John Yarmuth

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, last weekend in Louisville, the world- famous Twin Spires of Churchill Downs glowed orange in support of something the hallowed track knows well, a champion. The DeSales High School Colts of Louisville's South End entered the State championship on a streak of dominance, posting six shutouts, and holding opponents to just 9.4 points per game. When they lined up against Newport Central Catholic to play for the title on Saturday, the DeSales defense hadn't allowed a point in 2 weeks. Fueled by three touchdowns from all-time leading rusher Dylan Byrd, two passing scores from quarterback Nathan Roush, and a defense anchored by middle linebacker Matt Bouchard, the Colts overcame a tough opponent 34-26, taking State for the first time in school history. The title caps a remarkable 14-1 season for the Colts, who became only the second South End team ever to win State. For DeSales Head Coach Harold Davis, the title run offered a nice symmetry. Davis was a senior safety on the 1981 DeSales team, one of only two others in school history to play in the finals. The debate over the best Colts team in school history will continue back home, but there is no question this year's team now stands at the top. They might have been outsized through much of the playoffs, but they were never outmatched or outplayed. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join all of Louisville in honoring the DeSales Colts, Kentucky's 2013 Class 2A High School football champions. Go Colts.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, for the past 130 years, Family & Children's Place has been a leader in providing support to Louisville-area families living in crisis and developing national models for service to improve children's academic performances and home lives. Family & Children's Place was established in 1883 to help feed, clothe, and shelter families in need. Since then, it has evolved to meet new needs and challenges facing children and families affected by abuse, neglect, and violence. The organization was among the first in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to recognize the growing problem of child abuse and neglect, and responded by doubling its efforts to ensure at-risk families and those affected have the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive in a safe environment. It has continued to play an instrumental role by establishing the only comprehensive child-friendly treatment and evaluation center for sexually-abused children in the Louisville region. Nationally, Family & Children's Place has created model programs to help teach parenting skills to first-time parents, improve academic success rates for children, reduce the incidence of drug abuse, and ensure stable housing and self-sufficiency for families at risk of homelessness. Today, Family & Children's Place serves a 17-county region encompassing Louisville, Southern Indiana, and the surrounding area. Last year alone, the organization provided assistance to more than 6,500 children and family members, and was able to end the cycle of child abuse for another 1,200 children. Mr. Speaker, as Family & Children's Place embarks on its 131st year of remarkable service, I am confident it will continue to strengthen our community by inspiring and empowering others through its exceptional work. Congratulations to Dan Fox, CEO of Family & Children's Place; Pam Darnell, President; Bill Meyer, Chairman of the Board; and to all the employees and volunteers on 130 years of dedicated service to our community.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, the prior speaker's prayers are about to be answered. Mr. Speaker, my State of Kentucky is a national model for how the Affordable Care Act can make our constituents' lives more secure and their businesses stronger. I would like to share one story. Will Russell is the owner of Why Louisville, a small independent business in my district that specializes in locally designed clothing and art. The father of a 1-year-old, he also has a preexisting condition that led insurance companies to deny him coverage for the past 15 years. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, beginning January 1, Will and his wife and son will be covered under a plan they found on Kynect, Kentucky's health insurance exchange. Will estimates his family will save $300 a month. Add that to the peace of mind that comes with knowing he will never face medical bankruptcy and the threat of losing his thriving business just because he didn't have access to insurance. He has been so pleased with the ease and affordability of Kynect that he is now exploring coverage for his employees for the first time through the State's small business exchange. Mr. Speaker, Will's story is one among millions of Americans who are finding expanded care through the Affordable Care Act. To quote Will: It's going to be a new day for my family, for me, and so many people just like us in Kentucky and throughout the country.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, opponents of the Affordable Care Act in Congress have spent the past few weeks reveling in the problems of the Federal exchange Web site, healthcare.gov. In my State of Kentucky, where we have created our own exchange, we have had tremendous success. As of last week, nearly 415,000 people had explored the Web site and assessed their options. More than 42,000 are now enrolled in health plans, many of them for the first time; and 843 small businesses have begun applying for coverage for their employees, with 309 of them already able to offer coverage to their workers. We are 6 weeks into a 6-month open enrollment period, and while the failures of the Federal health care Web site are frustrating, they are far from fatal. The true danger to the more than 42,000 Kentuckians who have gained coverage under the law--and the hundreds of thousands more who will--is what opponents of the law are proposing in its place: a return to the broken system that failed tens of millions of Americans each year. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues and the American people to keep a healthy perspective. We did not enact the Affordable Care Act to launch a Web site. We did it to ensure that every American has access to affordable, quality care, and we should all work together to accomplish that goal.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, while I hope today is the last day of the senseless government shutdown, I want to share a part of a letter from one of my constituents, Lindsay Smith, a medical student and 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force's Health Professions Scholarship Program. She writes: On October 15, I woke up anxious. I took a shower, ate breakfast, and right before I left for class, I held my breath and checked my bank account--no deposit. I am not getting paid during this ridiculous government shutdown game of chicken. Today, I got to call my electric and cell phone providers to ask for an extension of my mid- month bills. Ensuring I eat has become the most pressing issue in my life. I wish more than anything that I could share my story with those Members of Congress who are keeping this stupid shutdown charade going. The Affordable Care Act has passed all three levels of government. That's how democracy works. Because our elected representatives couldn't think about the big picture and in light of the Republican Party agenda to block anything and everything coming out of the Oval Office, thousands of Federal employees and non-Active Duty military members are having to make the choice between eating and paying bills. The pettiness is messing up people's lives, the people who support and defend you. You should be endlessly ashamed of yourselves. Thank you, Lieutenant Smith, for letting us know and for reminding us of the impact of our actions on real lives.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, the last thing Congress needs is more special interest candidates who don't answer to the American people; and yet this morning, the Senate minority leader and his big money allies in the Republican Party once again asked the Supreme Court to give billionaires more influence on public policy through our elections. If this effort succeeds, individuals would be permitted to give as much as $3.5 million each to candidates and parties next year in addition to the already unlimited amounts they can spend independently. It should go without saying that the number of people who are able to contribute on this scale is minuscule, but the ranks of those who would be affected by this deluge of money cannot be overstated. It is simply not possible to turn up the volume on the already amplified voices of a few wealthy donors without drowning out the millions of Americans already struggling to be heard. The fact is we will never have a fair and balanced budget or a more equitable tax system while the well off and well connected are allowed to control Members of Congress. Mr. Speaker, this is not the Republic the Framers intended. When they created Congress and when the people approved the 17th Amendment, appointing themselves the electors of the Senate, they wanted to ensure government was accountable to the people it serves. The more we undermine campaign finance laws, the further we get from that fundamental principle.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, today I have the distinct privilege of recognizing and celebrating Actors Theatre of Louisville on its 50th anniversary season. As the state theater of Kentucky and a force of tremendous influence on the national stage, Actors Theatre has long been a source of pride and distinction for the people of our community and the Commonwealth. Since its formation in 1963, Actors Theatre has transformed from a scrappy collective headquartered in a tiny downtown loft to one of the nation's premier artistic institutions and a staple of the city's downtown revitalization. Its world-class collection of theatre artists and administrators have introduced more than 400 new, original plays into the American theater canon, and they continue to defy even the highest expectations. Actors Theatre also hosts one of the most exciting, innovative, and inspiring festivals in America. The Humana Festival of New American Plays is one of the precious few institutions in American arts where new work can meet its full expression, and where creativity is rewarded with the appreciation of our great city. Whether it is debuting Pulitzer Prize-winning plays or 10-minute shorts, Actors Theatre remains a preeminent player in American drama and an unparalleled cultural asset for our community. On behalf of the Third Congressional District, I wish Actors Theatre continued success and look forward to another 50 years of inspiring performances.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my friend from Florida for his kind remarks. It was a wonderful competition. I would like to blame redistricting on the reversal of fortune that we've had over the last 2 years; but I can say in all honesty that it was a phenomenal competition and, more importantly, it was a very civil and friendly competition with a great deal of mutual respect and a great deal of humor and fun in a day that was documented last night on Golf Central on the Golf Channel. As my friend said, the most important thing is that we are raising money for a very important charity that has done phenomenal work throughout the country. I want to congratulate the Republicans for retaining the cup and congratulate my own team for a valiant effort. I must remind everyone that we didn't lose, we tied, and that we will get back at it next year and try to steal that cup from the Republicans where it rightfully belongs. Once again, thank you very much to the Republican team. Thanks also to the sponsors, and primarily to The First Tee for the great work that they do.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, literacy is the foundation for success in every aspect of our economy and society. Research clearly demonstrates that a literacy-rich environment starting in early childhood is a critical prerequisite for high school graduation, college success, and career readiness; but according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, two-thirds of all fourth and eight graders do not read at a proficient level. Underachievement in literacy at all educational levels contributes significantly to our Nation's high dropout rate, which costs the country hundreds of billions of dollars and squanders the potential and contribution of each student who drops out. That is why today, along with my colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), I am introducing the Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation Act. The LEARN Act provides a strong Federal investment for States and localities to develop and implement comprehensive literacy plans for children from birth through the 12th grade. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the LEARN Act in order to help ensure today's students are prepared to lead the workforce of the future and to keep our Nation at the forefront of the global economy.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, when women succeed, our economy grows, our communities prosper, and our Nation thrives. And yet, 50 years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, some in Congress seem content to let the pay gap between men and women continue. Back in 1963, women earned 59 cents on average for every dollar a man took home. President Kennedy called that ``unconscionable.'' Meanwhile, about 1 in 10 mothers were their family's primary breadwinners. Five decades later, the number of female breadwinners has quadrupled. And yet women take home only 77 cents for every dollar a man earns for the same job. In 50 years, we've made 18 cents of progress. Congress hasn't updated the Equal Pay Act since President Kennedy signed it into law. The Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen that law, adapt it to a much different American workplace than what we had in the sixties, and put us back on a pathway to pay equity in the workforce. Equal pay isn't just a women's issue--it's a family issue, it's an economic issue, it's a community issue, and it's also an issue that Congress has ignored. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act and help guarantee equal pay for equal work.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall 179 on final passage of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, my vote was incorrectly recorded as ``yes.'' I intended to vote ``no.''

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, as the reckless across-the-board cuts in Federal spending known as ``sequester'' continue, I want to share a letter I received from my constituents, Leslie and Brian Tucker: After being robbed by our home lender during the mortgage modification fiasco, my wife took a job with Jefferson County Public Schools and turned it into a career. She earned a certificate in childhood development and went to work at Duvalle Learning Center in Early Childhood Education as an assistant. After hard work, she rose to a lead teacher position. I am a union steel worker with bad insurance. We have three children together--the youngest is 13 months, the oldest is 16 years old. My wife recently was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and will require an expensive procedure to fix it. The news of her sequester-caused layoff hit us especially hard, as it seems every time we get ahead a step, something knocks us back down. Middle class life now requires two incomes. Without my wife's job, we will undoubtedly end up drawing some sort of assistance. If Congress can fix travel delays with the stroke of a pen, then helping my wife and the other teachers in Louisville being laid off should be a walk in the park. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to listen to the Tuckers and end sequestration.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, opponents of comprehensive immigration reform will do anything to stop progress in today's world. Now they're using the terrorist attacks in Boston to somehow draw some connection between those events and the problems that really plague our immigration system. There is no connection, but problems still remain. We still have to secure our borders. We still have to make sure that employers are only employing legal Americans. We still have 11 million undocumented people in this country. We don't know why they're here or who they are. We still need seasonal workers for many economic activities. We still need highly skilled workers--engineers and technicians--some of whom have been trained here but cannot work here. We still have people overstaying their visas, and we still have the problem that we need to increase the flow of immigration to stimulate our economy. Delaying immigration reform will only weaken our economy and make us less safe. It is much better that we know everyone who is in our country, why they're here, and make sure they're paying taxes and contributing to American society. We need to pass immigration reform now.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, this is what my constituent, Barbara Kelty, wrote to the Louisville Courier-Journal this morning: While polls continue to say that a majority of NRA members and a sizable majority of the American people support background checks and a majority of citizens support limiting magazine size, a majority in Congress at this point apparently does not favor either. How can that be? To me, it is evident that these Members of Congress do not feel obligated to us, the people who elected them, whom they represent. Rather, they feel beholden to the gun lobby which fattens their campaign chests. And it is obvious that the gun-making industry, which does not condone or support gun violence, benefits from the emotional rush of citizens exercising the right to buy protection for their families after these tragedies. We, the citizens, must do our bit to lobby Congress and remind them that our will takes precedence. Ms. Kelty is right. In Kentucky, three out of four people support background checks for every gun sale. More than 90 percent of the American people, and three-quarters of NRA members, support background checks, which have stopped nearly 2 million people from illegally buying guns. Still, 40 percent of guns are purchased without a background check. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to listen to the vast majority of Kentuckians and the American people and support background checks.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the University of Louisville Cardinals, who went to a second straight Final Four this season and returned home national champions. Going into the NCAA tournament, the question was whether the Cards' stifling defense would be enough to win it all. Well, we'll never know, because the country's best defense became the best offense too, shooting 52 percent to a tournament best 79.5 points per game. That's more than crazy. It's ``Russdiculous.'' They said he never met a shot he didn't like; but during the past month, Russ Smith hardly took a shot he couldn't make, setting Louisville's new tournament-scoring record and earning the respect and affection of a city. The All-American, regional MVP, and defensive phenom no longer cares who's scoring, as long as the jersey reads Louisville. When these guys say the team motto ``Louisville First, Cards Forever,'' they mean it. We saw it when the team rallied around their injured teammate, Kevin Ware, as he courageously repeated, ``I'm fine, just win the game,'' before being carted off the court during the Elite Eight. We saw it when they came together to ``Win for Ware.'' But before that, the Cards won with Ware. On this team, Kevin was one of eight Cardinals to score double figures in a tournament game. That doesn't even include the players who set this team off on some of the year's most unlikely and electrifying rallies. Walk-on Tim Henderson scored six of his season's 22 points in 45 seconds to cut a late 12-point Final Four deficit in half. All year, Stephen Van Treese snatched rebounds from future NBA big men, denied them in the paint, and set precision picks strong enough to stop a truck. And freshman Montrezl Harrell provided a constant spark off the bench, his unrelenting effort the only thing close to matching his natural ability. Peyton Siva embodies the ``Louisville First'' spirit. Happier setting up his teammates than knocking it down himself, Peyton reminded the Nation he can also drop 18 points on the Player of the Year in the championship game. Unselfish, but a thief, he'll graduate with the school record for steals in a season and career. Big man Gorgui Deing is unselfish, too. Louisville's record-setting shot-blocker and monster rebounder used his jump shot to pull defenders and find teammates for six assists in the championship game--three to Chane Behanan, who tied Louisville's single-season dunk record, officially making him the latest doctor of dunk. Cutting down the nets in Atlanta was great, but they should give Chane the backboards because he owned them all night. This team also showed tremendous perseverance. Wayne Blackshear overcame two shoulder injuries to reach the starting lineup. And it's a good thing: he hit threes to start the Cards' scoring in both championship halves. But the Final Four's breakout star was its most outstanding player, Luke Hancock, who scored his career-high in the semifinal and then broke it 2 days later. Luke didn't use the force; he was a force. And nothing would stop him from winning for his father, for Kevin Ware and, as always, for Louisville. That's what Coach Rick Pitino taught this team, the master motivator, who's done everything this week but cartwheels on the Moon, built a team and mentored men we should be proud of. And like Pitino, Jeff Walz will tell you this isn't about one person or even one team. It's about a program and a community. Trust him. That mad scientist led U of L's women to four straight NCAA tournament upsets, including what is considered to be the biggest upset in college basketball history. Behind the jaw-dropping plays of Shoni and Jude Shimmel, sharpshooting of Antonita Slaughter, tenacity and skill of Sara Hammond, Sherrone Vails, and Bria Smith, and the unbelievable toughness of Monique Reid and Shelby Harper, the national runners-up crashed nearly every party around. These players and coaches define an extraordinary program. Only three coaches in NCAA history have gone to a men's and women's basketball final in the same season. Louisville is the first to add a BCS Bowl victory to the mix. But if you think it's the last, you don't know Athletics Director Tom Jurich. With sparkling new facilities, outstanding coaches, and stellar student athletes in competition and class, Tom has every U of L sport at the top of their game and climbing. The university and the community have thrived along with them, continuing a proud tradition that began with Peck Hickman and rocketed to the top under the great Denny Crum. I'm honored to congratulate the University of Louisville for its unparalleled winning streak, capped off by the Cards' third Men's Basketball National Championship. Go Cards.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, sequestration has been in effect for 41 days, and already it is hurting American families. Just outside my district at Fort Knox, more than 5,000 civilian employees face at least 2 weeks of furlough because of these indiscriminate cuts in Federal spending. A constituent of mine whose husband is a military technician for the Kentucky National Guard said her family will lose close to 20 percent of their income because of furloughs. He is one of at least 460 technicians in my district who will be furloughed. I've talked with a school principal who's forced to lay off special education teachers because of sequestration. I've met with local social service organizations who are concerned that sequestration will eliminate entire Federal grant programs, jeopardizing jobs and essential services for Louisville families. And officials at the University of Louisville are worried that cuts to their research will interrupt lifesaving medical advances. Mr. Speaker, sequestration was a threat, not a policy. That's why I voted against it. It now is clear that the real threat of sequestration is to middle class families who can least afford another recession. Congress should enact a budget that eliminates sequestration and spares even more American families the pain of this ill-advised austerity.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago, the Ford Motor Company began assembling automobiles in a small facility at 931 South Third Street in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. There, 17 employees built as many as 12 Model Ts a day. A century later, Ford remains an integral part of the economic, social, and cultural heritage of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Between the recently retooled Louisville Assembly Plant and the Kentucky Truck Plant, Ford now employs more than 8,500 people in Louisville, where it continues to innovate and expand. On the road to that success, Ford and the River City have passed countless milestones together. It was generations ago in Louisville when Ford began using the new automotive integrated assembly line, changing the old manner of building one car at a time and beginning a new era of industrial progress and growth. It was in Louisville where one of the largest auto-worker union Locals in the nation, Local 862, was chartered on June 23, 1941, as the first United Auto Workers--Committee for Industrial Organization Local in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To this day, Ford and UAW maintain a strong relationship that has been critical to its success. It was in Louisville where a revitalized Ford met the postwar economic boom with the debut and production of the 1949 Ford, the first vehicle integration of body and fenders, which would set the standard for auto design in the future. It was in Louisville where Ford built the South's biggest manufacturing facility under one roof, and then built a bigger one in 1955--the one-million-square-foot Assembly Plant at 2000 Fern Valley Road--and, again, in 1969, built the largest truck plant in the world, the Kentucky Truck Plant on Chamberlain Lane. And it was in Louisville where, facing a changing economy and an uncertain future for American manufacturing, I worked closely with Ford leadership and then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to secure federal investments that would enable Ford to retool the Louisville Assembly Plant, hire more than 3,000 new workers, and begin making the vehicles of the future. Today, the Louisville Assembly Plant is the largest Ford facility in North America, employing nearly 4,800 people who are producing a 2013 Escape every 44 seconds--faster and more efficiently than any other in Ford's history. The company supports tens of thousands of jobs throughout our region, helping strengthen Louisville families and our entire economic community. And in Louisville, we have shown the nation that the best days of American manufacturing haven't passed us by--they are signposts on the road ahead. Mr. Speaker, as Ford Motor Company moves into the next 100 years of manufacturing in Louisville, I am confident they will continue to build on their impressive legacy, sustain our highly skilled Ford-UAW Louisville workforce, and work with leaders throughout our community to continue building innovative, world-class, high-quality vehicles for generations to come. Congratulations to John Savona, Plant Manager of the Louisville Assembly Plant; Joe Bobnar, Plant Manager of the Kentucky Truck Plant; Steve Stone, Louisville Assembly Plant Building Chairman for the UAW- Local 862; Scott Eskridge, Kentucky Truck Plant Building Chairman for the UAW-Local 862; Todd Dunn, President of the UAW-Local 862; and to all the employees and retirees of Ford Motor Company on 100 years of success in Louisville.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of UPS Airlines, which on January 25, 2013, celebrates 25 years of exemplary service. This anniversary date marks an inauspicious beginning. A quarter- century ago, the Federal Aviation Authority offered its initial approval of the UPS Air Carrier Operating Certificate. Starting with two DC-8s, UPS Airlines would quickly become one of the largest airlines in the world. And with Worldport, UPS Airlines' innovative international hub, they have helped make Louisville, KY--my District and hometown--a global leader in logistics. Today, United Parcel Service delivers more than 15 million packages every day in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. And Louisville's Worldport has revolutionized American logistics through technological advancements that are the envy of innovators across the globe. At Worldport, more than 20,000 local employees process 416,000 packages an hour in a facility the size of 90 football fields. The operation is as extraordinary as it is expansive. Not only have UPS Airlines and Worldport made Louisville a world leader in logistics; the company has been pivotal in generating economic development throughout our community. Countless businesses have moved to Louisville and are now thriving because of what UPS Airlines brings--and ships out. And through the Metropolitan College partnership with the University of Louisville and Jefferson Community and Technical College, UPS has provided more than 2,600 employees tuition reimbursement since 1998. Good corporate citizenship means creating high-quality, good-paying jobs and new economic opportunities for communities. But it also means contributing to the greater whole, whether through strategic investments or programs that help expand opportunity beyond the walls of any single institution. UPS and Worldport have spent decades providing a model for corporate citizenship in Louisville. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this corporate leader on the 25th anniversary of UPS Airlines.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, after the massacre of 20 children and six educators in Connecticut, we've heard the predictable rantings of people who are convinced beyond all reason and evidence that the Federal Government intends to take their guns away. I am sad that they have succumbed to the fear-mongering of the National Rifle Association and others who really only want to sell more guns. It's more than sad. Frankly, it's dangerous when a government leader stoops to the same fear-mongering for political purposes. Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's campaign sent out an email titled, ``Watch out. They're Coming for Your Guns.'' Among the email's dishonest claims was this blatant distortion: President Obama is spelling out the 23 different executive orders he will take to get your guns. Those 23 executive actions are so modest that even gun rights activists have said they have no problem with them. In fact, many of them reflect proposals made by the NRA. Even if we give Senator McConnell the benefit of the doubt as to whether he actually knew what his campaign manager was putting out, he is responsible, as we all are, for what our employees do in our name. I call on Senator McConnell to apologize to his supporters, some of whom are my constituents, for stoking totally irrational and unjustifiable fear.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 2013 Sugar Bowl Champion, University of Louisville Cardinals. From Muhammad Ali's opening toss, this game was destined for greatness. The Cards followed the Champ's lead by shocking the world. They became the first team in a decade to score a touchdown in the first 15 seconds of both halves en route to the biggest upset in BCS history. Against a team averaging one turnover and holding every opponent below 30 points, the Cards forced three turnovers and reached the 30- point mark a mere 8 seconds into the second half. Facing a defense that had never allowed a touchdown pass of 15 yards or more, Cards quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed two. This team proves what U of L Athletic Director Tom Jurich has said for years: ``If you doubt Charlie Strong--on field or off--you're in for a surprise.'' Coach Strong dedicated the game ball to the fans, who were 30,000 strong in New Orleans. It was a fitting tribute, and I think it's safe to say Card Nation is still on a Sugar Bowl high. This was a great triumph for the University of Louisville and a victory for our whole community. So for the city, the University of Louisville, and this outstanding Cardinal football team, I'm proud to honor the 2013 Sugar Bowl Champion Louisville Cardinals. How sweet it is! I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. YARMUTH. I thank my colleague very much. I appreciate that.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, the American people are looking at Congress with disdain--and rightfully so. With the deadline on the fiscal cliff only hours away, we have failed to reach a reasonable compromise to move the economy forward and ward off painful tax hikes on the middle class. The majority of Americans have sent us a clear message of what they want--a fair tax system, an economy that works for everyone, and a strong social safety net. These are classic American values, and throughout our history Members of both parties have made compromises in order to protect them. Those compromises reflect not just the will of the people but the way normal people do business. Every day of their lives American workers solve problems and collaborate with their coworkers to meet objectives. They don't get to wait until after the deadline passes to get the job done; if they do, they lose their jobs. The American people can't just go home if they don't get their way. And yet that's exactly what House Republican leadership did earlier this month. I hope it's not what they plan to do again this week. Madam Speaker, if my colleagues don't wake up and respond to what the American people want, they will be the ones to ultimately lose their jobs--and rightfully so.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the fiscal cliff, Republicans and Democrats have one major thing in common--we both believe tax rates shouldn't go up on 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. The difference is that Democrats won't use middle class families as a bargaining chip. Today, House Republicans have a chance to show that they are more serious about making good policy than making political hostages of the middle class. We have filed a discharge petition to bring to the floor legislation that preserves tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. It has already passed the Senate. The President says he will sign it immediately. With our deadline less than a month away, the clock is ticking, and if House Republican leadership is wondering when in our pressing schedule we might be able to fully consider this legislation, they might rethink their astonishing decision to cancel House business on Thursday--one of the few days Congress has left in the current session. Mr. Speaker, we know what we must do, and it might come as a surprise that we actually agree on a solution. All that's left is to vote. I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition and to vote immediately to keep middle class tax rates from going up.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues have talked a lot about the importance of finding common ground in negotiations over tax rates and the fiscal cliff. The truth is we do have a lot of common ground. We all believe we should extend the tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. We should be building on that common ground, not arguing over semantics. I'm confident there are more Republicans like Congressman Tom Cole, who has come to the realization that we can and we must provide economic security for middle class families and financial certainty for small business owners immediately. As my Democratic colleagues and I have been saying, that's easy, we should pass the Senate bill to extend current tax rates for middle class families and small businesses. We could do it today. Too often in Washington we confuse principles with policies. And certainly the difference between asking the wealthy to pay their fair share by raising their income tax rate and by eliminating their deductions can't be a matter of principle. That's policy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and Republican leadership to build on our common ground and bring the Senate bill to the floor for a vote.

Mr. YARMUTH

Mr. YARMUTH. Thank you, Mr. Rogers. I appreciate this opportunity. For those of us in the Kentucky delegation, Kentucky always comes first, and I appreciate this opportunity to welcome Tom Massie and his family to the House of Representatives and also to the Kentucky delegation. Tom has very big shoes to fill. He steps in the shoes of Geoff Davis, who honorably served that Fourth Congressional District for a number of years. He now has the responsibility of representing about 20,000 of my former constituents, and I think 15\1/2\ holes of that hallowed golf course which he now has in his district. I want to welcome Thomas and his family, thank them for their service in advance, congratulate them on their election, and also invite Tom to join the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, which is one of the most popular caucuses in the Congress.