EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

September 14, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1527 

INTRODUCTION OF THE 

GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY ACT 

HON. JOHN P. SARBANES OF MARYLAND

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, September 14, 2012 

Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 

to introduce legislation that will build a new 

paradigm for the financing of congressional 

campaigns. The Grassroots Democracy Act is 

a package of reforms designed to combat the 

influence of concentrated money in politics, 

raise civic engagement, and to amplify the 

voice of everyday Americans in our nation’s 

electoral process. Through a three-pronged, 

comprehensive approach, we can ensure 

Americans’ voices are heard over the din of 

big money that has dominated our politics and 

our public policy for too long. 

First, the legislation provides Americans with 

a $50 refundable tax credit/coupon to contribute to their preferred candidates for congressional office. With average Americans 

newly empowered to participate in campaign 

giving, candidates will have more incentive to 

re-engage with everyday voters rather than 

spending disproportionate amounts of time 

fundraising from moneyed interests. 

Next, the legislation multiplies the impact of 

grassroots donations ($100 or less). For candidates who forego PAC money and are willing and able to earn broad-based support from 

grassroots donors in their district or state, a 

public match will be available on grassroots 

donations. Suddenly, the $50 contribution can 

become a $300 contribution—matched at a 

rate of $5 to $1. For those candidates who 

agree to take only grassroots donations, the 

$50 contribution can become a $550 contribution—matched at a rate of $10 to $1. By democratizing the donor base and amplifying the 

impact of grassroots contributions, participating candidates will be able to run a viable, 

competitive campaign, while staying connected to the needs of the constituents they 

represent. 

Lastly, the legislation prevents super PACs 

and other big money organizations—the products of the Citizens United and other recent 

court rulings—from drowning out the voice of 

the people. In elections where outside spending significantly outpaces national norms, 

grassroots supported candidates will have access to a People’s Fund—to make sure their 

voice can still be heard. Once total non-candidate spending reaches a certain decibel 

level, grassroots supported candidates will 

have the opportunity to apply for an additional 

1:1 match on their grassroots base, providing 

the immediate, supplemental support necessary to ensure the marketplace of ideas remains competitive. 

Capitol Hill is full of well-intentioned people 

who came to Washington with noble goals and 

deeply held principles. Most ran for Congress 

out of a strong desire to serve their community 

and the broader American public. The problem 

is the moment they decide to run for office 

they become distracted—distracted by the 

endless need for more money to win the election. 

The Grassroots Democracy Act represents 

a path forward. Together, these reforms provide can begin to combat the influence of concentrated money in politics, raise civic engagement, and amplify the political voice of 

the American electorate. A new paradigm of financing campaigns will liberate candidates 

from dependence on special interests and big 

money, ensuring our public policy is truly fashioned in the interest of the public. 

f 

RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED 

CAREER OF BARBARA TACHOVSKY 

HON. JIM GERLACH OF PENNSYLVANIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, September 14, 2012 

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 

congratulate Barbara Tachovsky on her retirement as President of Paoli Hospital after 26 

years of service to the Hospital and in the field 

of healthcare. 

Under President Tachovsky’s leadership, 

Paoli Hospital earned accreditation as the only 

Level II Trauma Center in Chester County, 

which alleviated the need for victims of traumatic injury to be transported further away for 

emergency treatment and saved countless 

lives. Additionally, Paoli Hospital was recognized four times as a Top 100 Hospital by 

Thomson Reuters and as a Best Regional 

Hospital in five specialties by US News and 

World Report. During her tenure, Paoli also received the Premier Award for Quality two 

years in a row, as well as numerous certifications for providing outstanding care and 

achieving operational efficiency. 

Mr. Speaker, in light of her years of exemplary service to her community and a litany of 

sterling accomplishments too long to record, I 

ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Barbara Tachovsky for her invaluable 

contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania and the 

surrounding region. 

f 

STOLEN VALOR ACT OF 2012 

SPEECH OF

HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD OF MAINE

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 

recognize yesterday’s passage in the House 

of H.R. 1775, the Stolen Valor Act. 

I, unfortunately, was not able to vote on 

passage of this important bill because of a 

commitment back in my district. I joined with 

New Balance associates at the factory in 

Norridgewock, Maine to press U.S. Trade 

Representative Ron Kirk on the importance of 

preserving current footwear tariffs, which are 

threatened by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 

multinational free trade agreement that is currently being negotiated. I truly appreciated 

Ambassador Kirk’s visit and the opportunity to 

join him and New Balance’s highly skilled 

workers, but I regret that this prevented me 

from helping to pass H.R. 1775, the Stolen 

Valor Act. 

Had I been able to be present for the vote, 

I would have vote for the Stolen Valor Act. 

This Act appropriately creates penalties for individuals who benefit from lying about military 

decorations or medals. Our service members 

and veterans make an unparalleled commitment to our nation. They earn military honors 

through their sacrifices, and I am pleased that 

the Stolen Valor Act has passed the House to 

better protect the interests of those who have 

served our country. 

f 

THE POWER OF ONE: ODE TO MS. 

NATASHA TRETHEWEY 

HON. HENRY C. ‘‘HANK’’ JOHNSON, JR. 

OF GEORGIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, September 14, 2012 

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I 

submit the following. 

One can never underestimate the power of 

the heart and mind, 

One can never make changes if One never 

puts in the time 

One can be as powerful as a nation of many 

if One desires to be 

One can make the difference in being a captive or living free 

One can set many on the path to harmony in 

the universe 

One becomes the master musician when One 

helps others to rehearse 

One can be the difference in making war and 

violence cease 

One can be essential for a world of harmony 

and peace 

One can show herself friendly and gain 

friends throughout the world 

One can give words to help mold young boys 

and girls 

One can be the voice of many—urging justice 

for all 

One can make the difference in whether we 

stand or fall 

One can change the world by giving a helping 

hand 

One, such as you, Ms. Trethewey with your 

love for all of man 

For Ms. Natasha Trethewey, 19th U.S. Poet 

Laureate, Penned July 4th, 2012 by Eric 

Charles@. 


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