Kevin Yoder

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. I thank the gentleman from Utah, and I want to echo the comments of my friend and colleague from Missouri, across the Kansas City border, who so eloquently described the majesty and beauty of the World War I Museum and Memorial that we have in Kansas City. It is truly a national tribute. And to spend time today on the House floor, to take a moment to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed in World War I and to designate this World War I museum the National World War I Memorial is a wonderful moment that I have a chance to take part in, and I want to thank my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, and my colleague from Texas, Mr. Poe, and others who have put so much time and work into this legislation. As has been said, 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary, the centennial anniversary of the Great War. The Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act establishes this centennial commission to ensure that those who served and sacrificed to promote the ideals of liberty and freedom are properly honored for their bravery, and to honor the World War I hero Frank Buckles that Ted Poe and others have so appropriately described today. It's sometimes difficult for Kansas City and Missouri, as Madam Speaker knows, and my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, knows to agree on many things. But it's a nice opportunity for a Kansan to come down and join with my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, and others, to take this moment to honor the World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City which does such a great job of paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women in World War II. I actually had a chance recently to join Mr. Cleaver on Veterans Day when we addressed veterans from multiple wars to talk about the service and sacrifice and, really, the legacy that has continued on for generations in this country of serving our country and many people paying the ultimate sacrifice. So to have a chance to take part in that on Veterans Day with Mr. Cleaver was great, and to be here today to recognize the Kansas City memorial and museum as the National World War I Memorial is a great opportunity. And I want to encourage all of my colleagues to take the time to go out to Kansas City and see this museum. It is top-notch quality; I think you all will be very impressed. I'm pleased to support this legislation today and to recognize that museum and memorial and to ultimately recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in World War I.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. I thank the gentlelady from Illinois for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the legacy of service and dedication of my friend, Kansas Speaker of the House Michael O'Neal. After 28 years, Mike has decided to retire from public service to the people of Kansas. He leaves behind a history of courageous leadership in making smart public policy on behalf of all Kansans. Mike spent his career in the Kansas House notably chairing the Judiciary Committee and the Education Committee before eventually being elected by his colleagues twice as Kansas speaker of the house. While Mike's career in the people's house in Kansas will be remembered for his many notable legislative achievements, his most prominent legacy may be the wonderful friendships and relationships he built along the way. Many of us consider Mike a mentor and true friend, someone you can always count on--a rare quality in politics today. So as the gavel falls for the last time and Kansas Speaker of the House Mike O'Neal closes this chapter of service on behalf of so many appreciative Kansans, I would like to thank him for his 28 years of tireless service to make Kansas the best State in the Nation. Rock Chalk, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is at a precipice. We find ourselves at this point after years of government neglect in addressing the fiscal challenges facing our Nation. With uncontrolled spending, explosive entitlement obligations, and a cumbersome Tax Code, our Nation is drowning in red ink and red tape. Our government is ripe for serious and comprehensive reform. As the end of the year draws near, we have an opportunity to come together as a Congress to create long-term solutions to the challenges facing our country. Band-Aid efforts will not work and will ultimately make our problems worse. We must reform our entitlement programs, we must simplify the Tax Code, and we have to reduce spending and get our budget back in balance. We cannot tax, borrow, and spend our way to prosperity as a Nation; but working together, I believe we can and must arrive at balanced solutions that involve ideas from both parties. Our Nation is better than the partisanship that has blocked needed reform to fix these problems. Mr. Speaker, now is our moment. Together, let's renew the spirit and promise of our great Nation.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, the American people are breathing a cautious sigh of relief now that the long election season is finally over. The House and Senate are both in session, and the American people are watching. We have much work to do and not much time to do it. With unemployment hovering near 8 percent, our economy is still struggling. To get America back on track, we must work together, Democrats and Republicans, to find solutions to our economic challenges. We all know it's not until small businesses begin growing and creating jobs that our economy will recover. The key to our future lies in new start-ups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Working together in a bipartisan way, we can avoid the fiscal cliff, provide certainty to these small businesses, remove barriers to success, and help renew the prosperity of the American people. Last week our constituents spoke, and the mandate they gave us was a mandate to work together. We must listen to them and work with open ears and open minds to arrive at bipartisan solutions to the very serious issues facing our country.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to make note of an important week in the ongoing effort to renew our Nation's economy. This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week. New entrepreneurs and innovators are the key to putting Americans back to work. With two out of every three jobs coming from small businesses, and 100 percent of the net new jobs coming from companies less than 5 years old, these risk-takers are the key to our economic prosperity. Simply put, if they don't grow and expand, then neither will our economy. I was pleased to help celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week this week by addressing many of these budding startups at the Kaufman Foundation in Kansas City. A true gem of the Midwest, the Kaufman Foundation is the world's largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship. Mr. Speaker, we know jobs aren't created by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. They are created by the innovators across our Nation. As we continue to see our economy lagging behind, let's renew our efforts to support startups, innovators and entrepreneurs that take the risks to create jobs.

Mr. YODER

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

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation will create a smarter and more focused immigration system for our country by prioritizing new immigrant visas for the best and brightest foreign students of American universities in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. These fields are the fastest-growing segments of our economy, and retention of these highly skilled American-trained innovators is critical to future economic growth in our country. Rather than giving the boot to students who are American-educated at our best universities, like the University of Kansas, in these advanced fields of study, we should work together to ensure these bright minds can stay here and continue helping to boost our goal of competitiveness rather than returning to their home nation to work against us. Mr. Speaker, by working together in bipartisan fashion to prioritize these students in our national immigration policy, we can boost job creation and improve our economy by allowing the U.S. to retain some of the best and brightest minds.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, just 1 day after the 11th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States of America, sadly the American flag flies at half staff today at the U.S. Capitol once again following the senseless and tragic attack against our U.S. consulate in Libya, which left four patriotic Embassy workers laying dead. Among those murdered include American Ambassador Christopher Stevens, marking one of the rare moments in U.S. history where a U.S. Ambassador is killed representing our Nation abroad. This type of cowardly and brutal attack is an outrage, and those responsible should be swiftly brought to justice. The service of Ambassador Stevens and three other embassy staff will not be forgotten as their service represents everything that our country stands for in promoting peace and democracy and liberty for all peoples across the globe. Mr. Speaker, God bless the brave men and women who serve our country everywhere, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, 11 years ago today, Americans found themselves under attack. We watched with shock and horror as hijacked passenger airplanes were flown both into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. We all remember what we were doing that Tuesday morning when 2,996 innocent Americans were killed in those tragic and unthinkable acts. We also remember the heroic actions of the passengers aboard United Flight 93, who courageously fought the hijackers on their plane and, sacrificing their own lives, ultimately saved countless others. Courage and bravery have long been traits demonstrated by our fellow Americans, from declaring our country's independence to fighting alongside our allies abroad in the name of freedom and liberty. Americans, though, are also resilient. We band together, we pick each other up when we're knocked down, and we endure. In Kansas, we are extremely proud of the men and women in our military that serve our country and defend our freedom and liberty around the globe. Their willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country--their true heroism--is known firsthand only to a small number, but is yet, sadly, far, far too common. The 3rd District of Kansas lost two such heroes this summer as a result of combat operations in Afghanistan. Army Sergeant Mike Knapp was deployed out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord out of Washington State. He was killed in mid-May while bravely serving his country, only 3 days before he was scheduled to return home to Overland Park, Kansas. Also, Private First Class Cale Miller, deployed out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, lost his life in early June when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was a 2007 graduate of Olathe Northwest, where he was a member of both the football and track teams. It breaks my heart each and every time I learn the news of a soldier who has lost his life so our country can continue to live in freedom. As we remember this day, the 11th anniversary of September 11, Mr. Speaker, we remember it by honoring all those innocent lives lost on that tragic day. We also remember the first responders, the firefighters, and the policemen who charged the burning buildings to save lives, ultimately giving up their own in the process. Let us also recall the steely resolve of American patriotism and unity as our country courageously responded against the terrorists responsible for this tragedy. On this day, let us also honor and support all veterans who have served our country. We pay tribute to those fellow Americans who serve in our military, protecting us and ensuring acts, such as those of 11 years ago, never happen again. Our message of thanks is one that cannot be spoken strongly enough. To those who serve, those who lose their lives defending our country, and the families and friends who support them, we are eternally grateful.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say thank you to all those small business owners across America who have used their ingenuity, hard work, and tireless effort at great financial risk to build a business from the ground up. Americans know that jobs aren't created by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. We know that our country's greatest innovators succeed in our American free enterprise system because they pour their hearts and souls into their dreams, overcoming each obstacle placed in their way. In our current economy, Congress should be doing everything it can to minimize the burdens on these entrepreneurs; yet, day by day, new regulations, mandates, and taxes pile up and make it that much harder for these innovators to succeed and harder for them to create good jobs and grow the economy. Mr. Speaker, this morning, as thousands of small business owners rise at the crack of dawn once again to build on the American Dream, we say thank you. It's their hard work and determination, and it's the tireless effort of every working American that has built the most prosperous Nation the world has ever seen.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all the members of our National Guard and Armed Forces Reserves who defend our nation at home and abroad, and to voice my support of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program operated through the Department of Defense. The ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. Members of the National Guard and Reserve bring a strong work ethic, leadership and specialized skills to the civilian workplace, and hiring veterans is a great way employers can show their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of ESGR and their mission to assure that all American employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve forces.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Madam Speaker, many of the smartest minds in America work tirelessly every day to discover a cure for cancer. I am happy to say we will soon take another step towards the ultimate goal of winning the battle against cancer, and it will happen right in the Kansas City community as the University of Kansas Cancer Center will soon receive a National Cancer Institute designation by the National Institutes of Health. This NCI designation at the KU Cancer Center will affirm that the highest quality of cancer research will be conducted at the University of Kansas and that this research will directly lead to improved cancer care and lifesaving treatments across the country. Madam Speaker, nearly 1.7 million Americans this year will be diagnosed with the horrible disease of cancer. It touches all of our lives personally, and we must remain committed as a Nation to ultimately winning this war against cancer. That's why I am proud today to stand in support of the University of Kansas' efforts in this battle and to congratulate all involved for this important milestone.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Madam Speaker, like many of my colleagues, my top priority continues to be job creation in our country. That's why I was so heartbroken with the recent health care decision by the United States Supreme Court. No matter what we think about the impact this law will have on the prevalence of health care in our country, it is not good for small businesses, and it is devastating for job creation. This law creates massive amounts of uncertainty, raises taxes and huge administrative burdens, and places significant new mandates on entrepreneurs and small businesses. Not a recipe for economic recovery. That's why I stand today in support of a repeal of this massive burden on our economy. We need health care reform in this country, no doubt, and I stand ready to work with Members of both parties on a fresh start, a truly bipartisan bill that will actually reduce the cost of care, not simply shift the burden. So let's work together on commonsense reforms. Let's repeal this act, let's give relief to small businesses, and let's get our economy going again.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take a special moment to recognize the birthday of a very special American. Today marks the 101st birthday of my grandmother, Edna Yoder. Born in 1911, my grandmother was raised on a Kansas farm with her many brothers and sisters. Work was hard, and she did her part to raise livestock, grow wheat, and help feed America. I take great pride in my grandmother and those in her generation. Hard work, determination, a focus on family, and deep religious conviction were the values that she and others upheld as they worked to build the most prosperous Nation the world has ever seen. Today on her birthday, my grandmother is a vibrant and healthy 101- year-old. She has an infectious laugh, a cheery disposition, and is kind to everyone she meets. Her love of quilting, the ``Lawrence Welk Show,'' and, of course, board games and bingo keep her time occupied and keep her young at heart. Grandma, you are an inspiration, and we are proud today to congratulate you on the celebration of your 101st birthday.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 68th anniversary of the Allied expeditionary forces landing in Normandy, France, at the start of the end of World War II. The allied invasion of Europe was led by a native Kansan born in Abilene and a truly great American hero, former-President General Dwight ``Ike'' Eisenhower. On the morning of June 6, 1944, General Eisenhower inspired his men to fight for the values of liberty and freedom, stating: Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle hardened. He will fight savagely. Our homefronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory. Good luck. And let us beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. We all remember the tremendous sacrifices the Greatest Generation gave for the cause of freedom and liberty as we mark this solemn anniversary today.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. YODER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Hahn amendment, which strikes a dagger in our efforts to protect our country, our homeland security, from threats to our food system, our agriculture system, and threats to the American people. As horrific as it is to imagine, reports show that one of our greatest vulnerabilities is threats to our food supply, to agriculture. One doesn't have to stretch too far to think how mad cow disease or some other viral spread could grind our economy to a halt and strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. This simply cannot happen. The Hahn amendment, which completely defunds 100 percent of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in this year's appropriations bill, would completely set us back, would make us very vulnerable to threats to our agricultural system from foreign-borne illness and those terrorists who would seek to injure and strike fear in the hearts of Americans. Currently, our country lacks a biosafety level 4 lab needed to keep our food supply safe. Both Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Napolitano have stated that this is a priority, and it has bipartisan support within the administration. Both President Bush and President Obama have supported it. Homeland security is not a partisan issue. We're here today to do what we can to protect the American people. I want to commend the chairman and the committee for their work in ensuring that the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility was properly funded and that we can move forward and continue to protect ourselves from terrorists around the world. I can assure us here today that terrorists are not sleeping. They are not waiting for this committee to debate. They're not waiting for conference committees. They're doing everything they can to strike fear in the hearts of Americans and disrupt our food supply. This weakness is something that we can not continue to let go by. That's why I stand strongly against the Hahn amendment. It's dangerous for our national security. It's dangerous for the American people, and I ask the body to reject it this evening. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a true public servant from the great State of Kansas. Kansas State Representative Bob Bethell represented the 113th District in the State House and hailed from Alden, Kansas, not too far from the farm where I grew up. Representative Bethell served the people of Kansas in the State House for 14 years and was a staunch advocate for education, health, and long-term care. His distinguished career includes serving as mayor of Alden, as a pastor in his community, a school principal, and a director of college admissions. Additionally, Bob was a private business owner, operating long-term health care facilities. I was saddened to learn of the tragic car accident State Representative Bob Bethell suffered while driving home from the Kansas legislature recently on Sunday, May 20. I served with Bob for 8 years in the Kansas House, and I always remembered him as a kind and caring man who never took himself too seriously--always wearing his trademark Mickey Mouse ties. A true public servant. Bob, we're going to miss you.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to join the chorus of those who appreciate the work done on the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Committee. The work by Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop is a true spirit of bipartisanship, and it shows what we're capable of when we work together towards a common goal. It's hard to think of an issue more important than honoring our Nation's veterans, those men and women who stood in the field of battle, who assumed the call of duty, served admirably, protecting our Nation and protecting freedom and liberty around the world. So this committee and this appropriations bill is important to me. As a freshman member of the committee, I can think of no better place than to be in a position to help advocate for our men and women who serve the country. After that service is concluded, it's our responsibility as a Nation to honor that commitment by ensuring that the benefits are high quality and are there, and that the access is available to those whom it was promised to. I commend the committee for working with the Veterans Affairs Department and other areas of the government to find and ensure that our constituents and folks across this country who served receive the benefits they were promised, and they receive the access and quality and all sorts of things, from physical to mental health care, to our facilities, making sure they're quality facilities, renovated, and that the men and women receive the care that was promised, because these benefits are earned, not given. That's a topic I think that's very near and dear to these veterans is that these services were earned in the field of battle. They were earned through service, and it is our responsibility and our duty to honor that commitment. So I look forward to continuing to work with the committee, look forward to working with Members of both parties as we continue to do all that we can. And I join the efforts of the chairman to ensure that resources are going to the proper spots, that it's being done quickly and adequately, and that we don't have veterans waiting and waiting forever to get the services they were promised. It's our duty and responsibility to honor that commitment, and I am here to stand in strong support of the budget that the committee has put together today.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Commerce- Justice-Science 2013 appropriations bill, our first appropriations bill of the upcoming fiscal year. I'd like to commend the chairman and Members of both parties in their efforts to put together some bipartisan reforms in this legislation, and also to find ways to reduce spending to get our national debt back in line. Like many Americans, I am concerned about the national debt crisis facing this country--almost $16 trillion now in national debt that we've racked up; that is a factor now--and the economic decisions we have to make every day in this country. It will be a burden that we'll pass on to our kids and grandkids for generations to come. So any opportunities that we have to reduce spending and find ways to get our budget back in line should be supported by this Congress as we attempt to become fiscally responsible. We've had a spending epidemic in this city for far too long, many times not finding any cure on this House floor and no support for reducing spending. So I want to commend the committee for actually reducing spending in this legislation below the 2008 levels, below the pre-stimulus levels, to try to put us back on a track towards fiscal responsibility. It used to be in Washington the idea that a spending cut was not getting the amount of increase that you requested. You requested a 3 percent increase, you only got a 2 percent increase, and an agency felt they were cut. So we're turning that on its head. We're changing the course of business in this town and actually reducing spending from one year to the next, and it's a good first start. Certainly, there are many miles to go and additional reductions to make in all areas, but this legislation heads us in the right direction, and it does so in a responsible way. Not only does the legislation reduce spending, but it re-prioritizes spending to those things that have the greatest value to the American people and make the greatest impact on the economic challenges our country is facing. Not only does it increase support for the FBI and different law enforcement agencies, but it also supports the National Science Foundation with an increase in spending, the Commerce Department, and our Trade and Patent Offices, those types of bottleneck agencies that make a difference on whether small business owners, entrepreneurs can create jobs and grow and expand the economy. So we need to get Washington out of the way and create these efficiencies, and this legislation goes in the right direction towards cleaning up some of those problems and supporting the programs that have the greatest impact by re-prioritizing spending. So if you're focused like I am on reducing spending, like many Americans are on this national debt crisis, but you also want to see Washington spend less resources on endless bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., and more on the types of programs that help Americans back home, this is the right type of legislation; it strikes the right balance. My hope is that the two political parties can work together to support this legislation. Let's get it moving. And let's start producing the types of priorities and the types of bills that the American people want to see us continue to work on, continue to see us be productive on, working together to reduce the national debt, reduce spending, but finding ways to re-prioritize spending on those things that matter most. I'd like to commend the chairman and the committee for working together.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge everyone's least favorite day of the year, tax day. In 1935, the 1040 Form was accompanied by a two-page instruction booklet. Today, taxpayers must wade through over 200 pages of instructions and a code that extends 4 million words in length and grows daily like an ever expanding blob entangling itself and attaching its burdens to the hopes and dreams of every American. Yet as millions of Americans pay their taxes today, some in this town believe that Washington should actually tax and spend even more of the hard-earned dollars of the American people. Instead, I believe we should first reform the Tax Code and work to control reckless and wasteful spending in the Federal budget. As it's been said: It's not that Washington taxes too little; it's that Washington spends too much. Mr. Speaker, we must focus on reducing the tax burden on the American people, cutting spending here in Washington and working towards a bipartisan plan to reform the Tax Code and simplify it for the millions of taxpaying Americans that are counting on us.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, today, I express my support and recognize March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month. Essential Tremor, commonly known as ET, is a progressive neurological condition that impacts the lives of up to 10 million Americans. Every day those afflicted with this disorder face a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. Daily activities that many of us take for granted, such as eating, drinking and writing, may become unbearable or even impossible. Unfortunately, there is no medical test to easily diagnose this condition and it is often confused with Parkinson's disease and dystonia. In addition, due to stereotypes, embarrassment and a general lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care or treatment. This can lead to more medical issues such as depression or isolation. For these reasons, I appreciate the efforts of my predecessor, Rep. Dennis Moore, who recognized the importance of early awareness of this condition and in 2010 introduced legislation to declare the month of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness month. Today, on the second anniversary of the passage of this legislation, I am happy to do my part to help increase awareness of this debilitating condition. I am honored to represent the home of the International Essential Tremor Foundation in Lenexa, Kansas. The IETF has served as an invaluable resource for thousands of its members since 1988, providing global educational information, services and support. Most of all, the IETF provides hope. Staff, board members and volunteers work tirelessly to empower those with ET in Kansas and across the nation to regain control of their lives by providing educational opportunities, treatment options and coping skills necessary to minimize the impact of ET and improve the quality of life for those who suffer. I commend them for their outstanding efforts and look forward to working together to raise awareness and eventually, find a cure.

Mr. YODER

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

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to again encourage my colleagues to support pro-growth economic policies that can help put Americans back to work. With over 8 percent unemployment and slow economic growth, many Americans are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families. Unfortunately, many of the policies coming out of Washington over the past few years have prolonged this economic stagnation and damaged our recovery. With small businesses creating two out of every three jobs in this country, we need to support policies that keep business taxes down, eliminate costly regulations, and open up new avenues for access to capital. That's why I'm happy to support the JOBS Act. This bipartisan legislation will help new business formation, open up access to capital, and help new businesses create jobs. Madam Speaker, let's work together in bipartisan fashion on the JOBS Act and other legislation, and let's help put Americans back to work.

Mr. YODER

Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to a very special day in our country. Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of Down Syndrome Awareness Day. There are over 400,000 people living in the United States with Down syndrome. This equates to one out of every 700 new babies born in America. Many of us personally know friends and loved ones with Down syndrome. Those with Down syndrome lead active and productive lives, attend school and work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in so many wonderful ways. That's why I am a proud supporter of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, the ABLE Act, and I will continue to do my part to spread the word about this and other important legislation that will help those with Down syndrome have the tools to succeed. Please help me celebrate the importance of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and let's join together to champion every individual in this country, especially those with Down syndrome.