's comforting ways as a first responder have helped the injured and sick cope with their emergency situation with reduced fear and confidence that their condition will improve. Jane has an incredible gift of healing that goes far beyond the administering of basic medical attention. She not only relieves pain, she delivers comfort and peace to people in distressed situations. The service that Jane has given to others comes from an acute sense of duty and the sincere goodwill of an unselfish, engaged, and compassionate person. As my esteemed colleagues well know, an impact player like Jane McLaughlin sets the tone of a successful operation, provides a shining example for others to follow in a relentless path to excellence, and engages others to join her in serving their fellow man. Jane will be missed, but her good work will continue in the hands and hearts of those she has inspired and trained to deliver the best in emergency medical service. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I invite you to join me in honoring Jane McLaughlin, the kind of person who improves our world and restores our faith in our fellow man. Her goodness is contagious, and she sets an example for all of us to follow.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of a great American, a life-long Oregonian and logger, Mike Wiedeman, of Enterprise, Oregon. Mike has been a leader and an innovator for over four decades in one of Oregon's most important and historic industries: the logging industry. Tomorrow I will have the privilege of tipping my hat to Mike as he concludes his service as the president of the American Loggers Council at its 16th annual meeting in Pendleton, Oregon. The American Loggers Council is a coalition of 30 state logging associations from throughout the United States. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the American Loggers Council, Mike and his predecessors at bringing to Congress's attention the issues, concerns and challenges facing their industry and the health of our forests and rural forested communities. Madam Speaker, Mike Wiedeman also has a long and distinguished record of service to his state association, the Associated Oregon Loggers. He was recognized as the association's Logger of the Year in 1990. He served as the association's president from 1997-1998 and was one of the founding board members of the association's Friends of Paul Bunyan Foundation, a philanthropic organization that has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to education and public service organizations. He was one of the first organizers and leaders of the Log A Load For Kids program to raise funds for Oregon hospitals that specialize in the treatment of children with special needs. And finally, Mike currently serves as the chairman of the association's Wallowa County chapter. After beginning his career in the coastal town of Powers, Oregon, Mike has logged from northern California to Alaska and back to Oregon. While in Alaska he met his bride Sandy who was working in a logging camp. They have three children they adore and whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and are now experiencing the joy of being grandparents to two grandkids. For the past 32 years Mike has been a partner and owner of BTO Logging, Inc. in Enterprise, Oregon. This small, rural community surrounded by federal forest lands, not unlike many in Oregon's second congressional district, is arguably one of the most beautiful places in my state, if not in the entire country. The timbered lands in the surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest suffer from some of the worst forest health issues of any in the intermountain West. Consistent with his human nature in assessing a serious problem, Mike saw a highly productive opportunity to utilize the dead and dying overstocked forest stands to generate renewable energy. As a member and subsequent chairman of the Enterprise School Board, Mike recently led the charge to build and install a woody biomass heating system at the local school. This system now utilizes wood material removed from forest health projects on nearby forests. Madam Speaker, Mr. Wiedeman's logging operation utilizes a system that allows logs to be removed by fully suspending them on up to nearly 4,000 feet of cable above the ground protecting the soil and remaining plant life. His method, which is considered one of the most dangerous in logging, allows him to treat forest stands in difficult terrain, often flying logs over deep and normally inaccessible canyons. Madam Speaker, on the eve of completing his term as president of the American Loggers Council, I would like our colleagues to join me in thanking Mike Wiedeman for his exemplary service to his community, the industry that he loves and the associations that represent it both here in the nation's capital and in the state of Oregon. It's my honor to call Mike a good friend, and to represent him in the U.S. Congress. Mike is a hard charging and dedicated individual and the kind of guy you're lucky to find as a neighbor. He has been quoted as saying, ``My whole philosophy in life is you can't get anywhere standing still.'' And I can assure you, Madam Speaker, Mike is not standing still.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to share with you my admiration for a man who has deeply affected my life, and the lives of countless Oregonians, Denny Jones. Denny celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday. Denny crossing the century mark is a very special occasion, but more importantly is what he has done with those 100 years. Denny was my father's close friend when they served together in the Oregon legislature in the 1970s. More than a decade later, I had the privilege of serving with him in the Oregon legislature. As House Majority Leader, I frequently sought Denny's advice and counsel and like so many others, relied on his deep sense of right and wrong, his clear commonsense philosophy and his thorough knowledge of water and western agriculture. He is a close friend and mentor, the kind you want in this public life who will tell you when he thinks you're right and when he is convinced you are wrong. He sets the example for all of us to follow. Madam Speaker, Denny Jones came from humble beginnings to distinguish himself as a successful Oregon cattle rancher and 26-year state legislator. Denzil Eugene Jones was born on a wheat ranch between Heppner and Ione in Morrow County, Oregon on September 21, 1910. His mother passed away when he was five. Denny's father remarried, but his stepmother made him and his brother sleep outside in a tent, even in the winter. The family moved frequently through the years, as they made their way to Montana, back to Wheeler County, and then on to Crook County, where he finished 10th grade in Prineville. Honest labor and hard work have marked Denny's life. Learning how to ride horses from his father, he spent a short time as a jockey, traveling by boxcar from Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., to Tijuana, Mexico. But when his 106 pounds exceeded the weight limit, his three- year contract was cut short and he was never paid for the job he did. He then worked for a sheep outfit, moving to Juntura in Malheur County when he was 18. There, he earned $50 a month plus room. After that, ranching became his focus throughout the 1930s. In 1939, his relative, Jim Jones, offered him a 10-year opportunity to share in running a cattle ranch. At the end of those years, he signed over his share of the cattle as a down payment on his ranch. Two years later, Denny owned it free and clear with 400 head of cattle. Life was particularly hard in the 1940s, when he broke his leg and dislocated his knee when he was thrown from a horse. He later broke his back slipping on a frozen cow pie. Ranch life continued until the 1970s, when the family moved to Ontario, Oregon. One year after the move, the local business community asked him to run for Oregon's 60th District House seat. Denny was elected in 1972, and served for 13 terms, the second-longest serving member of the Oregon Legislature. During those 26 years, he served on the Emergency Board, the Committees on Agriculture, Transportation, and Education, and was co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. He brought his own brand of eastern Oregon conservatism to Salem and quickly earned a reputation as a fiscal hawk with a kind heart. The experience he gained as a high desert cattle rancher served him and Oregon taxpayers well. It was the values he learned in his youth to which he credits his success in the Legislature. ``It's the most important thing that you keep your word and that you're honest with everybody,'' he said. Madam Speaker, Denny truly has done a lot of good in his 100 years. In addition to serving in the Oregon Legislature, Denny became a charter member of the Public Lands Council; was director, lobbyist, and two-time president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association; a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, and the Freemasons; received the Malheur County Cattleman of the Year Award and was the Malheur County Livestock Association's president; received the Harney County Livestock Association Citizenship Award; received the Ontario Jaycees' Citizenship Award; was president of the Malheur Pioneer Association; was Director of the Pacific International Livestock Exposition; and was a board member of the Malheur County Budget Board, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Juntura School District, the Malheur County Juvenile Council, and the Agri- Business Council of Oregon. And, at the age of 97 he was still considered one of the best ropers at Fred Otley's branding. Colleagues, Denny Jones is loved and revered in his community and in our State. He is the type of individual who understands the potential of this great Nation and has worked tirelessly to build a State and country that lives up to its promise. In celebration of his 100 years, there will be a display honoring Denny and his many accomplishments. Long after the display is gone, Denny's accomplishments and contributions will remain. I am honored to call him my good friend, and invite all of you to join me in honoring his 100th birthday.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and express sincere gratitude to Valerie Henry, who after 13 years of work on Capitol Hill, including seven years of service to the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District, is departing this institution today to become, as she puts it, full-time CEO of her household as she continues to raise her two wonderful children. Valerie has become very well-respected in the Congress as a sharp-as- a-tack policy aide in health care, education, taxes, budget issues, and telecommunications. But don't just take my word for it. In 2005, the National Rural Health Association bestowed on her the NRHA Legislative Staff Award in recognition of her ongoing commitments to improving the health care of rural Americans. Valerie was born and raised just across the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. She learned the value of representative democracy from her mom (Virginia Franco) who served for 30 years as the deputy registrar of voters for the city of Alexandria and oversaw the administration of hundreds of local, State and Federal elections. After graduating from her beloved Virginia Tech in 1997, she began her career on Capitol Hill as an intern for her home State senator and quintessential statesman, Senator John Warner. That internship eventually translated into a full-time job. She worked for Senator Warner through the historic impeachment proceedings of President Bill Clinton. While in Senator Warner's office, she also met her future husband, Patrick Henry, who worked for Senator Warner in his committee office. Pat remains a dedicated public servant, serving now as Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service, and is one heck of a good guy. In 1999, Valerie joined the staff of Idaho Senator Mike Crapo shortly after he was sworn in as United States Senator. It was there, Madam Speaker, that Valerie says she developed her love for policy analysis and an appreciation for the impact that the Federal government has on the lives of individuals. A brief stint downtown with a health law and lobbying firm confirmed for Valerie that Capitol Hill was where her talents could best be put to use. So in April 2003, Valerie returned to the Hill as a legislative assistant in my Washington, D.C. office, where she faithfully served the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District for the next seven years. Through those years, Madam Speaker, Valerie provided essential guidance to me on several historic legislative measures, including the Medicare Modernization Act and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I and my staff celebrated when Valerie and Pat welcomed their first child in 2005--a daughter, Carlson ``Carly'' Jean Henry, named after Valerie, and again in 2009 when their son, Patrick ``Trip'' Timothy Henry III, was born. Carly and Trip are great kids, and fortunate to have such loving parents. Madam Speaker, it is these precious legacies that have lured Valerie away from our beloved House on Capitol Hill to her home in Falls Church, Virginia. I speak for all of Oregon's Second District, and this historic institution, when I say ``thank you'' to Valerie Henry for her selfless and valuable service over these years. Madam Speaker, I will greatly miss Valerie's highly informed counsel and wonderfully infectious personality. And I know the staff will miss the camaraderie that Valerie brought to the office every single day. While we might prefer not to lose her invaluable professional contributions, we are comforted knowing that our friend will never be that far away.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and express gratitude to Erica Chalkley, who dedicated herself in my Washington, D.C. office to serving the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District for nearly three years. In that time, she distinguished herself as a talented young woman who dedicates herself unswervingly to her career, colleagues, and family. Madam Speaker, it's tough enough to lose the only other Duck in my Washington, D.C. office. But much more than that, Erica brought an enthusiasm and positive attitude every day that will be sorely missed. Countless Oregonians have walked through the doors of my Washington, D.C. office and been greeted first by Erica, who made them feel at home during their visit. I received many exuberant ``thank you'' notes over the past few years that specifically mentioned how grateful they were for Erica's hospitality and charm. In a sense, what they were really saying is that Erica made their experience in our nation's capital even better. That's no small feat. In a city with so many memorable museums, landmarks, and attractions, it says quite a bit that her service left such a lasting impression during what for many is a very special and personally fulfilling trip to Washington, D.C. My colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee would certainly appreciate this example of Erica's hard work and dedication to the team. When the health care bill was brought up for a markup in the committee last summer, my senior policy advisor on health care issues was out of the office on maternity leave. So Erica stepped in to pinch hit for, essentially, her first Major League at-bat. Madam Speaker, that marathon markup on the 2,032-page bill was Erica's very first hands-on experience in the committee process. Without missing a beat, she dove headfirst into the complicated new policy implications of this massive piece of legislation. Put in a similar position, many others might have been intimidated by the pressure and greatly elevated stakes. She held more than her own, even helping me successfully attach several amendments important to rural Oregon to the committee version of the bill. As I'm sure you can imagine, Madam Speaker, it is bittersweet to lose a member of the team like Erica. On the one hand, it is never easy to replace someone who brings to the table an outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and commitment to public service. But on the other hand, it's impossible not to be happy for her as she enters what will no doubt be a very exciting stage of her life. While Erica is leaving Capitol Hill, she is entering a private professional organization where she will continue to remain deeply involved in public policy work, something that I know is a priority for Erica. Beyond her professional growth, Erica recently became engaged to Danny Fernandez, a fellow Oregonian and former staffer for Senator Gordon Smith. They plan to marry next year, and I couldn't be any happier for the both of them--even if Danny hails from the wrong side of Oregon's Civil War. In all seriousness, they are two wonderfully talented individuals, and I wish them the very best as they go down the very exciting path before them. Erica also became an aunt for the first time just a couple of short weeks ago. It must have been near torture for Erica to wait a week before heading down to Georgia to see the new addition to her family, but her pride in her sister and baby Seth has been evident ever since she announced the happy news. Madam Speaker, I've already noted how constituents have showered praise upon Erica for her work. Just as importantly, I'd wager that if you polled my staff and the professionals who regularly come and go through my office, they would tell you that having the privilege to interact with Erica makes every day that much better. The world could always use a few more people like that. I can't think of many higher compliments.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker and colleagues, you may be familiar with the Angels in Adoption program that provides Members of Congress an opportunity to recognize individuals, couples or organizations that have made and extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of adoption and foster care. This year I am proud to select Brian Morton as the recipient of this year's Angels in Adoption Award for Oregon's Second Congressional District. Madam Speaker, the people of southern Oregon hold a deep appreciation for Brian Morton. As a well-known and respected news anchor at Medford's ABC television affiliate, KDRV, Brian has developed a special program dedicated to raising awareness about the community need to find adoptive and foster families. During the monthly feature, ``Wednesday's Child,'' Brian and KDRV produce personalized segments on children who are eligible for adoption. Normally, potential adoptive families have little more than one photo and a minimal amount of text description on children available for adoption. But in ``Wednesday's Child,'' the children are featured in poignant everyday activities where their stories are shared in a sensitive and heartfelt manner. Madam Speaker, the response to ``Wednesday's Child'' has been so overwhelmingly positive that potential families from all over the United States have sought to adopt the featured children. In some cases, relatives, who were previously unknown, were able to get in contact with the children. Because of Brian's dedication, adoptive children throughout southern Oregon now have a better possibility of finding loving families and a brighter future. Yet Brian's dedication to the cause of adoptive children does not wane when the cameras are turned off. With his wife, Laurie, they have remained involved in the community at large. Brian has served on the board of directors at CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jackson County. The work of Brian, Laurie, and Angels in Adoption helps raise public awareness about the need for adoptive and foster families. Every child deserves an opportunity to have a loving and supportive family, and Brian and Laurie are making sure that occurs one family at a time. For that, Madam Speaker, they deserve our deep appreciation. It is an honor to have the privilege to recognize Brian Morton before the United States House of Representatives. I salute Brian for his selfless deeds and great acts of charity, and believe that all Americans can learn from his benevolence and commitment to adoption.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share with you the deep appreciation that I and the people of the Klamath Basin hold for Dave Solem, the manager of the Klamath Irrigation District. Those who know Dave admire his considerable knowledge, skill, and leadership abilities. You can always rely on Dave to have the informed perspective and good judgment to find solutions that make a difference. It is with mixed emotions that I join my fellow Oregonians in bidding Dave farewell as he leaves the Klamath Basin for a new career. After 28 years of managing the Klamath Irrigation District, Dave is leaving to become the general manager of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Pasco, Washington. Dave's departure is a great loss for those of us who hold Klamath Basin agriculture close to our hearts. Madam Speaker, you may be familiar with the vast agricultural bounty of the Klamath Basin. Known worldwide for its superior food and forage crops, the success of the basin depends on the conservation and delivery of water. Dave's contributions to irrigated agriculture have been unmatched. As the general manager of the Klamath Irrigation District, Dave earned a stellar reputation as a leader, organizer, and team player, overseeing all aspects of operation and maintenance of a complex irrigation and drainage system. The Klamath Irrigation District is a major enterprise consisting of irrigation and drainage systems that span 400 miles in length. Dave, a professional in every sense of the word, managed major water projects during his tenure, including the $14 million A-Canal Fish Screen and Headworks Construction, the $900,000 A-Canal Tunnel Invert Replacement, the $700,000 Miller Hill Pumping Plant Replacement, and the $350,000 Adams Siphon Construction. Madam Speaker, Dave knows the value of water and has spent a career managing that precious resource for all uses. Klamath Irrigation District, under Dave's leadership, has been committed to ongoing efforts to conserve water, including several miles of canal piping, the automated telemetric control system of all of the head gates and major canals, and, most recently, the initiation of a GIS mapping and monitoring system for the district. Dave has served as director of the Klamath Water Users Association, including two terms as president. He was frequently the voice of irrigated agriculture in state and federal forums. He distinguished himself in his time at the Klamath Water Users Association by receiving their Leadership Award three times, and was praised for the strong roles he took in the Klamath River Fisheries Task Force and his participation in addressing issues related to water supply, water quality, herbicide application, tribal trust, the environment, and electric power. Dave is no stranger to Congress, as he has made frequent trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress, Senators, and staff members as well as testify in hearings. He has met with high level agency and administration officials to help them understand that intricacies of water in the Klamath Basin. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Dave and his wife, Julie, Godspeed as they pursue new horizons. Dave will be sorely missed in the Klamath Basin, as he is a man of extraordinary character and honesty who has served the irrigators in the Klamath Reclamation Project exceptionally well. Dave may be leaving the area, but the results of his great work will remain, and he will always be our friend.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the great Oregon tribal leader, Chief Nelson Wallulatum of the Wasco Tribe, who passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2010. He was laid to rest in a traditional Wasco ceremony at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, before the Sun rose that day. He had led his people, and served on the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, for more than 50 years. Chief Wallulatum was 84 years old. Nelson Wallulatum became chief of the Wasco Tribe in 1959. Historically, the Wascos are a tribe of the Columbia River, particularly in the Gorge area, and in modern times they are one of the three tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Pursuant to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs constitution, as chief of one of the three tribes, in 1959 he also became a lifetime tribal council member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, a duty he fulfilled with enthusiasm, dignity and intelligence. As the Wasco chief and a tribal council member, he was steadily and deeply involved in the governance of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs during a period of great history and change in Indian affairs. He was an unparalleled expert in the Warm Springs constitution and the 1855 Tribes of Middle Oregon Treaty with the United States, and fought to preserve and strengthen the sovereign authority of the Warm Springs Tribes across a time that moved from federal policies of Indian termination to today's well-established self-determination and tribal- federal mutual government-to-government relations. As you might imagine, Chief Wallulatum's leadership tasks brought him on many occasions to Washington, DC, to address both the administration and the Congress on the issues of his people and all Indian people. Over the many years, he was well known and respected by members of Oregon's congressional delegation, as well as by congressional leaders in national Indian issues and policy, before whom he often testified. Chief Wallulatum was instrumental in the return of 60,000 acres to the Warm Springs Reservation, securing and developing treaty-protected fishing access sites along the Columbia River to replace those inundated by hydroelectric reservoirs, and the settlement and safeguarding of the Confederated Warm Springs Tribes' water rights. In addition to being a guiding hand in the governance of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, as chief of the Wasco Tribe, Nelson Wallulatum was a principal keeper of the history, culture and traditions of the Wasco people. His authority in these matters was sought by Congress, and was recognized by tribes and their organizations, at whose gatherings he frequently conducted prayers and blessings. Finally, it must be noted that, throughout conducting the affairs of his nation and his people, Chief Wallulatum did so with good humor, wisdom, and kindness. He was a gentleman of strength and dignity, and a historic leader for the Wasco people and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He will be missed. Madam Speaker, I want to thank you and our colleagues for joining me in tribute to Chief Wallulatum.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise on the occasion of Oregon's inaugural Honor Flight journey of 24 of Oregon World War II and Korean War era veterans to visit their memorials here in Washington, DC. On behalf of a grateful congressional delegation, state, and country, I welcome these heroes to our nation's capital where I am honored to host a special recognition event for them. The veterans on this Honor Flight are World War II veterans: Jim Cate, U.S. Marine Corps; Don Daugherty, U.S. Navy; Russell ``Gunner'' Day, U.S. Navy; Al Grant, U.S. Navy; Bob Haskin, U.S. Army Air Corps; Hank Henson, U.S. Army Air Corps; Don Huebsch, U.S. Marine Corps; Anne Laraia, U.S. Air Force; Rocco Laraia Jr., U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force; Ed LeRoy, U.S. Navy; Dennis ``Mac'' McManus Sr., U.S. Army; Paul Miller, U.S. Army; Richard Miller, U.S. Army; Ed Morehead, U.S. Army Air Corps; Marvin ``Bud'' Morss, U.S. Air Force; Al E. Rogers, U.S. Navy; Ken Shideler, U.S. Army; Samuel ``Smitty'' Smith, U.S. Navy; Bill Spencer, U.S. Marine Corps; Don Spencer Sr., U.S. Army Air Corps; George ``Vince'' Stauffer, U.S. Coast Guard; Vyrl ``Ed'' Sweeney, U.S. Army; and Ervin ``Van'' Van Blaricom, U.S. Marine Corps. Madam Speaker, these 24 veterans from Oregon join more than 35,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have traveled to our nation's capital to visit and reflect at memorials built here in their honor. This Honor Flight was made possible thanks to generous donations and contributions from the public to honor these American heroes. We truly can never repay the debt we owe these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who put themselves in harm's way to protect us and our liberty and freedom. The sacrifices made by these outstanding citizens--and the families they left behind--are truly incredible. Without their honor, courage, commitment, and sacrifice, we would not enjoy the freedoms we cherish today. Please join me in thanking these Oregon veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their dedication, commitment, and service to our great nation. May God bless them and may God Bless America.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. I want to thank my colleague from California for his comments. Madam Speaker, I guess the question I would have is: Is there anything in our rules that would prohibit the Clerk from just doing this without legislation, without a resolution? Has anybody just asked the Clerk to do this? Do you know?

Mr. WALDEN. It would seem to me that the Clerk works for the House, and if the majority party just wanted to ask the Clerk to put a link on the Web site, it should be able to be done. It shouldn't be a problem. Besides that, I want to get to the real issue here, which is: Where is the budget? You know, taxpayers every April 15 are required by law to file their taxes, and this Congress is supposed to come up with a budget. If you go back to 1974, which is when the Budget and Impoundment Control Act was passed, every year, the House has had at least a vote on a budget-- not always on time, but at least you've always had a vote. We don't even have a budget. So we're spending time here arguing about whether the Clerk should link to the CBO site when we ought to be having a real debate on America's future and on a budget. When I was home over this break, I talked to a lot of Oregonians who are fearful and angry about the runaway deficit spending. They understand the implications on their kids and on their grandkids. They don't believe Washington is listening, and I think this is an example of that. We're having a debate on something which, I think, the Clerk could probably do of her own volition. Certainly, the Speaker could ask her to, and I don't think anybody would object. It just doesn't make sense to me. So you don't have an appropriations bill moving. You don't have a budget coming. We can name post offices and we can honor sports teams, but we can't address the very problem that is costing us jobs in America. I was a small business owner for nearly 22 years. The pressure from this government on the back of small business is killing jobs, and it is keeping people away from creating jobs. The high taxes, the high regulations, the uncertainty in the marketplace are costing the economy and jobs.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, if we talk about national security and intersecting those who do harm, the first thing we ought to talk about in this Congress at this time is where's the budget. As the budget chairman has said, if you can't budget, you can't govern. That was 4 years ago. Taxpayers have to pay their taxes every April 15. Congress was supposed to have a budget April 15. Not since 1974 when the Budget Act was written has the House failed to even consider a budget. And the budget that we need to consider needs to deal with deficit spending, deficits of $1.4 trillion, $1.6 trillion, and a trillion dollars every year added to the Nation's debt and to our kids' and grandkids' future. The budget being put forward by the President doubles the Nation's debt in 5 years and triples it in 10. This is unsustainable. We will look like Greece. We will look like Spain. The budget-busting deficit that's being created is horrible for our kids and grandkids. It will not be good for this country's security. It is awful for our children's future. Let's get a budget that reduces wasteful Washington spending.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, the Speaker of the House told the National Association of Counties a while back that Congress needed to pass the health care bill so we could find out what's in it. Well, we are finding out now. The Chief Actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the independent scorekeeper of legislation like this. Their report that they just issued said half of all seniors in America who are on Medicare Advantage plans, half, are going to lose that coverage under the bill that was signed into law. Well, that's a big problem for seniors in Oregon. Oregon has had one of the highest penetration rates in the United States of seniors who wanted Medicare Advantage and signed up for it. I was out in Ontario, Oregon, not long ago, and the seniors there raised their hands and said, ``Why are they taking away the Medicare Advantage I have?'' We now know under this independent evaluation half of them will lose that care, 38,000 seniors in my district alone. We need to repeal and replace this law that was jammed through this Congress, Mr. Speaker.