House Proceeding 03-30-09 on Mar 30th, 2009 :: 1:38:00 to 1:58:00
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1:34:30 to 1:38:00( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Patrick J. Kennedy

1:37:45 to 1:38:01( Edit History Discussion )

Patrick J. Kennedy: productive people, and we want them to feel active and alive. and the best way to do that is to make sure that we give them all th this country. and to do that we need to make sure that they get all of the support and they get their checkup from their neck up just

1:38:02 to 1:38:23( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: as they get their checkup i'm glad that this proposal is going forward. an balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from rhode island yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise. mr. scalise: mr. speaker, i yield three minutes the

1:38:05 to 1:41:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Paul Braun, Jr.

1:38:24 to 1:38:44( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: gentleman from georgia, mr. broun. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from georgia, mr. broun, is recognized for three minutes. mr. broun: i thank the gentleman for yielding. mr. speaker, i'm a physician. i've dealt with anxiety and depression in patients throughout my medical career. and it's extremely debilitating -- depression is an extremely debilitating disease. what concerns me at this point

1:38:45 to 1:39:06( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: is that americans today are getting very, very depressed because of this sam roll of socialism that's being forced down this throat, the steam roll of socialism of bigger and bigger government, that's taking money away from small business, it's taking money away from families. they're struggling. we need to do something about the economy.

1:39:07 to 1:39:29( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: americans are hurting. we need to do something about it now. but greater spending and bigger government is not the solution. in fact, we're going to be taking up a budget this week. it's a budget that should cause people great angst here in america. it's a budget that's going to create a tremendous amount of anxiety and depression. more people are going to see

1:39:30 to 1:39:50( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: their doctors and ask for antidepressants and nerve pills because of this budget we're going to see this week that's being presented by democratic jority. we've got to stop it. republicans have offered alternative after alternative, but the leadership of this house won't even consider them. the leadership of this house has said that republicans are

1:39:51 to 1:40:11( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: the party of no and that is absolutely not factual. republicans have offered many alternatives, but they just won't be considered. the american people need to wake up and understand that they're going to become more depressed and become more anxious. they're going to have greater strife within their families. we're going to have more marriages break up because of the budget, in my opinion, that

1:40:12 to 1:40:33( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: we are going to be presented in this house and undoubtedly this house will pass it. but it's going to wreck our economy. america is bankrupt today because of the great spending that's been coming down through the latter part of the bush administration and now in this administration, and we've got to stop it. the american people need to wake up and demand that we have

1:40:34 to 1:40:55( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: a responsible government so that they won't be depressed, so they won't be anxious so we can have a good economy. republicans are offering solutions, commonsense, market-based solutions based on the private sector. and it's absolutely critical that we find those solutions, that we work together, democrats and reblicans alike, to find economic

1:40:56 to 1:41:17( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: solutions to put this country back on the right course. but we are spending too much, we're taxing too much, we're borrowing too much and we're bankrupting america. not only the government but individuals and small businesses. and it has to stop. i call on the american people to write their congressman, wri

1:41:18 to 1:41:39( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: no, we have to have an alternative to this budget. i yield back the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from georgia yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i have no additional speakers. i don't know imy colleague from louisiana does. mr. scalise: no additional on this side, mr. speaker.

1:41:40 to 1:41:41( Edit History Discussion )

Paul Braun, Jr.: the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey.

1:41:42 to 1:42:02( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: mr. scalise: i yield back the balance of my time. yes, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: and i'd do the same. i ask that the bill be passed. the speaker pro tempore: all time having been yielded back, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 20 as amended. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no.

1:42:00 to 1:42:20( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Sheila Jackson-Lee

1:42:03 to 1:42:20( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. mr. broun: mr. speaker, i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from georgia requests the yeas and nays. the yeas and nays are requested.

1:42:21 to 1:42:42( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 and the chair's prior announcem proceedings on this motion will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise? mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules

1:42:25 to 1:44:05( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Frank Jr.Pallone

1:42:43 to 1:43:03( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: the wakefield act. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union calendar number 14, h.r. 479, to amend the public health service act to provide a means for continued improvement in emergency medical services for children. the speaker pro tempore: does as amended? mr. pallone: yes. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the

1:43:04 to 1:43:25( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: gentleman from new jersey, mr. pallone, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, again, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the bill. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. pallone:, and i would -- and i would yield myself for as such time as i may consume.

1:43:26 to 1:43:47( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. pallone: i rise in support of h.r. 479, the wakefield act. every year children from 1 to 19 die, though we have made changes in our system that provide transport for our adults, there's been limited focus on the specialize needs of children. recognizing this gap in knowledge, congress created the emergency medica children grant program in 1984

1:43:48 to 1:44:06( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: which is designed to ensure state-of-the-art emergency medical care for ill or injured children and adolescents. the bill before us today re-authorizes this vital public health program that covers the entire spectrum of emergency medical care. it also allows grants awarded under the emsc program

1:44:07 to 1:44:28( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: four years with an optional fifth year which is an increase of one year over current law. i'd like to thank my colleague matheson, for his hard work on this issue. we passed thisill out the house of representat congress, and i urge us to pass it again this year. mr. speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey, mr.

1:44:10 to 1:45:35( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Steve Scalise

1:44:29 to 1:44:49( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: pallone, reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise. mr. scalise: mr. speak, i rise in support of h.r. 479, the wakefield act. this legislation was introduced by representative jim matheson and was passed by the house last congress. the bill reforms the public health service act to improve emergency medicine services for children. the wakefield act would authorize grants to states and

1:44:50 to 1:45:11( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: medical schools to purchase equipment requiring trauma or critical care. about 31 million children and adolescents visit emergency rooms every year and more than 90% of them are seen in general hospitals, not in children's hospitals that are best equippd to treat them. the bill also requires the seetary of health and human services that are based on scientific

1:45:12 to 1:45:32( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: technology and provide information on health outcomes including cost-effectiveness. i u h.r. 479 and i reserve the balance of my tim the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from louisiana reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone:r. speaker, i have no additional speakers. i woul

1:45:33 to 1:45:36( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: louisiana if he does. mr. scalise: m speaker, i have no people speaking on this

1:45:37 to 1:45:57( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: legislation. so i would yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from louisiana yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i would yield back the balance of my time and ask for passage of the bill. the speaker pro tempore: all time having been yielded back, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 479 as amended. those in favor say aye.

1:45:55 to 1:46:45( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Sheila Jackson-Lee

1:45:58 to 1:46:18( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. . mr. broun: mr. speak a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered, pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, of the chair'

1:46:19 to 1:46:41( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise? mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to h.r. 1259, the dextromethorphan distribution act. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: union yaledumber

1:46:42 to 1:46:46( Edit History Discussion )

Sheila Jackson-Lee: 19, h.r. 1259, the bill to amend

1:46:47 to 1:47:07( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: the drug and cosmetic act with respect to the drug dextromet or faand for other purposes. the speaker pro tempor the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pane lorks enand the gentleman from louisiana, mr. ask leans, each will control 20 minutes. mr. pallone: i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume.

1:46:55 to 1:47:50( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Frank Jr.Pallone

1:47:08 to 1:47:28( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i rise in support of h.r. 1259, the dextromethorphan distribution act. this bill addresses the problems of abuse of this drug particularly by teenagers and young adults. d.x.m. as it is called is an ingredient commonly found in over-the-counter cough medications. en taken as directed there are

1:47:29 to 1:47:49( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: hardly any side effects. this ingredient is often abused, particularly by teenagers and young adults and can result in devastating health effects. the bill amends the cosmetic act to -- to entities registered with the secretary of health and human services. and i want to thank my

1:47:50 to 1:47:50( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: colleague, representative upton,

1:47:51 to 1:48:12( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: for his work on this important bill. i urge us to pass this bill. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise. mr. scalise: thank you, mr. speaker. i rise in favor of h.r. and i would like to thank mr. upton of michigan and mr. lawson of -- learsen of washington for

1:47:55 to 1:49:00( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Steve Scalise

1:48:13 to 1:48:33( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: their work on this important leslation. dextrome author fan is an ingredient found in cough medicine. this ingredient relieves the covinging associated with the cold or flu. cough medicines containg this drug are common and can b obtained without a prescription. while this drug can be safe and effective, if ud as directed,

1:48:34 to 1:48:54( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: it can also be dangerous if taken improperly. the abuse of this drug can cause death as well as other serious adverse effects, such damage, seizure, loss of consciousness, and irregular heartbeat. this legislation would allow the secretary of health and human services to prohibit the distribution of d.x.m. that is in bulk form to any person not

1:48:55 to 1:49:00( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: registered with the f.d.a. it is hoped that these restrictions on the distribution

1:49:01 to 1:49:21( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: of d.x.m. will lower the fonings for its abuse while at the same time protecting access to these needed medications. at this point, mr. speaker, i would like to yield three minutes to m michigan, mr. upton. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from michigan is recognized for three minutes. mr. upton: thank you, mr. speaker. i, too, rise in strong support of this legislation.

1:49:05 to 1:52:10( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Fred Upton

1:49:22 to 1:49:43( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: the dextromethorphan distribution act of 2009. which i introduced to restrict the distribution of this product to entities registered food and drug administration and i want to thank the house leadership for scheduling this bill. i particularly want to thank mr. pallone who are has helped shepherd this legislation a couple of times as we have passed it in the house and yet

1:49:44 to 1:50:06( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: the other body, the senate, has not taken it up in the same rm. we hope that the third time is the charm. but i also want to thank the chairman of the full committee and my good friend and colleague from washington, mr. larsen, for co-sponsoring this again with me. we know that d.x.m. can be and

1:50:07 to 1:50:27( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: is a safe and effective nonnarcotic cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. however safe that these might be used effectively by literally millions of americans every ye, taken in extremely large quantities it does produce a

1:50:28 to 1:50:49( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: high and can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death. so currently there are no restrictions on the distribution of this raw bulk d.x.m. this bill ensures that d.x.m. is used only for legitimate purposes and stays out of the hands of drug dealers and adolescents. the f.d.a. would have the authority to seek bulk d.x.m. if

1:50:50 to 1:51:10( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: found in the possession of anyone not authorized to have it. these measures would cot off the supply chain of unfinished d.x.m. to those purchasing it on the internet to get high or sell it as a street drug. i would note that this act is endorsed by the american pharmacist association, the consumers health care products association, and the partnership

1:51:11 to 1:51:32( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: for a drug-free america. i would note that it's my understanding that the partnership for drug free market believes that perhaps there are hundreds of thousands of young americans misusing this d.x.m. so it is important that in fact we pass this legislation. i'm the father of two.

1:51:33 to 1:51:53( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: i'm alarmed at the growing trend?? of teens abuse cough syrup, particularly this one to get high. our kids are engaging in a game of russian roulette. each time the x.m., and sooner or later someone will die. that's why this bipartisan legislation to try to get it enacted. i would urge a yes vote and i yield back the balance of my time.

1:51:54 to 1:52:10( Edit History Discussion )

Fred Upton: thank you, mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from michigan, mr. upton, yield back the balance of my time. the gentleman from louisiana the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i al yield back the balance of my time. and urge passage of the bill. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his

1:52:11 to 1:52:31( Edit History Discussion )

time. mr. scalise: i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: i yield back the balance of mtime. the speaker pro tempore: all time having been yielded back, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h.r. 1259. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, 2/3 of those voting hang responded in the affirmative -- mr. speaker. the speaker pro tempore: the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to

1:52:32 to 1:52:53( Edit History Discussion )

reconsider is laid upon the table. the gentleman from georgia. mr. broun: i request the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: the yeas and nays are requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, the yabed. -- yeas and nays are ordered. pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 and the chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will

1:52:54 to 1:53:15( Edit History Discussion )

be postponed. for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise? mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to h.r. 1253, the health insurance restrictions and limitations clarification act. the speaker pro tempore: clerk will report the title of the bill. the clerk: h.r. 1253, a bill to require the limitations and restrictions on coverage under group health plans, the timely

1:53:16 to 1:53:36( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: disclosed to group health plans sponsors, and timely communicated to participants and beneficiaries under such plans in a form that is understandable. the speaker prtempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pallone, and the gentlemanrom louisiana, mr. ask lakers each will control 20 minutes much the chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pane lon: mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection.

1:53:20 to 1:54:45( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Frank Jr.Pallone

1:53:37 to 1:53:57( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: mr. pallone: i also ask unanimous consent that in ex change of letters on this bill between the chairman of the committee on energy and commerce and the committee on education and labor be included in the congressional record. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. pallone: i rise in support

1:53:58 to 1:54:18( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: of h.r. 1253, the health insurance restrictions and limitations clarification act. this bill amends the employee retirement income security act, the public health services act, and the internal revenue code to require that limitations on benefits in group health plans are explicit and disclosed to the plan's sponsor and that that

1:54:19 to 1:54:39( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: plan sponsor disclose those limitations to the plan participants and beneficiaries in a timely this legislation would ensure that plan engage in activities such as riding motorcycles, horses, or snowmobiles or any other legal activity that may result in injury understand if their health plan won't cover those injuries.

1:54:40 to 1:54:45( Edit History Discussion )

Frank Jr.Pallone: i would like to thank my colleagues, both representative burgess, dr. burgess, as well as mr. stupak for their work on

1:54:46 to 1:55:06( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: this issue. i ask my colleagues to support the bill. i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from louisiana, mr. scalise. mr. scalise: thank you,r. speaker. i rise in support of h.r. 1253, the health insurance restrictions and limitations clarification act of 2009. this bill will allow purchasers

1:54:50 to 1:55:35( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Steve Scalise

1:55:07 to 1:55:28( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: of health insurance to better understand whathey are buying. at its core this bill is about transparency for the consumer. and that's a good thing. this bill does not in any way alter current insurance coverage requirements or limitations. this bill merely says if an insurer wants to restrict or limit benefits, it must inform their enrollee prior to enrollment that it may so

1:55:29 to 1:55:35( Edit History Discussion )

Steve Scalise: restrict or limit benefits. i wish to commend congressman burgess and stupak for their work on this bill. mr. speaker, i urge members to

1:55:36 to 1:55:56( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: support this legislation and i reserve the balae of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlen from louisiana, mr. scalise, reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from new jersey. mr. pallone: mr. speaker, i have no speakers. but i believe that my colleague from louisiana does. the speaker pro tempore: the recognized. mr. scalise: mr. speaker, i would like to yield as much time as he may consume to mr. burr

1:55:40 to 1:59:20( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael C. Burgess

1:55:57 to 1:56:18( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: goes of texas -- burgess of texas. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from texas is recognized for as much time as he may consume. mr. burgess: i thank the gentleman for yielding. mr. speaker, in january, 2001, the department of labor, the internal revenue service, health care finance administration, issued a rule in accordance with the health insurance portability and accountability act, better

1:56:19 to 1:56:39( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: known as hipaa, of 1996 designed to guard against discrimination and coverage in the group health market. while addressing the issue of discrimination based upon participation in certain activities, these rules allowed continue discrimination in the form of nonpayment based upon the source of the injury. so in other words, could have an employer-sponsored health

1:56:40 to 1:57:01( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: insurance, which many of us do, have your premiums deducted from your paycheck, yet be responsible for paying your own medical treatment if you were harmed. trip and fall alt home, no problem. trip and fall while skiing on vacation with the family, and you get the bill. this is simply unfair. people are lead to believe that care for a broken arm is the

1:57:02 to 1:57:23( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: same regardless of how the injury happened. but in fact that is not the case. the lack of clarity underlying these exclusions has create add confusing situation for individuals -- created a confusing situation for individuals that may ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, or participate in other activities that could result in an injury. millions of americans enjoyed these activities safely every

1:57:24 to 1:57:44( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: year within the framework of state laws and utilizing proper safety precautions. the bill we are voting on today will take away the am bye dwute and make certain people are aware of any such restrictions in their coverage. again this is not a bill that would require anything new be done other than people be told up front and in plain language

1:57:45 to 1:58:06( Edit History Discussion )

Michael C. Burgess: if there are limitations on their health care policy. we are going to stand up and shine a light on these exclusions so americans will not be caught offguard by exclusions buried deep within an insurance plan. h.r. 1253, the health insurance source of injury clarification act is identical to legislation passed by the house last session and will first require any