I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act

Choices regarding health care are some of the most personal decisions we make. The ability to choose one’s doctor and decide on a course of treatment with one’s physician is an undeniable American right, and so is access to quality affordable health care.

Most of us can agree that our current health insurance system is broken. The cost of health insurance has skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many families struggling to afford coverage or forcing them to go without. Others are denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions, saddling them with terrible medical debt when they need treatment. These problems, along with other factors, have led to nearly 50 million Americans without any health insurance, 71,000 of whom live in my district. I urge passage of this bill.

Small Business Financing

I rise today in strong support of the Peters Amendment to H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act.

Capital is what allows small firms to grow their businesses, hire new employees and generate the economic activity that drives recovery. But ever since the near collapse of the financial industry, small business capital markets have been nearly frozen, making it more difficult for businesses to expand and hire workers. These problems are particular pronounced in areas of high unemployment, which face greater barriers to economic recovery.

The Peters amendment will make important changes to existing small business programs in high unemployment areas. Firms in these areas would qualify for an additional $25,000 in loans and an extra 6 months loan deferment.

For areas like my hometown of Flint Michigan, which is currently struggling with a near 30% unemployment rate, these changes are crucial. Small firms have long been the engine that drives economic recovery in our nation, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all new jobs.

I urge adoption of this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time.

Cash for Clunkers Legislation

"I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2751, the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act. This bill will provide incentives for the purchase of new, more fuel efficient vehicles, helping to revitalize our auto industry, preserve jobs and clean up our environment.

The need for this bill could not be greater. As we all know too well, our domestic auto industry has been suffering a prolonged downturn - and our families are feeling the effects. The recent bankruptcy filings by Chrysler, General Motors and others, further underscore the critical need for action.

H.R. 2751 will provide consumers with up to $4,500 in vouchers for trading in their old vehicles and purchasing new, more fuel efficient models. Not only will this provide a much needed boost to the auto industry, including manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, but it will help preserve jobs in our communities.

Additionally, we will be working to clean up the environment while reducing our demand on foreign oil.

I have always said that what America drives, drives America, and I am committed to a strong and vibrant domestic auto industry. This legislation will help us get through this difficult time and help get our auto makers back on the path to being the economic engine that has driven the American economy."

21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - May 13, 2009

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the 21st Century Green High-Performing School Facilities Act.

I was very pleased to join Congressman Chandler, the chief sponsor of this bill, my committee chairman, Chairman Miller, and Congressman Loebsack, an effective and creative member of the Education and Labor Committee, to cosponsor this bill.

This legislation will bring critically needed resources to schools around the country, to provide students and teachers with safe, healthy, modern energy-efficient and environmentally friendly learning spaces. And it would help our local, State, and national economies by creating jobs for thousands of workers to build these improvements.

Mr. Chairman, some years ago in Flint, Michigan, my hometown, a judge ordered a jail to be torn down because it was unfit for human occupation, yet many local educators at that time told me that that jail was in better shape than some of the schools in which they work hard every day.

Last Congress, we passed this bill out of the House with strong bipartisan support. I am confident that we will do the same today, and I look forward to working with my colleague to see it become law.