On the recordSeptember 19, 2012
I would just like to add to the comments that I made earlier that this is really highly unusual that a bill would enjoy such high co-sponsorship. So, to the advocates that may be tuned in tonight, I, again, want to pay homage to them for their advocacy, for their tenacity, for their turning their real pain and loss into something that is worthy of those that were lost. Almost 1,000 bills were referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee during this, the 112th Congress. There was no other bill that enjoyed the high number, 293 bipartisan cosponsors. This Congress has been really torn a part by so much disagreement, a high amount of nonpartisanship, people all over the country really scratching their heads and saying, can anyone ever come together in Congress to get something done for the American people. And while I wish there were so much more, I think that this stands tall and is an eloquent statement about my colleagues that signed on to this as cosponsors. And I thank, again, the leadership on both sides of the aisle, the staff that is so wonderfully responsible for the beautiful work that's done and, again, close my comments by paying tribute to the Republican leader on this legislation, Representative Leonard Lance, who is a genuine gentleman, an outstanding legislator, a good friend, and a man of real integrity. I say bravo to all of the advocates. God bless you all. I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
