mr. paulsen: mr. speaker, i first want to thank mr. moore, the leader of the subcommittee, for his leadership on this issue as well, and on the subcommittee in general. mr. speaker, the legislation before us requires that the special inspector general report to congress on how smaller financial institutions are faring under the tarp program and whether they are gaining access to needed funding. it would also require the suspect -- special inspector to look at tarp funding. i met with communities throughout my district. they wanted to increase credit. similarly, i met with dozens of small business owners who expressed concerns over access to credit and capital, a key component to the ability to create jobs. the problem was he canowed in a recent article in the "minneapolis star tribune" and it outlined the problems that smaller institutions are trying to obtain tarp funds. they were primarily local banks that wanted to obtain tarp funds but had not received them or been given permission to receive them. mr. speaker, in hearings held by

mr. paulsen: mr. speaker, as we continue the debate on health care, we must remain cognizant of the impact on jobs and health care innovation. that's why i strongly oppose the $40 billion innovation tax on the medical device industry that's being proposed in the senate. minnesota and the 3rd congressional district in particular is home to many of the top medical device manufacturers responsible for lifesaving technologies. hundreds of businesses and entrepreneurs in the medical technology field call minnesota home. i visited and i met with many of these entrepreneurs. they are hard working and employers who provide thousands of good paying jobs. these medical breakthruse save money and improve the quality of care. a increase will stifle job growth and innovation and will harm quality health care. i urge the senate, the president and my colleagues to oppose this misguided new tax. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. members will take their conversations off the floor. for

mr. paulsen: address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. paulsen: as part of children's cancer month, i call attention to children's hospitals and clinics of minnesota. there are 12,400 children who will develop cancer before their 20th birthday. children's homents embrace a simple motto, better journey, better outcomes. they believe the more you can help a child by being a kid during treatment, the more likely the cancer will be defeated. children's innovative medical programs treat children with all types of illnesses. most importantly, children's get results. they are among the best in the nation. finding out a child has cancer is a terrifying moment for any family. i'm proud to recognize that the institution is working so hard to bring new approaches and a unique philosophy to families and is being successful in helping children get back to living their lives cancer-free. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: are there additional one-minute addresses before the house? for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado rise? mr. perl

mr. paulsen: madam speaker, i rise today to honor a great person who lost his life in the line of duty, officer richard critenden. he he dedicated his life to protecting others. he was a four-year deputy with the sheriff's department and before that, enenforcement officer for the county parks department. if that wasn't enough, he served our nation as a member of the u.s. army. unfortunately, when he responded to a domestic disturbance call, things went awry and we lost one of minnesota's best. he chose a life of service protecting and defending his friends, neighbors and the public. his life and work demonstrated public service at the highest caliber. with this tragic loss, i offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of officer critenden and i urge all americans who put their lives in danger every day in order to protect us. i yield back. . mr. kucinich: i ask permission to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. mr. kucinich: thank you. i want to thank the 85 members of the house who have signed on to h.r. 676, the bill