Michael Burgess

In protecting companies from trolls, legislation must also not prevent legitimate patent holders from protecting their rights.

Unfortunately, abusive patent demand letters are not a new problem, and they are not new to this subcommittee.

I am very glad we are here today talking about our readiness and preparedness and have not delayed that until September.

So forgive me if I keep repeating the point that I have asked for contingency plans in the past, I have been told they are not necessary, that everything is fine, until it isn't, and then we all scramble.

But all roads eventually lead to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and if you will pardon me, that does appear to be a weak link in the chain.

It does put the health systems and the insurers in a difficult position as well.

At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Dr. Dan Benishek.

I generally reserve my enthusiasm for closing. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule for consideration of legislation that would encourage schools to provide career education…

Yes. Mr. McGOVERN. I was just curious because it seems like there is no enthusiasm on your side for debating this for the 56th time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, can I inquire of the gentleman from Texas if he has any more speakers?

I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

At this time, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), the chairman of the Committee on Rules.

I have gotten my flu shot every year except 2004 when it was politically inadvisable for a Member of Congress to receive a flu shot because there was a shortage.

We would like you to react with a little bit more clarity and be flexible when so many lives are on the line.

It is important for parents to have their children vaccinated.

There is no one asking for a Federal mandate. It doesn't mean that the vaccination is not important.

If there is a mismatch in the vaccine, which became apparent in May or even as late as September, it is unacceptable that advisories were not issued until December.

Unless we take action, community health centers will experience an immediate 60-70 percent funding cut.

Both bills will reauthorize important programs that are designed to ensure the availability and effective use of trauma care.

The reauthorization of NASPER will help States implement and improve their PDMPs, which improve clinical decisionmaking and reduce diversion.

I am willing to look at other pay-fors.

I had put a lot of hope in the fact that Governor Romney was going to win the election; Paul Ryan would be the vice president.

I was the only Republican vote for that bill that was brought forward in the House in November of 2009.

This committee continues on a bipartisan basis to demonstrate previously unparalleled leadership in our efforts to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula.

I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).