HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES—Thursday, January 17, 2008

340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—Thursday, January 17, 2008

The House met at 10 a.m. and was come forward and lead the House in the prove they work. They work to stimu- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- Pledge of Allegiance. late the economy. They did so under pore (Ms. SOLIS). Mr. SMITH of Texas led the Pledge of Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush. f Allegiance as follows: Americans need to keep more of their I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the own money, and the economy will pros- DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER United States of America, and to the Repub- per. And who benefits from tax cuts? PRO TEMPORE lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Anybody that pays taxes benefits from The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tax cuts. Americans who don’t pay fore the House the following commu- f taxes are not affected. Cut the fraud and abuse in the Fed- nication from the Speaker: ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER eral bureaucracies, cut wasteful spend- WASHINGTON, DC, PRO TEMPORE January 17, 2008. ing, and cut taxes to bring a sunny I hereby appoint the Honorable HILDA L. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The forecast to our economy. SOLIS to act as Speaker pro tempore on this Chair will entertain up to five 1-min- And that’s just the way it is. day. utes per side. f NANCY PELOSI, f Speaker of the House of Representatives. SOLAR TAX INCENTIVES: ‘‘MUST f TRIBUTE TO JIM WENSITS PASS’’ LEGISLATION IN 2008 (Mr. DONNELLY asked and was PRAYER (Ms. GIFFORDS asked and was given given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1 The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. for 1 minute.) minute.) Coughlin, offered the following prayer: Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, I Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, in O God, the source of all justice, truth would like to rise to honor a reporter’s the week before we adjourned for the and love. Members of the House of Rep- reporter, Mr. Jim Wensits, from the holidays, Congress, in a bipartisan ef- resentatives stand before You as gov- South Bend Tribune, who has recently fort, passed, and the President signed, ernment of the people, seeking Your retired. Jim is a proud graduate of Pur- the Energy Independence and Security grace and guidance in their service. due University from 1966. Three days Act. This bill, which is now law, rep- We know we must always be deeply later, he started with the Tribune; and resents a major stride forward towards concerned with the human needs that 40 years later he is retiring, after 20,000 a clean energy future. I applaud my surround us. We cannot be indifferent articles and editorials. His hallmarks colleagues on both sides of the aisle for to suffering, to injustice, error, or un- were integrity, accuracy, and fairness. moving this historic and very impor- truth. For this reason, again today we His life’s work made the South Bend tant legislation. are committed to face the risks and Tribune a better paper and made our It was a good first step, but we are problems that confront the people of community a better place. not there yet. The real meat of an ef- this Nation. So on behalf of everyone back home, fective energy package, which was not Help us, Lord, to take all their Jim, we want to say thank you. We included in the legislation, must be the human concerns to heart; to pray over wish Jim a great retirement with his extension of critical tax incentives. them, seeking Your guidance; to ad- family and with his beloved country These are essential for the solar indus- dress them honestly with others so music. Good luck, Godspeed, and thank try to really take root and flourish. they will be drawn into the awareness you from everyone back home. This is one of the reasons why I intro- of their importance as well. f duced H.R. 3807, the Renewable Energy Enable us to investigate together the Assistance Act, to improve and extend forces of destruction and creativity at ECONOMIC FORECAST CLOUDY? vital tax incentives for solar energy. work within each human concern so we (Mr. POE asked and was given per- These incentives will spur innovation, may be led to decisive action that will mission to address the House for 1 decrease our carbon emissions, and re- free people and at the same time bind minute.) duce our dependency on foreign energy. them together in just law and good pol- Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, economic In this time of economic uncertainty, icy. forecasters are similar to the weather it is important that we provide this May this work be a blessing upon the forecasters: they are the only people critical stimulus so that we can move Nation. In the end, to You, O Lord, be who can consistently be wrong about forward on these renewable energy ef- all glory and honor. their predictions and keep their jobs, forts. We have to act this year, before Amen. and we listen to them anyway. the end of 2008. Doing so will get Amer- f The doom-and-gloom economic nay- ica back on track and working toward sayers have predicted for years that a better and brighter future. THE JOURNAL the economy is in trouble, but the last f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The years of economic growth have proved Chair has examined the Journal of the them wrong. Now this year, they say JEANNETTE HIGH SCHOOL STATE last day’s proceedings and announces we are headed for a fearful recession. FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS to the House her approval thereof. Well, we shall see. (Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- In any event, some of these asked and was given permission to ad- nal stands approved. pseudoeconomic forecasters say we dress the House for 1 minute.) f need to increase taxes to stimulate the Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. economy. Well, that makes no sense. In Madam Speaker, congratulations to PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE fact, we ought to do just the opposite. Coach Ray Reitz and the Jeannette The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the We need to make the tax cuts perma- Jayhawks football team, who are the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) nent because tax cuts historically Class AA football champions, beating

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 341 every team they played this year by here to the United States; and since for 1 minute and to revise and extend more than 20 points. Senior quarter- that time, Korean Americans have his remarks.) back Terrell Pryor, who is also USA taken root and thrived in this country Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speak- Today’s Offensive Player of the Year, through their strong ties, their hard er, a Sacred Heart University poll re- scored five of the seven touchdowns in work, their commitment to their rich leased this month found that less than their 49–21 win. He is the first player in heritage and values, education, and en- 20 percent of those surveyed believed State history to eclipse both 4,000 trepreneurship. news media reporting. Almost 9 out of yards rushing and 4,000 yards passing. But, Madam Speaker, we have an ally 10 Americans believe that the news But Jeannette is champions in the and friend in South Korea, and they media attempt to influence public classroom as well, with McKee Elemen- have been a friend for the decades. Over opinion, and about the same number tary being a Blue Ribbon school, and this time, South Korea has emerged as think the media attempt to influence all their schools receiving the Key- a major economic power, our seventh public policies. stone Achievement Recognition this largest trading partner. It is vital that Fewer than one in three Americans year, and the school district getting Congress take up and pass the Korean- give the media positive rating for the bronze medal. Great accomplish- U.S. trade agreement. ‘‘keeping any personal bias out of sto- Let me tell you why: this particular ment for a small school district. ries, fairness, presenting and even bal- agreement, the U.S. International Congrats to the Jayhawks for excel- ance of views, and presenting negative Trade Commission, just released its re- lence in the classroom and on the field. and positive views equally.’’ By four- port. They say this agreement can ben- f efit the economy of the United States to-one margins, Americans see the New York Times and National Public Radio SUPPORT HOPE VI of America to the tune of over $10 bil- as having a liberal bias, and by a three- (Mr. CUELLAR asked and was given lion, between $10 billion and $11.9 billion. to-one margin, Americans see journal- permission to address the House for 1 We stand to gain if this passes. It’s ists and broadcasters as having a lib- minute.) vital that we continue to open up new eral bias. Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I markets for our goods and services. We need to encourage the media to rise today in support of H.R. 3524, the This agreement accomplishes that. adhere to the highest standards of HOPE VI Improvement Reauthoriza- f their profession. Only then can we re- tion Act of 2007. I commend Represent- store Americans’ faith in news report- ative WATERS and the members of the TRIBUTE TO JACQUELINE ing. Financial Services Committee for sup- MONTEIRO DACOSTA f porting a bill with such valuable en- (Mr. KENNEDY asked and was given hancement and improvement to the permission to address the House for 1 A METRICS APPROACH HOPE VI grant program. minute and to revise and extend his re- (Mrs. MALONEY of New York asked This legislation reauthorizes a pro- marks.) and was given permission to address gram that represents one of our gov- Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I the House for 1 minute.) ernment’s best efforts to provide qual- rise today to express my sympathies to Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam ity housing for low-income families. a wonderful Rhode Island family who Speaker, when Congress considers com- Again, I am particularly pleased with has lost a devoted loved one named peting proposals to stimulate the econ- one provision of this legislation that Jacqueline Monteiro Dacosta, and to omy, why not take a businesslike ap- will help communities rebuild in the briefly share with you the impact that proach and consider the ‘‘metrics’’ of wake of severe natural disasters and she has had on so many lives here in previous efforts? When the current ad- emergencies. Rhode Island. ministration took office, the Dow She worked in my office for 11 years, For example, in my congressional Jones Industrial Average stood at and during that time she touched district there is one particular county 10,587. Yesterday, it was 12,472, rep- public housing unit in Starr County countless lives who sought her advice and help on a multitude of issues. At resenting a gain of 18 percent over 7 that has been destroyed by flood wa- years. Unemployment and poverty ters when it rose to dangerous levels. the end of it, she always made them feel at ease. She worked in my office rates are higher. Our debt is stag- This was not the first time the Housing gering. Our trade deficit is the highest Authority of Starr County has had to and filed many claims and issues; but in the midst of all of it, she made peo- in history. manage severe flooding damage and During the previous Democratic ad- subsequent resident displacement. In ple feel good about themselves, and always did her work. The number of let- ministration, the Dow Jones Industri- fact, since 1981, this public housing als rose 328 percent over an 8-year pe- unit has experienced major unit-de- ters I have for her are extensive, and the testament of her good works were riod. Unemployment fell every year, stroying flooding seven different times. in the wake that she had, where thou- millions were lifted out of poverty, and This legislation gives the Secretary sands of people showed up to pay trib- we achieved a budget surplus. of the Department of Housing and ute to her life and celebrate it. Next So this time around, ask yourself, Urban Development the latitude to month, I will take a trip with her fam- which model works for me? Which waive the public housing authority’s ily to the islands of Cape Verde, her an- model was better? I think the facts fund-matching requirements in cases of cestral homeland, where we will plant speak for themselves. extreme distress and emergency. a tree in her memory. f This is a good piece of legislation. I I just want to extend my condolences ask for support of this legislation. to her family: Jackie’s parents, Jose b 1015 f and Adelisa Monteiro; her children, WORKING IN A BIPARTISAN MAN- KOREAN AMERICAN DAY Stephanie and Justin; her siblings, NER TO STAVE OFF IMPENDING Filomena, Osvaldo, and Jose, Jr., in ECONOMIC DOWNTURN (Mr. ROYCE asked and was given per- continuing to honor Jackie’s memory mission to address the House for 1 and her joyous spirit. We will miss you, (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- minute.) Jackie, we love you, and we will never mission to address the House for 1 Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I rise forget you. minute.) today to recognize Korean American Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, one f Day, which was held this past Sunday year into a liberal Democratic major- to honor the achievements, to honor SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY ity in Congress, the economy is strug- the contributions of Korean Americans MEDIA FAIRNESS POLL gling. The big government policies of to our country. Back on January 13 of (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was the new majority are taking their toll. 1903, the first Korean immigrants came given permission to address the House High gasoline prices, the subprime

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Democrats want an extension of unem- 10 of rule XXI. At the conclusion of consider- The House of Representatives over ployment insurance benefits and tax ation of the bill for amendment the Com- the past months has been doing a great rebates. Republicans will accept re- mittee shall rise and report the bill to the deal to throw lifelines to our families, bates, but they also want incentives for House with such amendments as may have our seniors and veterans when it comes businesses, while avoiding tax in- been adopted. Any Member may demand a to housing. We have passed bills in this creases to offset the package. separate vote in the House on any amend- House that help homeowners avoid ment adopted in the Committee of the Whole I submit that Congress must focus to the bill or to the committee amendment foreclosure, that provide resources to stimulus on the kind of economic stim- in the nature of a substitute. The previous local communities, to build safe and ulus that will create jobs and growth question shall be considered as ordered on clean affordable housing, and that for small business and family farmers. the bill and amendments thereto to final cracks down on predatory lending. The real antidote to the impending re- passage without intervening motion except Families across America also should cession is more money in the hands of one motion to recommit with or without in- be aware that the Congress passed a the wage earner and the wage payer. structions. helpful new law that is now in effect This is and always has been the path- SEC. 2. During consideration in the House for 3 years that relieves homeowners of H.R. 3524 pursuant to this resolution, not- way to prosperity in the American withstanding the operation of the previous facing foreclosure from paying income economy. question, the Chair may postpone further taxes on their discharged mortgage I urge my colleagues to work in a bi- consideration of the bill to such time as may debt, meaning that homeowners who partisan manner to stave off this im- be designated by the Speaker. refinance their mortgage will pay no pending economic downturn in the best SEC. 3. House Resolution 894 is laid upon taxes on any debt forgiveness that they interests of all of the American people. the table. receive. Previously, loan forgiveness f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- was often taxed as income. tlewoman from Florida is recognized We are going to keep working to pro- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION for 1 hour. vide families with affordable options OF H.R. 3524, HOPE VI IMPROVE- Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, for for safe places to live through the MENT AND REAUTHORIZATION the purpose of debate only, I yield the HOPE VI reauthorization and this rule ACT OF 2007 customary 30 minutes to my colleague today. Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, by di- from the Rules Committee, the gen- HOPE VI has been very successful rection of the Committee on Rules, I tleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS). All since its inception in the 1990s. HOPE call up House Resolution 922 and ask time yielded is for debate only. VI has revitalized neighborhoods across for its immediate consideration. GENERAL LEAVE the country, including in my home- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I ask town of Tampa, Florida. A little public lows: unanimous consent that all Members investment can be the linchpin to H. RES. 922 be given 5 legislative days in which to wider community redevelopment in Resolved, That at any time after the adop- revise and extend their remarks on communities across this great country. tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- House Resolution 922. HOPE VI completely transformed the suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there distressed public housing complexes of House resolved into the Committee of the objection to the request of the gentle- College Hill and Ponce de Leon Court Whole House on the state of the Union for woman from Florida? public housing projects in Tampa into consideration of the bill (H.R. 3524) to reau- There was no objection. the new Belmont Heights Estates. I at- thorize the HOPE VI program for revitaliza- Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I tended school when I was younger next tion of severely distressed public housing, and for other purposes. The first reading of yield myself such time as I may con- to these housing projects, and I saw the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of sume. firsthand what these conditions can do order against consideration of the bill are Madam Speaker, House Resolution to an area and the folks who live there. waived except those arising under clause 9 or 922 provides for consideration of H.R. Behind me are posters of before and 10 of rule XXI. General debate shall be con- 3524, the HOPE VI Improvement and after, before HOPE VI, and then after fined to the bill and shall not exceed one Reauthorization Act of 2007, under a the investment of HOPE VI. hour equally divided and controlled by the structured rule. The rule provides 1 So many public housing projects chairman and ranking minority member of hour of general debate, controlled by have deteriorated to the point that the the Committee on Financial Services. After health and safety of families is at risk general debate the bill shall be considered the Committee on Financial Services, for amendment under the five-minute rule. It and the rule also makes in order seven and surrounding businesses and neigh- shall be in order to consider as an original of the eight amendments submitted to borhoods suffer. Since 1992, through bill for the purpose of amendment under the the Rules Committee. HOPE VI, many communities have re- five-minute rule the amendment in the na- Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- vitalized and transformed severely dis- ture of a substitute recommended by the port today of the HOPE VI Improve- tressed housing into safe and livable Committee on Financial Services now print- ment and Reauthorization Act and this communities. And 15 years later, this ed in the bill. The committee amendment in rule. HOPE VI is a partnership between Congress, in a bipartisan way, but led the nature of a substitute shall be considered by Democrats, will renew our commit- as read. All points of order against the com- the Feds and local communities that mittee amendment in the nature of a sub- started in the 1990s that revitalizes our ment to safe, clean and affordable stitute are waived except those arising under communities across this country by re- housing for families across this great clause 10 of rule XXI. Notwithstanding placing old, distressed public housing country by building on the success of clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the projects with modern housing and new HOPE VI investment. committee amendment in the nature of a communities that are healthy, safe and Over time, through HOPE VI, we substitute shall be in order except those affordable. have demolished nearly 135,000 severely printed in the report of the Committee on Our renewed effort could not come at distressed public housing units and re- Rules accompanying this resolution. Each a more important time, because so placed them with modern, safe and such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered many families across America are in clean neighborhoods that do not con- only by a Member designated in the report, the grips of a housing crisis. Fore- centrate poverty in a single location. shall be considered as read, shall be debat- closures are way up, and options for What happens on the ground to these able for the time specified in the report safe, clean and affordable housing are neighborhoods? Crime rates decrease,

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employment rates increase, and fewer cally as they relate to really the au- Virginia, the gentlewoman SHELLEY folks have to rely on public financial thor of HOPE VI, who is Jack Kemp, at MOORE CAPITO, has an amendment to assistance. that time in the early nineties the Sec- this legislation that will require min- In Tampa, demolition started in 1999, retary of Housing in the United States imum green building standards, in and 8 years later we have built 860 of America. other words, the floor, not the ceiling, rental units. Some are for families who b 1030 that will make mandatory graded sec- need a little help and others are mar- tions of HOPE VI application, requir- ket rate. We built 74 new safe and clean I think that today, as we talk about ing a minimum standard for green homes for seniors and mixed in single HOPE VI and the wonderful attributes building, and allowing for developers family homes, some for rental and that HOPE VI has brought not only to who build to a more stringent green some for purchase. inner cities but to thousands of people standard to receive even greater cred- More important than the buildings, who live in these new areas as opposed its. That means that we could exceed however, and these were very bad, the to a large housing complex, it is a tes- the one standard. For instance, if you new Belmont Heights Estates commu- tament to the dream that, as Sec- lived in a very cold area, or very hot nity made possible by HOPE VI has im- retary, Jack Kemp brought to our area, you could exceed for maximum proved people’s lives in the sur- great Nation. utilization the opportunity to build the rounding community and private in- Madam Speaker, I rise in reluctant house, up front, properly. vestment has followed. Families are opposition to this restrictive rule and So our friends on the other side who thriving in their new revitalized neigh- to a number of the provisions included are telling us the one standard is like borhood, and their success stories are in the underlying legislation in its cur- a one-size-fits-all rather than a min- remarkable, because, remember, to rent form. This legislation, which al- imum standard, however, if a deter- qualify for that helping hand of an af- ters a successful public-private part- mination is made in the section of the fordable home, most folks are required nership and housing program that en- country that might artificially or to improve their own self-sufficiency, courages public housing authorities to might otherwise be able to take advan- like Belkis Rodriguez, who, after com- work with the private sector to create tage of a different standard, a different pleting job training, has been promoted more livable public housing, has a way that might improve economical at the day care center where she is em- number of avoidable, and I repeat, standards of efficiency, it wouldn’t be ployed and she is now on the path to avoidable shortcomings; and I hope included. becoming a public schoolteacher. And that there will be at least some of By utilizing this market-based ap- Patricia Gowins in Tampa, a mother of them that will be corrected during this proach, rather than the one-size-fits-all two, is working on her high school di- restrictive rule process as is provided standard of our friends in Washington ploma while working at a local hotel for by the rule. of a heavy-handed government man- since her community has been revital- One of the provisions in this bill par- date, this amendment achieves the goal ized. My neighbors and their stories of ticularly threatens the continued par- of building green without stifling inno- success are proof that HOPE VI is able ticipation of private developers in the vation for new and improved green to make positive contributions to our program, which jeopardizes HOPE VI’s building standards. communities. continued success. I believe that is part I encourage all of my colleagues on Our update legislation today will of the success, the public-private part- both sides of the aisle, because it will make further improvements and ensure nership, in creating mixed-financed take our friends who are Democrats if that residents who are displaced by re- and mixed-income affordable housing. we are going to pass this, to please sup- vitalization efforts will have the right By mandating compliance with pri- port this commonsense fix to the legis- to return to their neighborhoods. Be- vately developed green building rating lation. cause of the shortage across America of systems, rather than providing mar- Another aspect of this legislation clean, safe and affordable housing, it is ket-based incentives to reach these which requires improvement is the vital that the number of units demol- goals, this legislation creates addi- elimination of HUD’s current authority ished are replaced so that we do not tional cost burdens for green compli- to award demolition-only grants, which shortchange our neighbors who have ance and adds further impediments to would prohibit the demolition of un- been asked to leave their homes. an already complicated financing suitable public housing without the re- We are committed to ensuring that structure which could discourage de- placement of those units. Mr. Speaker, homes built with the help of Federal velopers from undertaking future clearly there may be instances when funds are sustainable and energy effi- projects. demolition-only grants are appro- cient, and that helps save money in the Further, because the legislation priate; for instance, when public hous- long run. Our efforts today will make makes specific reference to only one ing authorities may have already as- the American Dream of home owner- green building rating system, this leg- sembled a financing package to fund ship possible for more families across islation federally mandates winners redevelopment and replacement hous- this country. And thanks to Chair- and losers and stifles future innovation ing activities, but are lacking the woman MAXINE WATERS, Financial and technology advancement in all as- funds for the demolition itself. Services Committee Chair BARNEY pects of green buildings. Additionally, because of their age FRANK and Congressman MEL WATT of I think it would be a flaw to say that and denigration, it is certainly possible North Carolina, thanks to them and the one standard that has been devel- that some distressed public housing their leadership and their dedication to oped in 2007 and 2008 would be the only sites would not be viable candidates for safe, clean, affordable housing for our model as we move forward in public redevelopment. There are lots of places families, we are going to do a great housing. I certainly would not want in this country where something was service for families across this great that in the free market where, as a built 15, 20, 30, 40 years ago that might country. user of the free market, I would be told not be easily accessible to the modern Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- one standard that was developed this conveniences of today. And these sites, leagues to support this rule and the year is what we will use. The future is though only partially occupied or com- HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthor- bright, and I wish that our friends on pletely vacant, because they put a de- ization Act. the other side would recognize that mand in a particular area, would be ex- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- there will be many, many more techno- cluded. In these instances, other forms ance of my time. logical advances made in the future; of housing assistance such as section 8 Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I and mandating one standard today is a vouchers may be more appropriate in a appreciate the gentlewoman from Flor- flaw in this bill. community than public housing. ida yielding me the time. I appreciate Thankfully, my former Rules Com- To address this flaw in the legisla- the gentlewoman’s comments, specifi- mittee colleague and friend from West tion, I have introduced an amendment

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 to allow HUD to retain this common- Terminating the program since it has com- promised over a year ago. I ask all of sense authority, rather than trying to pleted its mission. The remaining balance of my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the pre- tie their hands by taking some of the over $2 billion will be spent during the next vious question and on the rule. options that had previously been avail- several years to complete funded projects. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance able to them off the table. STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY—H.R. of my time. For their part, HUD has noted that 3524—HOPE VI IMPROVEMENT AND REAU- Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I urge a these grants have provided housing au- THORIZATION ACT OF 2007 ‘‘yes’’ vote on the previous question thorities with resources to raze, or to (Rep. Waters (D) CA and 8 cosponsors.) and on the rule. I yield back the bal- tear down, distressed developments and The Administration is strongly committed ance of my time, and I move the pre- relocate impacted families. The result to providing safe, decent, and affordable pub- vious question on the resolution. is a cleared site that more readily at- lic housing to those citizens least able to The previous question was ordered. tracts Federal or private resources for care for themselves and recognizes the contribution made by the HOPE VI program to- The resolution was agreed to. the revitalization of the property. I en- ward the revitalization of public housing. A motion to reconsider was laid on courage all of my colleagues to once However, because the program has proven the table. again support this commonsense over time to be less cost-effective and effi- f amendment to allow HUD to retain the cient than other public housing programs, flexibility to respond to individual the Administration strongly opposes H.R. GENERAL LEAVE 3524, the HOPE VI Improvement and Reau- cases, particularly in those cases where Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask a public housing authority does not thorization Act of 2007. HUD has awarded $5.8 billion in HOPE VI unanimous consent that all Members even have a HOPE VI renovation grant, revitalization funds to public housing agen- may have 5 legislative days within leaving it with fewer options in revital- cies through the end of 2007. While the ma- which to revise and extend their re- ization in its most distressed or other- jority of the funds have been used to pro- marks on H.R. 3524, and to insert extra- wise not as easily used sites. mote neighborhood revitalization, $1.3 bil- neous material thereon. Mr. Speaker, in the last five budget lion remains unspent. The program’s com- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. plex planning and redevelopment process has proposals to Congress, this Bush ad- CUELLAR). Is there objection to the re- ministration has advocated the elimi- resulted in significant delays in the execution and completion of projects, with the av- quest of the gentlewoman from Cali- nation of the HOPE VI program, citing fornia? the completion of the program’s mis- erage HOPE VI project taking 7 years to complete. Additionally, some public housing There was no objection. sion and ongoing inefficiencies within authorities lack the capacity to properly f the programs. These programs have manage their redevelopment projects. The been assessed by the administration’s Administration believes that sufficient pro- PERMISSION TO REDUCE TIME objective Program Assessing Rating gram funds remain available to allow HUD FOR ELECTRONIC VOTING DUR- Tool, what is called PART, which has to properly oversee the completion of exist- ING CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3524 deemed HOPE VI to be not performing, ing HOPE VI redevelopment projects but inefficient, and more costly than other does not believe that additional funds should Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask programs that serve the same popu- be authorized or appropriated for this pro- unanimous consent that, during con- gram. Indeed, the last five Administration lation. In addition to these funda- sideration of H.R. 3524 pursuant to Budgets have proposed to terminate the pro- House Resolution 922, the Chair may mental problems, the PART assess- gram in favor of more efficient and cost-ef- ment notes that ‘‘the program has ac- reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time fective programs. The Administration’s first for electronic voting under clause 6 of complished its stated mission of the priority is to place HUD’s principal pro- demolition of 100,000 severely dis- grams, housing approximately 4 million low- rule XVIII and clauses 8 and 9 of rule tressed public housing units.’’ income households, on sure footing. In fact, XX. I include a copy of this assessment as the President’s FY 2008 Budget proposed ap- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there well as a Statement of Administration proximately $28 billion for that priority. objection to the request of the gentle- The Administration also strongly opposes Policy on this matter for insertion into woman from California? provisions of H.R. 3524 that mandate one-for- There was no objection. the RECORD. one replacement of any public housing unit PROGRAM ASSESSMENT: HOPE VI—SEVERELY that is demolished or disposed of under the f DISTRESSED PUBLIC HOUSING HOPE VI program. It is not feasible in many HOPE VI IMPROVEMENT AND The HOPE VI program revitalizes dis- communities to provide mixed-use develop- tressed and obsolete public housing, usually ment, including one-for-one replacement of REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 replacing it with less dense housing com- public housing units, on the location of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- bining a mixture of public and privately demolished public housing project. Further, ant to House Resolution 922 and rule owned housing. The program awards grants acquisition of additional land in the sur- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in rounding neighborhood for use in imple- through a competitive process to State and the Committee of the Whole House on local public housing agencies for this activ- menting a one-for-one replacement strategy ity. may not be possible. Even if such land were the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 3524. NOT PERFORMING: INEFFECTIVE available, costs to acquire and develop it would be expected to increase the cost of The program is more costly than other each HOPE VI unit. b 1041 programs that serve the same population. It IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE also has an inherently long, drawn-out plan- Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my ning and redevelopment process. colleagues to support these common- Accordingly, the House resolved The program has accomplished its stated sense amendments that I have spoken itself into the Committee of the Whole mission of demolishing 100,000 severely dis- about today on the floor which we be- House on the state of the Union for the tressed public housing units. lieve will better the bill, in some cases consideration of the bill (H.R. 3524) to The program coordinates effectively with keeping the good parts that had been reauthorize the HOPE VI program for related programs in designing a comprehensive program to improve the community. in and other parts allowing flexibility. revitalization of severely distressed We are taking the following actions to im- We believe that, in fact, this can be a public housing, and for other purposes, prove the performance of the program: wonderful bipartisan agreement that with Ms. SOLIS in the chair. Implementing changes to complete proj- we could reach today. However, we The Clerk read the title of the bill. ects more quickly. The average time to com- would ask that all of our colleagues The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the plete a project after award is being reduced support the Neugebauer, Sessions, rule, the bill is considered read the from 8 years to 7 years with further improve- King, and Capito amendments. first time. ment anticipated. Reducing the average cost per unit of the I also encourage every Member of The gentlewoman from California project. (The average grant award has been this body to oppose this rule until the (Ms. WATERS) and the gentlewoman reduced from $30 million to $20 million to Democrat majority provides us with from West Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO) each improve project management.) the open rule process that we were will control 30 minutes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 345 The Chair recognizes the gentle- of the bill; it is the heart of this bill. ington Council of Governments, the woman from California. Limiting one-for-one to only occupied National Low-Income Housing Coali- Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I units does a disservice to families on tion, the Council of Large Public Hous- yield myself such time as I may con- waiting lists and to families waiting to ing Authorities, and others, have sume. get on waiting lists. Public housing is voiced their overwhelming support for I rise in support of H.R. 3524, the a community resource, and units can the green building requirements in the HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthor- be unoccupied because they are not fit bill. ization Act of 2007. As you know, I infor humans to live in. That does not We have crafted a bill that is good for troduced H.R. 3524 on September 11 of mean that there is no need for them. residents, housing authorities, and 2007. Second, because of strict screening communities. I urge you not to be I want to thank each of my col- criteria, HOPE VI has become limited blindsided by threats from third par- leagues both on the Committee on Fi- to the cream of the public housing ties and to support our Nation’s low-in- nancial Services and in the House who crop. Some people think that the come families and to preserve our have joined with me to see that this HOPE VI development represents a new housing stock. important legislation passes the House. and better community and should have Madam Chairman, I would like to say I want to especially thank Chairman new and better people. However, as a in closing that this should be a bill BARNEY FRANK, MELVIN WATT, and Congress, we must be clear that public that receives support from both sides CHRISTOPHER SHAYS for their original housing is for the most in need, not of the aisle. This is the kind of bill that coauthorship, cosponsorship, and sup- just the easiest to serve. we can truly come together around. port of H.R. 3524. Everyone recognizes that it is needed b 1045 In drafting this bill, we worked close- in all communities, rural and urban, ly with the minority, resident organi- HOPE VI projects have programs and suburban, all over the United States. zations, housing advocacy groups, pub- services that can greatly benefit our I reserve the balance of my time. lic housing agencies, housing devel- neediest families. Ms. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I opers, bankers, green building experts, In addition, in the drive to separate yield myself 5 minutes. and practitioners, and other Members the wheat from the chaff, public hous- Today’s HOPE VI program is the di- with an interest in the HOPE VI pro- ing agencies have implemented screen- rect result of the 1992 report submitted gram. The end result is a bill that I being criteria that are nothing short of to Congress by the National Commis- lieve takes into account the needs of draconian. These criteria include ev- sion on Severely Distressed Public residents, the community, the inves- erything from credit checks, home vis- Housing that said approximately 6 per- tors and lenders, and our public hous- its, work requirements, and other cri- cent of the 1.4 million existing public ing managers. Most importantly, we teria that many nonpublic housing housing apartments were severely dis- have a bill that preserves and revital- residents would be unable to meet. We tressed and recommended that they be izes our public housing stock. must reject any attempt to continue to removed from the housing stock. H.R. 3524 reauthorizes and improves punish public housing residents for Since Congress began appropriating the HOPE VI public housing revitaliza- being poor and must continue to pro- funds for HOPE VI in 1992, the program tion program by requiring the one-for- vide them with the tools, through pro- has been revitalizing and replacing one replacement of all demolished pub- grams like HOPE VI, to assist them in some of the most dangerous and dilapi- lic housing units, providing residents improving their lives. dated public housing units in the coun- with meaningful and substantive in- Lastly, I would like to talk about try with mixed-income communities. volvement in the planning and develop- why green building standards should be These grants play a vital role in a comment of the HOPE VI plan, expanding mandatory in HOPE VI developments. munity’s redevelopment and have community and supportive services Our public housing was built poorly changed the physical characteristics of from 15 percent of grants that amount and inefficiently. Many of our develop- public housing from high-rise tene- to 25 percent of grant amount; prohib- ments are wasteful and hazardous to ments to attractive, marketable units iting HOPE VI specific screening cri- the health of the residents, and many that blend in with the surrounding teria so that public housing residents investments we make in public housing neighborhood and help residents attain and HOPE VI aren’t held to a higher developments, which will be around for self-sufficiency. standard than non-HOPE VI residents, the next 40 years, should ensure that While the goals of the program are to requiring housing agencies to monitor this housing is safe, sound, energy effi- be commended, and HOPE VI projects and track the whereabouts of relocated cient and good for the environment. remain popular with many Members of families, and mandating that develop- This is just good public policy. We owe Congress, it is not without faults. The ments be built in accordance with it to our public housing residents and HOPE VI program has been criticized green building standards. to the environment to make sure that by the administration, which argues Public housing residents, including we do not recreate the inefficient and that grantees spend their money too those not yet impacted by HOPE VI, harmful mistakes that went into build- slowly, and by tenant advocates, who and housing advocates have said that ing many of these developments in the claim the program displaces more fam- this bill has been a long time in com- first place. ilies than it houses in new developing, and I agree with them. I would like This bill has the support of over 145 ments. Also, there are those who argue to note why the bill before us today is resident organizations: The National that HOPE VI is not an efficient meth- so important. Low-Income Housing Coalition, the Na- od for meeting the current and future First, it preserves public housing. tional Alliance to End Homelessness, capital needs of public housing pro- The administration eliminated the the National Housing Law Project, the grams. one-for-one replacement requirement Community Builders, Bank of America, The bill we are considering today, in 1996, effectively triggering a na- the Housing Justice Network, the Cor- H.R. 3524, makes several significant tional sloughing off of our Nation’s poration for Supportive Housing, and changes to the underlying program. I public housing inventory. others. There are a lot of good things want to commend Chairman FRANK, Housing authorities have consist- in this bill, and these groups recognize Chairwoman WATERS, and Congress- ently built back fewer units than they this. man SHAYS for their bipartisan work have torn down and, as a result, over Specifically, regarding the green on this bill. I know that Congressman 30,000 units have been lost as a direct building provisions, although one SHAYS has worked hard to address result of the HOPE VI program. Stop- group is not supportive, over 30 organi- some of the concerns raised by HUD ping this bleeding was paramount in zations, including the U.S. Conference and by those on this side of the aisle the drafting of this legislation. One- of Mayors, the American Public Health regarding the bill. Certainly, the man- for-one replacement is not only a part Association, the Metropolitan Wash- ager’s amendment moves in the right

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 direction. However, there are still sev- and capital improvement needs of pub- Secretary of HUD. So we are not say- eral areas of disagreement on this leg- lic housing units. However, this House ing that the one-for-one has to be fol- islation, such as the elimination of has the opportunity with this bill, lowed in every case. We do say that demolition-only grants, implementing through several amendments, to fur- should be the standard. one-for-one replacement requirements, ther develop a program that rehabili- Here is the problem with the and mandating HOPE VI developers tates our public housing into afford- Neugebauer amendment. He says the comply with the Green Communities able, mixed-income communities. housing authorities only have to re- Green Building Rating System. I reserve the balance of my time. place units that they tear down that The HOPE VI program has been a Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I were occupied. Most people who run program that has worked. Through yield 6 minutes to Mr. BARNEY FRANK housing authorities are diligent, hard- public-private partnerships, we have of Massachusetts, the chairman of the working people in difficult cir- changed the physical shape of public Committee on Financial Services. cumstances, but there is incompetence housing by establishing positive incen- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I in some housing authorities. People tives for resident self-sufficiency and thank the gentlewoman who chairs the who have incompetently been unable to comprehensive services that empower Housing Subcommittee for the time rent housing for one reason or another residents. We must take care not to and for her very creative and diligent shouldn’t be rewarded by then being al- make this program so prescriptive that work on this bill and others. And I also lowed to tear that housing down. developers and nonprofits find the pro- want to acknowledge our new ranking In other words, if housing authori- gram too difficult in which to partici- member of the Housing Subcommittee, ties, who have the obligation to use the pate. the gentlewoman from West Virginia. money available to house people, Several years ago, I spoke at the Let me begin by noting that obvi- refuse to do that or are unable to do opening ceremonies at Orchard Manor ously in the parliamentary forum we that, we should not reward them by in Charleston, West Virginia. Orchard focus on areas of difference. Members saying then you don’t have to build Manor is now a beautiful complex of should note how small those are rel- those. And there will be places where townhouses, duplexes and apartments atively in the context of this bill. This people don’t like poor people living in that began its transformation from a is a significant rewrite of the HOPE VI their community, and the political rundown public housing project with program in which there was not a lot of leadership of that community could the removal of 230 out of the existing objection. In fact, I think every amend- then order the housing authority to 360 units under a HUD HOPE VI demo- ment but one that was offered was leave some of those units vacant, and lition-only grant. Following the initial made in order. I disagree with several then we will apply for a HOPE VI grant demolition, additional units were con- of the amendments, but I do want to and we will be able to replace far fewer structed using replacement housing stress the commonality of reform that because we will be rewarded for leaving funds until the complex reached its is in here as we go forward. them vacant. present state. Orchard Manor is a shin- There are two basic areas of dif- The gentlewoman from West Vir- ing example of the importance and sig- ference. Two amendments on the other ginia’s amendment, and again there is nificance of using demolition-only side of the aisle from the two gentle- some common agreement that we grants as part of HOPE VI. The gen- men from Texas would reduce the re- should go towards encouraging green tleman from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER) quirement that with Federal money we building, but here is the difference. I has an amendment that will reinstate replace low-income units that we de- know the homebuilders say this is bad HUD’s ability to fund demolition-only stroy. Yes, there are low-income units for them, but understand, this is a Fed- grants, and I urge its adoption so fu- that should be eliminated as they now eral program with Federal money. We ture successful projects, such as Or- exist, but that does not mean that the are not talking here about imposing on chard Manor, can receive that funding. total number of housing units available Finally, I plan to offer an amend- private-sector developers any require- for lower-income people ought to be di- ment that I believe is a commonsense ment whatsoever to do energy effi- minished as a conscious Federal policy. approach to green building require- ciency. We are here as the landlord, not And the amendments of my two col- ments outlined in this legislation. I am as the regulator. leagues from Texas would do that. concerned that Congress is attempting What we are saying is that we are the The Sessions amendment would allow to mandate this program. Building Federal Government and we will set an the Federal Government to give people green is a good thing. Mandating how example. We will take the money that money simply to tear down all of the to do it by a private building standard, we, the Federal Government, makes houses that poor people live in in a par- I believe there are other ways to do it, available, and hold ourselves to a high which is essentially the heart of my ticular area on the grounds that those energy efficiency standard. If people amendment. weren’t very nice houses. No doubt in think that is inappropriate and it is Specifically, the green building re- many cases they are not nice houses, too expensive, they don’t have to apply quirements in the bill could lead to but the poor people who live in those to come here. That leaves everyone in fewer affordable housing units being houses didn’t decide voluntarily to live the private sector free to do as they built. My amendment still requires in bad housing as opposed to nice hous- wish. minimum green building standards, but ing. They had nowhere else to go. And Beyond that, one of the strongest ad- it directs the Secretary to select an ap- if you tear down where they now are vocates of this has been my colleague propriate green building rating system and build zero in its place, you have ex- from Massachusetts (Mr. OLVER), the standard or code that addresses envi- acerbated the housing crisis. chairman of the Appropriations Sub- ronmental soundness but leaves that Similarly, the amendment of the committee. He has to fund all of this, flexibility for the Secretary to deter- gentleman from Texas (Mr. and he has to fund it going forward. We mine other criteria as appropriate. NEUGEBAUER) would diminish our ca- don’t simply build the HOPE VI We are currently experiencing rapid pacity. We say if you tear them down, projects and walk away. We don’t. The development in our definition of what you have to replace them. You don’t builders do. It is not their fault. constitutes a legitimate ‘‘green build- replace them in the same place. You If I am the contractor to build the ing standard’’ through the competition can do it in a much broader area with buildings, my obligation is completed of differing ideas. This competition is a more flexibility. You have 41⁄2 years to the day I have done the building and healthy one, and we should not cut replace the ones you have torn down gotten the money for it. But we, the short through a hasty endorsement of and may go to the Secretary of HUD Federal Government, then have to fund one of the competing proprietary and get a waiver, say there is a court it on an ongoing basis. What we are standards as our definition. order, there is this land shortage. Some saying is, as the landlord, we want to In closing, the HOPE VI program is of these were, in fact, so useless. There build it in a way that makes it energy not a cure-all for the rehabilitation are a lot of reasons you can go to the efficient going forward.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 347 We will take an up-front cost be- This place was called Cora Place. ous impact of cleaning up distressed cause, over time, over 20 and 30 and 40 Now I still don’t know to this day public housing units and providing peo- years, we will reduce our operating whether it was a K or a C, Cora Place. ple with housing, HOPE VI generates budget. So we are being told that as But it was a vast housing unit apart- economic activity in the community. the landlord we can’t make the deci- ment complex for young families. I was New housing brings new residents. New sion about how efficiently to use funds born there 62 years ago, and there’s residents bring new infrastructure and and how to say we will reduce costs still young families there. That place spurs new businesses. These new resi- going forward. So I would hope that has still survived all these decades. It dents shop and dine and invest in their the gentlewoman’s amendment is de- was built adequately. It was built with community. The new businesses hire feated. It would take it from a manda- good construction techniques. It was employees, which has a positive impact tory to one factor among many. built with good standards. It was not on the economy. We also have an argument about the rebuilt. It was not demolished and re- The benefits of this program do not standard. We do mention one standard. built. It was built in a way, in a form, end there. Research indicates that The homebuilders are wrong in their in a complex where it became a com- HOPE VI increases per capita income letter where they talk about the LEED munity, not an isolated pocket of pov- of residents and decreases unemploy- standard. That is out of the bill in the erty. It was built for a community. ment rates. That same research shows manager’s amendment. There are small businesses there. The that this program decreases the num- b 1100 standards of construction were fine. ber of households receiving public as- You don’t waste heat. You don’t waste sistance and decreases violent crimes On the green communities, we do water. You don’t waste electricity. It in surrounding communities. mention the green community stand- was built for young American families. A reauthorization of this HOPE VI is ard; but we explicitly give the Sec- It was built for a community where long overdue. I applaud the efforts of retary of HUD the ability to propose there could be dignity, where there the chairman and Chairwoman WATERS another standard if it is equivalent in could be small businesses, where people for bringing this to the floor today. energy savings, and that’s the key. could come together and exchange in- And I will share a story. I recently So the amendment of the gentle- formation and feel like they belonged. visited in Elizabeth, New Jersey, part woman from West Virginia (Mrs. That’s what we need to do today. of my district, a program of HOPE VI. CAPITO) makes this one factor among That’s what HOPE VI is all about. I knew that area before, and the trans- many, not a required factor, and every- That’s what this committee, in a bipar- formation is beyond. As I went there thing we do with our money to be en- tisan fashion, wants to pursue. the other day, a new restaurant opened ergy efficient. I also want to talk about one of the up. People were hired to work in that And, secondly, she would allow a provisions in this bill called ‘‘green restaurant. So this program does work. much weaker standard in many cases buildings and technical assistance.’’ Is it perfect? Nothing is perfect, but it than ours does. So we allow flexibility, And I want to say that what this does certainly works. And I hope that every- but flexibility as to how to achieve the to today’s communities is what hap- body supports this. goal of energy efficiency, not flexi- pened 62 years ago. We want to do it Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I bility as to how much energy efficiency right the first time, not the second would now like to yield 9 minutes to to offer. time. The Federal Government is not the ranking member of the full com- I hope the bill, as essentially pre- requiring one standard. The Federal mittee, Mr. BACHUS of Alabama. sented, or a couple of amendments I Government, in this bill, is requiring a Mr. BACHUS. Since HOPE VI, we’ve think are relatively noncontroversial, standard that is flexible so it can had a lot of success. I think the pro- are accepted. change and provide for new technology. gram is a success. How the program Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to respond This is a standard that reduces and has been a success is not as simple as just a little bit to the gentleman’s eliminates waste. It’s a standard that simply replacing units on-site. In fact, comments on the amendment I’m going promotes local businesses and local most of the residents of these housing to put forward. I don’t want the mis- communities. It’s a standard that pro- projects have actually moved to other understanding of the Members to think vides adequate housing for those who communities through vouchers. The that my amendment would remove otherwise would not have adequate main thing, I think, to remember is green building from any of the HOPE housing. The high cost of housing has that it has eliminated some of the VI projects. It’s a different philosophy increased the high cost of renting, and most dangerous and distressed public in how we’re putting forth the idea to the peripheral outside effect is that it housing in the country and created liv- meet green standards. And he clarified has increased homelessness. able, mixed-income communities; and that. His is a mandatory. Mine is a So HOPE VI goes a long way into that’s very good. flexible, one among many. But I do be- eliminating that problem in our com- To date, there have been over 200 lieve in the philosophy of building munities. It is not a mandate to com- HOPE VI grants, and to various hous- more green and more efficient build- ply with one standard. It does not, this ing agencies. Almost all of them have ings, we’ve got new technology coming text in this bill, create a monopoly. It been a success. These grants have been online. Why tie ourselves to a certain does not require certification fees. You used to fund public/private partner- standard? save way more energy, way more en- ships that have changed landscapes At this point I would like to recog- ergy than up-front costs. And it uses once populated by failed housing nize Mr. GILCHREST for 3 minutes, the standards of efficiency that are off-the- projects and crime-ridden neighbor- gentleman from Maryland. shelf technology. So I encourage my hoods into vibrant mixed-income, Mr. GILCHREST. I’m not on the colleagues to vote for the bill. mixed-use communities, providing committee of jurisdiction where the Ms. WATERS. I yield to the gen- quality, affordable housing for those in HOPE project originated, but I’m inter- tleman from New Jersey, hardworking need. ested in this issue because I was born member of our subcommittee, Con- I think anybody on the Financial in what would now be called a housing gressman SIRES, 2 minutes. Services Committee who’s attended project, 62 years ago. It was a housing Mr. SIRES. Madam Chairman, I rise these public hearings has heard the tes- apartment complex built many decades in support of H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI timony of the living conditions that ago, a few years before I was born, for Improvement Reauthorization Act of these tenants in public housing were young families, for soldiers serving in 2007. living under. High crime areas, van- World War II and certainly then, for As a former mayor in New Jersey, I dalism, dilapidated conditions, paint the baby boom generation, for military have a unique perspective of this pro- peeling off, lead, plumbing that didn’t people coming home looking for places gram. Its impact on local communities work, electricity that didn’t work, to live. is real and is positive. Beyond the obvi- heating that was inadequate, areas

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 where there was such a concentration ridden project, where there was very moting sustainability in our nation’s hous- of crime that many of the youth grow- little hope for the residents, very little ing stock, are writing to express our opposi- ing up in those communities really had future for the youth, with a mixed-in- tion to H.R. 3524, The HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act, in its current no or very few role models. come community. And that’s been form. We do appreciate that the forthcoming In my home State of Alabama, there done. Today, professionals, account- Manager’s amendment will make several im- are several examples of projects where ants, doctors, lawyers, people with portant improvements to the bill. For exam- HOPE VI has made a tremendous dif- good income, are living side by side ple, we support allowing HUD to grant a ference. For example, Park Place is a with families still on subsidized and on waiver to the one-for-one replacement provi- 12-block section of downtown Bir- public assistance. The end result is a sion under certain circumstances. However, mingham that a HOPE VI grant has sharp reduction in crime in East Lake. we suggest that HUD also should be able to provide waivers related to funding realities. transformed into an attractive, mixed- But the more important result is a income housing development. Not only If one-for-one replacement renders a deal in- sharp increase in the level of academic feasible, there should be enough flexibility has it decreased the concentration of achievement and success among the to waive that provision. We also believe that low-income residents living in a crime- youth living in that community. extending the period in which all replace- infested area with very few prospects of Now, for all the good, we are con- ment units must be provided after demoli- jobs, but it’s also improved the sur- cerned about this bill. First of all, it tion has been completed from 12 to 36 rounding communities. The sur- eliminates the Main Street Revitaliza- months is very sensible. HOPE VI projects must contend with many variables, from rounding communities, the property tion program, which was for the benefit values were going down. It was more weather conditions, securing local approvals of smaller communities. and working extensively with tenant groups. dangerous. And those areas have been Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. All of these factors can increase construc- improved. The commercial district Madam Chairman, will the gentleman tion periods beyond what otherwise might be downtown has improved. One of the yield? considered normal. stories that we need to realize is not Mr. BACHUS. I yield to the gen- However, while our organizations have only the improvement that we see in tleman from Massachusetts. long-supported this important housing pro- the community that was replaced or Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. As the gram, there are several provisions in the bill which we believe are so onerous that private rehabilitated, but the community gentleman may know, an amendment around it. developers may no longer be able to partici- is going to be offered to restore that, pate, jeopardizing the very existence of the But most residents, if you track and I agree with the gentleman that program. Specifically, our main objection is where they’ve gone, they have chosen, that amendment should be accepted. that the legislation will unfairly and unnec- through vouchers, and a lot of them Mr. BACHUS. I thank the chairman essarily drive up development costs by man- just by simply turning down housing for that. dating compliance with privately developed assistance, they’ve moved to other Another problem that we have with green building rating systems. The addi- communities, and they’re doing quite tional cost burdens for green compliance it is eliminating the demolition-only adds further impediments to an already com- well. They’ve moved to communities grants, because on certain occasions we where they think there are better plicated financing structure for HOPE VI feel like public housing, there may be projects and could greatly discourage devel- schools. The students of those resi- adequate housing other places, or opers from undertaking future projects. In dents who have actually moved and not vouchers or a better system. But I addition, there are provisions related to the returned, they’re doing better, on the think one of the main causes of con- occupancy of HOPE VI projects that are un- average, than those residents who cerns we have, and the gentlelady from clear and could be interpreted to prevent chose to return. West Virginia, is the green require- owners from instituting sensible eligibility In New Orleans, we actually found a standards. ments. While some of the provisions lot of people chose not to go back to GREEN BUILDING MANDATE have merit, we believe that they have, the original community because they Our members are committed to working on number one, the unintended result of did not trust the public housing au- increasing the sustainability of affordable reducing the number of affordable thority. And that’s one reason that housing, as well as keeping housing afford- housing units that can actually be con- we’ve tried to advocate not simply re- able in all markets. We believe that manda- placing these units on a one-by-one structed under HOPE VI. tory green requirements in the HOPE VI pro- In fact, I have a letter I would like to gram will have unintended consequences basis, and re-duplicating a bad situa- that far outweigh any sustainability gains. tion. introduce from the homebuilders, but also a coalition of National Affordable Dramatic reductions in additional HOPE VI The Tuxedo Court project in Bir- projects is a very real possibility because of mingham is going to replace 488 obso- Housing Management Association. And increased costs that developers would have lete units of aging buildings with 331 basically what they say here is that to finance based on the proposed provisions modern, for-purchase rental homes. All the additional cost burdens of these in the bill. There is a limited amount of the residents who are not going to relo- particular green compliances will HOPE VI funding, and a developer’s ability cate there have been given vouchers, or greatly discourage the development of to leverage a significant amount of additional financing is limited. In addition, total if they qualify, public assistance, and these projects and drive up the cost substantially. development costs (TDC) are capped. Unless many of them have chosen to move to TDCs are allowed to increase (or alter- communities across town. JANUARY 14, 2008. natively, the costs of complying with the Our vision, and I think the vision of Hon. BARNEY FRANK, green building requirements are excluded both Democrats and Republicans on Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, from TDC), the developers may be forced to this committee, should be for the resi- House of Representatives, Washington, DC. scrimp on other important aspects of these dents of those communities to better Hon. MAXINE WATERS, developments to pay for costly green compo- Chair, Subcommittee on Housing and Commu- nents. Decisions on what aspects of green de- themselves and better their living con- nity Opportunity, Committee on Financial ditions, their housing. It should be vi- velopment can be afforded in these prop- Services, House of Representatives, Wash- erties should be left to the developers and brant, mixed-use communities with ington, DC. their partner public housing agencies. HUD good housing, safe streets, strong Hon. SPENCER BACHUS, has recognized this as a practicable ap- schools. Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Serv- proach, as demonstrated by its implementa- In a previous debate, I mentioned a ices, House of Representatives, Washington, tion of green building incentives in the public housing project in downtown At- DC. Mark-to-Market program. lanta called East Lake. East Lake was Hon. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, Further, the specific reference to only one so dangerous that the police refused to Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Housing and green rating system will stifle innovation Community Opportunity, Committee on Fi- and technology advancement in all aspects patrol it. And it’s not alone. Children nancial Services, House of Representatives, of green building. During a time when green slept in bathtubs or closets for fear of Washington, DC. building is growing exponentially and pro- being hit by random gunfire. DEAR COMMITTEE LEADERS: The under- grams are competing to be the ‘‘greenest,’’ A developer by the name of Tom signed organizations, who work collectively Congress should not be codifying one inflexi- Cousins proposed replacing this crime- in support of affordable housing and pro- ble benchmark that cannot adapt to future

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 349 sustainability needs. Congress should not be practices to attract investors and lenders. behalf of the United Brotherhood of Car- using the HOPE VI program to pick winners Otherwise, the developments will be viewed penters and Joiners of America, I am writing and losers in the green building arena. as too risky, and the developer’s financing to express our concerns with provisions of Keeping green building as flexible and prospects will be in jeopardy. We suggest H.R. 3524 that would require non-residential competitive as possible reaps the greatest that these provisions be clarified to ensure construction in HOPE VI grant projects to environmental and economic rewards. Man- that PHAs can continue to set fair and rea- meet the United States Green Building dating a specific green building requirement sonable screening and eligibility standards Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environ- for HOPE VI is short-sighted, overly restric- that are applied to all households. mental Design (LEED) rating criteria. tive and costly and is a disservice to commu- OTHER For the last four years, the Carpenters nity affordable housing needs. Sustainable We believe that the provision eliminating have had a great interest in green building green design for all housing markets should HUD’s ability to award demolition grants legislation as it affects both parts of our be protected from government mandates and should be revisited. There may be cir- union—the part that constructs buildings rigid statutory benchmarks. Green building cumstances under which a demolition only is and the part that harvests and manufactures means something different in every climate warranted. HUD and PHAs should be allowed wood products that are used in them. There- zone, just as every market has differing de- to retain this current authority. fore, we are strong supporters of green build- mands for affordable housing. ing, but want to ensure that building SUMMARY It is important to understand that oppos- ‘‘green’’ does not result in ‘‘pink’’ slips for ing a green building mandate in no way sig- Our organizations are committed to fur- our members. nals opposition to sustainability or environ- thering the sustainability of affordable hous- Over this time, we have found a number of mental conservation. Green building should ing and believe that the success of these ef- important flaws in the LEED system that we not be driven to the lowest common denomi- forts lies in the ability of the industry to believe makes it unsatisfactory for the mar- nator or serve as a deterrent for development take advantage of the innovations that are ketplace and should not be the only standard of these vital housing projects. Opposing the constantly occurring in the market. The pro- referenced in legislation. green building requirements in this bill dem- visions in H.R. 3524, The HOPE VI Improve- Our primary concern is LEED’s failure to onstrates awareness that green building is ment and Reauthorization Act, as currently recognize all credible, sustainable forestry an important variable that needs to be incor- written, will impede these efforts by man- certification programs in its certified wood porated into HOPE VI in a manner that is dating the use of one specific system. In ad- credit. LEED only provides credit to builders functional, flexible, and encourages more en- dition, owners of HOPE VI properties must using forest products certified by the Forest ergy and resource-efficient construction in be able to establish reasonable and workable Stewardship Council (FSC). No credits are the future. occupancy policies that are fair to all pro- awarded for wood products produced by other spective tenants in HOPE VI communities. ELIGIBILITY PROVISIONS companies independently third party cer- Our organizations stand ready to work tified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative The Limitation on Exclusion provision with the Committee to craft an effective and (SFI) Program standard or the American (Section 7(m)(2)) could be interpreted to appropriate way to address green building Tree Farm System, the two largest sustain- place limits on the public housing agencies’ and eligibility standards within the HOPE VI able forest management systems in the (PHAs) ability to establish reasonable eligi- program. Thank you for your consideration United States. These two systems account bility criteria for occupancy in the new of our views. HOPE VI development. The provision says Institute of Real Estate Management. for over 90 million acres of forestland, yet do that replacement housing under a HOPE VI National Affordable Housing Management not qualify for points under LEED. There- plan must be subject to the same policies, Association. fore, if a builder wants to use wood and re- practices, standards, and criteria regarding National Apartment Association. ceive LEED certification, they are largely waiting lists, tenant screening (including National Association of Home Builders. forced to use wood products grown or manu- screening criteria such as credit checks), and National Multi Housing Council. factured overseas. This puts American work- occupancy that apply to other housing More important, and let me close by ers and American products at a competitive owned, managed or assisted by the PHA. saying this, and this is a serious prob- disadvantage. LEED also discriminates against wood However, the provision goes on to say that lem with this bill, I have a letter from a household cannot be excluded from the compared to other imported building prod- HOPE VI development, except to the extent the United Brotherhood of Carpenters ucts. LEED credits builders for using ‘‘rap- specifically provided by other provisions of and Joiners of America. They say that idly renewable materials,’’ which are defined Federal law (e.g., relating to safety and secu- the standards we’re using in this bill, as products originating from plants har- rity in public and assisted housing; ineligi- let me quote them: vested in a 10-year cycle. As you might ex- bility of drug criminals, illegal drug users, ‘‘If a builder wants to use wood and pect, construction lumber cannot earn this alcohol abusers and dangerous sex offenders; receive LEED certification,’’ that’s the credit since it takes more than ten years for as well as preferences for the elderly and dis- program we’re using, ‘‘they are largely a tree to grow to a usable size and diameter. abled; and persons convicted of methamphet- forced to use wood products grown and Instead, if a builder uses exotic crops such as imported bamboo, they can earn the credit. amine offenses). This seems to preclude manufactured overseas.’’ PHAs from screening for credit worthiness or As a result of these flaws, we have actively other typical screening criteria. b 1115 supported other green building systems that are inclusive in regard to the use of wood. We support holding all households to the ‘‘This puts American workers and same standards. We note that HUD’s Housing One system that we have supported at the Choice Voucher Handbook encourages PHAs American products at a competitive national, state and local levels is the Green and owners to adopt screening policies that disadvantage.’’ Building Initiative’s Green Globes program. take into consideration tenancy history re- UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CAR- Unlike LEED, it recognizes all the major lated to payment of rent and utility bills; PENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMER- sustainable forestry programs used in the caring for a unit and premises; respecting ICA, United States and does not put wood at a dis- the rights of others to the peaceful enjoy- Washington, DC, January 11, 2008. advantage compared to other building prod- ment of their housing; drug-related criminal Hon. BARNEY FRANK, ucts. Also unlike LEED, Green Globes takes activity or other criminal activity that is a Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, into account the concept of life-cycle anal- threat to life, safety or property of others House of Representatives, Washington, DC. ysis, or the cost to operate the building over and compliance with other essential condi- Hon. MAXINE WATERS, time. tions of tenancy. The proposed provision in Chairman, Subcommittee on Housing and Com- As a result, Green Globes has been increas- H.R. 3524 could be interpreted to undermine munity Development, Committee on Finan- ingly recognized by federal agencies and HUD’s existing policies and create an unfair cial Services, House of Representatives, state governments. At the federal level, it disadvantage to other eligible tenants who Washington, DC. has been recognized by the Department of wish to move into a HOPE VI property. Fur- Hon. SPENCER BACHUS, Health and Human Services, the Department ther, it appears that the bill may provide a Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Serv- of the Interior and the Environmental Pro- de facto preference to applicants that have ices, House of Representatives, Washington, tection Agency. In addition, 11 states have been released from a prison or other correc- DC. written Green Globes into their state green tional facility. It is the responsibility of the Hon. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, building statutes, owner/landlord to ensure a safe environment Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Housing and Therefore, we request that the legislation for all residents, and such a preference may Community Development Committee on Fi- be modified in order to specifically include preclude their ability to honor that responsi- nancial Services, House of Representatives, other standards, such as Green Globes. bility. Washington, DC. Should any amendments be offered to create The owners of HOPE VI developments DEAR CHAIRMEN FRANK AND WATERS, AND a process that gives the government the op- must be able to implement good business RANKING MEMBERS BACHUS AND CAPITO: On portunity to review and select a standard, we

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They are really nice Sincerely, demolished will be replaced within 36 units, market rate units. DOUGLAS J. MCCARRON, months. This is tremendously impor- So, you may have someone paying General President. tant because people in public housing market rate, and when they leave, the Number 1, under the standards you’ve have no other place to go. new person may be low-income. There’s adopted, we won’t be using wood, when It adds additional tenant protections a guaranteed of the 330 units, 160 are it’s one of our greatest renewable re- by requiring public housing agencies to low-income. It has actually a pool. It sources. We won’t be using wood. So monitor and track all households af- has a workout area, and it has some you will be putting a lot of carpenters fected by the HOPE VI revitalization wealthy people staying there. They and laborers and joiners out of work, program, as well as develop a reloca- work at successful businesses in the the framers. tion plan that provides comparable greater Stamford community. But second, if you do use wood, you housing for all relocated residents. So young kids who have very little will have to import that wood. So, as In an effort to be better stewards of income when they see someone getting an article in Slate magazine said, and our environment, this bill requires all into a BMW, it’s not for a drug deal; it’s the reason the University of Michi- replacement housing and other struc- it’s to go to work where they are paid gan in one of their projects is trying to tures part of the HOPE VI development well. When young children go to work decide whether they want to use this to be built in accordance with flexible out, what they hear discussed is how LEED program, LEED, this article in green building standards, and it’s ap- someone can make money legiti- Slate magazine actually pointed out propriate for the government to have mately. that you can put up a bicycle rack and high environmental standards. It will It is not a place warehousing the you get the same credit as if you used be more energy efficient in the future poor, but having all our fellow Ameri- an energy efficient heating system. and, in the long run, will save tax- cans live together, black, white, His- That’s wrong. payers dollars. panic, minorities from all areas of the Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, to This bill continues a really impor- world, with people who have income, correct that information, I yield 30 sec- tant program that revitalizes severely minorities as well who have income onds to the chairman, Mr. FRANK. distressed public housing and trans- and those who don’t. It is an incredible Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. The forms them into safe, livable commu- thing to see our country come together gentleman from Alabama correctly nities. And since its creation, it has under a HOPE VI program. quoted the carpenters’ letter. The man- provided over 560 grants, and Congress And besides the 85 units of market ager’s amendment responds to that. has appropriated over $6.6 billion in rental, you have 15 of affordable home The manager’s amendment, which we funding. ownership. These are townhouses, four- are now debating, removes reference to It has helped public housing authori- story buildings. And then we have the leadership and energy and environ- ties create relationships with the pri- Fairfield Court, $19 million of Federal mental design. So the objection raised vate sector and open up opportunities funds leveraging $80 million, 272 units, by the carpenters we thought had some to bring partnerships that bring in 141 of low-income and 131 of affordable validity to it, and the manager’s much-needed resources into struggling rental, market rental and affordable amendment takes care of it. So there is no reference to that. So communities. home ownership. For example, by 2004, 92 public hous- What I see in the HOPE VI grant is a two of the points the gentleman made ing authorities have used $313 million transformation not just of the physical we agree with, and we’re correcting, re- capital funds to leverage over $1 billion outlay of a community and the upgrad- storing main street and removing any in private investment. These funds ing of neighborhoods, but I’m seeing reference to LEED. There will be other have been used to modernize and rede- Americans come together, living like differences, but I did want to acknowl- velop public housing. we think we should live, together, not edge this is an example of how we’re With the crisis in safe, affordable separate. trying to work together. Mr. BACHUS. Madam Chairman, will housing we are seeing in our country, I rise today in strong support of the reau- the gentleman yield? it is my hope that with our reauthor- thorization of the HOPE VI program. HOPE VI Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield ization of this important legislation we has transformed rundown housing projects to the gentleman from Alabama. can continue the successes of this pro- into vibrant communities and changed the face Mr. BACHUS. Would you continue to gram. of affordable housing throughout the country. work with us to make sure that, in I really urge my colleagues to sup- I am grateful to have worked on this reau- fact, is possible? port this program that is vitally need- thorization and am grateful for all of the hard Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Yes. ed. work and collaboration of this Committee. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I Specifically, I would like to thank Chairwoman yield to the gentlewoman from New yield the gentleman from Connecticut WATERS and Ranking Member CAPITO and York (Mrs. MALONEY) 2 minutes. (Mr. SHAYS), who I mentioned in my their staff for their leadership on this important Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam opening statement had been very inte- program. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman gral in reaching what I think is a very The mixed income communities created for her leadership and chairing this im- good bill, 3 minutes. through HOPE VI grants epitomize the power portant subcommittee and her hard Mr. SHAYS. Madam Chairman, I of public-private partnerships. This reauthor- work on this bill, along with Chairman thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I ization represents a renewed commitment by FRANK, and I rise in very strong sup- thank my colleagues on the other side the Federal Government to revitalize our Na- port of the revitalization, reauthoriza- of the aisle for bringing out this legis- tion’s most distressed public housing. tion of an important program, HOPE lation and for their willingness to work Since the creation of HOPE VI, public-pri- VI. on a bipartisan basis to get a good bill. vate partnerships have leveraged significant This legislation will increase the an- And thank you for that. commitments from private sector resources. nual authorization from $100 million to I am a strong believer in the HOPE For every dollar the Government commits to $800 million, and it is really a funding VI program because I’ve seen its unbe- this revitalization effort, HOPE VI projects yield housing crisis, affordable housing crisis lievable benefit to my district. We had three to four in private funding. in our Nation. This funding and this Southfield Village public housing. We In light of a serious shortage of affordable program is desperately needed. converted it into Southwood Square, housing in Connecticut’s Fourth District and

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We have two incredible HOPE VI But the Congress, under both Repub- of the Office of Management and Budg- sites in Stamford, and I wish Members and the lican and Democratic majorities, has et: Is the program designed so that it is administration could see that transformation. If continued to fund the program. In 2006, not redundant or duplicative of any they did, I doubt they would ever dream of $100 million was appropriated, and last Federal, State, local or private effort? eliminating this program. month, $100 million was included in the The answer again, no. HOPE VI is one Southfield Village received a $26 million Omnibus Appropriations Act. This re- of a select number of tools available to HOPE VI grant, which leveraged $79 million in authorization of HOPE VI is long over- housing authorities to revitalize dis- funds to create Southwood Square. The devel- due. tressed or obsolete public housing. opment features 330 units, 160 of which are In the Fifth Congressional District So again, number one, we had a pro- low-income public housing units, 85 are mar- and in the City of Minneapolis alone, gram that accomplished its original ket rate units, and 15 are affordable home- my local public housing authority has mission. We now have a program that ownership units. estimated that they need over $205 mil- is duplicative of other housing pro- In 2004, Fairfield Court received a HOPE VI lion just to maintain 5,883 public hous- grams. And I know there are many who grant of $19 million that will leverage $80 mil- ing units at only a fair condition. come to the floor who are very sincere lion. This project will house 141 low-income Again, let me repeat this. My district and passionate in their belief that the units and 131 affordable rental, market rate needs $205 million to keep these public only way to help low-income people is rental, and affordable homeownership units. housing units from not falling below through government housing programs. At these mixed-income communities, low-in- basic standards. The backlog of units I have a different philosophy. I have a come families and those paying market rent in desperate need of refurbishment and different set of principles. live side-by-side, and have the opportunity to rehabilitation is a result of 7 long We already have 80-plus Federal learn and grow from one another. They are years of neglect of public infrastruc- housing programs, and the budget for safe places to live where children can grow ture. Federal housing programs has almost and play together and where residents are in- This is why I urge all of my col- doubled in the last 10 years, from $15.4 volved in the planning and growth of their leagues to vote for this bill. By passing community. billion to more than $30 billion now. H.R. 3524, we move a step closer to rec- When the Federal Government dem- And this percentage increase, almost onstrates its interest in improving the housing ognizing the rights for all citizens. double, is a rate, Madam Chairman, a Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I needs of low income families, the community rate of increase that is higher than vet- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from responds. I call my colleagues today to reaf- erans spending, education spending, en- firm our commitment to this program, which Texas (Mr. HENSARLING), a member of ergy spending, transportation spend- has significantly expanded upon affordable the Financial Services Committee. ing, international affairs spending, and Mr. HENSARLING. I thank the gen- housing options for families throughout the even Social Security over that same country. tlewoman for yielding. time period. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I Madam Chairman, President Reagan So, relative to our budget priorities, yield such time as he may consume to once said that the nearest thing to it’s very hard to argue that somehow the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. eternal life on Earth is a Federal pro- Federal housing programs have been ELLISON), a hardworking member of gram, and I don’t think there is any shortchanged. I fear that HOPE VI sim- our committee. better case study than perhaps the ply compounds failure. We take failed Mr. ELLISON. Madam Chairman, let HOPE VI program. If there was ever a housing projects, we start to demolish me start by thanking Chairman FRANK program that cried out for termi- them, and then we fail to get rid of the and Chairwoman WATERS for bringing nation, it’s this one; termination so program. this critical and much-needed legisla- that the money used for this program Again, I understand that some people tion to the floor. can be returned to hardworking Amer- and many on the other side of the aisle The HOPE VI program was developed ican families. do not agree with my vision. They be- as a result of recommendations by the Many of us are acquainted with the lieve the only way to help is through National Commission on Severely Dis- history of the program, begun in 1992 other government programs, and if so, tressed Public Housing, which was with a very noble purpose of taking I would ask this, and I’m sorry that charged with proposing a national ac- 86,000 units of severely distressed pub- this didn’t happen in committee. tion plan to eradicate severely dis- lic housing and replacing them, demol- I offered an amendment to transfer tressed public housing. The commis- ishing them. this money to the section 8 program. I sion recommended revitalization in Well, guess what, Madam Chairman; think there are a number of challenges three general areas: physical improve- it achieved its mission. But somewhere with section 8, but I certainly see it as ments, management improvements, along the line we had this thing in a superior form of government assist- and social and community services to Washington known as mission creep. ance than these other programs. address resident needs. As a result, the What we should have done is probably b 1130 HOPE VI program was developed in given all the employees of the program 1993. a bonus, throw them a big party and And Member after Member on the Grants are used by public housing au- say thank you for doing something other side of the aisle has complained thorities to fund capital costs of major good and achieving the mission of your that we have insufficient resources for rehabilitation, new construction and particular program. But instead, some- section 8. Well, here’s an opportunity. physical improvements, demolition of how the program goes on and on and Now, unfortunately, that amendment severely distressed public housing, ac- on. was not ruled in order. I hope that one quisition of sites for off-site construc- Now, the Office of Management and day maybe I can work with the major- tion, and community and supportive Budget has said that this program is ity in finding ways to take less effec- service programs for residents. Any ineffective. If you look at their part tive government housing programs and public housing authority that has se- rating of the Office of Management and perhaps transfer funds to more effec- verely distressed public housing units Budget and start to study it, they ask tive housing programs. in its inventory is eligible to apply. very specific questions about the pro- I also find it quite curious that many In each of the past 5 years, the Bush gram, one of which is: Does the pro- Members on the other side of the aisle administration has proposed elimi- gram address a specific and existing complained about this program in

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hearings and in markups. So they com- grams by Republicans, not Democrats, tleman from Alabama (Mr. BACHUS), plained about it and then sit here and to replace and eliminate severely dis- for 3 minutes. reauthorize it. tressed housing and to provide the kind Mr. BACHUS. Madam Chairman, And there are two other reasons that of support that is necessary for resi- Members of this body, let me say that we should not support this. One is, it dents of public housing to be success- there is a difference of opinion on our puts us on a trajectory to help double- ful. That’s exactly what this bill does, side and different opinions on our side. spending to the next generation. Now, and I encourage support for the bill. But I do believe that one thing ought sometimes we have to make some Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I to be clarified, and I believe I share tough choices. We are going to double have no further speakers, and I would this opinion with all my colleagues on taxes on the next generation if we like to reserve the balance of my time. this side. We believe the purpose of don’t do something about spending Ms. WATERS. I yield 2 minutes to HOPE VI is not simply to replace a today. the gentleman from Texas, a member failed housing project model with an- And we should never forget that the of the subcommittee who has never other public housing project or commu- best housing program is a job. And the missed a meeting, Congressman AL nity. We believe the purpose that all of greatest threat to jobs today is the GREEN. us have, Republicans and Democrats, is threatened tax increases of the major- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Thank you, to help those families in those commu- ity. That’s where we ought to get our Madam Chairman. I thank you, the nities have a better life and a better fu- affordable housing. ranking member, and all of the other ture, and hope. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, this Members on the other side, Members As I think the Urban Institute and would be an excellent time for me to on both sides. This is a bipartisan ef- others have found, the majority of call on the major cosponsor of this bill, fort. those residents, and I don’t dispute someone who has been consistently in- Madam Chairman, please let me dis- what the gentleman from Texas said, volved with HOPE VI ever since it was pel any notion that there is a surplus there are and there will be residents originated. of affordable available housing in this that will say I want to go back to that I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman country. In fact, in the State of Texas community. But, hopefully, and one from North Carolina, Mr. MEL WATT. alone, we have a need for 437,000 units, thing HOPE VI does, that community Mr. WATT. I thank the Chair of the and we are third in the Nation. New is replaced by a much better commu- subcommittee for moving me up in the York is number two, with 528,000 units nity, a much better mixed-income com- order so that I can address some of the needed; California, 830,000 units. There munity where there is more hope, there misconceptions that we’ve just heard. is no surplus of available affordable is less crime, there is less poverty, and I’m holding in my hand a report that housing. But we’re talking about the there are residents in those commu- was authored, in fact one-third of the public housing units, and there is no nities that can actually help those report that was authored, by HUD in surplus of available public housing children get jobs. But most, and every 1996, about 4 or 5 years into the HOPE units. study that has looked at this, and VI program. And if we thought that Let me share a brief vignette with maybe someone on your side will cor- this program was only about demol- you. I had the privilege and honor, the rect me, most, if not every, study has ishing distressed public housing, as my pre-eminent privilege, if you will, of shown that the average resident of that colleague who just spoke would have us traveling to New Orleans with our sub- community is going to choose not to believe, we should read the report. It committee Chair, the Honorable MAX- come back to that same location, but to relocate to another area because in did identify 86,000 severely distressed INE WATERS. While we were there, we public housing units that needed to be visited the public housing units, and most cases the area they would relo- demolished and replaced in a different we actually talked to tenants. There cate to is closer to their job, it’s closer kind of setting. It went on to say that were tenants who were pleading with to a school, or if not a school, it’s clos- we needed to address the needs of the us to give them the opportunity to reer to a higher performing school, and residents. And the commission pro- turn to what they called their homes. they choose, through a voucher, to re- posed providing increased funding for These were not just pieces of trash to locate. In fact, a substantial minority of those residents relocate to another supportive services, creating a national them. These were places where they community, get a better job, get a bet- system to coordinate social and sup- have memories, where they had hopes, ter income, and move totally off public portive services to enable residents to where they had aspirations. And they assistance. become self-sufficient, and devising a were being denied access to property There are a lot of fond memories in system that requires public housing that they believed that they could live those communities, but there are a lot agencies to solicit resident input into in. Now, was it to the standard that of people trapped in a circle of poverty the solutions. you and I my might want to live in? in those communities and surrounded And the things we have been com- No. To the standards of those who live by criminal elements. And when we do plaining about, the gentleman is cor- in the sweets of life, they were not; but this one-for-one model, I believe we are rect, we have been complaining about to the standards of those who live in taking resources where we could give the HOPE VI program because it has the streets of life, they were above people the choice of relocating else- only been about demolishing public standard. If you’ve got a choice of liv- where and reestablishing what we had housing and not doing any of the serving on the streets or living in units that we tore down. ices that were originally contemplated that are not suitable for those who Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I by the program. And the amendments have much, you will choose to live in yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from in this reauthorization bill are de- the units that are available to you. Wisconsin, who has been so much in- signed to attack those very short- I regret that some of us seem to volved in this issue, GWEN MOORE. comings and the original objectives think that the best way to help people Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Thank that HOPE VI was designed to accom- who are living in conditions that we you, Madam Chairman. HOPE VI is not plish. Number one, not only demoli- find unacceptable is to cause them to just a tremendously successful housing tion, but one-for-one replacement is in have no place to live at all. Now, there program; it’s a program that revital- this bill; input by residents is in this is something wrong with that kind of izes entire communities. bill; supportive services, increased thinking. And at some point, we’ve got When you have an area with thou- funding is in this bill. to consider what the people need, and sands of people in dense public housing So the gentleman is absolutely cor- not see these as projects. I beg that we communities, it’s essential that we dis- rect: those of us who have been com- support this legislation. Keep people perse poverty and create communities plaining about the program acknowl- off the streets of life. within mixed-income groups. HOPE VI edge that it has not accomplished the Mrs. CAPITO. I would like to recog- has had enormous success at doing just objectives that were set for the pro- nize the ranking member, the gen- that.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 353 I would like to remind my colleagues strongly supports HOPE VI. The Gov- I cannot say how strongly I support that HOPE VI is not some liberal Dem- ernor of Illinois strongly supports this legislation to be a blueprint for ocrat program; it was created under a HOPE VI. Every member of our delega- how HOPE VI can make a difference for Republican administration, the pre- tion from the City of Chicago strongly public housing and community revital- vious President Bush. However, for the supports HOPE VI. It gives hope to ization around America. I strongly past 5 years, this President Bush has those individuals who are homeless, urge support for this legislation and re- proposed ending this vital program, who have given up, who are left out. jection of efforts to water it down. Use claiming that it has already accom- I strongly urge passage of this legis- this model. Make it work. You will be plished its goal. Clearly, he’s mistaken. lation. And let’s keep the hope in it. proud. Secondly, I just want to remind the b 1145 Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I body that we’re experiencing a mort- Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank all the speakers gage crisis of gargantuan, indeed, glob- yield 1 minute to a gentleman who has for discussing what I think is a good al proportions. The bad actors in the been very much involved in this issue, program, HOPE VI. On this side of the mortgage market have found fertile Congressman ELIJAH CUMMINGS. aisle, even though the chairmen of the ground among families who have Mr. CUMMINGS. I want to thank the full committee and subcommittee have yearned for decent housing. They have gentlewoman for yielding and for her made great strides in terms of the preyed upon these families with these leadership and to you, Chairman manager’s amendment in terms of an- awful mortgage products because of the FRANK, and all of the members of the swering some of our concerns, but we dearth of affordable rental units. HOPE committee. still have some concerns. And you are VI is an answer to prayer for these Madam Chairman, this is a very im- going to hear this through the amend- families who may not be able to portant piece of legislation involving ment process, whether it’s one-on-one achieve homeownership, but deserve what we have, HOPE VI projects. And I replacement, demolition only, and my decent and affordable housing. just want to correct Mr. BACHUS. Two amendment on the green communities. Mrs. CAPITO. May I inquire as to of those projects are within six blocks So I appreciate HOPE VI’s successes. how much time I have remaining. of my house, so I deal with these folks The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman I think we have heard from a lot of every day. I talk to them. I wish we Members who have had individual suc- from West Virginia has 2 minutes re- had more HOPE VI projects because I maining. cesses in their own districts. I reiterate will never forget when we opened one the success in my district was from a Ms. WATERS. I would like to inquire of them. The area had been drug in- as to how much time I have left, demolition-only grant, and I’ve seen fested, a highrise, and when we opened how the community can benefit and Madam Chairman. it up, literally a lot of residents came The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman the housing conditions can improve back and they were crying because from California has 4 minutes remain- and the quality of life improve at the they were going to move in. There were ing. same time. others who couldn’t move in because Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I we did not have enough housing. I will Mr. CONYERS. Madam Chairman, I rise yield 1 minute to the gentleman from never forget that day. I said this is like today in support of the passage of H.R. 3524, New Jersey, Congressman BILL having Andy of Mayberry in the middle the ‘‘HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthoriza- PASCRELL. of our community. And it is. Children tion Act of 2007.’’ This bipartisan bill allows Mr. PASCRELL. I rise in strong sup- are able to play. Men staying out late public housing agencies to continue to import of H.R. 3524. at night playing checkers. People can prove the lives of families in public housing I can provide testimony here. I was a leave their bikes out. A wonderful life through the revitalization of severely dis- mayor. In fact, in the final years before and giving hope. That’s what it’s all tressed public housing. Throughout America, I came to the Congress of the United about. there are tens of thousands of working fami- States, we built HOPE VI housing. It So I want to thank Ms. WATERS and lies who are in desperate need of affordable was successful. And the community de- Chairman FRANK for including in this housing, but are unable to obtain it, due to a cided what that housing would be like legislation, as part of their manager’s shortage of sufficient public housing units. and the community decided what the amendment, certain items that we in- Passage of H.R. 3524 will dramatically im- standards would be of living. In the cluded. And I want to thank you very prove the lives of those from low and mod- same area, in the same area that I’ve much for your leadership. erate incomes who are having difficulty finding just heard we should move people out Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I decent and affordable housing. of, you want to lift up. That’s what have no further requests for time, and hope is all about. That’s what HOPE VI In Detroit, there are scores of families who I continue to reserve the balance of my are on the public housing waiting list, and are is all about. time. So I can testify to the success. Come in dire need of affordable housing. Many of Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I these families are forced to stay in homeless to Paterson, New Jersey, and see how would like to inquire how much time I HOPE VI operates. And we want to pro- shelters, sleep in expensive hotels, or stay have left. with friends and relatives until they can find vide other areas of buildings that are The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman permanent housing. This bill will provide direct falling down. Why should tenants have has 1 minute remaining. assistance to low-income individuals and fami- to live in those other buildings in that Ms. WATERS. I will yield that 1 lies in Detroit who will now have access to same situation? We want to give hope minute to the gentleman from Oregon more affordable housing units, given that cities to those people as well, to provide bet- (Mr. BLUMENAUER). ter housing. Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the and towns across America will have increased HOPE VI grants are used by public gentlewoman’s courtesy and her lead- federal funding to construct affordable housing housing authorities to fund major ership on this. units. rehab and demolition. I urge everyone Madam Chairman, I come from a H.R. 3524 also ensures that the HOPE VI to vote for this legislation. community that took almost 500 units program does not contribute to the loss of Ms. WATERS. I yield 1 minute to the of World War II-era public housing and public housing. It requires public housing gentleman from Illinois, Mr. DANNY replaced it with almost 1,000 units, in- agencies replace any demolished public hous- DAVIS. cluding 230 that were unrestricted mar- ing unit with another comparable unit. Further- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chair- ket rate. It was an anchor for revital- more, the legislation gives agencies flexibility man, I represent one of the largest con- izing the community. It leveraged in the location of replacement housing by al- centrations of public housing in the three-to-one investment from the pri- lowing replacement units to be provided in on- United States of America in the third vate sector, and it was built according site mixed-income housing developments; and largest city. And I can assure you that to environmentally sustainable stand- in other areas where the public housing agen- the mayor of the City of Chicago ards. cy has jurisdiction.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 One of the most important benefits of H.R. 23-acre 758-unit public housing complex near verely distressed public housing units. At the 3524 is that more Americans will receive ex- the Washington Navy Yard and the Southeast time of grant award 380 families lived at Pea- panded housing opportunities through ensur- Federal Center, into a revitalized residential body. ing that families are able to move back into re- part of general Anacostia waterfront revitaliza- The end result is a new mixed-income com- placement housing units by prohibiting unrea- tion, one of the largest urban redevelopment munity (Ashley Station), set on a beautifully sonably stringent rescreening policies and areas in the country. The Arthur Capper/ designed site which incorporates new housing, making residents who are otherwise eligible Carrollsburg development is the first HOPE VI new parks, and new retail and street improve- for public housing also eligible for a HOPE VI site in the country to provide one-for-one re- ments. In addition, connections were made unit. placement of demolished public housing units. that improved access to job training, employ- The bill also encourages resident involve- The $34.9 million grant award has been lever- ment opportunities, education, health care, ment in the redevelopment planning phases aged to provide a total of over $424 million for and other supportive services. HOPE VI al- for new affordable housing. This is a critically the creation of 1,562 rental and home owner- lowed for a unique public-private collaboration important provision because it will help ensure ship units, replacing the demolished units with and more than $5,800,000 in ‘‘in-kind’’ serv- that communities impacted by housing rede- 707 public housing units, 525 affordable rental ices were received by the HOPE VI residents. velopment will have a say in where they are units and 330 market rate homes for pur- Invigorating the HOPE VI program will going to live. Also, H.R. 3524 requires the chase, for a total of 1,562 new units, and addi- strengthen families, reduce poverty, and reju- monitoring and tracking of displaced residents tional office space, neighborhood retail space venate the spirit of American communities by requiring housing authorities to maintain and a community center. throughout the Nation. The program is more current contact information for each affected One of the best examples of how HOPE VI than just ‘‘bricks and mortar.’’ It will make the household while the mixed-income community grants have helped DC communities is the American dream a reality for millions of low-in- is being developed. It is also a progressive lowest-income ward in the District of Colum- come people. I commend my colleagues for bill, in that it implements green building stand- bia, Ward 8, where HOPE VI developments bringing this vital piece of legislation to the ards in order to provide long-term energy effi- are transforming an entire ward. Ward 8 leads House floor and I urge their strong support. ciency and savings. the city in housing starts and new rental hous- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Ms. NORTON. Madam Chairman, I am ing. A Giant Food grocery store near the Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. obliged to speak up on the HOPE VI bill be- Henson Ridge HOPE VI development is the 3524, to reauthorize the ‘‘HOPE VI Improve- fore us today, particularly because of the Dis- only supermarket in the ward and the largest ment and Reauthorization Act of 2007,’’ intro- trict’s track record has made this city a shining in the region. The Henson Ridge HOPE VI duced by my distinguished colleague from success story, the fourth largest recipient of across the street gave Giant an immediate California, Representative MAXINE WATERS. HOPE VI funding in the Nation, and an inno- customer base and now draws the entire This important legislation will reauthorize and vative leader in HOPE VI projects spurred on ward. make changes to the HOPE VI public housing by federal funds available until recently, and HOPE VI has been nothing short of a revitalization program. I would like to thank the District’s success in obtaining HOPE VI veritable economic engine to drive the reinvig- Congresswoman WATERS for her consistent grants. I have devoted considerable time and oration of entire communities. It would be a and dedicated work on this important issue, as effort to help the city obtain these grants. The national tragedy for Congress to allow HOPE well as to commend Chairman FRANK for his great success the city has had in the stiff, na- VI to expire rather than building on the suc- leadership in bringing this bill to the floor tionwide competition it has faced in seeking cess of the District and other cities. The in- today. each grant it has won, greatly energized by its vestment by the government pales in compari- Madam Chairman, this legislation reauthor- own efforts. Even now, the District of Colum- son to the return generated. I strongly support izes, with important changes, the HOPE VI bia has a grant pending. H.R. 3524 to reauthorize the HOPE VI pro- public housing revitalization program. Among HOPE VI has been the functional equivalent gram for the next eight years with up to $800 other provisions, it provides for the retention of of a federal government stamp of approval. million dollars a year, and I urge my col- public housing units, protects residents from The District provides a fabulous example of leagues to do the same. disruptions resulting from the grant, increases how a little government money can act as a Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Chairman, resident involvement, and improves the effi- magnet for private and nonprofit funds that I strongly support H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Im- ciency and expediency of construction. The otherwise would not be available. Having re- provement and Reauthorization Act of 2007. HOPE VI program, created in 1992, has ceived over $140 million in HOPE VI grants, As the name of this program suggests, the re- worked to improve the Nation’s most dilapi- the District has been able to maximize every vitalization of distressed public housing brings dated public housing units by providing much grant dollar, leveraging the grant awards at a hope to millions of Americans—the hope of liv- needed resources to public housing agencies. ratio of 1 to 7 to attract unusually large ing in a community that cherishes family val- These funds have directly benefited countless amounts of public and private funds, $740 mil- ues, the hope of enjoying a stable living envi- Americans, particularly the elderly and those lion of non-government funding to five HOPE ronment, and the hope of moving out of pov- with disabilities, partnering with local agencies VI sites in the District. erty and toward self-sufficiency. to improve conditions in public housing units A brief sampling of HOPE VI successes in The HOPE VI program offers residents the and communities. the city illustrates the incredible economic im- ability to improve their housing opportunities In December, we were reminded of the ex- pact that the grants have had. The H Street by transforming severely distressed public isting problems in our Nation’s public housing Barracks in Ward 6 is the hottest retail strip housing into thriving mixed-income commu- systems when protesters in New Orleans skir- under HOPE VI. The District’s first HOPE VI nities. The program has worked well since its mished with police in New Orleans, as the City development, the Town Homes in Ward 6, not inception in 1992 and I am pleased that the Council unanimously voted to destroy 4,500 far from where we stand today, has been oc- bill makes a number of significant improve- public housing units. I was appalled that, in cupied by District residents for over eight ments to HOPE VI to ensure that it is even the holiday season, the citizens of New Orle- years. In its prior life, the Town Homes was stronger into the future. These changes in- ans and survivors of Hurricane Katrina were known as the Ellen Wilson Dwellings and clude requiring full replacement for lost units put in a position in which they had to fight to stood abandoned for eight years, depressing and increased involvement of residents in keep a roof over their heads. The residents of the vibrancy of the surrounding community. planning the redevelopment. New Orleans who saw their homes and liveli- However, a $26 million HOPE VI grant, award- Furthermore, HOPE VI promotes the efforts hoods destroyed by natural disaster two years ed in 1993, transformed the public housing of Congress in supporting a cleaner environ- ago are far from alone in their need for im- units into 134 cooperative, mixed-income town ment by requiring compliance with green build- proved public housing; citizens across the homes, with 33 families at 0 percent to 24 per- ing standards. country are feeling the acute need for the cent of area median income, AMI, 34 families In Georgia’s Second Congressional District, housing reform delivered by this bill. at 25 percent to 50 percent of AMI, and 67 we have had resounding success with the My home city of Houston faces unique chal- families at 50 percent to 115 percent of AMI. HOPE VI program. The Housing Authority of lenges and opportunities. One of the most im- One of the most ambitious HOPE VI Columbus, Georgia was awarded a $20 million portant of which is dealing with the impact of projects undertaken nationwide is transforming HOPE VI grant in 2002. The revitalization plan taking in nearly 200,000 Hurricane Katrina the Arthur Capper/Carrollsburg Dwellings, a called for the demolition of 510 units of se- evacuees, an unprecedented act of generosity

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 355 for which Houston is famous. According to the units on the site provided the provision of In particular the one-for-one replacement of 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 2 million people live these units does not violate fair housing laws public housing units that is required under this in Houston, the fourth largest city in America. and the number of additional units is deter- bill is simply not feasible. This legislation re- When the metropolitan area is taken into ac- mined in consultation with residents, commu- quires one-for-one replacement of units that count, the population swells to approximately nity leaders, and local government officials. are demolished under the proposed plan on 5.2 million. The Houston metropolitan grew in Remaining units must be built in the jurisdic- the original site or within the jurisdiction of the population by more than 950,000 people be- tion of the public housing agency in low pov- public housing authority. H.R. 3524 also man- tween 1990 and 2000. erty areas and in a manner that affirmatively dates that one-third of the units that are con- Madam Chairman, according to the Amer- furthers fair housing. structed as a part of the mixed-income com- ican Community Survey (ACS) conducted by The bill provides displaced residents with munity revitalization plan remain public hous- the Census Bureau, there are 859,245 total three housing choices: (a) A revitalized unit on ing units. housing units in the City of Houston, of which the site of the original public housing location; One particular area where the Omaha 748,323 are occupied—347,865 are occupied (b) a revitalized unit in the jurisdiction of the Housing Authority would like to apply a HOPE by owners (2.5 percent vacancy rate) and public housing agency; or (c) a housing choice IV grant to is the Pleasant View area. I am 400,458 by renters (11.8 percent vacancy voucher, which can be used in areas with told that there are 190 units in Pleasant View rate). Though the average cost of housing and lower concentrations of poverty. Public hous- that are in need of demolition, however, with rent in Houston is low by national standards, ing residents of the revitalized developments the overly burdensome regulation of the one- Houston residents still face a problem when it must, under the provisions of this bill, be sub- to-one replacement requirement prescribed in comes to affordable housing. According to a ject to the same screening criteria used for all this bill, the OHA would not be able to feasibly 2006 study by the Harvard Joint Center for public housing units. perform this demolition. These units are cur- Housing Studies, 28.4 percent of Houston This legislation also mandates adequate rently not occupied, so with the inclusion of homeowners and 51 percent of renters in the oversight, requiring public housing agencies to Mr. NEUGEBAUER’s amendment we would at Houston metropolitan area spend more than monitor and track all households affected by least have some relief in this area. 30 percent of their monthly pre-tax income on the HOPE VI revitalization plan. In addition, I commend my colleague, RANDY housing costs. This makes them ‘‘housing-cost public housing agencies must develop a tem- NEUGEBAUER, for his amendment that would burdened’’ as defined by the Department of porary relocation plan that provides com- apply the one-to-one replacement requirement Housing and Urban Development (HUD). parable housing for all relocated residents, for units demolished under this program only Fully a quarter of Houston renters are ‘‘se- protects residents in transitioning to the private to units that are occupied prior to demolition. verely housing-cost burdened,’’ meaning they rental market with housing choice vouchers, Another very problematic change for the pay more than 50 percent of their income in provides for housing opportunities in 7 neigh- Housing Authority in Omaha included in this housing costs. The National Low Income borhoods with lower concentrations of poverty, legislation would be the compliance with the Housing Coalition, in its report Out of Reach and extends the voucher search time to 150 Green Communities rating system. As you in 2006, estimates that in order to afford a 2- days. know, this legislation requires the proposed re- Madam Chairman, this legislation also pro- bedroom apartment at the FMR, a renter vitalization plan to comply with the mandatory vides for the active involvement and participa- would have to earn $14.77 an hour, more than and non-mandatory items of the National tion of residents in the grant planning process, two and on-half times the minimum wage. Green Community checklist for residential con- including public hearings and four notices to The affordability crisis is most pronounced struction and the mandatory and non-manda- residents on (a) the intent to apply for a HOPE among Houston’s poorest and disabled house- tory components of version 2.2 of the Leader- VI grant, (b) grant award and relocation op- holds. Among the 83,367 renter households in ship in Energy and Environmental Design tions, (c) grant agreement and relocation op- Houston with incomes below 30 percent of the (LEED) green building system for New Con- tions, and (d) replacement housing. Area Median Income (AMI)—or approximately The bill includes several provisions destruction and Major Renovations. $18,500 in the Houston metropolitan area— signed to increase the rate at which HOPE VI The mandatory green building requirements more than half, 56 percent, of them spend developments are constructed, which will help for Green Communities and the U.S. Green more than half of their gross income on hous- reduce the time tenants are relocated. The bill Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in En- ing. Another 1 in 6 devotes more than 30 per- requires all new housing to be rebuilt within 12 ergy and Environmental Design (LEED) will cent of their gross income for housing. months from the allocation of low-income drive up development costs and threaten the Moreover, there is little federally subsidized housing tax credits or, for those grants that do viability of this important housing program in housing available to those in need. The Hous- not use tax credits, within 12 months of demo- Omaha reducing the actual number of units ing Authority’s waiting list for Section 8 Hous- lition or disposition. The bill waives the grant that can be built. ing Choice Vouchers now has been closed for matching requirement for HOPE VI applicants Because of the vital importance of pro- three years and there are still more than in areas recovering from natural disasters or tecting housing affordability and keeping green 10,000 people on the list. The average wait emergencies. This further helps these commu- building flexible, functional and effective, I will time is between 18 months and two years. It nities recover quickly and efficiently. Grantees be voting against this bill as is and urge a is estimated that more than 12,000 people are that do not meet performance benchmarks will ‘‘no’’ vote to my colleagues. homeless on any given night in Houston: be penalized. Mr. COHEN. Madam Chairman, the HOPE 6,583 of them are unsheltered and 3,600 of Finally, I would like to draw attention to re- VI program in the Department of Housing and them are chronically homeless. quirements in this legislation mandating that Urban Development is a vital program that Madam Chairman, I support this legislation all replacement housing and other structures aims to improve public housing. The HOPE VI because it will begin to address the serious part of the HOPE VI development to comply Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007 housing problems we face in our own local with certain energy-efficient green building not only extends HOPE VI, but makes impor- communities, and as a nation. Among its standards. This Congress has made protecting tant changes to the program to ensure that af- many important provisions, this legislation re- the environment a priority, and I am pleased fordable housing is available to more people quires that all public housing units proposed to see this provision included in today’s legis- who are in need. for demolition be replaced on a one-to-one lation. The one-for-one replacement included in the basis, guaranteeing the total availability of I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in bill will keep the same number of units avail- public housing. This requirement will serve to supporting this extremely important legislation. able for public housing if an existing building protect low income residents under fair hous- Mr. TERRY. Madam Chairman, I rise to ex- is scheduled to be demolished. The reauthor- ing laws. Further, a mixed-income housing de- press my opposition to H.R. 3524, the HOPE ization bill also includes language to allow velopment must be provided on the site of the VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of HOPE VI participants to re-enroll in the pro- original public housing location and all re- 2007. gram under the same guidelines as other pub- placement housing units must be located in a After speaking with the Omaha Housing Au- lic housing residents of the revitalized devel- mixed-income community. The bill requires a thority in my District, I have been informed opment. third of the units in this development must be that the changes in the bill are overly prescrip- The reauthorization bill brings the HOPE VI public housing units, with limited exceptions. tive and potentially burdensome for the com- program into the 21st century with the provi- Public housing agencies can build additional munity of Omaha. sion that requires all replacement housing to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 meet Green Communities standards and non- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES; TABLE (1) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ‘‘or demoli- residential structures to comply with LEED OF CONTENTS. tion of public housing (without replacement)’’; (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as standards. With so much focus on climate (2) in the first sentence of subsection (e)(3)— the ‘‘HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthoriza- (A) by striking ‘‘demolition only,’’; and change and energy conservation, it is only fit- tion Act of 2007’’. (B) by striking the last comma; and ting for the government to address these (b) REFERENCES.—Except as otherwise ex- (3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the issues through its departments, agencies, and pressly provided in this Act, wherever in this following new paragraph: programs. Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in ‘‘(4) PROHIBITION OF DEMOLITION-ONLY I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 3524 terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a sec- GRANTS.—The Secretary may not make a grant and proud to support the bill today. tion or other provision, the reference shall be under this section for a revitalization plan that Ms. CLARKE. Madam Chairman, I rise in considered to be made to a section or other pro- proposes to demolish public housing without re- support of H.R. 3524, the ‘‘HOPE VI Improve- vision of the United States Housing Act of 1937 vitalization of any existing public housing ment and Revitalization Act of 2007,’’ which (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.). dwelling units.’’. (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- SEC. 5. REPEAL OF MAIN STREET PROJECTS eradicates severely distressed public housing. tents for this Act is as follows: GRANT AUTHORITY. Ever since public housing was first created, Sec. 1. Short title; references; table of contents. Section 24 is amended— there were many obstacles that hindered its Sec. 2. Purposes of program. (1) by striking subsection (n) (relating to success. As time progressed, many public Sec. 3. Authority to waive contribution require- grants for assisting affordable housing devel- housing units became nothing more than a ment in cases of extreme distress oped through main street projects in smaller highly concentrated community containing or emergency. communities); many of society’s social problems such as Sec. 4. Prohibition of demolition-only grants. (2) in subsection (a), by striking the last sen- poverty, high crime, and unemployment. Con- Sec. 5. Repeal of main street projects grant au- tence (that appears after and below paragraph sequently, many units became deplorable and thority. (5), as added by section 2(4) of this Act); Sec. 6. Eligible activities. (3) in subsection (l)— uninhabitable. But H.R. 3524 would help trans- Sec. 7. Selection of proposals for grants. (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘, including form many severely distressed neighborhoods Sec. 8. Requirements for mandatory core compo- a specification of the amount and type of assist- into the livable communities that public hous- nents. ance provided under subsection (n);’’ and in- ing was originally intended to be for many low- Sec. 9. Planning and technical assistance serting ‘‘; and’’; and income families. grants. (B) by striking paragraph (4); and The HOPE VI program was created in 1992 Sec. 10. Annual report; availability of docu- (4) in subsection (m), by striking paragraph and has been credited with eliminating and re- ments. (3). Sec. 11. Definitions. placing some of the most dangerous and dis- SEC. 6. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Sec. 12. Conforming amendment. Paragraph (1) of section 24(d) is amended— tressed public housing in the country with new Sec. 13. Authorization of appropriations. (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), mixed income communities. It has been re- Sec. 14. Extension of program. by striking ‘‘programs’’ and inserting ‘‘plans’’; ported that mixed-income communities have Sec. 15. Review. (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘pro- resulted in increases in per capita incomes, Sec. 16. Regulations. gram’’ and inserting ‘‘plan’’; decreases in unemployment rates, decreases SEC. 2. PURPOSES OF PROGRAM. (3) by striking subparagraph (J) and inserting in the number of households receiving public Subsection (a) of section 24 of the United the following new subparagraph: assistance, and declines in violent crime. States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437v(a)) ‘‘(J) the acquisition and development of replacement housing units in accordance with Therefore, one of the reasons why I support is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before subsection (j);’’. H.R. 3524 is because this bill would require ‘‘through’’ the following: ‘‘located in commu- (4) in subparagraph (K), by striking ‘‘and’’ at public housing agencies to create more mixed- nities of all sizes, including small- and medium- the end; income housing on demolished low-income sized communities,’’; (5) in subparagraph (L)— housing sites. Also, these mixed-income hous- (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking ‘‘15 percent’’ and inserting ‘‘25 ing units developed to replace demolished (A) by inserting ‘‘low- and’’ before ‘‘very low- percent’’; and public housing would have to be built in low- income’’; and (B) by striking the period at the end and in- (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; serting a semicolon; and concentrated poverty areas to avoid concen- (3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at (6) by adding at the end the following new trating public housing in low-income neighbor- the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and subparagraphs: hoods. (4) by adding at the end the following new ‘‘(M) necessary costs of ensuring the effective Other reasons why I support this bill is be- paragraph: relocation of residents displaced as a result of cause it provides more replacement housing ‘‘(5) promoting housing choice among low- the revitalization of the project, including costs units; ensures residents have access to revi- and very low-income families.’’. of monitoring as required under subsection (k); talized sites; provides residents with more in- SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE CONTRIBUTION RE- and ‘‘(N) activities undertaken to comply with the volvement in the planning and redevelopment QUIREMENT IN CASES OF EXTREME DISTRESS OR EMERGENCY. provisions of (B)(vii) and (C)(xiii) of subsection process; and establishes green development Subsection (c) of section 24 is amended by (e)(2) and subsection (l) (relating to green devel- standards for HOPE VI revitalization activities. adding at the end the following new paragraph: opments).’’. Therefore, Madam Chairman, I urge my col- ‘‘(4) WAIVER.— SEC. 7. SELECTION OF PROPOSALS FOR GRANTS. leagues for strong bipartisan support of the ‘‘(A) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may waive (a) SELECTION CRITERIA.—Section 24(e) is HOPE VI Improvement and Revitalization Act the applicability of paragraph (1) with respect amended by striking paragraph (2) and insert- of 2007, which will redefine public housing by to an applicant or grantee if the Secretary de- ing the following new paragraph: transforming distressed communities into new, termines that circumstances of extreme distress ‘‘(2) GRANT AWARD CRITERIA.— safe sustainable communities for many fami- or emergency, in the area that the revitalization ‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall es- plan of the applicant is to be carried out, di- tablish criteria for the award of grants under lies who deserve it. rectly affect the ability of the applicant or Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I this section. grantee to comply with such requirement. ‘‘(B) MANDATORY CORE COMPONENTS.—The yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘(B) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall issue criteria under this paragraph shall require that The CHAIRMAN. All time for general regulations to carry out this paragraph, which a proposed revitalization plan may not be se- debate has expired. shall— lected for award of a grant under this section Pursuant to the rule, the amendment ‘‘(i) set forth such circumstances of extreme unless the proposed plan meets all of the fol- in the nature of a substitute printed in distress and emergency; and lowing requirements: the bill shall be considered as an origi- ‘‘(ii) provide that such circumstances shall in- ‘‘(i) EVIDENCE OF SEVERE DISTRESS.—The pro- nal bill for the purpose of amendment clude any instance in which the area in which posed plan shall contain evidence sufficient to under the 5-minute rule and shall be a revitalization plan assisted with amounts from demonstrate that the public housing project that a grant under this section is to be carried out is is subject to the plan is severely distressed, considered read. subject to a declaration by the President of a The text of the committee amend- which shall include— major disaster or emergency under the Robert T. ‘‘(I) a certification signed by an engineer or ment is as follows: Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist- architect licensed by a State licensing board H.R. 3524 ance Act.’’. that the project meets the criteria for physical Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF DEMOLITION-ONLY distress under subsection (t)(2); and resentatives of the United States of America in GRANTS. ‘‘(II) such other evidence that the project Congress assembled, Section 24 is amended— meets criteria for nonphysical distress under

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Secretary shall not require that the first phase ‘‘(x) AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY.—The ex- talization plan, as of the date of the application of any project to be developed under the plan tent of the supply of other housing available for the grant, on the site of the original public possess an allocation of such low-income hous- and affordable to families receiving tenant- housing or within the jurisdiction of the public ing tax credits at the time of such application. based assistance under section 8. housing agency; ‘‘(6) MANDATORY SITE VISITS.—Notwith- ‘‘(xi) PROJECT-BASED HOUSING.—The extent to ‘‘(II) identifies the type of replacement hous- standing any other provision of law, the Sec- which the proposed revitalization plan sustains ing that will be offered to tenants displaced by retary shall provide for appropriate officers or or creates more project-based housing units the revitalization plan; employees of the Department of Housing and available to persons eligible for residency in ‘‘(III) contains such agreements with or assur- Urban Development to conduct a visit to the site public housing in markets where the proposed ances by the Secretary, State and local govern- of the public housing involved in the revitaliza- plan shows there is demand for the maintenance mental agencies, and other entities sufficient to tion plan proposed under each application for a or creation of such units. grant under this section that is involved in a ensure compliance with subsection (j) and the ‘‘(xii) GREEN DEVELOPMENTS COMPLIANCE.— requirements of section 18 applicable pursuant final selection of applications to be funded The extent to which the proposed revitalization under this section. Site visits pursuant to this to subsection (p)(1); and plan— ‘‘(IV) contains such assurances or agreements paragraph shall be used only for the purpose of ‘‘(I) in the case of residential construction, obtaining information to assist in determining as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure complies with the nonmandatory items of the compliance with subsection (i)(2). whether the public housing projects involved in national Green Communities criteria checklist the application are severely distressed public ‘‘(vi) FAIR HOUSING; LIMITATION ON EXCLU- identified in subsection (l)(1)(A), or any sub- housing.’’. SION.—The proposed plan shall be carried out in stantially equivalent standard as determined by SEC. 8. REQUIREMENTS FOR MANDATORY CORE a manner that complies with section (m) (relat- the Secretary, but only to the extent such coming to affirmatively furthering fair housing and COMPONENTS. pliance exceeds the compliance necessary to ac- Section 24 is amended— limitation on exclusion). cumulate the number of points required under (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through REEN DEVELOPMENTS.—The proposed ‘‘(vii) G such subsection; and (m) as subsections (q) through (v), respectively; plan complies with the requirement under sub- ‘‘(II) in the case of non-residential construc- (2) by redesignating subsection (o) as subsection (l) (relating to green developments). tion, includes non-mandatory components of section (w); and ‘‘(C) MANDATORY GRADED COMPONENTS.—The version 2.2 of the Leadership in Energy and En- (3) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the criteria under this paragraph shall provide that, vironmental Design (LEED) green building rat- following new subsections: in addition to the requirements under subpara- ing system for New Construction and Major ‘‘(g) RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT AND SERVICES.— graph (B), the proposed revitalization plan shall Renovations, version 2.0 of the LEED for Core ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each revitalization plan address and meet minimum requirements with and Shell rating system, or version 2.0 of the assisted under this section shall provide oppor- respect to, and shall provide additional priority LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, as tunities for the active involvement and partici- based on the extent to which the plan satisfac- applicable, or any substantially equivalent pation of, and consultation with, residents of torily addresses, each of the following issues: standard as determined by the Secretary, but the public housing that is subject to the revital- ‘‘(i) COMPLIANCE WITH PURPOSES.—The extent only to the extent such inclusion exceeds the in- ization plan during the planning process for the to which the proposed plan of an applicant clusion necessary to accumulate the number of revitalization plan, including prior to submis- achieves the purposes of this section set forth in points required under such system. sion of the application, and during all phases of subsection (a). ‘‘(xiii) HARD-TO-HOUSE FAMILIES.—The extent the planning and implementation. Such oppor- ‘‘(ii) CAPABILITY AND RECORD.—The extent of to which the one-for-one replacement plan tunities for participation may include participa- the capability and record of the applicant public under subparagraph (B)(v) for the revitalization tion of members of any resident council, but housing agency, public partners, proposed pri- plan provides replacement housing that is likely may not be limited to such members, and shall vate development partners, or any alternative to be most appropriate and beneficial for fami- include all segments of the population of resi- management entity for the agency, for man- lies whose housing needs are difficult to fulfill, dents of the public housing that is subject to the aging redevelopment or modernization projects, including individuals who are not ineligible for revitalization plan, including single parent- meeting performance benchmarks, and obli- occupancy in public housing pursuant to sub- headed households, the elderly, young employed gating amounts in a timely manner, including section (m)(2), have been released from a State and unemployed adults, teenage youth, and dis- any past performance of such entities under the or Federal correctional facility, have not been abled persons. Such opportunities shall include HOPE VI program and any record of such enti- arrested for or charged with any crime during a process that provides opportunity for comment ties of working with socially and economically the period beginning upon probation or parole on specific proposals for redevelopment, any disadvantaged businesses, as such term is de- and ending one year after completion of proba- demolition and disposition involved, and any fined in section 8(a)(4) of the Small Business Act tion or parole, and for whom affordable housing proposed significant amendments or changes to (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(4)). is a critical need. the revitalization plan. ‘‘(iii) DIVERSITY OUTREACH.—The extent to ‘‘(xiv) FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOUSING.—The ex- ‘‘(2) NOTICES.—In carrying out a revitaliza- which the proposed revitalization plan includes tent to which replacement housing units pro- tion plan assisted under this section, a public partnerships with socially and economically dis- vided through the revitalization plan contain a housing agency shall provide the following writ- advantaged businesses, as such term is defined sufficient number of bedrooms to prevent over- ten notices, in plain and nontechnical language, by section 8(a)(4) of the Small Business Act. crowding. to each household occupying a dwelling unit in ‘‘(iv) EFFECTIVENESS OF RELOCATION AND ONE- ‘‘(xv) ADDITIONAL ON-SITE MIXED-INCOME the public housing that is subject to, or to be FOR-ONE REPLACEMENT PLANS.—The extent of HOUSING.—The extent to which the one-for-one subject to, the plan:

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‘‘(A) NOTICE OF INTENT.—Not later than the ‘‘(ii) the date on which all funding under the section (j), which shall include information de- expiration of the 30-day period beginning upon grant for community and supportive services has scribing the location of replacement housing publication by the Secretary of a notice of fund- been expended. provided pursuant to subsection (j) and statis- ing availability for a grant under this section ‘‘(h) RELOCATION PROGRAM.—Each recipient tical information on the characteristics of all for such plan, notice of— of a grant under this section shall— households occupying such replacement hous- ‘‘(i) the public housing agency’s intent to sub- ‘‘(1) provide for each household displaced by ing. mit such application; the revitalization plan for which the grant is ‘‘(j) ONE-FOR-ONE REPLACEMENT.—Each revi- ‘‘(ii) the proposed implementation and man- made to be relocated to a comparable replace- talization plan assisted with a grant under this agement of the revitalized site; ment dwelling, as defined in section 101 of the section under which any public housing dwell- ‘‘(iii) residents’ rights under this section to Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Prop- ing unit is demolished or disposed of shall pro- participate in the planning process for the plan, erty Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. vide as follows: including opportunities for participation in ac- 4601), and for payment of actual and reasonable ‘‘(1) NUMBER.—For one hundred percent of all cordance with paragraph (1), and to receive relocation expenses of each such household and such dwelling units in existence as of the date comprehensive relocation assistance and com- any replacement housing payments as are re- of the application for the grant that are demol- munity and supportive services pursuant to quired by the Uniform Relocation Assistance ished or disposed under the revitalization plan, paragraph (4); and and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of the public housing agency carrying out the plan ‘‘(iv) the public hearing pursuant to para- 1970; shall provide an additional dwelling unit. graph (3). ‘‘(2) fully inform such households of all relo- ‘‘(2) LOCATION.—Such dwelling units shall be ‘‘(B) NOTICE OF GRANT AWARD AND RELOCA- cation options, which may include relocating to provided in the following manner: TION OPTIONS.—Not later than 30 days after no- housing in a neighborhood with a lower con- ‘‘(A) ON-SITE MIXED-INCOME HOUSING.— tice to the public housing agency of the award centration of poverty than their current resi- ‘‘(i) ONE-THIRD REQUIREMENT.—A mixed-in- of a grant under this section, notice that— dence or remaining in the housing to which they come housing development shall be provided on ‘‘(i) such grant has been awarded; relocate; the site of the original public housing involved ‘‘(ii) describes the process involved under the ‘‘(3) to the maximum extent possible, minimize in the revitalization plan in which, except as revitalization plan to temporarily relocate resi- academic disruptions on affected children en- provided in clause (iii), at least one-third of all dents of the public housing that is subject to the rolled in school by coordinating relocation with dwelling units shall be public housing dwelling plan; school calendars; units and shall be provided through the devel- ‘‘(iii) provides the information required pursu- ‘‘(4) establish strategies and plans that assist opment of additional public housing dwelling ant to subsection (h)(2) (relating to relocation such displaced residents in utilizing tenant- units. ‘‘(ii) REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL ON-SITE options); and based vouchers to select housing opportunities, ‘‘(iv) informs residents of opportunities for UNITS.—If the mixed-income housing develop- including in communities with a lower con- participation in accordance with paragraph (1). ment provided pursuant to clause (i) includes centration of poverty, that— ‘‘(C) NOTICE OF GRANT AGREEMENT AND RELO- more public housing dwelling units at the site of ‘‘(A) will not result in a financial burden to CATION OPTIONS.—Not later than 30 days after the original public housing than is minimally the family; and execution of a grant agreement under this sec- necessary to comply with such clause, the public ‘‘(B) will promote long-term housing stability; tion with a public housing agency, notice that— housing agency shall consult with residents, ‘‘(5) establish and comply with relocation ‘‘(i) specifically identifies the housing avail- community leaders, and local government offi- benchmarks that ensure successful relocation in able for relocation of resident of the public cials regarding such additional public housing terms of timeliness; and housing subject to the revitalization plan; dwelling units and shall ensure that such units ‘‘(6) notwithstanding any other provision of ‘‘(ii) sets forth the schedule for relocation of are provided in a manner that affirmatively fur- law, in the case of any tenant-based assistance residents of the public housing subject to the re- thers fair housing. made available for relocation of a household vitalization plan, including the dates on which ‘‘(iii) EXCEPTION.—If, upon a showing by a under this subsection, provide that the term such housing will be available for such reloca- public housing agency, the Secretary determines during which the household may lease a dwell- tion; and that it is infeasible to locate replacement dwelling unit using such assistance shall not be ‘‘(iii) informs residents of opportunities for ing units on the site of the original public hous- shorter than 150 days; if the household is un- participation in accordance with paragraph (1). ing involved in the revitalization plan in ac- able to lease a dwelling unit during such period, ‘‘(D) NOTICE OF REPLACEMENT HOUSING.— cordance with clause (i), all replacement units the public housing agency shall either extend Upon the availability of replacement housing shall be located in areas within the jurisdiction the period during which the household may provided pursuant to subsection (j), notice to of the public housing agency having low con- lease a dwelling unit using such assistance or each household described in subsection (i)(1) centrations of poverty, except that at least one provide the tenant with the next available of— mixed-income housing development shall be pro- dwelling unit owned by the public housing ‘‘(i) such availability; vided in such an area within the jurisdiction of agency. ‘‘(ii) the process and procedure for exercising the public housing agency and that one-third of ‘‘(i) RIGHT TO EXPANDED HOUSING OPPORTU- the right to expanded housing opportunities and all units in such development shall be public NITIES FOR RESIDENT HOUSEHOLDS.— preferences under subsection (i)(2); and housing dwelling units. The Secretary may ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject only to paragraph ‘‘(iii) opportunities for participation in ac- make a finding of infeasibility under this clause (3), each revitalization plan assisted with a cordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection. only if— ‘‘(E) OTHER.—Such other notices as the Sec- grant under this section shall make available, to ‘‘(I) such location on-site would result in the retary may require. each household occupying a dwelling unit in violation of a consent decree; or ‘‘(3) PUBLIC HEARING.—The Secretary may not the public housing subject to a revitalization ‘‘(II) the land on which the public housing is make a grant under this section to an applicant plan that is displaced as a result of the revital- located is environmentally unsafe, geologically unless the applicant has convened and con- ization plan (including any demolition or dis- unstable, or otherwise unsuitable for the conducted a public hearing regarding the revital- position of the unit), occupancy for such house- struction of housing, as evidenced by an inde- ization plan, including the one-for-one replace- hold in a replacement dwelling unit provided pendent environmental review or assessment. ment to occur under the plan, not later than 75 pursuant to subsection (j). To exercise such ‘‘(iv) DECONCENTRATION OF POVERTY.—All days before submission of the application for the right under this paragraph to occupancy in dwelling units provided pursuant to this sub- grant under this section for such plan, at a time such a replacement dwelling unit, the household paragraph shall be provided in a manner that and location that is convenient for residents of shall respond in writing to the notice provided results in decreased concentrations of poverty, the public housing subject to the plan. pursuant to subsection (g)(2)(C) by the public with respect to such concentrations existing on ‘‘(4) SERVICES.—Each recipient of a grant housing agency. the date of the application for the grant under under this section shall— ‘‘(2) PREFERENCES.—Such a replacement this section. ‘‘(A) provide each household who is residing dwelling unit shall be made available to each ‘‘(B) OFF-SITE MIXED-INCOME HOUSING.—Any at the site of the revitalization as of the date of household displaced as a result of the revitaliza- other replacement housing units provided in ad- the notice of intent under subparagraph (A) tion plan before any replacement dwelling unit dition to the dwelling units provided pursuant with comprehensive relocation assistance for a is made available to any other eligible house- to subparagraph (A) shall be provided, in areas period that is the latter of the two periods re- hold. within the jurisdiction of the public housing ferred to in subparagraph (B) with comprehen- ‘‘(3) REPORTS TO SECRETARY.—The Secretary agency having low concentrations of poverty, sive relocation assistance; and shall require each public housing agency car- through— ‘‘(B) offer, to each such displaced resident rying out a revitalization plan assisted under ‘‘(i) the acquisition or development of addi- and each low-income family provided housing this section to submit to the Secretary such re- tional public housing dwelling units; or under the revitalization plan, community and ports as may be necessary to allow the Secretary ‘‘(ii) the acquisition, development, or con- supportive services until the latter of— to determine the extent to which the public tracting (including through project-based assist- ‘‘(i) the expiration of the two-year period that housing agency has complied with this sub- ance) of additional dwelling units that are sub- begins upon the end of the development period section and to which displaced residents occupy ject to requirements regarding eligibility for oc- under the plan; and replacement housing provided pursuant to sub- cupancy, tenant contribution toward rent, and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 6333 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 359 long-term affordability restrictions which are Communities criteria checklist for residential vided pursuant to subsection (j) under a revital- comparable to public housing units, except that construction that provides criteria for the de- ization plan of a public housing agency that is subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section 8(o)(13) of sign, development, and operation of affordable owned or managed, or assisted, by the agency the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. housing, as such checklist is in effect for pur- shall be subject to the same policies, practices, 1437f(o)(13); relating to percentage limitation poses of this subsection pursuant to paragraph standards, and criteria regarding waiting lists, and income-mixing requirement for project- (3) at the date of the application for the grant, tenant screening (including screening criteria, based assistance) shall not apply with respect to or any substantially equivalent standard as de- such as credit checks), and occupancy that vouchers used to comply with the requirements termined by the Secretary, as follows: apply to other housing owned or managed, or of this clause. ‘‘(i) The proposed plan shall comply with all assisted, respectively, by such agency. A house- ‘‘(3) TIMING.—All replacement dwelling units items of the national Green Communities criteria hold may not be prevented from occupying a re- provided pursuant to this subsection shall be checklist for residential construction that are placement dwelling unit provided pursuant to provided not later than the expiration of the 12- identified as mandatory. subsection (j), or from being provided a tenant- month period beginning upon the demolition or ‘‘(ii) The proposed plan shall comply with based voucher under the revitalization plan, ex- disposition of the public housing dwelling units, such other nonmandatory items of such na- cept to the extent specifically provided by any except that replacement dwelling units financed tional Green Communities criteria checklist so other provision of Federal law (including sub- with a low-income housing tax credit under sec- as to result in a cumulative number of points at- title F of title V of the Quality Housing and tion 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in tributable to such nonmandatory items under Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 13661 connection with the revitalization plan shall be such checklist of not less than— et seq.; relating to safety and security in public provided not later than the expiration of the 12- ‘‘(I) 25 points, in the case of any proposed and assisted housing and ineligibility of drug month period beginning upon the allocation of plan (or portion thereof) consisting of new con- criminals, illegal drug users, alcohol abusers, such low-income housing tax credit. To the struction; and and dangerous sex offenders), subtitle D of title greatest extent practicable, such replacement or ‘‘(II) 20 points, in the case of any proposed VI of the Housing and Community Development additional dwelling units, or redevelopment, plan (or portion thereof) consisting of rehabili- Act of 1992), (42 U.S.C. 13611 et seq.; relating to shall be accomplished in phases over time and, tation. preferences for elderly and disabled residents), in each such phase, the public housing dwelling ‘‘(B) LEED RATINGS SYSTEM.—All non-resi- and section 16(f) of the United States Housing units and the dwelling units described in sub- dential construction under the proposed plan Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437n(f); relating to ineli- paragraph (B)(ii) of paragraph (2) shall be made complies with version 2.2 of the LEED for New gibility of persons convicted of methamphet- available for occupancy before any nonassisted Construction rating system, version 2.0 of the amine offenses)). dwelling unit is made available for occupancy. LEED for Core and Shell rating system, version ‘‘(n) ENFORCEMENT.— ‘‘(4) FAIR HOUSING.—The demolition or dis- 2.0 of the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT.—If the position, relocation, and provision of replace- system, as such systems are in effect for pur- Secretary determines on the record after oppor- ment housing units under paragraph (2)(B) poses of this subsection pursuant to paragraph tunity for an agency hearing, pursuant to a re- shall be carried out in a manner that affirma- (3) at the time of the application for the grant, quest made by any member of household de- tively furthers fair housing, as described in sub- at least to the minimum extent necessary to be scribed in subsection (i)(1) who is adversely af- section (e) of section 808 of the Civil Rights Act certified to the Silver Level under such system, fected or aggrieved by a violation of subsection of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3608(e)). or any substantially equivalent standard as de- (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (m), or (o), that such a vio- ‘‘(k) MONITORING OF DISPLACED HOUSE- termined by the Secretary. lation has occurred, the Secretary shall issue an HOLDS.— ‘‘(2) VERIFICATION.— order requiring the public housing agency com- ‘‘(1) PHA RESPONSIBILITIES.—To facilitate ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall verify, mitting such violation to cease and desist for compliance with the requirement under sub- or provide for verification, sufficient to ensure such violation and to take any affirmative ac- section (i) (relating to right to expanded housing that each proposed revitalization plan carried tion necessary to correct or remedy the condi- opportunities), the Secretary shall, by regula- out with amounts from a grant under this sec- tions resulting from such violation. tion, require each public housing agency that tion complies with the requirements under para- ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF OTHER REMEDIES.—The receives a grant under this section, during the graph (1) and that the revitalization plan is car- remedy under paragraph (1) shall be in addition period of the revitalization plan assisted with ried out in accordance with such requirements to all other rights and remedies provided by law. the grant and until all funding under the grant and plan. ‘‘(o) PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS.— has been expended— ‘‘(B) TIMING.—In providing for such ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each public housing agen- ‘‘(A) to maintain a current address of resi- verification, the Secretary shall establish proce- cy that receives a grant under this section shall, dence and contact information for each house- dures to ensure such compliance with respect to in consultation with the Secretary and residents hold affected by the revitalization plan who was each grantee, and shall report to the Congress of the public housing subject to the revitaliza- occupying a dwelling unit in the housing that is with respect to the compliance of each grantee, tion plan for which the grant is made that are subject to the plan; and at each of the following times: displaced as a result of the revitalization plan, ‘‘(B) to provide such updated information to ‘‘(i) Not later than 60 days after execution of establish performance benchmarks for each com- the Secretary on at least a quarterly basis. the grant agreement under this section for the ponent of their revitalization plan. ‘‘(2) CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary may not grantee. ‘‘(2) FAILURE TO MEET BENCHMARKS.—If a close out any grant made under this section to ‘‘(ii) Upon completion of the revitalization public housing agency fails to meet the perform- a public housing agency before the agency has plan of the grantee. ance benchmarks established pursuant to para- certified to the Secretary that the agency has ‘‘(3) APPLICABILITY AND UPDATING OF STAND- graph (1), the Secretary shall impose appro- complied with subsection (i) (relating to a right ARDS.— priate sanctions, including— to expanded housing opportunities for resident ‘‘(A) APPLICABILITY.—Except as provided in ‘‘(A) appointment of an alternative adminis- households) with respect to each resident dis- subparagraph (B), the national Green Commu- trator for the revitalization plan; placed as a result of the revitalization plan, in- nities criteria checklist and LEED rating sys- ‘‘(B) financial penalties; cluding providing occupancy in a replacement tems referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) ‘‘(C) withdrawal of funding under subsection dwelling unit for each household who requested that are in effect for purposes of this subsection (j); or such a unit in accordance with such subsection. are such checklist and systems as in existence ‘‘(D) such other sanctions as the Secretary ‘‘(3) REPORTS BY SECRETARY.—Not less fre- upon the date of the enactment of the HOPE VI may deem necessary. quently than once every six months, the Sec- Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007. ‘‘(3) EXTENSION OF BENCHMARKS.—The Sec- retary shall submit a report to the Congress that ‘‘(B) UPDATING.—The Secretary may, by regu- retary shall extend the period for compliance includes all information submitted to the Sec- lation, adopt and apply, for purposes of this with performance benchmarks under paragraph retary pursuant to paragraph (1) by all public section, future amendments and supplements to, (1) for a public housing agency, for such period housing agencies and summarizes the extent of and editions of, the national Green Communities as the Secretary determines to be necessary, if compliance by public housing agencies with the criteria checklist, the LEED rating systems, and the failure of the agency to meet such bench- requirements under this subsection and sub- any standard that the Secretary has determined marks is attributable to— section (i). to be substantially equivalent to such checklist ‘‘(A) litigation; ‘‘(l) GREEN DEVELOPMENTS REQUIREMENT.— or systems. ‘‘(B) obtaining approvals of the Federal Gov- ‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary may not ‘‘(m) FAIR HOUSING; LIMITATION ON EXCLU- ernment or a State or local government; make a grant under this section to an applicant SION.— ‘‘(C) complying with environmental assess- unless the proposed revitalization plan of the ‘‘(1) FAIR HOUSING.—Each revitalization plan ment and abatement requirements; applicant to be carried out with such grant assisted under this section shall affirmatively ‘‘(D) relocating residents; amounts meets the following requirements, as further fair housing, as described in subsection ‘‘(E) resident involvement that leads to signifi- applicable: (e) of section 808 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. cant changes to the revitalization plan; or ‘‘(A) GREEN COMMUNITIES CRITERIA CHECK- ‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON EXCLUSION.—Except to the ‘‘(F) any other reason established by the Sec- LIST.—All residential construction under the extent necessary to comply with the require- retary by notice published in the Federal Reg- proposed plan complies with the national Green ments of this section, replacement housing pro- ister.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 6333 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 ‘‘(4) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY.—In deter- ‘‘(5) SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENT OR CHANGE.— subject to a demand for division of the mining the amount of each grant under this sec- The term ‘significant’ means, with respect to an question. tion and the closeout date for the grant, the amendment or change to a revitalization plan, AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. WATERS Secretary shall take into consideration the that the amendment or change— scope, scale, and size of the revitalization plan ‘‘(A) changes the use of 10 percent or more of The CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to assisted under the grant. the funds provided under the grant made under consider amendment No. 1 printed in ‘‘(p) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS.— this section for the plan from use for one activ- House Report 110–509. ‘‘(1) SECTION 18.—Any severely distressed pub- ity to use for another; Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I lic housing demolished or disposed of pursuant ‘‘(B) eliminates an activity that, notwith- offer an amendment. to a revitalization plan and any public housing standing the change, would otherwise be carried The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will des- developed in lieu of such severely distressed out under the plan; or ignate the amendment. housing shall be subject to the provisions of sec- ‘‘(C) changes the scope, location, or bene- tion 18. To the extent the provisions of section ficiaries of the project carried out under the The text of the amendment is as fol- 18 conflict with or are duplicative of the provi- plan.’’; lows: sions of this section, the provisions of this sec- (5) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para- Amendment No. 1 offered by Ms. WATERS: tion solely shall apply. graph (4); and Page 9, strike lines 7 through 12, and insert ‘‘(2) URA.—The Uniform Relocation and Real (6) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- the following: Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1974 shall lowing new paragraphs: ‘‘(I)(aa) provides for replacement in accord- apply to all relocation activities pursuant to a ‘‘(2) COMPREHENSIVE RELOCATION ASSIST- ance with subsection (j) of 100 percent of all revitalization plan under this section.’’. ANCE.—The term ‘comprehensive relocation as- dwelling units in existence as of January 1, SEC. 9. PLANNING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE sistance’ means comprehensive assistance nec- 2005, that are subject to the revitalization GRANTS. essary to relocate the members of a household, plan and that have been or will be demol- Subsection (v) of section 24 (42 U.S.C. and includes counseling, including counseling ished or disposed of, on the site of’’. 1437v(v)), as so redesignated by section 8(1), is regarding housing options and locations and Page 9, line 15, before the semicolon insert amended by striking paragraph (2) and insert- use of tenant-based assistance, case manage- the following: ‘‘, or (bb) pursuant to sub- ing the following new paragraph: ment services, assistance in locating a suitable section (j)(1)(B), requests a reduction of the ‘‘(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS.—Subject residence, site tours, and other assistance. percentage specified in subsection (j)(1)(A) only to approvable requests for grants pursuant ‘‘(3) DEVELOPMENT.—The term ‘development’ and provides for replacement of dwelling to paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, the Sec- has the same meaning given such term in the units demolished or disposed of in accord- retary shall use not less than two percent for first sentence of paragraph (1) of section 3(c) (42 ance with the percentage requested’’. grants in such fiscal year to recipients of grants U.S.C. 1437a).’’. Page 9, line 18, strike ‘‘tenants’’ and insert under this section to assist such recipients in ob- SEC. 12. CONFORMING AMENDMENT. ‘‘residents’’. taining technical assistance in carrying out re- Page 9, strike ‘‘and’’ in line 24 and all that vitalization programs.’’. Paragraph (1) of section 24(f) is amended by striking ‘‘programs’’ and inserting ‘‘plans’’. follows through ‘‘(p)(1)’’ on page 10, line 2, SEC. 10. ANNUAL REPORT; AVAILABILITY OF DOC- and insert ‘‘(as modified by any percentage UMENTS. SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. reduction requested under subsection Subsection (u) of section 24, as so redesignated Subsection (v)(1) of section 24, as so redesig- (j)(1)(B))’’. by section 8(1) of this Act, is amended— nated by section 8(1) of this Act, is amended by Page 11, line 9, before the comma insert (1) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- striking all that follows ‘‘section’’ and inserting ‘‘(including nonprofit housing developers)’’. lowing new paragraph: ‘‘$800,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 Page 13, line 4, before the last comma in- ‘‘(4) the extent to which public housing agen- through 2015.’’. sert ‘‘(including nonprofit housing devel- cies carrying out revitalization plans with SEC. 14. EXTENSION OF PROGRAM. opers)’’. grants under this section have complied with Subsection (w) of section 24, (as so redesig- Page 14, line 9, after ‘‘standard’’ insert ‘‘or the requirements under subsection (i) (relating nated by section 8(2) of this Act) is amended by standards’’. to right to expanded housing opportunities for striking ‘‘September 30, 2007’’ and inserting Strike line 16 on page 14 and all that fol- resident households); and’’; and ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. lows through page 15, line 5, and insert the (2) by adding at the end the following: SEC. 15. REVIEW. following: ‘‘construction, complies with the ‘‘To the extent not inconsistent with any other The Comptroller General of the United States components of the green building rating sys- provisions of law, the Secretary shall make pub- shall— tems and levels identified by the Secretary licly available through a World Wide Web site of (1) conduct a review of activities, actions, and pursuant to subsection (l)(3), but only to the the Department of Housing and Urban Develop- methods used in revitalization plans assisted extent such compliance exceeds the min- ment all documents of, or filed with, the Depart- under section 24 of the United States Housing imum level required under such systems and ment relating to the program under this section, Act of 1937 to determine which may be transfer- levels.’’. including applications, grant agreements, plans, able to other federally-assisted housing pro- Page 15, line 13, before ‘‘individuals’’ insert budgets, reports, and amendments to such docu- grams; and ‘‘, but not limited to, elderly households, dis- ments; except that in carrying out this sentence, (2) make recommendations to the Congress re- abled households, households consisting of the Secretary shall take such actions as may be garding the activities, actions, and methods re- grandparents raising grandchildren, large necessary to protect the privacy of any residents viewed under paragraph (1) not later than the families, households displaced by the revital- and households displaced from public housing expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the ization plan in need of special services, and’’. as a result of a revitalization plan assisted date of the enactment of this Act. Page 15, line 16, strike ‘‘State or Federal under this section.’’. SEC. 16. REGULATIONS. correctional facility’’ and insert ‘‘prison, SEC. 11. DEFINITIONS. jail, or other correctional facility of the Fed- Section 24, as amended by the preceding pro- Subsection (s) of section 24, as so redesignated eral Government, a State government, or a visions of this Act, is further amended by add- by section 8(l) of this Act, is amended— unit of local government’’. ing at the end the following new subsection: (1) in clauses (i) and (iii) of paragraph (1)(C), Page 17, after line 21, insert the following: ‘‘(x) REGULATIONS.—Not later than the expira- by striking ‘‘program’’ each place such term ap- (c) EXCLUSION OF GREEN DEVELOPMENT tion of the 120-day period beginning on the date pears and inserting ‘‘plan’’; COSTS FROM TOTAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS.— of the enactment of the HOPE VI Improvement (2) in paragraph (3)— Subsection (f) of section 24 is amended by and Reauthorization Act of 2007, the Secretary (A) by striking ‘‘SUPPORTIVE’’ and inserting adding after and below paragraph (2) the fol- shall issue regulations to carry out this section, ‘‘COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTIVE’’; lowing: (B) by inserting ‘‘community and’’ before including the amendments made by such Act.’’. ‘‘supportive services’’; ‘‘In determining the total development costs The CHAIRMAN. No amendment to for a revitalization plan, the Secretary shall (C) by inserting before the period at the end the committee amendment is in order the following: ‘‘, and such other services that, not consider any costs of compliance with linked with affordable housing, will improve the except those printed in House Report green building rating systems and levels health and residential stability of public hous- 110–509. Each amendment may be of- identified by the Secretary pursuant to sub- ing residents’’; and fered only in the order printed in the section (l)(3).’’. (D) by inserting after ‘‘transportation,’’ the report; by a Member designated by the Page 21, line 6, before ‘‘dates’’ insert ‘‘ap- following: ‘‘employment and vocational coun- report; shall be considered read; shall proximate’’. seling, financial counseling, life skills train- be debatable for the time specified in Page 23, after line 3, insert the following new paragraph: ing,’’; the report, equally divided and con- (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para- ‘‘(5) SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS OR CHANGES graph (6); trolled by the proponent and an oppo- TO PLAN.—A public housing agency may not (4) by inserting after paragraph (2), the fol- nent of the amendment; shall not be carry out any significant amendment or lowing new paragraph: subject to amendment; and shall not be change to a revitalization plan unless—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 361 ‘‘(A) the public housing agency has con- housing dwelling units of the public housing to encourage a comprehensive and environ- vened and conducted a public hearing regard- agency; mentally-sound approach to ratings and ing the significant amendment or change at ‘‘(II) shall take into consideration the ex- standards for green buildings. The identifica- a time and location that is convenient for tent to which revitalization plan provides tion of the ratings systems and levels shall residents of the public housing subject to the additional amenities that will improve the be based on the criteria specified in subpara- plan and has provided each household occu- quality of the life of residents by increasing graph (B), shall identify the highest levels pying a dwelling unit in such public housing open space or by providing health care or the Secretary determines are appropriate with written notice of such hearing not less day care facilities or by providing larger above the minimum levels required under than 10 days before such hearing; and units to accommodate families; and the systems selected. Within 90 days of the ‘‘(B) after such hearing, the public housing ‘‘(III) shall not base any such determina- completion of each study required by sub- agency consults with the households occu- tion solely or primarily upon any financial paragraph (C), the Secretary shall review pying dwelling units in the public housing hardship of a public housing agency or any and update the rating systems and levels, or that are subject to, or to be subject to the other financial condition or consideration. identify alternative systems and levels for plan, and the agency submits a report to the ‘‘(iii) NO WAIVER OF TIME LIMITS.—The Sec- purposes of this section, taking into account Secretary describing the results of such con- retary may not, under this subparagraph, the conclusions of such study. sultation; and waive any requirement of paragraph (3) (re- ‘‘(B) CRITERIA.—In identifying the green ‘‘(C) the Secretary approves the significant lating to timing). The preceding sentence rating systems and levels, the Secretary amendment or change. may not be construed to limit or otherwise shall take into consideration— Notwithstanding subparagraph (C), if the affect the authority under subsection (o)(3). ‘‘(i) the ability and availability of asses- Secretary does not approve or disapprove a ‘‘(iv) PENALTY.—If, pursuant to this sub- sors and auditors to independently verify the request for a significant amendment or paragraph, the Secretary reduces the per- criteria and measurement of metrics at the change to a revitalization plan before the ex- centage under subparagraph (A) applicable scale necessary to implement this sub- piration of the 30-day period beginning upon to the revitalization plan of a public housing section; the receipt by the Secretary of the report re- agency, no grant under this section may be ‘‘(ii) the ability of the applicable ratings ferred to in subparagraph (B), such request made to such agency or for any public hous- system organizations to collect and reflect shall be considered to have been approved.’’. ing of such agency at any time that such public comment; Page 24, line 20, strike ‘‘either’’. agency is not in full compliance with the re- ‘‘(iii) the ability of the standards to be de- Page 24, line 22, strike ‘‘or provide the ten- quirements of this paragraph, as modified by veloped and revised through a consensus- ant’’ and insert ‘‘and continue to provide the the terms of such reduction.’’. based process; household with comprehensive relocation as- Page 30, after line 2, insert the following: ‘‘(iv) an evaluation of the robustness of the sistance, or at the option of the household, ‘‘Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if criteria for a high-performance green build- provide the household’’. a public housing agency has limited areas ing, which shall give credit for promoting— Page 26, strike line 13, and insert the fol- within its jurisdiction having low concentra- ‘‘(I) efficient and sustainable use of water, lowing: tions of poverty, the replacement housing energy, and other natural resources; ‘‘(1) NUMBER.— units provided in addition to the dwelling ‘‘(II) use of renewable energy sources; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For one hundred per- units provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) ‘‘(III) improved indoor environmental qual- cent, or such lower percentage as is provided may be provided within a 25-mile radius of ity through enhanced indoor air quality, pursuant to subparagraph (B), of all’’. the mixed-income development referred to in thermal comfort, acoustics, day lighting, Page 26, strike ‘‘the date’’ in line 14 and all subparagraph (A).’’. pollutant source control, and use of low- that follows through line 16 and insert the Page 30, strike line 3 and all that follows emission materials and building system con- following: ‘‘January 1, 2005, that are subject through ‘‘credit.’’ in line 13, and insert the trols; and to the revitalization plan and that have been following: ‘‘(IV) such other criteria as the Secretary or will be demolished or disposed of, the pub- ‘‘(3) TIMING.—All replacement dwelling determines to be appropriate; and lic hous-’’. units required pursuant to this subsection ‘‘(v) national recognition within the build- Page 26, after line 18, insert the following: with respect to the revitalization plan of a ing industry. ‘‘(B) WAIVER.— public housing agency shall be provided not ‘‘(C) 5-YEAR EVALUATION.—At least once ‘‘(i) AUTHORITY.—Upon the written request later than the expiration of the 54-month pe- every five years, the Secretary shall conduct of a public housing agency submitted as part riod that begins upon the execution of the a study to evaluate and compare available of an application for a grant under this sec- grant agreement under this section for the third-party green building rating systems tion, the Secretary may reduce the percent- revitalization plan of the public housing and levels, taking into account the criteria age applicable under subparagraph (A) to a agency.’’. listed in subparagraph (B).’’. revitalization plan of the agency to not less Page 31, after line 2, insert the following: Page 35, line 6, strike ‘‘(3)’’ and insert than 90 percent, but only if— ‘‘(5) PROJECT-BASED VOUCHERS.—There are ‘‘(4)’’. ‘‘(I) the Secretary determines that such authorized to be appropriated such sums as Page 35, lines 10 and 11, strike ‘‘ LEED rat- written request has sufficiently dem- may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 ing systems’’ and insert ‘‘green building rat- onstrated a compelling need for such reduc- through 2015 for providing replacement ing systems and levels’’. tion due to extenuating circumstances, vouchers for project-based rental assistance Page 35, line 12, after ‘‘(B)’’ insert ‘‘of para- which shall include— for the purpose of complying with the one- graph (1)’’. ‘‘(aa) a judgment, consent decree, or other for-one replacement requirement under this Page 35, line 13, strike ‘‘and systems’’ and order of a court that limits the ability of the subsection.’’. insert ‘‘, systems, and levels’’. public housing agency to comply with such Page 33, line 1, strike ‘‘(3)’’ and insert Page 35, strike lines 21 through 24 and in- requirements; ‘‘(4)’’. sert the following: ‘‘criteria checklist, any ‘‘(bb) a severe shortage of land available to Page 33, line 3, after ‘‘standard’’ insert ‘‘or standard or standards that the Secretary has comply with such requirements; and standards’’. determined to be substantially equivalent to ‘‘(cc) such other circumstances as the Sec- Strike line 22 on page 33 and all that fol- such checklist, and the green building rat- retary determines on a case-by-case basis; lows through page 34, line 9, and insert the ings systems and levels identified by the and following: Secretary pursuant to paragraph (3).’’. ‘‘(II) the reduction is narrowly tailored ‘‘(B) GREEN BUILDINGS CERTIFICATION SYS- Page 35, line 25, strike ‘‘LIMITATION ON EX- such that it— TEM.—All non-residential construction under CLUSION’’ and insert ‘‘CONSISTENT ELIGIBILITY ‘‘(aa) reduces the percentage only to the the proposed plan complies with all min- AND OCCUPANCY STANDARDS’’. extent necessary to address the particular imum required levels of the green building Page 36, line 5, strike ‘‘LIMITATION ON EX- extenuating circumstances demonstrated rating systems and levels identified by the CLUSION’’ and insert ‘‘CONSISTENT ELIGIBILITY pursuant to subclause (I); and Secretary pursuant to paragraph (3), as such AND OCCUPANCY STANDARDS’’. ‘‘(bb) is limited in a manner that ensures systems and levels are in effect for purposes Strike ‘‘. A household’’ in line 15, on page the maximum extent of compliance with the of this subsection pursuant to paragraph (4) 36 and all that follows through page 37, line requirements of this subsection. at the time of the application for the 7, and insert the following: ‘‘, including re- ‘‘(ii) REQUIRED AND IMPERMISSIBLE CONSID- grant.’’. quirements under Federal law relating to ERATIONS.—In determining whether a com- Page 35, after line 5, insert the following: safety and security in public and assisted pelling need for a reduction pursuant to this ‘‘(3) IDENTIFICATION OF GREEN BUILDINGS housing and ineligibility of drug criminals, subparagraph exists, and extenuating cir- RATING SYSTEMS AND LEVELS.— illegal drug users, alcohol abusers, and dan- cumstances exist, for purposes of clause (i), ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec- gerous sex offenders, preferences for elderly the Secretary— tion, the Secretary shall identify rating sys- and disabled residents, and ineligibility of ‘‘(I) shall take into consideration the ex- tems and levels for green buildings that the persons convicted of methamphetamine of- tent and circumstances of any vacant public Secretary determines to be the most likely fenses.’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 Page 37, after line 7, insert the following: Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, ‘‘(3) CONSISTENT OCCUPANCY STANDARDS FOR yield myself 3 minutes. the gentlewoman from West Virginia is DISPLACED FAMILIES.—Notwithstanding para- I would like to thank the distin- recognized for 10 minutes. graph (2), any household who occupied a guished chairman of the Committee on There was no objection. dwelling unit in public housing subject to a revitalization plan of a public housing agen- Financial Services, BARNEY FRANK, and Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I cy and that was displaced as a result of the Oversight Subcommittee Chairman yield myself such time as I may con- revitalization shall be subject, for purposes MEL WATT for their strong support of sume. of occupancy in replacement housing pro- the manager’s amendment to H.R. 3524. I would like to thank the chairman vided pursuant to subsection (j) under the re- In the manager’s amendment filed and the chairwoman of the sub- placement plan that is owned or managed, or before this committee, we worked very committee, Ms. WATERS, for reaching assisted, by the agency, only to policies, hard to address concerns that had been across the aisle and working on some practices, standards, criteria, and require- raised by the minority, housing advo- of the very serious concerns that we ments regarding continued occupancy in cates, resident organizations, housing had about the original bill. such original public housing (and not to initial occupancy).’’. authorities, and others to ensure that I would like to speak specifically Page 38, line 7, after the period insert the we have a bill that is achievable and about one area, the one-for-one re- following: ‘‘Such benchmarks shall include responsive to the needs of low-income placement. We have heard a lot of dis- completion of the provision of all replace- families and communities. cussion about that on the floor in the ment dwelling units provided pursuant to In the manager’s amendment we beginning arguments. But in this man- the requirements of subsection (j)’’. maintain more of our public housing ager’s amendment, there is much more Page 39, after line 5, insert the following: stock by requiring the replacement of flexibility in the one-for-one replace- ‘‘(D) project delays and cost increases due to shortages in labor and materials as a di- any units in existence as of January 1, ment. It also allows the Secretary to rect result of location in an area that is sub- 2005; provide an extremely limited have some flexibility, and I think that ject to a declaration by the President of a waiver of the one-for-one requirement means we will have more meaningful major disaster or emergency under the Rob- in special circumstances, such as a housing, housing with more vision on ert T. Stafford Disaster and Emergency As- court decree or a severe shortage of how to improve family and home life. sistance Act, except that an extension of the land, and impose a penalty on those Another thing is the development period for compliance with performance housing authorities who receive a timeline. In the original bill, the devel- benchmarks pursuant to this subparagraph waiver but fail to meet their obliga- opment timeline was 12 months. I can’t shall not be for a period longer than 12 months;’’. tions under it; allow replacement units imagine myself trying to build large Page 39, line 6, strike ‘‘(D)’’ and insert to be built outside the jurisdiction of projects such as these and have every- ‘‘(E)’’. the housing authority in the event the thing in 12 months. So that deadline Page 39, line 7, strike ‘‘(E)’’ and insert housing authority’s jurisdiction is lim- was extended to 54 months, which I ‘‘(F)’’. ited in the number of low-poverty think was a very good move. Page 39, line 9, strike ‘‘(F)’’ and insert areas; extend the timeline for rebuild- Also on the green building require- ‘‘(G)’’. Strike line 17 on page 39 and all that fol- ing from 12 to 54 months; increase resi- ments, I have an amendment coming lows through ‘‘(2) URA.—’’ on page 40, line 1, dent involvement in decisions sur- forward to ask for flexibility again in and insert the following: rounding significant changes to HOPE the green building requirements. But ‘‘(p) APPLICABILITY OF UNIFORM RELOCA- VI plans; exclude green building from in the manager’s amendment, some re- TION ACT.—’’. total development costs; provide flexi- visions were made, and I think it’s Page 42, lines 17 and 18, strike ‘‘10 percent bility in nonresidential green develop- moving us a step in the right direction. or more of the funds’’ and insert ‘‘20 percent ment standards; protect grantees af- I myself support the manager’s or more of the total amount of HOPE VI grant amounts provided under this section’’. fected by cost increases and project amendment. I think that a lot of the Page 44, after line 18, insert the following: delays as a result of the 2005 hurricanes changes that were made were made in SEC. 16. EXTENSION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS from recapture of their funds; and pro- response to what we were hearing in FOR REVITALIZATION PLANS DE- vide that HOPE VI housing assistance our various offices from not only indi- LAYED BY HURRICANES. is only for persons who are legally viduals but various groups their con- Notwithstanding any other provision of present in the United States. cern for the best way to put forward af- law, the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- These changes will greatly improve fordable housing, HOPE VI, and make velopment may not, before October 1, 2009, recapture any portion of a grant made to a the bill and build upon the success of sure that what we build stands up to public housing agency to carry out a revital- the HOPE VI program. Since this pro- the challenges of the future. ization plan under section 24 of the United gram’s inception in 1992, we have all Madam Chairman, I reserve the bal- States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437v) if watched it at work in our districts and ance of my time. the public housing agency has suffered, as a wondered how it could work better. We Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I direct result of Hurricane Katrina, Wilma, or have all seen families displaced and yield 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman Rita of 2005— heard stories about families dis- from Massachusetts (Mr. OLVER), who (1) project delays; and appearing into thin air because of these spent a lot of time working on this (2) cost increases due to shortages in labor and materials. developments. We have seen the units manager’s amendment and this bill. Page 44, line 19, strike ‘‘SEC. 16.’’ and income down and seen a reduced number Mr. OLVER. I thank the gentle- sert ‘‘SEC. 17.’’. come back up. We know that HOPE VI woman for yielding. Page 45, after line 2, insert the following: can and must do better. Madam Chairman, I want to con- SEC. 18. NON-CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY RESTRIC- This manager’s amendment as well gratulate first Chairman FRANK and TIONS. as the underlying bill will go far into Subcommittee Chairwoman WATERS, No person not lawfully permitted to be in making this a program that truly gives both from the Financial Services Com- or remain in the United States is eligible for housing assistance under this Act or the hope to low-income families. I urge you mittee, for their great work in bringing amendments made by this Act. Nothing in to support the manager’s amendment forward to the floor this reauthoriza- this Act or the amendments made by this and the underlying bill and to remem- tion bill for the important HOPE VI Act alters the rules under section 214 of the ber that this bill is about maintaining program. Housing and Community Development Act of housing for our low-income families. I am a supporter of the manager’s 1980 (42 U.S.C. §1436a). They need our support. amendment, and I want to say a few The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Madam Chairman, I reserve the bal- words from an appropriator’s perspec- Resolution 922, the gentlewoman from ance of my time. tive here as the chairman of the Appro- California (Ms. WATERS) and a Member Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairman, I priations Subcommittee that deals opposed each will control 10 minutes. rise to claim the time in opposition, al- with HUD. The Chair recognizes the gentle- though I am not opposed to the man- In America, we have at least 10 mil- woman from California. ager’s amendment. lion American families who live below

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 363 or near the poverty line who are strug- changes, eligibility standards are much velopment model. The provisions that gling to make ends meet and working improved, and the provision on illegal are in the underlying bill and the man- largely in minimum wage or near min- aliens. ager’s amendment will provide more imum wage jobs and part-time jobs. We I do think that the one-on-one re- environmentally-sensitive construc- appropriate voucher rental assistance placement provision, and I very much tion and, frankly, the costs are going for roughly 21⁄2 million of those fami- appreciate you, I think, making a good to be recovered in relatively short lies through the tenant and project change, and I think it allows more of order, as my friend from Massachusetts basis, and they’re costly. We also ap- our Members to support the underlying pointed out, in savings, not just from propriate monies to provide operations bill. I do intend to continue to support energy, but also water and sewer as for the roughly 600,000 units which are doing away with the one-on-one re- well. under our public housing authorities placement for the reasons I said in ear- These costs are going up exponen- all over the country. lier debate, because I still believe that tially over time. Having this wired into The HOPE VI program is our only for most people the best option is for the HOPE VI provision means that it is program that allows for total renova- them to move out of this concentrated a better investment for the community tion of replacement of family housing housing. I also think it has an unin- and a better investment for the Federal units in that group that are under the tended consequence of restricting the Government. It’s going to save the public housing authorities in cities and ability to create a mixed-income com- Federal Government and the tenants towns all over the country. All 10 mil- munity that you attract a mix of indi- money over the long haul. There is ab- lion of those families dream about bet- viduals into. solutely no reason to water it down. ter jobs and owning a home, but with So I will support the Neugebauer I strongly urge approval of the man- incomes so limited, the family budget amendment. I think the green building ager’s amendment and rejection of the gets destabilized if there is a job loss or requirement, it does do away with subsequent amendment. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I would an unanticipated health problem in the some specific references to the LEED like to thank all of the people that I family, and they end up being the most rating standard. However, the Green have identified on this side of the aisle vulnerable people for predatory lending Communities rating system for resi- today, plus people I have not identified practices that have become so obvious dential construction remains in the on the opposite side of the aisle. It has in the mortgage disclosure crisis if bill, and I believe that we have got to been very enjoyable working with Mrs. they are trying to make ends meet and give more flexibility. Let’s be environ- CAPITO, I have appreciated the work of trying to have homeownership. Those mentally sound, but let’s don’t adopt Mr. SHAYS, and of course my old friend, are exactly the families that would one standard, particularly as expressed Mr. BACHUS, even though we disagree benefit the most from reduced monthly by the Carpenters Union, the Laborers on some things; and Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Union, also the National Home Build- energy bills, and they are the most in We have all come to the conclusion ers. Let’s not discriminate against need of that help. certainly that HOPE VI is a valuable American wood products. Under the bill before us, HOPE VI program and that all of our commu- As we continue to move forward, I projects must meet energy saving re- nities can benefit from it. quirements embodied in the green com- am sure that the cooperation you all We have a few different views about munity criteria established by Enter- have shown today will manifest itself, one-for-one, we have a few different prise Partners, the American Planning and we will continue to work on that. views about Davis-Bacon maybe, the Association, the American Institute of I will support, and I believe very much destruction of units, and the green re- Architects, and the Natural Resource we need Mrs. CAPITO’s amendments on quirements. But this is one bill that Defense Council, among others, who the green building requirement. both sides of the aisle understand very have put forth a comprehensive set of Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I yield thoroughly that America is going to back the balance of my time. criteria which include siting of build- benefit. Mr. BACHUS reminded us, even ings to maximize passive solar heating Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield though I know that he understands, and cooling, siting near public trans- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Or- that the reason for HOPE VI is to deal portation, using Energy Star highly ef- egon (Mr. BLUMENAUER). with those public housing projects, ficient appliances, using water fixtures Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I those developments that were in great that save water and energy. again appreciate the gentlewoman’s disrepair, that needed to be replaced, A study of 20 already completed courtesy, as I appreciate her leadership that needed to be restored, and not just projects using these standards showed on this, and that of my friend, Mr. the physical makeup, not just the an average of 2.4 percent only in con- OLVER. buildings; but we also understood that struction cost increase, but that cost is There is a difference between flexi- what was wrong with our public hous- recovered within 5 to 7 years by lower bility in green building standards and ing developments was lack of services. monthly energy bills. gutting the provision altogether. Hav- Many of these developments are like ing green building standards should not b 1200 little towns, little cities without serv- be merely one factor that is considered, ices. We all know and appreciate they For the rest of the 50- to 100-year life- as will be proposed by the gentle- need after-school, they need health time of the public housing, the moneys, woman’s amendment later in the game. care, they need all kinds of support for those savings go back to the individual The manager’s amendment provides families, and job development. All of families, and it requires us to appro- flexibility and allows the Secretary to those things we all support, and I priate less money to the public housing deal with compliance. It does not have would not challenge my Members on authority. So it’s a very important strict LEED certification, but still re- the opposite side of the aisle on any of program. tains that environmental green build- those issues. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would ing standard. Frankly, the notion that I would like to thank them for the like to yield my remaining time to the we just dismiss this as merely one fac- tremendous cooperation they have ranking member of the full committee, tor to be considered is going to be re- given, and the staffs have worked so Mr. BACHUS of Alabama. garded in the years to come as an em- well together to resolve a lot of ques- Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in barrassingly shortsighted proposal. tions to get us to the point that we are support of the manager’s amendment, As I mentioned earlier in the debate today; and while we will go through a and I would like to commend the ma- we in Portland used HOPE VI to create few amendments, I feel very, very good jority on addressing several of our con- an environmentally-sensitive commu- that this very, very big and com- cerns. I think particularly the develop- nity that actually provided twice as plicated bill has received such wonder- mental timeline is very significant. I many housing units as had been on the ful support. think it’s a much more practical way site before, using HOPE VI as an an- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- of dealing with notifying tenants about chor for more investment and as a de- ance of my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 The Acting CHAIRMAN (Mr. tem of putting all of these low-income Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. HOLDEN). The question is on the systems in a very concentrated area, Chairman, I claim the time in opposi- amendment offered by the gentle- and we found out very quickly that tion. woman from California (Ms. WATERS). that was not a successful program. So The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- The question was taken; and the Act- now with this particular legislation we tleman from Massachusetts is recog- ing Chairman announced that the ayes are going to go back and say we didn’t nized for 5 minutes. appeared to have it. learn our lesson the first time; we are Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I ap- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I de- going to go back with these kinds of preciate the cooperative spirit, and we mand a recorded vote. concentrations in these neighborhoods, should note that the one-for-one re- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to which have already shown to fail. placement will remain in effect, but clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- The other thing that I think needs to there’s a question about what it ac- ceedings on the amendment offered by be brought out is in some cases there complishes. the gentlewoman from California will may be land constraints that make Let me describe the one-for-one re- be postponed. this not feasible to go back for one-for- placement, because it is not nearly as AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. one. The second piece of it is that hous- prescriptive as my friend would have NEUGEBAUER ing and demographics have changed indicated. In the first place, commu- The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in since a lot of these units have been nities will have 54 months after the order to consider amendment No. 2 built. demolition with which to replace the printed in House Report 110–509. What we are learning now is that we housing. Secondly, it does not have to Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I can do these mixed-use projects where be new public housing. We have explic- offer an amendment. we bring moderate and low-income itly added here the ability to do The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk families together and not putting all of project-based vouchers. We have will designate the amendment. these low-income families in one place. worked with some of those who in fact The text of the amendment is as fol- We have also learned a lot about the try to do HOPE VI, to make it more lows: density, the environment, where we flexible. Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. have open spaces for children to play, Third, there’s a waiver in here. One NEUGEBAUER: and we are not forcing them to play in of the factors in the waiver, the gen- Page 9, line 4, before the period insert ‘‘FOR the streets. tleman from Texas correctly men- OCCUPIED UNITS’’. So there’s a lot of things that we do tioned open spaces, one of the desirable Page 9, line 11, after the comma insert ‘‘occupied’’. better now, but we are trying to limit things. My colleague from Massachu- Page 26, line 9, before the period insert using some of those new techniques setts, Mr. CAPUANO, offered an amend- ‘‘FOR OCCUPIED UNITS’’. and new innovations in housing by ment that has been incorporated into Page 26, line 14, strike ‘‘in existence’’ and going back to the old model. the manager’s amendment that would insert ‘‘occupied’’. One of the things that I think has say when you apply for a waiver, your The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to been brought out in this debate is that willingness to put in more open space House Resolution 922, the gentleman this is not a debate about whether would be one of the justifications for a from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER) and a HOPE VI is a good program or not. I waiver for one-for-one. So we do have Member opposed each will control 5 want to be clear about that, that when flexibility. minutes. I stand before this body today and say On the other hand, I reject the notion The Chair recognizes the gentleman we shouldn’t be too prescriptive, I am that we shouldn’t be prescriptive here. from Texas. not talking about not funding this This is not the Federal Government Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I HOPE VI program or reauthorizing it. I reaching out and telling people what to yield myself such time as I may con- think we did some things that actually do. This is a restriction on the expendi- sume. did make this better, but being too pre- ture of Federal funds for a limited pur- I believe there is a concept that I scriptive begins to deny the ability of pose. Here is the problem: we do have a strongly support, and one that I think communities to sit down and decide shortage of affordable housing units. a lot of Members of this body support, what is the best footprint to provide We do not want to see a Federal pro- that when government is too prescrip- good quality housing for our low-in- gram contribute to a diminution of tive, then good ideas and innovation come residents, and they deserve that. that. We allowed flexibility in the re- get suppressed. This is the reason I For us to stand up and say this body of placement. brought forward this amendment, be- 435 here and 100 on the other side, that Here’s the problem with the gentle- cause in H.R. 3524, it requires that all we know more about what the housing man’s amendment: most of the people housing units demolished under the needs are in these communities around who run housing authorities are de- HOPE VI grant program be replaced on America, I think is a little ludicrous. cent, hardworking people who have a one-for-one basis. What we know is We need to empower the local gov- taken on a tough job, and we have tried that this is a new provision in the ernments and the housing authorities to help them. But there are political HOPE VI program. One of the things to be able to sit down and say, look, we situations in some community where that concerns me most about this is in have got these old and dilapidated the people running housing authorities many cases it is not necessarily fea- units, people don’t want to live in are not supportive of this purpose. sible for us to go back on a one-for-one them, some are vacant, some are occu- What the gentleman’s amendment basis, nor may it be a need in that par- pied, and some of them probably says is if they leave the units vacant, ticular community. shouldn’t be occupied, but for the they can then permanently get rid of Chairman WATERS and I had a chance United States Congress to say we know the units. That is the problem. Going to travel down to New Orleans and see more about your housing needs in your forward it gives people an incentive or some of the activities going on down community, I think is poor policy. reward not to fill the units. Most hous- there, and what we saw is some units That is the reason I am going to be ing authorities won’t be like that, but that were brought back on a one-for- encouraging my colleagues today to there is incompetence and there are one basis that were vacant, were unoc- vote for the Neugebauer amendment people who for political reasons say, cupied, which indicated there may be that takes out the provision of being We don’t want these people, they are some resistance to coming back to that too prescriptive, allowing American too much of a problem. particular neighborhood. cities and communities and housing So rewarding housing authorities for What we also know with the HOPE authorities to make the right decisions leaving units vacant by allowing them, VI program is that this program was for our low-income folks. if the people left them vacant may designed to replace some very terrible Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- want to have fewer housing units, al- housing conditions, an old, failed sys- ance of my time. lowing them that is a very bad idea. We

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.000 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 365 should have flexibility, I agree with the Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Tak- section (y) (as so redesignated by section 5(1) gentleman. But that is flexibility with ing back my time, I would agree with of this Act)’’. the waiver; that is flexibility in how that if we didn’t have a waiver in The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to you deliver placement. In other words, there, if we didn’t have a variety of House Resolution 922, the gentleman show why you’re trying to do it. But to ways of meeting the one-for-one re- from Florida (Mr. MAHONEY) and a diminish the requirement at the outset placement. It is not all public housing. Member opposed each will control 5 arbitrarily to reward people for leaving In fact, one of the things I plan to do in minutes. units vacant, to reward the incom- future legislation in cooperation with The Chair recognizes the gentleman petence. People say, We have got too my colleagues is to go to some of the from Florida. many other units here. We’re going to other housing programs we may have, Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chair- leave them vacant. Remember, elderly maybe the Low Income Housing Fund man, I rise today to offer an amend- housing is a major component. That or others, and give a preference to ment that will preserve the HOPE VI would be a very grave error. housing authorities who have that Main Street Grant program. This program, important to rural communities b 1215 HOPE VI obligation. So, in other words, there would be a wide variety of with very small populations, was cre- We have, I believe, in much of this ways in which they could replace the ated with the passage of the American country a shortage. housing, not simply by public housing, Dream Act of 2003. Since its inception, Now, if a community comes forward because, I agree, that would be self-de- the program has helped a small number and says to HUD, You know what, feating. of rural communities develop afford- there is no population here left any- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. If the gentleman able housing units in conjunction with more, there is nobody who wants to would yield, I would appreciate work- larger revitalization efforts. live here anymore, those are considering with the gentleman on that par- The creation of the HOPE VI Main ations that can be put into the waiver. ticular provision of making sure that Street Grant program in 2003 is impor- So we agree there should be flexibility. those units that are not habitable now tant to rural communities because it That is why we have a waiver compo- would not be counted. allows rural communities to compete nent. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I ap- with larger urban areas for HOPE VI By the way, in addition to open preciate that. I thank the gentleman. dollars. space, if you show you are going to do The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- Mr. Chairman, for those not familiar day care facilities, if you show you are tion is on the amendment offered by with the program, the HOPE VI Main going to do health care facilities, that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Street grants are funded through a 5 can further justify fewer units. If you NEUGEBAUER). percent set-aside in the HOPE VI an- say you are going to build more large The question was taken; and the Act- nual appropriations and each award is units for large families, yes, you can ing Chairman announced that the noes capped at $1 million. trade in a couple of small units for a appeared to have it. As I noted, this program is extremely large unit. All of those are encouraged. Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Chairman, I important to rural communities such The only thing we disagree with, be- demand a recorded vote. as Moore Haven, Florida. Located on cause we believe we have built flexi- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the banks of the Caloosahatchee River bility in here, is, as I said, to give peo- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- in Glades County and one of the most ple in some cases those who are, and it ceedings on the amendment offered by rural areas of Florida, Moore Haven is is not the majority by any means, peo- the gentleman from Texas will be post- one of the oldest cities in South Flor- ple who are not supportive of this, give poned. ida. This beautiful, old, sleepy Florida them an incentive to leave housing va- AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. MAHONEY OF town is home to one doctor, Dr. Geek, cant. FLORIDA and one restaurant. It is one of the few Now, let me say this to the gen- The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in places left in Florida where the fami- tleman: His amendment didn’t say order to consider amendment No. 3 lies have lived there for generations housing that was physically unoccu- printed in House Report 110–509. and everyone knows their neighbor. piable. I agree the bill does not make Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chair- Unfortunately, it is also one of the that consideration. I would say to the man, I offer an amendment. poorest areas in the State. The popu- gentleman, going forward, we might be The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk lation of the city is approximately 1,900 able to work on a situation where units will designate the amendment. people and the annual tax revenue for that were physically not habitable The text of the amendment is as fol- all of Glades County is $6 million. The might not be counted. I agree with lows: people of Moore Haven have a desire to that. If that was the amendment, I revitalize their historic downtown Amendment No. 3 offered by Mr. MAHONEY think we might be working something of Florida: area, but they lack the financial re- out, and I hope we will as it goes for- Page 5, strike lines 8 through 23, and insert sources. ward. But what the gentleman’s the following: Guided by the vision of Tracy Whirls, amendment says, units that are per- SEC. 5. MAIN STREET PROJECTS GRANTS. the Executive Director of the Glades fectly in good shape, that the author- Section 24 is amended— County Economic Development Coun- ity either can’t rent because they are (1) by redesignating subsection (n) as sub- cil, Moore Haven applied for a HOPE VI incompetent or decides not to, that section (y); Main Street grant last year. The city those can be disregarded. (2) in subsection (l), by striking ‘‘sub- had hoped to use the money to pur- So I hope the amendment is defeated. section (n)’’ each place such term appears chase three historic but dilapidated But I would promise to work with the and inserting ‘‘subsection (y)’’; and and vacant buildings, with the inten- (3) in subsection (m)(3), by striking ‘‘sub- gentleman as we go forward so that section (n)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (y)’’. tion of attracting businesses to the units that are in fact not habitable, Page 40, strike lines 19 and 20 and insert first floors and 12 affordable housing not occupiable, would not be counted. the following: units on the upper levels. Plans for the I would yield to the gentleman. (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘and’’ at first floors included opening Moore Ha- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I thank the gen- the end; ven’s only pharmacy and furniture tleman. I do understand that there (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as para- store. could be a small minority of housing graph (6); and I regret, Mr. Chairman, that Moore authorities trying to accomplish some (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the fol- Haven was not successful in its at- lowing new paragraph: purpose by keeping those units vacant, Page 40, line 21, strike ‘‘(4)’’ and insert tempt to secure the grant. The good but I would say we are being probably ‘‘(5)’’. news is that they are game and they more prescriptive for the ones that are Page 44, line 21, strike ‘‘by adding at the are going to apply for it again this vacant. end’’ and inserting ‘‘by inserting before sub- year. But I believe it is imperative that

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Larry Luckey, the Glades County prop- Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. SESSIONS: The question that every Member erty appraiser. ‘‘If we are unable to Strike line 18 on page 4 and all that follows should be asking themselves before save these historic commercial build- through page 5, line 7. they vote to eliminate this authority ings, the downtown historic district Page 16, lines 20 through 22, strike ‘‘, as is, if there is no demand for public amended by the preceding provisions of this will cease to exist. I am saddened at housing in a certain area, as evidenced the thought that we may well become Act, is further’’ and insert ‘‘is’’. Page 16, line 24, strike ‘‘(5)’’ and insert by its partially or completely vacant a city with no history.’’ ‘‘(4)’’. status, and if the local housing author- I would ask for the support of my col- Page 17, line 9, strike ‘‘(6)’’ and insert ity is seeking this help, then why on leagues to preserve the HOPE VI Main ‘‘(5)’’. Earth would Congress mandate that Street Grant program and the economy The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to HUD create an unwanted supply? It and history of small towns across House Resolution 992, the gentleman makes no logical or fiscal sense to inef- America, including Moore Haven. In from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS) and a Mem- ficiently direct these taxpayer dollars addition, with the passage of my ber opposed each will control 5 min- where there is no reason or demand to amendment, we will ensure that rural utes. communities continue to have access build. Prohibiting demolition-only The Chair recognizes the gentleman to the affordable housing benefits pro- grants almost guarantees this type of from Texas. vided by the HOPE VI program. waste would occur. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I rise Additionally and finally, Mr. Chair- Mr. Chairman, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina in support of this amendment, which man, let’s not forget that the ultimate strikes the prohibition of the demoli- (Mr. BUTTERFIELD). goal of this program is to empower peo- Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I tion-only grants from the HOPE VI, al- ple to eventually get off public housing want to thank the gentleman for yield- lowing HUD to retain its current au- and become self-determined, not sim- ing and thank the chairman and chair- thority to issue these grants as condi- ply to create more public housing woman for their passion and leadership tions warrant. The original goal of units. I would submit in the greater on this very important issue. HOPE VI was to eliminate severely dis- scheme of things, it is also to have the I rise today in support of the amend- tressed public housing, and demolition- Federal Government, through HUD, ment offered by my good friend and only grants continue to play an impor- have the flexibility to work carefully colleague from Florida, Mr. MAHONEY. tant role in achieving this goal. and closely with local housing authori- Mr. Chairman, I represent the First Currently, HUD is allowed to grant ties to make sure that the right thing District of North Carolina, which is the demolition-only grants only when nec- happens. 15th poorest district in our country. essary and in instances that benefit the By preventing HUD from having the One of the towns in my district is community. That means it will be done authority to remove dilapidated hous- called Henderson, North Carolina. Last in consultation with the community. ing without also rebuilding new units year, this town was one of three, one of As a result, HUD provides these grants as Congress, we are certainly failing to three towns across the country, to re- with great discretion. In fact, a demoli- live up to the spirit of this philosophy. ceive the HOPE VI Main Street grant tion-only grant has not been issued by I encourage all of my colleagues to sup- that this bill attempts to remove. HUD since 2003. Clearly, despite what port what I think is a commonsense As we all know, HOPE VI Main the opponents of this legislation may amendment. Street grants seek to revitalize and re- claim, HUD has not covertly abused I reserve the balance of my time. juvenate older downtown business dis- this power to tear down public housing Mr. WATT. Mr. Chairman, I claim tricts while retaining the area’s tradi- units without reason and, I would sug- the time in opposition to the amend- tional and historic character. The pur- gest to you, without being asked to ment. pose of this program is to provide as- participate. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- sistance to smaller communities in the However, sometimes public housing tleman from North Carolina is recog- development of affordable housing and authorities have already put together nized for 5 minutes. the revitalization and reconfiguration their own financing to redevelop hous- Mr. WATT. Mr. Chairman, I yield of obsolete commercial offices or building, but they lack the funds to tear myself such time as I may consume. ings into sustainable and affordable down the existing distressed facility. In Mr. Chairman, listening to the gen- housing. instances like these, common sense Mr. Chairman, towns like Henderson tleman, one would think that the dem- dictates that a demolition-only grant need these grants. We need these olition-only program is a harmless pro- under HOPE VI would be appropriate, grants to reinvigorate the communities gram in the Federal Government. It is once again, working with the existing and to spur outside commercial invest- absolutely true that the Bush adminis- local authority to make sure that what ment. The point is, in closing, that tration has decided not to use the dem- HOPE VI Main Street grants are need- they want is accomplished. olition-only authority that the statute As an added bonus, a cleared site also ed for rural America. gives them since 2003, but there are attracts more Federal and private re- I want to thank Mr. MAHONEY for his reasons that they have decided not to leadership and passion and thank him sources for revitalization efforts, use the demolition-only authority. for bringing forth this amendment. meaning that when local people ask for Between 1996 and 2003, administra- Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Mr. Chair- the support, then it can and would pre- tions made 285 demolition-only grants man, I yield back the balance of my sumably be granted, making the site to 127 public housing authorities that time. better. resulted in demolishing, demolishing, The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- Another instance in which demoli- 56,755 housing units, affordable housing tion is on the amendment offered by tion-only grants make sense is when a units, in this country. the gentleman from Florida (Mr. severely distressed public housing site b 1230 MAHONEY). is simply not a viable candidate for re- The amendment was agreed to. development, either because it is only And the result was replacing less AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. SESSIONS partially occupied or completely va- than half of those demolished housing The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in cant, once again, working directly with units because we have had a net loss order to consider amendment No. 4 the local housing authority. In these over that period of 30,000 affordable printed in House Report 110–509. cases, other forms of housing assist- housing units. So the administration in

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And so I know that, without that it had because it didn’t think it tion is on the amendment offered by her expertise and the chairman’s exper- was a good program. the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SES- tise and their commitment, we Now, the case has been made well by SIONS). wouldn’t be considering today this a number of our committee members, The question was taken; and the Act- truly important HOPE VI reauthoriza- Mr. GREEN from Texas in particular, ing Chairman announced that the noes tion bill. So I want to thank Congress- that if there is anybody in America appeared to have it. woman WATERS and Chairman FRANK who thinks that there is an excess of Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I de- for their leadership. affordable housing, they haven’t read mand a recorded vote. In revitalizing public housing, the any statistics. If there is anybody in The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to HOPE VI program is able to offer pre- America who believes there is an ex- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- cisely that, and that is hope: Hope for cess of affordable public housing, or ceedings on the amendment offered by a better community, hope for a better public housing, period, in America, the gentleman from Texas will be post- future. And I know that in my own dis- they haven’t read the statistics. poned. trict, for example, in Oakland, Cali- So why the Federal Government AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. LEE fornia, the Mandela Gateway HOPE VI would be giving money to local com- The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in initiative is doing just that. Mr. Chairman, that is why I come to munities solely to tear down public order to consider amendment No. 5 the floor today with a very simple housing, affordable housing in this printed in House Report 110–509. amendment that builds on this hope. country, given the dire shortage of Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an My amendment would allow Congress housing in America and the massive amendment. to stand up for the elderly and the dis- existence of homelessness in America, I The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk abled residents of public housing who can’t tell you. will designate the amendment. Now, HOPE VI allows local commu- are unwitting victims of the misdeeds The text of the amendment is as fol- nities to demolish distressed public of their relatives or guests. Specifi- lows: housing; and one of the concerns that cally, this amendment would create a this bill addresses is that we have tried Amendment No. 5 offered by Ms. LEE: narrow exemption from the eviction Page 40, line 4, strike the quotation marks to have a program to replace those and the second period. rule for those who are elderly or dis- houses so that people won’t be on the Page 40, after line 4, insert the following: abled and who have committed no street. And that is exactly what HOPE ‘‘(3) PUBLIC HOUSING AND SECTION 8 EVICTION crime and have no knowledge of a VI does. That part of it we need to re- PROVISIONS.—In the case of any public hous- crime being committed or are the ac- tain. The demolition grants need to be ing or housing assisted under section 8, for tual victims of a crime. This amend- terminated. This bill terminates demo- which assistance is provided at any time pur- ment will give completely innocent lition-only grants, and we should sup- suant to a grant for a revitalization plan tenants who are the most vulnerable a port the bill. under this section, the provisions of para- fighting chance to stay in their homes. I reserve the balance of my time. graph (6) of section 6(l) and clause (iii) of sec- It is sad that we have to stipulate Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, I ap- tion 8(d)(1)(B), respectively, shall apply, ex- this, but there is a history of these un- cept that any criminal or drug-related crimi- preciate the gentleman. What he said is nal activity referred to in the matter pre- fair evictions. Let me just share one. In let’s take away the flexibility, not- ceding subparagraph (A) of such paragraph 2002, the Supreme Court reversed the withstanding that he has a disagree- or in the matter preceding subclause (I) of Ninth Circuit Court and upheld the ment with what the Clinton and the such clause, respectively, engaged in by a eviction order to remove a 63-year-old first term of this President has done. member of a tenant’s household or any guest woman, Ms. Pearlie Rucker, from her I think what we are doing is taking a or other person under the tenant’s control, home. The court did so despite the fact tool away from the toolbox rather than shall not be cause for termination of tenancy that she had committed no crime or flexibility. I believe it is local people of the tenant if— had any knowledge that the crime was who would ask for this to be done, any- ‘‘(A) the tenant is an elderly person (as happening. The Court did so based on way, and then the Federal Government such term is defined in section 202(k) of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q)) or a the criminal actions of her adult son can participate. But simply to say we person with disabilities (as such term is de- and daughter, who committed their have a house and we ought to keep it fined in section 811(k) of the Cranston-Gon- crime several blocks away from their no matter what, is, in my opinion, a zalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 home. The Court found that, because bad argument. It is a bad argument be- U.S.C. 8013(k)), and she had signed a lease that gave public cause keeping up something that is bad ‘‘(B) the tenant did not know and should housing authority the right to no-fault and needs repair and can’t take care of not have known of the activity or the tenant evictions, her inability to control the itself, we need to get rid of those. We or member of household was the victim of actions of other adults made her a the criminal activity;’’. need to rebuild. That is what HOPE VI threat to other tenants, and evicted is all about. I hope you vote for my The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to her. This is just plain wrong. amendment. House Resolution 922, the gentlewoman Unfortunately, Pearlie Rucker and I yield back the balance of my time. from California (Ms. LEE) and a Mem- her Supreme Court case has become Mr. WATT. I would just say the gen- ber opposed each will control 5 min- the basis for more forced evictions of tleman has made the exact point that I utes. people who have committed no crime. tried to make in my argument, prob- The Chair recognizes the gentle- So this amendment certainly does ably even more cogently than I made woman from California. not want to stop our hardworking pub- it, that HOPE VI is about not only Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, first let me lic housing authorities from providing tearing down but rebuilding. And there thank Chairman BARNEY FRANK and low-income families with a safe place is plenty of discretion in local commu- our chairwoman, Congresswoman MAX- to live; but innocent, elderly, and dis- nities inside the HOPE VI program to INE WATERS, for their hard work in abled tenants must not have their demolish public housing, as long as bringing to the floor this very critical housing rights stripped from them be- there is a plan to put housing back in legislation that reauthorizes HOPE VI cause of the actions of other individ- place. And we have retained that au- for the first time in 6 years. uals away from their homes. So as thority to put housing back in place. As a former member of Congress- such, it is especially tragic that the el- The bill terminates the authority to woman WATERS’ subcommittee, I saw derly and the disabled are the most just tear down rather than having the firsthand her leadership on this and so vulnerable but are the least able to ef- obligation to rebuild. many issues to create and expand af- fectively control the actions of their

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It allows ment of Housing and Urban Development to TERS and Chairman FRANK for their Congress to stand up for the rights of those propose much weaker green development leadership and their assistance with living in public housing, preventing the eviction standards than are currently required under this. of elderly and disabled residents as the result this bill. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- of the wrongdoing of family members. Capito amendment, and to keep the language man, I rise today in support of H.R. 3524, to However, I must oppose several amend- set forth by this legislation. reauthorize the HOPE VI Improvement and ments that I feel will harm the integrity of this I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in Reauthorization Act of 2007, introduced by my bill. I stand opposed to the amendment offered supporting this extremely important legislation distinguished colleague from California, Rep- by my colleague and fellow Texan Mr. by protecting the integrity of the underlying resentative MAXINE WATERS. This important NEUGEBAUER, limiting the number of dwelling language, while making the technical correc- legislation will reauthorize and make changes units that housing agencies are required to re- tions included in the Manager’s Amendment to to the HOPE VI public housing revitalization place. Under the provisions of this amend- ensure that the intent of the legislation can be program. I would like to thank Congress- ment, only those units that are occupied as of enacted. woman WATERS for her consistent and dedi- the date of the HOPE VI application must be Ms. LEE. I yield back the balance of cated work on this important issue, as well as replaced, rather than requiring that all units my time. to commend Chairman FRANK for his leader- torn down through the use of HOPE VI grants The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- ship in bringing this bill to the floor today. be replaced on a one-to-one basis. I strongly tion is on the amendment offered by Mr. Chairman, this legislation reauthorizes, oppose this change, because I believe it the gentlewoman from California (Ms. with important changes incorporated into the weakens the one-for-one requirement in this LEE). Manager’s Amendment, the HOPE VI public legislation by creating incentives for housing The amendment was agreed to. housing revitalization program. Among other agencies to increase the number of vacant AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. KING OF provisions, it provides for the retention of pub- units prior to seeking a HOPE VI grant, to de- IOWA lic housing units, protects residents from dis- crease the overall number of units that must The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in ruptions resulting from the grant, increases be replaced. I encourage my colleagues to order to consider amendment No. 6 resident involvement, and improves the effi- join me in opposing this amendment, and in printed in House Report 110–509. ciency and expediency of construction. The support of the underlying language. Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I HOPE VI program, created in 1992, has Mr. Chairman, I also must oppose the offer an amendment. worked to improve the Nation’s most dilapi- amendment offered by my colleague Mr. SES- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk dated public housing units by providing much SIONS, reinstating the Department of Housing will designate the amendment. needed resources to public housing agencies. and Urban Development’s authority to issue The text of the amendment is as fol- These funds have directly benefited countless demolition-only grants. These grants, which lows: Americans, particularly the elderly and those have not been issued since 2003, provide re- Amendment No. 6 offered by Mr. KING of with disabilities, partnering with local agencies sources for the demolition of properties and Iowa: Page 44, line 2, before the closing quotation to improve conditions in public housing units the relocation of families living there. While marks insert the following: ‘‘None of the and communities. I also support the technical this legislation eliminates demolition-only funds authorized to be appropriated under changes made by the Manager’s Amendment, grants, unless the demolition is done in con- this paragraph may used to pay wages in and I believe that they will ensure that this leg- nection with the replacement of dwelling units, compliance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 islation works to the maximum benefit of all ensuring that the total amount of units does of title 40, United States Code.’’. Americans. not diminish. The adoption of this amendment The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Mr. Chairman, because I believe that this is would gut the strong replacement require- House Resolution 922, the gentleman strong and positive legislation, and I would like ments of the underlying legislation, and would from Iowa (Mr. KING) and a Member op- to take this opportunity to address a number further reduce the already limited affordable posed each will control 5 minutes. of amendments offered by my distinguished housing stock in our nation. The Chair recognizes the gentleman colleagues. I would like to express my support I also oppose the amendment offered by from Iowa. for the amendment introduced by my col- Congressman KING of Iowa. This amendment Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, the league, Mr. MAHONEY. This amendment will re- would prohibit any amount authorized under amendment that I offer to this bill that store the set-aside funds for the Main Street this legislation from being used to pay wages is before us today is an amendment grant program. Mr. Chairman, this important in compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act. The that strikes the requirements for program provides resources for the revitaliza- adoption of this provision would in effect nullify Davis-Bacon wage scale and prohibits tion of older, downtown business districts, the applicability of Davis-Bacon to the HOPE any of the funds from going to Davis- while retaining an area’s historical character. VI program. Mr. Chairman, the Davis-Bacon Bacon wage scale. And for the informa- The Main Street grant program enables small- Wage Determinations are issued by the U.S. tion of the body, Davis-Bacon wage er communities to develop affordable housing Department of Labor, and they indicate the scale is a Federal wage scale that was while still retaining their traditional identity and prevailing wage rates in a region, to be paid imposed over 75 years ago in this coun- roots in the past. I believe that this program is on federally funded or assisted construction try; and I could go back into the his- very important to countless communities projects. These standards ensure that workers tory of it, but the essence of Davis- across the Nation, seeking to provide for their on Federal projects are paid a fair wage, and Bacon wage scale is this: It imposes citizens without losing sight of their shared his- I believe it would be extremely detrimental to union scale on all projects and any tory. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me workers and to our economy as a whole to ex- projects that are $2,000 or more, which in supporting Mr. MAHONEY’s amendment to empt HOPE VI projects from these standards. essentially are all projects. restore funding for this program to this legisla- Mr. Chairman, I also stand in opposition to I am a Member of this Congress that tion. the amendment offered by my colleague Con- has worked and lived under Davis- Mr. Chairman, I also strongly support the gresswoman CAPITO, eliminating the require- Bacon wage scale, and I have done that amendment introduced by my colleague, Con- ments that all grants must comply with min- for well over 30 years. I have done the gresswoman LEE. This amendment will safe- imum Green Building requirements. I believe homework, I have done the paperwork, guard the rights of elderly and disabled ten- today’s legislation, as introduced, makes im- I have put together the spreadsheets, ants living in HOPE VI housing. Congress- portant steps forward toward responsible stew- and I dealt with all the employee dy- woman LEE’s amendment prohibits the evic- ardship of our natural resources, and Ms. namics that were involved there. tion of elderly or disabled tenants based on CAPITO’s proposal that compliance with Green And I make the point, Mr. Chairman, the criminal activities of others, provided that Building requirements be only one factor in the that labor is a commodity like corn or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 369 beans or gold or oil or gasoline, and the would be unable to find housing them- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, value of it needs to be determined by selves. A part of the HOPE VI mission, may I inquire of the amount of time re- the marketplace, not by the govern- Mr. Chairman, is to make construction maining for each party. ment. And for the Federal Government of units more efficient and to ensure The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- to intervene in a relationship between that the HOPE VI housing units are tleman from Iowa has 3 minutes re- two people, and a contractual relation- more environmentally friendly and maining; the gentleman from Georgia ship in particular, at the cost of the cost effective. The Davis-Bacon pre- has 11⁄2 minutes remaining. taxpayer that always favors going to a vailing wages helps attract the nec- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, union scale and is not a prevailing essary skilled workforce to build hous- first of all I say to the gentleman from wage but it is in effect a union scale, ing in the most efficient and cost-effec- California, that is offensive to me to this authorization as written, if my tive manner. This is a bad amendment. say that my 28 years of meeting pay- amendment is not adopted, will cost I yield 2 minutes to Mr. GEORGE MIL- roll, my 1,400-some consecutive weeks the taxpayers an additional $26 million. LER to put his statement in the RECORD of making payroll, of providing health And the inflation to construction at this point. insurance and retirement benefits and projects runs between 8 percent and 35 Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. year-around work for employees and a percent. I use the number 20 percent. It I thank the gentleman for yielding, and career path for them is, to take his is a low average. But I am pledged here I very much appreciate his remarks words, poor wages and poor working to protect the taxpayers, and I believe against this amendment to eliminate conditions. My employees didn’t think we need to protect the relationship be- Davis-Bacon. so, and neither did the people that ap- tween the employer and the employee. You cannot build good solid commu- plied for a job that I didn’t have room And if unions want to negotiate, I am nities on the backs of poor people, and to hire. That is not the way it works all for their ability to do that, but I you can’t build good solid communities out there in the world. And who in this don’t think it should be imposed by on the back of poor wages, poor work- Congress has some experience that can ing conditions. This is about prevailing statute, a statute that cannot keep up step forward and say otherwise? wages; it is not about a union wage. with a change in the wage scale, a stat- b 1245 They constantly year after year come ute that is not effective, and one that, and mischaracterize this amendment; I lived it. I lived it all of my working according to a Department of Labor In- they mischaracterize the program. But life. I know what happens when you spector General study, nearly 100 per- the fact of the matter is the majority pay the excavator operator $28 an hour cent of the data cannot be relied upon. in this House understands how impor- and the shovel operator $12 an hour. It is time to end this practice. It is ar- tant this provision is to working people You can’t get the guy on the excavator chaic, and it is time to strike this pro- in this country and to the communities to get down and pick up the shovel to vision out of here and eliminate Davis- in which these projects are being built. move a clod. You can’t get him to pick Bacon wage scale. In fact, all projects in this country up a grease gun. It destroys the rela- I reserve the balance of my time. where we invest taxpayer money, we tionship on the workplace, and it rear- Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Chair- should get good projects, good wages ranges everybody’s assignments. And man, I rise to oppose the amendment. and good working conditions for the so the guy running the finish motor The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- people on those projects. grader is rolling clods out there be- tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. I thank the gentleman for his state- cause he doesn’t want to get off the Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Chair- ment. machine and pick up the grease gun, man, the gentleman from Iowa very I rise in strong opposition to the amendment and your machines wear out. And the cleverly uses the words ‘‘union scale.’’ offered by Mr. KING of Iowa. boss has got to come to work at 3 This is not union scale; this is pre- Here we have a bill to reauthorize the o’clock in the morning to do the main- vailing wage scale. This is set by sci- HOPE VI program. That program provides tenance. That’s what happens when entific surveys within a community, grants to localities for the construction, reha- government gets in the way. And it based upon what is the prevailing wage bilitation, and, in some cases, demolition of costs money. The inflation goes up; 8 in that community. It moves from public housing units. That work is going to be percent, 35 percent. I pick 20 percent. community to community. There is a done in some of the poorest neighborhoods in There is $26.4 million in this bill that is reason for that. this country. That work is going to be done in unnecessary. Davis-Bacon has been one of the fore- areas with some of the highest unemployment We have a shortage of labor. We are most agents that we have been able to in this country. bringing in millions of people to un- use in our entire economic structure to And what does the King amendment do? It skilled jobs here in the United States make sure that the American worker eliminates prevailing wage requirements for because we say this economy cannot has a livable wage that maintains the this work. It gives the money to contractors survive without that. And now we can’t standards in that community. The who would be free to pay poverty wages and go without a union scale. That is union Davis-Bacon requirement has been on pocket the rest as profit. This amendment scale, Mr. SCOTT. And you can’t show the books since 1931, and, if I might worsens the cycle of poverty in the very areas me any statistical evidence otherwise. add, put on by a Republican, one of my that need the most help. It is the union operations that file the opponents’ party members, President But that’s not all. This is taxpayer money. reports because those that are not Hoover, and it has served us well. What do you get when you give taxpayer union get organized and they get pick- Now, this amendment is certainly an money to contractors who pay poverty wages eted. amendment that is very timely. Here and treat their workers poorly? You get shod- These people are smart. They are not we are in the throes of a recession, one dy work. And you have to spend more tax- foolish about this. And this is a Jim of the most damaging economic crises payer money to fix it later. Crow law. We went through this before. that this Nation has faced in the last Let’s summarize: The King amendment This was New York City. It was a Fed- quarter of a century, and we have the uses taxpayer money to worsen the cycle of eral building back in 1930 or 1931, and a gentleman from Iowa wanting to put poverty in the poorest neighborhoods in this contractor in New York City decided on an amendment that would diamet- country. It uses taxpayer money to buy shod- that he wanted to keep out the low bid rically affect the living wages of the dy work that just increases the costs later on. that came from Alabama. The low bid people who need the help the most. It’s difficult to tell who the amendment is trying came from Alabama because the labor Now, by preventing workers on HOPE to hurt the most—the poor neighborhoods, the could come from Alabama. Those VI projects from earning a living wage workers, or the taxpayers. This Amendment is didn’t happen to be white people. Those is certainly not the right way to go. It outrageous and should be roundly defeated by were African Americans that came up is a hole in the head bucket strategy, this House. and undercut the union wages in New given that those very same workers in Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Chair- York and that brought about this ‘‘Re- the absence of Davis-Bacon protections man, I reserve the balance of my time. publican’’ bill.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 So I call it a Jim Crow bill. And I call Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I ‘‘(vi) whether the rating system, standard, it a racist bill, and it is one that has demand a recorded vote. or code is accredited by a national standards been now shoehorned into this econ- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to developing organization. omy, into this bill, into this legisla- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- ‘‘(C) 5-YEAR EVALUATION.—At least once tion, in order to protect union wage every five years, the Secretary shall conduct ceedings on the amendment offered by a study to evaluate and compare available scale. the gentleman from Iowa will be post- third-party green building rating systems, I have pledged to come here to pre- poned. standards, and codes, taking into account serve and protect the free enterprise AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MRS. CAPITO the criteria specified in subparagraph (B).’’. side of this, the competition that is The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in Page 35, lines 9 through 11, strike ‘‘na- necessary for the efficiency that is order to consider amendment No. 7 tional Green Communities criteria checklist here. And I will also protect the right printed in House Report 110–509. and LEED rating systems’’ and insert ‘‘green of individuals to organize and nego- building rating system, standard, or code’’. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I offer Page 35, line 13, strike ‘‘checklist and sys- tiate for a good wage and good benefits. an amendment. That’s also a right we should have in tems’’ and insert ‘‘system, standard, or The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk code’’. this country. will designate the amendment. But this is not about prevailing Page 35, strike ‘‘the national’’ in line 20 The text of the amendment is as fol- and all that follows through line 24, and in- wage. This is about union pay scale, lows: sert the following: ‘‘any rating system, and it was a bill that was rooted in Jim standard, or code that the Secretary has de- Crow laws that has now been trans- Amendment No. 7 offered by Mrs. CAPITO: Page 10, strike lines 13 through 16. termined to be appropriate pursuant to para- ferred into union scale. Page 14, strike ‘‘non-mandatory’’ in lines 5 graph (3).’’. I urge the adoption of my amend- and 6 and all that follows through line 14, The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to ment. Save $26.4 million and protect and insert the following: ‘‘components of the House Resolution 922, the gentlewoman the relationship between employers green building rating system, standard, or from West Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO) and a and employees and let me provide a 12- code determined by the Secretary pursuant Member opposed each will control 5 month, year-round job with benefits to subsection (l)(3); and’’. minutes. and retirement funds so that people Strike line 16 on page 14 and all that fol- The Chair recognizes the gentle- can plan their future, not hire them for lows through page 15, line 5, and insert the woman from West Virginia. 3 hours and let them go for the next following: ‘‘construction, complies with the Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I offer rest of the week. components of the green building rating sys- Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Chair- tem, standard, or code determined by the this amendment to the HOPE VI bill, Secretary pursuant to subsection (l)(3).’’. and I would like to talk about first of man, let it be noted that the gen- Page 32, line 13, strike ‘‘REQUIREMENT’’. tleman from Iowa, my good friend, is all what this amendment does not do Strike line 14 on page 32 and all that fol- because my fear is the argument on the the one who brought up the race card, lows through page 34, line 9. not I. But I will be the one who quickly Page 34, line 10, strike ‘‘(2)’’ and insert other side is going to distort what I puts it back into the middle of the ‘‘(1)’’. really think the core of the discussion deck, where it should stay and belong Page 34, line 13, strike ‘‘proposed’’. between my amendment and those op- forever. Page 34, strike lines 15 through 18, and in- posed should be. The fact of the matter is this: For 77 sert ‘‘this section is carried out in accord- This amendment in no way is an ad- years, Mr. Chairman, this country has ance with the terms included in the approved vocate for destroying or throwing out plan pursuant to section (e)(2)(C)(xii)’’. the window environmental or green had the prevailing wage. Not a union Page 35, after line 5, insert the following: wage. The prevailing wage standards ‘‘(2) IDENTIFICATION OF GREEN BUILDINGS building standards. That is not my goal are set by scientific surveys of actual RATING SYSTEM, STANDARD, OR CODE.— or my intention with this amendment. wages paid in the local communities, ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this sec- It retains requirements for green build- and anyone awarded a government con- tion, the Secretary shall identify a rating ing standards, but it looks at how we tract pays at least those prevailing system, standard, or code for green buildings build green in a different way. wages. It is not a union scale. If you that the Secretary determines to be a com- In the bill presently, there is a man- had union scale, that is it no matter prehensive and environmentally-sound ap- datory building standard that has been where you go. Prevailing wages are proach to development of green buildings. a criteria that has been developed by a ‘‘(B) CRITERIA.—In identifying the green what is established based upon that building rating system, standard, or code proprietary preference for one organi- local economy, that local situation. under this paragraph, the Secretary shall zation. My amendment would simply You talk about New York. When Hoo- take into consideration— move this out of a mandated into the ver put this in in 1931, he didn’t put it ‘‘(i) the impact of the cost of the enhanced green communities specifically man- in for New York. It was for the entire building quality rating systems, standards, dated criteria, and move it into a more Nation, because we were at the throes or codes on the number of affordable housing flexible situation where the Secretary of the depression, at the beginning of units; would then choose an appropriate the depression. ‘‘(ii) the ability and availability of asses- green building standard, green building sors and auditors to independently verify the And now in a similar situation, while rating system and code that would ad- we are not in the beginning of a depres- criteria and measurement of metrics at the scale necessary to implement this sub- dress environmental considerations, sion, but certainly in a recession, you and leaves flexibility for the Secretary, misguidedly, my good friend, want to section; ‘‘(iii) the ability of the applicable devel- this Secretary and secretaries to fol- remove it. How ironic. oper of the rating system, standard, or code Mr. Chairman, this is a terrible low, to be able to determine that cri- to collect and reflect public comment; teria. amendment. It certainly is not the ‘‘(iv) the ability of the rating system, right time to even think about in any We are going to be building these standard, or code to be developed and revised HOPE VI projects all across this Na- fashion any measure that would con- through a consensus-based process; strict the economic sector in this coun- ‘‘(v) an evaluation of the robustness of the tion, and I think it is important to try rather than at a much greater need criteria for a high-performance green build- note that there should be some geo- when we need to expand it, and we need ing, which shall give credit for promoting— graphic considerations for green build- to stand and protect the wage earner ‘‘(I) efficient and sustainable use of land, ing standards across the country. and working America on this amend- water, energy, and other natural resources; We are also trying to find the best ment. ‘‘(II) use of renewable energy sources; way to use our Federal dollars, to ‘‘(III) improved indoor environmental qual- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- maximize the number of Federal hous- ity through enhanced indoor air quality, day ing units, while still adhering to good tion is on the amendment offered by lighting, pollutant source control, and use of the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING). low-emission materials and building system environmental standards. The question was taken; and the Act- controls; and I have listened a lot over the last 60 ing Chairman announced that the noes ‘‘(IV) such other criteria as the Secretary years to housing projects that have appeared to have it. determines to be appropriate; and been made, destroyed and rebuilt and

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And when the gentleman just briefly of an environment or a community or a But arguments in the builders’ letter says that the LEED standards were re- quality of life in 3 years may be out- to Members promoting the amendment moved from the commercial building, dated. The technology may not be in are specious and deliberately mis- yes, they were removed. Why? Because front of us now that says if you look at leading. First of all, all references to the union of carpenters that we heard your water this way or your air this LEED have been removed. Secondly, about earlier were raising Cain because way or your environmental consider- the letter greatly exaggerates the cost they were going to have to get their ations for the landscaping, that there of green community criteria which are wood from imported wood to be able to is going to be a better way in 3 years. so strongly supported by the U.S. meet these standards. That goes right In this bill, I think we are locking Council of Mayors and 40 other major to my point. We need to be reasonable, down a certain proprietarily developed organizations. but we also need to make sure that we standard for green building. I think in A well-documented study of some 20 protect our environment and move for- selecting appropriate green building completed projects using these cri- ward with the best communities we criteria, this gives HUD the ability to teria, completed projects using these can. choose a green building system, a criteria, showed an average of only 2.4 Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. First, standard or code, in an open, con- percent increase in cost. We all need to Mr. Chairman, yes, the carpenters ob- sensus-based way. That is why I put remember that we build housing for 50 jected to the LEED standard. They did forward this amendment to give HUD to 100 years. The small increased con- not object to the green community the flexibility not only for today but struction costs produce huge savings in standard. We thought the objection for the future. lower monthly bills for energy for ten- was reasonable and met it. Again, I want to reiterate what this ants. The low-income tenants have all Secondly, again, the bill, without the amendment does not do. It does not of the remaining 50 years to accrue gentlewoman’s amendment, does pro- have a goal in mind of undercutting those savings after the payback comes vide flexibility. We say, however, that green building in an environmentally within the first 5 to 7 years of the pro- when HUD does an alternative pro- stable way to create new HOPE VI gram. posal, it has to meet the minimum projects. Also in this amendment, it I urge defeat of the amendment. standard. That is the difference. also requires the Secretary to conduct Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. a review once every 5 years to deter- Chairman, I reserve the balance of my b 1300 mine if the chosen system and standard time. We put in the minimum. The other or code is still relevant, and I think Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would difference is that her amendment that is appropriate in terms of innova- like to ask the gentleman if I left the would allow some of the projects to go tion. apartment environmentally stable? I forward without green components, de- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance think I did. pending on how they were otherwise of my time. I yield 1 minute to my colleague from rated and others would not. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. the Committee on Financial Services, I yield for the remainder of our time Chairman, I rise to claim the time in the gentleman from North Carolina to the head of our Subcommittee on opposition. (Mr. MCHENRY). Energy Efficiency for the Financial The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I Services Committee, my colleague, Mr. tleman from Massachusetts is recog- thank my colleague and appreciate her PERLMUTTER of Colorado. nized for 5 minutes. leadership. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Leave it to my colleagues on the Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the Chairman, first, there are two points, other side of the aisle to make an inef- chairman. I thank the chairwoman for and the gentlewoman tends to confuse ficient program even more inefficient. bringing this bill. And Congresswoman the two. One is should there be flexi- By imposing these arbitrary and CAPITO and I are part of this energy ef- bility in the standard. Both versions uncredited green standards, it will ficiency task force. And I know that have that. Our version says the green drive up construction costs. And in the she has strong feelings toward building communities or a standard promul- end, that means we will have fewer in an energy-efficient, sustainable way. gated by the Secretary, but we say it units put out in this housing program. We have a big difference of opinion as has to be substantially equivalent in And it also delays the spending of the to property rights on this one. And it’s what it accomplishes. $1.3 billion HOPE VI surplus that we unusual, here in this instance, the Fed- Secondly and more important, the currently have. eral Government is the owner and the bill with the manager’s amendment I think it is a better use of the financer of these projects. It has the says that a green component must be money to allow the Secretary to estab- right, as any property owner does, as in any HOPE VI application. The gen- lish standards that are appropriate for any owner does, to say how it wants its tlewoman dilutes that. She says it will the region, appropriate for the product building built. And that’s what’s done be one factor that can be considered. being put out, and this gives the flexi- within this proposal, within this bill, But under her proposal, if you are very bility to do that. and that is to build these units in a strong elsewhere, they would not have What I would say is that the Capito green fashion. And so that, I think, is to be very much in the green. So there amendment still allows for green appropriate. It is an appropriate exer- is a real difference there. We both say standards, high, strong, green stand- cise of ownership to say we want these it is a good idea, but the bill says you ards, but it does not impose arbitrary to be green. And the people of the must include the green component. Her standards. It allows for a collaborative United States of America in this last bill says you may include the green effort for this to go forward, and it election said we have to be more en- component. You will get points if you strikes the right balance, not a one- ergy conscious. We have to figure out a do, but you might not. Both have flexi- size-fits-all approach. change to how we power this Nation bility as to how you reach that. I urge adoption of her amendment. and how we consume energy, and this Now I yield 2 minutes to the gen- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- is where we get started as a Federal tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. woman from West Virginia has 30 sec- Government. OLVER), the chairman of the Appropria- onds remaining. Now, one of the things we’ve talked tions Subcommittee on HUD and Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would about is the flexibility within the bill Transportation. encourage a ‘‘yes’’ vote for my amend- as to the standards to be used. We use

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 the words ‘‘substantially equivalent.’’ Becerra Etheridge Lowey Ross Slaughter Van Hollen And if, in fact, HUD or EPA or the De- Berman Everett Lucas Rothman Smith (NE) Vela´ zquez Biggert Fallin Lungren, Daniel Roybal-Allard Smith (NJ) Walberg partment of Energy is being recal- Bilbray Farr E. Ruppersberger Smith (TX) Walden (OR) citrant, isn’t following through on de- Bilirakis Fattah Lynch Rush Smith (WA) Walsh (NY) veloping substantially equivalent Bishop (GA) Ferguson Mahoney (FL) Ryan (OH) Snyder Walz (MN) Bishop (NY) Filner Maloney (NY) Ryan (WI) Solis standards, you can bet that our side of Wamp Bishop (UT) Fortenberry Manzullo Salazar Souder Wasserman Blackburn Fortun˜ o Marchant Sali Space the aisle will work with you and the Schultz Blumenauer Foxx Markey Sa´ nchez, Linda Spratt various Departments to make sure Waters Blunt Frank (MA) Marshall T. Stark they get off their fannies and they do Boehner Frelinghuysen Matheson Sanchez, Loretta Stupak Watson develop some substantially equivalent Bonner Gallegly Matsui Sarbanes Sullivan Watt standards so that there is flexibility. Bono Mack Gerlach McCarthy (CA) Saxton Sutton Waxman Weiner This is a good bill. This is a bad Boozman Giffords McCarthy (NY) Schakowsky Tancredo Bordallo Gilchrest McCaul (TX) Schiff Tanner Welch (VT) amendment. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. Boren Gillibrand McCollum (MN) Schwartz Tauscher Weldon (FL) The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- Boswell Gingrey McCotter Scott (GA) Taylor Weller tion is on the amendment offered by Boucher Gohmert McCrery Scott (VA) Terry Westmoreland Boustany Gonzalez McDermott Sensenbrenner Thompson (CA) Wexler the gentlewoman from West Virginia Boyd (FL) Goode McGovern Serrano Thompson (MS) Whitfield (KY) (Mrs. CAPITO). Boyda (KS) Goodlatte McHenry Sessions Thornberry Wilson (NM) The question was taken; and the Act- Brady (PA) Granger McHugh Sestak Tiahrt Wilson (OH) Brady (TX) Graves McIntyre Shadegg Tiberi Wittman (VA) ing Chairman announced that the noes Braley (IA) Green, Al McKeon Shays Tierney appeared to have it. Wolf Brown, Corrine Green, Gene McMorris Shea-Porter Towns Woolsey Brown-Waite, Grijalva Rodgers Shuler Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I de- Tsongas Wynn Ginny Gutierrez McNerney Shuster Turner mand a recorded vote. Yarmuth Buchanan Hall (NY) McNulty Simpson Udall (CO) Young (AK) The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Burgess Hall (TX) Meek (FL) Sires Udall (NM) clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- Burton (IN) Hare Meeks (NY) Skelton Upton Young (FL) Butterfield Harman Melancon ceedings on the amendment offered by NOES—20 the gentlewoman from West Virginia Buyer Hastings (FL) Mica Calvert Hastings (WA) Michaud Akin Flake Mack will be postponed. Camp (MI) Hayes Miller (MI) Barrett (SC) Franks (AZ) Miller (FL) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Cantor Heller Miller (NC) Bartlett (MD) Garrett (NJ) Pence Capito Herger Miller, George Broun (GA) Hensarling The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to Royce Capps Herseth Sandlin Mitchell Campbell (CA) Johnson, Sam Stearns clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will Capuano Higgins Mollohan Cannon Lamborn Wilson (SC) now resume on those amendments Cardoza Hill Moore (KS) Feeney Linder Carnahan Hinchey Moore (WI) printed in House Report 110–509 on Carney Hinojosa Moran (KS) NOT VOTING—27 which further proceedings were post- Carter Hirono Moran (VA) Baca Diaz-Balart, M. Lantos poned, in the following order: Castle Hodes Murphy (CT) Baker Faleomavaega Lewis (KY) Castor Hoekstra Murphy, Patrick Amendment No. 1 by Ms. WATERS of Berkley Forbes Miller, Gary Chabot Holden Murphy, Tim Berry Fossella Paul California. Chandler Holt Murtha Brown (SC) Gordon Schmidt Amendment No. 2 by Mr. Christensen Honda Musgrave Davis (IL) Hobson Sherman NEUGEBAUER of Texas. Clarke Hooley Myrick Deal (GA) Hunter Shimkus Clay Hoyer Nadler Amendment No. 4 by Mr. SESSIONS of Delahunt Jefferson Visclosky Cleaver Hulshof Napolitano Diaz-Balart, L. Kingston Wu Texas. Clyburn Inglis (SC) Neal (MA) Amendment No. 6 by Mr. KING of Coble Inslee Neugebauer Cohen Israel Norton b 1321 Iowa. Cole (OK) Issa Nunes Amendment No. 7 by Mrs. CAPITO of Conaway Jackson (IL) Oberstar Messrs. LAMBORN, BARRETT of West Virginia. Conyers Jackson-Lee Obey South Carolina, BARTLETT of Mary- Cooper (TX) Olver land and MACK changed their vote The first electronic vote will be con- Costa Johnson (GA) Ortiz ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Costello Johnson (IL) Pallone from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Courtney Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Messrs. BURGESS, CHABOT, Mrs. minute votes. Cramer Jones (NC) Pastor BONO, Mr. MACK and Mr. CONAWAY Crenshaw Jones (OH) Payne changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. WATERS Crowley Jordan Pearce So the amendment was agreed to. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Cubin Kagen Perlmutter Cuellar Kanjorski Peterson (MN) The result of the vote was announced ished business is the demand for a re- Culberson Kaptur Peterson (PA) as above recorded. corded vote on the amendment offered Cummings Keller Petri by the gentlewoman from California Davis (AL) Kennedy Pickering AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. NEUGEBAUER (Ms. WATERS) on which further pro- Davis (CA) Kildee Pitts Davis (KY) Kilpatrick Platts ceedings were postponed and on which The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Davis, David Kind Poe ished business is the demand for a re- the ayes prevailed by voice vote. Davis, Lincoln King (IA) Pomeroy The Clerk will redesignate the Davis, Tom King (NY) Porter corded vote on the amendment offered amendment. DeFazio Kirk Price (GA) by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeGette Klein (FL) Price (NC) NEUGEBAUER) on which further pro- The Clerk redesignated the amend- DeLauro Kline (MN) Pryce (OH) ment. Dent Knollenberg Putnam ceedings were postponed and on which Dicks Kucinich Radanovich the noes prevailed by voice vote. RECORDED VOTE Dingell Kuhl (NY) Rahall The Clerk will redesignate the The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded Doggett LaHood Ramstad amendment. vote has been demanded. Donnelly Lampson Rangel Doolittle Langevin Regula The Clerk redesignated the amend- A recorded vote was ordered. Doyle Larsen (WA) Rehberg ment. The vote was taken by electronic de- Drake Larson (CT) Reichert RECORDED VOTE vice, and there were—ayes 388, noes 20, Dreier Latham Renzi Duncan LaTourette Reyes The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded not voting 27, as follows: Edwards Latta Reynolds vote has been demanded. [Roll No. 12] Ehlers Lee Richardson Ellison Levin Rodriguez A recorded vote was ordered. AYES—388 Ellsworth Lewis (CA) Rogers (AL) The Acting CHAIRMAN. This will be Abercrombie Altmire Baird Emanuel Lewis (GA) Rogers (KY) a 5-minute vote. Ackerman Andrews Baldwin Emerson Lipinski Rogers (MI) The vote was taken by electronic de- Aderholt Arcuri Barrow Engel LoBiondo Rohrabacher Alexander Bachmann Barton (TX) English (PA) Loebsack Ros-Lehtinen vice, and there were—ayes 181, noes 227, Allen Bachus Bean Eshoo Lofgren, Zoe Roskam not voting 27, as follows:

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[Roll No. 13] Hinchey McNerney Schakowsky by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SES- Hinojosa McNulty Schiff SIONS) on which further proceedings AYES—181 Hirono Meek (FL) Schwartz Hodes were postponed and on which the noes Aderholt Gallegly Nunes Meeks (NY) Scott (GA) Holden Melancon Akin Garrett (NJ) Pearce Scott (VA) prevailed by voice vote. Holt Michaud Alexander Gerlach Pence Serrano The Clerk will redesignate the Honda Miller (NC) Bachmann Gilchrest Peterson (PA) Sestak Hooley Miller, George amendment. Bachus Gingrey Petri Shays Barrett (SC) Gohmert Hoyer Mitchell Shea-Porter The Clerk redesignated the amend- Pickering Inslee Mollohan Bartlett (MD) Goode Pitts Shuler ment. Barton (TX) Goodlatte Israel Moore (KS) Sires Platts RECORDED VOTE Jackson (IL) Moore (WI) Skelton Biggert Granger Poe Jackson-Lee Moran (VA) Slaughter The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded Bilbray Graves Porter Bilirakis Hall (TX) (TX) Murphy (CT) Smith (NJ) Price (GA) vote has been demanded. Bishop (UT) Hastings (WA) Johnson (GA) Murphy, Patrick Smith (WA) Pryce (OH) Johnson, E. B. Murtha A recorded vote was ordered. Blackburn Hayes Snyder Putnam Jones (OH) Nadler Blunt Heller Solis The Acting CHAIRMAN. This will be Radanovich Kagen Napolitano Bonner Hensarling Space a 5-minute vote. Ramstad Kanjorski Neal (MA) Bono Mack Herger Spratt Regula Kaptur Norton The vote was taken by electronic de- Boozman Hoekstra Stark Rehberg Kennedy Oberstar Boustany Hulshof Stupak vice, and there were—ayes 186, noes 221, Reichert Kildee Obey Brady (TX) Inglis (SC) Sutton not voting 28, as follows: Reynolds Kilpatrick Olver Broun (GA) Issa Tanner [Roll No. 14] Brown-Waite, Johnson (IL) Rogers (AL) Kind Ortiz Klein (FL) Pallone Tauscher Ginny Johnson, Sam Rogers (KY) Taylor AYES—186 Rogers (MI) Kucinich Pascrell Buchanan Jones (NC) Thompson (CA) Aderholt Franks (AZ) Neugebauer Rohrabacher Lampson Pastor Burgess Jordan Thompson (MS) Akin Frelinghuysen Nunes Burton (IN) Keller Ros-Lehtinen Langevin Payne Larsen (WA) Tierney Alexander Gallegly Pearce Buyer King (IA) Roskam Perlmutter Larson (CT) Peterson (MN) Towns Bachmann Garrett (NJ) Pence Calvert King (NY) Royce Lee Pomeroy Tsongas Bachus Gerlach Peterson (PA) Camp (MI) Kirk Ryan (WI) Levin Price (NC) Udall (CO) Barrett (SC) Gilchrest Petri Campbell (CA) Kline (MN) Sali Lewis (GA) Rahall Udall (NM) Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Pickering Cannon Knollenberg Saxton Lipinski Rangel Van Hollen Barton (TX) Gohmert Pitts Cantor Kuhl (NY) Sensenbrenner Loebsack Renzi Vela´ zquez Biggert Goode Platts Capito LaHood Sessions Walz (MN) Bilbray Goodlatte Poe Carney Lamborn Lofgren, Zoe Reyes Shadegg Lowey Richardson Wasserman Bilirakis Granger Porter Carter Latham Shuster Schultz Bishop (UT) Graves Price (GA) Chabot LaTourette Lynch Rodriguez Simpson Waters Blackburn Hall (TX) Pryce (OH) Coble Latta Mahoney (FL) Ross Smith (NE) Watson Blunt Hastings (WA) Putnam Cole (OK) Lewis (CA) Maloney (NY) Rothman Smith (TX) Watt Bonner Hayes Ramstad Conaway Linder Markey Roybal-Allard Souder Waxman Bono Mack Heller Regula Crenshaw LoBiondo Marshall Ruppersberger Stearns Weiner Boozman Hensarling Rehberg Cubin Lucas Matheson Rush Sullivan Welch (VT) Boustany Herger Reichert Culberson Lungren, Daniel Matsui Ryan (OH) Tancredo Wexler Brady (TX) Hoekstra Renzi Davis (KY) E. McCarthy (NY) Salazar Terry ´ Wilson (OH) Broun (GA) Hulshof Reynolds Davis, David Mack McCollum (MN) Sanchez, Linda Thornberry Woolsey Brown-Waite, Inglis (SC) Rogers (AL) Davis, Tom Manzullo McDermott T. Tiahrt Wynn Ginny Issa Rogers (KY) Dent Marchant McGovern Sanchez, Loretta Tiberi Buchanan Johnson (IL) Rogers (MI) Doolittle McCarthy (CA) McIntyre Sarbanes Yarmuth Turner Burgess Johnson, Sam Rohrabacher Drake McCaul (TX) NOT VOTING—27 Burton (IN) Jones (NC) Ros-Lehtinen Dreier McCotter Upton Walberg Baca Diaz-Balart, L. Lantos Buyer Jordan Roskam Duncan McCrery Calvert Keller Royce Ehlers McHenry Walden (OR) Baker Diaz-Balart, M. Lewis (KY) Walsh (NY) Berkley Faleomavaega Miller, Gary Camp (MI) King (IA) Ryan (WI) Emerson McHugh Campbell (CA) King (NY) Sali English (PA) McKeon Wamp Berry Forbes Paul Weldon (FL) Boehner Fossella Schmidt Cannon Kirk Saxton Everett McMorris Cantor Kline (MN) Sensenbrenner Fallin Rodgers Weller Brown (SC) Hobson Sherman Westmoreland Davis (IL) Hunter Shimkus Capito Knollenberg Sessions Feeney Mica Carney Kuhl (NY) Shadegg Whitfield (KY) Deal (GA) Jefferson Visclosky Ferguson Miller (FL) Carter LaHood Shays Wilson (NM) Delahunt Kingston Wu Flake Miller (MI) Castle Lamborn Shuster Wilson (SC) Fortenberry Moran (KS) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Chabot Latham Simpson ˜ Wittman (VA) Fortuno Murphy, Tim Coble LaTourette Smith (NE) Foxx Musgrave Wolf The Acting CHAIRMAN (during the vote). Members are advised there are 2 Cole (OK) Latta Smith (NJ) Franks (AZ) Myrick Young (AK) Conaway Lewis (CA) Smith (TX) Frelinghuysen Neugebauer Young (FL) minutes remaining in this vote. Crenshaw Linder Souder Cubin LoBiondo Stearns NOES—227 b 1336 Culberson Lucas Sullivan Abercrombie Carnahan Donnelly So the amendment was rejected. Davis (KY) Lungren, Daniel Tancredo Ackerman Castle Doyle The result of the vote was announced Davis, David E. Terry Allen Castor Edwards as above recorded. Davis, Tom Mack Thornberry Altmire Chandler Ellison Dent Manzullo Tiahrt Andrews Christensen Ellsworth PERSONAL EXPLANATION Diaz-Balart, L. Marchant Tiberi Arcuri Clarke Emanuel Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Diaz-Balart, M. McCarthy (CA) Turner Doolittle McCaul (TX) Upton Baird Clay Engel Chairman, on Thursday, January 17, 2008. I Baldwin Cleaver Eshoo Drake McCotter Walberg Barrow Clyburn Etheridge was unavoidably detained and thus I missed Dreier McCrery Walden (OR) Bean Cohen Farr rollcall votes No. 12 through 13. Had I been Duncan McHenry Walsh (NY) Becerra Conyers Fattah present, I would have voted in the following Ehlers McHugh Wamp Berman Cooper Filner Emerson McKeon Weldon (FL) Bishop (GA) Costa Frank (MA) manner: English (PA) McMorris Weller Bishop (NY) Costello Giffords On rollcall vote No. 12, the Waters Amend- Everett Rodgers Westmoreland Blumenauer Courtney Gillibrand ment to H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Improvement Fallin Mica Whitfield (KY) Bordallo Cramer Gonzalez and Reauthorization Act of 2007, I would have Feeney Miller (FL) Wilson (NM) Boren Crowley Gordon Ferguson Miller (MI) Wilson (SC) Boswell Cuellar Green, Al voted ‘‘aye.’’ Flake Moran (KS) Wittman (VA) Boucher Cummings Green, Gene On rollcall vote No. 13, the Neugebauer Fortenberry Murphy, Tim Wolf Boyd (FL) Davis (AL) Grijalva Amendment to H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Im- Fortun˜ o Musgrave Young (AK) Foxx Myrick Young (FL) Boyda (KS) Davis (CA) Gutierrez provement and Reauthorization Act of 2007, I Brady (PA) Davis, Lincoln Hall (NY) Braley (IA) DeFazio Hare would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ NOES—221 Brown, Corrine DeGette Harman AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. SESSIONS Abercrombie Baird Berman Butterfield DeLauro Hastings (FL) The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Allen Baldwin Bishop (GA) Capps Dicks Herseth Sandlin Altmire Barrow Bishop (NY) Capuano Dingell Higgins ished business is the demand for a re- Andrews Bean Blumenauer Cardoza Doggett Hill corded vote on the amendment offered Arcuri Becerra Bordallo

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Boren Hodes Pallone AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. KING OF Courtney Kirk Reynolds Boswell Holden Pascrell IOWA Cramer Klein (FL) Richardson Boucher Holt Pastor Crowley Kucinich Rodriguez Boyd (FL) Honda Payne The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Cuellar Kuhl (NY) Ros-Lehtinen Boyda (KS) Hooley Perlmutter ished business is the demand for a re- Cummings LaHood Roskam Brady (PA) Hoyer Peterson (MN) corded vote on the amendment offered Davis (AL) Lampson Ross Braley (IA) Inslee Davis (CA) Langevin Pomeroy by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. KING) Rothman Brown, Corrine Israel Price (NC) Davis, Lincoln Larsen (WA) Roybal-Allard Butterfield Jackson (IL) Rahall on which further proceedings were DeFazio Larson (CT) Ruppersberger Capps Jackson-Lee Rangel postponed and on which the noes pre- DeGette LaTourette Rush Capuano (TX) Reyes vailed by voice vote. DeLauro Lee Ryan (OH) Cardoza Johnson (GA) Richardson The Clerk will redesignate the Diaz-Balart, L. Levin Ryan (WI) Carnahan Johnson, E. B. Rodriguez Diaz-Balart, M. Lewis (CA) Salazar Castor Jones (OH) Ross amendment. Dicks Lewis (GA) Sa´ nchez, Linda Chandler Kagen Rothman The Clerk redesignated the amend- Dingell Lipinski T. Christensen Kanjorski Roybal-Allard Doggett LoBiondo Sanchez, Loretta Clarke ment. Kaptur Ruppersberger Donnelly Loebsack Sarbanes Clay Kennedy Rush RECORDED VOTE Doyle Lofgren, Zoe Saxton Cleaver Kildee Ryan (OH) The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded Edwards Lowey Schakowsky Clyburn Kilpatrick Salazar Ellison Lynch Schiff Cohen Kind vote has been demanded. Sa´ nchez, Linda Ellsworth Mahoney (FL) Schwartz Conyers Klein (FL) A recorded vote was ordered. T. Emanuel Maloney (NY) Scott (GA) Cooper Kucinich Sanchez, Loretta The Acting CHAIRMAN. This will be Emerson Markey Costa Lampson Scott (VA) Sarbanes a 5-minute vote. Engel Marshall Serrano Costello Langevin Schakowsky English (PA) Matheson Courtney Larsen (WA) The vote was taken by electronic de- Sestak Schiff Eshoo Matsui Shays Cramer Larson (CT) Schwartz vice, and there were—ayes 136, noes 268, Etheridge McCarthy (NY) Crowley Lee Shea-Porter Scott (GA) Farr McCollum (MN) Cuellar Levin not voting 31, as follows: Shuler Scott (VA) Ferguson McCotter Cummings Lewis (GA) [Roll No. 15] Sires Serrano Filner McDermott Davis (AL) Lipinski Skelton Sestak AYES—136 Fortun˜ o McGovern Davis (CA) Loebsack Slaughter Shea-Porter Frank (MA) McHugh Davis, Lincoln Lofgren, Zoe Aderholt Fortenberry Moran (KS) Smith (NJ) Shuler Gerlach McIntyre DeFazio Lowey Akin Foxx Musgrave Smith (WA) Sires Giffords McNerney DeGette Lynch Bachmann Franks (AZ) Myrick Snyder Skelton Gilchrest McNulty DeLauro Mahoney (FL) Bachus Frelinghuysen Neugebauer Solis Slaughter Gillibrand Meek (FL) Dicks Maloney (NY) Barrett (SC) Gallegly Nunes Space Smith (WA) Gonzalez Meeks (NY) Dingell Markey Bartlett (MD) Garrett (NJ) Pearce Spratt Gordon Melancon Doggett Marshall Snyder Barton (TX) Gingrey Pence Stark Graves Michaud Donnelly Matheson Solis Bilbray Gohmert Peterson (PA) Stupak Green, Al Miller (MI) Doyle Matsui Space Bilirakis Goode Pickering Sutton Green, Gene Miller (NC) Edwards McCarthy (NY) Spratt Bishop (UT) Goodlatte Pitts Tanner Grijalva Miller, George Ellison McCollum (MN) Stark Blackburn Granger Platts Tauscher Gutierrez Mitchell Ellsworth McDermott Stupak Bonner Hall (TX) Poe Hall (NY) Mollohan Taylor Emanuel McGovern Sutton Bono Mack Hastings (WA) Price (GA) Hare Moore (KS) Thompson (CA) Engel McIntyre Tanner Boozman Hayes Pryce (OH) Harman Moore (WI) Thompson (MS) Eshoo McNerney Tauscher Boustany Hensarling Putnam Hastings (FL) Moran (VA) Tiberi Etheridge McNulty Taylor Brady (TX) Herger Radanovich Herseth Sandlin Murphy (CT) Tierney Farr Meek (FL) Thompson (CA) Broun (GA) Hoekstra Ramstad Higgins Murphy, Patrick Towns Fattah Meeks (NY) Thompson (MS) Buchanan Hulshof Rogers (AL) Hill Murphy, Tim Tsongas Filner Melancon Tierney Burgess Inglis (SC) Rogers (KY) Hinchey Murtha Turner Frank (MA) Michaud Towns Buyer Issa Rogers (MI) Hinojosa Nadler Udall (CO) Giffords Miller (NC) Tsongas Calvert Johnson, Sam Rohrabacher Hirono Napolitano Udall (NM) Gillibrand Miller, George Udall (CO) Camp (MI) Jones (NC) Royce Hodes Neal (MA) Upton Gonzalez Mitchell Udall (NM) Campbell (CA) Jordan Sali Holden Norton Van Hollen Gordon Mollohan Van Hollen Cannon Keller Sensenbrenner Holt Oberstar Vela´ zquez Green, Al Moore (KS) Vela´ zquez Cantor King (IA) Sessions Honda Obey Walden (OR) Green, Gene Moore (WI) Walz (MN) Carter Kline (MN) Shadegg Hooley Olver Walsh (NY) Grijalva Moran (VA) Wasserman Chabot Knollenberg Shuster Walz (MN) Coble Inslee Ortiz Gutierrez Murphy (CT) Schultz Lamborn Simpson Wasserman Cole (OK) Israel Pallone Hall (NY) Murphy, Patrick Waters Latham Smith (NE) Schultz Conaway Latta Smith (TX) Jackson (IL) Pascrell Hare Murtha Watson Waters Crenshaw Linder Souder Jackson-Lee Pastor Harman Nadler Watt Watson Cubin Lucas Stearns (TX) Perlmutter Hastings (FL) Napolitano Waxman Watt Culberson Lungren, Daniel Sullivan Johnson (GA) Peterson (MN) Herseth Sandlin Neal (MA) Weiner Waxman Davis (KY) E. Tancredo Johnson (IL) Petri Higgins Norton Welch (VT) Weiner Davis, David Mack Terry Johnson, E. B. Pomeroy Hill Oberstar Wexler Welch (VT) Davis, Tom Manzullo Thornberry Jones (OH) Porter Hinchey Obey Wilson (OH) Weller Dent Marchant Tiahrt Kagen Price (NC) Hinojosa Olver Woolsey Wexler Doolittle McCarthy (CA) Walberg Kanjorski Rahall Hirono Ortiz Yarmuth Whitfield (KY) Drake McCaul (TX) Wamp Kaptur Rangel Wilson (OH) NOT VOTING—28 Dreier McCrery Weldon (FL) Kennedy Regula Duncan McHenry Westmoreland Kildee Rehberg Woolsey Ackerman Faleomavaega Paul Ehlers McKeon Wilson (NM) Kilpatrick Reichert Wynn Baca Forbes Radanovich Everett McMorris Wilson (SC) Kind Renzi Yarmuth Baker Fossella Schmidt Fallin Rodgers Wittman (VA) King (NY) Reyes Young (AK) Berkley Hobson Sherman Feeney Mica Wolf Berry Hunter Shimkus Flake Miller (FL) Young (FL) NOT VOTING—31 Boehner Jefferson Visclosky Baca Faleomavaega Lewis (KY) Brown (SC) Kingston Wu NOES—268 Baker Fattah Miller, Gary Davis (IL) Lantos Wynn Deal (GA) Lewis (KY) Abercrombie Blumenauer Capuano Berkley Forbes Paul Delahunt Miller, Gary Ackerman Blunt Carnahan Berry Fossella Payne Alexander Bordallo Carney Boehner Heller Schmidt Allen ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Boren Castle Brown (SC) Hobson Sherman Altmire Boswell Castor Burton (IN) Hoyer Shimkus The Acting CHAIRMAN (during the Andrews Boucher Chandler Cardoza Hunter Visclosky Arcuri Boyd (FL) Christensen Davis (IL) Jefferson vote). Members are advised there are 2 Wu minutes remaining in this vote. Baird Boyda (KS) Clarke Deal (GA) Kingston Baldwin Brady (PA) Clay Delahunt Lantos Barrow Braley (IA) Cleaver b 1343 Bean Brown, Corrine Clyburn ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN Becerra Brown-Waite, Cohen So the amendment was rejected. Berman Ginny Conyers The Acting CHAIRMAN (during the Biggert Butterfield Cooper The result of the vote was announced Bishop (GA) Capito Costa vote). Members are advised there are 2 as above recorded. Bishop (NY) Capps Costello minutes remaining in this vote.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 375 b 1350 NOES—240 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN The Acting CHAIRMAN (during the So the amendment was rejected. Abercrombie Gutierrez Oberstar Ackerman Hall (NY) Obey vote). Members are advised that there The result of the vote was announced Allen Hare Olver are 2 minutes remaining in this vote. as above recorded. Altmire Harman Ortiz Andrews Hastings (FL) Pallone b 1356 AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MRS. CAPITO Arcuri Herseth Sandlin Pascrell The Acting CHAIRMAN. The unfin- Baird Higgins Pastor Mr. LOBIONDO changed his vote ished business is the demand for a re- Baldwin Hill Payne from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ corded vote on the amendment offered Bartlett (MD) Hinchey Perlmutter So the amendment was rejected. Bean Hinojosa Peterson (MN) The result of the vote was announced by the gentlewoman from West Vir- Becerra Hirono Platts as above recorded. ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) on which further Berman Hodes Pomeroy proceedings were postponed and on Bilbray Holden Price (NC) Stated for: which the noes prevailed by voice vote. Bishop (GA) Holt Ramstad Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Bishop (NY) Honda Rangel rollcall No. 16 for the Capito amendment to The Clerk will redesignate the Blumenauer Hooley Reichert H.R. 3524 I voted ‘‘no’’ but my intent was to amendment. Bordallo Hoyer Reyes Boren Inglis (SC) Richardson vote ‘‘aye’’. I ask that the official RECORD re- The Clerk redesignated the amend- Boswell Inslee Rodriguez flect that my intent was to vote ‘‘aye’’ on the ment. Boucher Israel Ros-Lehtinen Capito amendment. Ross RECORDED VOTE Boyd (FL) Jackson (IL) Boyda (KS) Jackson-Lee Rothman The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- The Acting CHAIRMAN. A recorded Brady (PA) (TX) Roybal-Allard tion is on the committee amendment vote has been demanded. Braley (IA) Johnson (GA) Ruppersberger in the nature of a substitute, as amend- A recorded vote was ordered. Brown, Corrine Johnson (IL) Rush ed. Butterfield Johnson, E. B. Ryan (OH) The committee amendment in the The Acting CHAIRMAN. This will be Capps Jones (OH) Salazar a 5-minute vote. Capuano Kagen Sa´ nchez, Linda nature of a substitute, as amended, was The vote was taken by electronic de- Cardoza Kanjorski T. agreed to. Carnahan Kaptur Sanchez, Loretta vice, and there were—ayes 169, noes 240, The Acting CHAIRMAN. Under the Carney Kennedy Sarbanes rule, the Committee rises. not voting 26, as follows: Castor Kildee Schakowsky Accordingly, the Committee rose; [Roll No. 16] Chandler Kilpatrick Schiff Christensen Kind Schwartz and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. PAS- AYES—169 Clarke Kirk Scott (GA) TOR) having assumed the chair, Mr. Aderholt Frelinghuysen Nunes Clay Klein (FL) Scott (VA) HOLDEN, Acting Chairman of the Com- Akin Gallegly Pearce Cleaver Kucinich Serrano Kuhl (NY) Sestak mittee of the Whole House on the state Alexander Garrett (NJ) Pence Clyburn Langevin Shea-Porter of the Union, reported that that Com- Bachmann Gerlach Peterson (PA) Cohen Conyers Larsen (WA) Shuler Bachus Gingrey Petri mittee, having had under consideration Cooper Larson (CT) Sires Barrett (SC) Gohmert Pickering the bill (H.R. 3524) to reauthorize the Costa Lee Skelton Barrow Goode Pitts Costello Levin Slaughter HOPE VI program for revitalization of Barton (TX) Goodlatte Poe Courtney Lewis (GA) Smith (NJ) severely distressed public housing, and Biggert Granger Porter Cramer Lipinski Smith (WA) Bilirakis Graves Price (GA) for other purposes, pursuant to House Bishop (UT) Hall (TX) Crowley LoBiondo Snyder Pryce (OH) Resolution 922, he reported the bill Blackburn Hastings (WA) Cuellar Loebsack Solis Putnam Blunt Hayes Cummings Lofgren, Zoe Space back to the House with an amendment Radanovich Bonner Heller Davis (AL) Lowey Spratt adopted by the Committee of the Rahall Bono Mack Hensarling Davis (CA) Lynch Stark Regula Whole. Boozman Herger Davis, Lincoln Mahoney (FL) Stupak The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Boustany Hoekstra Rehberg Davis, Tom Maloney (NY) Sutton Brady (TX) Hulshof Renzi DeFazio Markey Tanner the rule, the previous question is or- Broun (GA) Issa Reynolds DeGette Marshall Tauscher dered. Brown-Waite, Johnson, Sam Rogers (AL) DeLauro Matheson Taylor Is a separate vote demanded on any Ginny Jones (NC) Rogers (KY) Dicks Matsui Thompson (CA) Buchanan Jordan Rogers (MI) Dingell McCarthy (NY) Thompson (MS) amendment to the amendment re- Burgess Keller Rohrabacher Doggett McCollum (MN) Tierney ported from the Committee of the Burton (IN) King (IA) Roskam Donnelly McDermott Towns Whole? If not, the question is on the Buyer King (NY) Royce Doyle McGovern Tsongas amendment. Calvert Kline (MN) Ryan (WI) Edwards McHugh Udall (CO) Camp (MI) Knollenberg Sali Ehlers McIntyre Udall (NM) The amendment was agreed to. Campbell (CA) LaHood Saxton Ellison McNerney Upton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cannon Lamborn Sensenbrenner Ellsworth McNulty Van Hollen question is on the engrossment and Cantor Lampson Sessions Emanuel Meek (FL) Vela´ zquez third reading of the bill. Capito Latham Engel Meeks (NY) Shadegg Walsh (NY) The bill was ordered to be engrossed Carter LaTourette Shays Eshoo Melancon Walz (MN) Castle Latta Shuster Etheridge Miller (NC) Wasserman and read a third time, and was read the Chabot Lewis (CA) Simpson Farr Miller, George Schultz third time. Coble Linder Fattah Mitchell Waters Smith (NE) MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. GRAVES Cole (OK) Lucas Smith (TX) Filner Mollohan Watson Conaway Lungren, Daniel Souder Fortun˜ o Moore (KS) Watt Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I offer a Crenshaw E. Stearns Frank (MA) Moore (WI) Waxman motion to recommit. Cubin Mack Sullivan Giffords Moran (VA) Weiner Culberson Manzullo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Tancredo Gilchrest Murphy (CT) Welch (VT) Davis (KY) Marchant gentleman opposed to the bill? Terry Gillibrand Murphy, Patrick Weldon (FL) Davis, David McCarthy (CA) Gonzalez Murtha Wexler Mr. GRAVES. Yes, sir, in its current Dent McCaul (TX) Thornberry Tiahrt Gordon Nadler Wilson (OH) form, I am. Diaz-Balart, L. McCotter Green, Al Napolitano Woolsey Diaz-Balart, M. McCrery Tiberi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Turner Green, Gene Neal (MA) Wynn Doolittle McHenry Grijalva Norton Yarmuth Clerk will report the motion to recom- Drake McKeon Walberg Walden (OR) mit. Dreier McMorris NOT VOTING—26 Duncan Rodgers Wamp The Clerk read as follows: Emerson Mica Weller Baca Faleomavaega Lewis (KY) Mr. Graves moves to recommit the bill English (PA) Michaud Westmoreland Baker Feeney Miller, Gary H.R. 3524 to the Committee on Financial Everett Miller (FL) Whitfield (KY) Berkley Forbes Paul Services with instructions to report the Wilson (NM) Fallin Miller (MI) Berry Fossella Schmidt same back to the House forthwith with the Ferguson Moran (KS) Wilson (SC) Boehner Hobson Sherman following instructions: Flake Murphy, Tim Wittman (VA) Brown (SC) Hunter Shimkus Fortenberry Musgrave Wolf Davis (IL) Jefferson In clause (xiii) of paragraph (2)(C) of the Visclosky matter proposed to be inserted by the Foxx Myrick Young (AK) Deal (GA) Kingston Wu Franks (AZ) Neugebauer Young (FL) Delahunt Lantos amendment made by section 7(a) of the bill,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 strike ‘‘individuals who are not ineligible’’ people that served our country, were think this is worth supporting. I do not and all that follows through the end of the willing to give their lives for our coun- understand why this has to come at the clause and insert the following: ‘‘households try, and I think they deserve to be expense of people who had committed consisting of or including an individual who heard on this bill. an offense and have come out. I had served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of not less The National Association to End thought there was these days some than 90 days and who was discharged or re- Homelessness estimates that veterans sense that rehabilitation was a goal. As leased from such duty under conditions other represent roughly a quarter of all the gentlewoman from California will than dishonorable. For purposes of this homeless people in America. My home explain, we are talking about a very clause, the term ‘families whose housing State of Missouri has an estimated narrow category of ex-offenders. We needs are difficult to fulfill’ shall not include 4,800 homeless veterans and ranks certainly don’t believe that when you any individuals, or any categories of individ- fourth in the Nation of the highest per- come out of prison, you ought to then uals, who have been released from a prison, centage of veterans that are homeless, become homeless if you have otherwise jail, or other correctional facility of the Fed- eral Government, a State government, or a according to a recent report. satisfied society’s reasonable demands. unit of general local government, notwith- Mr. Speaker, I can talk about figures But I do not oppose this because, I standing whether such individuals are not all day long; I can go on and on about agree, we should be including the vet- ineligible for occupancy in public housing this and that. The bottom line is we erans. pursuant to subsection (m)(2), have not been are talking about veterans. These are I will say this. What this does is two arrested for or charged with any crime dur- men and women who have served their things: it says include the veterans, ing any specific period, or are individuals for country, and they served their country but then excludes people who have been whom housing is a critical need.’’. with great distinction. They are will- sentenced, served a term, et cetera, and Mr. GRAVES (during the reading). ing to put their lives on the line, and have shown that they met all these Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent now they aren’t at the front of the list? conditions. We will be going forward that the motion be considered as read. We would put somebody who has know- with this bill with the Senate, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ingly, knowingly violated our laws there is no need to put these two issues objection to the request of the gen- ahead of somebody who has stood up against each other. So I believe that we tleman from Missouri? for this Nation? can accept this with full support then There was no objection. To me, Mr. Speaker, it’s very frus- for the veterans, but then not have the trating. The motion to recommit in- b 1400 other issue foreclosed. I would ask the cludes veterans in the category of gentleman, I will yield to him, if he The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- those considered hard to house. It helps would clarify this. tleman from Missouri is recognized for address the pressing housing needs of Sadly, one of the problems we have 5 minutes. America’s past and present heroes, Mr. had with some veterans, because of Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, the Re- Speaker. problems that were created, some vet- publican motion to recommit on this There are some out there, Mr. Speak- erans have committed offenses. I would legislation is as straightforward as it is er, that hold our veterans in contempt. ask the gentleman, what about a vet- reasonable. All you have to do is read That is a fact. There are some that do eran, and this has two parts, yes to vet- it and see exactly what it does. As it, but I don’t, and we don’t. We don’t erans, no to people who are ex-offend- written, it would simply amend the hold our veterans in contempt, Mr. ers. I would ask the gentleman: How legislation forthwith to give greater Speaker, and they should be at the should the housing authority on this priority for housing decisions under front of the line. treat a veteran ex-offender, assuming the HOPE VI program to give men and I encourage my colleagues to support again it was an honorable discharge. women who have served our country on this legislation, because that is what it Someone who was honorably dis- the battlefield rather than men and does. Towards that end, I encourage charged, later got into some trouble, women who have acted in violation of every one of us, every one of us in this completed all the term, et cetera, how our laws. Chamber to support this motion so should the housing authority under Mr. Speaker, under current law, pub- that men and women who step forward this deal with a veteran who’s an ex-of- lic housing authorities may use discre- in the service of our country and in defender? tion when determining whether or not fense of our freedom and in defense of And I will yield to the gentleman. it is in the interest of the community that flag, Mr. Speaker, are the ones Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I was to provide public housing to certain given preferential treatment. They having a hard time hearing what the felons, including those convicted of should be the ones getting preferential gentleman was saying. drug-related criminal offenses. This treatment, not folks who have violated Mr. Speaker, we are after the veteran bill under consideration on the floor, our laws. If there is any preferential here. They will take precedence. however, incentivizes public housing treatment to be given, it ought to be Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. authorities when applying for HOPE VI given to those folks. Speaker, I take back my time to repose grant funding to give convicted felons Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the question. I am sorry the gentleman preferential treatment. of my time. had trouble hearing me. He may not be There is absolutely, absolutely no Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. sorry he had trouble hearing me, but reason why we should be encouraging Speaker, I rise to speak on the motion now I will try to be more clear. We say local public housing authorities to to recommit. in this ‘‘preference for veterans.’’ We place convicted felons at the head of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without agree with that. But it also denies the line, especially when so many, so objection, the gentleman from Massa- that, not preference, but listing in this many of the American veterans live chusetts is recognized for 5 minutes. category for ex-offenders. What does today without adequate housing. We There was no objection. the housing authority do if a veteran should be encouraging public housing Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. who was an ex-offender who has served authorities to assist these men and Speaker, first of all, I am suffering a his or her term, satisfied all the condi- women first and foremost and in a little disorientation because I didn’t tions, how do you treat under this manner that recognizes their tremen- get the anti-immigration amendment. amendment a veteran who’s an ex-of- dous service to this country. So I hope the gentleman from Georgia fender? Veterans have acute housing needs, isn’t ill and was not, therefore, able to I will yield to the gentleman. Mr. Speaker. According to the most represent it. Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, it’s going cent Veterans Affairs reports, there are On this amendment, I congratulate to give preference to that veteran. If over 310,000 homeless veterans. The the minority. They make a reasonable they are a veteran, then they are going frustrating part about this is we are point. Yes, I think that we should have to get it. Vote for the motion and show talking about our veterans. These are included the veterans. To that extent, I the support for the veterans.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 377 Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Buyer Heller Mollohan Sullivan Turner Waxman Calvert Hensarling Moore (KS) Sutton Udall (CO) Weiner Speaker, I am sorry the gentleman Campbell (CA) Herger Moore (WI) Tancredo Udall (NM) Weldon (FL) doesn’t want to answer the question. I Cannon Herseth Sandlin Moran (KS) Tanner Upton Weller still don’t understand. It seems to me Cantor Higgins Murphy (CT) Tauscher Van Hollen Westmoreland the housing authority is entitled to Capito Hill Murphy, Patrick Taylor Vela´ zquez Wexler Capps Hinchey Murphy, Tim Terry Walberg Whitfield (KY) guidance. What do you do if it’s a vet- Capuano Hinojosa Murtha Thompson (CA) Walden (OR) Wilson (NM) eran who’s an ex-offender? Cardoza Hirono Musgrave Thornberry Walsh (NY) Wilson (OH) I will yield to the gentleman. Carnahan Hodes Myrick Tiahrt Walz (MN) Wittman (VA) Carney Hoekstra Nadler Tiberi Wamp Wolf Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, they can Carter Holden Napolitano Tierney Wasserman Yarmuth still receive assistance; they won’t get Castle Holt Neal (MA) Towns Schultz Young (AK) preferential treatment. Support the Chabot Hooley Neugebauer Tsongas Watt Young (FL) veterans. Chandler Hoyer Nunes Cleaver Hulshof Oberstar NOES—28 Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Clyburn Inglis (SC) Obey Becerra Gutierrez Schakowsky Speaker, the gentleman has got that Coble Inslee Olver Castor Honda Slaughter mantra that he keeps repeating. He can Cohen Israel Ortiz Clarke Johnson, E. B. Stark Cole (OK) Issa Pallone Clay Kucinich send out a taped phone call with that Thompson (MS) Conaway Jackson (IL) Pascrell Conyers Lee Waters and not take up our time. Cooper Jackson-Lee Pastor Davis (IL) Lewis (GA) Watson We are, I assume, going to back this, Costa (TX) Payne DeGette McDermott Woolsey Costello Johnson (GA) Pearce Dingell Miller, George Wynn but I think there is this ambiguity. So Courtney Johnson (IL) Pence Ellison Moran (VA) I will have to say we will have to deal Cramer Johnson, Sam Perlmutter Grijalva Richardson Crenshaw Jones (NC) Peterson (MN) with this further. I would not want to NOT VOTING—30 give to the veterans with one hand Crowley Jones (OH) Peterson (PA) Cubin Jordan Petri Baca Fossella Paul what you might take away with an- Cuellar Kagen Pickering Baker Hobson Radanovich other one. We do know some veterans, Culberson Kanjorski Pitts Berkley Hunter Schmidt not entirely through their fault, given Cummings Kaptur Platts Berry Jefferson Sherman Davis (AL) Keller Poe Boehner Kingston Shimkus the conditions in which they serve, Davis (CA) Kennedy Pomeroy Brown (SC) Lantos Space problems that occur, some of them be- Davis (KY) Kildee Porter Camp (MI) Lewis (KY) Visclosky come offenders. So we will deal with Davis, David Kilpatrick Price (GA) Deal (GA) Markey Welch (VT) that going forward, and I would assume Davis, Lincoln Kind Price (NC) Delahunt McGovern Wilson (SC) Davis, Tom King (IA) Pryce (OH) Forbes Miller, Gary Wu people would want to vote for this be- DeFazio King (NY) Putnam cause we should have included vet- DeLauro Kirk Rahall ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE erans. But I will say, especially after Dent Klein (FL) Ramstad The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Diaz-Balart, L. Kline (MN) Rangel the vote). Members are advised 1 my inability to get an answer, the Diaz-Balart, M. Knollenberg Regula question of ex-offenders will remain an Dicks Kuhl (NY) Rehberg minute remains. open question and we’ll have to deal Doggett LaHood Reichert b 1426 with that going forward. Donnelly Lamborn Renzi Doolittle Lampson Reyes Mr. DAVIS of Illinois changed his Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Doyle Langevin Reynolds vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ of my time. Drake Larsen (WA) Rodriguez Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. LINDA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Dreier Larson (CT) Rogers (AL) ´ Duncan Latham Rogers (KY) T. SANCHEZ of California and Messrs. objection, the previous question is or- Edwards LaTourette Rogers (MI) THOMPSON of California, RUSH, dered on the motion to recommit. Ehlers Latta Rohrabacher BUTTERFIELD and MEEKS of New There was no objection. Ellsworth Levin Ros-Lehtinen Emanuel Lewis (CA) Roskam York changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Emerson Linder Ross ‘‘aye.’’ question is on the motion to recommit. Engel Lipinski Rothman So the motion to recommit was The question was taken; and the English (PA) LoBiondo Roybal-Allard agreed to. Speaker pro tempore announced that Eshoo Loebsack Royce The result of the vote was announced Etheridge Lofgren, Zoe Ruppersberger the ayes appeared to have it. Everett Lowey Rush as above recorded. RECORDED VOTE Fallin Lucas Ryan (OH) Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Farr Lungren, Daniel Ryan (WI) Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I demand Speaker, pursuant to the instructions Fattah E. Salazar of the House in the motion to recom- a recorded vote. Feeney Lynch Sali A recorded vote was ordered. Ferguson Mack Sa´ nchez, Linda mit, I report the bill, H.R. 3524, back to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Filner Mahoney (FL) T. the House with an amendment. Flake Maloney (NY) Sanchez, Loretta The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Fortenberry Manzullo Sarbanes Foxx Marchant Saxton Clerk will report the amendment. will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum The Clerk read as follows: time for any electronic vote on the Frank (MA) Marshall Schiff Franks (AZ) Matheson Schwartz Amendment offered by Mr. FRANK of Mas- question of passage. Frelinghuysen Matsui Scott (GA) sachusetts: The vote was taken by electronic de- Gallegly McCarthy (CA) Scott (VA) In clause (xiii) of paragraph (2)(C) of the vice, and there were—ayes 372, noes 28, Garrett (NJ) McCarthy (NY) Sensenbrenner matter proposed to be inserted by the Gerlach McCaul (TX) Serrano not voting 30, as follows: Giffords McCollum (MN) Sessions amendment made by section 7(a) of the bill, [Roll No. 17] Gilchrest McCotter Sestak strike ‘‘individuals who are not ineligible’’ Gillibrand McCrery Shadegg and all that follows through the end of the AYES—372 Gingrey McHenry Shays clause and insert the following: ‘‘households Abercrombie Barton (TX) Boswell Gohmert McHugh Shea-Porter consisting of or including an individual who Ackerman Bean Boucher Gonzalez McIntyre Shuler served on active duty in the Armed Forces of Aderholt Berman Boustany Goode McKeon Shuster the United States for a period of not less Akin Biggert Boyd (FL) Goodlatte McMorris Simpson Alexander Bilbray Boyda (KS) Gordon Rodgers Sires than 90 days and who was discharged or re- Allen Bilirakis Brady (PA) Granger McNerney Skelton leased from such duty under conditions other Altmire Bishop (GA) Brady (TX) Graves McNulty Smith (NE) than dishonorable. For purposes of this Andrews Bishop (NY) Braley (IA) Green, Al Meek (FL) Smith (NJ) clause, the term ‘families whose housing Arcuri Bishop (UT) Broun (GA) Green, Gene Meeks (NY) Smith (TX) needs are difficult to fulfill’ shall not include Bachmann Blackburn Brown, Corrine Hall (NY) Melancon Smith (WA) any individuals, or any categories of individ- Bachus Blumenauer Brown-Waite, Hall (TX) Mica Snyder uals, who have been released from a prison, Baird Blunt Ginny Hare Michaud Solis Baldwin Bonner Buchanan Harman Miller (FL) Souder jail, or other correctional facility of the Fed- Barrett (SC) Bono Mack Burgess Hastings (FL) Miller (MI) Spratt eral Government, a State government, or a Barrow Boozman Burton (IN) Hastings (WA) Miller (NC) Stearns unit of general local government, notwith- Bartlett (MD) Boren Butterfield Hayes Mitchell Stupak standing whether such individuals are not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 ineligible for occupancy in public housing Lee Olver Sires NOT VOTING—29 Levin Ortiz Skelton pursuant to subsection (m)(2), have not been Baca Forbes Rush Lewis (GA) Pallone Smith (NJ) arrested for or charged with any crime dur- Baker Fossella Schmidt Lipinski Pascrell Smith (WA) ing any specific period, or are individuals for Berkley Hobson Sherman LoBiondo Pastor Snyder whom housing is a critical need.’’. Berry Hunter Shimkus Loebsack Payne Space Boehner Jefferson Slaughter Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts (during Lofgren, Zoe Perlmutter Spratt Brown (SC) Kingston Solis Lowey Peterson (MN) Stark the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Camp (MI) Lantos Sullivan Lynch Platts Stupak mous consent that the amendment be Cohen Lewis (KY) Visclosky Mahoney (FL) Pomeroy Sutton Deal (GA) Miller, Gary Wu considered as read. Maloney (NY) Porter Tanner Delahunt Paul The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Markey Price (NC) Tauscher objection to the request of the gen- Marshall Pryce (OH) Taylor b 1433 tleman from Massachusetts? Matheson Rahall Thompson (CA) So the bill was passed. Matsui Ramstad Thompson (MS) There was no objection. McCarthy (NY) Rangel Tiahrt The result of the vote was announced The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McCollum (MN) Regula Tiberi as above recorded. question is on the amendment. McCotter Reichert Tierney A motion to reconsider was laid on The amendment was agreed to. McDermott Renzi Towns the table. McGovern Reyes Tsongas The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McHugh Richardson Turner Stated for: question is on the engrossment and McIntyre Rodriguez Udall (CO) Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be third reading of the bill. McNerney Rogers (AL) Udall (NM) present for today’s floor votes due to personal The bill was ordered to be engrossed McNulty Rogers (KY) Upton business. If I were present I would have voted and read a third time, and was read the Meek (FL) Ros-Lehtinen Van Hollen ‘‘aye’’ on Final Passage of H.R. 3524, the Meeks (NY) Ross Vela´ zquez third time. Melancon Rothman Walden (OR) HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Michaud Roybal-Allard Walsh (NY) Act of 2007. question is on the passage of the bill. Miller (NC) Ruppersberger Walz (MN) Stated against: The question was taken; and the Miller, George Ryan (OH) Wasserman Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Mitchell Salazar Schultz Speaker pro tempore announced that Mollohan Sa´ nchez, Linda Waters rollcall No. 18 for final passage to H.R. 3524 the ayes appeared to have it. Moore (KS) T. Watson I voted ‘‘aye’’ but my intent was to vote ‘‘no.’’ RECORDED VOTE Moore (WI) Sanchez, Loretta Watt I ask that the official RECORD reflect that my Moran (VA) Sarbanes Waxman intent was to vote ‘‘no’’ on final passage. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Murphy (CT) Saxton Weiner Speaker, I demand a recorded vote. Murphy, Patrick Schakowsky Welch (VT) f A recorded vote was ordered. Murphy, Tim Schiff Weldon (FL) PERSONAL EXPLANATION The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Murtha Schwartz Wexler will be a 5-minute vote. Musgrave Scott (GA) Whitfield (KY) Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, Myrick Scott (VA) Wilson (OH) January 17, I was unable to vote on rollcall The vote was taken by electronic de- Nadler Serrano Wolf vice, and there were—ayes 271, noes 130, Napolitano Sestak Woolsey votes Nos. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 due not voting 29, as follows: Neal (MA) Shays Wynn to unavoidable circumstances. Had I been Oberstar Shea-Porter Yarmuth [Roll No. 18] present, I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on rollcall Obey Shuler votes Nos. 13, 14, 15, and 16; and ‘‘aye’’ on AYES—271 rollcall votes Nos. 12, 17, and 18. Abercrombie Cooper Grijalva NOES—130 Ackerman Costa Gutierrez Akin Frelinghuysen Miller (FL) f Aderholt Costello Hall (NY) Alexander Gallegly Miller (MI) Allen Courtney Hare Bachmann Garrett (NJ) Moran (KS) AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO Altmire Cramer Harman Barrett (SC) Gingrey Neugebauer MAKE CORRECTIONS IN EN- Andrews Crowley Hastings (FL) Bartlett (MD) Gohmert Nunes GROSSMENT OF H.R. 3524, HOPE Arcuri Cuellar Hayes Barton (TX) Goode Pearce Bachus Cummings Herseth Sandlin VI IMPROVEMENT AND REAU- Biggert Goodlatte Pence Baird Davis (AL) Higgins THORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Bilbray Peterson (PA) Baldwin Davis (CA) Hill Granger Bilirakis Petri Barrow Davis (IL) Hinchey Graves Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I ask Bean Davis, Lincoln Hinojosa Bishop (UT) Hall (TX) Pickering unanimous consent that the Clerk be Blackburn Pitts Becerra Davis, Tom Hirono Hastings (WA) authorized to make technical correc- Berman DeFazio Hodes Blunt Heller Poe Bishop (GA) DeGette Holden Bono Mack Hensarling Price (GA) tions in the engrossment of H.R. 3524, Bishop (NY) DeLauro Holt Boozman Herger Putnam to include corrections in spelling, Blumenauer Dent Honda Brady (TX) Hoekstra Radanovich punctuation, section numbering and Bonner Diaz-Balart, L. Hooley Broun (GA) Hulshof Rehberg cross-referencing, and the insertion of Boren Diaz-Balart, M. Hoyer Buchanan Issa Reynolds Boswell Dicks Inglis (SC) Burton (IN) Johnson, Sam Rogers (MI) appropriate headings. Boucher Dingell Inslee Buyer Jones (NC) Rohrabacher The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Boustany Doggett Israel Campbell (CA) Jordan Roskam LEE). Is there objection to the request Boyd (FL) Donnelly Jackson (IL) Cannon Keller Royce of the gentlewoman from California? Boyda (KS) Doyle Jackson-Lee Cantor King (IA) Ryan (WI) Brady (PA) Edwards (TX) Carter Kline (MN) Sali There was no objection. Braley (IA) Ehlers Johnson (GA) Chabot Knollenberg Sensenbrenner f Brown, Corrine Ellison Johnson (IL) Coble Kuhl (NY) Sessions Brown-Waite, Ellsworth Johnson, E. B. Cole (OK) Lamborn Shadegg REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Ginny Emanuel Jones (OH) Conaway Latham Shuster Burgess Engel Kagen AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 760 Crenshaw Latta Simpson Butterfield Eshoo Kanjorski Cubin Lewis (CA) Smith (NE) Calvert Etheridge Kaptur Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I ask Culberson Linder Smith (TX) Capito Farr Kennedy unanimous consent to remove my Davis (KY) Souder Capps Fattah Kildee Lucas Davis, David Lungren, Daniel Stearns name as a cosponsor of H.R. 760. Capuano Ferguson Kilpatrick The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Cardoza Filner Kind Doolittle E. Tancredo Carnahan Fortenberry King (NY) Drake Mack Terry objection to the request of the gentle- Carney Frank (MA) Kirk Dreier Manzullo Thornberry woman from West Virginia? Castle Gerlach Klein (FL) Duncan Marchant Walberg There was no objection. Castor Giffords Kucinich Emerson McCarthy (CA) Wamp Chandler Gilchrest LaHood English (PA) McCaul (TX) Weller f Clarke Gillibrand Lampson Everett McCrery Westmoreland Clay Gonzalez Langevin Fallin McHenry Wilson (NM) PERSONAL EXPLANATION Cleaver Gordon Larsen (WA) Feeney McKeon Wilson (SC) Clyburn Green, Al Larson (CT) Flake McMorris Wittman (VA) Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Conyers Green, Gene LaTourette Foxx Rodgers Young (AK) Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on Franks (AZ) Mica Young (FL)

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 379 yesterday, January 16, in the rollcall that personally, but I know that they tured by the Saddam Hussein regime vote No. 11, H.R. 4986, the defense au- are considering that. I also know that and being compensated for that to thorization bill. it is the Senate’s intention to address which they had been subjected. I know If I had been present, because of the this issue upon their return next week. there is a lot of concern about making continued support of the Iraq war, I As you know, they will be in most of sure that litigants who have gotten would have voted ‘‘no.’’ the week next week, I think, so we will judgments have an opportunity to exe- f have to see probably the end of next cute on those judgments. The Presi- week where the other body is so that dent was concerned about that. LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM we might better judge where we need So I think the short answer to your (Mr. BLUNT asked and was given to be. question is it either has been intro- permission to address the House for 1 Mr. BLUNT. I look forward to talk- duced, or going to be introduced maybe minute.) ing to my friend during the week next next week. Mr. SKELTON has indicated Mr. BLUNT. I yield to my friend week and at the end of next week at that he will look at that. from Maryland, the majority leader, to this same opportunity about that if we Mr. BLUNT. I appreciate that infor- inquire about next week’s schedule. don’t yet quite know where we are. But mation. I also appreciate the way we Mr. HOYER. I thank the distin- I appreciate that, and I know we are are able to work through that problem, guished Republican whip for yielding. both going to keep a close eye on that. get the DOD authorization bill on the On Monday, the House will not be in This is an important law, and my belief way back to the President’s desk, get session, in observance of Martin Luther is that everyone involved would rather that remaining half a percent of pay King, Jr.’s birthday, which was on Jan- have a long-term solution as another increase for military personnel taken uary 15, but will be celebrated and hon- short-term solution, but it does appear care of. I don’t know on this side of the ored on Monday. at least possible if not likely that a aisle of any interest in addressing that. On Tuesday, the House will meet at short-term solution might have to be Certainly it is a debate that we could 12:30 p.m. for morning-hour debate and part of what happens here before we have, but it does seem to me that we 2 p.m. for legislative business. get to a conference. have already reached a bipartisan con- On Wednesday, the House will meet On the DOD authorization bill that sensus on that, and we may or may not at 10 a.m. for legislative business. We we passed by working together this want to pursue that. But I had heard will consider several bills under sus- week to solve a problem, does the ma- those same things and wanted to ask in pension of the rules. A list of those jority leader have any sense as to that regard. bills, as is the normal course, will be whether that bill that we sent over Mr. HOYER. If my friend will yield. announced by the close of business to- originally will be back on the floor at Mr. BLUNT. I would. morrow. On Wednesday, we will also any time, or if there will be any provi- Mr. HOYER. When you indicate we take up the President’s veto of the sions? I have heard some discussion reached bipartisan agreement, what we children’s health insurance legislation. that there might be those among our reached bipartisan agreement on was, The House will not be in session on Members who would like to vote on obviously, that the bill, as you point Thursday or Friday. The minority just the passage that created a prob- out, had many important provisions, party is having its conference at that lem, and I am wondering if you have not only the pay that you refer to, the point in time, as we will have the fol- any thoughts on how to deal with that wounded warriors, treatment of vet- lowing week. bill. The authorization bill we replaced erans medically, as well as meeting our Mr. BLUNT. I thank the gentleman is still out there, but it would be my defense needs, all of which we did have for that information. And we are hav- impression that it is not coming back an agreement on and we passed that ing a short week next week because of in any form, and I am wanting some bill. There was bipartisan agreement the Republican planning retreat and a verification on that. that if we were going to pass that bill short week the next week because of Mr. HOYER. First of all, I share the with all those important provisions in the majority’s planning retreat. gentleman’s view, and my expectation it, that it was necessary to consider With those two short weeks, I know is that the authorization bill we passed the matter that the President was op- that the FISA legislation that had a bi- yesterday will be passed by the Senate posed to separately and apart, and take partisan extension in the very first as was passed here. Because, as you it out, which was done. days of August expires February 1. know, the only thing we did was mod- b 1445 That is just 2 weeks from now; it is ify, consistent with an agreement with about 4 or 5 working days. Given that the administration and the Senate, the But certainly all of the Members on deadline, I wonder if we could expect provision that the administration ve- my side did not believe that the Presi- the House to consider some extension toed the bill on. So my expectation is dent’s veto was appropriate. So I don’t during that 2-week period of time, and it will pass whole. want to mislead anybody that there if the gentleman has any sense yet as Now, as the gentleman observes, was a bipartisan agreement that his to what extension the majority might there is an interest I think perhaps on veto was appropriate in that sense and propose. both sides of the aisle in considering that there was a consensus on that. Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman the provision that was modified and es- There was disagreement on that. for his question. As he and I have dis- sentially a part of it taken out of the Mr. BLUNT. I thank my friend for cussed and as he knows, I am dis- bill. There is interest in considering that. I believe I understand the point appointed that we are not in con- that bill. That has been discussed with that you just made that the procedure ference on the FISA bill. The Senate Mr. SKELTON, and Mr. SKELTON and the there certainly was a procedure that, has not yet passed its version of the committee are looking at that. frankly, we could have spent a lot of FISA bill. As you know, we passed the I believe, and I don’t have confirma- time debating. By doing that, we could FISA bill in December. I think it was tion of that, that there were Members have slowed down this pay increase, early December, as a matter of fact. who have talked to me who are in fact and I think we wisely did not do that. And we understand that the legislation introducing a bill to speak to that par- I suppose that if the greater issue of we passed last August has an expira- ticular point. I say ‘‘I believe’’ because, individuals that were harmed by the tion date of February 1 and that, there- again, I don’t have confirmation that Saddam Hussein regime comes to the fore, we will either be acting under the that bill has been introduced, but I floor, we can debate that at the time. old law, an extended law, or a revision know that there were Members very fo- And I just would suggest right now, if that we might pass. cused on that, very concerned. As you there was some way to reach the per- The leader of the Senate, Harry Reid, know, this provision dealt with the sonal or family assets of Saddam Hus- has talked about perhaps a 30-day ex- ability of some of our former soldiers, sein, that is one thing. I think we ham- tension. I have not talked to him about in particular marines, injured by, tor- per the efforts of this new government

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 if we continue to hold the new govern- traumatic brain injury, and a number uary 18, 2007, and under a previous ment responsible for whatever bad of other concerns. order of the House, the following Mem- things a government did that was vir- This bill yesterday was a disappoint- bers will be recognized for 5 minutes tually universally held in the lowest ment because it continued to include each. possible regard by the Congress. And I money for Iraq, and it is time to bring f think we are universally glad that gov- our soldiers home. POLITICAL PRISONERS FOR ONE ernment is gone, no matter how we feel I also want to commend the debate YEAR about the other issues in Iraq. I think today on HOPE VI, another issue that that is really the point at the end of addresses the issue of homelessness and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a this one part of that debate. The gov- those who are without homes. This leg- previous order of the House, the gen- ernment is gone. I suppose we can de- islation was provocative and important tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- bate that. I think the arrangement we because it is an economic stimulus nized for 5 minutes. made in the bill handles other coun- when you provide housing for those in Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today it is tries appropriately and also gives the public housing who cannot be housed. cold in Washington. It is snowing. They President the proper waiver authority It is innovative because it suggests say it may snow some more. But there for dealing with this new situation in we should have green buildings, mean- are two places in the United States Iraq. But I suppose today is also not ing more efficient, and it is innovative that are colder than in this city, and the day to debate that, unless my because it protects the elderly who they are in separate places. They are friend wants to comment on that. may have those young people in their two prison cells, Federal peniten- Mr. HOYER. I understand the gentle- homes who have had some run-in with tiaries, where two border agents, now, man’s point, but as the gentleman well the law, that those individuals go but today have spent one calendar year in knows, there are opposing views to not the elderly who would be evicted. confinement for doing their job on the that point. But certainly now, as the This is a good piece of legislation. I Texas-Mexico border. gentleman observed, is not the time to supported HOPE VI. I am disappointed Madam Speaker, it seems as though debate it. I think the answer to your I could not support the Defense Au- border agents Ramos and Compean question is that it may well be before thorization bill. have been punished for doing what we us again. f hired them to do. Because, you see, EARMARK REFORM when they were patrolling the Texas- f Mexico border, a drug smuggler came (Mr. FLAKE asked and was given HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW into the United States bringing almost permission to address the House for 1 a million dollars worth of drugs into Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask minute and to revise and extend his re- this country. They had a confrontation unanimous consent that when the marks.) with this drug dealer. They both be- House adjourns today, it adjourn to Mr. FLAKE. Madam Speaker, we lieved him to have a weapon. Shots meet at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, and fur- have always been fortunate to have in were fired, and he disappeared in Mex- ther, when the House adjourns on that this body of legislators Members who, ico, leaving his load of drugs in this day, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on for lack of a better term, are called country. Tuesday, January 22, for morning-hour ‘‘institutionalists.’’ These are Members Unbeknownst to them, they shot the debate. on both sides of the aisle who under- drug smuggler. A few months later, our The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there stand and appreciate the fact that this Federal Government relentlessly went objection to the request of the gen- institution will outlive all of us and and found this drug dealer, brought tleman from Maryland? that we should try to ensure that when him back to the United States and There was no objection. we leave the Congress, we leave the in- gave him immunity from his crimes to f stitution better than we found it. testify against the border agents for, Madam Speaker, we desperately need get this, a civil rights violation against DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR these institutionalists to stand up him, the drug smuggler. They were WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON today and play a role in reforming the tried and they were convicted and sent WEDNESDAY NEXT practice of earmarking that is beneath to the Federal penitentiary for 11 and Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask the dignity of this great institution. It is almost a daily occurrence that 12 years. unanimous consent that the business But what the jury in that trial did we wake up to newspaper articles de- in order under the Calendar Wednesday not know was that the U.S. Justice De- tailing questionable earmarks that co- rule be dispensed with on Wednesday partment, the Attorney General’s Of- incide with large campaign contribu- next. fice, hid evidence in that case from the tions, earmarks that face little or no The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there jury, because Madam Speaker, they not scrutiny in this body, earmarks that objection to the request of the gen- only made a deal with this drug smug- were more intended to garner votes or tleman from Maryland? gler not to prosecute him for bringing contributions than to address legiti- There was no objection. in a million dollars worth of drugs; mate needs. f We have also seen little inclination while he is waiting to testify at the on the part of those currently in the trial, he brings in another load of HOPE VI AND DEFENSE drugs. And then our U.S. Attorney’s Of- AUTHORIZATION position of leadership on either side of the aisle to address this issue in a fice had the audacity for months to (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked meaningful way. We have changed the deny that ever occurred. and was given permission to address parties in charge, but we haven’t But now the truth has come out. Now the House for 1 minute and to revise changed the practice. we know. Now the whole world knows and extend her remarks.) So the mantle falls on the institu- that that evidence was hidden from the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam tionalists among us to foster this jury. The Fifth Circuit Court of Ap- Speaker, yesterday we revisited the change, those who deep down know peals has heard this case on appeal. We question of the Defense Authorization that we owe more to this institution are waiting to see if they reverse the bill. I think it is important to remind than we are giving it. case because the U.S. Attorney’s Office my colleagues that in our appropria- It is time to stand up and be counted. hid evidence that the jury should have tions bill that was passed and signed by f heard because, you see, the star wit- the President, we took care of a num- ness, the witness that the U.S. Attor- ber of issues dealing with our soldiers, SPECIAL ORDERS ney’s Office made a backroom deal including an increase in their com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under with, brought in other drugs. The jury pensation, including a recognition of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- should have known that to judge the

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And then David the Turkish Government under penal previous order of the House, the gen- Sipes was prosecuted for, yes, a civil code 301, a law that bans free speech tleman from Maine (Mr. MICHAUD) is rights violation for assaulting the and was used to suppress a wide range recognized for 5 minutes. human smuggler. of dissenting opinion, from criticism of Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I In that particular case, the U.S. At- Turkish Government institutions to rise today on behalf of the workers at torney’s Office did the same thing. opposing official Turkish denial of the NewPage Corporation in Rumford, They hid evidence from the jury. They Ottoman campaign of genocide against Maine, and Fraser Timber Limited in hid from the jury that this human its Armenian population. Under the Ashland, Maine. These workers re- smuggler was given $80,000 as a settle- all-encompassing phrase ‘‘insulting ceived some devastating news this ment, that he was allowed to cross Turkishness,’’ a citizen in Turkey can week about job losses and layoffs. Fra- back and forth between the United receive a prison sentence of up to 3 ser Timber Limited will lay off 70 States and Mexico, that he was given a years with the offense being increased workers on February 8, 2008 to June 1, Texas driver’s license, a U.S. Social Se- by 50 percent if the so-called offense is 2008. NewPage Corporation announced curity card. And also in that case, yes, committed abroad. a shutdown of a paper machine in that human smuggler, while waiting to Nearly 100 journalists and intellec- Rumford as of February 25, 2008. This testify, brought in another load of tuals have been prosecuted under arti- decision could impact approximately 60 illegals into this country. cle 301, including Nobel Prize author to 70 jobs in Maine. But in that case, the U.S. Attorney’s Orhan Pamuk. Many informed observ- In Maine, we are all too familiar with Office was caught. A new trial was or- ers believe Hrant Dink’s prosecution an economic and trade policy that has dered because they hid evidence, and under article 301 opened him up to a devastated our manufacturing sector. that jury in that case found David campaign of harassment and death As a mill worker for nearly 30 years at Sipes, border agent, not guilty because threats from ultranationalists, which Great Northern Paper Company, I the U.S. Attorney’s Office was not eventually led to his murder. To this know how devastating this news is for seeking justice but convictions. day, citizens of Turkey live under these workers and their families. When It makes us wonder what our U.S. At- threat of this gag law, with Hrant this happens in small rural commu- torney’s Office is doing and what side Dink’s own son prosecuted under this nities in Maine, it ripples through the of they border war they are on. They law because he reprinted his father’s economy and throughout the region. are supposed to be protecting Ameri- newspaper articles. When the House considers a potential cans. They are supposed to be pro- This is not the action of a true de- economic stimulus package in the next tecting the border agents. But yet they mocracy. It is reflective of how a to- few weeks, I’ll keep the workers of seem to prefer protecting human smug- talitarian state would behave, and this NewPage and Fraser at the forefront of glers and drug dealers. That makes us is not the Turkey we, the United my mind. Any economic stimulus wonder whether the Justice Depart- States of America, have aligned our package the House considers must con- ment needs to be investigated as to country with. sider what’s good for our workers and their priorities, because this ought not Amnesty International has called for their industry. We must get back to to be. a complete repeal of this punitive leg- Yet two border agents are still in fiscal discipline, yet provide the relief islation. The European Commission has prison 1 year today. They have served so many people in Maine need. repeatedly asked for its repeal. But if we are truly trying to reform time, and they should be released. The Unfortunately, indications now sug- our economy, we must also address the President should pardon them, and gest that the Government of Turkey is serious trade imbalance that’s creating hopefully the Fifth Circuit will do the only tinkering with changes, making this job loss. It’s no secret that trade right thing and order a new trial in this gag rule even more ambiguous. has gotten the better of Maine’s manu- this case. Today, I ask the House to support calls Our government needs to be on the facturing industry. Since passage of for the Turkish Government to imme- right side of the border war and sup- NAFTA, Maine has lost 23 percent of diately repeal article 301. port our border agents and make peo- our manufacturing base. One year ago, Members of Congress, Today the USTR Trade Representa- ple understand that you can’t bring their staffers and several members, and tive Susan Schwab said that moving drugs and illegals into the country members of several communities, came forward on these trade agreements will without being prosecuted. And that’s just the way it is. together to watch ‘‘Screamers,’’ a film actually help our economy. Well, I can about genocide in the last century, fea- tell you this, she obviously hasn’t f turing, among others, Hrant Dink. talked to the men and women of HONORING THE LIFE OF HRANT Here, in the Halls of Congress, we NewPage and Fraser. She hasn’t talked DINK watched as Hrant Dink discussed the to other workers in Maine and across The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a problems of article 301. this country that have been devastated previous order of the House, the gen- Just 2 days after the film’s premiere, by these NAFTA-style trade deals. tleman from New York (Mr. CROWLEY) Hrant Dink was shot dead, a man who These workers don’t want more TAA. is recognized for 5 minutes. only wanted to speak the truth about They want their jobs back. Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I historical facts as he saw them, a man I’ve been in touch with the Maine De- rise today to solemnly remember the who wanted every citizen to be treated partment of Labor Rapid Response life of journalist and activist Hrant equally, a man we should applaud here Team, the workers at the mills, to dis- Dink. in America for his courage and dedica- cuss the implication of this, the paper On January 19, 2007, Mr. Dink was tion to democracy. machine shutting down on these work- gunned down by a Turkish I believe that if Turkey wants to fur- ers. In the days and weeks ahead, my ultranationalist outside his newspaper ther explore the opportunities that she office will be working to provide what- office in Istanbul, Turkey. wishes to do within the present Euro- ever assistance is necessary to help Hrant Dink was a man who called for pean Union, she must address the issue these workers get back to work. But tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and great- of article 301. I hope my colleagues will they want their jobs.

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Jews fled also or were ousted from languish? Support the Elon plan. But this Congress has to look at the their homes in Arab lands. The U.N. es- THE ISRAELI INITIATIVE: THE RIGHT ROAD TO fundamental problem with our flawed tablished the U.N. Relief and Works PEACE trade models and trade deals that Agency in 1949 to care for the Arab/Pal- PRINCIPLES OF THE ISRAELI INITIATIVE we’ve been passing in this Congress. estinian refugees. The U.N. has never (1) Rehabilitation of the refugees and dis- And this Congress is no different than created an agency solely to serve the mantling of the camps. Israel, the US, and the previous Congress. We continue to interests of one displaced group of peo- the international community will formulate use the same flawed trade model, and ple. it multi-year program for full and rapid re- that’s going to continue to hurt work- Many of the refugees do not even habilitation of the Palestinian refugees. ers and manufacturing businesses here have historical roots in the territory while absorbing them as citizens in various in this country. now known as Palestine. Many of those countries. During the rehabilitation process, This Congress has to wake up to residing in the West Bank are descend- UNRWA, an organization that perpetuates the status of the refugees, will be disman- what’s actually happening out there. ants of those who came from Syria and We will not need any economic stim- tled, and all residents of refugee camps will the Trans-Jordan area. be offered permanent places of residence, ulus package if we make sure that we While the displaced Jews of the re- citizenship, and a generous rehabilitation pass fair trade deals that are good for gion settled in Israel and were inte- grant. The refugee camps will also he dis- our workers here, that are good for our grated into the Israeli society, the Pal- mantled following this process. businesses here in this country. estinians remain sequestered in these (2) Strategic cooperation with the King- f refugee camps. Why the Arab commu- dom of Jordan, Israel, the U.S., and the nity that perpetually talks about the international community will recognize the THE ELON PEACE PLAN Kingdom of Jordan as the sole legitimate welfare of the Palestinians does noth- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a representative of the Palestinians, and Jor- ing to relocate these people out of previous order of the House, the gen- dan will again grant citizenship status to the these camps is strange and, for many, tleman from Florida (Mr. WELDON) is residents of Judea and Samaria. The Pales- it’s considered no mystery. Many of recognized for 5 minutes. tinian Authority in Judea, Samaria and Mr. WELDON of Florida. Madam these regimes fought against Israel in Gaza will no longer be recognized as a rep- 1948, seeking to destroy Israel, and resentative body, and all weapons will be col- Speaker, today I rise to bring to the at- lected from armed organizations. tention of the House an important new their desire is to perpetuate the camps and to perpetuate the terrorism the Israel, the US, and the international com- plan that seeks to bridge the long- munity will invest in the long-term develop- standing divide between the Israelis camps breed. ment of the Kingdom of Jordan to restore and the Palestinians. The plan is titled This, in my opinion, is unfortunate, and strengthen its economy. ‘‘The Right Road to Peace,’’ and it is a and UNWRA is a U.N. agency estab- Israel and Jordan, together with Egypt, comprehensive proposal for finding an lished purportedly for the benefit of Turkey, and the US, will create a strategic avenue to peace, as well as addressing the refugees. However, in my opinion, organization to halt the Islamic axis based the humanitarian needs of the Pales- it serves to perpetuate the terrorism in Teheran, and to promote overall peace be- problem. tween Israel and the Arab countries. tinian people. (3) Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Sama- As we know, the Palestinian people While UNWRA lets camp residents run their own activities, under its own ria. In coordination with Jordan, Israel will have, for nearly three generations, lan- extend its sovereignty over Judea and Sama- guished in U.N.-run refugee camps in oversight, the camps have become cen- ria. Arab residents of these areas will be- Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza and the West ters of terrorism, lawlessness, and come citizens of Jordan (Palestine). Their Bank. The author of the proposal, Mr. crime. This further victimizes the Pal- status, their relationship to the two coun- Binyamin Elon, a highly respected estinians in the refugee camps who tries, and the nature of the administration member of Israel’s Knesset, he, at the have no involvement in these criminal in the populated areas will be formulated heart of this plan, has offered an inno- activities. Palestinian terrorists oper- and set forth in an agreement between the governments of Israel and Jordan. vative approach for providing oppor- ate freely in many of these camps, co- tunity, housing and education to a pop- ordinating attacks against innocent f Israeli civilians and Palestinians who ulation which, for a long time, has THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ IS STILL oppose their terror agenda. lived as a ward of the international GOING ON community. Mr. Elon’s proposal would In 2004, the UNWRA commissioner, end the cycle of dependence that long Peter Hansen, admitted in an interview The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a has shackled Palestinian development. with the Canadian Broadcasting Cor- previous order of the House, the gentle- Madam Speaker, I will include a poration that the agency employs indi- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) summary of the document entitled viduals who are members of groups like is recognized for 5 minutes. ‘‘The Right Road to Peace’’ into the Hamas, a group the U.S. Government Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I RECORD after my remarks. considers to be a terrorist organiza- rise to make an important and urgent Today, there are approximately 1.3 tion. announcement to the House: the con- million registered Palestinians being Madam Speaker, it is high time that flict in Iraq is still going on, and we cared for in 59 camps run by the United the truth be told and that the UNWRA are still occupying that country. Nations Relief and Works Agency, or mandate come to an end. In its place, a I have to make this announcement the U-N-R-W-A, sometimes referred to proposal should be adopted that would because apparently some people have as UNRWA. truly resolve the Palestinian refugee forgotten all about Iraq or don’t think Nearly 60 years after the first of question, regardless of whether there is it’s an important issue anymore. these camps were established, virtually ever a formal resolution of the Arab- That’s because it doesn’t dominate the nothing has been done to return this Israeli conflict. TV news like it used to. As an example population to a settled existence. The There is no reason why generations of that, a recent story on CNN began 1.3 million Palestinians living in these of Palestinians must continue to sub- with the words, ‘‘Whatever Happened camps live in a world of poverty, their sist in squalor and deprivation just so to the War?’’ day-to-day existence solely reliant on regimes in the Arab world have a diplo- Well, I hate to spoil everyone’s day, international handouts. matic foil with which to attack Israel. but I have to report, with great regret,

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Trading with India has opened up And after nearly 5 years of occupa- f new doors for American producers, tion, our leaders still have no exit service providers, workers and con- b 1515 strategy. They have even stopped pre- sumers as well. tending that they have one. Last year FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH But India still has miles to go in its they told us we couldn’t get out of Iraq INDIA reform process. Tariffs in many sectors because things on the ground were The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a are prohibitively high. The regulatory going badly. This year they’re telling previous order of the House, the gen- environment is absolutely Byzantine. us we can’t get out because things are tleman from California (Mr. DREIER) is American investors looking for oppor- going well; and if we get out, they’ll go recognized for 5 minutes. tunity in an otherwise ripe environ- badly again. Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, today ment still confront significant road- So if you follow the administration’s my very good friend Mr. CROWLEY of blocks to successful investment. argument to its logical conclusion, this New York, in a bipartisan way, and I If we are to maximize the benefits of is what you get: We can’t leave when joined together, and we now have, I’m trade with the world’s second-largest things are good; we can’t leave when happy to say, our good friend from consumer market, there must be broad, things are bad. Which means we can north Dallas, a great Member of the comprehensive reform. Free trade ne- never leave. The result is permanent Rules Committee, PETE SESSIONS as a gotiations would provide maximum le- occupation, which is precisely what the cosponsor of legislation, a resolution verage for encouraging this kind of re- administration appears to want. actually calling for free trade negotia- form. Whether it’s slashing exorbitant Forgetting about the bloodshed in tions to begin between the United tariffs, which average 20 percent and Iraq is bad enough. But it’s dangerous States and India. We introduced this range as high as 210 percent, Madam for many, many other reasons. It gives resolution to highlight the tremendous Speaker, that’s a 210 percent tariff, the administration a free hand to protecting intellectual property, and ratchet up the threats against Iran. It benefits of deeper economic engage- another thing they have done is ensur- takes the pressure off the Iraqi Govern- ment between the world’s two largest ing transparency in governance, a free ment to make progress toward national democracies. While bilateral trade has spurred trade agreement would provide the nec- political reconciliation. It means our growth in both of our countries, we essary impetus for comprehensive lib- military will continue to be over- have not yet come close to realizing eralization of their economy. stretched and less capable of meeting the full benefits of complete access to Many of our FTAs are negotiated real challenges to our national security each other’s markets and full liberal- with foreign policy concerns chiefly in that may and will arise elsewhere. It mind. Our pending FTA with Colombia, continues to make America appear to ization of the Indian economy. Madam Speaker, the American peo- for example, will solidify strong demo- be a lawless and arrogant Western oc- ple are very focused on the economy cratic institutions for a key ally in a cupier of the Middle East. And it al- right now, understandably. While lows our budget to be plundered at a key region, in addition to the economic growth remains strong and unemploy- time when our economy is more than benefits to both countries. ment remains low, and we just this There are certainly foreign policy shaky. People are in danger of losing morning got the report of the drop in their jobs here at home; but thanks to concerns associated with a U.S.-India unemployment claims, the prevailing the administration’s policies, the boys free trade agreement as well. It would at Blackwater will always have their economic stories, however, in the news provide an opportunity to deepen and high-paying military contractor jobs in stir up a great deal of fear and concern broaden our ties with a strong, stable Iraq where they can continue to terrify among working families. The subprime Asian democracy that shares our fun- the Iraqi people. mortgage crisis has dominated the damental values in a challenging re- We are spending over $300 million headlines for months. The housing gion. every day in Iraq, Madam Speaker. We slump in many communities makes But Madam Speaker, the commercial couldn’t afford that when the economy homeowners feel like their financial se- benefits to such an FTA would be con- was good, and we certainly can’t afford curity is threatened. And as always, siderable. It would open up a tremen- it as the economy goes into recession. Madam Speaker, there is the natural dous opportunity to build upon our ex- But thankfully, thankfully, the anxiety that comes from the highly dy- port-led growth and ensure that Ameri- American people are too smart to fall namic and fast-paced environment of cans can take full advantage of the into the trap of believing that every- the global economy. more than 1 billion consumers in the thing is just swell. According to a re- At a time of economic anxiety, the world’s second-largest emerging mar- cent CBS News poll, nearly 60 percent most important thing is to ensure that ket. With all eyes on the economy, now of Americans continue to believe the growth remains strong, so that oppor- is the time for the U.S. and India to occupation is going badly, and 58 per- tunities can be creative. If we look at begin to pursue comprehensive eco- cent believe the U.S. should never have what has been our biggest source of nomic engagement with a free trade gotten into Iraq in the first place. strength in recent months, it has been agreement. Madam Speaker, we cannot stick our export-led growth. Over the last year, f heads in the sand and pretend that Iraq there have been dire predictions for isn’t a problem anymore. The only way GDP growth, and every single quarter THE TRAGIC MISADVENTURE IN to change course is to hold the admin- the numbers have come out much IRAQ istration accountable, and the only stronger than has been anticipated be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a way to do that is to keep the pressure cause exports have made up for softer previous order of the House, the gen- on the administration every single day. areas within our own economy. tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. That’s why I’ll continue to raise my At the same time, Madam Speaker, SESTAK) is recognized for 5 minutes. voice against the madness of this occu- imports have ensured that working Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, in the pation, and why I will continue to urge families have access to the goods they wake of the 9/11 attacks against the the House to use its power of the purse need at prices that they can afford. We United States, I was sent on the ground to end it. are weathering these economic chal- for a short period of time to Afghani- Iraq is not a television show that got lenges because we are engaging in the stan. As a Navy admiral, I saw what canceled because of the writers’ strike. worldwide marketplace. needed to be accomplished. Eighteen

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 months later, I returned on the ground uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Cali- tain FISA warrants for overseas sur- and saw what had not been done be- fornia (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN) is rec- veillance. cause we tragically changed the focus ognized for 60 minutes as the designee This is very serious business, because of our attention and our resources to of the minority leader. if you look at our challenge from those Iraq. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- who would kill us in the name of some Now, Afghanistan has become once fornia. Madam Speaker, this afternoon sort of distorted view of Islam, we basi- again prey to terrorists and the we find ourselves in what only can be cally have to assess that risk by way of Taliban have moved back into the described as ominous circumstances. threat, by way of vulnerability and by southern ungoverned regions and the In 2 weeks, our Nation will no longer way of consequence. provinces. be able to conduct critical surveillance With respect to consequence and vul- Because of this failure to have our of foreign terrorists located outside the nerability, we have within our property legal or political or security structures United States. We face this situation of information, within our store of in- there that we were trying to support be because, in order to close what the Di- formation, the ability to make those established, we were unable to have rector of National Intelligence de- judgments. In other words, when we economic activity, the education take scribed as critical intelligence gaps, he look at vulnerability for a particular root so that we would be able to har- had to agree with the Congress the nec- site, a potential target, we have the in- ness the efforts to have livelihoods es- essary reforms embodied in the Protect formation about that target because it tablished and an infrastructure in America Act would expire in 180 days. is either American owned, privately or place, to overcome what General Although this body did adopt follow- governmentally, and we can analyze Eikenberry, our U.S. commander who on legislation, the majority party’s so- that and determine what vulnerabili- was the NATO commander earlier last called RESTORE Act in November of ties exist. year said, ‘‘Where the road ends, the last year, this legislation imposed ad- Similarly, with respect to the ques- Taliban begin.’’ ditional burdens on the intelligence tion of consequence, we have that in- Secretary of Defense Gates has re- community which, in my judgment, formation available as well, because we cently said that we will place 3,000 undermined the essential nature of the can make calculations as to a type of troops into Afghanistan because of the compromise reached with Admiral attack which might take place, the possible spring offensive of the McConnell. damage it would do and, therefore, the Taliban. That is too little and way too Furthermore, it punted on the crit- consequences that would flow from late. ical question of whether retroactive We have to be able to bring the infra- that. protection would be extended to those structure into those ungoverned re- But there is one area of the analysis communication providers who regions so the Taliban once again cannot of risk that is not totally within our sponded to the call for help from their provide a safe haven for al Qaeda, that information base, and that is the area government in the wake of 9/11. If press is presently in a safe haven because of of the threat. What is the threat? The reports are accurate, similar ideolog- this tragic misadventure in Iraq, with- threat is that which is in the mind of ical currents in the other body threat- in Pakistan. those who would do us harm. It is with- But more to my point today, I do not en to dominate the outcome of this in the planning of those who would do understand the criticism of a very good critical issue and potentially the even- us harm, and it is within the orders of Secretary of Defense, Secretary Gates, tual resolution of the larger FISA issue those who would carry out those at- that the United States wants to point itself, that is, the Foreign Intelligence tacks on us to do us harm. at NATO and say you have not met Surveillance Act issue itself. That is where intelligence comes into your commitment in Afghanistan There is no issue of greater impor- play. Intelligence means gathering in- when, in fact, potentially a little tance to those of us who serve in this formation that otherwise is within the known fact is that the United States body than the protection of the Amer- authority of those who would do us itself has not met its own requirement ican people from another catastrophic harm. That means essentially listening for trainers and mentors of the Afghan- attack like that we received on 9/11. In in wherever we can on the conversa- istan National Army and the Afghani- fact, this responsibility goes to the tions or communications they may stan National Police. In fact, we are 63 very heart of the purpose for which have. government exists. The very preamble percent short of our goal. That’s 2,400 b 1530 troops. to our Nation’s Constitution spells out It all began in Afghanistan. And if we this obligation to provide for the com- That is the essence of intelligence. are to look back there 2 years from mon defense. That’s why it is so important. It is that now and another tragedy would have It was for this very reason that on part of the three-part analysis of risk been planned by the al Qaeda in an- August 5 last year we passed the Pro- which is not totally within our infor- other safe haven, whether Pakistan or tect America Act, which responded to mation base and therefore that which Afghanistan, how can we say, as a sen- the minimum requirements presented we have to go out and extract. That’s ior commander said, ‘‘In Iraq we do to this body by the Director of Na- why it’s so important. what we must; in Afghanistan we do tional Intelligence, Admiral McCon- I am sure that most Americans would what we can?’’ nell. agree with Admiral McConnell, a dis- The right strategic template is as At the same time, Admiral McCon- tinguished public servant who headed Winston Churchill said, ‘‘Sometimes nell described this legislation as nec- the National Security Agency in the it’s not enough to do your best; some- essary in order to ‘‘close critical intel- Clinton administration for 4 years and times you have to do what is required.’’ ligence gaps.’’ He defined the concept now serves as our Director of National It is required to ensure that the edu- of a gap to mean ‘‘foreign intelligence Intelligence, that the changes con- cation, the economic activity, the information that we should have been tained in the Protect America Act were wells, the reconstruction can be accom- collecting.’’ necessary. Regardless of how one inter- plished, but you can only do that in a Admiral McConnell testified before prets the most recent National Intel- secure enough environment. That, the House Judiciary Committee that ligence Estimate concerning Iran, any again, is one of the tragedies of this prior to the enactment of the Protect attempt to attack Admiral McConnell misadventure of Iraq. America Act this past August we were as a tool of the Bush administration f not collecting somewhere between one- would appear to be lacking in any half and two-thirds of the foreign intel- credibility whatsoever. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE ligence information which would have I would say it is somewhat inter- SURVEILLANCE ACT been collected were it not for the re- esting that when he appeared before The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under cent legal interpretations of FISA our committee, one of the questions the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- which required the government to ob- asked of him was whether he had it in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 385 himself to speak truth to power. There foreign intelligence operations. Admi- quire a commitment beyond 180 days. should be no doubt in anyone’s mind ral McConnell made this very point in Their new proposal has a sunset date that Admiral McConnell is a man of questioning during the Judiciary Com- which is approximately 2 years from honor who, in fact, calls them as he mittee hearing. The admiral responded now. Now, when I first saw this, my im- sees them. And, in fact, that’s precisely that ‘‘when you’re conducting surveil- mediate reaction was, again, one of be- what he has done. According to Admi- lance in the context of electronic sur- wilderment. Such a truncated time- ral McConnell, the Protect America veillance, you can only target one end frame would require a great deal of op- Act has provided us with the tools to of the conversation. So you have no timism concerning the conduct of the close gaps in our foreign intelligence control over who that number might war against Islamic radicalism by the collection. In other words, the law that call or who they might receive a call Bush administration. On reflection, we passed in August, which necessarily from. The Protect America Act ad- this did not seem to be a likely expla- accompanied with it a 180-day sunset dressed the problem, while at the same nation. For even President Bush has as the price of passing it, so, therefore, time maintaining the longstanding repeatedly stressed that we are en- it is in the law now, that law, as it prohibition against targeting U.S. per- gaged in a prolonged battle with those works, has, in the judgment of Admiral sons in the U.S.’’ who would seek to kill us. McConnell, provided us with the tools The Protect America Act was a tar- So an alternative explanation of the ‘‘to close those gaps in our foreign in- geted response to a specific challenge. short sunset might be that the nature telligence collection.’’ This act clari- However, if we’re presented with a of the threat is such that the next oc- fied that the definition of ‘‘electronic problem, which has once again brought cupant of the White House, whoever surveillance’’ under FISA would not be us to the House floor this afternoon, by that might be, will have it in their interpreted to include intelligence di- its terms, as I mentioned before, the power to bring an end to terrorism’s rected at persons reasonably believed Protect America Act is scheduled to war on us within 10 months of their in- to be located outside of the United expire on February 1, about 2 weeks auguration. This, to put it mildly, is States. Thus, under the Protect Amer- from today, but with a lot fewer legis- quite a leap of faith. However, it ap- ica Act, it is not required for our intel- lative days available. pears that FISA has become a faith- ligence community to obtain a FISA It’s interesting, the 5-day work week based initiative in the 110th Congress. warrant when the subject of the sur- has gone by the boards; we canceled For if there is any truth to recent press veillance is a foreign intelligence tar- any consideration of votes tomorrow; accounts, it appears that one of the get located outside the United States. we are able to get out of here in the proposed solutions to the current stale- Now, critics of the Protect America afternoon in good time. That’s good for mate over FISA in the other body Act have suggested that the FISA war- Members who had to leave because of would be to extend the terms of the rant process should be excused only the weather. But what is the reason Protect America Act for an additional under circumstances where the com- we’re here? The reason we’re here is to 12 to 18 months. The superficial logic of munication is a foreign-to-foreign com- do the people’s business. And is there such an extension would enable the munication. The corollary of this argu- anything more important than pro- next administration to change the di- ment is that if a foreign terrorist were tecting the American people from at- rection of foreign intelligence gath- to contact someone in the U.S., the in- tack? What can be more important ering. Despite the fact that the telligence community should be re- than working out an answer to the vernacular of ‘‘change’’ has come to quired to first obtain a warrant before FISA problem? dominate the race for the White House, listening to the conversation. Why is it a problem? Because on Feb- I would suggest it has little or no rel- Now, let’s put aside the fact that ruary 1 the currently law expires, we evance to the challenge posed by ter- were Aiman al Zawahiri to place a tele- go back to the old law, which Admiral rorists and their network. phone call to a sleeper cell, let’s say in McConnell testified under oath did not One thing is abundantly clear, San Francisco, perhaps that might be allow him to gather between 50 percent Madam Speaker, that terrorists are not the most worrisome of circumstances, and two-thirds of the information we going to change their objective. Our and we want to be assured that we otherwise would gather from those who policy as a Nation must begin with the would collect that information. are suspected terrorists or terrorist af- recognition of reality. However incon- But focusing purely on the practical filiates around the world. venient or discomforting it may be, we legal considerations raised by the oppo- Unless you think the Islamic radicals must recognize that meeting the chal- nents of the Protect America Act, this who are plotting to kill us are for some lenge posed by those who seek to kill formulation is simply unworkable. reason going to have a dramatic us is going to be a long-term challenge. Why? The problem is that we do not change of heart before the first week of It will, therefore, require a long-term target both ends of the conversation or February and, therefore, we don’t need investment in our security. We can’t communication, because we can’t. the law, this doesn’t make a whole lot just be thinking about 6 months or 12 Rather, we target only one end of the of sense. If that is the intention here, months or 18 months or 2 years. The communication or conversation, the then maybe this body should, in the gravity of the challenge that we face foreign person located outside the U.S. spirit of wishful idealism, pass legisla- requires a commitment which is com- When a foreign terrorist in Islamabad tion renouncing wars as an instru- mensurate with the serious nature of places a call, the known factor before- mental policy and hope the whole the threat. hand that we have is that he or she is world will follow it. Unfortunately, There is absolutely no excuse for this the one making the call. In the normal Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda are not failure to pursue a permanent reau- course of things, to whom the call is likely to be assuaged any more than thorization for intelligence measures being made is unknown prior to the Hitler was in the decade following the which are critical to the safety of the time that the call is made. Before the signing of the Kellog-Briand Pact out- American people. We must send a clear call is placed, it is simply not tech- lawing war. No, these people made it message to the terrorists that we un- nically possible to note whether the very explicit they want to come here, derstand the nature of their struggle. call will go to another foreign destina- or go anywhere, and kill us; and there There must be no doubt in their minds tion, say Frankfurt, or to someone is no indication that’s going to change that we will never forget what they’ve somewhere in the U.S. within the next 2 weeks. done, or that we are committed to the The attempt to legislate warrant re- I don’t want to be or appear unfair to long haul. quirements on foreign individuals out- the leadership of this body, for they do There is no excuse for this body not side the U.S. based on whether they recognize in their RESTORE Act, providing Admiral McConnell with the place a call to another foreign destina- which would repeal the core provisions tools he has asked for and doing so on tion or to a U.S. destination would cre- requested by Admiral McConnell, that a permanent basis. We know this policy ate an impossible nightmare for our the need to defend our Nation will re- of fits and starts isn’t going to satisfy

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 the leftist blogosphere anyway. And And, actually, the Attorney General after you with lawsuits. You might say more importantly, it undermines the would have to break the law to make that this is the majority’s position on necessary confidence of those in the in- that finding because all the informa- the matter, the reverse Good Samari- telligence community that there will tion indicates is where Osama bin tan act. be a long-term continuity in the law. Laden is. He is not at that time mak- b 1545 Unfortunately, the majority party’s ing any threat against anybody. Now, RESTORE Act, which passed this simply put, that’s nonsense. That’s not Do you know what the Good Samari- Chamber last November, did not reflect the way we handle legal wiretaps in the tan law is? It’s a law where we grant what Admiral McConnell and the Intel- United States involving someone who immunity upon a doctor who comes ligence Committee told us it needs as a is, let’s say, a Mafia member. If you upon an automobile accident, immu- minimum. The idea that a court order have a wiretap on someone who’s a nity from prosecution. Why? Because should be required before surveillance Mafia member and he calls someone we think it is better to have him or her can take place against a foreigner who is not also a target and that com- attempt to help someone that they overseas is precisely the thing that Ad- munication indicates where the Mafia come upon at the time of an accident miral McConnell warned against and member is or he’s about to be and you and not have to be worried about a law- which he said had made it impossible want to capture him, you can use that suit later on. Now, does this sometimes for him to collect that necessary intel- information; you can use that informa- allow a doctor to screw up, a mal- ligence. tion for any purpose. practice, and not be sued? Yes, it does. While my friends on the other side of But we don’t allow that here in this But we made the judgment that on bal- the aisle are fond of the rejoinder that bill, which means that Osama bin ance it is better to have people coming they only require a basket warrant Laden or another terrorist has greater to the aid of their countrymen, coming under their version of the law, that protection under this law as passed by to the aid of someone who is in need, does little or nothing to respond to the this House, the majority party’s bill, and here we have said don’t dare come admiral’s concern. For even if it is a than an American citizen who is ac- to the aid of your country because basket, the intelligence community is cused of a crime in the United States. afterward you might be sued. going to have to identify every piece of When I was a young person learning fruit in that basket. In the real world That makes no sense. Now, to be fair, the majority re- how to type, we used to type something of intelligence, this is simply unwork- sponds to this criticism by saying that that said, ‘‘Now is the time for all good able. men to come to the aid of their coun- And what is worse, the language language is found in section 22 of the bill which provides this: it would not trymen.’’ That was the way you found in section 282 of the majority learned to type. We’d have to change party’s RESTORE Act creates even ad- ‘‘prohibit the intelligence community that now: ‘‘Now is the time for all good ditional problems. The language that from conducting lawful surveillance people not to come to the aid of their was passed in this body includes a sec- necessary to protect Osama bin Laden countrymen unless they have got a tion entitled ‘‘Treatment of Inad- or any other terrorist or terrorist orga- lawyer and enough money to defend vertent Interceptions.’’ Now, this deals nization from attacking the United themselves against subsequent law- with a situation where the intelligence States.’’ That’s their catch-all; it takes suits.’’ This would be a terrible prece- community believes in good faith that care of the problem. But it does not. dent for future generations with re- they are dealing with a foreign-to-for- Why? The problem with this logic is spect to future conflicts, which, if his- eign communication, but inadvertently that the qualification that the surveil- tory is any guide, are certain to occur. they capture a communication that lance must be ‘‘lawful’’ is obviously af- deals with a foreign-to-domestic call. fected by what is found elsewhere in The failure to step up to the plate on And the language in the majority par- the law, including the language found this issue can only serve to erode our ty’s act says that you cannot use that in section 282 that I just discussed. national ethos and a willingness to re- information for any purpose; cannot be Thus, by its own terms, any assertion spond to future crises. disclosed, cannot be disseminated; can- we will be able to listen to the con- It is time, Madam Speaker, to tran- not be used for any purpose or retained versation of Osama bin Laden, as I just scend ideology and to do the right for longer than 7 days unless a court suggested, must be read in light of the thing. And this has nothing to do with order is obtained or unless the Attor- bill and, therefore, would not allow us what you think of President Bush. It ney General determines that the infor- to act in a timely fashion. has nothing to do with what you think mation contained within indicates a Not only did the majority party’s about the war in Iraq or the larger war threat of death or serious bodily harm legislation, which passed this body in on terrorism. It’s not a Republican or a to any person. November, fail to address the needs of Democratic issue. We’re going to have Now, this means simply that if we the intelligence community, it also a change of administrations in about a have a conversation or communication added insult to injury by throwing year from now, and whoever that Presi- involving Osama bin Laden on one under the bus those telecommuni- dent might be, we must not do any- hand and someone in the United cations providers who responded to the thing which would detract from his or States, we didn’t know he was going to call of their government after 9/11. And her ability to marshal all the resources call the United States beforehand, but if the press reports are true, the issue and support necessary to defeat the en- we now have captured that commu- of liability protection for these compa- emies of our Nation. The new adminis- nication and there is no indication that nies is one of the major sticking points tration is going to need to call on the what is said or contained in that com- of FISA in the other body. help of all Americans, including communication concerning a threat of Now, let me suggest that the failure panies like those whose only offense death or serious bodily harm to any of Congress to address this liability was to respond to the appeal of the Na- person, but in that conversation some- issue will have telling consequences, tion in the aftermath of the tragedy of thing indicates where Osama bin Laden not only for those companies who came 9/11 by seeking to help prevent its oc- happens to be at that time or where he to the aid of their country at a time of currence. is going to be in a very short period of great peril, but for our Nation as well. This ideologically driven abandon- time, we couldn’t use that information Failure to act on this critical issue ment of those who relied on the word of for any purpose unless we went through would send this message to the Amer- their government following the worst a process of finding the Attorney Gen- ican people: if you are stupid enough to attack on our Nation since Pearl Har- eral, having the Attorney General de- respond to our government when our bor hardly qualifies as a profile in termine that the information con- fellow citizens are threatened by a cat- courage. If there is any culpability to tained within indicates a threat of aclysmic attack, the very government be found from the safe vantage point of death or serious bodily harm to any which sought your help will not be 20/20 hindsight, it’s not with the com- person. there for you when the ideologues come munication provider. Rather, if any

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Furthermore, if Osama bin will overwhelmingly understand the communications technology has re- Laden calls a U.S. person within the unfairness of walking away from those versed this state of affairs, has turned United States, the end of the conversa- who responded when the memory of it upside down. Today most intel- tion conducted by the U.S. person over 3,000 dead Americans was the only ligence communications are trans- would have to be minimized, and that’s known fact at the time. Perhaps it is mitted by wire. Even though most a term of art, minimized under the ex- this reality which makes the lawsuit international communications were isting procedures of the 1978 act. Let option more appealing than the normal not considered to be subject to the me once again emphasize the mini- remedy of the democratic process. FISA Act in 1978, now they are subject mization process which is applied in It is indeed ironic that at a time to the FISA warrant requirement sim- cases where information has been inad- when such respect has been accorded to ply because they are transmitted by vertently obtained from a U.S. person the Greatest Generation, and appro- wire. That clearly was not the inten- is not only in the original FISA statute priately so, in my estimation, we tion of the law. Thus, changes in tech- but is something that we have been fa- would through our inaction eschew the nology have brought communications miliar with on the criminal side for ethos of service to our country after it within the scope of FISA which Con- decades as well. It is not something we has been attacked. It is particularly gress did not cover in 1978. Now, this is dreamed up for the FISA Act. It is not odd in the light of the fact that there simply no way to operate in the age of something we put into the Protect was grave concern that we would be hit weapons of mass destruction where ter- America Act. It is something that has again. In fact, you will all recall that rorists are seeking to obtain them. Our been within the fabric of the U.S. this fear was so prominent that a Mem- intelligence policy must be made by criminal justice system for at least five decades. ber of the other body temporarily policymakers, not by technological de- The Protect America Act does noth- closed his office. This was the environ- fault. ing to alter the definition of ‘‘elec- ment produced by 9/11, and we should Madam Speaker, the adoption of the tronic surveillance’’ under the 1978 act not reward those who rose to the de- Protect America Act last August was which determines when a FISA war- fense of their country with ingratitude designed to address this very issue and rant is required. So under the scenario and the prospect of lawsuits. For in the to assure that, if Osama bin Laden where a U.S. person located in the U.S. end, if we are to prevail against the were to place a call into the United is involved, nothing would change. The terrorists, a tireless, relentless com- States, there would be no obstacle minimization requirements under the mitment much like that of the genera- placed in the way of our ability to un- law remain intact and are intact today. tion before will be required. I would cover any murderous scheme aimed at Finally, the Speaker’s comment hope we would send a message to all innocent Americans. Admiral McCon- about the ‘‘inherent authority of the who were asked to take a stand to pro- nell told us what he needs to prevent President’’ would not and could not be tect our citizens that we will likewise Osama bin Laden from succeeding. affected by either the Protect America be with you. However, the majority party in this Act or the leadership’s attempt to alter There is a serious misconception body has made a dramatic U-turn with the compromise with Admiral McCon- about what is a allowed under the Pro- the so-called RESTORE Act. Their bill nell under the RESTORE Act. Such tect America Act, which is about to ex- responds to Admiral McConnell with rhetoric has no relevance to this de- pire. In her statement in support of the the rebuff that ‘‘we know better and bate. The majority’s law, the major- majority party’s RESTORE Act, which that we will substitute our own judg- ity’s bill, the RESTORE Act, which made those changes in the compromise ment for that of the Director of Na- passed this body on November 15, rep- reached by Admiral McConnell I spoke tional Intelligence.’’ resents not so much a rejection of the of before, the Speaker observed this: Now, please don’t misunderstand me. claims of executive authority as it does that ‘‘all of us want our President to As a Member of this body, I am the the rejection of the actions taken by have the best possible intelligence, our first to defend our right to exercise our this House as recently as August 2007. President and our policymakers, so oversight responsibilities as a coequal The language of the majority party’s they can do the best possible job to branch of government. Those in this bill places burdens on the intelligence protect the American people. But no body certainly have the prerogative to community which have nothing to do President, Democrat or Republican, pursue a different course concerning with the protection of civil liberties of should have the authority, to have in- our national security policy. However, Americans. herent authority, to collect on Ameri- based upon Admiral McConnell’s exper- As a matter of law, the FISA appeals cans without doing so under the law.’’ tise and service in the last two admin- court set the record straight in its de- Let me point out there is absolutely istrations, one Democrat and one Re- cision of In Re Seals by stating that all nothing in the Protect America Act publican, I would suggest that those courts, to have addressed the issue of which would allow the President to who seek substantive changes in what the President’s inherent authority, target Americans or U.S. persons out- he has told us to be necessary should have ‘‘held that the President did have side of the law. The Protect America face a heavy burden of proof. inherent authority to conduct Act did nothing to change this aspect This burden of overcoming the ex- warrantless searches to obtain foreign of law which has existed since 1978. The pressed needs of our intelligence com- intelligence information.’’ Not some problem addressed by the soon-to-ex- munity should be considered all the courts, not a court, not just the FISA pire Protect America Act related to more difficult in light of the fact that appeal courts, but all Federal courts changes in technology which led to the impact of the Protect America Act have so found. Nothing does or could gaps in our ability to listen in on con- on the privacy rights of Americans is alter the President’s inherent author- versations by foreign terrorists outside itself de minimis. There are two things ity under the Constitution. So it’s not the U.S. This stifling of the capability I would hope we would keep in mind: pertinent to this debate. of our Nation’s intelligence community First, if the intelligence community And finally, the Speaker made the was unrelated to any other consider- targets someone inside the United assertion that the majority party’s bill ations envisioned by the Foreign Intel- States, they must first obtain a court protects Americans by providing the ligence Surveillance Act in 1978. order from the FISA Court under the Director of National Intelligence with In short, the definition of ‘‘electronic law that we passed in August, con- the flexibility he has requested to con- surveillance’’ constructed almost 28 tinuing what has been the case before. duct electronic surveillance of persons years ago has not kept pace with Secondly, if the intelligence commu- outside the United States.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:36 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H17JA8.001 H17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 Now, this is the most puzzling of all. threat over the next 3 years. And let one concerned, and I hope that is ev- Why would Admiral McConnell be me just parenthetically mention the erybody, about the protection of civil happy with legislation which has the reason why it’s limited to 3 years is liberties should be most alarmed about effect of replacing what he sought as that is the limit of the NIE’s reach. the potential consequences of a suc- recently as August of this last year? If The main threat comes from Islamic cessful terrorist attack on the United the claim were true, it would in es- terrorist groups and cells, especially al States with weapons of mass destruc- sence place Admiral McConnell in the Qaeda. Al Qaeda continues to coordi- tion. This is the real threat to civil lib- position of opposing himself. However, nate with regional terrorist groups erties acknowledged by the U.S. Su- it’s not necessary to engage in specula- such as al Qaeda in Iraq, across North preme Court in the Keith case when tion because the admiral has been the Africa, and other regions. Al Qaeda is they noted that were the government, most vocal defender of the agreement likely to continue to focus on promi- that is the U.S. Government, to fail reached by Congress in August. In fact, nent political, economic, and infra- ‘‘to preserve the security of its people, this is what he said to the Judiciary structure targets with a goal of pro- society itself would become so dis- Committee of the other body: ducing mass casualties, visually dra- ordered that all rights and liberties ‘‘The Protect America Act, passed by matic destruction, significant eco- would be endangered.’’ the Congress and signed into law by nomic aftershock, and fear among the In like manner, Brian Jenkins notes the President on August 5, 2007, has al- United States population. that several national commissions con- ready made the Nation safer by allow- b 1600 vened both before and after 9/11 reached ing the intelligence community to the same conclusion. All agreed ‘‘that close existing gaps in our foreign intel- These terrorists are weapons-pro- the United States has to prepare for ca- ligence collection.’’ He goes on: ‘‘After ficient, they are innovative, and they tastrophe.’’ They also warn that ‘‘na- the Protect America Act was signed, are persistent. Al Qaeda will continue tional panic in the face of such threats we took immediate action to close crit- to seek to acquire chemical, biological, could imperil civil liberties.’’ radiological, and nuclear material for ical foreign intelligence gaps related to Finally, Mr. Speaker, the 9/11 Com- attack, and they will use them, given the terrorist threat, particularly the mission itself issued the following ob- the opportunity. preeminent threats to our national se- servation concerning the relationship Now this is the threat we face today, curity.’’ between national security and civil lib- and one that our intelligence commu- It sure sounds like an endorsement to erties: ‘‘The choice between security nity is challenged to counter. This is me. As a matter of fact, it suggests and liberty is a false choice, as nothing the real issue. This is the 800-pound go- that if we get rid of the provisions of is more likely to endanger America’s rilla in the room, if you will, and it re- the Protect America Act, as suggested liberty than the success of a terrorist mains the central question for us. How by the majority, that we would be attack at home.’’ do we best protect the American people opening up the foreign intelligence Mr. Speaker, there’s nothing more from another cataclysmic attack? As gaps that we had previously closed. important for us to confront than the the National Intelligence Estimate Why anyone would think the admiral expiration of the existing FISA law on makes clear, those who seek to kill us would support legislation which would February 1 of this year. I would beg us, continue in their resolve to once again do this is a puzzle, to say the least. as a collective body, both the House inflict mass casualties upon our Na- Now, why is all this so important? and the Senate, to come together to tion. The threat is still here. Although The manner in which we approach work out an answer to this problem, we have been successful in thwarting FISA is of such critical importance be- and respond to the request by Admiral another attack since 9/11, there are no cause of its direct connection with the McConnell for us to continue to give guarantees in this business. larger question of homeland security. I him those tools necessary to gather think we ought to do whatever is nec- Independent sources such as Brian Jenkins of the Rand Corporation have that information so that we cannot essary and is constitutional and lawful only know what the terrorists want to to prevent another attack against our stressed that our intelligence capability is a key element in our effort to do, but to allow us to take timely ac- homeland, but we should not put our- tion to prevent them from succeeding. selves in the position of having to get protect our homeland. He says this: in it right every time. Perfection is not the terror attacks since 9/11, we have A COLD WAR ERA STATUTE IN A WORLD OF WMDS possible in this world. Overseas intel- seen combinations of local conspiracies The changes made by the Protect America ligence collection is absolutely a crit- inspired by, assisted by, guided by al Act responded to the needs of our intelligence ical component to developing a suc- Qaeda’s central leadership. It is essen- community. That act meets our national secu- cessful homeland security strategy. tial that while protecting the basic rity needs without in any way departing from The relationship between foreign in- rights of American citizens, we find the framework of the original FISA statute. At telligence and the protection of our ways to facilitate the collection and the time of the adoption of the 1978 act, our homeland is very real. Here’s how Ad- exchange of intelligence across na- Nation was in the midst of a cold war with the miral McConnell explained it to our tional and bureaucratic borders. Soviet Union. FISA was designed to accom- committee: Again, the development of a commodate the need to intercept overseas com- ‘‘In the debate over the summer and prehensive homeland security strategy munications without prior court approval. The since, I have heard individuals from cannot be conceived in isolation from failure to capture such communications—in- both inside and outside the government the need for surveillance of terrorists cluding those coming into the United States— assert that threats to our Nation do overseas. The Director of National In- was recognized as potentially damaging to our not justify this authority,’’ that is, the telligence has told us what he needs national security. authority he asked for. ‘‘Indeed, I have and, unfortunately, that is not encom- Now, 29 years later, our adversary operates been accused of exaggerating the passed by the RESTORE Act, which undeterred by balance of power calculation, threats that face our Nation. Allow me passed this body in November. The ex- and its surreptitious means of operation are to attempt to dispel this notion. The piration of the Protect America Act on conceived with the express purpose of avoid- threats that we face are real and they February 1 will leave us without the ing detection in order to succeed in killing in- are indeed serious. In July of this year, minimum acceptable threshold of pro- nocent civilians. Can anyone seriously suggest we released a National Intelligence Es- tection negotiated with Admiral that there is not an equally compelling need to timate, commonly referred to as an McConnell last August. uncover the plans of these murderers, regard- NIE, on the terrorist threat to the The gravity of the potentially cata- less of the intended destination of the call? I homeland . . . ’’ clysmic consequences of a failure to don’t think so, and believe that it would be a In short, these assessments conclude get it right presents a threat not only serious error to move away from a rationale the following: The United States will to our national security but the protec- that remains as valid today, if not more so face a persistent and evolving terrorist tion of our rights as Americans. Any- than it did in 1978.

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PAKISTAN AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE NEED FOR INTEL spread butter across America very but in the course of a 50 or $100 billion In this regard, is there anyone who has thinly in the hopes that somehow it stimulus package, it is actually a very been following events in Pakistan who does will help the economy blossom. small amount of money. It can make a not have an appreciation for the need for the We need to target our strategies so big difference for people to make their greatest flexibility in our foreign intelligence that it will be really driving economic homes more weather efficient. They re- collection. Although I am sure that we all hope growth in the United States and, im- duce their energy costs. At the same for an outcome in Pakistan which entails sta- portantly, make sure that that eco- time, we are putting people back to bility and democratic elections, our national nomic growth takes place in the United work who are being laid of in the con- security policy cannot be based upon hope. States. It won’t do us much good to struction industry. This is really a This is a nation with nuclear weapons and a just short of spread a thin layer of re- golden opportunity for us. It’s the first segment of the population which subscribes to lief, because a lot of that would end up thing we’d propose. radical Islamic ideologies. We need the best buying products from China, frankly. The second thing we’d like to propose foreign intelligence possible to ensure that if We want to look for targeted stim- is that we stop the hemorrhaging that the unthinkable was ever to happen that we ulus that will really help the growth in is going on right now in the renewable are in the best possible position to detect any the American economy and create jobs energy industry. Now, we allowed, in a potential transfer of nuclear materials or a in America. If we have a choice be- huge failure by our Congress, frankly, WMD that could end up in the hands of terror- tween two activities, one of which the lapse of some tax incentives which ists positioned in the United States. Good for- would be simply to allow buying retail have created thousands of jobs in this eign intelligence is essential to the protection products from China, and one which country in the renewable energy indus- of the American people. would really grow jobs in America, we try. Those lapsed this past December, should pick the latter. f essentially. Any project that is not A group of my colleagues and myself done this year would not be able to OPTIONS FOR STIMULATING THE want to make a proposal that will en- take advantage of them. We have U.S. ECONOMY THROUGH EFFI- sure that we target some of the stim- projects right now that are just crying CIENCY AND CLEAN ENERGY ulus into a clean energy future for out for this tax relief as an incentive in America that really grows jobs in this The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the wind industry, in the solar energy country and doesn’t simply buy retail YARMUTH). Under the Speaker’s an- industry, and several of the other re- products from China. So we are going nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the newable energy industries. to make a proposal that will suggest gentleman from Washington (Mr. INS- Because those tax credits lapsed, and that we adopt some measures that in a LEE) is recognized for 60 minutes as the I just got off the phone this afternoon very timely fashion can inject growth designee of the majority leader. with a leader in the solar energy indus- into the American economy this year Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I come to try who told us we are already seeing a and will ensure that we target that the House floor today to address the decline already in the number of orders strategy to the development of clean two issues that we have a chance to for some of these renewable energy in- energy jobs, and I want to talk about really move forward on, and that is the dustry projects, and that is a terrible some of the things that can accomplish difficulties in our economy and the dif- mistake at the very moment where we ficulties in our energy policy; and we that in our stimulus package. The first thing that we will propose need to stimulate growth, and we know think we have an opportunity, and I is a very down-to-Earth, extremely we need to do it in these advanced en- met this afternoon with a good number commonsense expansion of an existing ergy growth segments of our economy. of my colleagues about how to do program that helps low-income Ameri- So we would propose that we have a something about both, the slow-down cans weatherize their homes. We cur- short-term, a 1-year extension of the in our economy and our need to rejuve- rently have a program that is working production tax credit and the invest- nate our economy by adopting some very well, very efficient, and extremely ment tax credit, which would allow new clean energy strategies for the popular to help Americans put in insu- these industries to again get on the country. We think this is an ideal op- lation, fill in cracks, get energy-effi- growth track that they have been on portunity for the House of Representa- cient windows, essentially just quit with such great success. These indus- tives to lead a short-term plan eco- wasting heat that filters out through tries are tremendously beneficial in nomically to help stimulate our econ- the cracks of our homes. That right creating jobs. They actually create omy, while at the same time directing now is a $250 million program to help twice as many jobs. For every $1 of eco- our economy towards a clean energy Americans do that. nomic growth, they create twice as future which can really grow jobs, mil- We suggest we boost that by $100 mil- many jobs. They are very, very labor lions of jobs in our country. lion this year in a program that can intensive in growing these tech- What the group of my colleagues and immediately put people to work. We nologies. I discussed is the hope that in our up- know we have people that are losing Now, it would be a terrible moment coming stimulus package, which is now their jobs today because the home con- to allow us to go backwards in solar under development, that our stimulus struction industry is slowing down, and wind and other associated tech- package can hew to the values set forth something I am familiar with. My old- nologies. The reason is we are just by Speaker PELOSI of being timely, tar- est son is in the home construction in- starting to lead the world in these geted, and temporary. We think if we dustry, and he is doing okay in Wash- technologies. follow those three guidelines, we can ington State, but we know in other Last Friday was the first commercial do things to help our short-term clean areas, particularly, they have had a shipment of what we call thin cell energy revolution really take off in the real slow-down in the home construc- photovoltaics by the Nano Solar Com- United States. tion industry. pany in Palo Alto, California. Thin cell I have come to the floor to talk We can put those people that are photovoltaics are extremely cost effec- about that night, about some options being laid off back to work in the home tive. It’s a new type of photovoltaic that are available to us. We know that weatherization industry, and we can do cells. People are now familiar with the we want to make sure that our stim- that today if we boost the funding in silicone-based cell. The thin cell photo- ulus package is timely, that it in fact the home weatherization industry. If voltaic cells, as its name suggests, it’s gets into the economy very quickly, we do that, and we have checked with thin, and it can be made with great because that is what we need. This is the Department and it can easily ac- cost advantages. The very first com- not something that can wait 5 years. commodate another $100 million right mercial sale in world history took We need to have a stimulus now. But away so that we can get that work place a week ago last Friday. we also need that stimulus to be tar- being done in the next several months. So we hate to see these break- geted. This is not a moment where it So we are proposing that we add $100 throughs taking place and not see the would be wise for us to simply sort of million. It sounds like a lot of money, possible expansion of their application.

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But if we want propose major investments in clean fices in the Northwest. to stimulate the economy, these pro- technology. She has proposed a major So at the moment we see these tech- posals we have now proposed have the league weatherization program to nologies, we’d hate to see a decline in added advantage of spending money weatherize 20 million homes, and that the orders for these technologies tak- right here. is the scale that we ought to be thinking place, which is now taking place This will happen immediately, and ing about. She has proposed 55 mile per because we allowed these production we know it works, because all of the gallon standards for our cars, and a $50 and investment tax credits to lapse. We things we have proposed have been billion pool of funds to be financed by should simply restore them and renew tested. These are not avant-garde pro- transferring some of the tax benefits them for at least another year, short- posals. These are things we know that that have been given to the oil and gas term relief, and this is very timely if work because they have been in the industry and put it back into the clean we do this, because if we do this, field, we know the economic growth energy industry and create a multi-bil- there’s an immediate, an immediate they have produced, we know they cre- lion dollar fund for the research to ex- demand by people when we know these ate jobs. The weatherization program pand this technology. That is the type tax credits will be available to go out is doing it today. The production in- of thing we need. We appreciate that and order these projects that get these vestment tax credits for several years going on in the Senate, and we are jobs going, putting the pedal to the we know created great growth. The going to continue to push these ideas metal. You don’t have to wait. most rapidly growing part of the econ- in the House. The third thing we would propose is a omy right now has been the wind tur- But let’s start on the stimulus pack- renewal and partial extension of the bine industry, and we hate to see that age. It is one small step for man, solar tax credit for residential homes. slow down, and the same can be said maybe not quite a giant leap for man- That also expired, and it has been his- about the solar industry. kind, but it is commonsense for Ameri- torically limited to $2,000. Frankly, it So we simply want to continue apace cans that we do this. I appreciate my hasn’t cut the mustard. It simply the success we have had, and we are colleagues working with me, LLOYD hasn’t been enough to really get resi- going to urge our colleagues to include DOGGETT, who has been a long time dential customers engaged to get going at least a portion of our proposal in leader on this, TOM UDALL and others. on ordering these products. If we sim- this package. We are going to push this ball. We hope ply renew that for 1 year, we rec- We also want to note that we don’t we are successful. ommend expanding it to $4,000 per con- want to bust the bank on this. The pro- f sumer. If we do that, we are going to posals we have talked about, cumula- LEAVE OF ABSENCE have an immediate burst of orders and tively, if this is a $100 billion stimulus at least continuation of the growth in package, this would be about 1 percent. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- orders in solar, as we have had histori- We are proposing just maybe 1 percent sence was granted to: cally. of the package would include the provi- Mr. BACA (at the request of Mr. Fourth, we propose to essentially ex- sions we have included. If it is $50 bil- HOYER) for today and January 16 on ac- tend the otherwise lapsed consumer lion, it would be 2 percent. So the count of personal business. credit for solar for the same reasons items we have suggested today are rel- Mr. SHERMAN (at the request of Mr. that we just talked about. It just atively modest portions of this pack- HOYER) for today. makes a lot of sense. Fifth, we’d sug- age, but they are very important, be- Mr. VISCLOSKY (at the request of Mr. gest extending the expired energy effi- cause we are going to lose the momen- HOYER) for today on account of legisla- cient credit both for homes and com- tum the United States is starting to tive business in the State. mercial buildings. It makes no sense to develop as a world leader in clean tech- Mr. WU (at the request of Mr. HOYER) have allowed these tax credits to ex- nology. for today on account of attending a fu- pire. When they exist, they create this We have just started to gain that mo- neral. demand for the type of work we talked mentum. We don’t want to give it up. f It would be a shame to see these indus- about in the weatherization program, SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED only it’s larger in its application, be- tries start to plateau just when they cause this is not just low-income peo- are on the growth curve of new techno- By unanimous consent, permission to ple. It’s now the entire United States, logical development. That is not the address the House, following the legis- folks who can take advantage of it. It American way. The American way is to lative program and any special orders creates a demand. It happens imme- innovate, to grow and have a con- heretofore entered, was granted to: diately, because once people know they fidence in our economy and our inven- (The following Members (at the re- are going to be able to have access to tive talents. This is part and parcel of quest of Mr. CROWLEY) to revise and ex- these tax credits, they can go out and that, and in the spirit of the New Apol- tend their remarks and include extra- make the orders right away to get this lo Project, something I have been advo- neous material:) done. cating for a long time, that we should Mr. CROWLEY, for 5 minutes, today. We also hope to propose a Green have the same confidence that Kennedy Mr. MICHAUD, for 5 minutes, today. Fund proposal. Frankly, we are work- had in the original Apollo project that Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. ing on this right now to discuss how we took us to the moon, we ought to have Mr. CUMMINGS, for 5 minutes, today. can create ‘‘green collar jobs’’ in this the same confidence in a clean energy Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. country, and a ‘‘green collar job’’ pro- economy. Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. posal is something we think we ought I am not the only one talking about Mr. SESTAK, for 5 minutes, today. to pursue. this. I was listening to Senator CLIN- Ms. NORTON, for 5 minutes, today. TON talk about this the other day in Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- b 1615 the Senate, about the need for an Apol- utes, today. We want to find a way to do that to lo project. She has made some pro- (The following Members (at the re- make it timely. posals about a stimulus package that quest of Mr. POE) to revise and extend But as a package, these proposals as are very similar to some of the ones we their remarks and include extraneous a package have the capacity to make are proposing in the House. I think material:)

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Mr. BURGESS, for 5 minutes, today. 5010. A letter from the Deputy Director, agreements, other than treaties, entered into Mr. CONAWAY, for 5 minutes, today. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, by the United States, pursuant to 1 U.S.C. transmitting the Corporation’s final rule — 112b; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. f Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Em- 5019. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- ADJOURNMENT ployer Plans; Allocation of Assets in Single- viser for Treaty Affairs, Department of Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for State, transmitting Copies of international Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I move Valuing and Paying Benefits — received Jan- agreements, other than treaties, entered into that the House do now adjourn. uary 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); by the United States, pursuant to 1 U.S.C. The motion was agreed to; accord- to the Committee on Education and Labor. 112b; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. ingly (at 4 o’clock and 20 minutes 5011. A letter from the Acting Deputy As- 5020. A letter from the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, transmitting p.m.), under its previous order, the sistant Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, Department of Justice, transmit- pursuant to the reporting requirements of House adjourned until tomorrow, Fri- ting the Department’s final rule — Defini- Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control day, January 18, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. tion of ‘‘Positional Isomer’’ as It Pertains to Act, as amended, Transmittal No. 08–22, con- f the Control of Schedule I Controlled Sub- cerning the Department of the Army’s pro- stances [Docket No. DEA-260F] (RIN: 1117- posed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, AA94) received January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 Kuwait for defense articles and services; to ETC. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on En- the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 5021. A letter from the Director, Defense Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive ergy and Commerce. 5012. A letter from the Principal Deputy Security Cooperation Agency, transmitting communications were taken from the Associate Administrator, Environmental pursuant to the reporting requirements of Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control 5002. A letter from the Principal Deputy cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Act, as amended, Transmittal No. 08-18 con- Under Secretary for Policy, Department of of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Penn- cerning the Department of the Air Force’s Defense, transmitting the Department’s Fis- sylvania; Revisions to Stage II Requirements proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to cal Year 2007 annual report on the Regional in Allegheny County [EPA-R03-OAR-2006- Saudi Arabia for defense articles and serv- Defense Counterterrorism Fellowship Pro- 1011; FRL-8517-2] received January 10, 2008, ices; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. gram, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2249c; to the pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 5022. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Committee on Armed Services. mittee on Energy and Commerce. Secretary For Export Administration, De- 5003. A letter from the Under Secretary for 5013. A letter from the Principal Deputy partment of Commerce, transmitting the De- Personnel and Readiness, Department of De- Associate Administrator, Environmental partment’s final rule — Revisions to License fense, transmitting An interim report on the Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Exceptions TMP and BAG: Expansion of Eli- activities of a working group tasked with cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation gible Items [Docket No. 071114704-7749-01] identifying the needs of National Guard and of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Mary- (RIN: 0694-AD72) received January 4, 2008, Reserve Members Returning From Deploy- land; Revisions to Stage II Requirements pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- ment In Operation Iraqi Freedom or Oper- [EPA-R03-OAR-2007-0644; FRL-8516-9] re- mittee on Foreign Affairs. 5023. A letter from the Assistant Secretary ation Enduring Freedom, pursuant to Public ceived January 10, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Law 109-364, section 676; to the Committee on 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and transmitting pursuant to Section 620C(c) of Armed Services. Commerce. the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as 5004. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 5014. A letter from the Principal Deputy amended, and in accordance with section of the Navy for Installations and Environ- Associate Administrator, Environmental 1(a)(6) of Executive Order 13313, a report pre- ment, Department of Defense, transmitting Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- pared by the Department of State and the notification of the results of a public-private cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation National Security Council on the progress competition for the administrative support of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indi- toward a negotiated solution of the Cyprus services being performed by civilian employ- ana; Amendments to Lead Rules, Quemetco question covering the period October 1, 2007 ees at the Fleet Readiness Center-East [EPA-R05-OAR-2006-0276; FRL-8508-8] re- through November 30, 2007; to the Committee (Cherry Point), located in Havelock, NC; to ceived January 10, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. on Foreign Affairs. the Committee on Armed Services. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and 5024. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 5005. A letter from the Under Secretary for Commerce. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Personnel and Readiness, Department of De- 5015. A letter from the Principal Deputy transmitting a Report on the U.S. — Viet- fense, transmitting a letter on the approved Associate Administrator, Environmental nam Human Rights Dialogue Meeting, pursu- retirement of Lieutenant General James L. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- ant to Public Law 107-228, section 702; to the Campbell, United States Army, and his ad- cy’s final rule — Transportation Conformity Committee on Foreign Affairs. vancement to the grade of lieutenant general Rule Amendments to Implement Provisions 5025. A letter from the Under Secretary for on the retired list; to the Committee on Contained in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Political Affairs, Department of State, Armed Services. Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity transmitting the Department’s report cov- 5006. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Act: A Legacy for Users [EPA-HQ-OAR-2006- ering current military, diplomatic, political, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, 0612; FRL-8516-6] received January 10, 2008, and economic measures that are being or transmitting the Department’s final rule — pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- have been undertaken to complete our mis- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- mittee on Energy and Commerce. sion in Iraq successfully, pursuant to Public et No. FEMA-8001] received January 4, 2008, 5016. A letter from the Chief of Staff, Media Law 109-163, section 1227; to the Committee pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Bureau, Federal Communications Commis- on Foreign Affairs. mittee on Financial Services. sion, transmitting the Commission’s final 5026. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 5007. A letter from the Chief Counsel, rule — In the Matter of Exclusive Service for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Contracts for Provision of Video Services in transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) and transmitting the Department’s final rule — Multiple Dwelling Units and Other Real Es- 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act, certifi- Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- tate Developments [MB Docket No. 07-51] re- cation regarding the proposed manufacturing et No. FEMA-8003] received January 4, 2008, ceived January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. license agreement for the manufacture of pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and significant military equipment abroad and mittee on Financial Services. Commerce. the export of major defense equipment with 5008. A letter from the Chief Counsel, 5017. A letter from the Director, Inter- the Government of Greece and Israel (Trans- FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, national Cooperation, Department of De- mittal No. DDTC 009-07); to the Committee transmitting the Department’s final rule — fense, transmitting Pursuant to Section 27(f) on Foreign Affairs. Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations of the Arms Export Control Act and Section 5027. A letter from the Assistant Secretary [Docket No. FEMA-B-7750] received January 1(f) of Executive Order 11958, Transmittal No. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to 15-07 informing of an intent to sign a Project transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) and the Committee on Financial Services. Arrangement for the F/A-18 International 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act, certifi- 5009. A letter from the Secretary of the Structure Integrity Program among Aus- cation regarding the proposed agreement for Commission, Federal Communications Com- tralia, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and the the export of major defense equipment with mission, transmitting the Commission’s United States, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2767(f); the Government of Germany (Transmittal final rule — Charges for Certain Disclosures to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. No. DDTC 099-07); to the Committee on For- — received January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 5018. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- eign Affairs. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Fi- viser for Treaty Affairs, Department of 5028. A letter from the Assistant Secretary nancial Services. State, transmitting Copies of international for Legislative Affairs, Department of State,

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A letter from the Acting Chair, Fed- cial Quota Harvested for Connecticut [Dock- agreement for the manufacture of significant eral Subsistence Board, Department of Agri- et No. 061020273-7001-03] (RIN: 0648-XE14) re- military equipment abroad and the export of culture, transmitting the Department’s final ceived January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. major defense equipment with the Govern- rule — Subsistence Management Regulations 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural ment of Sweden and Italy (Transmittal No. for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart C and Resources. DDTC 079-07); to the Committee on Foreign Subpart D-2007-08 Subsistence Taking of 5044. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Affairs. Wildlife Regulations; 2007-08 Subsistence Administrator For Regulatory Programs, 5029. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Taking of Fish on the Kenai Peninsula Regu- NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, lations (RIN: 1018-AU15) received December Administration, transmitting the Adminis- transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) of the 20, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to tration’s final rule — Pacific Halibut Fish- Arms Export Control Act, certification of a the Committee on Natural Resources. eries; Subsistence Fishing; Correction [Dock- proposed technical assistance agreement for 5037. A letter from the Acting Assistant Di- et No. 070913514-7517-01] (RIN: 0648-AW04) re- the export of technical data, defense services rector — International Affairs, Department ceived January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and defense articles to the Government of of the Interior, transmitting the Depart- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural South Korea (Transmittal No. DDTC 066-07); ment’s final rule — Endangered and Threat- Resources. to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. ened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to List 5045. A letter from the Deputy Assistant 5030. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Six Foreign Birds as Endangered [FWS-R1- Administrator For Regulatory Programs, for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, JA-2008-007] [96100-1671-000] (RIN: 1018-AT62) NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) of the received January 11, 2008, pursuant to 5 Administration, transmitting the Adminis- Arms Export Control Act, certification of a U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Nat- tration’s final rule — Fisheries of the Exclu- proposed license for the export of defense ar- ural Resources. sive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea ticles or defense services to the Government 5038. A letter from the Assistant Secretary and Aleutian Islands; 2008 Final Harvest of Iraq (Transmittal No. DDTC 118-07); to the for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of Specifications for Groundfish [Docket No. Committee on Foreign Affairs. the Interior, transmitting the Department’s 070213033-7033-01] (RIN: 0648-XD68) received 5031. A letter from the Assistant Secretary final rule — Endangered and Threatened January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural transmitting the annual inventory of U.S. Habitat for Arenaria ursina (Bear Valley Resources. Government-sponsored international ex- Sandwort), Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray In- 5046. A letter from the Principal Deputy changes and training programs, as well as dian Paintbrush), and Eriogonum kennedyi Assistant Attorney General, Department of the FY 2006 report on the activities of the var. austromontanum (Southern Mountain Justice, transmitting the report on the Ad- Interagency Working Group on U.S. Govern- Wild-Buckwheat) (RIN: 1018-AU80) received ministration of the Foreign Agents Registra- ment-Sponsored International Exchanges December 20, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tion Act for the six months ending December and Training (IAWG), pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural 31, 2006, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 621; to the 2460(f) and (g); to the Committee on Foreign Resources. Committee on the Judiciary. Affairs. 5039. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 5047. A letter from the Principal Deputy 5032. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of Assistant Attorney General, Department of ment of the Treasury, transmitting as re- the Interior, transmitting the Department’s Justice, transmitting the 2007 Annual Report quired by section 401(c) of the National final rule — Endangered and Threatened of the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and sec- Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critial pursuant to Public Law 109-162, section 1174; tion 204(c) of the International Economic Habitat for the San Diego Fairy Shrimp to the Committee on the Judiciary. Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), and pursuant (Branchinecta sandiegoensis) (RIN: 1018- 5048. A letter from the Chief, Publications to Executive Order 13313 of July 31, 2003, a AV37) received December 20, 2007, pursuant and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, six-month periodic report on the national to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on transmitting the Service’s final rule — Re- emergency with respect to the risk of nu- Natural Resources. duction of foreign tax credit limitation cat- clear proliferation created by the accumula- 5040. A letter from the Assistant Secretary egories under section 904(d) [TD 9368] (RIN: tion of weapons-usable fissile material in the for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of 1545-BG55) received December 21, 2008, pursu- territory of the Russian Federation that was the Interior, transmitting the Department’s ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee declared in Executive Order 13159 of June 21, final rule — Endangered and Threatened on Ways and Means. 2000; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of 5049. A letter from the Chief, Publications 5033. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Critical Habitat for the Coastal California and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue ment of the Treasury, transmitting as re- Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule quired by section 401(c) of the National californica) (RIN: 1018-AV38) received De- — Allocation of Prepaid Qualified Mortgage Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and sec- cember 20, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Insurance Premiums for 2007 [Notice 2008-15] tion 204(c) of the International Emergency 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural received January 14, 2008, pursuant to 5 Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), and Resources. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on pursuant to Executive Order 13313 of July 31, 5041. A letter from the Acting Director Of- Ways and Means. 2003, a six-month periodic report of the na- fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- 5050. A letter from the Program Manager, tional emergency with respect to the West- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- Department of Health and Human Services, ern Balkans that was declared in Executive tion, transmitting the Administration’s final transmitting the Department’s final rule — Order 13219 of June 26, 2001; to the Com- rule — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Medicaid Program; Elimination of Reim- mittee on Foreign Affairs. Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific bursement under Medicaid for School Ad- 5034. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Speci- ministration Expenditures and Costs Related ment of the Treasury, transmitting as re- fications and Management Measures; to Transportation of School-Age Children be- quired by section 401(c) of the National Inseason Adjustments [Docket No. 060824226- tween Home and School [CMS-2287-F] (RIN: Emergency Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 6322-02] (RIN: 0648-AW27) received January 4, 0938-AF13) received December 3, 2007, pursu- 204(c) of the International Emergency Eco- 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); jointly to the nomic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), and pur- Committee on Natural Resources. Committees on Energy and Commerce and suant to Executive Order 13313 of July 31, 5042. A letter from the Acting Director Of- Ways and Means. 2003, a six-month periodic report on the na- fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- f tional emergency with respect to terrorists tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- who threaten to disrupt the Middle East tion, transmitting the Administration’s final REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON peace process that was declared in Executive rule — Fisheries of the Northeastern United PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Order 12947 of January 23, 1995; to the Com- States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Commer- Under clause 2 of the rule XIII, re- mittee on Foreign Affairs. cial Quota Harvested for New York [Docket ports of committees were delivered to 5035. A letter from the Principal Deputy No. 061109296-7009-02] (RIN: 0648-XD64) re- Associate Administrator, Environmental ceived January 4, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. the Clerk for printing and reference to Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural the proper calendar, as follows: cy’s final rule — Acquisition Regulation: Resources. Mr. RAHALL: Committee on Natural Re- Guidance on Use of Award Term Incentives; 5043. A letter from the Acting Director Of- sources. H.R. 664. A bill to amend the Water Administrative Amendments [Docket ID No. fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- Desalination Act of 1996 to authorize the EPA-HQ-OARM-2003-0001; FRL-8575-8] (RIN: tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- Secretary of the Interior to assist in re- 2030-AA89) received January 10, 2008, pursu- tion, transmitting the Administration’s final search and development, environmental and

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feasibility studies, and preliminary engineer- BROWN of Florida, Mr. DAVIS of Illi- By Mr. COSTA: ing for the Municipal Water District of Or- nois, Mr. FILNER, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. H.R. 5041. A bill to suspend temporarily the ange County, California, Dana Point Desali- LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. NORTON, Mr. duty on Fenhexamid; to the Committee on nation Project located at Dana Point, Cali- PAYNE, Mr. RANGEL, and Mr. STARK): Ways and Means. fornia (Rept. 110–511, Pt. 1). Ordered to be H.R. 5035. A bill to amend the Controlled By Mr. COSTA: printed. Substances Act and the Controlled Sub- H.R. 5042. A bill to suspend temporarily the duty on Belt & Synapse; to the Committee DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE stances Import and Export Act to eliminate on Ways and Means. Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the increased penalties for cocaine offenses where the cocaine involved is cocaine base, By Mr. COSTA: Committee on Science and Technology to eliminate minimum mandatory penalties H.R. 5043. A bill to extend the temporary discharged from further consideration. for offenses involving cocaine, to use the re- suspension of duty on Phenmedipham; to the H.R. 664 referred to the Committee of sulting savings to provide drug treatment Committee on Ways and Means. the Whole House on the State of the and diversion programs for cocaine users, By Mr. COSTA: Union. and for other purposes; to the Committee on H.R. 5044. A bill to extend the temporary the Judiciary, and in addition to the Com- suspension of duty on Propiconazole; to the f mittee on Energy and Commerce, for a pe- Committee on Ways and Means. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS riod to be subsequently determined by the By Mr. COSTA: H.R. 5045. A bill to extend the temporary Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- suspension of duty on Previcur; to the Com- bills and resolutions were introduced tion of the committee concerned. mittee on Ways and Means. ˜ and severally referred, as follows: By Mr. HOLT (for himself, Mr. TOM By Mr. FORTUNO: H.R. 5046. A bill to amend the Military By Mr. REYNOLDS (for himself, Mr. DAVIS of Virginia, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. Construction Authorization Act, 1974 to re- HERGER, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsyl- EMANUEL, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. LEWIS of peal the limitation on the authorized uses of vania, Mr. WELLER, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. Georgia, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, the former bombardment area on the island TIBERI, Mr. WALSH of New York, Mr. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. of Culebra and the prohibition on Federal FOSSELLA, Mr. KUHL of New York, GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. Government responsibility for decontamina- Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. BILI- ABERCROMBIE, Mr. INSLEE, Ms. BALD- tion of the area; to the Committee on Armed RAKIS, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, WIN, Mr. FARR, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. Services. Mr. GERLACH, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. HONDA, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: CULBERSON, Mr. MILLER of Florida, BLUMENAUER, Mr. HARE, Mr. H.R. 5047. A bill to suspend temporarily the Mr. CAMPBELL of California, Mrs. LOEBSACK, Mr. SIRES, Mr. FRANK of duty on Bismuth Subsalicylate; to the Com- BONO MACK, Mr. TERRY, Mrs. DRAKE, Massachusetts, Mr. WEINER, Mr. BER- mittee on Ways and Means. Mr. WALBERG, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. MAN, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: SESSIONS, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mrs. GRIJALVA, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 5048. A bill to suspend temporarily the MUSGRAVE, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. OLVER, Mr. FATTAH, duty on Acetoacetamide; to the Committee WALDEN of Oregon, Mr. MCCARTHY of Mr. DOYLE, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. WATSON, on Ways and Means. California, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: Mr. KING of New York, Mr. MCHUGH, and Mr. CROWLEY): H.R. 5049. A bill to suspend temporarily the Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. H.R. 5036. A bill to direct the Adminis- duty on 5-Ethyl-2-methylpyridine; to the BRADY of Texas, and Mr. HUNTER): trator of General Services to reimburse cer- Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 5031. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- tain jurisdictions for the costs of obtaining By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: enue Code of 1986 to extend relief from the paper ballot voting systems for the general H.R. 5050. A bill to suspend temporarily the alternative minimum tax; to the Committee elections for Federal office to be held in No- duty on squaric acid; to the Committee on on Ways and Means. vember 2008, to reimburse jurisdictions for Ways and Means. By Mr. JORDAN (for himself, Mr. STU- the costs incurred in conducting audits or By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: PAK, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. hand counting of the results of the general H.R. 5051. A bill to suspend temporarily the FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. MCHENRY, elections for Federal office to be held in No- duty on N,N-Dimethylacetoacetamide; to the Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. vember 2008, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. WALBERG, Mr. SALI, Mr. WELDON of Committee on House Administration, and in By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: Florida, Mr. MCCARTHY of California, addition to the Committee on Science and H.R. 5052. A bill to suspend temporarily the Mr. HENSARLING, Mrs. MCMORRIS Technology, for a period to be subsequently duty on certain mixtures of N,N- RODGERS, and Mrs. BACHMANN): determined by the Speaker, in each case for Dimethylacetoacetamide; to the Committee H.R. 5032. A bill to ensure that women consideration of such provisions as fall with- on Ways and Means. seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound in the jurisdiction of the committee con- By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: and the opportunity to review the ultrasound cerned. H.R. 5053. A bill to suspend temporarily the before giving informed consent to receive an By Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself and Mr. duty on Chlorodimethylacetoacetamide; to abortion; to the Committee on Energy and HAYES): the Committee on Ways and Means. Commerce. H.R. 5037. A bill to require offices of the By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: By Mr. LIPINSKI: legislative branch to meet a threshold for H.R. 5054. A bill to suspend temporarily the H.R. 5033. A bill to amend the Public participation by small business concerns duty on Polyphenolcyanate; to the Com- Health Service Act to provide for the public owned and controlled by veterans with serv- mittee on Ways and Means. disclosure of charges for certain hospital and ice-connected disabilities in procurement By Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey: ambulatory surgical center services and contracts entered into by such offices, and H.R. 5055. A bill to suspend temporarily the drugs; to the Committee on Energy and Com- for other purposes; to the Committee on duty on certain mixtures of N,N- merce. House Administration. Dimethylacetoacetamide; to the Committee By Mr. MCNERNEY: By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mr. on Ways and Means. H.R. 5034. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, EMANUEL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. By Ms. LEE (for herself, Ms. WOOLSEY, United States Code, to extend the time peri- BECERRA, Mr. NADLER, Ms. ZOE Ms. WATERS, Mr. OLVER, Ms. NORTON, ods of for the use of educational assistance LOFGREN of California, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. KUCINICH, and Mr. HINCHEY): benefits to which certain veterans and mem- Mr. COHEN, Mr. HOLT, Mr. HONDA, Ms. H.R. 5056. A bill to provide for the appoint- bers of the reserve components are entitled KILPATRICK, and Ms. MOORE of Wis- ment of a high-level United States represent- under such titles; to the Committee on consin): ative or special envoy for Iran for the pur- Armed Services, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 5038. A bill to amend title 18, United pose of easing tensions and normalizing rela- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to States Code, to prevent the election practice tions between the United States and Iran; to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, known as caging, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. in each case for consideration of such provi- the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Mr. COSTA: herself, Mr. CONYERS, and Mr. SMITH committee concerned. H.R. 5039. A bill to suspend temporarily the of Texas): By Mr. SCOTT of Virginia (for himself, duty on 1,2,4 Triazole; to the Committee on H.R. 5057. A bill to reauthorize the Debbie Mr. CONYERS, Mr. NADLER, Ms. ZOE Ways and Means. Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program; to the LOFGREN of California, Ms. JACKSON- By Mr. COSTA: Committee on the Judiciary. LEE of Texas, Ms. WATERS, Mr. H.R. 5040. A bill to suspend temporarily the By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. INS- COHEN, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. duty on Fluopicolide; to the Committee on LEE, Mr. HINCHEY, and Mr. LARSON of GUTIERREZ, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. CORRINE Ways and Means. Connecticut):

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H.R. 5058. A bill to prohibit the Secretary United States and India; to the Committee H.R. 1407: Mr. AKIN. of the Interior from selling any oil and gas on Ways and Means. H.R. 1419: Mr. GOODLATTE. lease for any tract in the Lease Sale 193 Area By Ms. FOXX (for herself and Mr. H.R. 1428: Mr. MCINTYRE. of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Re- COBLE): H.R. 1435: Mrs. LOWEY. gion until the Secretary determines whether H. Res. 929. A resolution commending the H.R. 1497: Mr. GUTIERREZ. to list the polar bear as a threatened species Appalachian State University Mountaineers H.R. 1553: Mr. SERRANO, Mr. RAMSTAD, and or an endangered species under the Endan- for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Ath- MS. WOOLSEY. gered Species Act of 1973, and for other pur- letic Association Division I Football Cham- H.R. 1609: Mr. GOODLATTE and Mr. GUTIER- poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- pionship Subdivision (formerly Division I- REZ. sources. AA) title; to the Committee on Education H.R. 1610: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, By Mr. MCDERMOTT: and Labor. Mr. ROSKAM, and Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 5059. A bill to amend the African By Mr. BAIRD (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1621: Mr. FERGUSON. Growth and Opportunity Act with respect to ENGLISH of Pennsylvania): H.R. 1673: Mr. JORDAN and Ms. RICHARDSON. lesser developed countries; to the Committee H. Res. 930. A resolution supporting the H.R. 1778: Mr. COHEN. on Ways and Means. goals and ideals of ‘‘Career and Technical H.R. 1843: Mr. SALI and Mr. DOYLE. By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Education Month’’; to the Committee on H.R. 1845: Mrs. CUBIN. fornia (for herself, Mr. DELAHUNT, Education and Labor. H.R. 1881: Mr. WOLF and Mr. KIND. Mr. ENGEL, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of By Mr. FEENEY (for himself, Mr. H.R. 1947: Mr. SESTAK, Mr. COHEN, and Ms. Texas, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. MICA, Mr. KELLER, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ- WOOLSEY. H.R. 2040: Mr. WEXLER, Mr. HOLT, and Mr. COBLE, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. BALART of Florida, Mr. MARIO DIAZ- HONDA. PASCRELL, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New BALART of Florida, Ms. CORRINE H.R. 2049: Ms. SUTTON. York, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. PERLMUTTER, BROWN of Florida, Mr. BOYD of Flor- H.R. 2131: Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. BECERRA, Mr. BISHOP of New ida, Mr. MAHONEY of Florida, Mr. H.R. 2212: Mr. SERRANO. York, and Mr. SERRANO): MEEK of Florida, Mr. WELDON of Flor- H.R. 2220: Mr. MANZULLO. H.R. 5060. A bill to amend the Immigration ida, and Mr. STEARNS): H.R. 2267: Mr. ALTMIRE. and Nationality Act to allow athletes admit- H. Res. 931. A resolution expressing support H.R. 2290: Mr. MELANCON. ted as nonimmigrants described in section for designation of February 17, 2008, as ‘‘Race H.R. 2353: Mr. ALTMIRE. 101(a)(15)(P) of such Act to renew their pe- Day in America’’ and highlighting the 50th H.R. 2379: Mr. SIRES. riod of authorized admission in 5-year incre- running of the Daytona 500; to the Com- H.R. 2464: Mr. SESTAK and Ms. WOOLSEY. ments; to the Committee on the Judiciary. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- H.R. 2473: Mr. MICHAUD. By Mr. SESTAK: form. H.R. 2478: Mr. KUCINICH and Mr. MARKEY. H.R. 5061. A bill to suspend temporarily the By Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 2564: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. duty on Oryzalin; to the Committee on Ways fornia (for herself, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. H.R. 2634: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. and Means. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. H.R. 2734: Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. By Mr. SESTAK: MCKEON, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. TERRY, and Mr. BROUN of Georgia. H.R. 5062. A bill to suspend temporarily the BOUSTANY, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- H.R. 2744: Mr. KAGEN, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. duty on lambda-cyhalothrin; to the Com- vania, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. CASTLE, Mr. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. BEAN, Ms. WATSON, mittee on Ways and Means. CONYERS, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. Mr. COURTNEY, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, and By Mr. SESTAK: DELAURO, Mr. FARR, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. H.R. 5063. A bill to extend the temporary Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. HOLT, Mr. HONDA, H.R. 2802: Mr. SESTAK. suspension of duty on Acephate; to the Com- Mr. KAGEN, Mr. KELLER, Mr. KILDEE, H.R. 2862: Mr. EHLERS. mittee on Ways and Means. Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. H.R. 2915: Ms. SOLIS and Mr. CLAY. LANGEVIN, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. By Mr. SESTAK: H.R. 2923: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. MARCHANT, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- H.R. 5064. A bill to extend the temporary H.R. 2927: Mr. PEARCE and Mr. FORBES. nesota, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. ORTIZ, suspension of duty on Ziram; to the Com- H.R. 2942: Mr. HARE. Mr. PAYNE, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. mittee on Ways and Means. H.R. 2964: Mr. SESTAK. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- By Mr. SESTAK: H.R. 3001: Ms. SOLIS. ginia, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. H.R. 5065. A bill to extend the temporary H.R. 3008: Mr. HINOJOSA. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Ms. WATSON, and suspension of duty on Cypermenthrin; to the H.R. 3132: Mr. SPACE. Ms. SOLIS): Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 3176: Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. H. Res. 932. A resolution expressing support By Mr. SESTAK: H.R. 3229: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. HINCHEY, for designation of the week of February 4 H.R. 5066. A bill to extend the temporary Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. BEAN, and Ms. HOOLEY. through February 8, 2008 as ‘‘National School suspension of duty on mixtures of H.R. 3232: Ms. BEAN, Mr. BOUSTANY, and Counseling Week’’; to the Committee on thiophanate methyl and application adju- Mr. HERGER. Education and Labor. vants; to the Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 3289: Mr. HARE. By Mr. SESTAK: f H.R. 3291: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- H.R. 5067. A bill to extend the temporary ADDITIONAL SPONSORS ida. suspension of duty on thiophanate methyl; H.R. 3304: Mr. GOODE. to the Committee on Ways and Means. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 3363: Mr. MARSHALL and Mr. ROGERS By Mr. SESTAK: were added to public bills and resolu- of Michigan. H.R. 5068. A bill to extend the temporary tions as follows: H.R. 3438: Mr. SESTAK. suspension of duty on asulam sodium salt; to H.R. 3439: Mr. SPACE and Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 82: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. the Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 3464: Mr. ALLEN and Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 248: Mr. KUHL of New York. By Mr. VISCLOSKY (for himself, Mr. H.R. 3532: Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. LINDER, Mr. H.R. 460: Mr. MCDERMOTT. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. COHEN, Mr. MOL- H.R. 471: Mr. LATOURETTE. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. BISHOP LOHAN, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. PASTOR, H.R. 543: Mr. ABERCROMBIE. of Georgia, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. WESTMORE- Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. MURTHA, and Mr. H.R. 621: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. LAND, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. PRICE of ALLEN): H.R. 624: Mr. SESTAK. Georgia, Mr. BARROW, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, H.R. 5069. A bill to require manufacturers H.R. 657: MS. ZOE LOFGREN of California. and Mr. BROUN of Georgia. to demonstrate sufficient means to cover, for H.R. 891: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Ms. H.R. 3618: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. certain products distributed in commerce, TSONGAS, Mr. HODES, and Ms. NORTON. H.R. 3645: Mr. HINOJOSA. costs of potential recalls, and for other pur- H.R. 1000: Mr. RAHALL, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. H.R. 3660: Mr. COURTNEY and Mr. EVERETT. poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- RICHARDSON, Mr. CANNON, Mr. BURTON of In- H.R. 3691: Mr. WATT. merce, and in addition to the Committee on diana, and Mrs. LOWEY. H.R. 3697: Mrs. CUBIN and Mr. HINOJOSA. Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently H.R. 1032: Ms. WOOLSEY and Mr. BISHOP of H.R. 3698: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts and determined by the Speaker, in each case for Georgia. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. consideration of such provisions as fall with- H.R. 1069: Mr. HONDA. H.R. 3700: Mr. UDALL of Colorado. in the jurisdiction of the committee con- H.R. 1070: Mr. MCINTYRE and Mr. HONDA. H.R. 3726: Mr. KUHL of New York. cerned. H.R. 1073: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- H.R. 3819: Mr. ALTMIRE. By Mr. DREIER (for himself and Mr. ida. H.R. 3903: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. CROWLEY): H.R. 1174: Mr. SHAYS. H.R. 3934: Mr. SMITH of Washington and Mr. H. Res. 928. A resolution expressing the H.R. 1261: Mr. PRICE of Georgia. CANTOR. sense of the House of Representatives with H.R. 1283: Mr. ROTHMAN and Mr. GENE H.R. 3936: Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. LINDER, Mr. respect to the trade relationship between the GREEN of Texas. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. BISHOP

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of Georgia, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. WESTMORE- Mr. SOUDER, Mr. SALI, Mr. BILIRAKIS, and H. Res. 620: Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. FRELING- LAND, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. PRICE of Mrs. SCHMIDT. HUYSEN, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, Georgia, Mr. BARROW, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, H.R. 4934: Mr. ELLISON, Mr. FARR, Mr. and Mr. TOWNS. and Mr. BROUN of Georgia. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. CORRINE H. Res. 821: Mr. TANCREDO. H.R. 3957: Ms. GIFFORDS. BROWN of Florida, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. H. Res. 848: Mr. WOLF and Mr. GENE GREEN H.R. 3987: Ms. MATSUI. DEFAZIO. of Texas. H.R. 4936: Ms. DELAURO, and Mrs. MALONEY H.R. 4008: Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. H. Res. 875: Mr. TOWNS and Mr. WOLF. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. MOORE of Kan- of New York. H.J. Res. 9: Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. H. Res. 887: Mr. RENZI, Mr. WHITFIELD of sas, and Mr. NADLER. H.J. Res. 12: Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Kentucky, and Mr. KING of New York. H.R. 4025: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska and Mr. H.J. Res. 54: Mr. DENT, Mr. MOORE of Kan- H. Res. 897: Mr. ROHRABACHER. BOREN. sas, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. BOUSTANY, and Ms. H. Res. 908: Ms. ESHOO, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, H.R. 4036: Mr. MCCOTTER. FALLIN. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. H.R. 4054: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER and Mr. H.J. Res. 63: Mr. TERRY. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. REICHERT, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. H. Con. Res. 154: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. RENZI, Mr. DONNELLY, and Mr. LANGEVIN. H.R. 4087: Mrs. DRAKE. H. Con. Res. 161: Mr. FILNER. H.R. 4088: Mr. BRADY of Texas. H. Con. Res. 163: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. H. Res. 916: Mr. KAGEN, Mr. MCCAUL of H.R. 4173: Mr. ABERCROMBIE. H. Con. Res. 198: Mr. ROSS, and Mr. FRANK Texas, Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. H.R. 4288: Mr. SMITH of Washington. of Massachusetts. GINGREY, Mr. BAKER, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. H.R. 4460: Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. H. Con. Res. 244: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE CHABOT, Mr. HARE, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. RENZI, H.R. 4462: Mrs. CUBIN. of Florida, Mr. LINDER, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. MCCOTTER, and Mr. H.R. 4464: Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. gia, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. PORTER, Mr. WALDEN of DONNELLY. MCCOTTER, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. WITTMAN of Oregon, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. WAMP, Mrs. H. Res. 917: Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. Virginia, Mr. PITTS, and Mr. SENSEN- DRAKE, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. BARTLETT of Mary- MCNERNEY, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. HONDA, Mr. BRENNER. land, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mrs. MUSGRAVE. KIND, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. DOYLE, H.R. 4498: Mr. TERRY, Mr. KING of New H. Con. Res. 257: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. CLEAVER, and Mr. HINCHEY. H. Con. Res. 267: Mr. HINOJOSA and Mr. PE- York, Mrs. EMERSON, and Mr. SALI. TERSON of Pennsylvania. H.R. 4504: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. H. Con. Res. 280: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. f H.R. 4627: Mr. KUHL of New York and Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. JEF- BILIRAKIS. FERSON, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. KUCINICH, and Mr. H.R. 4838: Ms. SOLIS, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM NADLER. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS MCGOVERN, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Ms. JACKSON-LEE H. Res. 49: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. of Texas, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. JACKSON of Illi- H. Res. 185: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors nois, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. FARR, Mrs. CAPPS, H. Res. 248: Mr. MARKEY and Mr. TOWNS. were deleted from public bills and reso- and Mr. FILNER. H. Res. 339: Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. H.R. 4852: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. FILNER, lutions as follows: PAUL, Mr. RENZI, Mr. HAYES, Mr. BOOZMAN, and Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 760: Mrs. CAPITO.

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HONORING TEMPLE SHOLOM cursor to today’s Onondaga County Legisla- mendous public servant, Robert Gabriel ture. He would eventually be elected as the Shortal of Harrington Park, NJ. From the time HON. JOE SESTAK Legislature’s chairman. In 1987, Nick was that he, his wife, Jackie, and his children OF PENNSYLVANIA elected to the first of five terms as Onondaga moved to this small Bergen County suburb, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County Executive, an office he would hold for the Shortal family has been an integral part of 20 years. this community, raising money for the public li- Thursday, January 17, 2008 When Nick took office in 1987, he was con- brary and founding the Harrington Park Swim Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise before fronted with a number of challenging tasks. Club and more. you today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Onondaga County had a failing trash disposal Bob was born in Kearny, NJ, in 1928. After Temple Sholom in Broomall, Pennsylvania. system and jails that were so severely over- the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Bob convinced Temple Sholom, founded in 1956, is a crowded that the U.S. Justice Department filed his father to allow him to enlist at the young member of the Union for Reform Judaism a remediation order. The county was also age of 16. He served honorably with the Navy, dedicated to the promotion of fundamental faced with the tremendous task of cleaning up stationed on a destroyer in the Atlantic the- Jewish principles. The Temple strives to en- Onondaga Lake after a Federal clean-up order ater. Upon his discharge, he completed his sure the continuity of the Jewish people by was issued. Convention business was stag- education, studying journalism at New York honoring traditions, beliefs and rituals of both nant due to the lack of appropriate facilities University. He worked for United Press Inter- the past and present. It allows members to de- and the future of Syracuse’s Triple-A baseball national, UPI, first as a copy boy and later as velop their spiritual relationship with God and franchise was in jeopardy because of an insuf- a financial reporter. Dedicated to his profes- each other. Temple Sholom also serves to ficient stadium. In addition, Onondaga County sion, Bob joined the Financial Writers Associa- promote a firm sense of identity for its mem- tax payers were feeling the heavy burden of tion and became its president in 1958. bers and employs social activism to improve high Medicaid costs. As his family grew, Bob switched to work in local, national and global communities. Today, as Nick steps down as County Exec- public relations, first at City Service and later Temple Sholom is a Reform Congregation, utive, Onondaga County has a state-of-the-art at RCA, where he remained until his retire- promoting a sense of warmth and openness. trash disposal system and a new county jus- ment in 1985. Upon his retirement, Bob threw Through the practice of inclusion, the Temple tice center, which opened in 1995. A local, his talents and energies into community serv- aids its members throughout their lives and State, and federally-shared $535-million clean ice. He became a certified EMT and became does not exclude individuals regardless of up of Onondaga Lake has been ongoing for a leader with the Harrington Park Ambulance race, religion or sexual orientation. Such diver- the past 10 years. The OnCenter was opened Corps. He has applied his journalist’s skills as sity and heterogeneity within the community in 1992 to increase the success of convention editor of the Harrington Park Newsletter. And, adds to the ever-changing personality of the business and a convention center hotel will he has served his fellow veterans as Com- Temple. begin construction soon. The Syracuse Chiefs mander of American Legion Post 30. Bob is Temple Sholom serves its members beyond have a state-of-the-art baseball stadium that an active member of the Our Lady of Victories religious practice. It also assists individuals was built in 1997. Skyrocketing Medicaid costs Church community and the Knights of Colum- with social, educational and community oppor- have been curbed by instituting a State-wide bus. And, he can often be found working as a tunities. Members adopt the Temple as a price cap that Nick was instrumental in obtain- school crossing guard. place to study, worship and simply interact ing due to his lobbying of State lawmakers for In 1992, Bob was elected to the Borough with others. Opportunities for participation in- change. Council. He has chaired or served on each of clude Preschool through Adult Education pro- Onondaga County in 1987 is vastly different its standing committees until his retirement grams as well as holiday festivals and commu- from Onondaga County in 2007, and a large last year. All the while, Bob and Jackie raised nity service. reason for that is because of the efforts of a lovely family of four children—John Frances, Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in Nick Pirro. For 20 years Nick has been the Mary Judith, Roberta Ann, and Judith Ann. recognizing the 50th anniversary of Temple face of Onondaga County and has been com- Jackie passed away in 1999, but Bob remains Sholom. The openness and warmth of the mitted to doing what was right for the people blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren Temple and its members is highly admirable. he so faithfully served. and a lifetime of memories. It is without doubt that Temple Sholom will, in I thank Nick for his 42 years of serving On- Bob Shortal epitomizes public service. He the future, continue to serve our citizens on ondaga County and recognize his wife Patti has answered the call of his country and his local, national and global levels. and his children Nicholas III and Jessica for community and given of his talents and time f sharing him with us for so many years. While for his neighbors. I join the people of the Bor- Nick is retiring, I know he will continue to be ough of Harrington Park in honoring Bob for IN RECOGNITION OF NICHOLAS J. a fixture in the community and an advocate for his dedication and commitment. PIRRO ON HIS RETIREMENT the people of Onondaga County. I congratu- f late Nick on a job well done and wish him the HON. JAMES T. WALSH best in a well-deserved retirement. We will PASSING OF FORMER DELEGATE OF NEW YORK miss him. MARGARETTE LEACH IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Thursday, January 17, 2008 HON. NICK J. RAHALL II IN HONOR OF THE TREMENDOUS OF WEST VIRGINIA Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, PUBLIC SERVICE OF ROBERT GA- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I rise today with great pride to honor someone BRIEL SHORTAL who is a good friend and for whom I hold Thursday, January 17, 2008 great respect—Mr. Nicholas J. Pirro. For two HON. SCOTT GARRETT Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, West Vir- decades Nick has served as Onondaga Coun- OF NEW JERSEY ginia recently lost an outstanding daughter, ty Executive, and it has been a great honor to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Margarette Leach. Margarette passed away on work with him for so many years. December 23, 2007, but today I rise to cele- Nick began his career in county government Thursday, January 17, 2008 brate a life well lived and to remember with in 1965, when he was elected to the Onon- Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam fondness the accomplishments of a remark- daga County Board of Supervisors, the pre- Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a tre- able woman who, over her many years, was

● 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.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 397 a torchbearer in the arenas of healthcare and ghanistan. This success is a tribute to his life, of Rochester, New York’s Democrat and politics in West Virginia. a life that General Livingston said had ‘‘made Chronicle. The unfortunate news of her passing has more of a difference than 99 percent of the In 1833 the first publication of a new daily brought sadness to so many throughout West people will make in their entire lifetime.’’ newspaper, the Evening Advertiser, was Virginia, including those who did not have the Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant issued. Thirty seven years later, after a series opportunity to meet Mrs. Leach but who have Hill’s wife, Julie Ann, his children, and all his of mergers and name changes, the name come to benefit from her passionate support family, friends, and fellow soldiers of the 218th plate of the Democrat and Chronicle was es- for the field of healthcare. Combat Brigade during this difficult time. Ser- tablished. Margarette, a West Virginia native, was born geant Hill’s death is a reminder of the tremen- From Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Doug- in Goodwill, WV on December 4, 1926. She dous sacrifice so many of our citizen-soldiers las to Kodak and Xerox, as history unfolded in graduated from Beaver High School in 1944 make to protect American families. His life Western New York the Democrat and Chron- and from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in was a testament to the strength and selfless icle was there to cover it. As the publication 1948. She would go on to dedicate her life to dedication so many Americans have for the continued to grow it began reaching historic helping other by serving as a nurse and elect- defense of liberty. We should always remain milestones of its own. In 1884 the Democrat ed official for the next 60 years, 14 of which grateful for their service. and Chronicle published its first Sunday edi- tion. That same year the paper printed a por- she spent as a member of the West Virginia f House of Delegates representing District 15. trait of a woman for the first time. In 1906, the In April of last year, Delegate Leach was HONORING OFFICER KEITH G. first color comic strip was run and in 1978 the paper printed its first articles using a word honored with The Center for Rural Health De- LOCKHART processor that included a video monitor. velopment’s 2007 Rural Health Leadership HON. JOE SESTAK Not only has the Democrat and Chronicle Award. The year 2007 would see another been essential to reporting news and covering OF PENNSYLVANIA honor bestowed on Margarette, when the history, but it has also been an innovator in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Prestera Center for Youth and Families was how the news is delivered. Throughout its his- named after her. She pushed hard for the Thursday, January 17, 2008 tory, the paper has used a wide range of de- Merritt Creek connector from Interstate 64 to Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today livery methods, including the pony express State Route 2 and helped to obtain funding for to honor Officer Keith G. Lockhart on his re- and a pigeon carrier service, and now it the Jenkins Plantation Museum and the Madie tirement on March 31, 2007 from the police serves the community technologically, using Carroll House. She also helped to bring the force after 28 years of dedicated service to the internet, videos, photos, forums, podcasts, bronze statue of Carter G. Woodson to its cur- Ridley Township and Delaware County, Penn- text messages and online newsletters. rent location in Huntington. sylvania. Over the past 175 years, many things about In 2004, Margarette was named a West Vir- Officer Lockhart joined the Ridley Township the Democrat and Chronicle have changed— ginia History Hero, but to those she diligently Police Department in January of 1979 along the name, the cost, the delivery method—but served over the years, she was already a hero with eight other officers. He worked the then the commitment to deliver the news and serve many times over. newly created ‘‘24’’ district of Holmes, Morton, the community has never wavered. I congratu- She will be greatly missed by her family, in and Secane, where he remained for the ma- late the staff at the Democrat and Chronicle, particular her husband of 58 years and their jority of his career. both past and present, on achieving this mile- family, as well as, the community she served During his career, Officer Lockhart received stone, and thank them for their hard work and so faithfully over these many years. My many letters and commendations for his ex- dedicated service. This anniversary should not thoughts and prayers are with the family of emplary police work. He served briefly as a only serve to look back at the Democrat and Chronicle’s history, but it should also be used Margarette Leach. I join with West Virginians corporal and temporary sergeant during his to look forward to the papers future, as it will in honoring her remarkable life and the legacy time as a police officer. she left behind. A lifelong resident of the Leedom Estates continue to serve an essential role in serving the Greater Rochester community. f Section of Ridley Township, Officer Lockhart f IN MEMORY OF SGT. SHAWN has been married to his wife Mary for 19 FITZGERALD HILL years. One of Keith’s hobbies is Delaware IN HONOR OF CHIEF FRANK County history. In 30 years of collecting, Keith GURNARI, 2008 PRESIDENT OF has amassed one of the largest collections of THE BERGEN COUNTY POLICE HON. JOE WILSON Delaware County historical memorabilia, from CHIEFS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA which he has created history websites for both IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ridley Township and Delaware County. He HON. SCOTT GARRETT Thursday, January 17, 2008 now serves the community as historian for OF NEW JERSEY Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam theses websites, and has received hundreds IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of comments of praise for his efforts from the Speaker, on January 2nd of this year, Ser- Thursday, January 17, 2008 geant Shawn Hill of the South Carolina Na- over 12,000 grateful viewers of the sites’ guestbooks. Keith has also written several Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam tional Guard’s 218th Brigade Combat Team Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fine lost his life when his Humvee was struck by a booklets on the history of the area. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in public servant, Frank Gurnari, police chief in roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The community honoring Officer Keith G. Lockhart for the dec- Bogota, New Jersey. Chief Gurnari has served of Wellford, SC, where Seargent. Hill had ades of hard work and selfless dedication the people of Bogota for 30 years, exem- been an all-region football player at Byrnes given to the Police Department and citizens of plifying the honor and pride of the uniform. High School and worked as an electrician Ridley Township and Delaware County, Penn- This weekend, he will be installed as Presi- while serving with the National Guard lost a sylvania. dent of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Asso- fine citizen and friend. ciation, extending his service to other Bergen f Sergeant Hill’s funeral was attended by al- County residents and to his fellow chiefs. most 700 people who came to honor the life HONORING THE 175TH ANNIVER- Upon his graduation from the Bergen Coun- and sacrifice of this brave American. His com- SARY OF THE DEMOCRAT AND ty Police Academy in June 1978, Chief mander in the field, BG Bob Livingston de- CHRONICLE Gurnari was assigned to the Bogota patrol di- scribed Sergeant Hill as someone who ‘‘didn’t vision. Except for a brief assignment to the have to go to Afghanistan, but he went be- HON. JAMES T. WALSH Detective Bureau, Chief Gurnari served with cause he thought it was the right thing to do.’’ OF NEW YORK the patrol division for nearly 20 years. He at- He further noted that it was through the coura- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tained the rank of sergeant in 1988, and was geous and selfless acts of Sergeant Hill and promoted to lieutenant two years later. As lieu- his fellow soldiers that parts of Afghanistan Thursday, January 17, 2008 tenant, he remained in patrol as a Tour Com- that were once considered lawless had be- Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, mander. In June 2000, Chief Gurnari was ap- come peaceful and safe for the citizens of Af- I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary pointed Acting Chief of Police, and just six

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The camaraderie it fosters nets of freedom and the hope of democracy Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam helps local police chiefs protect and serve the should recognize the incredible sacrifice made Speaker, as a member of the House Foreign people of Bergen County and enhances the by the people of Azerbaijan and by free peo- Affairs Committee, I note that January 19 will ple all around the world. safety of the county. Chief Gurnari has earned mark the 18th anniversary of an historic and the respect of his peers and by virtue of his tragic day in the history of the country of Azer- f long and honorable career of service he has baijan. On the night of January 19, 1990, HONORING DETECTIVE SERGEANT earned this position of leadership. 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city RICHARD HOLMES Throughout his honorable career, Chief of Baku and surrounding areas. By the end of Gurnari has received two Honorable Service the next day, more than 130 people had died, HON. JOE SESTAK Awards from the Bogota Police Department 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and 5 OF PENNSYLVANIA and the Chiefs Achievement Award from the were missing. This event is memorialized as Bergen County Police Chiefs Association. I ‘‘Black January,’’ and for the citizens of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commend Chief Gurnari for his lifetime of Republic of Azerbaijan this event left an indel- Thursday, January 17, 2008 service and wish him and his colleagues the ible mark on the minds of all citizens. Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today best for a safe and productive year. Soviet troops entered Azerbaijan under the to honor Detective Sergeant Richard Holmes authority of a state of emergency declared by on his retirement from the Ridley Township f the USSR Supreme Soviet Presidium and Police Department after over 30 years of serv- signed by then President Mikhail Gorbachev. ice to the people of Delaware County, Penn- MRS. NITA GORE’S 80TH BIRTHDAY In the face of growing unrest among the peo- sylvania. ple of Azerbaijan, a national independence Detective Sergeant Holmes began his distin- movement which had gained a strong foot- HON. NICK J. RAHALL II guished career in 1975, and the following year hold, and emerging democratic groups who OF WEST VIRGINIA became one of the first four canine officers for were projected to succeed in an upcoming Ridley Township. He was promoted to cor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Parliament, the Soviet Union sought to ‘‘re- poral in 1988, and became a sergeant in May store order’’ by indiscriminately firing on those Thursday, January 17, 2008 2005. In April 2006, he was promoted to De- peacefully demonstrating in Baku, including tective Sergeant, and served as the Township Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today women and children. The protesters were call- to honor and personally congratulate my dear ing for independence from the Soviet Union Juvenile Officer until his retirement on March friend, Mrs. Nita Gore of Huntington, WV, on and the removal of Communist officials. 31, 2007. her 80th birthday this Friday, January 18, The Soviet incursion in early 1990 was in- During his career, Rich also worked as the 2008. tended to suppress the growing independence Township Arson Investigator and served with Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘‘None de- movement. Instead, it further incited Azer- the Holmes Fire Department, one of six volun- serve better than those who contribute to the baijani nationalism. In the end, Azerbaijan’s teer fire companies serving Ridley Township. amelioration of that form (government).’’ As a pro-Moscow regime grew weaker and by Rich and his wife Darlene live in the Holmes nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, a life-long Demo- 1991, popular pressure led the country to section of the township. crat, and member of Our Lady of Fatima break away from Soviet rule and declare its Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in Church, she has spent a lifetime serving the independence. On August 30, 1991, Azer- honoring Detective Sergeant Rich Holmes for residents of Huntington. Her unwavering dedi- baijan’s Parliament adopted the Declaration on his decades of distinguished service and self- cation to bettering the lives of others is very the Restoration of the State Independence of less dedication to the community of Ridley much appreciated by the people of southern the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October Township. West Virginia. 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State f Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan In her amazing 80 years, she has been a HONORING THE RED CREEK HIGH was approved. November 1991 marked the devoted mother, wife, and friend. At the same SCHOOL BOY’S SOCCER TEAM time she has been a nurse, volunteer, and beginning of international recognition of Azer- public servant and has endlessly battled for baijan’s independence. The United States the betterment of southern West Virginia. I opened an embassy in Baku in March 1992 HON. JAMES T. WALSH agree with Mr. Jefferson. None deserve better and remains committed to aiding Azerbaijan in OF NEW YORK than Mrs. Gore. its transition to democracy and its formation of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an open market economy. Mrs. Gore has spent many years encour- Thursday, January 17, 2008 Some historical observers have noted that aging others to become active in our govern- the violence inflicted on the citizens of Baku Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, ment. She brings an irreplaceable enthusiasm may have been intended to send a message I rise today in tribute to the Red Creek High to her community and the State of West Vir- to other Soviet republics that similar aspira- School Boy’s Soccer Team, 2007 Class C ginia. As her birthday approaches, I wish to tions of nationalism would not be tolerated. In New York State Champions. The Red Creek thank my dear friend, Mrs. Nita Gore, for the the wake of this horrific act and inspired by Mules Boy’s Soccer Team defeated the Mara- extraordinary effort she has put into our State. the strength of the Azerbaijani people’s belief thon Olympians by a score of 3–1, earning Mrs. Nita Gore is a true pillar of the commu- in the principles of democracy, the Republic of Red Creek’s second State soccer champion- nity, whose list of accomplishments far ex- Azerbaijan has maintained its independence ship in 3 years. ceeds her years of service. Her devotion to for over 16 years, despite lingering economic The Red Creek Boy’s Soccer Team has an her family and commitment to her community and social problems from the Soviet era. excellent tradition of athletic achievement. are examples to us all. Southern West Virginia Today, Azerbaijan has developed into a thriv- They have been crowned State champions is lucky to have her. ing country with double digit growth, in large five times, including twice in the last 3 years I salute Mrs. Gore for her 80 years of friend- part due to a freely elected president and par- alone. ship and service, thank her for the contribu- liament, free market reforms led by the energy On behalf of the 25th Congressional District, tions she has made to the city of Huntington sector, and most importantly, no foreign troops I congratulate these young men on their out- and southern West Virginia, and wish her the on its soil. standing athletic achievement and praise head best of health and happiness in the years to The road to independence, sovereignty and coach Don Hartley, and assistant coach David come. territorial integrity for the Azerbaijani people Gregg on their team’s success. I look forward

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 399 to another exciting year when the Mules take for decades unselfishly contributed to improv- egy was to force a fight at Chadds Ford, to the field to defend their title in 2008. ing the quality of life for the people of Gary. where the Americans would have the advan- The team members are: Colton Gregg, Jor- Those individuals who will be recognized as tage. dan Lang, Bryan March, Anthony Roden, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this On September 9, a small portion of British Devin Reese, Eric Stevens, Reis Cunningham, year’s breakfast include: James Baker, Rev- troops marched from Kennett Square as if Steve Deferio, Ryan Fisher, Drew Knox, Alex erend Carrell Cargle, Sr., Eloise Gentry, Jo- they would battle the Americans at Chadds Keeling, Ryan Pudlowski, Anthony Losurdo, seph Nichols, Earl Smith, Jr., and Attorney Ford. However, the majority of British troops Keyan Scutt, Cody Sherman, Ryon Adam, Na- Frederick Work. Additionally, Finis Springer this time marched north to cross the river at a thaniel Gregg, Eli Vitale, Matt Treby, Dan Bur- will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin ford unknown to Washington and his army. nett, Ryan Gould and Juan (Chino) Torres. Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, an award The battle began in the early morning on f given out annually to an outstanding individual September 11. Washington, believing that all of the Gary community. of Howe’s army would fight at Chadds Ford, HONORING SEAN PATRICK Several other individuals will be receiving was unprepared when British troops arrived at ASHCRAFT special recognition as well. Alpha Stewart will the right flank of the American line. He or- be recognized as the first female to serve as dered his troops to take the high ground, near HON. SAM GRAVES Chief of Police in the City of Gary. Also, Bill the Birmingham Friends Meetinghouse to de- OF MISSOURI Joiner will be honored as the 2007 Yokefellow fend their position. However, British troops IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the Year, and Dr. A.S. Williams will receive were already stationed nearby, and the Ameri- Thursday, January 17, 2008 a special honor, the Founders Award, as the cans were unable to secure these grounds. General Howe’s army soundly defeated the Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly only remaining founder of the Frontiers Club. Though very different in nature, the achieve- Americans due to their superior position and pause to recognize Sean Patrick Ashcraft of ment of all these individuals reflect many of the surprise of their attack. By night, Washing- Holt, Missouri. Sean is a very special young the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, ton’s troops were forced to retreat to Chester. man who has exemplified the finest qualities as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. Despite being outnumbered and outmaneu- of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- King, these individuals saw challenges and vered, Washington’s troops fought valiantly. tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop faced them with unwavering strength and de- The American Congress was able to escape 494, and earning the most prestigious award termination. Each one of the honored guests’ from Philadelphia to safety in Lancaster, and of Eagle Scout. Sean has been very active with his troop, greatness has been found in their willingness then York, PA. Military supplies were also re- participating in many Scout activities. Over the to serve with ‘‘a heart full of grace and a soul moved from the capital city before the impend- many years Sean has been involved with generated by love.’’ They set goals and work ing British takeover. Scouting; he has not only earned numerous selflessly to make them a reality. On September 26, 1777, British forces merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other marched unopposed through the city of Phila- ily, peers, and community. distinguished colleagues to join me in com- delphia. This takeover proved of little strategic Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join mending the Gary Frontiers Service Club offi- value, however. me in commending Sean Patrick Ashcraft for cers: President Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice Presi- Washington’s troops regrouped. The Gen- his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of dent James Piggee, Secretary Melvin Ward, eral wrote to John Hancock that night, ‘‘Not- America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, and Treas- withstanding the misfortune of the day, I am ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. urer/Seventh District Director Floyd Donald- happy to find the troops in good spirits; and I son, as well as Breakfast Chairman Clorius L. hope another time we shall compensate for f Lay, Videographer Otho Lyles, Master of the losses now sustained.’’ Congress sent re- TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER Ceremony Alfred Hammonds, the honorees, inforcements, strengthening the American KING and all other members of the service club for army. their initiative, determination, and dedication to Washington’s troops successfully defended HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY serving the people of Northwest Indiana. the military supplies in Reading. On June 18, OF INDIANA f 1778, British troops abandoned Philadelphia and the city returned to American control. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMEMORATING THE 230TH ANNI- f Thursday, January 17, 2008– VERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, as we BRANDYWINE IN RECOGNITION OF DON COLVIN celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are re- HON. JOE SESTAK HON. JAMES T. WALSH minded of the challenges that democracy OF PENNSYLVANIA OF NEW YORK poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. King’s life, and, unfortunately, his untimely Thursday, January 17, 2008 Thursday, January 17, 2008 death, reminds us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, our Nation Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, King, in his courage to act, his willingness to will soon commemorate the 230th anniversary I rise today to honor former Savannah Town meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, of the Battle of Brandywine. Let me take this Supervisor Don Colvin. embodied all that is good and true in the battle opportunity to relate the importance of that Don was first elected to public office in 1959 for liberty. battle, the largest land battle of the Revolu- and served the people of Savannah for the The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens tionary War, and to remember the brave sol- next 48 years. His dedication and leadership of communities throughout our nation. It lives diers who fought for the independence of our helped Savannah through some of its toughest on in the people whose actions reflect the country. times. The three heavy duty trucks that Don spirit of resolve and achievement that will help In 1777, the British army campaigned to sought to purchase in 1964 were essential in move our country into the future. In particular, control Philadelphia, which was then the cap- helping the town deal with the storms of 1966. several distinguished individuals from Indi- ital of the newly-declared United States of In 1966 Don was elected chairman of the ana’s First Congressional District will be rec- America. British General William Howe and his Wayne County Board of Supervisors, where ognized during the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Lu- troops approached Philadelphia through the his influence during trying times continued to ther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, Chesapeake, landing in Elkton, Maryland in be felt. After flooding affected the county in January 21, 2008, at the Genesis Convention early September of that year. 1972, Don played a crucial role securing a dis- Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers American General George Washington was aster declaration and in helping to obtain $1 Service Club, which was founded in 1952, confident that his army would secure the cap- million to fix the dikes. sponsors this annual breakfast. ital city. On September 9, 1777, American Don’s contributions were also instrumental This year, the Gary Frontiers Club will pay troops were stationed along the Brandywine in creating the Montezuma Audubon Center, tribute to several local individuals who have River, guarding the fords. Washington’s strat- which has helped to bring people to Savannah

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 400 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 and revitalize the town. He also helped to es- Tinicum. Both the Lester and Essington Fire ment and their many years of outstanding tablish the annual Potato Fest, which grew Companies have a long history of heroic and service to their communities: Kenneth Durall, from a car show that Don sponsored. dedicated service. Combining them under one William Harper, Judy Krause, Roger Reins, As he vacates his role of town supervisor, roof will maximize their ability to provide the Frank Robinson, Tim Rutz, and Audrey Simp- Don leaves the town of Savannah in good entire township with coordinated fire protection son. I wish them all the best of health and shape to continue progressing in the future. services. happiness in the years to come. On behalf of the people of New York’s 25th It is my honor to have been a part of the Also honored at the event for their many Congressional District, I thank Don for his Tinicum Township Fire Company’s ribbon cut- years of membership in the organization were: commitment to the people of Savannah and ting ceremony this past Saturday. It is impor- Marlin Bossard (65 years), John Schlesinger for the hard work he has done on their behalf tant to recognize the brave men and women (60 years), Nolan Camp (58 years), Joe Wat- for 48 years. I wish him well in all of his future who volunteer their time to protect our com- son (57 years), Bell Anderson (56 years), Ray endeavors. munities. Through the years, their names and Breshock (54 years), Ben Dotson (54 years), f faces have changed, but the commitment and Richard Barnard (50 years), and Joseph pride with which they serve has persevered. Pressnell (50 years). EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR The members of the Essington and Lester Northwest Indiana has a rich history of ex- THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MISS Fire Companies have selflessly served the cellence in its workforce. These individuals are JOHNNIE WHITELAW community while balancing their full-time ca- an outstanding representation of the work reers and families, and will continue to do so ethic present in Northwest Indiana. They have HON. JOHN S. TANNER at Station 48. I ask everyone to join me in demonstrated their loyalty to each other and to OF TENNESSEE commending the members of the Tinicum their communities through their hard work and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Township Fire Company and to congratulate selfless dedication. them on the dedication of their new firehouse. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my Thursday, January 17, 2008 f other distinguished colleagues join me in hon- Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today oring these dedicated and hardworking individ- to honor a long-time community servant, a HONORING DANIEL JESUS uals. They have committed themselves to the dedicated teacher and historian, and my BERMEJO people of Northwest Indiana, and I am very friend, Miss Johnnie Whitelaw. proud to represent them in Washington, DC. In more than 20 years of knowing Johnnie, HON. SAM GRAVES f I have grown to see how important she is to OF MISSOURI HONORING RETIRING HAMBURG our community in Dyersburg and how much IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TOWN COUNCILMAN MARK she is loved by her friends, former students Thursday, January 17, 2008 CAVALCOLI and neighbors throughout West Tennessee. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly An active leader of the Dyer County Demo- pause to recognize Daniel Jesus Bermejo of cratic Party, Johnnie was also a teacher and HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Faucett, Missouri. Daniel is a very special librarian from 1972 to 1991. OF NEW YORK young man who has exemplified the finest Even after retiring, however, she did not IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- give up on one of her greatest loves—col- Thursday, January 17, 2008 ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- lecting oral, photographic and written first- ica, Troop 351, and earning the most pres- Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise to hand accounts of history so that we and future tigious award of Eagle Scout. honor Mark Cavalcoli, a longtime public serv- generations will forever understand the history Daniel has been very active with his troop, ant whose retirement at the end of this year of West Tennessee and the stories of its peo- participating in many Scout activities. Over the will mark the close of a distinguished career in ple. Her contributions will truly be appreciated many years Daniel has been involved with elective office that has spanned nearly two for generations to come. Scouting, he has not only earned numerous and a half decades. Madam Speaker, I hope you and all our col- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Mark began his public service as a biology leagues will join me in congratulating Miss ily, peers, and community. teacher, working 33 years at Frontier Central Johnnie Whitelaw on her upcoming honor from Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join High School before retiring in 1997. the Dyer County branch of the NAACP, Delta me in commending Daniel Jesus Bermejo for In 1983 Mark was first elected to serve on Sigma Theta sorority, Community Resource his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of the Hamburg Town Board, where he worked Development and Order of the Eastern Star, America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- to improve and protect Hamburg’s unique organizations which understand how valuable ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. character. Throughout his tenure the Council- Miss Johnnie’s contributions have been to our f man was deeply involved in waterfront devel- community. opment, greenspace preservation, regional co- f TRIBUTE TO NORTHWEST INDI- operation, and local master planning. ANA’S MOST DEDICATED AND A natural negotiator and leader, Mark acted HONORING THE TINICUM HARDWORKING INDIVIDUALS as the liaison between the town board and TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT several departments and also functioned at HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY Deputy Supervisor for 15 years. HON. JOE SESTAK OF INDIANA Of all the great accomplishments, one of OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Councilman Cavalcoli’s proudest is working to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provide public water to nearly 300 homes not Thursday, January 17, 2008– Thursday, January 17, 2008 connected to water lines and severely re- Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with stricted in their water use. Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today great admiration and respect that I offer con- Despite his deep involvement on the town to congratulate Tinicum Township and the gratulations to several of Northwest Indiana’s board and his commitment to his wife and two Tinicum Township Fire Department on the most dedicated and hardworking individuals. children, Mark still found time to further serve opening of their new firehouse. On Saturday, January 12, 2008, the Ham- his community as a member of the Hamburg The Tinicum Township Firehouse, named mond Letter Carriers Organization, Hammond Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Station 48, will be home to the recently Merged Branch 580 of the National Associa- PTAs for Frontier and Hamburg High Schools merged Essington and Lester Fire Companies. tion of Letter Carriers (NALC) recognized its and as the Chairman of the Eighteen Mile After several years of planning, the township’s retiring members for 2007, and they also hon- Creek Preservation Committee. hard work has produced a state of the art fa- ored members with at least 50 years of serv- In 2007, Mark Cavalcoli chose not to run for cility that will serve the community for years to ice. The event was held at the Patrician ban- re-election and instead will spend time trav- come. quet hall in Schererville, Indiana. eling with Anne, his wife of 45 years. The opening of Station 48 represents a new At this year’s banquet, the organization rec- The Town of Hamburg is a better place be- chapter in public safety for the township of ognized the following retirees for their commit- cause of Councilman Mark Cavalcoli’s years

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This community is fortunate to grams, classes, and events for youth, teens, with over three decades of dedicated leader- have benefited from his leadership, and I am families, and older adults in everything from ship in different roles throughout the company, grateful, Madam Speaker, that you have al- painting to tennis to babysitting. and has been a constant fixture and involved lowed me this opportunity to commemorate his In order to accommodate a growing commu- in virtually all aspects of NIPSCO’s business. service here today. nity and membership, over the past 40 years, For his efforts, I would like to thank him and f the Y has renovated, reconfigured, and ex- extend my best wishes for his retirement. panded Cassatt Mansion and the surrounding Mark Maassel has spent his entire life, both A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL PATTER- property. The new building houses an 8,500- professionally and personally, working at ways SON FOR SAVING THE LIFE OF square-foot Wellness Center, new locker to improve not only NIPSCO, but society as a AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STU- rooms, exercise, cycling, and dance studios, whole. Mark has continuously devoted himself DENT expanded childcare services, and a cafe over- to our community by serving on the Board of looking the tennis courts, complete with inter- Directors of several local community organiza- HON. JO BONNER net access. In addition, the new facility pro- tions, such as: the Indiana Humanities Coun- OF ALABAMA vides improved handicapped and parking ac- cil, the Indiana Chamber, the Ivy Tech Foun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cessibility. dation and the Northwest Indiana Forum, at Thursday, January 17, 2008 The opening of this new facility furthers the which he served as Chairman in 2006. During YMCA’s mission to build healthy spirit, mind, this time, Mark has shared his unrivaled ex- Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with and body through programs and facilities that pertise and knowledge of his field with local great pride and pleasure that I rise today to nurture children, strengthen families, and build organizations. From his service at NIPSCO pay tribute to Michael Patterson whose heroic strong communities. and NiSource to his work with various organi- actions helped save the life of Chad Hostnick, Madam Speaker, I ask everyone to join me zations in Northwest Indiana, Mark has always a first-grader at Elsanor School in in commending all those who have generously sought opportunities to better our community Robertsdale, Alabama. contributed their time, effort, and resources to with his expertise. On the morning of Monday, December 17, the Upper Main Line YMCA and its state-of- Looking back, it is no surprise that Mark 2007, Michael decided to take the bus to the-art facility. was chosen to lead NIPSCO. Following a very school instead of driving his motorcycle as he f successful undergraduate career, earning a often does. Michael just had a feeling that he Civil Engineering degree from the University of should ride the bus that morning and what fol- HONORING ALEXANDER E. COOPER Minnesota, Mark was initially offered a job at lowed was simply miraculous. NIPSCO to work on a proposed nuclear plant. On the bus ride home from school that Mon- HON. SAM GRAVES Since beginning with NIPSCO in the late day afternoon, Michael noticed that 7-year-old OF MISSOURI 1970’s, Mark has completely dedicated his Chad appeared to be having trouble breathing. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES professional life to the advancement and im- Without hesitation, Michael put to use his first- provement of the company and the quality of Thursday, January 17, 2008 aid training—training he learned as a part of life for its customers. Due to Mark’s involve- his Navy Junior ROTC program at Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly ment at so many levels of NIPSCO’s busi- Robertsdale High School—and he initiated the pause to recognize Alexander E. Cooper of ness, his tenure as president will forever be Heimlich Maneuver. Platte City, Missouri. Alexander is a very spe- remembered. When Michael realized that his efforts were cial young man who has exemplified the finest Though it may be difficult to imagine where not dislodging the object, he quickly began to qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- he has found the time, Mark has always been massage Chad’s throat until he located the ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- a dedicated husband and father, raising three obstruction and pushed upward. He then at- ica, Troop 351, and earning the most pres- children with is wife Christine. They are the tempted the Heimlich Maneuver again and a tigious award of Eagle Scout. proud parents of Jesse, Lee and Jill, all now piece of butterscotch candy came out of Alexander has been very active with his grown. He has also found time to develop sev- Chad’s mouth. troop, participating in many Scout activities. eral hobbies, becoming an accomplished In recognition of Michael’s efforts, Master Over the many years Alexander has been in- woodworker and golfer, as well as a novice Chief Petty Officer Robert Dairy awarded him volved with Scouting, he has not only earned runner. the Meritorious Service Ribbon, the highest numerous merit badges, but also the respect Madam Speaker, Mark Maassel has de- honor available to Navy Junior ROTC mem- of his family, peers, and community. voted his life to improving NIPSCO and to bers. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join serving the people of Northwest Indiana. At Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Alexander E. Cooper for this time, I ask that you and all of my distin- me recognizing Michael Patterson for his her- his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of guished colleagues join me in commending oism and commending him on his quick ac- America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- him for his lifetime of service, perseverance, tions to save the life of Chad Hostnick. The ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. and dedication. I also ask that you join me in citizens of Robertsdale and the state of Ala- f wishing him the best of health and happiness bama are forever thankful. Michael is a true in the years to come. HONORING MR. MARK MAASSEL hero. f f HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY RECOGNIZING THE GARRETTFORD HONORING THE UPPER MAIN LINE OF INDIANA DREXEL HILL FIRE COMPANY YMCA FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JOE SESTAK Thursday, January 17, 2008– HON. JOE SESTAK OF PENNSYLVANIA Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES great admiration and pleasure that I stand be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fore you today to recognize the many years of Thursday, January 17, 2008 dedicated service of Mr. Mark Maassel. Hav- Thursday, January 17, 2008 Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today ing known Mark for a long time, I can truly say Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Upper Main Line YMCA on that he is one of the most committed, knowl- to recognize the Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire the dedication and grand opening of its new edgeable, and honorable citizens in Northwest Company for 100 years of service to the resi- facility. Indiana. Nowhere has his knowledge and dents of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Since its charter in 1962, the Y has become commitment been more evident than in his The Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company is a vital resource, now serving more than faithful service as President of Northern Indi- the oldest of Upper Darby’s five fire compa- 20,000 residents of Berwyn, PA, and the sur- ana Public Service Company, Northern Indi- nies, and is the only one that remains entirely rounding communities. In addition to providing ana Fuel and Light, and Kokomo Gas and comprised of volunteers. What began with a traditional exercise facilities, YMCA offers pro- Fuel for NiSource. Mark has served NiSource handful of citizens committed to protecting the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 402 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 people of Drexel Hill has grown into a com- honor and pay tribute to the memory of Mr. The services and donations of the club are pany with over 60 active members. These Arthur Robert Wilson. given to: the Coatesville Veterans Medical men and women selflessly protect the commu- Known to his many friends as ‘‘Bobby,’’ he Center, the Newtown Public Library, the New- nity while balancing their full-time careers and was a devoted family man and a dear friend town Square Fire Department, Operation families. Through the years, their names and to his community. Bobby, the ‘‘Unofficial Smile, area arboretums and gardens, fine arts faces have changed, but the commitment and Mayor’’ of Spanish Fort, was the owner of Wil- awards, and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Award. pride with which they serve has persevered. son’s Service Center for roughly 50 years. Wil- The Woman’s Club of Newtown Square I would like to recognize in particular James son’s Service Center was much more than a gives donations to: the Marple Newtown Sen- Verner, who served as chief of the company typical service station; it was the heartbeat of ior High School Student of the Month, middle from 1913 until his tragic death in 1934. His Spanish Fort. As Mobile’s Press-Register re- school awards, three high school scholarships, was the first and only line of duty death to membered Bobby, ‘‘just about anyone who fifth grade essay awards, and the Youth strike the Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Com- passed through Spanish Fort seemed to have Recreation Center. pany. encountered him.’’ I ask that everyone please join me in recog- The Garrettford Fire Company, as it was Known for his insatiable work ethic, Bobby nizing the Woman’s Club of Newtown Square originally known, started with just two Babcock ‘‘rose with the chickens’’ and was often at the for their contributions and commitment to en- extinguishers. From these humble beginnings, service station before 5 a.m.—he never riching the community of Newtown Square, Garrettford Drexel Hill has expanded to an im- seemed to stop working. Bobby’s service to Pennsylvania, for the last 60 years. pressive, modernized apparatus fleet. The cur- Spanish Fort did not stop at the doors of Wil- f rent firehouse, built at the site of the converted son’s Service Center. For 26 years, he served Baptist church, which originally housed the as the volunteer fire chief, keeping a red HONORING ERIC MICHAEL company, now has four bays and a spacious phone and firefighter’s gear in his shop for BARMANN hall to accommodate this growth. emergencies. Bobby also served in the U.S. I ask everyone to join me in commending Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. HON. SAM GRAVES the members of the Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire He was a justice of the peace and a Mason; OF MISSOURI Company, past and present, for their service it’s probably safe to say that everyone in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the community, and to congratulate them on Spanish Fort knew Bobby Wilson or at least Thursday, January 17, 2008 reaching this 100-year milestone. knew who he was. f In a fitting tribute, Bobby’s casket was Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly placed on the back of a tow truck for his final pause to recognize Eric Michael Barmann of HONORING RETIRING TOWN OF trip through Spanish Fort. His procession, Platte City, Missouri. Eric is a very special EVANS COUNCILWOMAN KATH- which included about 12 other tow trucks, cars young man who has exemplified the finest LEEN BARTUS carrying his family, and a police escort, drove qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- to Wilson’s Service Center, passing through ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- HON. BRIAN HIGGINS the parking lot and under the front awning. All ica, Troop 351, and earning the most pres- OF NEW YORK along the route to Wilson’s Cemetery, fellow tigious award of Eagle Scout. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES residents stopped and got out of their cars to Eric has been very active with his troop, stand along the route with their hands on their participating in many Scout activities. Over the Thursday, January 17, 2008 hearts. many years Eric has been involved with Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Scouting, he has not only earned numerous to honor Town of Evans councilwoman Kath- me in remembering a dedicated community merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- leen Bartus for her years of tireless service to leader and friend to many throughout south ily, peers, and community. the residents of the town of Evans. A longtime Alabama. Bobby Wilson will be deeply missed Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join town resident and a leader within her commu- by his family—his wife, Jo Anne Wilson; his me in commending Eric Michael Barmann for nity, Kathy’s commitment to others stretched daughters, Tracey Goens and her husband his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of far beyond the scope of her position in town Robert, Gina Lee and her husband Thomas, America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- government and rested its hand on a pas- and Joelle Wilson; his brothers, Earl Wilson ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. sionate soul and loving heart. and Charles Wilson; his sister, Louise Dahlen; f A wife, mother of three and a longtime busi- his grandchildren, Jeffrey Mosley, Jonathan ness and community activist in Evans, Kathy’s Mosley, Jasmine Lee, and Zackary Lee; his HONORING THE MEMORY OF commitment to her community is rivaled by great-grandchild, Lola Jo Anne Mosley—as DWAIN LUCE few. While she’ll be missed on the town board well as the countless friends he leaves behind. in a formal capacity, Kathy will never be more Our thoughts and prayers are with them all HON. JO BONNER than a phone call away, in a manner that will at this difficult time. OF ALABAMA no doubt comfort those continuing to serve. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in RECOGNITION OF THE WOMAN’S Thursday, January 17, 2008 recognizing the achievements of Kathleen CLUB OF NEWTOWN SQUARE’S Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Bartus upon the occasion of her retirement as 60TH ANNIVERSARY a member of the Evans Town Board. I know Mobile and indeed the entire nation recently that you join with me in wishing Kathy, her lost a true American hero, and I rise today to husband Robert and their entire family the HON. JOE SESTAK honor Mr. Dwain Luce of Mobile, Alabama, OF PENNSYLVANIA very best of good luck and Godspeed in the and pay tribute to his memory. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years to come. Many Americans came to know Mr. Luce f Thursday, January 17, 2008 last year as his courageous story, along with Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today those of other Mobilians, was told in the Ken HONORING THE MEMORY OF AR- in recognition of the Woman’s Club of New- Burns’ documentary series ‘‘The War.’’ THUR ROBERT ‘‘BOBBY’’ WILSON town Square’s 60th anniversary. Born in Mobile in 1916, Mr. Luce was edu- Founded in 1947, the Woman’s Club of cated at University Military School. Upon grad- HON. JO BONNER Newtown Square is part of the General Fed- uation from high school, he continued his OF ALABAMA eration of Women’s Clubs, a world-wide orga- studies and earned a degree in chemical engi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nization that donates millions of volunteer neering from Auburn University. hours to their respective communities every Shortly following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Thursday January 17, 2008 year. Dwain volunteered for military service and en- Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, Baldwin The 110 members of the Woman’s Club of tered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in County and indeed the entire state of Alabama Newtown Square selflessly volunteer count- January 1942. As a lieutenant in the 82nd Air- recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to less hours in service to their community. borne Division’s 320th Glider Field Artillery

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 403 Battalion, he participated in the invasions of is an experienced beautician. During the last HONORING THE LIFE OF Sicily and later Italy. Just prior to the U.S. in- year, she has been sharing her love for cook- TERRANCE J. ‘‘TERRY’’ WILSON, vasion of Normandy, he was promoted to cap- ing with Conversation’s Catering, a new cater- FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, tain. He landed his glider at Normandy on D- ing company located in Sharon Hill, PA. Carol HILLSBOROUGH CLASSROOM Day and survived 33 days of fighting there. is married to Alex, and is the mother of four TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Several months later, his unit saw action children: Sheila A. Carter, Donna Dailey, again when they were dropped behind enemy Charles Roberts and Andre Harrison. She is HON. KATHY CASTOR lines into Holland as part of Operation Market also blessed with seven grandchildren. OF FLORIDA Garden. They remained in Holland for six IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES weeks battling both the Germans and the cold Mr. Ronald Scott Young joined the Darby weather. He and his unit also participated in area branch in 1988, and he initially served as Thursday, January 17, 2008 the Battle of the Bulge where they anchored 1st vice president, and later assumed the du- Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today the northern flank of the American lines. On ties of secretary. He has been a valuable to honor the life and contributions of Terrance May 1, 1945, the 82nd Airborne took 144,000 asset to the branch, recruiting new members, J. ‘‘Terry’’ Wilson, and to acknowledge his tire- German prisoners as they surrendered to raising money, and working to complete what- less work for the teachers, children, and all of Americans. ever task is at hand. us in Hillsborough County. Following the war, Mr. Luce left the service Terry was born in Everett, Massachusetts as a major in 1945, and began a career in Ron’s contributions to the community in- October 22, 1942. After graduating from Lin- banking. He joined American National Bank, in clude serving as Cub Scout Master for Pack coln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1960, Mobile, Alabama, and rose to senior vice 189 for the past 45 years, and as treasurer at he moved to Tampa to attend the University of president and director. He remained with Southwest Community Enrichment Center of Tampa. A member of the Class of 1965, he American National Bank for 16 years before southwest Philadelphia. He is also an active graduated with degrees in business adminis- joining First National Bank of Mobile, where he member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in south- tration and economics and then went on to observed as executive vice president. Mr. Luce west Philadelphia, where he serves on the tain a master’s degree from the University of retired as president of First Bancgroup-Ala- Senior Choir and monitors the summer clean- South Florida in 1968. bama and as vice-chairman of the board of di- ing project. As a result of his involvement, Mt. During Terry’s four year tenure as a social rectors of the First National Bank of Mobile. Zion holds a life membership with the Darby studies teacher at Leto High School in Tampa, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join he became actively involved in the area NAACP branch. Ron’s devoted family in- me in remembering a dedicated community Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association. leader, a true American and friend to many cludes wife Lucille, sons Scott and Drake, During that time, he witnessed a teachers’ throughout Alabama, as well as a wonderful daughters Donna and Nicole, granddaughter strike, poor benefits, and failing students, and husband and devoted father. Mr. Luce will be Tempest and grandson Ryan. he found his calling as an advocate for cre- missed by his family—his wife of 65 years, Through their contributions to the commu- ating a better environment for both teachers Margaret Wilson Luce; their children, Margaret nity, Carol and Ron have shown their commit- and students in the community’s classrooms. Luce Brown and Dwain Gregory Luce Jr.; his ment to the NAACP’s mission of ensuring the As his wife, Elizabeth Wilson, explains it, ‘‘He brother, Jex Ransom Luce; his five grand- political, educational, social, and economic just saw that teachers were extremely dedi- children; and three great-grandchildren—as equality of rights of all persons. I ask my col- cated and selfless. They weren’t going to well as the many countless friends he leaves spend a lot of time speaking up for them- leagues to join me in honoring Carol and Ron behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with selves.’’ them all during this difficult time. for their years of service, and to thank them For decades, Terry dedicated his career to for their hard work for the NAACP. f tirelessly defending Hillsborough County school teachers. Fellow members elected him HONORING CAROL A. WILEY AND f to two terms as president of the Association, RONALD SCOTT YOUNG and he later served as executive director from HONORING JASON SCOTT 1989 to 2000. He fought for higher teacher HON. JOE SESTAK BARMANN salaries, sick leave pay, early retirement, and OF PENNSYLVANIA better health insurance, and he spear-headed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. SAM GRAVES efforts to create the Center for Technology for Thursday, January 17, 2008 teachers. OF MISSOURI The Tampa community honors the life of Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today Terry Wilson for his outstanding contributions IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to honor Mrs. Carol A. Wiley and Mr. Ronald to teachers. His service to the Hillsborough Scott Young for their years of service to the Thursday, January 17, 2008 Classroom Teachers Association has made a community. These two outstanding citizens lasting mark on education in the Tampa area. were recognized this past weekend at the an- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly f nual Freedom Fund dinner for their commit- pause to recognize Jason Scott Barmann of RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT ment to the Darby area NAACP branch. Platte City, Missouri. Jason is a very special OF SOLANO COALITION FOR BET- Carol is a lifetime member of the Darby young man who has exemplified the finest area NAACP branch, and has served for over TER HEALTH EXECUTIVE DIREC- qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- 10 years as branch treasurer and co-coordi- TOR PATRICK HUGHES ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- nator of the annual Freedom Fund banquet. She also volunteers with the Sharon Hill ica, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER School, and was a group leader for a 4–H pro- OF CALIFORNIA gram in Darby Township/Sharon Hill. In addi- Jason has been very active with his troop, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion, Carol is a lifetime member of the Mt. Zion participating in many Scout activities. Over the Thursday, January 17, 2008 C.M.E. Church of Darby Township, where she many years Jason has been involved with serves on the Usher Board and often coordi- Scouting, he has not only earned numerous Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise nates the annual fashion show. merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- with the support of my colleague, Hon. Carol grew up in Darby Township, PA, with ily, peers, and community. GEORGE MILLER, in the House of Representa- her dad, Richard A. Stewart, an electrician, tives, to recognize Patrick S. Hughes, Ed.D, and her mother, Clemie, a homemaker. The Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join who has faithfully served the residents of So- youngest of three children, Carol was edu- me in commending Jason Scott Barmann for lano County since 1990. cated in the Southeast Delco School District his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of Mr. Hughes has dedicated over 18 years to and attended Darby Township High School. America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- the community. After serving as assistant to Carol graduated from Apex Beauty School and ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. the city manager for the city of Vacaville, Mr.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 404 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 Hughes shifted his focus to the community his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of Jess A. Laird, for being named Citizen of the health arena where his innovation and accom- America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Year by the Athens Chamber of Commerce. plishments have made him a leader in his ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Jess currently serves as president of First field. f State Bank and as a board member for the During his tenure with the Solano Coalition Athens Chamber of Commerce. He devotes for Better Health, SCBH, Mr. Hughes has im- CONGRATULATING WILBUR C. his time and efforts to not only serving, but plemented initiatives and strategies that pro- HENDERSON also to leading the community through numer- mote access to health care, have improved ous civic organizations. In addition to serving population health, continue to support policy HON. JOE SESTAK as the former president of the Cain Center advancement, and increase community organi- OF PENNSYLVANIA board, Rotary Club, Industrial Foundation and zation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the American Heart Association, Jess has As a result of his work and dedication, great Thursday, January 17, 2008 worked with the TVCC Foundation, ETMC strides have been made in eradicating dispari- Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise before board of managers, Salvation Army and ties in health care throughout the community, you today to honor Wilbur C. Henderson, the United Way board. especially in our youth population. founder, chairman, president, and CEO of In addition, Jess still finds time to be in- Mr. Hughes designed and facilitated a com- Henderson Group, Inc and the recipient of volved at First United Methodist Church, by prehensive strategy to enroll children in appro- Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s singing with the Praise Team. More impor- priate health care coverage that is currently Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002. tantly, Jess is a devoted husband to Susan experiencing record success. In conjunction Mr. Henderson houses commercial, indus- and a dedicated father to two sons, Blake and with successful fundraising efforts, this helped trial, office, professional, and retail operations Rex. lead Solano County to the coveted distinction in his buildings throughout Delaware County. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth Dis- as one of the ‘‘100 Best Communities for He pioneered a new vision providing park-like trict of Texas, I am honored to be able to rec- Young People,’’ as recognized by the Amer- settings to businesses in Chadds Ford, Darby ognize a constituent and good friend of mine, ica’s Promise Alliance, for 2 consecutive Township, Folcroft, Media, Nether Providence, Jess, for being an invaluable leader and for years. Sharon Hill, and Tinicum Township. generously offering his talents to improve his Building on his achievements in children’s Moreover, Mr. Henderson defended his community. health awareness, Mr. Hughes has also made country during World War II, including the Bat- f a commitment to decreasing the disparities in tle of the Bulge, as a distinguished member of health care within minority communities in So- the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Parachute HONORING REED WILLIAMS lano County. Under his leadership, a major ini- Infantry. Currently, this American hero is a re- tiative is underway aimed at eliminating the tired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army Re- HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO disparities in health status that impact the Afri- serve. OF WEST VIRGINIA can-American residents of Solano County. At- If Mr. Henderson’s military and business ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tention to these disparities received a con- complishments were not enough, he is cur- Thursday, January 17, 2008 centrated focus with the successful celebra- rently active in his community as chairman of tion, ‘‘Champions for African-Americans,’’ the Borough of Folcroft Planning Commission, Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today sponsored by the SCBH. senior deacon of the Folcroft Union Church, to honor a hometown hero and someone who Taking his vision and dedication to the na- and a member of the Board of Trustees of the embodies the true spirit of the Mountain State. tional stage, Mr. Hughes recently completed a Florida Institute of Technology. Likewise, Mr. Reed Williams of Moorefield, West Virginia 2-year term as president of Communities Henderson was formerly a member of the captured the attention of the nation on Janu- Joined in Action, a national organization sup- Board of Trustees of Drexel University, a ary 2, 2008 after he was named Defensive porting community efforts to increase access member of the Delaware County Government MVP for his outstanding performance in the to health care. Study Commission, a member of the Greater West Virginia University Mountaineers’ historic Mr. Patrick Hughes’s many accomplish- Philadelphia First Corporation, a bank director win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta ments have immeasurably improved Solano with Fidelity and Elmwood Federal Savings Bowl this year. County and enriched the life of its residents. and Loan Association, and, last but not least, Reed’s talents are not only on the football Mr. MILLER and I thank him for his years of the chairman of the board of the Delaware field, but also in the classroom. He was public service and wish him success and hap- County Chamber of Commerce. named by ESPN as a member of the pres- piness in his future endeavors. Mr. Henderson was recognized as one of tigious Academic All-American Football Team Drexel’s most outstanding 100 graduates and f and maintains the highest G.P.A. on the received numerous other awards and honors Mountaineer football team. Prior to his college HONORING MATTHEW PHILIP during his 60-year career. Wilbur C. Hender- career he was the valedictorian of the Moore- SHINER son may have many accomplishments, but he field High School Class of 2005. is not nearly done. This entrepreneur has fu- Reed is currently a junior majoring in fi- HON. SAM GRAVES ture plans to expand his programs in Dela- nance and plans to pursue postgraduate stud- ware County and Florida. OF MISSOURI ies. He is the son of Robert and Jacqueline Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Williams of Moorefield, West Virginia. honoring Wilbur C. Henderson. He is the living I look forward to hearing about Reed Wil- Thursday, January 17, 2008 epitome of the American dream. Through his liams’ future accomplishments both on and off Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly hard work, Mr. Henderson has defined Dela- the football field and wish him and his team- pause to recognize Matthew Philip Shiner of ware County’s industry for six decades, de- mates congratulations on their Fiesta Bowl vic- Platte City, Missouri. Matthew is a very special fended our country during WWII, and exhibited tory. I’m proud to call Reed Williams a fellow young man who has exemplified the finest altruism as a volunteer in a myriad of commu- West Virginian and a true Mountaineer. nity activities. qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- f ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- f HONORING JOSHUA E. CATTON ica, Troop 351, and earning the most pres- HONORING JESS A. LAIRD FOR tigious award of Eagle Scout. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD Matthew has been very active with his HON. SAM GRAVES troop, participating in many Scout activities. OF MISSOURI Over the many years Matthew has been in- HON. JEB HENSARLING OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volved with Scouting, he has not only earned IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES numerous merit badges, but also the respect Thursday, January 17, 2008 of his family, peers, and community. Thursday, January 17, 2008 Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, today I pause to recognize Joshua E. Catton, a very me in commending Matthew Philip Shiner for rise to recognize an outstanding citizen, Mr. special young man who has exemplified the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 405 finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by INTRODUCTION OF THE STEALTH identified by the Congressional Budget Office taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of TAX RELIEF EXTENSION ACT OF (CBO) as among the more effective legislative America and in earning the most prestigious 2008 options to help address the current economic award of Eagle Scout. situation. As this week’s CBO report made Joshua has been very active with his troop, HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS clear, enacting an AMT patch early this year participating in many Scout activities. Over the OF NEW YORK would permit hard-working, middle-class tax- many years Joshua has been involved with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES payers to properly adjust their withholding levels to provide workers additional take-home Scouting, he has not only earned numerous Thursday, January 17, 2008 merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- pay in each paycheck. Because the AMT ily, peers, and community. Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I rise patch has been estimated to save affected today—along with numerous original cospon- taxpayers an average of about $2,000 per Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join sors—to announce the introduction of the year, early enactment of my new legislation me in commending Joshua E. Catton for his ‘‘Stealth Tax Relief Extension Act of 2008’’— would be expected to increase the typical accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of new legislation that would extend to 2008 the AMT-affected worker’s take-home pay by as America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- temporary alternative minimum tax (AMT) re- much as $167 per month. These taxpayers ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. lief that Congress enacted on a bipartisan could, in turn, use those additional funds to basis last month. As the lead sponsor of a purchase food, gasoline, healthcare, or other f prior bill—the ‘‘Stealth Tax Relief Extension critical items that would help them not only Act of 2007’’ (H.R. 1112)—on which NIAGARA LOSES ITS JOBS meet the material needs of their families, but Congress’s year-end AMT patch bill for 2007 spur the economy as well. In my view, this is was based, I urge the House to take the ear- precisely the sort of immediate, high-impact HON. STEVE KAGEN liest possible action this year on a new patch tax policy change that Congress should be for 2008. discussing as part of the ongoing economic OF WISCONSIN As my colleagues will recall, last year’s AMT stimulus debate, and I would encourage my IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES patch—which extended temporary AMT relief colleagues to give this idea careful consider- through December 31, 2007, without raising Thursday, January 17, 2008 ation as we work to craft a bipartisan stimulus taxes—was enacted later in the legislative package. Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, yesterday, year than ever before. As a result of that un- Clearly, the AMT patch stands on its own Niagara, Wisconsin—a town of 1,900 people— precedented delay in Congressional action on merits as a matter of tax policy and fairness, was hit with an economic earthquake when last year’s patch, the upcoming tax-filing sea- as evidenced by the House’s overwhelming the new corporate owner of the former Stora son is expected to involve significant disrup- 352–64 vote on the free-standing 2007 patch Enso paper company, Newpage, announced tion and substantial taxpayer confusion. While last month. Regardless of whether my new that every single one of the 319 higher-wage I remain hopeful that bipartisan efforts to AMT patch legislation covering 2008 is in- papermaking jobs would be eliminated. The achieve a long-term AMT solution will eventu- cluded as part of the forthcoming stimulus mill is closing. Period. It’s gone. ally bear fruit, I sincerely hope that, over the package or is considered separately at a later The paper company is the primary source of weeks ahead, Republicans and Democrats date, I stand ready to work with members on income and the town’s tax base. And as Niag- can, at the very least, work together to prevent both sides of the aisle to prevent this needless ara goes, so goes our Nation. a similar situation from developing again. tax increase on millions of America’s middle- Accordingly, I am today introducing follow- class taxpayers, while also ensuring that we Niagara is paying the price for our Nation’s up legislation that would simply extend for an avoid other unwarranted tax increases that unbalanced and unfair trade policies. additional year—through December 31, would further endanger our economy. Working The NAFTA and CAFTA-style ‘‘fair trade’’ 2008—the temporary AMT relief enacted this together, I am confident that we can once policies have failed to produce prosperity that past December. I am confident that the com- again protect taxpayers from an unwelcome professional politicians promised. mon-sense approach taken in my new legisla- tax hike due to the AMT, and that we can do These failed trade deals will soon bankrupt tion will once again engender overwhelming, so in a much more responsible manner than hard-working families in Niagara and families bipartisan support, just as it did last year. occurred last year. all across America. Specifically, my new legislation would in- f crease the AMT exemption level for single fil- When will the President realize that no ers from $44,350 in 2007 to $46,200 in 2008, HONORING HAROLD C. HILL one—not even skilled papermakers—can com- and it would increase the exemption level for pete against slave labor in Communist China? joint filers from $66,250 in 2007 to $69,950 HON. MIKE FERGUSON China has targeted every one of our manu- this year. These increases—$1,850 for singles OF NEW JERSEY facturing industries for extinction. Textiles, and $3,700 for joint filers—reflect the same IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES steel, paper, automobiles, toys, pots and pans, dollar amounts by which Congress raised even our ammunitions; what’s next? these exemption levels in December, and they Thursday, January 17, 2008 We must stop the bleeding of our economy represent the best current estimates of the Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I am and we must stop it now. We simply cannot amounts necessary to ensure that no addi- pleased to announce that I recently honored afford to lose any more jobs, and we certainly tional taxpayers will be affected by AMT in Harold C. Hill of the Scotch Plains Rescue cannot afford to stand by the side of the road 2008 than were affected in 2007. I have sub- Squad with the top award at the First Annual and watch the tax base of every city in Amer- mitted a formal request to the Joint Committee Volunteer Awards Breakfast, which I held in ica disappear. on Taxation for an updated estimate as to the Bridgewater, NJ, November 29, 2007. Instead of exporting our jobs, we must begin exact dollar amounts that will be required to Offering one’s time and energy to help oth- to export our values, for without a viable econ- achieve this objective, and I expect to receive ers and make a difference is what being a omy, we have no freedom. that information sometime next month. At that member of a community is all about, and I time, any appropriate adjustments to the fig- created this event and award to recognize the Today, the good people of Niagara have ures included in today’s bill can be made. In importance of volunteering in our society. In lost their freedom. the interest of ensuring that Congress can preparation for the event, I contacted numer- Congress must hear their voices, their fears, begin work on the 2008 AMA patch as early ous volunteer organizations in New Jersey’s and their prayers. in the year as possible, however, I am formally Seventh District—which includes portions of These papermaking jobs put food on their filing this bill as a place-holder today. Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Union tables and helped pay the mortgages for the Timely introduction of this bill is all the more counties—and asked them to nominate an in- 1,880 hard-working families in Niagara. The important in light of the heightened, bipartisan dividual who has made exceptional contribu- good people of Niagara need our economic interest over recent weeks in enacting an eco- tions to the community. and psychological support—and they need nomic stimulus package early this year. I I was thrilled to see the number of nomina- help now, not next year. would note that the 2008 AMT patch has been tions we received. Any of our nominees are

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 406 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 worthy of recognition, and my staff and I were tion or eligibility. For those that suggest that IN HONOR OF POLICE OFFICER faced with the difficult task of selecting a re- voter caging is done with the purest of inten- VINCENT J. ROMANO, CITY OF cipient of our top award. tions, I point out that this method remains an NEW JERSEY, NJ In the end, we found Mr. Hill to be the most unreliable and dangerous way to identify ineli- notable of the many outstanding candidates, gible voters. Mail may be returned as undeliv- HON. ALBIO SIRES and I am sure anyone who knows him and is erable for any number of reasons unrelated to OF NEW JERSEY familiar with his dedication to his community an individual’s ability to vote. Typos, trans- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was not surprised. He was born and raised in Scotch Plains, NJ, and has served for 50 posed numbers, new street names, and im- Thursday, January 17, 2008 years as a member of the town’s rescue proper deliveries explain just some of the Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in squad, an all-volunteer organization that many reasons for returned mail. honor of Jersey City Police Officer Vincent J. serves and protects more than 25,000 resi- In my home State of Michigan, I have seen Romano on the occasion of his retirement. Po- dents. firsthand how caging efforts are used to har- lice Officer Romano who retired on November Records indicate that during his service, Mr. ass, bully, and ultimately disenfranchise, eligi- 1, 2007, received numerous recognitions for Hill has answered more than 12,300 calls for ble voters. During the 2004 election, chal- his service, evidence that he was an out- assistance to the residents, businesses and standing member of the Jersey City Police lengers monitored every single one of Detroit’s visitors of Scotch Plains, and he still actively Force. rides as an emergency medical technician an- 254 polling stations. With a Michigan law- Police Officer Romano, was appointed to swering more than 250 calls a year. He also maker advocating ‘‘suppress the Detroit vote,’’ the Jersey City Police Department in 1988, has been instrumental in assisting the squad it was obvious why the challengers were at and initially assigned to the South District. His in maintaining and upgrading ambulances and every polling place—to create a tense and dedication garnered the trust of his superiors equipment, and is an exemplary role model to hostile environment for those eligible voters and earned him other opportunities to serve other members of the squad. who simply wished to participate in our de- the Department in the West District, North Dis- As devoted as he has been to serving his mocracy by casting a ballot. And furthermore, trict, Municipal Court Unit and the Records community, perhaps Mr. Hill’s most impressive I cannot help but think that ‘‘suppress the De- Room. His experience and his knowledge of service was to his country. He is an American troit vote’’ is synonymous with ‘‘suppress the the community also won him specialized as- hero who served honorably in the Korean war, Black vote’’ as Detroit is 83 percent African signments in the Narcotics Unit and the Vio- was twice wounded and was decorated with lent Crimes Unit. American. These voter suppression cam- the Purple Heart. Throughout his career, Police Officer Vin- It is with great pride that I thank and con- paigns always seem to target our most vulner- cent J. Romano has received numerous gratulate all of our nominees for their service able voters—racial minorities, language mi- awards which included: 2 commendations, 11 and recognize Harold Hill for his exceptional norities, low-income people, homeless people, Excellence Police Service Awards, 3 Unit Cita- commitment to others. and college students. tions and 1 World Trade Center Award. f However, during the 2004 election, we Please join me in honoring Police Officer Vincent J. Romano for his distinguished serv- INTRODUCTION OF CAGING learned that no one is immune to voter suppression when Ohio and Florida caging lists ice to the Jersey City Police Department, and PROHIBITION ACT OF 2008 in congratulating him, his wife, Connie, and specifically targeted soldiers whose mail was their two sons, Vincent and Joseph. returned as undeliverable because they were HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. f OF MICHIGAN stationed overseas. Here it is, our soldiers are COMMENDING BILL CAMERON FOR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fighting for democracy abroad, but find out that they cannot participate in democracy at BEING NAMED THE SOUTHEAST Thursday, January 17, 2008 home. During the last Presidential election, FARMER OF THE YEAR Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, today I caging tactics were not limited to Michigan, am pleased to introduce the Caging Prohibi- Ohio, and Florida. Reports of caging came HON. ROBIN HAYES tion Act of 2008, a critical contribution to the from all over the country—from Wisconsin, OF NORTH CAROLINA Congress’s election reform efforts as we ap- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES proach the 2008 election. I would like to ac- where ‘‘suspicious addresses’’ were used as knowledge and thank those that join me in this the basis for challenges, to Nevada, where Thursday, January 17, 2008 introduction—Representatives RAHM EMANUEL, partisan gains were the acknowledged motive Mr. HAYES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, XAVIER BECERRA, RUSH for challenges. congratulate a friend and hardworking farmer HOLT, MIKE HONDA, CAROLYN CHEEKS KIL- Voter caging is inconsistent with the prin- who has received one of the most distin- PATRICK, and GWEN MOORE and members of ciple that every eligible citizen should be enti- guished awards a farmer can receive in the my committee, the Judiciary Committee—Rep- tled to the right to vote. The Caging Prohibi- Nation. Bill Cameron, a Hoke County citizen, resentatives JERROLD NADLER, ZOE LOFGREN, won the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo South- tion Act of 2008 will clearly define and crim- STEVEN COHEN, and KEITH ELLISON. eastern Farm of the Year for 2007, and I inalize voter caging and other questionable Since the late 1950’s, the pernicious prac- couldn’t be more proud of him for this well-de- tice of ‘‘voter caging’’ has been used to dis- challenges intended to disqualify eligible vot- served accomplishment. courage or prevent eligible voters from having ers. This bill is really quite simple. One, it re- Bill Cameron is a native of Hoke County. He their vote cast and counted on election day. quires election officials to corroborate their coached the high school football team for 11 Recent elections have shown that caging tac- caging documents with independent evidence years and then decided to focus on farming tics are not outdated, and in fact, have been before a voter can be deemed ineligible. And full time and invest his life in the agriculture in- used to disenfranchise voters in recent mid- two, it limits all other challenges that do not dustry. term and Presidential elections. While caging come from election officials to those based on Bill started his farming operation with 82 efforts have traditionally been directed at mi- personal, first-hand knowledge. acres, and it has grown to almost 900 acres nority communities, all voters are susceptible today. He is well diversified with swine, cattle, to these attempts at voter intimidation and Caging tactics meant to suppress the vote and row crops. His livestock operations in- suppression. do more than impede the right to vote. They clude Santa Gertrudis cows, bulls used to The undemocratic practice of voter caging threaten to erode the very core of our democ- raise seed stock, feeder steers, and a large involves sending mail to voters at the address- racy. By eliminating barriers to the polls, we breeder gilt grower operation. On the crop es at which they are registered to vote. Should can help restore what has been missing from side, Cameron grows hundreds of acres of such mail be returned as undeliverable or our elections—fairness, honesty, and integrity. corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, rye, and hay. without a return receipt, the voter’s name is During the Southeastern competition, Cam- placed on a ‘‘caging list.’’ These caging lists eron was selected among ten state finalists in are then used to challenge a voter’s registra- the Southeastern states including Alabama,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD January 17, 2008 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 407 Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mis- become impoverished, and it provides far new variations will affect public programs is sissippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ten- fewer quality care choices than are offered a serious issue. Many seniors mistakenly be- nessee and Virginia. through typical long-term care insurance lieve their LTC costs will be covered by Folks, this is quite an achievement to be se- Medicare. In fact, Medicare does not cover plans. home health care, nursing home care or the lected from such a competitive group of farm- With the impending retirement of roughly 76 type of care one may need for a severe cog- ers, and I am very happy for Bill. I know that million baby boomers in the next 10 to 20 nitive impairment like Alzheimer’s disease. there was a tremendous amount of hard work years, and the average cost of a private room This means that most seniors will have to and sacrifice that went into his operation and in a nursing home running about $75,000 a bear a meaningful share of their own long- making it such an efficient and successful op- year, in current dollars, we are facing a poten- term care costs, and that’s where private eration. tial long-term care train wreck. Fortunately, the LTC insurers enter the picture. It is our mis- Anyone who knows Hoke County under- solution is already in place, and it is not a sion to provide seniors with the assurance stands that agriculture is at the heart of the Government-run insurance program; it is the that their long-term care needs will be covered and their legacy will be preserved. community. Bill Cameron has gone above and private insurance industry. As Mr. Prieur clear- Millions of Americans have put their trust beyond the call of duty to help create and sus- ly says in his op-ed, and I agree with him, in LTC insurance, and the facts show that tain a strong agriculture community, and as a long-term care insurance isn’t for everyone. this trust is well placed. Overwhelmingly, in- citizen of North Carolina, I join many in sin- But, millions of Americans have already put surers are meeting their obligations. Across cerely thanking him. their trust in LTC insurance, and when 97 per- the country in 2005 (the most recent full-year Not only has Bill Cameron built a first class cent of long-term care claims submitted to pri- data available), the LTC industry paid more farming operation, but he has worked tirelessly vate insurers are being paid out—which is the than $3 billion of claims. to help increase the quality of life for Hoke finding of a survey of the leading LTC insurers LTC insurance isn’t for everyone. If you are among the wealthiest of Americans, you County and the 8th District as a whole. Bill is done by America’s health insurance plans— might be able to afford to pay your own LTC a former Hoke County Commissioner, and his the facts seem to show that this trust is well expenses. If you have a very low income or determination to help build and create a better placed. few assets, Medicaid may help you. If you community and a better North Carolina is in- I urge my colleagues to read this op-ed and fall somewhere in between, LTC insurance spiring. to talk to your constituents about Medicare may be the smart choice to relieve the finan- I would also like to acknowledge Bill’s family and long-term care issues. And I urge my col- cial strain on your family and help you pro- that has been there backing him in his efforts leagues to come together to enact simple, tect assets. and successes. I am sure Bill’s wife, Rhenda, commonsense changes in Federal policy that LTC insurance is getting more expensive. Many LTC insurers today are asking state and his two children, Candace and Bill, are as can help Americans take an important step to- insurance departments for authority to raise proud as I am of his many accomplishments wards preparing for their long-term care and their LTC insurance rates. Policyholder pre- and his dedication to his profession. retirement security needs. One of the easiest miums are based on several factors that have f things we could do is to allow long-term care changed significantly over time, and in ways insurance to be offered among employer- that few anticipated. AMERICA’S LOOMING LONG-TERM sponsored cafeteria plans and flexible spend- f CARE CRISIS ing arrangements, FSAs. Currently, benefits such as medical insurance, disability income, PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. DAN BURTON life insurance, and a variety of other voluntary OF INDIANA benefits are cafeteria style but long-term care HON. TOM COLE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES insurance is not. Moreover, long-term care in- OF OKLAHOMA Thursday, January 17, 2008 surance cannot be purchased using FSA dol- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lars. That simply makes no sense. Thursday, January 17, 2008 Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, [From the Indianapolis Star, Dec. 31, 2007] while I was back home in Indiana for the re- LET’S WORK TO AVOID LONG-TERM CARE Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, cent congressional recess, I came across an CRISIS on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, I missed a excellent op-ed in the Indianapolis Star written (By C. James Prieur) vote. by the CEO of Conseco Inc—one of our Na- I would have voted as follows: rollcall vote tion’s premier insurance, annuity and financial Here’s a question: What percentage of the long-term care claims submitted to private No. 3: ‘‘yea,’’ passage of H. Res. 912 under security firms—C. James Prieur. The topic of insurance companies were paid in 2006? 10 suspension of the rules, condemning the as- this op-ed was a subject that I have been percent? 25 percent? 50 percent? The actual sassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister deeply concerned about for some time, name- answer—according to a survey of the leading Benazir Bhutto and reaffirming the commit- ly, the question of long-term health care. Not LTC insurers by America’s Health Insurance ment of the United States to assist the people since the days of Hillarycare back in the early Plans—is 97 percent. If that high percentage of Pakistan in combating terrorist activity and 1990s has the issue of health care been surprises you, it may be because a small promoting a free and democratic Pakistan. number of problem LTC insurance cases have raised to such prominence in political and civic f debates all across the country. However, one been grabbing the headlines. Public attention is focusing as never before RECOGNIZING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS aspect of health care that I believe is still not on the important issue of how Americans garnering the kind of attention it should is will pay for their long-term care needs. Soar- WEEK 2008 long-term care, LTC, insurance. ing health care costs, the looming retire- Back in December 2006, the AARP re- ment of millions of baby boomers, and the HON. W. TODD AKIN leased a shocking survey, which found that a fear that Medicare and Medicaid will be dan- OF MISSOURI gerously strained are behind this concern. full 59 percent of American adults age 45 and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES older overestimate Medicare coverage for Unfortunately, misleading media accounts long-term care. Other studies have shown may be driving away the very people who Thursday, January 17, 2008 would benefit most from LTC insurance. similar results. Taken together, the implication Far-sighted leaders in Congress who are Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in is clear; far too many Americans do not have pushing to broaden the number of Americans recognition of Catholic Schools Week 2008. a clear perception of long-term care costs or who have LTC insurance are doing so for From January 27 to February 2, 2008 nearly to what extent long-term care is covered by good reason. The cost for providing long- 2.4 million students who attend the Nation’s public programs. For example, Medicare pays term care will be a major, potentially crip- 7,800 elementary, middle and secondary for care delivered in skilled nursing facilities to pling expense for many households. Contrary Catholic schools will celebrate Catholic patients who require longer term medical treat- to what many think, government programs Schools Week. will pay only part of the tab. Sen. Chuck ment, but Medicare does not pay for custodial Grassley of Iowa noted recently that ‘‘pre- I laud the efforts of faculty and parents who care needed to assist frail and disabled bene- paring for long-term care needs can make a provide our Nation’s children with an excellent ficiaries with eating, bathing and other activi- big difference in both the quality of life for education focused on faith and values. ties of daily living. Medicaid only covers those individuals and the solvency of Medicaid.’’ The 2008 theme, ‘‘Catholic Schools Light types of services if you are impoverished or How the success of these products and their the Way’’ focuses on the leadership that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 408 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 Catholic Schools provide to our Nation by proof Congress, we saw watched as Hrant Dink was signed into law in 2004 as part of ‘‘The ducing graduates who ‘‘light the way to a discussed the problems of Article 301. Justice for All Act,’’ comprehensive legislation brighter future for all humankind.’’ Just two days after the film’s premier, Hrant that ensured that DNA evidence could be The Archdiocese of St. Louis has a long- Dink was shot dead. A man who only wanted used to convict the guilty and free the inno- standing tradition of leadership. I thank the to speak the truth about historical fact. A man cent. Archdiocese for their commitment to enriching who wanted every citizen to be equal. A man Since 2004, millions of dollars in funding the lives of children. we should applaud here in America for his have been appropriated under the Debbie Catholic Schools Week is a testament to the courage and dedication to democracy. Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program to process outstanding work by the Archdioceses across I hope my colleagues will join me in hon- thousands of unprocessed DNA evidence kits the country. oring the memory of Hrant Dink and con- across the country. Because this f tinuing to urge the repeal of Article 301. groundbreaking program’s authorization ex- f pires at the end of FY2009, ‘‘The Debbie COMMEMORATING THE ONE YEAR Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008’’ extends ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSAS- ECONOMIC GROWTH PACKAGE the program through FY2014. SINATION OF MR. HRANT DINK According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest Na- HON. MIKE PENCE tional Network, every 2 minutes someone is HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY OF INDIANA sexually assaulted somewhere in the United OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES States. DNA evidence does not forget and it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, January 17, 2008 cannot be intimidated. By processing this evi- Thursday, January 17, 2008 dence, we can prevent rapists from attacking Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, one year into more innocent victims and ensure that the sur- Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise a liberal Democratic majority in Congress the vivors and their families receive justice. today to solemnly remember the life of jour- economy is struggling. The big government f nalist and activist, Hrant Dink, policies of the new majority are taking their On January 19th, 2007, Mr. Dink was toll. High gasoline prices, the sub-prime mar- CONGRATULATIONS TO LEROY gunned down by a Turkish ultra-nationalist ket crisis in housing, and news that inflation is HIGH SCHOOL ON THEIR 2007 2A outside his newspaper office in Istanbul, Tur- at a seventeen year high, all demand a bipar- STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPION- key. tisan stimulus package in the next thirty days. SHIP Hrant Dink was a man who called for toler- Congress must act; and must act swiftly. ance, peaceful dialogue and greater civil rights I submit that Congress must focus economic HON. JO BONNER for all Turkish citizens. He was a fierce de- relief on the kind of stimulus that will create OF ALABAMA fender of freedom and believed all people jobs and growth for small businesses and fam- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have equal rights under the law. He believed ily farmers. The real antidote to the impending that everyone should have the right to know downturn is more money in the hands of the Thursday, January 17, 2008 the truth about their nation’s past, however wage-earner, and the wage-payer. This is, and Mr. BONNER of Alabama. Madam Speaker, dark that past was. always has been, the pathway to prosperity in it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise Hrant Dink had been prosecuted by the the American economy. to honor Leroy High School on their 2007 2A Turkish government under penal code 301—a f Alabama State Football Championship. law that bans free speech and was used to Head coach Danny Powell led the Bears to suppress a wide range of dissenting opinions, INTRODUCTION OF ‘‘THE DEBBIE their second straight Class 2A state football from criticism of Turkish government institu- SMITH REAUTHORIZATION ACT championship. The title is the third for Leroy in tions to opposing official Turkish denial of the OF 2008’’ past four seasons and the third for Coach Ottoman campaign of genocide against its Ar- Powell in the last two years. Like Coach Pow- menian population. Under the all-encom- HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY ell, I am so proud of his players, and I know passing phrase ‘‘insulting Turkishness’’ a cit- OF NEW YORK they worked hard for this great accomplish- izen in Turkey can receive a prison sentence IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment. of up to three years, with the offence being in- The Leroy Bears proved they are a team of Thursday, January 17, 2008 creased 50 percent if the so-called offence is champions in their victory on December 7, committed abroad. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam 2007, at Legion Field in Birmingham. They de- Nearly 100 journalists and intellectuals have Speaker, Along with Representatives JOHN feated Fyffe High School in a thrilling fourth been prosecuted under Article 301—including CONYERS and LAMAR SMITH, I am introducing quarter comeback to win the state crown. Nobel Prize author Orhan Pamuk. Many in- ‘‘The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of Both teams had strong support from their formed observers believe Hrant Dink’s pros- 2008.’’ I have been working on the issue of families and fans. They traveled to Bir- ecution under Article 301 opened him up to a DNA technology since 2001 when I, along with mingham to support and cheer on their team. campaign of harassment and death threats former Representative Steve Horn, held a The fan support is a strong symbol of encour- from ultra-nationalists, which led to his even- hearing in the Government Reform Committee agement. tual murder. To this day, citizens of Turkey where we heard from a courageous rape sur- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join live under threat of this gag-law, with Hrant vivor, Debbie Smith. Debbie recounted her me in congratulating Leroy High School on Dink’s own son prosecuted because he re- horrifying story . . . how on a Friday after- their winning season and state championship. printed his father’s newspaper articles. noon in March 1989, she was in the kitchen of This school deserves public recognition for This is not the actions of a true democ- her home in Virginia, when a masked intruder this great accomplishment. racy—it is reflective of how a totalitarian state broke in and blindfolded and robbed her. He I extend my congratulations to each mem- would behave. then took her to the woods nearby and sav- ber of the team and coaching staff: And, this is not the Turkey we—the United agely raped her. Years later, Debbie learned LEROY HIGH SCHOOL ROSTER States of America—have aligned our country that DNA processing techniques had produced 1—Stephen Scoggins, 2—Aerik Davis, 3— with. a ‘‘cold hit’’ identifying her assailant, who had Laurence Powell, 5—Grant Brown, 6—Josh Amnesty International has called for a com- been jailed 6 months after her assault for an- Ervin, 7—Jerome Taylor, 8—Jared Elmore, plete repeal of this punitive legislation. other crime. He was charged with Debbie’s 9—Patrick Wilson, 10—Josh Trotter, 11—Pat- The European Commission has repeatedly rape in 1995, freeing Debbie from a life of rick Rivers, 12—Brandon Jones, 14—Paul asked for its repeal. fear. Gartman, 15—Clint Moseley, 16—Alan James, One year ago, Members of Congress, their It was for Debbie, and the thousands of 17—Zach Flowers. 18—Kenny Mitchell, 19—Ryan Daugerty, staffers, and members of several communities rape survivors like her, that I authored a bill to 20—Sammie Coates, 21—Johnny Williams, came together to watch ‘‘Screamers’’—a film provide Federal funding to process the uncon- 22—Victor Lovick, 23—Andrew Williams, about genocide in the last century featuring scionable backlog of DNA evidence. Originally 24—Michael Bracy, 25—Clent Collins, 26— amongst others, Hrant Dink. Here, in the halls introduced in 2001, ‘‘The Debbie Smith Act’’ Terrence Brown, 27—Rob Reeves, 28—Phillip

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This legislation would often traveled by this administration, lies regu- Satterfield, 53—Anthony Payne, 54— require that the Interior Department delay the latory lunacy and a blatant disregard for moral Johathan Hammons, 55—Cody Childs. oil drilling rights sale in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea responsibility. I urge Secretary Kempthorne 56—Raymond Williams, 57—Jonathan until it had made a decision on the listing of and his agency to choose the Bush adminis- Woodyard, 58—Keith Barnes, 59—Jacob Tru- the polar bear under the Endangered Species tration’s road less traveled and protect the jillo, 60—Chris Powell, 61—Tyler Faith, 62— Act, and had performed its responsibility of es- polar bear, and the rest of us, from global Kyle Hayes, 63—James Foster, 64—Neil Hayes, 65—Brett Ayers, 66—Marquis Land, tablishing ‘‘critical habitat’’ for the polar bear. warming. 67—Johnathan Sullivan, 68—Micah Bailey, The Bush administration’s own scientists f project that the prospects for the polar bear’s 69—Tyler Chastain, 70—Frank Turner. A TRIBUTE TO THE MONITORS 71—Devin Byrd, 72—Harris Long, 73—Aaron survival are bleak. Last year, Dr. Steven Williams, 74—Coby Powell, 75—Kendall Wil- Amstrup, the Government’s leading polar bear CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF liams, 76—Jonathan Overstreet, 77—Tevin scientist, headed up a team of scientists MAKING MUSIC Anderson, 79—Payton Goldman, 83—David charged with examining the impact of sea ice Morris, 84—Matt Delegal, 85—Ronny Reed, loss on polar bear populations. In a series of HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD 88—Ross Reed, 89—Cody Sullivan, 90—Tyler reports released last fall, Dr. Amstrup’s team OF NORTH CAROLINA Brown, 98—Richard Weaver, 99—Scottie McBride. concluded that by mid-century, two-thirds of all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Head Coach: Danny Powell, Assistant the world’s polar bears could disappear and Thursday, January 17, 2008 Coaches: Jason Massey, Emanuel King, Matt that polar bears could be gone entirely from Braun, Jason Rowell, Rodney Loper, Tony Alaska. Dr. Amstrup’s team also noted that Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise Nader, and Saul Worthy. based on recent observations, this dire as- and ask my colleagues to join me in paying f sessment could actually be conservative. tribute to the Monitors, one of eastern North The actions of the Bush administration in Carolina’s most noted bands. On January 25, HONORING CYNTHIA ‘‘CINDY’’ the coming months could very well determine 2008, members of this band will come to- HARRISON the fate of this iconic animal. The Interior De- gether at the Boykin Center in Wilson, NC, to partment is currently considering whether to celebrate 50 years of making music. HON. JAY INSLEE list the polar bear under the Endangered Spe- Madam Speaker, Bill Myers and Cleveland OF WASHINGTON cies Act as a result of the impact of global Flowe came together and organized the band IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES warming. While this decision has been nearly in 1957 setting the Monitors in motion over the three years in the making, last week the Fish next 50 years. And they are still grooving Thursday, January 17, 2008 and Wildlife Service announced that it was today. I want to say that Bill Myers is married Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today going to delay any decisions beyond its statu- to my very special cousin, Diana Davis Myers, to honor Cynthia ‘‘Cindy’’ Harrison for nearly torily required deadline—that legal protection and Cleveland Flowe was my band teacher 20 years of hard work and dedication as Bain- for the polar bear would be put on ice while when I was in high school many years ago. bridge Island’s head librarian. After two dec- its critical habitat continues to melt. Bill Myers is the only original member of the ades of extraordinary service, Cindy is retiring Meanwhile, the Interior Department is rev- band who performs once or twice per month. from Bainbridge Island Public Library. In 2006, ving up its regulatory machine to allow new oil Cleveland Flowe and his wife, Cathy, now live Cindy was recognized with the highly-coveted drilling in sensitive polar bear habitat. Earlier in Charlotte, NC. The Monitors’ music varies New York Times Librarian of the Year Award, this month, the Minerals Management Service according to the crowd. The band is very bringing her library national recognition finalized its plan to move forward early next versatile and can take an audience back on a through her tireless efforts. Cindy was a public month with an oil and gas lease sale of nearly journey to the World War II era, or can have face for the library during a period of growth 30 million acres in the Chukchi Sea, an area them doing the twist, jerk, or mashed potatoes when more than $2 million was raised solely that is essential habitat for polar bears in the into the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even break from private donations. Under Cindy’s leader- United States. dancing to the 80s or ‘‘leaning back’’ to those ship, more than 75 percent of Bainbridge Is- The timing of these two decisions leaves the songs that you may hear on the radio today. landers have library cards, with the Island’s door open for the administration to give Big Oil Although the band has kept up with the time, 8,000 households, borrowing more than one- the rights to this polar bear habitat the mo- the members have been able to savor its origi- half millions books and materials last year. ment before the protections for the polar bear nal flavor and can kick it into gear on com- Cindy has made the library a better place in under the Endangered Species Act go into ef- mand. every way. Her stewardship and leadership fect. Rushing to allow drilling in polar bear Madam Speaker, all one has to do is just has ensured that the building and programs habitat before protecting the bear would be name the occasion—a concert, Mardi Gras, have adapted to the changing needs of Bain- the epitome of this administration’s backwards Hawaiian luau, wedding reception, prom, cab- bridge Islanders. Her imagination and dedica- energy policy—a policy of drill first and ask aret, or a street festival, and the Monitors will tion to learning have made the Library a mag- questions later. have you springing to your feet and dancing to net for all the citizens of Bainbridge Island and The decision to list the polar bear must be the beat. have endeared her to the community. made on the best science. The Bush adminis- The Monitors’ claim to fame is their noted I offer my praise to Cindy Harrison, for her tration is still working out how it can solve performances as back-up band with such devotion to the Bainbridge Island library and global warming—with great delay—but has not greats as Otis Redding, Millie Jackson, Major community. yet made any declaration that we, or the polar Lance, Faye Adams and Joyce Thorne, and f bear, are in any danger. The Endangered as the opening act with Ray Charles and Ro- Species Act does not call for a solution before berta Flack. Further, a little known history fact INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO a declaration, but rather a clear decision to be is that in the early stages of her career, Ro- PROTECT THE POLAR BEAR made on the biological status of a species at berta Flack was lead singer for the Monitors. a specific time. The Bush administration are Madam Speaker, this celebration is not only HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY not going to solve global warming without first a time of reminiscence for the members of the OF MASSACHUSETTS declaring it a problem, and they are not going Monitors which include Bill Myers, Cleveland IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to save the bear without first declaring it en- Flowe, Jerome Morgan, Willie Dupree, Dick dangered or threatened under the Endangered Knight, Fred Moye, Donald Tuckson, Sam Thursday, January 17, 2008 Species Act. Lathan, Clark Mills, Jr., Mollie Hunter and Ger- Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I am intro- Robert Frost wrote about two roads diverg- ald Hunter, but it is a charitable occasion ducing this bill today because the polar bear ing in the wood, and here we have the Bush where proceeds of the concert will be divided

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:37 Oct 26, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\E17JA8.000 E17JA8 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 410 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 154, Pt. 1 January 17, 2008 between the Arts Council of Wilson and the of one of western New York’s most dedicated Johnson’s 30 years on the board easily Charles H. Darden High School Alumni Asso- and hard working public servants—the Dean qualify him as Cheektowaga’s longest-serv- ciation. of the Cheektowaga Town Board, its longest ing lawmaker, said Supervisor-elect Mary F. Madam Speaker, I applaud the Monitors for serving member, Councilman Thomas M. Holtz, the town historian. the joy that they have brought into the lives of Johnson, Jr. ‘‘Nobody else even comes close,’’ Holtz said people across the Nation through their musical Many years ago, the Buffalo News once re- after checking her records. talents. I ask my colleagues to join me in ex- ferred to another public official with a reputa- And few town officials have made a greater tending to this renowned band our heartfelt tion for energetic representation of his con- impact than Johnson, observers say. wishes and God’s continued blessings. stituents as ‘‘indefatigable.’’ Untiring. Unrelent- ‘‘Tom is a true institution in f ing. Unfaltering. These and so many other ad- Cheektowaga,’’ said Eric L. Recoon, vice jectives only begin to describe the manner in president of development for Benderson De- IN REMEMBRANCE OF ZORA which Tom Johnson served his constituents, velopment Co. MCARTHUR MEISSNER and the town he loves so dearly. Recoon, who has frequently negotiated Since my very first days in service as a with Johnson regarding Benderson projects, HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Member of the House, Tom has been an ad- gave this assessment: ‘‘Tom probably has, in OF OHIO vocate for countless projects within his own way, done more for the town than al- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cheektowaga, and for the betterment of the most anybody. He’s so passionate about his Thursday, January 17, 2008 people who live there. I am proud to serve in town, and he was really tireless in his efforts public office alongside people of the caliber of to do what he feels would benefit the Town Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise Tom Johnson, and I am prouder still to call of Cheektowaga.’’ today in remembrance of Zora McArthur Tom my friend. And while many politicians show up at Meissner, and to celebrate her life of service I have taken the liberty, Madam Speaker, of public meetings to earn some ‘‘face time,’’ to others and her community. including within this extension excerpts from Johnson comes armed with questions, talk- As a young woman in Alabama, Zora dean article recently published in the Buffalo ing points and often documents to back them voted herself to the civil rights movement as News that chronicles Tom’s career and his up. It’s not long before he’s deep in the de- she registered young black voters, fought for plans to ‘‘retire’’—with that word intentionally bate—or taking over the meeting, as some the desegregation of schools, and demanded left in quotation marks. Tom will never truly re- critics would describe it. equality in the workplace. tire from serving the town he so dearly loves, Recoon, who has dealt with Johnson for After moving to Cleveland, Zora earned her and all of us in elective office owe a great more than a decade, said: ‘‘He’s incredibly bachelor’s and master’s degrees from John debt of gratitude to Tom for his service and frank. He’s very straightforward, and he is Carroll University while raising her children. his dedication to the people in his community. candid—sometimes not in a fashion that you Her spirit for advocacy and empowerment led Tom, on behalf of the entirety of the House of want him to be. But you know what? You al- her to a number of jobs working with the most Representatives, let me wish you, Barbara ways know where you stand with him.’’ vulnerable populations in Cleveland. Zora’s and your entire family the very best of luck Johnson, an engineer and retired manager compassion embraced everyone she encoun- and Godspeed. for Goodyear-Dunlop Tire Corp., recalls buying a house on Meadowlawn Road in the tered, and her desire to make the world and CHEEKTOWAGA ICON JOHNSON LEARNING THE early 1970s and then learning that—instead Cleveland a better place never waned. She WORD ‘‘RETIRE’’ of being used for housing, as real estate (By Thomas J. Dolan) had a genuine desire to help people, and rel- agents had assured him—the large lot behind ished the time she spent with clients. Cheektowaga’s longest-serving Town Board his home would be developed as a shopping Zora is celebrated in life by her beloved member, Thomas M. Johnson Jr., is stepping mall. husband of 37 years, Joseph; and her children down after three decades in office, but you wouldn’t know it to see him. As a result, Johnson helped form the Betina, Chiquita, and Paul. Depew-Cheektowaga Home Association, Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join With just days to go before his term ends, Johnson, 66, is as restless as ever. He’s show- which grew to more than 700 members. And, me in remembering and honoring Zora ing up for work sessions at Town Hall, pop- through most of his political career, he has McArthur Meissner, for a rich life spent dedi- ping in at community meetings and appear- kept close ties with Cheektowaga’s home- cated to her family and her community. May ing at all manner of ceremonies and events, owners’ and taxpayers’ associations. her strength and spirit live on in us all. just as he has done through much of his ca- His list of honors and awards—many of f reer. ‘‘He gets involved in practically every- them from community groups—fill more thing. He goes to all the meetings. He gets than a page. But after more than 32 years on HONORING RETIRING TOWN OF involved with various groups,’’ said Thomas the political stage, Johnson says he is retir- CHEEKTOWAGA COUNCILMAN J. Adamczak, supervisor of town inspectors. ing to spend more time with his family, espe- Whether it’s the Cheektowaga Community THOMAS M. JOHNSON, JR. cially his grandchildren, Natalie, 7, and Eric, Symphony Orchestra, a ceremony honoring 5. It’s difficult to imagine him no longer veterans, a planning session to restock wall- being active in town affairs, especially since HON. BRIAN HIGGINS eye in Cayuga Creek or a discussion of he believes strongly in having citizens take OF NEW YORK storm-drainage problems, Johnson has been part in government. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a force in town affairs for decades. He has Thursday, January 17, 2008 left his stamp on a wide variety of projects, ‘‘What we need more than anything else is from the Walden Galleria shopping mall to participatory government,’’ he said. ‘‘For my Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today the town’s new bike path, now under con- mind, government that is closest to the peo- to commemorate the illustrious public career struction. ple is best.’’

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