E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 112 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 157 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2011 No. 36 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was This week the Rasmussen Report Mr. Speaker, I also want to show a called to order by the Speaker pro tem- finds that 52 percent of voters want our poster from the honor guard at Dover pore (Mr. LATTA). troops home from Afghanistan this walking a transfer case, which most f year. To quote this poll, ‘‘A majority of people know is a coffin. It’s the re- voters, for the first time, support an mains of an American hero off the DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO immediate withdrawal of all U.S. plane. This again is war and the pain of TEMPORE troops from Afghanistan or the cre- war. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ation of a timetable to bring them all Mr. Speaker, this is a beautiful, fore the House the following commu- home within a year.’’ handsome couple. It’s a young marine, nication from the Speaker: Fourteen months ago, I asked a re- his wife, and his child. This young ma- WASHINGTON, DC, tired military general to advise me on rine had been deployed so much that he March 10, 2011. Afghanistan. I have asked him for his developed PTSD. A year ago, on the I hereby appoint the Honorable ROBERT E. thoughts, and I will read some of them main drag at Camp Lejeune known as LATTA to act as Speaker pro tempore on this to you. Back in November, I emailed McHugh Boulevard, he committed sui- day. this general and I said, What do you cide. He stepped out of the car, he put JOHN A. BOEHNER, Speaker of the House of Representatives. think about the possibility of being in a gun to his head, and he committed Afghanistan for 4 more years? suicide. f Mr. Speaker, he replied, ‘‘I do not be- Mr. Speaker, I hope that the Con- MORNING-HOUR DEBATE lieve that 40 more years would guar- gress would join Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- antee ’victory,’ whatever that is; so 4 PAUL, and others in this House and ant to the order of the House of Janu- will do nothing. The war is costing let’s have a debate, and let’s vote. Let’s ary 5, 2011, the Chair will now recog- money and lives, all in short supply.’’ meet our constitutional responsibility, nize Members from lists submitted by Mr. Speaker, there is a retired lieu- and let’s bring our troops home before the majority and minority leaders for tenant colonel in Jacksonville, North we break the military. It is time to morning-hour debate. Carolina, which is in my district, who bring our troops home from Afghani- The Chair will alternate recognition served in the United States Marine stan. between the parties, with each party Corps for 31 years. His name is Dennis Mr. Speaker, as I always do, I ask limited to 1 hour and each Member Adams. He wrote me a letter, and the God to please bless our men and women other than the majority and minority last paragraph of the letter I would in uniform. I ask God to please bless leaders and the minority whip limited like to read to the House. the families of our men and women in to 5 minutes each, but in no event shall ‘‘I urge you to make contact with all uniform. I ask God to love the families debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. the current and newly elected men and who have given a child dying for free- f women to Congress and ask them to dom in Afghanistan and Iraq, and I ask end this war and bring our young men God to please bless the House and Sen- END THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN and women home. If any of my com- ate that we would do what is right in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ments will assist you in this effort, you the eyes of God. I ask God to give wis- Chair recognizes the gentleman from are welcome to use them and my dom, strength, and courage to Presi- North Carolina (Mr. JONES) for 5 min- name.’’ dent Obama that he will do what is utes. Mr. Speaker, I want to show the right in the eyes of God. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, faces. I want to show the faces of war And three times I will ask, God DENNIS KUCINICH, RON PAUL, and I, and the faces of pain. please, God please, God please continue along with other colleagues, held a This is a young man whose name is to bless America. press conference to announce House Phillip Jordan. At the time of his fa- f Concurrent Resolution 28, which would ther’s death—his father was a gunnery require the President to withdraw all sergeant—he was 6 years of age. I wish DIRTY AIR United States Armed Forces from Af- the people could see the eyes of this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ghanistan by the end of 2011. young boy, 6 years of age, with a folded Chair recognizes the gentleman from Last month’s USA Today/Gallup poll, flag under his arm and the coffin that Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) for 1 minute. 72 percent of Americans favor congres- is following right behind him. This is Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sional action this year to bring our war. Children feel war as adults feel opposition to Chairman UPTON’s dirty troops home from Afghanistan. war. air act.

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.

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.000 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 In 2007, the Supreme Court issued the agree that when President Bush tapped ture energy production. This includes a Massachusetts v. EPA decision, direct- into the strategic reserve during the large portion of Alaska’s Outer Conti- ing the EPA to examine greenhouse gas aftermath of Katrina, it was in re- nental Shelf, even though expanding emissions and their impact on the pub- sponse to a serious supply disruption production would ultimately create up- lic health. EPA conducted a highly and an unforeseeable disaster. wards of 1.2 million jobs and generate credible, peer-reviewed scientific anal- But if we draw down on these re- $8 trillion in economic output. That’s ysis under the Bush EPA and the serves when gas hits $4 a gallon, what why we must immediately begin a Obama EPA, both concluding that will we do if the reserves are depleted long-term energy policy and begin to greenhouse gases harm our health. and then a real emergency hits? The drill today to deal with higher gas This was not a political analysis; it President’s shortsighted answer to our prices. was a scientific analysis. But that has rapidly increasing oil and gas prices I also believe that it is vitally important to in- not stopped the chairman from trying does nothing to protect America from vest in the development of clean coal tech- to legislatively undermine scientific future energy prices skyrocketing, nor nologies. Coal is our Nation’s most abundant fact. According to the EPA, President does it help lead toward American en- and affordable energy resource, and another Nixon’s Clean Air Act will prevent ergy independence. way to energy independence is through eco- 230,000 premature deaths and result in From the beginning, the Obama ad- nomically and environmentally sound clean $2 trillion in economic benefits in 2020. ministration has failed to initiate a se- coal technology. President Obama has specifi- But, Chairman UPTON has decided, rious energy policy. Instead, this ad- cally said that he would bankrupt the coal in- with much help from corporate pol- ministration has actively taken steps dustry through regulations and impossible luters’ lobbyists, that the fiscal and to block or delay American energy pro- standards. physical well-being of the American duction, therefore making us more de- Democrats continue to operate an anti-busi- people are less important than Big pendent on unstable foreign countries’ ness agenda and restrict the advancement of Oil’s importance and Big Oil’s billion oil production. domestic energy development through regula- dollar bottom line next quarter. b 1010 tions, moratoriums and increased taxes on The bottom line for America is that American energy production. The President’s undermining EPA science will cost Recently, we remembered the 50th 2012 budget includes over $60 billion in tax trillions. anniversary of President Kennedy’s in- and fee increases on American energy pro- auguration. Following that inaugura- f duction. This will only add to the burden of tion, the President stood in this very families and businesses. PAIN AT THE PUMP Chamber and challenged our Nation to The current unrest in the Middle East only The SPEAKER pro tempore. The make it a national goal to place a man emphasizes the importance for America to de- Chair recognizes the gentleman from on the Moon and return him safely velop more of its own domestic resources. Mississippi (Mr. NUNNELEE) for 5 min- back to Earth before the decade is out. American energy production can lower prices, utes. Today, we should make it a national create good jobs and decrease our reliability Mr. NUNNELEE. Mr. Speaker, frus- priority that before the end of this dec- on foreign oil. We need to start paying Ameri- trations are growing as Americans are ade, the United States should achieve cans and stop funding our enemies. feeling real pain at the pumps. The ris- energy security and energy independ- Our country has been blessed with clean ing gas prices are a serious strain on an ence. By actively producing our own and efficient energy resources. Let’s stop put- economy that is beginning to show energy resources, America will not ting unreasonable restrictions on our natural small signs of recovery. only be independent from volatile re- resources and allow America to claim energy Right now, the average gas price in gions of the world, but we will supply independence. Mississippi is $3.50 a gallon, and I don’t our own energy. f think anybody would be surprised if Now there is no single ‘‘silver bullet’’ that number continues to rise. Every and Republicans support an all-of-the- FORECLOSURE CRISIS AND GOP time gas prices go up by one penny, above approach that includes more GUTTING FORECLOSURE PRO- that costs American consumers $4 mil- American oil, more American natural GRAMS lion a day. gas, coal and nuclear energy. We need The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Families in north Mississippi have to expand U.S. oil exploration imme- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from been dealing with tight budgets for the diately in the Gulf of Mexico and Alas- California (Ms. CHU) for 5 minutes. last couple of years, and rising gas ka. The gulf produces nearly one-third Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, the effects of prices severely impact an already of our domestic oil. Offshore natural the foreclosure crisis and economic tightened family budget. We all know gas produced in the gulf region ac- downturn have had a devastating im- that ultimately gas prices will be counts for 13 percent of the total U.S. pact on American families. Because of passed on in higher prices to the con- production. However, a de facto mora- shoddy business practices and enor- sumer through higher transportation torium still exists, even though the of- mous risks taken by big banks, our costs, increased costs of groceries and ficial moratorium was lifted last May housing and financial systems have ut- other commodities. When there is no and October. terly collapsed. And in the wake of this extra money in the pocketbooks, there Not only has the gulf lost 12,000 qual- destruction, millions of Americans is certainly no padding in the family ity jobs because of the moratorium, have lost their jobs, their homes and budget to accommodate this increase but these rigs are actively leaving that their quality of life. in the cost of living associated with region and moving to foreign countries As the casualties rose and home- higher gas prices. such as Cuba, Brazil and Mexico. owners clamored for some relief, the As turmoil in the Middle East con- In February, Federal Judge Feldman government stepped in to do what it tinues, coupled with emerging demand gave the Department of the Interior 30 could. But with the scope of the prob- for Third World developing countries days to rule on seven deepwater drill- lem, government foreclosure relief pro- that places demand on foreign energy ing permits. As of today, only one of grams alone just aren’t enough. We demands, that’s going to cause gas those permits has been issued. That is should do more—more to fix the hous- prices to further increase. This prob- simply inexcusable. This type of delib- ing market and more especially to cre- lem is serious, and it needs to be ad- erate inaction and negligence fails to ate jobs, because putting people back dressed now. It needs to be addressed meet the needs of a struggling U.S. to work will do more to right our econ- through exploring more domestic en- economy. That is why I’m a proud co- omy, help people pay their mortgages ergy production. sponsor of House Resolution 140, which and get the banks back to lending than However, President Obama has of- calls for a streamlining of the permit anything else. fered a short-term solution, tapping process for shallow and deepwater drill- But the Republican House leadership into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. ing in the gulf. hasn’t gotten the message. In the last The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is In 2008, President Obama put the en- 10 weeks since the Republicans took available for national emergencies at a tire Pacific coast, Atlantic coast and control of the House, they haven’t cre- time of crisis. Mississippians can all the eastern gulf coast off-limits to fu- ated a single job. What’s worse, they

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.002 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1671 haven’t even put a single jobs bill on know don’t work rather than trying to taining our empire around the world. the House floor. Instead of creating fix the policies we know that can work. We are in the process of remaking all jobs, they are slashing them. The GOP Struggling Americans deserve better the borders and leadership in the Mid- spending plan eliminates 700,000 jobs than that. dle East and Central Asia, and now in and stifles economic growth. Rather f North Africa we’re getting involved. than moving the Nation forward, they We have invested $70 billion trying to NO-FLY ZONE: A CHALLENGE TO are forcing America backward. prop up a dictator in Egypt, and look THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION And this week is no different. Repub- at how that ended up. Now we are licans are making things worse for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The hustling around to find out who the American families as they continue Chair recognizes the gentleman from next dictator is. their assault on the middle class. They Texas (Mr. PAUL) for 5 minutes. So if we get involved, I’m not sure want to completely abolish four pro- Mr. PAUL. The important question they even know who to bomb and grams designed to help homeowners being asked today with regards to for- which one and who is going to come keep their houses and avoid fore- eign policy is should the United States out on top. That is an internal matter. closure. Republicans have no interest impose a no-fly zone over Libya? There It is a civil war that is going on. We in making these programs work better are leaders on both sides of the Capitol can cheer for one side or the other, but for the American people. By offering and leaders in both parties who are that is not a justification to place the nothing in their place, the GOP is sim- now advising this as well as individuals burden on the American people, both ply abandoning hardworking home- in the administration. It is my opinion militarily and individually, as well as owners who are underwater and strug- that we should not. It would be foolish, monetarily. Some would say yes, that gling to find jobs to pay the bills. it would have a downside, and we sounds good, I agree, and as long as we Now, we all know that government should think very, very carefully be- get approval from the U.N. and NATO, foreclosure programs are not perfect. fore we go expanding the wars that it will be okay. But, you know, that is But why are we completely disman- we’re already involved in. We’re in two just really a cop-out. What army and tling programs that have helped thou- major wars with Iraq and Afghanistan, air force and technology does the U.N. sands of Americans stay in their and that involves Pakistan and Yemen have, and what does NATO have? You homes? Though not perfect, why are we already. get a resolution at the U.N. that says targeting the victims of the foreclosure So to go into Libya now and impose let’s take out this bad guy and do these and financial crises instead of helping a no-fly zone—we have to remember, a things, or NATO does it. They are all of them by fixing these programs? no-fly zone is an act of war. What our airplanes and all our money. And There’s a lot that we can do better moral right do we have to participate no matter what, anything and every- without giving up on people like Fran- in war activity against Libya? Libya thing that goes wrong, the United cisco. Francisco is from Duarte in my hasn’t done anything to the United States will be blamed for it. There is district. After a year, he was under- States. They’re not a threat to our na- enough resentment against us already water, and, at the height of the reces- tional security. There’s been no aggres- for pretending that we can tell every sion, he tried to modify his home loan. sion. There’s no constitutional author- other country how to live. He visited his servicer and was pushed ity for a President to willy-nilly go and The best way to look at this, I be- back and forth between customer rep- start placing no-fly zones over coun- lieve, is how would we as a people and resentatives. After 2 years of fighting tries around the world. how would we as a Congress respond if for help, he only had four pieces of mail We tried this in the 1990s and did it we were a weaker nation and there was from the lender to show for it. He was for 8 or 9 years. We had a no-fly zone, a stronger nation, if they came and im- eventually denied the modification, along with sanctions and blockades, posed a no-fly zone over us or had sanc- and he can’t even appeal the decision. around Iraq. Finally, it ended up with tions against us or had a blockade. We And though we should be doing more to war. And the wars were based on lies. wouldn’t accept that. That would unify help him, the Republican plan of doing And then when that happened they us. So I don’t buy into this thing that nothing means that he is completely said, yes, but it was well worth it be- this is the only humanitarian thing we out of luck. cause we got rid of a bad guy. But we can do, expand the war. Commonsense improvements can be also lost close to 4,500 American mili- If we want to do something for hu- made to make the government fore- tary people, 30-some thousand suffered manity, we need a new foreign policy. closure program better, ones that could severe injuries and hundreds of thou- We need a foreign policy that isn’t provide relief to Francisco. Take the sands are applying now for disability built on militarism; it’s built on more Home Affordable Modification Pro- because we went to war when we cooperation and more trade and not gram, or HAMP. Simple fixes like hav- shouldn’t have gone to war. picking our dictators. ing a case manager assigned to each To expand this war now makes no Look at what happened after we case will allow for better communica- sense whatsoever. It’s against inter- picked a dictator for Iran. Sure, it tion between the customer and the national law. It challenges the War lasted for 25 years or so. But eventu- bank. If a customer is denied a loan Powers Resolution. For that reason, we ally it radicalized the Islamists and modification, it would be more effec- should stop and think. Congress should they had a revolution, and we came out tive to appeal the decision instead of act. I’m preparing to introduce a reso- on the short end of that. So I think it having to reapply all over again. And lution next week that it is the sense of is time that we reassess this and think we can do more to provide incentives Congress that the executive branch about a policy that makes a lot more for banks to complete modifications can’t do this without approval from the sense. Economically, we need to do it. and ensure that servicers complete due Congress. f diligence before denying modifications. These are reasonable solutions that b 1020 NUCLEAR WASTE AT YUCCA servicers have been slow to adopt, if at Why should we do this? Do you think MOUNTAIN: OVER MY DEAD BODY all. And if we don’t make changes to it will cost some money? Yes, it is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The these programs and instead just throw going to cost a ton of money. Innocent Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from them away, what will struggling home- people will be killed. You can’t just all Nevada (Ms. BERKLEY) for 5 minutes. owners be left with? They will be left of a sudden turn a switch and say don’t Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I have to the banks whose bad policies caused fly over Libya; you have to bomb a lot been in Congress now for 12 years. The this financial crisis in the first place. of anti-aircraft sites and a lot of mili- very first speech I made on the floor of They will be left with unstable commu- tary establishments, so the war is on. the House was why nuclear waste nities strewn with abandoned homes, From my viewpoint, this is the kind should not be stored at Yucca Moun- and they will be left without a home of thing that has been going on too tain, Nevada. I cannot believe 12 years and no one to turn to for help. long. It contributes significantly to our from when I first made that speech, I It sounds like Republicans would bankruptcy, and we are now spending am back in the well of the House talk- rather return to old policies that we approximately $1 trillion a year main- ing about why Nevada should not be

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.005 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 the site for the nuclear repository for clear waste shipped to Yucca Mountain work touched so many millions of peo- this country. because it will be shipped over my dead ple. He was encouraged every day be- President Obama defunded the Yucca body. I will lay across those railroad cause he truly felt the Afghani people Mountain project, and let me tell you tracks and stop that train from depos- appreciated what the U.S. military is why he took this very bold step: be- iting nuclear waste in my great State. doing. cause 77 percent of the people of the I oppose the cuts as much as I oppose b 1030 State of Nevada do not want nuclear the funding of Yucca Mountain. I op- waste stored at Yucca Mountain. There pose the cuts in the solar energy loan He desired to build a school for the are groundwater issues, seismic activ- guarantee program that will cut 600 Afghani children once the Taliban had ity, volcanic activity, and it is 90 miles jobs from the State of Nevada and pre- been driven out. from the major population center of vent us from moving forward for a No words can express the loss of Las Vegas. bright, renewable energy future. Lance Corporal Johnson’s family and how they feel. And I’m proud to salute It is dangerous. There are no current f EPA standards. And why is that? No such a fine young son, brother, uncle, current EPA radiation standards, be- HONORING LANCE CORPORAL and friend. cause there is no way to set radiation RAYMON JOHNSON The young men and women of our standards for material that has a ra- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The armed services continue to make great dioactive half shelf life of 300,000 years. Chair recognizes the gentleman from sacrifices every day for the Nation that But the Republican budget that has Georgia (Mr. WESTMORELAND) for 5 they love and a Nation that will never just been submitted resurrects Yucca minutes. forget to remember the debt that they Mountain and starts the process of Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, have paid. dumping another $100 billion into a I come before the House this morning Thank you, Raymon Johnson. hole in the Nevada desert where there with great sorrow but also with great f honor to celebrate the life of Lance will never, ever be any nuclear waste THE FEDERAL BUDGET AND OUR Corporal Raymon Johnson, who an- stored. NATION’S PRIORITIES At the same time that the majority swered his Nation’s call of duty in 2007 is calling for spending more money to after graduating from Shaw High The SPEAKER pro tempore. The dump nuclear waste at Yucca Moun- School in 2006. On October 13, 2010, he Chair recognizes the gentleman from tain, they are also pushing for dev- made the ultimate sacrifice while serv- Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) for 5 astating cuts that will end the loan ing his country and protecting his minutes. guarantees for a new solar power plant country and fellow servicemen abroad. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, it’s in the State of Nevada near the com- He was killed while conducting combat been 2 years, 5 months, and 23 days munity of Tonopah. The result will be operations in the Helmand Province of since Lehman Brothers collapsed and the loss of 600 jobs at a time when the Afghanistan. the Wall Street dominos began to fall. Silver State has double-digit unem- Lance Corporal Johnson was de- It’s been 21⁄2 years since Wall Street ployment. Almost 15 percent of the ployed to Afghanistan as part of the 1st mortgage bond traders and their crimi- people who live in Nevada have no job, Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd nal management brought the world fi- and they are going to take away 600 Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, nancial system to its knees. more by this very foolish act. Con- North Carolina. He leaves behind his There hasn’t been one person held ac- struction of this new solar plant will mother, Gwendolyn; his father, Greg- countable for it. Not one conviction. not only provide hundreds of paychecks ory; a sister, LaQuita; and a brother, The biggest scandal in American his- to Nevada workers, it will also supply Ramon, who serves in the Georgia Na- tory, and there’s been no jail time for enough clean and renewable energy to tional Guard. He also leaves behind a anyone. power 75,000 homes in the State of Ne- nephew, Andre. We Democrats cleaned up the mess. vada. Without these loan guarantees Raymon desired to become a United We saved the country from riots in the that are now on the Republican chop- States Marine from an early age. Fam- streets. But no one was convicted. I ping block, this solar project’s bright ily members recall Raymon spending think a lot of voters, Tea Party voters future is looking mighty, mighty dim. hours playing military video games included, are seething with anger about Tapping renewable energy sources, and watching the military channel the injustice. like the wind and solar and geo- when he was a teenager. Raymon began Riding this wave of voter anger, 2 thermal, all in great abundance in the training to enter the service even be- weeks ago this House passed one of the State of Nevada, is where the future of fore he graduated from high school, worst bills ever considered in Congress, this Nation and certainly Nevada’s en- and he passed up recruitment offers H.R. 1, a bill the Republicans have ergy needs are. from the Navy, the Army, and the Air called a ‘‘budget,’’ that was nothing Do we want to continue to rely on Force to join the Marines. Many family less than an attack on children and the Saudis and the Venezuelans and members were apprehensive about working people in this country. I think the Libyans for our energy needs to be Raymon joining the Marines, but he all the people who voted for it should met? I don’t think so. Renewable is the felt it was his duty to serve. He told his be ashamed. way to go. family: Don’t try to worry about me Budgets are moral documents. They This Nation and Nevada’s future is in much, I’m glad I’m doing what I always say what a country’s priorities are. But clean energy, not in nuclear waste wanted to do. looking at what the Republicans passed stored at Yucca Mountain, yet the Re- Friends and family members who re- in this House, it’s hard to believe that publicans want to cut funding for solar called Raymon remember a young man the bill is what Tea Party voters really and other renewable resources that can who was not only driven to serve his bargained for in the last election. be harnessed to provide clean energy country, but also someone who was In the papers this week, we’re read- and jobs for our local workers. And caring, compassionate, and filled with ing that the Tea Party freshmen are they are pushing these cuts while call- integrity. At his funeral, a teary-eyed now going to school. They are taking ing for $100 billion to be dumped down Ramon Johnson, his twin brother, re- classes on the Federal budget—‘‘Budget a hole in the middle of the Nevada membered the good times he and his 101’’ is what they call it. So after they desert, as I said, 90 miles from a major brother had baking cakes with their balanced the books of the country en- population center. grandmother. His uncle, a reverend and tirely on the backs of children and I reject these efforts to restore the former Marine, said Raymon wanted to women, they are actually learning a funding to Yucca Mountain. It is more fight for a cause. thing or two about the budget. It’s wasteful spending at a time when they Like all men and women in the about time. They’re learning the basics are talking about fixing the deficit. armed services, Lance Corporal John- after the vote. This is no way to do it by adding an son wanted to serve his country brave- But I don’t think the Tea Party vot- extra $100 billion. And I will make this ly, and he did. He took satisfaction in ers wanted a war on children. Tea pledge to you now: There will be no nu- his job every day because he knew his Party freshmen certainly didn’t run on

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.006 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1673 that basis. I think the voters look at In recent weeks I have come to the b 1040 what this country has been through in floor to argue that the Republican You have to cut billions in funding the last few years and they see the ter- spending plan does two extremely into new medical cures and energy rible injustice of it. I don’t think the harmful things: It weakens our econ- technologies. You have to kick 200,000- Tea Party movement is about pun- omy and fails to seriously reduce our plus children off of Head Start. You ishing women and children and poor debt. even have to cut port and transit secu- Democrats agree that cutting spend- people. I think they want common- rity by two-thirds. Hear that again. ing is part of the solution to our dif- sense justice. They’re cutting port and transit secu- Mr. Speaker, only 12 percent of the ficult problems that confront us. But rity by two-thirds while they’re hold- country’s budget is spent on these im- we also believe that cuts should be ing terrorism hearings. portant programs for the needy. When smart and targeted, not reckless. The chairman of the House Homeland you cut these programs, you pull Rather than cutting investments in Security Committee, a Republican, American children out of Head Start, growth—at the same time our inter- you put Americans on the street, you national competitors are ramping up said those cuts were ‘‘too dangerous.’’ let the bridges we go to work on crum- theirs—Democrats support the Make It As David Brooks recently argued, Con- ble. That doesn’t balance the budget. In America agenda, a plan to invest in gress should ‘‘never cut without an Without any changes to current pol- innovation, manufacturing jobs, and evaluation process.’’ But instead, legis- icy, the budget deficit will drop to $500 middle class opportunity. That’s what lators—he referred to the Republican billion in 2 years. Now, that deficit will the President talked about in his State initiatives—‘‘are simply cutting on the slowly rise again. This slow rise in the of the Union, and he was right. basis of what’s politically easy and coming years is the big issue, and it’s Unfortunately, the consensus that what vaguely seems expendable.’’ caused by two things: increased health the Republican spending plan will halt It may be possible to portray taking care costs and a defense budget that is our economic recovery and cost jobs is on 14 percent of the budget as fiscally out of control. widespread and nonpartisan. responsible, but only because doing so Mr. Speaker, we’re going to fix the Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, ap- exploits Americans’ misunderstanding long-term budget deficit of this coun- pointed by President Bush, tells us of the budget. A recent poll shows that try by lowering health care costs and that the plan will cost ‘‘a couple of 63 percent of Americans think we spend by having a sensible defense budget. We hundred thousand’’ jobs. Macro- more on defense and foreign aid than aren’t going to do it in an orgy of in- economic advisers tell us that the Re- we do on Medicare and Social Secu- tolerance and demonization of the mid- publican plan will wipe out approxi- rity—all the blue, all the green, and dle class and working people in this Re- mately 450,000 jobs. Moody’s Analytics then the yellow, that small sliver— publican budget. chief economist Mark Zandi, who ad- which, by the way, includes discre- I think the Tea Party voters want re- vised Senator MCCAIN in his Presi- tionary foreign policy expenditures. sponsible spending. So do my constitu- dential campaign, tells us that it will Mr. Speaker, I urge our citizens to ents. The Tea Party voters want basic cost up to 700,000 jobs. The Economic look at the consequences of these cuts fairness. So do my constituents. Tea Policy Institute puts the number at and look at the small sliver that the Party voters have been misled by the 800,000 jobs. Whatever the precise num- Republicans are focusing themselves on American fear machine into thinking ber, it is a large number of jobs that and you and me on. We need to see the that education and basic services and will be lost if we pass the Republicans’ whole picture if we’re going to come to public employees is where the big sav- budget solutions. grips with the challenge that confronts ings are. That is a terrible myth and a What they want to do, as the gen- us. terrible disservice to the public. tleman from Washington State said, When another poll asked Americans how I hope the Tea Party members in the this is all exempt. This is security. much we spend on foreign aid, the average House quickly learn the basic math of These are all mandatory expenditures. estimate was 27 percent—when the right an- the budget. The deficit is about defense This small slice of the budget, about swer is about 1 percent. and health care spending, not about $460 billion, the Republicans want to It is entirely out of step with fiscal reality to pushing even more children into pov- cut by 22 percent, give or take a per- attempt to tackle our deficit while ignoring 86 erty. centage point. So they are holding percent of the budget. Every Member of this House ought to harmless almost all of 85 to 86 percent ‘‘Fiscal responsibility’’ is not synonymous watch the 60 Minutes segment from of the money that we spent and say with ‘‘cutting non-security discretionary spend- last Sunday night on children who are we’re simply going to cut from edu- ing.’’ living in cars, living in motels, living cation, from health care, from chil- In truth, fiscal responsibility is much more in shelters because they have lost their dren, from community development— difficult than that. homes. Twenty-five percent of Amer- projects—the guts of what makes our As former Republican Congressman Joe ican children in this country are living communities have a better quality. At Scarborough put it this week, ‘‘The belief of in poverty. That show looked like we the same time, I have argued the Re- some on the right that America can balance were looking at Bangladesh. That’s publican spending plan barely puts a the budget by cutting education, infrastructure, what we ought to be pointing to, not dent in our budget deficit. the corporation for public broadcasting, and It’s reasonable to ask how can this spending our time out here today on home heating assistance to the poor is tanta- plan have such severe consequences for H.R. 830, whacking the daylights out of mount to budgetary witchcraft.’’ another bill to prevent foreclosures. It our economy, yet so little impact on our fiscal predicament? This chart We have to start doing more. is simply not what America is about. We have to address the Defense spending I urge all my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ helps us answer the question. All of the that takes up more than a quarter of our budg- and to go pull up on the Web that seg- proposed cuts, all of the cuts, come et. We have to make hard choices that can ment from last Sunday night and look from this small slice of the budget, the keep our entitlements strong for generations to at the faces of those children and real- category of our budget called ‘‘non-se- come. ize you’re creating their lives by the curity discretionary spending.’’ And, with tax revenues at a 60-year low, we kind of economy you put together. But non-security discretionary have to pass deficit-reducing tax reform. f spending, the gentleman from Wash- ington State said 12 percent. We have Unless we’re willing to take on that hard BUDGET/DISCRETIONARY here 14 percent. It’s in that neighbor- work, on a bipartisan basis, none of us de- SPENDING hood depending upon exactly what you serve to call ourselves fiscally responsible. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The include as security or non-security. f Chair recognizes the gentleman from When you attempt to find $100 billion NFL PLAYERS AND TEACHERS Maryland (Mr. HOYER) for 5 minutes. in savings and when you insist on get- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to ting these savings from 14 percent of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The congratulate the gentleman from the budget, you have to cut very deeply Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington State for focusing America into absolutely essential projects and California (Mr. GEORGE MILLER) for 5 on what the issues are before us. programs for our people. minutes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.007 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Will teachers be given time to perfect a pleasure cruise. It doesn’t take a Mr. Speaker, the National Football lesson plans and presentations? Will he mental giant to figure who got our League contract bargaining fight could or she have a say in campus safety? money. teach an important lesson to the Gov- Will they be included in the reform de- According to a recent report, the eco- ernor of Wisconsin about how to ensure cisions that are made for the school nomic crisis that Wall Street precip- high-quality teachers in his State. and for the students? itated has now caused massive tax rev- When Governor Walker dictates that All over America school districts are enue shortfalls for the Federal Govern- teachers will lose their collective bar- changing the rules from the mere plati- ment and our State governments total- gaining rights except for negotiations tudes that teachers are the most im- ing nearly $300 billion. This is why peo- over pay, he shows how out of touch he portant influence outside the home in ple are at one another’s throats in Wis- is with the teaching profession, with the education of our children to really consin, in Ohio, and other places. Yes, school reform in America, and, frankly, making it possible. Districts are solic- ordinary Americans—teachers, police, with the American workplace. iting teachers’ views to improve both firemen—are being pink-slipped, and Having a voice at work has never the learning and the teaching environ- the American people are being forced been just about pay. It is about wheth- ment. It is happening in States and to accept cuts in government services er the American workplace will respect schools in tough unionized areas where while Wall Street keeps winning, and and nurture workers’ skills, their abili- some said it could never happen, and it winning big. ties, and their ingenuity, or will it sim- will continue because it reflects what They know well how to win for them- ply crush their spirits. It’s about the the new and current dedicated teachers selves. This year, Bank of America is total workplace and the ability of em- view as a modern workplace, where re- receiving an income tax refund of—are ployees to utilize their talents and sults and outcomes matter to students, you ready for this, America?—$666 mil- their time to the fullest extent, to be parents, teachers, and the community. lion for 2010. Now, that followed $3.5 valued by and add value to the enter- It’s not just about pay. Teachers advo- billion in refunds that Bank of America prise, whether that enterprise is a cate for our children. They advocate reported in 2009. Bank of America’s school, a factory, or an NFL team. for our children when they are sick or Federal income tax benefit this year is Ask yourself this: If he could, would troubled or when they’re being bullied, roughly two times the Obama adminis- Governor Walker limit collective bar- when they need help learning. tration’s proposed cuts to the Commu- gaining for the world champion Green The Governor of Wisconsin’s view of nity Development Block Grant pro- Bay Packers to just questions of pay? dictating and mandating without the gram, which is a lifeline to commu- If he tried, he would discover rapidly say and collaboration that teachers nities such as I represent where unem- that in the world of millionaires, as in want and expect in their careers is a ployment is still over 9 percent. Six banks—Bank of America, Wells the world of teachers, it is not just broken model from the past and will Fargo, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, about pay. It is about the quality of not give students, parents, or our econ- Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley— the job and the career. omy the results that our country needs together paid income tax at an approx- The Governor would quickly discover as we enter the next generation of a imate rate of 11 percent—oh, those that, as important as pay is in the highly competitive globalized econ- poor companies—of their pretax U.S. world of pro sports, an NFL player in- omy. tax earnings in 2009 and 2010. Had they nately cares about the conditions of Many Americans may not care who paid 35 percent like every other honest employment. He knows that his ability wins between wealthy team owners and business in this country, the Federal to get to that all-important second often highly paid NFL players, but no Government would have received an contract is governed by more than just one is suggesting that the players additional $13 billion in tax revenue. his talent. Will he have to play 16 or 18 should lose their right to collective Do you know how much that is? That’s games? What is the increased likeli- bargaining on a wide range of issues enough to cover the salaries of 132,000 hood of concussions or other injuries and only be able to bargain just on pay. teachers whose jobs have been lost that can end his career from an ex- Governor Walker should stop attack- since 2008. Who do you think has tended schedule or fewer practice ing his State teachers and his public caused all the layoffs? games? Probably good for the wallet, servants. but is it good for the player? f b 1050 The NFL owners who are worth $40 Wells Fargo reportedly received a $4 billion want the players to give back $1 WALL STREET RISES AS MAIN STREET FALLS billion Federal income tax refund on billion, saying that they need it to im- $18 billion in pretax income in 2009 and prove and build new stadiums. Is that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The only paid 7.5 percent of its pretax in- with or without the taxpayers’ help? Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from come of $19 billion in 2010. Its net Fed- The players ought to find out. Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) for 5 minutes. eral income tax benefit for 2009 and Yes, in the world of megastar ath- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, almost 2010 combined is $2.5 billion, which letes, pay is important, but the work- one in four homeowners in our country equals the Obama administration’s place dictates so many other important is underwater, meaning they owe more cuts to the low-income energy assist- issues that NFL players must be con- on their mortgages than their homes ance program that is vital in cold cerned with if they are to reach their are worth, and all of this misery is due weather to senior citizens, particularly potential of the profession for which to Wall Street’s rigging of our econ- women over the age of 80 years in dis- they have trained their whole lives. omy. tricts like I represent. For many teachers, like athletes, But on Wall Street, they’re popping So who took their money? Pretty their careers are their passion. Re- champagne corks. The Nation’s biggest clear to me. search tells us that a very significant banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Banks use a variety of mechanisms number of teachers start thinking Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman to avoid corporate income taxes, in- about a career in teaching while Sachs, and Morgan Stanley—have been cluding offshore tax shelters. Fifty per- they’re in middle school—not too dif- raking in huge profits, all at the ex- cent of these six big banks have 1,871 ferent from athletes who start to get pense of the American people. In fact, foreign subsidiaries incorporated in ju- serious about their athletic futures. these institutions have doubled in size risdictions we know as off-shore tax Like an athlete, the teacher’s desire through predatory mergers since the havens, like the Cayman Islands. will not be enough to sustain his or her fall of 2007, and these six banks now The Bank of America operates 371 career. control two-thirds of the banking sys- tax-sheltered subsidiaries, and 204 in Other important elements are in- tem in our country. the Cayman Islands alone. volved to ensure a teacher’s success They cleaned up with profits in 2010— For Goldman Sachs, 75 percent of its and the success of his or her students. $51.6 billion in profits, more profits foreign subsidiaries are incorporated in How will teachers be supported in than they made before the American offshore tax havens. schools? What will be their access to people bailed them out. Main Street is So who’s paying their freight? You meaningful professional development? underwater, yet Wall Street is going on are—the American people.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:47 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.010 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1675 Closing tax loopholes for the finan- ceedings and announces to the House lican Women, which has inspired the cial sector, making them pay their fair his approval thereof. Republican revolution in South Caro- share of taxes, and I would support im- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- lina since 1961. This is the 50th anniver- posing a financial speculation tax, nal stands approved. sary of the election of the first Repub- could generate more than $150 billion f lican legislator in the 20th century, the in Federal tax revenue. And what could late Charlie Borineau of Richland be more fair to those who cause such PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE County. In 2010, the transformation harm to the American people? The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman was completed of all statewide elected Something is really out of kilter in from South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) officials being Republicans for the first America, and it’s not the State budg- come forward and lead the House in the time since 1876. ets. It’s the balance of power in our po- Pledge of Allegiance. Under the guidance of leaders such as litical system. Everywhere you go, Big Mr. WILSON of South Carolina led our Governor, Nikki Haley of Lex- Money and Wall Street win, and the the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: ington, with Jocelyn Staigar, Susan American people pay. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Dickson, Nikki Trawick, Carla Hardee, Mr. Speaker, I just say to the Amer- United States of America, and to the Repub- Kim Wellman, Betty Poe, Lisa Manini ican people, think about who’s hurt our lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Sox, Grace Rentiers, Irby Shultz, Republic—and it’s not the American indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Katrina Shealy, and Eaddy Roe Wil- working people. f lard, this organization will continue to f make a difference promoting limited WELCOMING REV. RAYMOND government and expanded freedom. RECESS BOWMAN In conclusion, God bless our troops, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER. Without objection, and we will never forget September the ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair the gentleman from Tennessee is rec- 11th in the global war on terrorism. declares the House in recess until noon ognized for 1 minute. f today. There was no objection. HOUSING, KEY TO ECONOMIC Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 51 Mr. COOPER. Thank you, Mr. Speak- RECOVERY minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- er. cess until noon. It is an honor to recognize the Rev- (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 f erend Raymond Bowman today, who just gave the opening prayer. Seldom minute.) b 1200 has Congress been more in need of Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, today AFTER RECESS prayer than we are today. we will consider proposals to cut fore- closure prevention programs during The recess having expired, the House Rev. Bowman was raised in Chicago. He came to Nashville, Tennessee, to at- one of the worst housing downturns in was called to order by the Speaker at our Nation’s history. A safe and afford- noon. tend American Baptist College. Thank- fully, he is the pastor of Spruce Street able home is central to the American f Baptist Church in Nashville, Ten- Dream and central to a strong neigh- PRAYER nessee, sometimes referred to as the borhood and a thriving economy. mother church of African American In Rhode Island, that dream has been Rev. Raymond Bowman, Spruce fading because our State has been ex- Street Baptist Church, Nashville, Ten- churches in our area. He is also the president of the IMF, the Interdenomi- tremely hard hit by the national fore- nessee, offered the following prayer: closure crisis. Last year alone, there O God of freedom, referred to by national Ministerial Fellowship. He and his wife, Nancy, are here with were more than 4,700 foreclosures in many names, embraced in different Rhode Island; and according to Housing ways by the many different people who us today, and we would like to welcome them to our Nation’s capital. Works Rhode Island, one in every 10 make up this great Republic. mortgaged homeowners was in fore- As leaders and elected officials, cen- f closure or serious delinquency by the ter us on the awesome work of serving ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER end of last year. The fact of the matter a people who have been identified as PRO TEMPORE is that we still face a serious housing the citizenry of a free Nation, the crisis all across this country. United States of America. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Today, my friends on the other side Grant us a powerful sense of Your BASS of New Hampshire). The Chair of the aisle will cut mortgage relief presence so that we are not confused will entertain up to 15 further requests and refinance programs that help the about Who really leads and inspires a for 1-minute speeches on each side of very homeowners who need them most. free people. the aisle. That will leave homeowners with no Help us to honor the aspirations of a f other choice than to turn to those who free Nation, so that our private created these unfair and predatory ENDING $1 BILLION OF FAILED ideologies do not distort public pas- mortgages that got us into this mess in SPENDING sions. the first place. May we in our own little ways pro- (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina At a time when our economy is be- vide a concerted effort to represent asked and was given permission to ad- ginning to recover, we should not be well our unique, diverse, but united dress the House for 1 minute.) cutting from these programs because constituencies. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. the housing sector is key to our eco- Enable us to see that our best expres- Speaker, I would like to commend the nomic recovery. These programs de- sions of leadership come not from bold efforts of Representative JEB serve increased funding because a suc- assumptions, but out of humble sub- HENSARLING for introducing H.R. 836, cessful housing sector will be one of missions. Submit us, I pray, to the the Emergency Homeowner Relief Pro- the major factors that will pull us out lofty aspirations that continue to give gram Termination Act. of this recession. shape to our wonderful country. This bill prevents $1 billion from f We thank You for giving us another being spent on this failed program. In opportunity to make real our claim of the current administration’s budget, it IN HONOR OF LEONARD ‘‘BUD’’ God bless America. is estimated that the program has a 98 LOMELL Amen. percent subsidy rate. That means for (Mr. RUNYAN asked and was given f every dollar spent, taxpayers lose 98 permission to address the House for 1 cents. This is bad for taxpayers and bad minute.) THE JOURNAL for American families. Mr. RUNYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- Making this reform possible is the today to honor a true American hero, ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- South Carolina Federation of Repub- Sergeant Leonard ‘‘Bud’’ Lomell.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.037 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Through his courageous actions on D- using live ammo. Documents indicate ing and most say yes. I agree. But let’s day as an Army Ranger, Bud earned a that the agents were required to fire dig a little deeper. Let’s make the kind Distinguished Service Cross. Bud’s first with non-lethal bean bags before of choices that families make. brave service was crucial to the success using live ammo. Allegations also show H.R. 1 that the Republicans have of- of D-day and left an impressive imprint the AK–47 used by the bandits to kill fered in cuts will result in 218,000 fewer on our Nation’s history that was docu- Terry was a gun the ATF had allowed children getting the proven benefits of mented in two best-selling books: Tom a smuggler to buy in an apparent sting a preschool program called Head Start. Brokaw’s ‘‘The Greatest Generation’’ operation and take to Mexico. H.R. 1, at the same time, does nothing and Stephen E. Ambrose’s ‘‘The Vic- The idea that when armed bandits in- to cut the $4 billion that we are giving tors: Eisenhower and His Boys: The vade the United States our border every year to the Big Oil companies. If Men of World War II.’’ agents must fire bean bags is nonsense we want to talk about oil prices, our Sergeant Lomell passed away on and no way to protect them or the Na- taxpayers give $4 billion to the March 1, 2011, at the age of 91, leaving tion. You don’t take bean bags to a wealthiest corporations in the history his family and our country with a gunfight. And if the guns the bandits of the world. proud legacy of honor and service. I am used came from our government in We are cutting about $5.7 billion from proud and humbled to have been able some type of undercover sting oper- Pell Grants in H.R. 1. I voted ‘‘no.’’ to call this incredible American a con- ation, that is sickening and reprehen- What are we doing about billionaires stituent. I ask you today to please rise sible. who are getting tax breaks to leave to with me in honor of Sergeant Leonard And that’s just the way it is. their heirs? Eleven billion dollars a ‘‘Bud’’ Lomell. f year for the wealthiest Americans and their heirs. f 1210 b We have to make the kind of choices TERMINATING MORTGAGE RELIEF ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER that help middle class Americans. We PROGRAMS PRO TEMPORE can tighten our belt, but we don’t have (Ms. BASS of California asked and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to do it on the backs of the middle was given permission to address the Chair will remind all persons in the class. House for 1 minute.) gallery that they are here as guests of f Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, the House and any manifestation of ap- California was ground zero of the fore- TAKING A STAND FOR FISCAL proval or disapproval of proceedings is RESPONSIBILITY closure crisis. At one point, 40 percent in violation of the rules of the House. of all foreclosures nationwide were (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- concentrated in the State of California. f mission to address the House for 1 Today in California, nearly one in GAS PRICES minute and to revise and extend his re- eight homes is in foreclosure. By far (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked marks.) the majority of my constituents who and was given permission to address Mr. PENCE. With a $14 trillion na- walk through the door have received the House for 1 minute and to revise tional debt, a $1.65 trillion deficit this foreclosure notices or are on the brink and extend his remarks.) year alone, yesterday the United of foreclosure. They have been shunned Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. That’s States Senate voted to reject the by the banks and have turned to my of- the Dallas Morning News front page. House effort to fund the government fice and the Federal Government for And do you know what they’re saying? for the rest of the year. The Senate help. Gas prices are going up for all drivers majority leader even took to the floor Mr. Speaker, the two programs on and it’s time for the gallon of gas to and called our $61 billion in savings the Republican chopping block this come down or stop. You know, it has ‘‘mean spirited,’’ ‘‘reckless,’’ and ‘‘irre- week haven’t even been fully imple- risen nearly a buck since last Sep- sponsible.’’ He even defended Federal mented: the Emergency Mortgage Re- tember. That’s why I’m calling on the funding for the Cowboy Poetry Fes- lief Program and the FHA Refinance IRS to stand up for small business by tival, apparently in his own State. Program. The Emergency Relief Pro- increasing the gas mileage rate that You know, I learned a long time ago gram provides no-interest loans to they can deduct. The IRS increased the out here in Washington that sometimes those who lost their jobs, which is the optional mileage rate during spiking things don’t change in Washington, main reason homeowners fall behind in gas prices in 2005 after Hurricane D.C., until they have to. I think we their mortgage payments. Katrina and in 2008. Gas prices are have to pick a fight. If House Repub- Not only does this response from the going upward, and there are no signs licans want to win this battle, we need majority ignore the basic economic that the pain at the pump will subside to take a stand for the budget cuts and principle that the housing sector is a anytime soon. the policy changes enshrined in H.R. key component to economic recovery; Taxpayers today, especially small 1—that’s $61 billion in savings this it also comes without any alternative businesses struggling to stay afloat, year, defunding ObamaCare, and to reduce foreclosures. want, need, and deserve rates that re- defunding Planned Parenthood of Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to flect the current cost of travel. They America. support struggling homeowners and need those deductions. It’s time to take a stand for fiscal re- vote against H.R. 830 and H.R. 836. We need to drill for oil. Call the sponsibility and reform. We have to f White House at 202–456–1414 and tell say, This far and no farther. For the sake of our children and our grand- THE BORDER WAR CONTINUES ON them about it. children, we need to make a stand for THE SOUTHERN FRONT f the American people. And make no (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER mistake about it: If we make this fight, given permission to address the House PRO TEMPORE we can win this fight, because the for 1 minute.) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The American people are on our side. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Chair will remind the gentleman from f December 14, Border Patrol Agent Texas that remarks in debate are prop- THE PARTY OF NO PLAN Brian Terry was murdered in Arizona erly addressed to the Chair. by bandits crossing into the United f (Mr. DEUTCH asked and was given States. Border agents approached permission to address the House for 1 armed invaders carrying AK–47s. A H.R. 1 IS NOT THE ANSWER minute.) shootout occurred where Terry was (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY asked and was Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the Party shot and killed. Now, there is evidence given permission to address the House of No has officially become the Party that Terry and possibly other agents for 1 minute.) of No Plan. Every week under GOP fired first to defend themselves by fir- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Ask Americans control has been another week with no ing bean bags at the outlaws before if we should reduce government spend- plan to create jobs. This is not a game.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.013 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1677 In Florida, unemployment remains at understand that while we all have to Republican plan for jobs. I came to 12 percent. People want to work. They tighten our belts—and they’ve seen Washington to focus on jobs. When are want Washington to lead with a jobs workers do that in Wisconsin, to give we going to talk about jobs? plan. With construction and housing so up various rights under bargaining I asked this same question 2 weeks integral to Florida’s economy, stabi- agreements—they understand fun- ago. If I have to get up here every 2 lizing this sector is critical to our re- damentally that we can’t solve this weeks for the rest of my term and ask covery. problem by attacking the middle class. the same question, I will. Close to 1 million Florida families And second, they understand that the When I go home this weekend, I will and seniors have lost their homes since shenanigans that went on last night in be asked, ‘‘What are they doing in 2009. Now, through no fault of their Wisconsin are an assault on some Washington to help me find work or own, nearly half of all mortgages in democratic principles that we have provide jobs for others who want to Florida are underwater. But instead of long enjoyed. work? I want to work to support my creating jobs, Republicans want to We have long enjoyed the right to pe- family. I want to start a business. I’ve kick middle class families while tition our government for redress of lost my home, lost my job. And the they’re already down. Rather than im- grievances. It’s right there in the grand Congress promised to help the economy prove mortgage modification programs old document that we took an oath to. so that I could find a job.’’ by working with Democrats, my Re- And fundamentally, this is a reduction My constituents will ask me, ‘‘Why publican friends want to shut them in the ability of Americans to work to- did they cut job training? Why are they down altogether. gether, to speak with one voice to and cutting educational opportunities for So to families and seniors across with their government. young people?’’ America who owe more to the banks This will not abide. We’ve got to re- People are hurting and people are than their homes are actually worth, spect the middle class. We’ve got to re- suffering. Listen to the people. what’s the Republican plan? What’s the spect democracy and move forward to- Let’s stop the partisan bickering and response? Pay up, even if you have no gether as a country. help the people find work. If not now, job, no income, no health care. Under f when? If not us, who? If not here, today’s Republican bills, soon you and where? The people want to work. your family will have no home. WE MUST REDUCE GOVERNMENT f SPENDING f REPUBLICANS CONTINUE ASSAULT EGYPTIAN CHRISTIANS KILLED (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- CARE ACT ON 1-YEAR ANNIVER- minute and to revise and extend his re- SARY mission to address the House for 1 marks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, some (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given marks.) new statistics have just come out on permission to address the House for 1 Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, this week, government wages and salaries in this minute and to revise and extend his re- 13 Coptic Christians in Egypt were country. Government payouts, includ- marks.) killed in clashes with Muslims. Re- ing Social Security, Medicare, and un- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise cently, a church in the town of Sol was employment insurance, make up more today on the 1-year anniversary of the burned to the ground, leading many than one-third of total wages and sala- passage of the Affordable Health Care Christians to flee the village in fear of ries of the United States population, a Act to voice my disappointment with their lives. This comes only 2 months record figure that will only increase if my Republican colleagues’ continued after 24 Christians were killed in a action isn’t taken before the majority assault on the historic law that has al- church bombing. of baby boomers enter retirement. ready begun to provide aid and relief For thousands of years, Coptic Chris- Social welfare benefits make up 35 for countless Americans. tians have lived and worshiped in percent of wages and salaries this year. One year ago, my colleagues and I Egypt, but some extremists want to In the year 2000, that percent was 21 came together to enact a law because use the chaos in the country today to percent. In the year 1960, it was 10 per- of the call to action from our constitu- drive them out of their homes and cent. And these are statistics that ents. We heard from seniors who could places of worship. came from the Bureau of Economic not afford their prescriptions and were Egypt is in the process of developing Analysis data. in the Medicaid doughnut hole, parents a democratic government, one in which Recently, it was quoted that the U.S. whose children were being denied cov- all the Egyptian people will have a say. economy has become alarmingly de- erage due to preexisting conditions, in- These attacks undermine freedom and pendent on government stimulus itself. dividuals who were being denied treat- democracy. Democracy without protec- So, in this country, we have a stark ment due to lifetime limits, and tax- tion of minority rights is mob rule and choice: We have to reduce government payers who are bearing the costs of un- not true freedom. spending. Otherwise, not only will we compensated health care. I invite all my colleagues to join me go bankrupt, but there will become a We answered the clarion call from on a letter to the commander in chief tipping point, a tipping point where the our constituents who asked us to pro- of the Egyptian Armed Forces calling government payout for wages and sala- tect them. Yet the Republican col- on him to protect the Egyptian citizens ries will become 50 percent of all U.S. leagues continue to assault the law. during this critical period in his na- wages. All of us should know what that Siding the special interests, particu- tion. We are glad to see the Egyptian means. larly the health care insurance compa- people building a better government, nies that stand to lose from health care and we must remind them that funda- f reform, my colleagues on the other side mental respect for human rights must b 1220 of the aisle continue to assault our pro- be protected. gram. WHERE ARE THE JOBS? f With that, I say let’s keep the law in (Ms. WILSON of Florida asked and force and let’s move forward with WISCONSIN SHENANIGANS was given permission to address the progress. (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given House for 1 minute and to revise and f permission to address the House for 1 extend her remarks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, JOBS AND 99’ERS marks.) today I rise with my colleagues for one (Ms. LEE asked and was given per- Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, middle reason—to talk about jobs again. mission to address the House for 1 class Americans around the country My constituents still need help. They minute and to revise and extend her re- are very concerned about what’s going want to work, but I don’t hear any so- marks.) on in Wisconsin for two reasons. The lutions. I’ve been here for over 2 Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the American first reason is that they fundamentally months, and I’m still waiting to hear a people want to know where are the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.017 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 jobs. After 10 weeks of controlling the is money that we are having to borrow in the greatest of shape. It’s like most House, Republicans have no plan to from countries around the world. government programs. Eight billion create jobs, no plan to spur our eco- It wasn’t long ago that our budget dollars for a program to allow home- nomic growth. deficit for the entire year was only $220 owners who are underwater on their Instead of listening to the American billion. But thanks to a Washington mortgages to get a reduction in their people and making jobs their number spending binge that has occurred over mortgage. one priority, Republicans passed a the last 4 years, now our monthly Now, not all can take advantage of budget that will result in 700,000 new budget deficit is larger than our annual this program. There are what the layoffs. And what’s the response? So be deficit used to be. In fact, February’s American people have come to know as it. Taking food out of the mouths of budget deficit was the largest monthly winners and losers. With all govern- hungry children by cutting WIC? So be budget deficit in the history of the ment programs, it seems that some it. Dropping 218,000 kids from the Head United States. Larger in real dollars benefit, but 99 percent of Americans Start Program? So be it. Declaring a than when we were fighting for our ex- don’t benefit. And that’s what’s hap- war on women by eliminating family istence during World War II. Higher pened here. The administration said planning services and punishing the than the Civil War. And that has hap- we’ll literally have hundreds of thou- one in five women across America who pened even though government receipts sands of people that will line up for visit a Planned Parenthood clinic? So posted an increase this February from this program. But because lenders and be it. Denying the extension of unem- last February. borrowers are getting together and ployment benefits to those who’ve Our national debt in the last 4 years working out, or some homeowners are reached that 99-week limit and are has doubled. Now think of that. In the deciding that they can’t afford their struggling to make ends meet? So be first 220 years of our existence, we in- mortgage and they’re selling their it. curred a national debt which, in the houses, 42 American families have been And now denying homeowners to stay last 4 years, we’ve doubled. And by the assisted by this program. in their homes, the help that they end of this administration, unless we Now, this is a program that author- need, by eliminating programs to pre- take action today—action the Amer- izes $8 billion. And $50 million has ac- vent foreclosures? So be it. ican people asked us to take last No- tually been set aside and disbursed. In The Republicans No Jobs, their So Be vember—we will have tripled the def- fact, the budget that the President has It agenda, it’s a failure on all counts. icit. submitted has a $50 million subtraction f In 7 years or a little less than 7 years, there for a program that’s helped 42 we will have tripled our deficit. families; $50 million, 42 families. But GENERAL LEAVE That’s why we’re here on the floor think about this. How many families Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask today, because the American people are underwater? How many American unanimous consent that all Members have sent us a message. They said, families have a home where they owe may have 5 legislative days within ‘‘Don’t spend us into a financial obliv- more than the home is worth? Twelve which to revise and extend their re- ion. We have to balance our own budg- million, somewhere above 11 million— marks on H.R. 830 and to insert extra- ets at home. We expect the same from let’s say 12 million. neous material thereon. those that we send to Washington to That means that even if this program The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. represent us.’’ could have helped 100,000 that it would STEARNS). Is there objection to the re- The bill that we’re debating today is help 1 out of every 120 American fami- quest of the gentleman from Alabama? an example of two things: too many lies. One out of 120. And yes, some gov- There was no objection. government programs—spending pro- ernment employee sitting behind a f grams—and too many ineffective gov- desk would say you are eligible, you ernment programs. It is a poster child can apply, you win. At the most, all FHA REFINANCE PROGRAM for both. the programs we’re going to consider TERMINATION ACT It’s also an example of a broken this week and next week, which if we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- promise. In 2008, during our financial act, will save the American taxpayers ant to House Resolution 150 and rule meltdown, which has led to a recession billions and billions and billions of dol- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in and record unemployment, we prom- lars, all of them will benefit only an es- the Committee of the Whole House on ised the American people that those timated 500,000 families. the state of the Union for the consider- steps that were taken, that that money As the Inspector General has said, ation of the bill, H.R. 830. that was loaned, would be paid back to about 50 to 60 percent of those families, even if it goes to families—as we found b 1225 the national Treasury. out yesterday in a hearing, a lot of it is IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE b 1230 going to nonprofit groups. In Los Ange- Accordingly, the House resolved I am happy to say that today most of les alone, more went to a nonprofit itself into the Committee of the Whole the money that was lent to what some group than went to the county govern- House on the State of the Union for the have called a Wall Street bailout, what ment. But we are only helping 1 out of consideration of the bill (H.R. 830) to the American people certainly call a 22 families. What about those other 21 rescind the unobligated funding for the bailout, it has been paid back with in- families? They’re making their mort- FHA Refinance Program and to termi- terest, but it’s not found its way into gage payment, and they’re not asking nate the program, with Mr. BASS of the national Treasury. It’s not been the government for help. New Hampshire in the chair. paid back despite promises to the It seems that we’re in a country The Clerk read the title of the bill. American people on this very floor of where the majority of Americans The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the this House a little less than 3 years aren’t underwater; about one-fourth bill is considered read the first time. ago. are. But out of all those, we’re starting The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Instead, that money has been di- programs to help in this case 42 fami- BACHUS) and the gentleman from Mas- verted into all sorts—and that’s the lies, in another case 200,000 families. sachusetts (Mr. FRANK) each will con- TARP bailout money—it’s been used And we’re asking every American fam- trol 30 minutes. for other social programs, just what ily, and we’re asking their government, The Chair recognizes the gentleman many warned on the floor of this House to start programs when we don’t have from Alabama. would happen. It’s turned into a slush enough money to finance the programs Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, I yield my- fund. And one of the programs that it we have. self such time as I may consume. has funded is a well-intentioned pro- But more than that, I put a photo- Mr. Chairman, just this week the gram in which $8 billion, that’s 8,000 graph up. And this is the bottom line American people received some very million dollars, has been designated for on this program. Fifty million dollars sobering news. The budget deficit for the FHA Refinance Program. Now, the has been put into a fund, and $8 billion the month of February alone is $223 bil- FHA program today, the reserves are has been authorized for this program. lion. That is $8 billion every day. That low. And that’s a program that is not And it’s money we don’t have. And it’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.018 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1679 money we won’t pay back. It’s those b 1240 Now let me address a couple of mis- children in that photograph. It’s our Now, that’s money. But do you know takes the gentleman made specifically constituents’ children and grand- what it is? It’s much less—and the gen- about this program: children that will have to pay that tleman from Alabama voted during The $50 million is not being spent on back. that same period to send money to the 40 people; $50 million hasn’t, in fact, Our national debt is $12 trillion—$14 cotton farmers of Brazil. We do have a been spent at all. Not a penny has been trillion. You memorize a number, and debate about the deficit here, but it’s spent. The $50 million was reserved out in a few months it’s irrelevant. It’s no not about whether to reduce it. It’s of TARP money to cover losses if they longer the real number. Robert Gates how. were to occur. The CBO does say, yes, on January 6, in outlining the Penta- The gentleman from Alabama, along if this program is fully funded and if it gon’s budget, said, ‘‘This country’s dire with the majority of Republicans vot- gets the participation they expect, the fiscal situation and the threat it poses ing, defeated an amendment—with total amount of losses will be $175 mil- to American influence and credibility some Democrats, although the major- lion, not $8 billion. The $8 billion was a around the world will only get worse ity of us voted for the amendment—to resurrection on the TARP for technical unless the U.S. Government gets its fi- stop sending American tax dollars to reasons. The CBO says, full scale, this nances in order.’’ Well, who will get it subsidize the cotton farmers of Brazil. will cost $175 million—again, less than in order? It has to be the President and In the 2-year period during which we the gentleman of Alabama wants to this Congress. That’s his quote Janu- will be dealing with this program: Bra- send during that period to Brazilian ary 6. zilian cotton farmers—$300 million. cotton farmers. The Joint Chiefs of Staff say that our Americans facing foreclosure—$175 mil- Now, as to the people who vote con- national debt is a national security lion. The gentleman from Alabama has sistently, as some do, to cut money for problem. But the message just doesn’t a very odd way of saving money on the Afghan infrastructure or for Iraqi secu- seem to get to this floor, because today deficit. rity forces or for Brazilian cotton people will come to this floor and say, Then he says we have winners and farmers or for American cotton farm- oh, if we get rid of this program every- losers. Well, among the big winners ers or for other recipients of subsidy body that can’t pay their mortgage under the Republican budget and with who then are opposed to this program, needs to call their Congressman and the majority of their votes are the I honor their integrity. I disagree with say you need to pay my mortgage, or farmers who receive more than $250,000 them in some ways, but I honor it. Yet there needs to be a government pro- per year in subsidy. Whatever happened I cannot accept the lecture on fiscal re- sponsibility from someone who votes to gram to pay my mortgage. Well, let’s to free enterprise? Whatever happened lavish money in wasteful ways on Af- not kid ourselves. Those children, to standing on your own? An amend- ghan cities but begrudges it in Amer- that’s who we are obligating. Last year ment was offered to limit to a measly ican cities; who would send it for Iraqi we could stand on the floor and say $250,000 the subsidy any one entity could get. The gentleman from Ala- police officers but not for American po- that they each come into this world bama voted ‘‘no.’’ That was too harsh. lice officers; who would send it to cot- owing $35,000. Today it’s $45,000. ton farmers and to other farmers in Today we’re going to have to make The gentleman from Alabama is for un- limited amounts of subsidy to go to a America but not to struggling home- some hard choices for them, for our handful of farmers—but no—we can’t owners. children and our grandchildren. And spare much less than that over the This program has started slowly. By oh, yeah, these programs do some good. time period because, in the time period the way, there’s a great contradiction Although for most homeowners who of this bill, that would have cost $200 between saying it has only helped 40 can’t pay their mortgages and they’re million, or $100 million a year. people and that it’s going to cost $8 bil- given a reduction, it doesn’t work. The Then the gentleman quoted the Sec- lion. If the pay starts to increase, it default rate in most of these programs retary of Defense, that we should pay won’t cost the full $175 million, but is over 50 percent. One of the programs more attention to the Secretary of De- here’s what we hope: we will consider tomorrow, out of fense because he, along with many Re- There are negotiations going on now every dollar of taxpayer money lent, 98 publicans, voted to force money on the to allow people the benefit of a refi- percent is never repaid. Never repaid. Secretary of Defense that he didn’t nancing. The gentleman says it’s not How can a country continue to func- want. He voted to fund the programs going to take care of everybody. Of tion like that? What kind of future do the Secretary of Defense didn’t want. course not. There is not one program these children have? He’s trying to get some reprogramming that is fit for everybody. There are a I reserve the balance of my time. now, but the Republican Appropria- series of programs for people in dif- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield tions Committee won’t allow it. By the ferent circumstances, and this is one myself such time as I may consume. way, I don’t agree with the Secretary for people who could benefit from a First, for people trying to follow this, of Defense fully on this either. lower interest rate and a refinancing the gentleman from Alabama has con- I disagree with the gentleman from but who are under water and can’t do fused several programs in this con- Alabama and the Secretary of Defense it. It induces the financial institutions versation, most of which aren’t up because they don’t want to spend $175 to do it. It’s voluntary. If financial in- today. We are dealing with one at a million in 2 years trying to deal with stitutions find this is unreasonable, time. He talked about money that went foreclosures in American cities. In- they won’t do it. to Los Angeles and went to a group in- stead, they want to send more than There is an effort going on now to stead of the county. That has zero to twice that amount to Afghanistan for achieve a negotiated settlement in- do with today’s program. Zero. And in its infrastructure. You talk about inef- volving the services of financial insti- fact, it doesn’t have to do with indi- ficiency. Does anyone think that Presi- tutions, many of which are quite cul- vidual homeowners. It’s a program that dent Karzai and his administration are pable and have misbehaved in this gives aid to municipalities, which we going to spend the $400 million my process, so these are not innocent vic- will be debating later, probably next friend from Alabama has voted to send tims being shaken down. The Attor- week, which gives aid to municipalities toward Afghan infrastructure projects neys General of every State, Repub- to deal with property that they have better than we would spend it here? lican and Democrat, and the regulators been stuck with. So it has nothing to How about $1.2 billion for the Iraqi are trying to come up with a solution. do with today. security forces at a time when Amer- This is the other point that gets lost But the gentleman does make a good ican municipalities are having to lay in the rhetoric when the gentleman point about the deficit. Unfortunately, off police officers and firefighters and who was so eager to send money to he does not put his votes where his other essential employees? The gen- Brazilian cotton farmers begrudges a rhetoric is. The CBO says that this pro- tleman from Alabama voted to send small amount going to Americans fac- gram is going to cost not $8 billion, but $1.2 billion to the Iraqi security forces. ing foreclosure, which is that the fore- if it’s fully operational over a 2-year Does anyone here have a great deal of closure crisis is not just a crisis of indi- period, which is its life span, will cost confidence in how efficiently they’ll vidual families. It’s a national eco- $175 million. spend it? nomic problem. It’s a macroeconomic

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.020 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 problem. To the extent that we do not It’s less than they want to send to bad deal, then the ranking member do something to retard the rate of fore- build infrastructure in Kabul and ought to go over there and to complain closure, then we make it harder to get Kandahar. It’s less than they want to to the President, whom he defends, be- out of the economic bind in which we spend to police Fallujah. You know, if cause both of them, apparently, want have found ourselves, which, as the I thought that latter set of funds were to spend money at every turn and gentleman correctly said, started from going to be well used, I might feel bet- every chance they get. the meltdown of 2008, and we have been ter about it, but we know how corrupt U.S., BRAZIL AGREE ON FRAMEWORK getting out of that at too slow a pace. it is. REGARDING WTO COTTON DISPUTE Dealing with foreclosures is a part of There is a double standard, let me WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Brazil’s Min- it. say finally. Expenditures within the isters reached a decision in support of a This program has not yet become United States are held to a very, very Framework regarding the Cotton dispute, fully operational—and it may never strict accountability, but as to expend- which would avert the imposition of counter- be—but it is here to be used as a tool, itures in Iraq and in Afghanistan and measures of more than $800 million this year. especially if we are ever to get the This includes more than $560 million in coun- elsewhere in the world, we know how termeasures against U.S. exports which were agreement among the Attorneys Gen- much more wastefully and corruptly scheduled to go into effect on Monday, June eral from both parties, the regulators spent they are, and that doesn’t seem 21, 2010, as well as possible countermeasures and the financial institutions. It is a to bother other people. on intellectual property rights that could responsible way to deal with this. It I reserve the balance of my time. have taken effect later. We are pleased with will cost less than many of the unnec- Mr. BACHUS. I yield myself such this decision, and look forward to signing essary agricultural subsidy programs. time as I may consume. the Framework soon. I’ve got to say, Mr. Chairman, that Mr. Chair, if I were Ranking Member The findings in the Cotton dispute concern I’ve got to go reread. Maybe I missed a U.S. cotton support under the marketing FRANK, I would do exactly what he’s loan and countercyclical payment programs, footnote. I know there are these great doing. I wouldn’t talk about the fact and the GSM–102 Export Credit Guarantee free market economic texts by Ludwig that there are only 42 people who have Program. In line with these findings, the von Mises and Friedrich Hayek and been served by this program. I wouldn’t Framework has two major elements. others. They talk about free enterprise, talk about the fact that only $50 mil- First, it would provide, as a basis for a dis- about keeping the government out of lion has been set aside. I wouldn’t talk cussion toward reaching a mutually agreed business, and about letting the free about the $8 billion that has been au- solution to the dispute, a limit on trade-dis- market work. Apparently, there is a thorized. I wouldn’t talk about the fact torting cotton subsidies. Second, the Frame- work would provide benchmarks for changes footnote that says, oh, except agri- that the American people were told to certain elements of the current GSM–102 culture. Overwhelmingly, my Repub- this money would be repaid into the program. In the Framework, the United lican colleagues preach this to working National Treasury. No. I would talk States and Brazil would agree to meet quar- people, to people in urban areas and to about the cotton subsidy, the deal with terly to discuss the successor legislation to people in other jobs, but it doesn’t Brazil. That deal sounds pretty bad. It the 2008 Farm Bill as it relates to trade-dis- apply to cotton farmers or to wheat really does. The ranking member torting cotton subsidies and the operation of farmers or to corn farmers or to grain agrees. GSM–102. The Framework would not serve as farmers. Billions of dollars go to them. a permanent solution to the Cotton dispute. b 1250 As a matter of fact, as the gentleman However, it would provide specific interim He kept talking about this the last steps and a process for continued discussions from Alabama said with his vote: How on the programs at issue with a view to dare you limit some farmer to a mere month, about don’t shut down this in- reaching a solution to the dispute. $250,000 in entitlement subsidies? Be- effective program to help balance the ‘‘I am pleased that we have been able to cause agriculture is an entitlement, budget because some of us voted for the negotiate a Framework regarding the WTO but they don’t talk about that. They cotton deal with Brazil. Well, in fact, Cotton dispute that would avoid the imposi- want to talk about Social Security for the majority of this Congress, the over- tion of countermeasures against U.S. trade, the elderly, but they don’t want to talk whelming majority did. including goods and intellectual property,’’ about entitlements for agriculture. But, let’s talk about that deal. Who said Ambassador Kirk. ‘‘While respecting the made that deal? Did the gentleman role of the United States Congress in devel- I do believe we need to cut the def- oping the next Farm Bill, this Framework icit. I think we can cut back substan- from Alabama make that deal? Did the would now allow us to continue to work to- tially in what we’re doing in Afghani- gentleman from Texas that’s going to ward a final resolution of the Cotton dispute. stan and Iraq. We can cut back sub- speak on our side, did he make the I believe this Framework will go a long way stantially in agriculture. We can put deal? Did the gentleman from Nevada in alleviating the uncertainty in our busi- limits elsewhere, which I would like to make that deal? Did the gentleman ness communities and enhance the ability of do. I would throw in that I did not from Illinois (Mr. DOLD) make that the United States and Brazil to build upon think it was a good idea to reduce the deal? No. The Obama administration our dynamic trading relationship.’’ made that deal. ‘‘This framework agreement provides a estate tax that the heirs of William way forward as we work with Congress to- Gates and Warren Buffett are going to The U.S. Trade Representative, Mr. ward a new farm bill in 2012,’’ said Secretary have to pay. Although, to the credit of Kirk, made that deal in an agreement of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. ‘‘Although it is Mr. Gates and Mr. Buffett, they didn’t with the Brazilian Government, not not a permanent solution, I am pleased that think so either. They weren’t for sub- your Republican colleagues. Here’s it allows us to maintain our programs while stantially reducing the estate tax on what he told us. He said that $60 billion considering adjustments and avoiding the people who were going to be inher- worth of trade depended on our ability immediate imposition of countermeasures iting—not earning—tens of hundreds of to export into Brazil without the tar- against U.S. exports as a result of the WTO cotton decision.’’ millions of dollars. iffs they were going to impose on us. My colleagues over there, and some That’s 420,000 U.S. jobs that were BACKGROUND here, have supported all of that, and threatened, and he told us that if we The Cotton dispute is a long-running dis- then have said we cannot put a pro- didn’t do that, they would impose bil- pute brought by Brazil against the United States. In 2005 and again in 2008, the World gram out there that will help Ameri- lion $820 worth of countertariffs on Trade Organization (WTO) found that certain cans facing foreclosure—and not sim- such products as pharmaceuticals, U.S. agricultural support payments and ply to help them but to help the cities autos, electronics, textiles, wheat, guarantees are inconsistent with WTO com- and to help the whole economy. There fruit, nuts, cotton, medical equipment. mitments: (1) payments to cotton producers is a great consensus among economists So he made a deal with them to make under the marketing loan and counter- that dealing responsibly with fore- them certain payments, to compensate cyclical programs; and (2) export credit guar- closures is the way to deal with this. for that. antees under the GSM–102 program, a USDA So, no, please don’t believe in $8 bil- Now, I don’t know if he misrepre- program used to provide guarantees for cred- it extended by U.S. banks or exporters to ap- lion. It’s not that. The CBO says it’s sented. I don’t think that President proved foreign banks for purchases of U.S. $175 million. And $175 million is consid- Obama and his administration and his agricultural exports. erable, but I will repeat that it’s less U.S. Trade Representative would have On August 31, 2009, WTO arbitrators issued than my friends want to send to Brazil. misrepresented this. But if that was a arbitration awards in this dispute. These

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.021 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1681 awards provided the level of counter- I yield such time as he may consume to anybody. It is simply sitting in that measures that Brazil could impose against to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. account, in case, and the 42 loans have U.S. trade. The annual amount of counter- CANSECO). nothing to do with that. measures has two parts: (1) a fixed amount of Yes, the gentleman from Alabama $147.3 million for the cotton payments and Mr. CANSECO. I thank the gen- (2) an amount for the GSM–102 program that tleman from Alabama. said I didn’t talk about it. I did talk varies based upon program usage. Using the Mr. Chairman, I am here to support about it. I corrected the misuse of the data that we have given Brazil (in accord- the bill to terminate the FHA Refi- 50 million from last week. He didn’t ance with the arbitrators’ award), the cur- nance Program. This bill is not about misuse it today. And I mentioned that rent total of authorized countermeasures is programs that work. It’s not about pro- it started slow and it may not get be- more than $800 million. grams that have continually helped to yond where it is now. I mentioned that The arbitrators also provided that Brazil could impose cross-sectoral countermeasures create jobs and to help our faltering it is in reserve to use it more. So, yes, (i.e. countermeasures in sectors outside of economy and our laggard job growth. we have only got 42. I talked about trade in goods, specifically intellectual prop- This bill is about a failed government that. erty and services). It may impose cross-sec- program, because the FHA refinance The 8 billion is a fantasy. The CBO toral countermeasures to the extent that it program that went into effect in Sep- says at it’s best, this is going to cost applies total countermeasures in excess of a tember of 2010 has failed to work prop- $175 million. The 8 billion is a purely threshold. The threshold varies annually, erly. By the end of December of last bookkeeping account. but is currently approximately $560 million. But I want to get back to the fas- Therefore, of the approximately $820 million year, of 2010, a mere 22 mortgages had in countermeasures Brazil could impose now, been refinanced through the program cinating explanation by the gentleman about $260 million of that could be cross-sec- at a cost of $50 million. That’s an aver- from Alabama as to why he and the toral. age of $2.3 million per mortgage. The majority of Republicans voted to send On March 8, 2010 Brazil announced a final conclusion is very, very clear. The pro- $150 million per year last year, this list of products that would face higher tariffs gram does not work and it’s wasteful. year, and for the next couple of years beginning on April 7, 2010. Goods on the list We are in an economic crisis. Accord- to Brazil: Obama made him do it. Lis- include autos, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, electronics, textiles, wheat, fruit ing to the Congressional Budget Office, ten carefully. The explanation for this and nuts, and cotton. Brazil had not made a the Federal Government is set to run a expenditure to go to Brazil, that the final decision on which U.S. intellectual deficit for fiscal year 2011 of $1.5 tril- poor gentleman from Alabama voted property rights might be affected by cross- lion. If serious steps are not taken for, is Barack Obama made him do it. sectoral countermeasures, but it had begun right now, we are set and ready to see The President is a very convenient the process to make this determination. in 2012 another trillion dollars added to place for them to hide. In fact, if he is On April 1, Deputy USTR Miriam Sapiro our deficit. asking me if I am critical of the Presi- and USDA Undersecretary for Farm and For- eign Agricultural Services Jim Miller met This river of red ink is not sustain- dent in that, yes, I am critical of the with Ambassador Antonio Patriota, Sec- able. Americans are coming to grips President many times. I agree with retary General of Brazil’s Ministry of Exter- with the fact that, if nothing is done, him overall. But I did not agree with nal Relations to discuss possible resolution we will be the first generation in Amer- him that we should send 1.2 billion for of the dispute. As a result of that dialogue, ican history to leave for our children a Iraq security forces. The gentleman the Government of Brazil agreed not to im- legacy of insurmountable debt and eco- from Alabama did. I didn’t agree we pose any countermeasures on U.S. trade at nomic stagnation. should send $400 million for Afghan in- that time. In exchange, the United States And while there are a number of dif- agreed to work with Brazil to establish a frastructure. fund of approximately $147.3 million per year ficult decisions that we must make in The gentleman seems to think it’s on a pro rata basis to provide technical as- the months and years ahead, common some major debating point because the sistance and capacity building to the cotton sense dictates that we can begin to get President takes the position that I dis- sector in Brazil, and for international co- our spending under control by cutting agree? Perhaps his view is you always operation related to the same sector in cer- programs that simply don’t work, no agree with the President of your party. tain other countries. Under the Memo- matter how large or how small they It’s not mine. It’s not a responsible randum of Understanding that the United are or no matter how beneficent they way to legislate. States and Brazil signed on April 20, 2010, the fund would continue until passage of the may sound. They just don’t work. This Secondly, there was an alternative to next Farm Bill or a mutually agreed solution one does not work. sending $150 million to Brazil. We could to the Cotton dispute is reached, whichever Many of my colleagues on the other have sent $150 million less to Ameri- is sooner. The fund is subject to trans- side of the aisle often think that we are cans. The finding was that we were parency and auditing requirements. just one government program away putting Brazilian cotton farmers at a The United States also agreed to make cer- from solving our problems. But when $150 million disadvantage per year be- tain near term modifications to the oper- you think that way, you end up piling cause of the subsidy we gave to Ameri- ation of the GSM–102 Export Credit Guar- antee Program, and to engage with the Gov- one government program on top of an- cans. We could have come in with legis- ernment of Brazil in technical discussions re- other, wasting the taxpayers’ money lation that would have reduced the garding further operation of the program. In without even helping our fellow citi- Americans’. addition, the United States published a pro- zens who are struggling in this day and So, in fact, I underestimated the posed rule on April 16, 2010, to recognize the age. waste of money that the gentleman State of Santa Catarina as free of foot-and- The last 2 years have proven that from Alabama is indulging because mouth disease, rinderpest, classical swine government programs and government Barack Obama made him do it and he fever, African swine fever, and swine vesic- ular disease, based on World Organization for spending do very little in the way of was powerless to resist, apparently, be- Animal Health Guidelines, and to complete a stimulating jobs that we need most and cause it’s $300 million a year. risk evaluation and identify appropriate risk economic growth. We in the Congress We had two options: We could keep mitigation measures to determine whether of the United States have a duty to be the level of subsidy for American cot- fresh beef can be imported from Brazil while the stewards of the people’s money, the ton farmers and match that to the Bra- preventing the introduction of foot-and- people’s tax dollars. The least we can zilians, or we could reduce it by $150 mouth disease in the United States. do is tell our constituents that we are million in America and reduce it to The parties further agreed on April 1 that they would work to develop a Framework re- doing our job by cutting the stuff that Brazil over a 4-year period when this garding the Cotton dispute by June 21, which does not work. This does not work. will be in effect. That’s over a billion would provide a path forward for a nego- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield dollars, a considerable amount of tiated solution to the Cotton dispute and myself such time as I may consume. money. allow both countries to avoid the impact of Two points: First, you have just So, yes, it is true, the President countermeasures. Negotiators from Brazil heard a fantasy that $50 million has sometimes makes unwise recommenda- and the United States have been engaged in- been spent for 42 loans. That is not tions, in my judgment. But the argu- tensively over the past several months, and even remotely close to being true. ment for the gentleman from Alabama successfully concluded this Framework. Brazil is the United States’ 10th largest Fifty million has been set aside in a re- that he is to be absolved from responsi- trading partner with a total two-way goods serve for defaults if and when they bility for his vote, and the majority of trade of approximately $60 billion in 2009. come. Not a penny of it has been given Republicans—the majority of us on our

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:42 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.029 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 side repudiated the President’s position We’ve seen many courts in this country have $50 million that has been dis- in this case. But the gentleman from look at the foreclosure process used by bursed. Alabama has claimed, Don’t blame me; these banks and have ruled them to be Now, a quick back-of-the-envelope Obama made me do it is no more cred- illegal and that, in fact, the banks did calculation, that’s $1.1 million per ible than his invocation of some fan- not own the homes that they were try- mortgage refinanced thus far. If we tasy figures. ing to foreclose on. And this has hap- look at it even further, were these mil- I reserve the balance of my time. pened thousands of times across the lion-dollar mortgages? Actually, the Mr. BACHUS. May I inquire of the country. It has not been a smooth proc- average mortgage was about $300,000. Chair how much time each side has re- ess. So we spent, the American taxpayers, maining? We’ve also had a very, very difficult in terms of their dollars, we spent $1.1 The CHAIR. The gentleman from situation for our men and women in million in order to refinance a $300,000 Alabama has 11 minutes remaining, uniform. Despite the fact that there’s loan. The administration said that and the gentleman from Massachusetts been a law in this country since World we’re going to have 1.5 million home- has 171⁄2 minutes remaining. War I that we will not foreclose on owners get into this program, and yet Mr. BACHUS. I continue to reserve servicemembers’ homes while they are we’ve taken almost a year and we have the balance of my time. in combat, while they are in Afghani- 44 that have actually gone through. If you were to get through this pro- b 1300 stan or Iraq, we’ve had banks do hun- dreds and hundreds of foreclosures on gram, if you were one of the lucky Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield our men and women in uniform. There ones, one of the 44, clearly, it’s not 5 minutes to the gentleman from Mas- are needs for these programs, and yet going to help you insofar as you’re sachusetts (Mr. LYNCH). we are conveniently forgetting those going to destroy your credit for the Mr. LYNCH. I thank the ranking facts. next several years. The average credit member. Lastly, this bill, with all due respect, score of the 44 that are in the program I rise in opposition to H.R. 830, the has been poorly drafted in a meaning- was 711. That credit score is going to FHA Refinance Program Termination ful way. This bill, if adopted, would go down. Is their monthly payment Act and also the other bills that will be prohibit all voluntary agreements be- going to go down? In many instances, coming to the floor on the same sub- tween parties to stop these fore- no, because they’re going to have to ject. closures. And I understand what the come up with closing costs. They’re I want to emphasize one thing that targets of my Republican colleagues going to have to pay private mortgage the ranking member has raised, and are, but the bill is drafted so broadly it insurance if they haven’t been paying that is that these are voluntary pro- would prevent the banks, the FHA, the it already. And so there are other re- grams. These are all voluntary pro- homeowner and the servicer to come to quirements that are simply a burden grams that are trying to keep Amer- a voluntary agreement. on the actual homeowners. ican families in their homes. These Private enterprise has been some- It’s time that we tell the American programs require the banks to agree thing that my colleagues used to en- public the truth. It’s time that we in this body recognize when a government that this is a good deal and it’s deserv- courage, and here we have voluntary program is not working. We need to get ing of these homeowners. These pro- agreements that will be prohibited by rid of this program—$8.12 billion obli- grams require that the homeowner also this bill. And I do not think that is the gated, $50 million disbursed for 245 ap- agree, obviously, and also that in many intent of the gentleman, however, that plicants and 44 mortgages actually cases that the servicer agree. is the actual impact of his legislation. Now, because you’re requiring a vol- redone. And I have an amendment more spe- The program certainly doesn’t work untary agreement and an agreement cifically to deal with that at a later that has been crafted in such a way for the American taxpayer. We’re look- time. But we have to slow down the ing at debts and deficits in Wash- that all parties are balanced in their foreclosure process to put a floor under interests, it’s been difficult to generate ington. And many of us were sent here this economy. We have to help the fam- to Washington to try to get the out-of- the number of families to be helped so ilies that can be helped. And this FHA far. control government spending back in Refinance Program Termination Act line. And I would say that certainly I do want to also emphasize that this would prevent that from happening. program started in November. This $1.1 million per mortgage is not a good Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, I yield 4 use of the taxpayer dollars. program started in November. We’ve minutes to the gentleman from Illinois When we look at future generations had about 4 months to get families on (Mr. DOLD). and we look at the amount of money board to be helped by these programs. Mr. DOLD. Thank you, Mr. Chair- that we’re spending right now, $1.48 For much of that 4 months, we have man, for yielding. trillion in deficit spending works out had abject resistance from the Mr. Chairman, H.R. 830 is common- to be over $3 million a minute. The servicers. They have been the obstruc- sense legislation that stops inefficient President’s budget comes out to talk- tion in making these programs work. and ineffective government spending. ing about 1.6 for the next year. We can- But I am happy to say that in the last At the outset of this $8 billion pro- not continue to spend money that we 10 days, we have had three major gram, its failure was inevitable. That don’t have. Our debt is at $14 trillion. servicers, Allied, GMAC and Wells inevitable failure is now undeniable. It When we actually took a look at the Fargo, that have finally come forward doesn’t work for the homeowner, it Treasury report that came out just a and said, we’re going to work within doesn’t work for the taxpaying Amer- couple of days ago talking about this program, and we’re going to try to ican families, and it certainly doesn’t TARP, because this program is basi- help families stay in their homes not work for future generations who are cally on TARP funds, they recognize out of charity, but because they realize trying to claw their way out of the that the mortgage modification pro- that we need to put a floor under this debt that we are burdening them with grams were never intended to be recov- housing market in order to help sus- each and every day. ered. This, to me, I think is an enor- tain the weak economic recovery that So let’s go back and let’s talk about mous problem. we have going forward. the homeowners. We’ve got 12 million This is a program that doesn’t work What exacerbates the situation is mortgages in America that are cur- for the homeowner, it doesn’t work for also the way the banks have handled rently underwater. And yet this pro- the American public, and it certainly is this up until now. In my district, and gram, this program which was actually not going to work for future genera- it’s happened all across the country, rolled out in March, it started about 6 tions. we’ve had situations where banks and months ago, has 245 applications—245. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield servicers have employed robosigners to How many have actually made it over myself 30 seconds simply to say the the point where many of these fore- the hurdles and have gotten actually gentleman has simply repeated an ab- closure documents have been signed some help and refinanced? Forty-four. solute fantasy. This is not a $50 million without full knowledge by the individ- Forty-four refinances. We’ve got $8.12 expenditure for 40 loans. The $50 mil- uals charged with that responsibility. billion that has been obligated. We lion has not been given to anybody, not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.025 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1683 a penny of it. It has been put in a re- b 1310 strengthening them so they are more serve account. Fifty million has been I hosted foreclosure workshops, and I effective. Mortgage counselors from set aside in a reserve account. It was met with hardworking people who were my district advise and plead to im- disbursed from the TARP to a reserve misled by lenders who were struggling prove our efforts to get tough on big account. The CBO, as I’ve submitted if to stay on top of their mortgages. I banks and provide meaningful relief to this goes forward, it will be about have seen grown men cry because they families. $12,000 per loan. couldn’t keep a roof over their chil- Stabilizing the housing market is Last week, the gentleman from Illi- dren’s heads. I have talked to veterans critical to economic recovery and cre- nois was claiming that if you partici- who served their country, only to re- ating jobs. For these reasons, I oppose pate in this program, you would have a turn home to notices of default. And I H.R. 830. tax liability. He learned that that was have met seniors on the brink of home- Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chairman, I yield totally wrong. He is perpetuating lessness. 30 seconds to the gentleman from Illi- error. The administration’s foreclosure pre- nois (Mr. DOLD). I now yield 2 minutes to the gen- vention initiatives have fallen short in Mr. DOLD. Mr. Chairman, running a tleman from California (Mr. the valley. Simply put, the administra- business, I have to tell you, obligated tion’s programs haven’t effectively funds are one thing, disbursed funds MCNERNEY) served the people who are underwater are quite another. If I can, from the Mr. MCNERNEY. Thank you, Mr. on their mortgage, and the administra- monthly 105(a) report delivered to the Ranking Member. tion hasn’t been tough enough on the Congress from TARP and from the De- I’m proud to represent much of San big banks. I call on President Obama partment of the Treasury, and I will Joaquin County, which is the jewel of and his Cabinet to develop more effec- submit it for the RECORD, under ‘‘Obli- California’s Central Valley. Our valley tive efforts to stem the tide of fore- gated’’ all of the way down here when is a great place to live and work; but, closures. it is talking about the FHA refinance, unfortunately, we’ve been hit very But despite these shortcomings, the it is $8.12 billion. And in an entirely hard by the economic downturn. The bill the House Republicans are offering different column under ‘‘Disbursed,’’ it valley has been ground zero for the today is absolutely the wrong ap- is $50 million. From the paper here foreclosure crisis. Over the past few proach. It is throwing the baby out from the Department of the Treasury, years, thousands of families in San with the bath water. Instead of can- obligated and disbursed are different Joaquin County and throughout the celing foreclosure relief programs at things. We have $50 million that has valley have lost their homes. their beginning stages, we should be been disbursed. FIGURE 1—DAILY TARP PROGRESS REPORT AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 2011 [$ billions]

Principal/Investment Income/revenue Total cash (*Dollars in billions*) Obligated Realized Gain/other Warrants Total in- back Disbursed Repayments Write-offs loss Outstanding Dividends Interest income sold come

Bank Support Programs Capital Purchase Program (CPP) Preferred & Other Securities ...... 179.89 179.89 146.08 2.58 0.00 30.88 9.45 ...... 6.93 16.38 162.46 Citigroup Common ...... 25.00 25.00 25.00 ...... 0.00 0.93 ...... 6.85 0.05 7.84 32.84 Targeted Investment Program (TIP) Bank Of America ...... 20.00 20.00 20.00 ...... 1.44 ...... 1.24 2.67 22.67 Citigroup ...... 20.00 20.00 20.00 ...... 1.57 ...... 0.19 1.76 21.76 Asset Guarantee Program (AGP) Bank Of America ...... 0.28 ...... 0.28 0.28 Citigroup ...... 5.00 ...... 0.44 ...... 2.25 0.07 2.76 2.76 Community Development Capital Initiative (CDCI) ...... 0.57 0.57 ...... 0.57 0.00 ...... 0.00 0.00 Bank Program Totals ...... 250.46 245.46 211.08 2.58 0.00 31.45 13.83 ...... 9.37 8.48 31.68 242.76 Credit Market Programs Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP) Equity ...... 7.51 5.37 0.16 ...... 5.21 0.40 ...... 0.00 ...... 0.40 0.56 Debt ...... 14.90 10.52 0.46 ...... 10.06 ...... 0.10 ...... 0.10 0.56 Term Asset Backed Securities Lending Facility ...... 4.30 0.10 ...... 0.10 ...... Purchase SBA 7(a) Securities (SBA) ...... 0.37 0.37 0.01 ...... 0.36 ...... 0.00 0.00 ...... 0.00 0.01 Credit Market Program Totals ...... 27.07 16.36 0.63 ...... 15.73 0.40 0.10 0.00 ...... 0.50 1.13 Other Programs American international Group (AIG) Common ...... 47.54 47.54 ...... 47.54 ...... 0.06 ...... 0.06 0.06 Preferred ...... 22.29 20.29 ...... 20.29 ...... AIG Totals ...... 69.84 67.84 ...... 67.84 ...... 0.06 ...... 0.06 0.06 Automotive Industry Financing Program (AIFP) GM ...... 51.03 51.03 23.07 ...... 4.44 23.53 ...... 0.77 0.10 ...... 0.86 23.93 Chrysler ...... 14.43 12.37 3.85 1.60 ...... 6.92 ...... 0.58 0.06 ...... 0.64 4.49 Ally (GMAC) ...... 16.29 16.29 ...... 16.29 2.00 ...... 2.00 2.00 AIFP Totals ...... 81.76 79.69 26.92 1.60 4.44 46.74 2.00 1.35 0.16 ...... 3.51 30.43 Other Programs Totals ...... 151.59 147.53 26.92 1.60 4.44 114.57 2.00 1.35 0.21 ...... 3.56 30.48 Treasury Housing Programs Under TARP Making Homes Affordable ...... 29.91 0.94 ...... HFA Hardest-Hit Fund ...... 7.60 0.10 ...... FHA Refinance ...... 8.12 0.05 ...... Housing Totals ...... 45.62 1.10 ...... Grand Totals ...... 474.76 410.45 238.63 4.18 4.44 161.75 16.23 1.45 9.59 8.48 35.74 274.38

Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the ranking know that we have 12 million mort- myself 15 seconds to further elucidate member for yielding. gages that are underwater, that need matters to the gentleman from Illinois. I rise in opposition to H.R. 830. This help. They are in all of our States, but It has been disbursed in a letter of bill is one of four separate anti-fore- they are not coming forward with any credit, none of which has been drawn closure programs aimed at helping ideas of how to help the economy or down. It sits there as a reserve in case troubled homeowners stay in their how to help the people. of losses. homes that the new House Republican Now, this particular program is just I now yield 3 minutes to the gentle- majority is planning to end. What is getting started. It is the FHA Short woman from New York (Mrs. very troubling is that they don’t have Refinance Program, and it is one of the MALONEY). any idea of what to put in its place. We foreclosure prevention programs that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.027 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 would not only help the individual might be unsettling to the economy. duct and the States’ attorneys general homeowners, but also help to stabilize Mr. Chairman, if there is one problem have been pushing them, the banks, to the overall U.S. housing market, which that got solved in the past decade, it is impose fines for violating the law in is 25 percent of our economy. So it not that problem: the problem of paying off how they handle foreclosures. only helps an individual. It helps a lo- the national debt too quickly. b 1320 cality, it helps our country, it helps My party can claim none of the cred- our economic strength. it for that. It was a Republican Presi- Several Republicans sent a letter The result of ending this program dent and a Republican Congress. I must yesterday to the Secretary of the would be hundreds of thousands of ad- admit that I don’t like what they did Treasury protesting that Federal agen- ditional foreclosures and steeper price to solve that problem of paying off the cies were being too mean to the banks. declines in our housing. It is out- national debt too quickly. They gave I thought most politicians learned rageous. It is shortsighted. It is mean, tax cuts to America’s top one-tenth of during the Keating Five that your of- and it is wrong. 1 percent, Americans making more fice does not give you the right to give Now, in this program it would allow than $2,340,000, and we saw just a cou- your political buddies, your contribu- the borrowers to reduce the principal ple of months ago that that was one tors, a get-out-of-jail-free card, but owed on their homes up to 10 percent thing that was absolutely nonnego- that appears to be what they’re willing so that their payments are lower, so tiable for them. They would give up ev- to do when it’s the banking industry that they can save money that they erything before they would let those that is complaining about it. It is not can’t afford. And in return, the banks Americans have to pay any more in true that this problem of foreclosures would get an FHA-insured loan that is taxes. is just affecting a handful of Ameri- subject to all of FHA’s strict stand- When there was a proposal to expand cans. The CHAIR. The time of the gen- ards. So to get this loan, you will have Medicare to take care of prescription drugs, something I supported gen- tleman has expired. to jump through hoops to be able to Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield erally, Republicans in Congress passed qualify. the gentleman 1 additional minute. And it is voluntary. Just last week, a bill that was not paid for, as other Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. We several major banks in America volun- programs like that had been paid for, are in a cycle of foreclosures leading to tarily walked forward to help out— and was a giveaway to the insurance the reduced value of homes, more Citibank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of industry and to the prescription drug Americans underwater, and when peo- America, to name a few. So the pro- industry. So when they are giving tax ple are underwater, they’ve seen their gram is just getting started and the $50 cuts to the very, very richest Ameri- life savings disappear. More Americans million line of credit is like a line of cans, the richest of the rich, when they underwater, more foreclosures, and on credit you draw down on. Hopefully, we are giving away taxpayer money to the and on. won’t even have to tap into it. Hope- insurance companies and to the pre- We have got to put a bottom on the fully, our economy improves and peo- scription drug industry, the drug in- housing market. We know this can ple are able to pay their mortgages. dustry, they don’t worry about deficits work. This program is very similar to a The standards are very strict. The at all. It is only when Democrats take program in the New Deal that did owners must be current on their pay- the Presidency, and particularly in the work, the Homeowners Loan Corpora- ments. It must be their primary resi- last 2 years when we have been dealing tion. It turned a profit—a slight profit, dence. They have to have full docu- with the worst recession since the but a profit—saved the middle class, mentation to qualify. So it is a strict Great Depression and have been trying and saved the housing industry. We program. to pull the country out of a nosedive, need to do something. Republicans I want to come back to an issue that that they have suddenly become wor- have offered nothing. is very important to me and, that is, ried about the deficits and criticized Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, I yield 11⁄4 this affects lives. This affects people. everything that we have done to try to minutes to the gentleman from Nevada In Congressman FRANK’s home State, save the country from the disaster that (Mr. HECK). there are over 222,000 residents whose we inherited. Mr. HECK. I thank the gentleman mortgages are underwater that could It is only the programs that help from Alabama for the time. qualify possibly if they could meet the working and middle class families that Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose criteria. It is part of a total package to seem to give them a problem, like this H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program help our economy move forward, and one. Now, we have been on the case of Termination Act. I represent the dis- the opposition, the Republican major- subprime lending and its effects for a trict that is truly ground zero for ity, has no ideas of their own. It is just long time. I introduced legislation in America’s housing crisis; 390,192 mort- to come in and cut a good program 2004 to rein in subprime lending, not a gages in Nevada are underwater. Let that is just getting started. bit of help from Republicans. Mr. WATT me say that again: 390,192 families in They mentioned the 44 people that and I introduced that bill. It was Mil- Nevada are underwater. have been helped. They say that is not ler-Watt. Two years later, it became I agree that people need a paycheck, important. I would say it is very im- Miller-Watt-Frank. We have been on not a government check, but we must portant to the 44 people who have been this case. help individuals who are trying to do helped, and there could be 12 million The gentleman from Alabama said in the right thing. This program gives who could be helped under this pro- committee the other day, Show me a some of those Nevadans who are cur- gram. way to deal with this problem that rent on their mortgage but underwater Mr. BACHUS. I reserve the balance of doesn’t cost taxpayer money. I did that the ability to refinance their loan. my time. in 2007. I introduced a bill that bank- Some will say this program is a fail- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield ruptcy lawyers and judges have said ure because too few mortgages have 4 minutes to the gentleman from North was one way to deal with the problem, been refinanced through it. They’ll say Carolina (Mr. MILLER), one of the lead- let bankruptcy judges modify mort- not enough money has been distrib- ing House experts on this matter. gages in bankruptcy the same way uted. I say, a failed PR job should not Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Mr. they modify all other kinds of secured be the reason a good program dies. And Chairman, I want to reassure Ameri- debt; no support from Republicans at the FHA Refinance Program can be a cans that it is not true that no problem all, and the opposition Republicans good program, but it needs more atten- ever gets fixed in Washington. Ten killed that. tion, and perhaps reform, so home- years ago, the debate here in Congress I urged the Federal agencies that set owners know it’s an option. was what to do with the surplus. In rules for the banks to require they Vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 830 and give home- fact, we paid off $400 billion of the debt; treat people better than they have been owners a chance to take advantage of and Alan Greenspan, who was then the treating them when they manage their this program. chairman of the Federal Reserve mortgages, no help from Republicans Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 Board, worried that we would pay off at all. Just yesterday, the Federal minute to the gentleman from Kansas the national debt too quickly and it agencies in charge of the banks’ con- (Mr. YODER).

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.029 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1685 Mr. YODER. Thank you, Mr. Chair- month: ‘‘As of February 11, 44 loans than many of the billions my col- man. have been endorsed.’’ Where else but in leagues on the other side are prepared I rise today in strong support of H.R. Washington would it be a good idea to to subsidize some of their favored sa- 830. The bill would repeal a well-inten- obligate $8 billion in taxpayer funds cred cows as opposed to doing some- tioned but bankrupt policy. and disburse $50 million of those dol- thing that will help the whole econ- Mr. Chairman, the American people lars? Now, whether it’s to help 44 omy. are tired of bailout after bailout and homeowners or not, we don’t know how I yield back the balance of my time. big spending bill after big spending many will be in default or what it will Mr. BACHUS. I yield myself the bal- bill. With $14 trillion in debt and bor- cost. But that money has been dis- ance of my time. rowing $5 billion a day, yet unemploy- bursed from the U.S. Treasury. Mr. Chair, Members of this body, ment is at 9 percent, the American peo- Mr. Chairman, this bill ends another what are we talking about when we’re ple are sending us an unmistakable failed government program. Taxpayers talking about cutting government message: The idea of borrowing, bailing shouldn’t foot the bill for failure. I spending? We’re talking about these out and spending isn’t working. would urge my colleagues to support children. We’re borrowing more money in the bill. b 1330 Washington with this program that we Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. don’t have to help Americans borrow Chairman, I yield myself the balance of These children cannot afford a future more money at home that they can’t my time. where its Federal Government spends afford for housing they can’t afford. A week ago when we debated this in $8 billion more every day than it takes Mr. Chairman, this is madness. When committee, the author of the bill, the in. will this stop and when will the politi- gentleman from Illinois (Mr. DOLD), Now, the ranking member has criti- cians in Washington understand that was telling people that if they joined cized our military spending. I could we’re not going to be able to borrow this program they would have a tax li- have a picture of my grandchildren up, and spend our way to prosperity? The ability. He was wrong. It wasn’t his and I could have a picture of one of my American people are tired of this. They fault. He was told that that was the little granddaughters whose dad served want Washington leaders to step up, re- case. He dutifully read what he was in the U.S. Marines. Their unit served duce spending, and eliminate programs told. You haven’t heard that again be- in Afghanistan and in Iraq. So I make that aren’t working. cause he found out that was wrong. no apology for supporting our troops. Mr. Chairman, I ask today that we He was also told that it was going to Now if the President decides to call pass this legislation and restore fiscal be $50 million disbursed. They don’t them home, my son would support sanity to Washington. seem to be clear on what that means. that. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. How No, $50 million has not been spent on Now, Ranking Member FRANK said much time is remaining on both sides, any individual. Fifty million has been this sits in a fund. This program that Mr. Chairman? set aside in a letter of credit if nec- has helped 44 families whose average The CHAIR. The gentleman from essary in the future to pay for defaults. mortgage was $330,000—that’s more Massachusetts has 21⁄2 minutes remain- So this million dollars per loan is, of than the cost of a home in my district. ing. The gentleman from Alabama has course, a fantasy. But here is President Obama’s report 41⁄4 minutes remaining. Now, it is true, the program has not to us that $50 million has been dis- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I have yet had a major impact. And if it does bursed, but the alarming figure is $8.12 only one remaining speaker. I will not prove itself out, it never will. It billion that’s obligated. defer until the gentleman has his last cannot be both wildly expensive and The gentlelady from New York said speaker. nonexistent. It is there. If we get an that the banks—Citibank, Bank of Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, I yield 21⁄2 agreement involving all the attorneys America—they’re all lining up to use minutes to the gentlelady from Illinois general of both parties, involving the this program. I would be too. This (Mrs. BIGGERT). regulators and the financial institu- transfers obligations from lenders to Mrs. BIGGERT. I thank the gen- tions, this will be one of the tools that the taxpayer. As long as these mort- tleman for yielding. will accommodate people. CBO does gages were making money, the banks Mr. Chairman, President Ronald think there could be a loss. Their pre- profited. But all of a sudden when Reagan famously said—with tongue in diction is, their best guess—and they’re they’re underwater and a borrower cheek, no doubt—that the closest thing the best objective element we have— maybe can’t make the payment, hey, if to eternal life on this Earth is a Fed- you could get an amount of $12,000 or I was a bank, I would say, yeah, let the eral Government program. so per loan lost here. Not a million dol- government, let the taxpayers reduce I rise today in support of H.R. 830, lars; 12,000. It is part of a panoply of this mortgage. That ought to be be- legislation offered by my friend from projects to try and reduce foreclosures tween the bank and the homeowners. Illinois (Mr. DOLD). At the risk of dis- and help the economy deal with this Forty-two families? You say all these proving the late President’s axiom, let crisis. four programs we’re going to debate me just say that H.R. 830 will dem- And for people who, and I repeat it— this week and next week—which cost onstrate that Congress does have the they don’t like it—they’ll send money billions of dollars—they’re going to good sense, the fortitude, and the to Brazil, they’ll send money to Afghan help half a million families? There are wherewithal to bring an end to a Fed- cities, they’ll send money to Iraqi secu- 12 million families that are under- eral program, especially one that is not rity, they’ll subsidize farmers at more water. working. than $250,000 a year, but $12,000 per Let’s talk about something very im- The program in question is the FHA homeowner at most is too much for portant. If we don’t get our financial Refinancing Program, which was au- them. And it isn’t just for the home- house in order, I’ll quote the words of thorized under the broadest of provi- owners; it is a necessary part of getting Admiral Mike Mullen on August 25 be- sions in the TARP legislation back in out of our economic crisis. fore CNN, and I will close with this, 2008. In 2010, the program was con- So I hope that this is defeated. I ap- ‘‘The most significant threat to our na- ceived in haste, enacted with no vote in preciated what the gentleman from Ne- tional security is our debt.’’ And that Congress, and was designed to augment vada said. Yes, it can be improved. The threat comes from this body and the another failed program, the Making fact that only 44 people have been in- administration. It’s time to cut spend- Homes Affordable Program, or HAMP, volved so far means they are pro- ing. Think about them. Think about which has done more harm than good. ceeding, appropriately, cautiously. their future. Under the FHA Refinancing Pro- This is a program with great promise. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. gram, the FHA is directed to use TARP It may not turn out, but if a promise Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 830, the funds to refinance mortgages that are doesn’t turn out, then it doesn’t cost FHA Refinance Program Termination Act. current but underwater. Its record has anything. And if it does turn out to be This legislation would end the FHA’s short- been abysmal, with the FHA Commis- a workable part of an overall solution, term refinance program authorized under the sioner stating during our hearing last it will be money much better spent Troubled Asset Relief Program.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:23 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.031 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 A program designed to help homeowners effectively and prudently. Lenders must set up No amendment to the committee refinance their existing mortgage for lower in- an operational infrastructure to utilize this op- amendment in the nature of a sub- terest rates. tion, and a great deal of coordination is re- stitute is in order except those received With declining home values, borrowers are quired throughout the mortgage chain. As of for printing in the portion of the Con- caught in mortgages that they can no longer February 11th, 23 FHA-approved lenders are gressional RECORD designated for that afford. participating in the program, including Wells purpose in a daily issue dated March 9, This is because their rates have reset or be- Fargo and GMAC/Ally, which intend to deliver 2011, or earlier and except pro forma cause their interest-only payments have not several thousand loans. FHA also indicates amendments for the purpose of debate. allowed them to grow any equity in their that numerous other lenders are in the proc- Each amendment so received may be homes. ess of developing the capability to utilize the offered only by the Member who causes They are making their payments—but just program by midyear. it to be printed or a designee and shall barely. Not only does the Republican Leadership be considered read if printed. Mr. Chair, we should continue to help hard seek to terminate the FHA Refinance Pro- The Clerk will designate section 1. working Americans who are paying their bills gram, but it also seeks to terminate the Home The text of section 1 is as follows: on time every month stay in their homes. Affordable Modification Program, the Neigh- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Ending this vital recovery program with no resentatives of the United States of America in borhood Stabilization Program, and the Emer- Congress assembled, alternative plan is just wrong. gency Homeowners Loan Program. It is clear SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. The Republicans reckless spending pro- that more needs to be done to help struggling This Act may be cited as the ‘‘FHA Refinance posals will move our country backwards not homeowners stay in their homes. However, Program Termination Act’’. only domestically but globally. terminating the very programs that were es- AMENDMENT NO. 9 OFFERED BY MRS. MALONEY Eliminating this program will cost us more in tablished to do so is not the solution. I encour- Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, I the long-term. age my colleagues on the other side of the have an amendment at the desk. While I believe cuts are necessary to ad- aisle to come to the table and present real so- The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate dress the Nation’s long-term fiscal problems, it lutions to this epidemic. If a Member feels this the amendment. must be done responsibly and with the Amer- program has not benefited enough home- The text of the amendment is as fol- ican public’s interest in mind. owners, he or she should suggest a way to do lows: I encourage my colleagues to oppose this so and we can go from there. Instead, Repub- After section 1, insert the following new bill. licans are placing politics before people. Our section: Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition Nation needs solutions, not denunciations. SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. to H.R. 830, a hasty political ploy that will ter- Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to The Congress finds that— minate a promising program. I refuse to let my vote against this bill. (1) there are 35,610 underwater mortgages Republican colleagues, determined to appear in Alabama; Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, the FHA Refi- (2) 7,801 underwater mortgages in Alaska; fiscally austere at any cost, cut budding initia- nance Program proposed for termination in to- (3) 648,387 underwater mortgages in Ari- tives that are in the best interest of the coun- day’s legislation is designed to provide dis- zona; try. tressed homeowners mortgage relief by using (4) 27,580 underwater mortgages in Arkan- The FHA Refinance Program is tailored to FHA loan guarantee authority to incentivize sas; benefit responsible homeowners—home- holders of existing single family loans to re- (5) 2,172,700 mortgages in California; owners who, through principal write-downs, duce the outstanding principal balance of their (6) 221,097 underwater mortgages in Colo- will be able to stay in their homes. It is also loans by at least 10% in conjunction with an rado; (7) 97,244 underwater mortgages in Con- structured to protect lenders from possible FHA refinance when the principal balance of a foreclosure losses and save communities from necticut; borrower’s loan is greater than the property’s (8) 23,906 underwater mortgages in Dela- increased blight. Ten states, including my current value. Importantly, participating home- ware; home state of Michigan, posted foreclosure owners must be current on their existing loan, (9) 2,029,128 underwater mortgages in Flor- discounts of more than 35 percent in 2010. and all other FHA safety and soundness un- ida; We must use all our tools at hand to stem this derwriting standards continue to apply. Any (10) 449,971 underwater mortgages in Geor- massive foreclosure epidemic. losses under the program are covered by gia; I hear daily from struggling homeowners funds already set aside by the TARP, adding (11) 24,664 underwater mortgages in Hawaii; (12) 61,566 underwater mortgages in Idaho; who are trying to keep afloat. Negative equity no additional exposure to the FHA’s capital re- mortgages are plaguing our country from (13) 431,050 underwater mortgages in Illi- serves. nois; coast to coast. At the end of last year, 11.1 Mr. Chair, while I am aware of—and frankly, (14) 68,196 underwater mortgages in Indi- million, or 23.1 percent, of all residential mort- to some extent sympathetic to—the criticism ana; gages were in negative equity. In Michigan, and frustration around the pace and scope of (15) 28,976 underwater mortgages in Iowa; over 36 percent of mortgages were in negative this program to date, I would also point out (16) 32,787 underwater mortgages in Kansas; equity. Home prices are expected to fall an- that it has only been operational since October (17) 24,880 underwater mortgages in Ken- other five to ten percent in 2011. Millions of of last year. Furthermore, as a purely vol- tucky; borrowers are being held captive in their untary program, its success clearly hinges on (18) 298,554 underwater mortgages in Mary- homes, unable to move or sell their properties. land; the active participation of our major loan (19) 222,599 underwater mortgages in Mas- Keeping programs like the FHA Refinance servicers, two of whom—Wells Fargo and Ally sachusetts; Program alive is crucial to spurring economic Financial—have just recently announced their (20) 519,716 underwater mortgages in Michi- recovery and giving the mortgage industry the intention to let qualified borrowers take advan- gan; jump-start it so desperately needs. tage of the program. Finally, with an estimated (21) 90,090 underwater mortgages in Min- My Republican colleagues like to point to one in five homeowners currently underwater nesota; the fact that since the program has only spent on their mortgages, it is clear to me that the (22) 122,543 underwater mortgages in Mis- $50 million, it must be ineffective. I find it inter- housing crisis is not yet behind us. souri; esting that a Republican argument against a (23) 8,650 underwater mortgages in Mon- By providing struggling but credit-worthy tana; program is that it hasn’t cost the government homeowners with a reduced monthly payment (24) 21,388 underwater mortgages in Ne- enough. So much for fiscal austerity. In fact, and a mortgage that is more aligned with ac- braska; the FHA Refinance Program was specifically tual property values, the FHA Refinance Pro- (25) 390,192 underwater mortgages in Ne- designed to be cost-effective for the govern- gram can help prevent foreclosures and sta- vada; ment. Its allocated funds only cover incre- bilize the housing market, which is in every (26) 37,488 underwater mortgages in New mental credit and incentive costs, and will not American’s long term interest. Hampshire; be spent unless a borrower defaults under the The CHAIR. All time for general de- (27) 286,293 underwater mortgages in New program. Since no borrowers have defaulted, bate has expired. Jersey; Pursuant to the rule, the amendment (28) 29,375 underwater mortgages in New no money has been spent on loans. Mexico; Let us not forget how hasty this bill is—the in the nature of a substitute printed in (29) 129,633 underwater mortgages in New FHA Refinance Program has only been avail- the bill shall be considered as an origi- York; able since September. It is no surprise that it nal bill for the purpose of amendment (30) 160,007 underwater mortgages in North takes time for such complex programs to work under the 5-minute rule. Carolina;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:42 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.004 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1687 (31) 3,582 underwater mortgages in North are in financial difficulty. Banks then the vote on this bill how many Ameri- Dakota; can get an insured FHA guarantee and cans across this country will not be (32) 441,379 underwater mortgages in Ohio; move forward and people can keep liv- helped if the majority gets their pas- (33) 24,411 underwater mortgages in Okla- ing in their homes and can keep par- sage of their bill that would terminate homa; (34) 108,335 underwater mortgages in Or- ticipating in the economy. a program that has the potential of egon; Because of this vote today, if the ma- helping literally millions in America. (35) 132,805 underwater mortgages in Penn- jority wins, homeowners across the I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on my amend- sylvania; country may not have the opportunity ment. (36) 45,511 underwater mortgages in Rhode to take advantage of the program that b 1340 Island; has just begun, and which should be (37) 85,226 underwater mortgages in South made, in my opinion, available to POINT OF ORDER Carolina; them. Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chairman, I make (38) 133,956 underwater mortgages in Ten- Now what this does, it goes down all a point of order against the amend- nessee; ment because in my opinion it violates (39) 367,954 underwater mortgages in Texas; of the impacts across the country. It (40) 98,093 underwater mortgages in Utah; shows that in my home State of New clause 7 of rule XVI which requires (41) 276,910 underwater mortgages in Vir- York there are over 129,000 mortgages that an amendment be germane to the ginia; underwater that would not be able to matter it’s amending. (42) 209,577 underwater mortgages in Wash- apply for this program to allow people It’s not germane to the bill because ington; to stay in their homes. In Chairman it’s outside the scope of the bill and (43) 15,240 underwater mortgages in Wash- BACHUS’ State, there are over 35,000 fails to draw the nexus to the bill. ington D.C.; mortgages underwater. In Florida, The CHAIR. Does any other Member (44) and 81,267 underwater mortgages in there are more than 2 million mort- wish to be heard on the point of order? Wisconsin. The Chair recognizes the gentle- (45) the aggregate number of mortgages es- gages underwater, and they have no al- timated to be underwater in such States is ternative of any way to help these peo- woman from New York. 10,780,236; and ple. And these numbers are from an Mrs. MALONEY. The amendment is (46) by voting to terminate the FHA Refi- independent company’s study. germane, Mr. Chairman. nance Program under this Act without a sug- If you go to California, our largest This program has the potential to gested replacement, the Congress is voting State, over 2 million homes are under- help underwater mortgages across our to terminate a program that may have water. Nevada, 390,000 individuals are great country, which is germane to the helped these underwater borrowers. facing the loss of their homes. In Ari- bill we’re debating today, because the Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chairman, I re- zona, there are over 648,000 families bill terminates the potential of this serve a point of order against the that are underwater. Their home is not help. You have no findings in this bill amendment. worth what they’re paying for it, what that you’re rushing to the floor. The CHAIR. A point of order is re- the mortgage is. It is germane to talk about the hun- served. So this program is one that I think is dreds of thousands of homeowners that The gentlewoman from New York is thoughtful, one that has only $50 mil- are out there that possibly could lose recognized for 5 minutes in support of lion as sort of a line of credit that will their home because this program is her amendment. be pulled down if there are defaults. being terminated. This is germane, in Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Chairman, my But the banks participating have very my opinion, to the underlying bill. amendment has the purpose of making strict standards, as does the FHA. It The CHAIR. Does any other Member very clear what we’re doing today to has to be their primary residence. They wish to be heard on the point of order? the American people. This amendment have to provide full documentation. No The Chair recognizes the gentleman makes clear that we are ending a pro- more of these ‘‘no doc’’ loans. They from Alabama. gram that has the potential to help must be current on the mortgage. They Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Chair, she lists the hundreds of thousands of underwater must have a job. They have to have number of mortgages that are under- borrowers. many, many levels that they have to water and says that this program may H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program meet before they get the loan. But at help them. Obviously, there are many Termination Act, ignores the under- least it’s a lifeline to these 12 million of those, the buyers are behind on their water borrowers of this country and families whose homes are underwater. payments and they wouldn’t qualify for does nothing to help families save their With declining home values, bor- help. Just the number 44 ought to tell homes. rowers are caught in mortgages they you that when you list 12 million Very simply, the bill ends a program no longer can afford because their rates homeowners and then say that the ter- that has the potential to help hundreds have reset or because their interest- mination of this program would have of thousands of people whose mort- only payments have not allowed them helped is quite a stretch. There are cer- gages now exceed the value of their to grow any equity in their homes. tain other qualifications under this home, and also help the communities They are making their payments, but legislation that are not met by simply and help the overall economy. just barely. And so this one is there to being underwater. The majority crafted a so-called help them. And it simply adds findings The CHAIR. Does the gentlewoman ‘‘open rule’’ in such a way that it’s to the bill with the number of under- from New York wish to be heard on the nearly impossible to offer any sub- water mortgages in each State that point of order? stantive amendments—a number were we’ve secured the data for so that it be- Mrs. MALONEY. Yes, I do. voted down on a party line in the com- comes very clear to the American peo- As a point of information, there are mittee debates—in response to this re- ple how many homeowners in each very strict criteria from the FHA and ality. State we are not helping if we do what from the individual banks that are vol- In an effort to highlight the true na- the majority wants, to terminate this untarily participating, and one of those ture of this harmful bill, my amend- program. criteria is that you must be current on ment identifies the numbers in each And I might say this program is one your payments. You must be current. State of the hundreds of thousands of of four that the Obama administration What the gentleman said was inac- underwater borrowers across the coun- has put forward to help homeowners curate, that they could be behind on try and makes clear that the Repub- stay in their homes and to help sta- their payments or not making their lican majority has no solution to the bilize our economy, which is still frag- payments. They’re having difficulty problem, nor do they have any desire ile and is still recovering. Housing is 25 making it because their home value is to find one. percent of our economy, according to not equal to what the mortgage is. And Americans must be made aware of many economists. So the strength of so it’s difficult. But they must all be the intention of this majority. This housing is important to the overall current on their payments. program allows borrowers to write health of our Nation’s economic future. The CHAIR. The gentlewoman needs down at least 10 percent to reduce the So I urge my colleagues to support to confine her remarks to the point of debt burden. They are all paying. They the amendment, to make it clear by order.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:08 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.013 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. fornia, over 2 million people’s homes banks do a good job and do not hand Chairman, I would like to be heard on are underwater; in Florida, over 2 mil- out loans unless people can actually the point of order. lion homes are underwater; Arizona, repay them. And this will be a tool to The CHAIR. The Chair recognizes the 648. move forward not only to help people, gentlewoman from Texas. And in my own State, over 129,000 but to help the overall economy. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. First of people will not have the access to this Now, what I find very troubling all, the gentleman from Alabama was program that allows them to adjust about this is that my friends on the arguing the merits of the legislation. their mortgages so that they reflect other side of the aisle want to termi- These are findings that pertain to the the true value of their homes, make nate four antiforeclosure programs, but results that would occur from the lan- their payments on that value so that they have no alternative. It’s sort of guage in the bill. they can move forward and be part of like their approach to jobs. They have The bill is eliminating the existing the community, keep these homes from not come forward with any program to funds or leftover funds for FHA refi- becoming blight and emptied in an help create jobs. They have not come nance. The amendment clearly lays out area. forward with any program to help peo- the impacted persons connected to the We all have stories in our districts ple stay in their homes. It’s part of the elimination. Therefore, this is germane and across the Nation where people ‘‘so be it’’ attitude. You’re on your because it relates to the language of cannot make their mortgage payments own. We’re not going to help you. the amendment and the intent of the because they have lost values in their But this is a program that helps peo- amendment. home. They are deserting them. They ple help themselves adjust to the re- Twelve million people left behind, are leaving them. In some States, they ality of what their homes are actually thousands of homeowners in different are literally bulldozing the homes un- worth. And I think that it’s important States, and the fact that there is no derground because no one can afford to that this information of how many peo- other solution to these homeowners ex- live in them. This is an answer to some ple, the 12 million people and where cept FHA refinance, it is a germane of the challenges. they live in America, is important in- amendment. The findings are simply And my colleagues on the other side formation that should be part of this laying out the impact. We do that in of the aisle talk about the cost. Well, I bill. all of our bills to put findings on what would say that the cost—not only to the impact of legislation would be. the individual homeowner, but to the And that’s why I am now respectfully I ask the Chairman to consider the overall economy—will be greater by requesting unanimous consent to place gentlelady’s amendment being ger- terminating the four efforts, the four into the RECORD the listing of where mane. The findings are germane, and it antiforeclosure efforts from the Obama these 12 million people live so people is doing simply that of listing the ele- administration to help with the hous- will know these are the people we are ments of the impact of this legislation. ing crisis. saying ‘‘no,’’ ‘‘so be it,’’ ‘‘we’re not I ask for a waiver of the point of And we know that the subprime cri- going to be there to help you.’’ order. sis was a scandal. Many people were And let me tell you, my follow col- The CHAIR. The Chair is prepared to not—got into homes they couldn’t af- leagues. I would be cautious about vot- rule on the point of order. ford under misinformation. ing for this, because you’re voting The gentleman from Alabama makes We have helped other areas of our against your economy. You’re voting a point of order that the amendment economy. We certainly should help the against your State. You are voting offered by the gentlewoman from New homeowners, the working Americans against your own colleagues, your own York is not germane. to help them through this economic residents and neighbors who may need The bill addresses repeal of a Federal crisis, too. this. We know the trouble that’s in this Housing Administration program that And we have to remember that al- economy. Practically every family in provides for refinancing of a specified though we are digging our way out of America has some relative who’s lost a set of mortgages. this Great Recession, the recovery has job or is unemployed. So this is some One of the fundamental principles of been slow. We are still in a fragile re- way to help with this economic recov- germaneness is that the amendment covery. The economists testified before ery. It is thoughtful. It is a good pro- must relate to the subject matter of the Financial Services Committee that gram. the underlying bill. The bill is confined housing was 25 percent of our economy. And I urge my colleagues to vote to a specific type of refinancing pro- So, helping people stay in their against the ‘‘so be it’’ bill the Repub- gram. The amendment seeks, in part, homes, I would say that our overall licans have before us today and to real- to address mortgages on broader bases, economy has a stake in it. ly work with, in a bipartisan way, the beyond the ambit of the bill. Now, some people said, well, the Obama administration to help working The amendment is therefore not ger- banks will run in and do this. Banks Americans, struggling Americans stay mane. The point of order is sustained. are not going to do this unless they in their home. Mrs. MALONEY. I move to strike the think that the loan is going to be paid last word. and they’re not going to be hurt with b 1350 The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from it. And the standards from FHA are New York is recognized for 5 minutes. very high. You have to be current. You It’s the least that we can do as a car- Mrs. MALONEY. I’m distressed with have to have a job. You have to live in ing Nation, absolutely the least we can this ruling because I think it is ger- your home. You have to have a proven do as a caring Nation. So I urge my mane that people will lose their homes, track record. You have to have good colleagues, and I would be very cau- that they are eliminating a program credit before you can be approved. So tious in your vote, because I believe that is just starting that is thoughtful, that is why only 50 million is the line your constituents are going to remem- that would give FHA financing and of credit that will be drawn down if ber this vote if this program is termi- guarantees to help people stay in their there are foreclosures. nated and their lifeline, their ability to homes, and that people in Nevada, over Hopefully the economy improves, stay in their homes, is terminated be- 390,000, could be affected by this; Cali- people keep their jobs. Hopefully the cause of your vote today. TABLE 1: NEGATIVE EQUITY BY STATE*

Properties With a Mortgage Outstanding $ Outstanding Negative Equity Near** Negative Negative Equity Near** Negative Mortgage Debt Out- Loan-to- State Mortgages Mortgages Equity Mortgages Share Equity Share Total Property Value standing Net Homeowner Equity Value Ratio

Alabama ...... 340,665 35,610 19,188 10 .5% 5.6% 65,482,055,550 43,970,078,384 21,511,977,166 67% Alaska ...... 87,286 7,801 5,160 8.9 5.9 23,773,756,773 15,920,518,570 7,853,238,203 67 Arizona ...... 1,333,398 648,387 63,304 48.6 4.7 263,693,025,194 243,760,655,061 19,932,370,133 92 Arkansas ...... 238,011 27,580 14,360 11.6 6.0 37,303,484,103 27,450,225,612 9,853,258,491 74 California ...... 6,870,914 2,172,700 299,067 31 .6 4.4 2,864,273,476,858 2,008,766,937,342 855,506,539,516 70 Colorado ...... 1,125,434 221,097 91,187 19.6 8.1 301,289,945,528 217,120,459,818 84,169,485,710 72

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:08 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.052 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1689 TABLE 1: NEGATIVE EQUITY BY STATE*—Continued

Properties With a Mortgage Outstanding $ Outstanding Negative Equity Near** Negative Negative Equity Near** Negative Mortgage Debt Out- Loan-to- State Mortgages Mortgages Equity Mortgages Share Equity Share Total Property Value standing Net Homeowner Equity Value Ratio

Connecticut ...... 816,560 97,244 29,957 11 .9 3.7 294,814,146,661 171,517,175,208 123,296,971,453 58 Delaware ...... 179,322 23,906 8,937 13.3 5.0 47,059,588,802 31,949,546,484 15,110,042,318 68 Florida ...... 4,459,951 2,029,128 182,323 45.5 4.1 853,646,775,841 757,212,788,734 96,433,987,107 89 Georgia ...... 1,605,825 449,971 120,854 28.0 7.5 319,934,838,691 255,319,644,351 64,615,194,340 80 Hawaii ...... 229,600 24,664 8,280 10.7 3.6 117,791,198,842 65,339,432,694 52,451,766,148 55 Idaho ...... 243,589 61,566 12,927 25 .3 5.3 48,204,517,879 35,737,930,659 12,466,587,220 74 Illinois ...... 2,227,602 431,050 108,239 19 .4 4.9 534,999,520,161 377,625,407,977 157,374,112,184 71 Indiana ...... 603,484 68,196 28,936 11.3 4.8 91,672,823,585 64,195,877,062 27,476,946,523 70 Iowa ...... 334,689 28,976 14,366 8.7 4.3 51,019,867,858 34,150,823,254 16,869,044,604 67 Kansas ...... 295,839 32,787 16,284 11.1 5.5 53,431,665,604 37,737,206,158 15,694,459,446 71 Kentucky ...... 279,187 24,880 14,092 8.9 5.0 47,549,597,328 32,335,774,221 15,213,823,107 68 Louisiana ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Maine ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Maryland ...... 1,358,672 298,554 67,580 22.0 5.0 433,409,001,574 298,109,259,531 135,299,742,043 69 Massachusetts ...... 1,494,099 222,599 51,704 14.9 3.5 546,053,917,907 329,062,834,394 216,991,083,513 60 Michigan ...... 1,381,232 519,716 76,403 37.6 5.5 198,169,103,537 169,373,043,369 28,796,060,168 85 Minnesota ...... 554,535 90,090 27,608 16.2 5.0 124,901,317,584 81,787,965,185 43,113,352,399 65 Mississippi ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Missouri ...... 779,328 122,543 44,131 15.7 5.7 137,735,363,892 98,445,466,785 39,289,897,107 71 Montana ...... 112,444 8,650 3,939 7 .7 3.5 28,244,797,730 16,968,913,610 11,275,884,120 60 Nebraska ...... 221,686 21,388 13,072 9.6 5.9 35,462,342,354 25,920,022,837 9,542,319,517 73 Nevada ...... 586,515 390,192 23,037 66.5 3.9 103,720,996,430 123,072,698,809 ¥19,351,702,379 119 New Hampshire...... 211,489 37,488 11,351 17.7 5.4 51,974,243,397 35,837,313,271 16,136,930,126 69 New Jersey ...... 1,882,603 286,293 78,230 15 .2 4.2 678,172,085,088 415,710,918,011 262,461,167,077 61 New Mexico...... 234,004 29,375 10,847 12.6 4.6 55,009,963,072 36,551,762,344 18,458,200,728 66 New York ...... 1,838,917 129,633 40,013 7.0 2.2 835,125,621,032 415,765,632,474 419,359,988,558 50 North Carolina...... 1,521,406 160,007 101,945 10.5 6.7 317,535,658,347 223,145,876,102 94,389,782,245 70 North Dakota...... 48,415 3,582 1,478 7 .4 3.1 8,291,290,055 4,967,349,459 3,323,940,596 60 Ohio ...... 2,204,754 441,379 137,601 20 .0 6.2 324,006,229,515 242,010,058,915 81,996,170,600 75 Oklahoma ...... 408,155 24,411 14,962 6.0 3.7 60,039,397,170 42,451,471,333 17,587,925,837 71 Oregon ...... 693,304 108,335 38,849 15.6 5.6 179,130,635,748 122,988,902,147 56,141,733,601 69 Pennsylvania ...... 1,794,563 132,805 58,312 7.4 3.2 401,020,775,572 248,939,681,403 152,081,094,169 62 Rhode Island...... 227,897 45,511 8,120 20 .0 3.6 64,414,910,589 39,693,719,643 24,721,190,946 62 South Carolina ...... 598,223 85,226 37,091 14.2 6.2 131,254,482,178 92,349,858,129 38,904,624,049 70 South Dakota...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Tennessee ...... 962,894 133,956 67,386 13.9 7.0 166,572,683,790 118,119,771,078 48,452,912,712 71 Texas ...... 3,286,505 367,954 194,944 11.2 5.9 602,239,776,419 418,772,404,728 183,467,371,691 70 Utah ...... 472,867 98,093 30,339 20 .7 6.4 114,775,697,922 84,499,611,037 30,276,086,885 74 Vermont ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Virginia ...... 1,252,705 276,910 73,763 22.1 5.9 419,006,811,369 295,429,338,477 123,577,472,892 71 Washington ...... 1,407,416 209,577 75,920 14 .9 5.4 441,789,933,181 292,406,352,738 149,383,580,443 66 Washington, DC...... 100,340 15,240 4,513 15 .2 4.5 49,085,895,573 28,782,522,751 20,303,372,822 59 West Virginia ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Wisconsin ...... 619,792 81,267 30,026 13 .1 4.8 120,246,415,775 80,769,544,053 39,476,871,722 67 Wyoming ...... NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Nation ...... 47,871,838 10,780,236 2,376,159 22.5 5.0 12,711,358,863,378 8,850,515,659,256 3,860,843,204,122 70 * This data only includes properties with a mortgage. Non-mortgaged properties are by definition not included. ** Defined as properties within 5% of being in a negative equity position. Source: CoreLogic. The data provided is for use only by the primary recipient or the primary recipient’s publication. This data may not be re-sold, republished or licensed to any other source, including publications and sources owned by the primary recipient’s parent company without prior written permission from CoreLogic. Any CoreLogic data used for publication or broadcast, in whole or in part, must be sourced as coming from CoreLogic, a real estate data and ana- lytics company. For questions, analysis or interpretation of the data contact Lori Guyton at [email protected] or Bill Campbell at [email protected]. Data provided may not be modified without the prior written permission of CoreLogic. Do not use the data in any unlawful manner. This data is compiled from public records, contributory databases and proprietary analytics, and its accuracy is dependent upon these sources.

Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. 3 days.’’ These are the faces of individ- make FHA work better if that is the Chairman, I move to strike the last uals who probably would have fared case. word. better under FHA. But the nonsensical plan of elimi- The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from At the same time, a law enforcement, nating it, not helping the underwater Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. a police officer came to me and said mortgagees, the individuals who have Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I am the very same thing, naming an insti- these mortgages, with homes that are very sorry that Congresswoman tution that I had never heard of, had no distressed, with mortgages that are MALONEY’s amendment was subject to national standing, some fly-by-night. worth more than the homes—we know a point of order. I would like to simply Here is a law enforcement officer, a there are many communities like this, add that you need to put faces on what local police officer putting his life on and my colleague mentioned some, but this legislation is doing. It is a simple the line every day, and he needed to let me cite three States again because act. It guts and eliminates all remain- sell his home. He had managed to find it’s so enormous, and we have heard so ing funding. It does say that if you are a buyer. He had communicated that to much from them: Florida, 2 million; in the midst of the program you might the bank. But lo and behold, the lowlife California, 2 million; Nevada, 390,000. continue. thing to do was what this financial in- They are still in distress. But everyone knows how solid FHA Everyone knows that the housing stitution did. And I would call it not a is. Whenever you hear FHA, you know market has a lot to do with this econ- that there is a framework that really bank, but probably a mortgage entity. omy. And even without the help of my provides for protection for the Federal They took the house right from under- good friends on the other side of the Government and a fiscally responsible neath a man that goes out every day aisle, we still saw the unemployment program that provides the Federal and projects himself into the commu- go down and 192,000 jobs created. But I Government with protection for those nity and could lay his life on the line. can tell you that this does nothing to who are able to utilize it. I am against H.R. 830 and H.R. 836. It create jobs. It simply puts Americans But even traveling through airports, doesn’t make sense when we’ve got out on the street. It devastates fami- Mr. Chairman, I had a man with a fam- hundreds of thousands of individuals lies. And who knows, with the lack of ily who indicated that in the midst of who are in need of this program. I will sales of homes and remodification or the holiday season, even though he had venture to say that if a program needs modification of these, it puts people been told by the banking institution fixing, have we ever heard of fix it, out of work, not in work. that his mortgage was intact, they don’t end it? Mend it, don’t end it? Of So I argue vigorously, a little too would allow him to continue to pay, he course it is always important to do due late on the gentlelady’s amendment, was keeping up but having difficulty diligence and have oversight over these but I want to thank her for her astute- looking for modification, a few days programs. But I would think that the ness, carefully defining what impact into the new year, January 6, he was Financial Services Committee, under this bill would have. And it’s unfortu- foreclosed on, and a few days later, or our past chairman and now the ranking nate that the good work of FHA that at least on that day foreclosed with a member, working with the chairman requires documentation, a current job, sign or a notice on his door, ‘‘Vacate in now, could come up with the genius to a decent salary, all that is needed is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:42 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.037 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 now thrown to the wolves with no has increased by 24 percent. The rate of from the great State of Pennsylvania other plan. So we go home, and con- growth is simply unsustainable. that there are over 132,000 homes that stituents will ask us about modifica- Despite the record pace of new spend- are underwater now that could benefit tion or the viability of FHA, which has ing over the last 2 years, that spending from this program, and urge my col- been in place for a long period of time. continues today. Just this week, Mr. leagues to support the program. All we have to do is give them our Chairman, we learned that the Federal The Acting CHAIR. The question is empty hands and our blank face, say- deficit for the month of February 2011 on the amendment offered by the gen- ing obviously greater minds than you, was the highest ever, and exceeded the tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. who knew this was a good program, de- deficit for the entire fiscal year 2007, FITZPATRICK). cided to eliminate it with no substitute $233 billion, Mr. Chairman, the biggest The amendment was agreed to. in place. monthly deficit in the history of our b 1400 So Mr. Chairman, let me conclude by country. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will simply saying to the hundreds of thou- Over the past decade, we have seen designate section 3. the excesses and unsustainable growth sands of borrowers, have faith, because The text of section 3 is as follows: this is only the first step. We know this in sectors of our economy that can have disastrous effects across the en- SEC. 3. TERMINATION OF FHA REFINANCE PRO- is wrongheaded, the wrong direction. GRAM. Thank goodness for the Founding Fa- tire economy. Unless we take dramatic (a) TERMINATION OF MORTGAGEE LETTER.— thers that gave us the House and the action now, the tax burden placed on The Mortgagee Letter referred to in section 2 Senate and a President. I can be as- small businesses and families in my shall be void and have no effect and the Sec- sured that this legislation, I hope, is own Bucks County and across the Na- retary of Housing and Urban Development may destined for a route of no return. tion will outpace our ability to pay, not issue any regulation, order, notice, or mort- gagee letter based on or substantially similar to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR killing jobs and straining family budg- ets. such Mortgagee Letter. The CHAIR. The Chair would remind (b) TREATMENT OF REMAINING FUNDS.—Not- the gentlewoman to direct her com- Just as troubling is the fact that the withstanding subsection (a) of this section, any ments to the Chair, and not the view- money our government is using to feed amounts made available for use under the Pro- ing public. today’s spending is being borrowed gram referred to in section 2 of this Act and ex- The Clerk will designate section 2. from future generations, much of it pended before the date of the enactment of this The text of section 2 is as follows: borrowed from foreign Nations. The Act shall continue to be governed by the Mort- sheer amount of cash owed to foreign gagee Letter specified in subsection (a) of this SEC. 2. RESCISSION OF FUNDING FOR FHA REFI- section, and any other provisions of law, regula- NANCE PROGRAM. powers led the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael tions, orders, and notices, applicable to such Effective on the date of the enactment of this amounts, as in effect immediately before such Act, there are rescinded and permanently can- Mullen, last year to declare the deficit date of enactment. celed all unexpended balances remaining avail- as the number one security threat fac- (c) TERMINATION.—After the enactment of this able as of such date of enactment of the ing our Nation. Reduce the debt. Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel- amounts made available under title I of the I ask my colleagues to support the opment may not newly insure any mortgage Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (Public amendment, support the underlying under the FHA Refinance Program referred to Law 110–343; 12 U.S.C. 5211 et seq.) that have bill. in section 2 of this Act except pursuant to a been allocated for use under the FHA Refinance commitment to insure made before such enact- Program (pursuant to Mortgagee Letter 2010–23 I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. ment, and upon the completion of all activities of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- with respect to such commitments under the pro- ment) of the Making Home Affordable initiative Chairman, I move to strike the last visions of law, regulations, orders, notices, and of the Secretary of the Treasury. word. mortgagee letters referred to in subsection (b) of AMENDMENT NO. 11 OFFERED BY MR. The CHAIR. The gentleman from this section, the Secretary of Housing and FITZPATRICK Massachusetts is recognized for 5 min- Urban Development shall terminate the FHA Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I utes. Refinance Program referred to in section 2. have an amendment at the desk made Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. First, (d) STUDY OF USE OF PROGRAM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, VETERANS, AND GOLD in order under the rule. I would repeat that I am glad to hear the support for Admiral Mullen—ear- STAR RECIPIENTS.— The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate (1) STUDY.—The Secretary of Housing and the amendment. lier we heard of Secretary Gates—in Urban Development shall conduct a study to de- The text of the amendment is as fol- their warning about the deficit. I just termine the extent of usage of the FHA Refi- lows: wish that all of those who were accept- nance Program referred to in section 2 by, and Page 5, line 12, after the period insert the ing their warning on the deficit would the impact of such program on, covered home- following: ‘‘All such unexpended balances so refrain from forcing money on them owners. (2) REPORT.—Not later than the expiration of rescinded and permanently canceled shall be that they don’t want. We have people the 90-day period beginning on the date of the retained in the General Fund of the Treasury citing the military leadership and then enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall sub- for reducing the debt of the Federal Govern- voting for weapons systems, swelling mit to the Congress a report setting forth the re- ment.’’. an already swollen military budget, sults of the study under paragraph (1) and iden- The CHAIR. The gentleman from that they don’t want. tifying best practices, with respect to covered Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 min- As to this amendment, I am tempted homeowners, that could be applied to the FHA utes in support of his amendment. to come to the defense of the drafters Refinance Program. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chairman, I of the bill, because if you read the bill, (3) COVERED HOMEOWNER.—For purposes of want to thank my colleague from Illi- the bill purports to do what the amend- this subsection, the term ‘‘covered homeowner’’ means a homeowner who is— nois (Mr. DOLD) for introducing this ment purports to do. Apparently the (A) a member of the Armed Forces of the legislation to end a failed Federal pro- author of the amendment didn’t think United States on active duty or the spouse or gram, the FHA Refinance Program. the bill did a good enough job, or some- parent of such a member; This amendment ensures that the sav- body thought the author of the amend- (B) a veteran, as such term is defined in sec- ings realized from ending this program ment, being a nice fellow, ought to get tion 101 of title 38, United States Code; or go directly to debt reduction. in on the credit. So this is an amend- (C) eligible to receive a Gold Star lapel pin Last month, Mr. Chairman, this under section 1126 of title 10, United States ment that is either editorial refine- Code, as a widow, parent, or next of kin of a Chamber began a process of examining ment or political redundancy. In either member of the Armed Forces person who died in the Federal budget line by line, asking case, it does not have much effect; so I a manner described in subsection (a) of such tough questions and making tough de- urge the Members to adopt it. section. cisions on Federal spending. While our Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Chairman, I AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. LYNCH work was substantial, it is also con- move to strike the last word. Mr. LYNCH. Madam Chair, I have an tinuing. In order to encourage eco- The Acting CHAIR (Mrs. MILLER of amendment at the desk. nomic growth and job creation, the Michigan). The gentlewoman from New The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will Federal debt is and must remain public York is recognized for 5 minutes. designate the amendment. enemy number one. Over the past 2 Mrs. MALONEY. I would just like to The text of the amendment is as fol- years, Federal discretionary spending point out to Congressman FITZPATRICK lows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:08 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.044 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1691 Page 5, strike lines 14 through 19. That creates a problem. That stops questionable ways. I think that the Page 5, line 20, strike ‘‘(b)’’ and insert the FHA from doing a lot of the other program is similar in scope to the ‘‘(a)’’. Page 5, lines 20 and 21, strike ‘‘Notwith- work that both sides agree needs to be failed HOPE for Homeowners program standing subsection (a) of this section, any’’ done. We are talking about voluntary established under FHA in 2008, and and insert ‘‘Any’’. agreements where the bank and the even that program has helped fewer Page 5, line 25, strike ‘‘specified in sub- servicer and the homeowner agree. Ba- than 200 borrowers since its inception. section (a) of this section’’ and insert ‘‘speci- sically, that would be stopped by this So we are concerned that the method fied in section 2’’. legislation. So I’m not trying to undo of funding for this program exposes Page 6, line 3, strike ‘‘(c)’’ and insert ‘‘(b)’’. taxpayers to higher levels of TARP Page 6, lines 10 and 11, strike ‘‘subsection the targeted work that you’re trying to (b)’’ and insert ‘‘subsection (a)’’. do. I’m just trying to let the FHA do money. I don’t think that it affects Page 6, line 14, strike ‘‘(d)’’ and insert its job in general. FHA other than that this program is ‘‘(c)’’. I also want to remind the gentle- terminated. This program, along with The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman woman from Illinois that the FHA, by its companion programs and the failed from Massachusetts is recognized for 5 itself, cannot recreate the finance pro- HAMP program, should be terminated, minutes. gram through a mortgagee letter. It and all unobligated funds associated Mr. LYNCH. Thank you, Madam can only do so if it is legislation that with the program should instead be Chair. is clearly underlying its action. All the used to pay down the Nation’s I want to, first of all, clarify what mortgagee letters must go through de- unsustainable debt. I would oppose the this bill is intending to do. The goal of partmental clearance and must be amendment. the bill by my colleagues is to end the viewed by OMB before they become of- I yield back the balance of my time. FHA Refinance Program. While I do ficial guidance. So I am asking that Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. support voluntary workouts—and I this amendment be accepted to clarify Madam Chair, I move to strike the last think that’s the best way to approach the action of the bill, itself. word. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is the problem—I want to point out that I yield back the balance of my time. recognized for 5 minutes. the bill as it is written does not allow Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. that to be accomplished by the FHA. rise in opposition to the amendment. Madam Chair, I regret the fact that my The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman Not only does the bill eliminate the colleague from Massachusetts, who is a from Illinois is recognized for 5 min- targeted programs that have been iden- good lawyer and a careful student of utes. tified, but it also, in its breadth, elimi- what we do, has drafted a very specific Mrs. BIGGERT. This amendment nates the possibility of any voluntary amendment aimed at a particular came up in committee and failed dur- agreements outside this program. point. He has been answered with a lot ing our committee markup by a vote of That’s what my amendment would of general rhetoric, and I don’t think 33–22. The amendment removes all ref- seek to address. his point was understood. The gentle- erences to the mortgagee letter issued I do know that the CQ House Action woman simply repeated general rhet- by HUD concerning the FHA Refinance Report indicated that I was amending oric about the bill. section 2. However, I want to make Program, and I think that this an- He is not trying by the back door to sure that they understand that the lan- nouncement was the defining document reestablish this program. He has talked guage my amendment addresses is sec- for the program and provided guidance to thoughtful people, and is worried tion 3: Termination of FHA Refinance to lenders on the FHA Refinance Pro- about an overreach. I think the only Program. gram. thing we’re seeing now is pride of au- Basically, to understand it, what this I think our concern is that the thorship by whoever drafted this bill amendment would do is: The FHA fa- amendment leaves the door open for for them. The gentlewoman from Illi- cilitates mortgage workouts and other the Treasury and for HUD to at a later nois is, as I said, using a lot of general actions under its purview through date create another substantially simi- rhetoric, which is totally unresponsive mortgagee letters. These are written lar program to the FHA Refinance Pro- to the very specific point my friend guidances to mortgagees, lenders, gram, again, without the express con- from Massachusetts made. HUD-approved counselors and apprais- sent of Congress. With that, in the hope that if he says ers—essentially, anyone who is ac- As the sponsor of the bill mentioned, it again he might get them to pay at- tively providing services on behalf of this program was never authorized by tention to the specifics, I yield to my or with the permission of HUD. Similar Congress. The funding came from the friend, the gentleman from Massachu- guidance is done for other HUD pro- TARP moneys that were set aside for setts (Mr. LYNCH). grams. the HAMP program, and the mortgagee Mr. LYNCH. Madam Chair, look, I Administrative law dictates that the letter was effectively the authorizing will concede that the gentlelady from agencies can issue administrative guid- document for the program. If this were Illinois has raised a lot of good points. ance that interprets statutes and regu- to be in, there would be no nullifica- Unfortunately, none of them are rel- lations that we adopt, and it requires tion of the program; it wouldn’t be ter- evant to my amendment. If you look at public notice and comment, and must minated. This mortgagee letter speaks section 2, which is what you just be based on an authorizing statute. The directly to this program, and I don’t talked about, that remains intact. FHA’s guidance for lenders comes in think that it affects the other parts of That remains intact. the form of handbooks and these mort- the FHA. It really just voids the letter, f gagee letters, which essentially provide in doing so, to end the program. periodic advice and clarification while We don’t need to further burden the b 1410 we are trying to do these voluntary FHA with this program. An FHA pro- Basically, what you have done on the agreements. Last year, the FHA issued gram right now is currently operating bill is it says: effective on the date of 43 separate versions of this mortgagee below its congressionally mandated 2 the act there are rescinded and perma- letter. So far this year, it has issued percent capital reserve ratio, and this nently canceled all unexpended bal- about 14. program has the potential to further ances remaining available as of such My amendment would strike the text expose taxpayers to FHA losses. Even date of enactment of the amounts that I believe and that the FHA be- the administration has expressed con- made available under title I of the lieves would interfere with the rest of cerns over the new program loan per- Emergency Economic Stabilization the work that the FHA is doing in its formance. During testimony delivered Act. So you have cut out the top and operation. These are not areas targeted to the Financial Services Committee, you say it can’t be used for mortgages, by the bill by the gentlewoman from Il- the FHA Commissioner testified ‘‘these and I left that language alone. linois. The bill provides that anything loans may perform worse than refi- But then in that section you identify, substantially similar to what they nanced loans that were not previously specifically, mortgage letter 2010–23. have prohibited in section 2, which is a under water.’’ And you say, nothing can be used for mortgagee letter titled 2010–23, would This is another example of the ad- that. I am not trying to turn over that also be prohibited. ministration’s using TARP dollars in apple cart.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:08 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.003 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 However, when you go to section 3, eliminated. That’s the problem, that This conversation led me to intro- you say that the Secretary of Housing you are taking the ability of the FHA duce legislation last year, which actu- and Urban Development may not issue to work out voluntary agreements ally passed the House last fall, that di- any regulation, any order, any notice, that, I think on the merits, for the peo- rected the appropriate agencies to take or any mortgage letter based on, or ple in your district you would like to into account and consideration the spe- substantially similar to, such mort- see occur, that are in good faith and cial circumstances of wounded service- gage letter referred to above. Okay, so that are affecting homeowners. members and widows of fallen soldiers what you are saying is no notice, no or- The Acting CHAIR. The time of the and their families in housing programs. ders, no mortgage letters, no commu- gentleman has expired. Along those lines, this amendment nications on voluntary agreements be- Mrs. MALONEY. I move to strike the and my amendment today would add tween the bank, the lender, the last word. military servicemembers and veterans servicer and the homeowner. So you The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman who have service-related injuries, as are prohibiting FHA from working out from New York is recognized for 5 min- well as survivors and dependents of a voluntary agreement with any of utes. such individuals, to be included in the your constituents. Mrs. MALONEY. Congresswoman study on the use of the FHA refinance Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Re- BIGGERT, do you know how many un- program. claiming my time, the problem is the derwater mortgages there are in your These families do face, often, new ambiguity is substantially similar. It home State? hardships. They may need modification kills this program, but it bans things Mrs. BIGGERT. No, I don’t. to their houses if the servicemember is that would be substantially similar so The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman now in a wheelchair. They may have that innovator private sector entities from New York is advised to address significant changes in their ability to trying to do something would be de- her remarks through the Chair. move around, as well as the skills they Mrs. MALONEY. Reclaiming my terred because no one could tell them are able to perform, which could have a time, there are 431,000 mortgages that what substantially similar is. significant impact on their livelihood. I yield to the gentleman from Massa- are underwater in the great State of Il- It’s my hope, Madam Chair, through chusetts. linois where the residents would be eli- this amendment we can get a better Mr. LYNCH. Well, let me just say gible to participate in this program understanding of how we can best pro- this: The idea here, it’s a two-step that the Republican majority is voting vide for these families who have made problem. One, the gentlewoman’s bill to terminate. that service and sacrifice. I urge adop- would seek to eliminate voluntary I yield back the balance of my time. tion of the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The question is agreements. Okay, so that’s a problem. I yield back the balance of my time. on the amendment offered by the gen- So we are asking the FHA and the Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. homeowner and the lender and the Madam Chair, I move to strike the last LYNCH). word. servicer all to agree that this mortgage The question was taken; and the Act- should be modified and that the home- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ing Chair announced that the noes ap- from Massachusetts is recognized for 5 owner should be allowed to remain in peared to have it. their home, which is a good thing. But minutes. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. for some reason you don’t want any of Madam Chair, I demand a recorded Madam Chair, the gentleman from that, so you are eliminating all four of vote. Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) in the com- those programs. That’s a problem. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to mittee offered amendments that would The underlying problem that we have clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- have provided some substantive protec- here specific to this language is com- ceedings on the amendment offered by tion to veterans. pounded by the fact that you are elimi- the gentleman from Massachusetts will My Republican colleagues neither nating all voluntary agreements, not be postponed. wanted to provide help to the veterans only the ones that you seek to elimi- AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. PAULSEN nor be caught not providing the help. nate in these four voluntary programs. Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Chair, I have So they came up with some study Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield an amendment at the desk. amendments that would give them the at this point to the gentlewoman from The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will appearance of being concerned, but no Illinois (Mrs. BIGGERT) to respond. designate the amendment. reality. That was, unfortunately, Mrs. BIGGERT. Thank you. I think The text of the amendment is as fol- adopted over Mr. GREEN’s objections what we are doing here is to terminate lows: and mine, but it’s part of the bill. the mortgage letter which sets up the Page 6, line 15, strike ‘‘AND’’. This is in addition to what is largely program and to make sure that there Page 6, line 16, before the period insert the a cosmetic amendment, and I see no won’t be a substantially similar letter. following: ‘‘, AND MEMBERS AND VETERANS reason to object to it or prolong the de- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Re- WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES AND bate, so I urge everybody to vote for it. claiming my time, because the gentle- THEIR FAMILIES’’. Page 7, line 11, strike ‘‘or’’. I yield back the balance of my time. woman is simply not responding, we Mrs. MALONEY. I move to strike the have the same general rhetoric. Page 7, line 17, strike the period and insert ‘‘; or’’. last word. The point, as my friend has pointed Page 7, after line 17, insert the following: The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman out, is you were introducing an ambi- (D) such members and veterans of the from New York is recognized for 5 min- guity which is substantially similar so Armed Forces who have service-connected utes. that people will be deterred from fur- injuries, and survivors and dependents of Mrs. MALONEY. Congressman ther innovator activities. such members and veterans of the Armed PAULSEN—— I yield again to my friend from Mas- Forces with such injuries. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman sachusetts. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is advised to direct her remarks to the Mr. LYNCH. Thank you. from Minnesota is recognized for 5 min- Chair. Madam Chair, the funding authoriza- utes. Mrs. MALONEY. I would like to in- tion you have already deleted in sec- Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Chair, last quire from Congressman PAULSEN if he tion 2. So there is no funds and there is summer I met with a woman whose is aware of how many mortgages are no authorization for FHA to issue a husband, who was born and raised in underwater in his home State, the letter in connection with a program Eden Prairie, Minnesota, had died in great State of Minnesota. that no longer exists. So you have Afghanistan; and we discussed issues I yield to the gentleman from Min- eliminated that. that she was facing as the widow of a nesota. But when you are going further, sec- servicemember. One of the concerns Mr. PAULSEN. Congresswoman, I am tion 3 is saying, and we don’t want you she raised was absolutely paying her not aware of the exact number. The even; we don’t want you issuing a let- mortgage, given all the changes and amendment applies, actually, for addi- ter or a notice or an order that is sub- stresses that had taken place in her tion to the study. But I would be happy stantially similar to the one we just life. if you would share that information.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:08 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.053 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1693 Mrs. MALONEY. Reclaiming my immediately before the enactment of this Americans to be hanging out there time, I would like to point out to the Act. without a lifeline. My amendment gentleman from Minnesota that there b 1420 would do that. And I would commend it are over 90,000 homes, 90,000 home- to my fellows. Mrs. BIGGERT. I reserve a point of owners who are underwater in the POINT OF ORDER order against this amendment. great State of Minnesota and that Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I could benefit if they meet the criteria The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. make a point of order against the in this important program that the Re- amendment because in my opinion it publican majority is urging to be The gentleman from Washington is recognized for 5 minutes. violates clause 7 of rule XVI, which re- eliminated today. quires that an amendment be germane I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. INSLEE. Madam Chair, we know how dire the situation is for tens of to the matter it’s amending. The Acting CHAIR. The question is The Acting CHAIR. Does any Member thousands of Americans with under- on the amendment offered by the gen- wish to be heard on the point of order? water mortgages who are making good tleman from Minnesota (Mr. PAULSEN). The Chair recognizes the gentleman faith efforts to make the right deci- The amendment was agreed to. from Washington. sions both for themselves and for the AMENDMENT NO. 12 OFFERED BY MR. INSLEE Mr. INSLEE. Thank you. lender. And we are very concerned that Mr. INSLEE. I have an amendment Briefly, I would hope that the Chair if this program prematurely is de- would consider a couple of salient at the desk. stroyed, we will be yanking back a life- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will points. Number one, it is our intent, line that Congress has sent to these and I believe universal intent, that by designate the amendment. folks. And, of course, this is important The text of the amendment is as fol- this amendment we don’t intend to because it’s not just the people who change the basic nature of this pro- lows: own these homes that are underwater Page 6, line 16, before the period insert gram. It does apply this benefit to right now that are affected by the col- those homeowners who are current on ‘‘AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM’’. lapse in housing values, but all of us Page 6, line 19, before ‘‘the extent’’ insert their mortgage obligations. We would are because that housing debacle has ‘‘(A)’’. intend that that standard and condi- Page 6, line 20, after ‘‘section 2’’ insert ‘‘, affected employment in the construc- tion would continue. including’’. tion trades and in the real estate in- And I would point out to the Chair Page 6, line 21, before the period insert the dustry broadly. We all have a stake in the language of our amendment specifi- following: ‘‘, and (B) the need, and appro- this issue. cally says that this program would priate guidelines and standards for, a mort- So what my amendment would do is gage insurance program of the Secretary only be carried out under ‘‘appropriate to basically say that we want the FHA, guidelines and standards.’’ We think that (i) provides for loan modification in- if, in fact, this situation moves forward volving a write-down of the remaining prin- this solves that problem. We seek our cipal balance on existing mortgages on 1- to like this bill is, that they will conduct congressional intent to continue. We 4-family residences under which such prin- a study and essentially implement a hope that the Members will be able to cipal balance exceeds the appraised value of substitute program that will fix any- be heard on this. the mortgaged residence, and (ii) serves the thing that needs fixing in this program The Acting CHAIR. Does any other needs of covered homeowners with such to achieve the ends that we ought to be Member wish to be heard on the point mortgages’’. able to have as our goal. of order? If not, the Chair is prepared Page 7, line 1, after ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ insert Now, the basic underlying theory of to rule. the following: ‘‘, setting forth the Sec- our amendment is simple. Before you retary’s determination of the need for, and The gentlewoman from Illinois the appropriate guidelines and standards for, take away a lifeline from some Amer- makes the point of order that the the mortgage insurance program determined ican to solve a problem that thousands amendment offered by the gentleman pursuant to paragraph (1)(B),’’. are experiencing, come up with a sub- from Washington is not germane. Page 7, line 1, after ‘‘best practices,’’ insert stitute, come up with an improvement, The bill addresses repeal of a Federal ‘‘including’’. come up with an alternative. And Housing Administration program that Page 7, line 3, before the period insert the that’s what our amendment simply provides for refinancing of a specified following: ‘‘and to the mortgage insurance says. If we’re going to eliminate this set of mortgages. program identified and described pursuant to program in its current embodiment, paragraph (1)(B)’’. One of the fundamental principles of Page 7, after line 17, add the following: let’s come up with an alternative and germaneness is that the amendment (4) IMPLEMENTATION.—Upon the expiration have it implemented in a way that we must relate to the subject matter of of the 90-day period beginning upon the sub- keep this lifeline out there. the underlying bill. The bill is confined mission to the Congress of the report re- Now, the reason we feel that this is to a specific type of refinancing pro- quired under paragraph (2), the Secretary of important is that all too frequently in gram. The amendment seeks to address Housing and Urban Development shall imple- this Congress we have seen the major- a different type of refinancing pro- ment the mortgage insurance program de- ity party remove these solutions to gram, a matter outside the ambit of scribed in such report pursuant to paragraph programs and not replace it with an al- (1)(B) through issuance of appropriate guide- the bill. lines and standards set forth in the report. ternative. We’ve seen this in health The amendment is therefore not ger- care, where they have wanted to re- mane. The point of order is sustained. At the end of the bill, add the following move a health care program arguing Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Chair, new section: it’s ineffective or they think they have I move to strike the last word. SEC. 4. STUDY OF BORROWERS OTHERWISE ELI- a better program but not come up with The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is GIBLE FOR FHA REFINANCE PRO- a substitute to replace it. That’s not recognized for 5 minutes. GRAM. good enough. Americans deserve bet- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Chair, Not later than the expiration of the 90-day ter. I rise today for each and every person period beginning on the date of the enact- The same thing with the Environ- who owns a home. I rise today for ment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a mental Protection Agency. Today, my every American who has struggled to study, and submit to the Congress a report friends in the majority party sought in pay their mortgage each month. I rise regarding the results of such study, to deter- the Energy and Commerce Committee for every person who has watched their mine the effects that authorizing bank- to eliminate protection against air- home, their piece of the American ruptcy courts, in bankruptcy proceedings borne pollutants that are hurting Dream, slip away because they lost under chapter 13 of title 11, United States human health, but they did not come their job through no fault of their own Code, to reduce the debt secured by a mort- up with any alternative to solve that or because they got cancer and are no gage on the principal residence of a debtor problem. longer able to work and pay their med- would have on mortgagors who, but for ter- mination of the FHA Refinance Program Now, we want to join in a bipartisan ical bills. under this Act, would have qualified for refi- fashion, if there are impediments or I rise to condemn what these bills are nancing of a mortgage under such Program, imperfections in this bill, to come up trying to do today. Make no mistake; under the terms of such Program as in effect with a solution. Let’s not allow those repealing these programs will close the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.055 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 door on the American Dream for more the Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- er loans, no documentation loans, liar and more Americans. ment shall, in consultation with the Sec- loans, loans that reset. People were en- Madam Chair, when I was a young retary of the Treasury, conduct a study on couraged to sign up for mortgages that boy, my family did not own a home. the negative impacts of underwater mort- they did not understand. gage loans on the housing market and the Now we have millions of Americans, My father was a sharecropper. My economy of the United States and report to mother and father had to ‘‘go without’’ the Congress on the findings of such study, really through no fault of their own, for years. They saved and they saved. including recommendations to the Congress and I have said it once and I will say it They prayed. They waited. My father on how to mitigate such impacts. again: That all of a sudden homeowners could never get a mortgage. Mortgages (b) UNDERWATER MORTGAGE DEFINED.—For didn’t decide that they were going to were not available where we lived. purposes of this section, the term ‘‘under- default, that somehow they weren’t They were not available for families water mortgage’’ means a mortgage loan on going to pay their bills. It certainly like mine. It’s just the way it was. an owner-occupied residential property that didn’t happen like that. It happened be- has an appraised value that is less than the cause of what I just alluded to, all of In 1944, my parents bought a house outstanding obligation under such mortgage with three rooms and 110 acres outside the tricks and the fraud that were per- loan. petrated on American homeowners who of a small town called Troy in rural Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I Alabama. It cost us $300. I couldn’t were simply trying to live the Amer- reserve a point of order against this ican dream. imagine that much money changing amendment. hands at once. I look around this We don’t have the numbers in com- The Acting CHAIR. A point of order mittee any more or on this floor. My Chamber, and I see some suits in this is reserved. friends on the opposite side of the aisle room that cost much more than what The gentlewoman from California is are in control. They have the majority, my father paid. Up until the time she recognized for 5 minutes. and they are going to eliminate the died, my mother spoke about the day Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, my programs. We have made every argu- we moved in. How proud she was. It amendment would mandate that the ment possible that you can make in was a huge achievement for us. It Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel- committee to try and hold on to these changed everything. That house, that opment and the Secretary of the Treas- programs. As you have seen on the land, it was ours. Ours. ury conduct a study on the negative floor today, we have the gentlelady Looking back, I can’t imagine what impacts of underwater mortgage loans, from New York reminding them how it would have been like to have lost it or loans where the borrower owes more many homes they have underwater. all for reasons beyond my father’s con- than the house is worth, on the housing And, of course, they know because they trol—the harvest or the weather or be- market and the economy of the United are getting the calls, just as we are cause it would fix someone else’s bot- States and report those findings to getting the calls, from homeowners tom line. Congress. Importantly, the report begging for assistance. So while we Madam Chair, I know that buying a would also include recommendations to won’t be able to stop them, I’m trying house is the biggest decision most peo- Congress on how to mitigate the effects to make sure that at least we do this ple will ever make, and it is the great- of these underwater mortgages. study so we can help bring to light est source of pride. For most people, b 1430 what has taken place and how these their dream is their house. It was for underwater mortgages pose a severe me. When I bought my house, I thought Before I go any further talking about threat to our economy. of my mother and my father. His house these underwater mortgages, I think it If you owe more than your home is made it possible for me to buy mine. is extremely important for me to help worth, you can’t pick up and move if This American Dream is built from everyone understand that my friends you get a new job. You’re stuck. That hard work. But that dream is also on the opposite side of the aisle are impedes our economic recovery. Like- made of bricks and mortar. It’s a moving to eliminate all of the pro- wise, you can’t move if you want to go house, Madam Chair. It is a home. And grams that we have worked so hard to attend school somewhere. And you this Chamber is shutting the door on develop; good, strong public policy to can’t move in order to care for an el- that house. They’re locking the door assist homeowners of America in a derly parent. on the American Dream. These two number of ways. The chief economist for First Amer- bills today would end two new pro- They are eliminating this FHA pro- ican CoreLogic noted last month that grams that are helping struggling gram that will assist with refinance on negative equity is a significant drag on homeowners who have lost their job homes that are underwater. They are both the housing market and on eco- through no fault of their own. To me, it eliminating the HAMP program that nomic growth. It is driving foreclosures is unthinkable. we are going to hear more about. They and decreasing mobility for millions of Madam Chair, I strongly oppose H.R. are eliminating the neighborhood sta- homeowners. Since we expect home 836 and H.R. 830. We must stand up for bilization program, commonly referred prices to slightly increase during 2010, the American homeowner. We must to as NSP. And they are eliminating negative equity will remain the domi- stand in their corner. We must not the program for homeowners who find nant issue in the housing and mortgage walk away from them in their time of themselves out of a job who would be markets for some time to come. The need. able to borrow and, of course, to pay FHA refinance program is a modest I urge all of my colleagues to stand back the money that is loaned to step to address the problem of under- with me and defeat these bills. Don’t them—they cannot afford to pay their water mortgages. This program would lock the door on the American Dream. mortgages because of the loss of their provide that if banks agree to at least The Acting CHAIR. Are there any job. a 10 percent principal write-down for other amendments to section 3 of the So while they are eliminating all of the borrower, the borrower can refi- bill under consideration? If not, the the programs that many of us have nance into a FHA loan. Only borrowers Chair is prepared to entertain other worked so hard to develop—in the current on their mortgages, not those amendments. former Congress, I was the chair of the in default, qualify for the program. So AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. WATERS Subcommittee on Housing and Commu- this study will help people to under- Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I have nity Opportunity, and so I know these stand the impact it is having. I ask for an amendment at the desk. programs very well. Not only do I know an ‘‘aye’’ vote on my amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will these programs very well, I understand POINT OF ORDER designate the amendment. very well what has happened here in Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chair, I The text of the amendment is as fol- America that has caused homeowners make a point of order against the lows: to be in the situations they are in now. amendment because in my opinion it At the end of the bill, add the following We have a situation that occurred violates clause 7 of rule XVI, which re- new section: that created this crisis with the quires that an amendment be germane SEC. 4. STUDY ON IMPACTS REQUIRED. subprime meltdown. We had loans that to the matter it is amending. It is not (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days were initiated in this country that germane to the bill because it expands after the date of the enactment of this Act, were exotic loans, loans that were teas- the scope of the bill.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.059 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1695 I ask for a ruling from the Chair. mortgages on 1- to 4-family residences, in ac- lot of people who could do this and The Acting CHAIR. Does any other cordance with such guidelines and standards their payment would come down sig- Member wish to speak to the point of as the Secretary shall issue, which shall pro- nificantly, but today, they can’t refi- order? vide that under such program— nance. To refinance today on a 30-year Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I move (1) the residence subject to a mortgage being refinanced and to the insured refi- loan is 4.9 percent. There are a lot of to strike the last word, I suppose. nancing mortgage shall be the principal resi- people who are paying 8 percent. It If we terminate a program, we should dence of the mortgagor; means a lot. It could be anywhere be- understand the impacts of such a ter- (2) the mortgagor under the insured refi- tween $2 and $2,000 in their payment a mination, and so this is relevant. nancing mortgage shall have an annual fam- month. But they can’t qualify. They The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman ily income not exceeding $180,000; don’t have the chunk of money they will suspend. The gentlewoman has (3) the insured refinancing mortgage shall need, their home is underwater, et been recognized to speak to the point have a term to maturity of 30 years; cetera. of order. (4) the insured refinancing mortgage shall Ms. WATERS. This is the point of bear interest at a single rate of 4.0 percent b 1440 annually for the entire term of the mort- So this is a very important thing we order. gage; and The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman (5) the mortgagor under the insured refi- could do. Let’s take the money. Let’s may proceed. nancing mortgage may not have failed to take that money that we have not Ms. WATERS. The point of order in- timely make any payments due under the spent on this program and let’s put it dicates that this is not germane. I am mortgage being refinanced. to help the people who have done the maintaining that this is germane be- Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chair, I re- right thing, the people who, no matter cause if we terminate a program, we serve a point of order against this what, have continued to pay on their should understand the impact of such amendment. loan, because there are many of them termination. I believe that does speak The Acting CHAIR. A point of order out there. to the point of order. is reserved. I would hope that we could find a The Republicans say this program The gentlewoman from California is compromise, that we could find a way doesn’t work. So our regulators should recognized for 5 minutes. in which we can keep people in their suggest to Congress what they think Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- homes. No program is perfect, but I will work. This is just a study. This is fornia. Madam Chair, I rise today in think we have the opportunity to do not a new program or an extension of support of this amendment that I am the right thing, Madam Chair. the FHA short refinance program. sponsoring. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other My amendment replaces the FHA Re- POINT OF ORDER Member wish to speak to the point of finance Program Termination Act and Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I order? If not, the Chair is prepared to would allow the use of unexpended make a point of order against this rule. funds to create a program that will amendment because it violates clause The gentlewoman from Illinois allow qualifying homeowners to apply 10 of rule XXI as it has the net effect of makes the point of order that the to refinance a 30-year mortgage at 4 increasing mandatory spending within amendment offered by the gentle- percent as long as the mortgage they the time period set forth in the rule. woman from California is not germane. are refinancing is on their primary The Acting CHAIR. Does any other The bill addresses repeal of a Federal home, that they are up to date on their Member wish to speak to the point of Housing Administration program that mortgage, and that their annual in- order? provides for refinancing of a specified come, adjusted gross income, does not The Chair recognizes the gentle- set of mortgages. exceed $180,000. woman from California. One of the fundamental principles of People back home are hurting, and Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- germaneness is that the amendment they are desperate to keep their home. fornia. Madam Chair, this is about must relate to the subject matter of I know there are many who have lost eliminating a program. I understand the underlying bill. The bill is confined their homes. There are some who are that those people who are behind on to a specific type of refinancing pro- behind on payments, and they haven’t their payments, you’re just going to let gram. The amendment seeks to address kept up with their payments, but what them go. You’re just going to let them mortgages more generally, a matter about the people who have actually lose their home. Then they’re going to outside the ambit of the bill. held onto their home? They have actu- have a hard time finding an apartment. The amendment is therefore not ger- ally paid. They have had to actually I understand that. But this is about mane. The point of order is sustained. give up their car, they are walking to helping the people who truly, the mid- AMENDMENT NO. 15 OFFERED BY MS. LORETTA work, they are taking the bus because dle class, the lower-income class, who SANCHEZ OF CALIFORNIA they understand how important it is have a home, who need to hold onto Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- for them to hold onto their house be- that home. fornia. Madam Chairman, I have an cause a house is not just a house. Your I do believe that this is germane to amendment at the desk. primary residence is your home. It is the underlying bill. I respectfully re- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will where your kids are. It is where they quest that we consider this amend- designate the amendment. find a stable life. So while this program ment. The text of the amendment is as fol- is not perfect—there is not a perfect The Acting CHAIR. Does any other lows: program we have come up with—we Member wish to speak to the point of Strike all after the enacting clause and in- have tried to help people who have order? If not, the Chair is prepared to sert the following: been losing their houses, people who rule. SECTION 1. USE OF FUNDING FOR FHA REFI- through no fault of their own, who The gentlewoman from Illinois NANCE PROGRAM. have either lost their jobs, have had to makes a point of order that the amend- Effective on the date of the enactment of take a lesser job, who were swindled, ment offered by the gentlewoman from this Act, all unexpended balances remaining available as of such date of enactment of the who were talked into loans they didn’t California violates clause 10 of rule amounts made available under title I of the understand what they were signing be- XXI by proposing an increase in man- Emergency Economic Stabilization Act cause they were hit by the subprime datory spending over a relevant period (Public Law 110-343; 12 U.S.C. 5211 et seq.) lenders, and they are paying too much, of time. that have been allocated for use under the and people are sometimes paying in the Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XXI and FHA Refinance Program (pursuant to Mort- double digits with respect to their clause 4 of rule XXIX, the Chair is au- gagee Letter 2010-23 of the Secretary of loan. Maybe they are at 10 percent or thoritatively guided by estimates from Housing and Urban Development) of the 9.5 percent 12 percent on their loan. the chair of the Committee on the Making Home Affordable initiative of the Secretary of the Treasury shall be available This program would actually say to Budget that the net effect of the provi- to the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- those who somehow have held on, we sions in the amendment would increase velopment for carrying out a program for in- are going to refinance your primary mandatory spending over a relevant pe- suring mortgages made to refinance existing home at 4 percent because there are a riod of time as compared to the bill.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.062 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Accordingly, the point of order is criminal statutes for any officers or di- late to the subject matter of the under- sustained and the amendment is not in rectors if they are not personally re- lying bill. The bill is confined to a spe- order. sponsible for these wrongful acts. cific type of refinancing program. The AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MR. INSLEE There’s no criminal liability. But we do amendment seeks to address fore- Mr. INSLEE. I have an amendment think where there were violations of closures generally, a matter outside at the desk. these criminal statutes, they ought to the confines of the subject addressed by The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will be prosecuted. the bill. designate the amendment. This Nation has been brought to the The amendment is therefore not ger- The text of the amendment is as fol- brink of financial ruin because of mane. The point of order is sustained. lows: many, many instances of violation of Ms. HIRONO. I move to strike the these standards. The least we can ask last word. At the end of the bill, add the following The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman new section: is that we prosecute these cases where from Hawaii is recognized for 5 min- SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF FORECLOSURE LAWS. it is appropriate. The Attorney General of the United We think it’s the right thing for us to utes. States, in consultation and coordination do on a bipartisan basis to make that Ms. HIRONO. Madam Chair, an with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Fed- statement today. I hope that Members amendment offered earlier directing eral Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Di- will join me in making that statement the Secretary of the Department of rector of the Federal Housing Finance Agen- and make sure justice in fact is meted Housing and Urban Development (HUD) cy, the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- out here where it has not been in other and the Secretary of the Treasury to velopment, the Board of Governors of the instances. study the negative impacts of under- Federal Reserve System, the Director of the I yield back the balance of my time. water mortgages on the housing mar- Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection of ket and on the U.S. economy and to re- the Federal Reserve System, any other ap- POINT OF ORDER Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I port the findings of this study to Con- propriate Federal banking regulatory agen- gress, including recommendations on cies, and the Attorneys General of the make a point of order against the States, shall pursue, to the fullest extent of amendment because, in my opinion, it how to mitigate the effects of these the law, criminal prosecution of directors violates clause 7 of rule XVI, which re- mortgages, makes eminent sense to and officers of any financial institutions quires that an amendment be germane me. About 12 million to 15 million home- that the Attorney General, in such consulta- to the matter it is amending. It is not owners, nearly one quarter of home- tion and coordination, determines have germane to the bill because it is out- failed to comply with State laws relating to owners in this country, are currently side the scope of the bill. foreclosure of mortgages on residential real underwater on their mortgages, mean- property and shall provide appropriate as- The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to speak to the point of ing that they owe more on their mort- sistance to such State Attorneys General in gages than their homes are worth. such prosecutions. order? The Chair recognizes the gentle- These borrowers are diligently making Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I woman from California. their mortgage payments but need reserve a point of order against this Ms. WATERS. I do think this amend- some kind of lifeline to reduce their amendment. ment is germane, for a number of rea- debt burden. The Acting CHAIR. A point of order sons. The gentleman talked about the We all agree that we need to look at is reserved. fact that this country was almost ways to cut government spending to The gentleman from Washington is brought to the brink of total disaster address our country’s fiscal crisis, but recognized for 5 minutes. because of this subprime meltdown. He what is the purpose of this underlying Mr. INSLEE. Thank you very much. bill? Why are my colleagues on the pointed to things, that have already Madam Chair, one thing that I think other side of the aisle trying to end been identified, that we can put square- there is universal anger about, Repub- programs that were established to as- ly on the shoulders of the servicers who licans, Democrats and independents sist families suffering from the fore- are responsible for the management of alike in this country, is the lack of re- closure crisis without offering any plan these mortgages after they have been sponsibility that has been shown, or remedy to help the millions of packaged, securitized, and then sent on criminal responsibility, for the huge Americans who are trying to stay in their way to be collected on. their homes? malfeasance and criminality that got This gentleman is talking about the us into this economic pickle that we Families in every single one of our fact that many of these servicers when congressional districts are desperately are in. To my knowledge, there has they are trying to collect on these been not one person go to jail as a re- seeking help to stay in their homes, mortgages can see that fraud has taken the American Dream. Last year, I met sult of the economic collapse precip- place, but they do nothing about it. itated by the shenanigans and outright with an owner of a car dealership in They can see that amendments have Kihei, Maui. This constituent had a criminality in the highest financial been slipped in that the homeowners places in the land. All Americans, I successful business until the economic did not know about. They can see that downturn reduced the number of her think, are very angry, with justifiable sometimes the signature does not even reasons, about that. If you read any of car sales. Increasingly, former cus- belong to the homeowner, but they tomers of hers were returning to her the books about the collapse on Wall continue to try and collect on these Street, you will share that anger, if dealership to return the cars that they mortgages. had purchased from her, handing back you read any of those books. I think that this amendment is ger- We do not want to see that replicated their keys because they could no mane. I would ask that the Chair rule longer afford to make their car pay- in this scandal regarding the mortgage in favor of this amendment. It is time servicing situation. We are now advised ments. somebody paid a price for what has This car dealer eventually found her- that there are multiple cases of people been done to the American public. self in dire straits, so much so that her knowingly signing affidavits that were The Acting CHAIR. Does any other lender wanted to put her dream home false. We are told there are numerous Member wish to speak to the point of up for a short sale. She didn’t under- occasions of this robo-signing situa- order? If not, the Chair is prepared to stand why the lender was only consid- tion. These nefarious acts have re- rule. ering a short sale and didn’t want to sulted in losses by Americans that The gentlewoman from Illinois work with her to help her keep her should not have happened. makes a point of order that the amend- house. We want to send a message, on a bi- ment offered by the gentleman from partisan basis, that the criminal laws Washington is not germane. b 1450 need to be respected. My amendment The bill addresses repeal of a Federal It was only when my office contacted would simply call upon the attorneys Housing Administration program that the lender on her behalf that she was general, both Federal and State, to provides for refinancing of a specified able to receive a forbearance on a por- prosecute, as appropriate, these crimi- set of mortgages. tion of the principle and get a perma- nal violations. The amendment does One of the fundamental principles of nent modification. Sadly, stories like not change the responsibility under the germaneness is that the amendment re- hers are commonplace these days.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.066 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1697 The Federal foreclosure mitigation The Acting CHAIR. A point of order this amendment is not in order. I only programs, which unfortunately have is reserved. say it should be. not helped as many homeowners as we The gentleman from New Jersey is The Acting CHAIR. Does any other would like, still provide a lifeline. recognized for 5 minutes. Member wish to speak to the point of Without these programs, many more Mr. HOLT. Madam Chair, instead of order? lenders would be pursuing short sales focusing on job creation, innovation, The Chair recognizes the gentle- and foreclosures rather than trying to retirement security or fair taxes, today woman from California. help meet homeowners halfway in help- we’re considering legislation that Ms. WATERS. Thank you very much. ing them keep their homes. would terminate a program that has Madam Chair, I rise to support the The FHA Refinance Program, also the potential to help struggling home- amendment. I’m opposed to the point known as the FHA Short Refinance Op- owners stay in their homes. We are not of order. I think it is absolutely ger- tion, assists underwater borrowers by here to debate fixing the program or to mane. Not only do we have a bill before facilitating voluntary mortgage prin- consider replacing it with a more effec- us that will eliminate taxpayers’ abil- cipal write-downs and refinancing the tive alternative; but, rather, we’re here ity to have their homes that are under- loans into a new stable FHA-insured to end the program that is only a few water refinanced; this also impacts mortgage, thereby enabling borrows to months old, to declare it a failure and their taxes. They will continue to have have a reduced monthly payment and a go home. This is not good government. to be taxed on those homes at the same mortgage that is more aligned with ac- It will not help the middle class. This rate. And so here we have before us the tual property values. is not what my constituents sent me to Universal Homeowner Tax Relief Act FHA just started implementing this Washington to do. that would impact 30 million Ameri- program a few months ago; we need to New Jerseyans, as so many around cans nationwide. give the agency time to get it off the the country, are burdened by high And I must add that if we can, in this ground. We should also focus on what property taxes. While we allow individ- House and in this Congress, give tax can be done to make the programs uals who itemize their Federal taxes to breaks to the richest 1 percent of more effective so that the maximum deduct State and local taxes, many Americans in the way that we have number of underwater borrowers who non-itemizers—particularly retirees on done, certainly we can support these are eligible for the program can ben- fixed incomes—feel the impact of high homeowners who are underwater, these efit. rates. The amendment before us that I homeowners who have been tricked Instead of coming up with new initia- present would provide real help to mil- into mortgages that they didn’t under- tives to assist thousands of home- lions of homeowners, especially senior stand, these homeowners who are the owners or working to improve existing citizens, across the country and, yes, in victims of fraud. And I think this is foreclosure mitigation programs, bills central New Jersey, my district. germane. like this will only serve to destabilize Specifically, my amendment would The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman an already fragile housing market and renew for 5 years the property tax de- from California must confine her re- further delay our economic recovery. duction for American homeowners who marks to the point of order. With bills like this, the House majority don’t itemize on their Federal taxes. It Does any other Member wish to continues to turn their backs on the would allow single filers to deduct $500 speak to the point of order. If not, the middle class families and our country. and joint filers to deduct $1,000 on top Chair is prepared to rule. Let’s focus on what can be done now to of the standard deduction and index The gentlewoman from Illinois stabilize the housing market, create these additional deductions for infla- makes the point of order that the jobs, and get the economy back on tion. This property tax provision— amendment offered by the gentleman track. based on legislation that I wrote and from New Jersey is not germane. I urge my colleagues to vote against was signed into law by former Presi- The bill addresses repeal of a Federal the underlying bill. dent Bush in 2008 and was extended Housing Administration program that Madam Chair, I yield back the bal- through the 2009 tax year—would con- provides for refinancing of a specified ance of my time. tinue that. set of mortgages. Unfortunately, although the exten- AMENDMENT NO. 8 OFFERED BY MR. HOLT One of the fundamental principles of Mr. HOLT. Madam Chair, I have an sion of this tax credit for 2010 was germaneness is that the amendment amendment at the desk. passed by this House, it failed to be- must confine itself to the jurisdiction The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will come law. So that is why on the first of the committees represented in the designate the amendment. day of this Congress I introduced the underlying bill. The bill was referred to The text of the amendment is as fol- Universal Homeowners Tax Relief Act. and reported by the Committee on Fi- lows: And with this amendment, we have the nancial Services. The amendment pro- At the end of the bill, add the following: opportunity to pass my legislation to poses a direct amendment to the Inter- SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY provide an estimated 30 million people nal Revenue Code, a matter within the STANDARD DEDUCTION. nationwide, and 600,000 in New Jersey, jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways (a) EXTENSION.—Subparagraph (C) of sec- with a few extra hundred dollars that and Means. tion 63(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of I’m sure they could use. In these uncer- The amendment is therefore not ger- 1986 is amended by striking ‘‘in 2008 or 2009’’ tain economic times, it is no small mane. The point of order is sustained. and inserting ‘‘after December 31, 2007, and matter. And unlike the bill before us before January 1, 2015’’. AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. GARAMENDI (b) ADJUSTMENTS FOR INFLATION.—Subpara- today, my amendment would provide Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Chair, I graph (B) of section 63(c)(4) of such Code is real help for American homeowners. have an amendment at the desk. amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of I urge passage of the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will clause (i), by striking the period at the end POINT OF ORDER designate the amendment. of clause (ii) and inserting ‘‘, and’’, and by Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I The text of the amendment is as fol- inserting after clause (ii) the following: make a point of order against this lows: ‘‘(iii) ‘calendar year 2010’ in the case of dol- amendment because in my opinion it At the end of the bill, add the following lar amounts contained in paragraph (7)(B).’’. violates clause 7 of rule XVI, which re- new section: (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— quires that an amendment be germane (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro- SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF BONUSES FOR FINANCIAL vided in this subsection, the amendments to the matter it is amending. And it is SECTOR EMPLOYEES. The Federal regulatory agencies for bank- made by this section shall apply to taxable not germane to the bill because it’s ing and financial institutions and for securi- years beginning after December 31, 2009. outside the scope of the bill. ties regulation shall jointly issue regulations (2) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—The amend- The Acting CHAIR. Does any other that— ments made by subsection (b) shall apply to Member wish to be heard on the point (1) require all new employees of any insti- taxable years beginning after December 31, of order? tution, company, or entity regulated by such 2011. The Chair recognizes the gentleman a regulatory agency, upon hiring, to sign a Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chair, I re- from New Jersey. contract stipulating that any bonus income serve a point of order against this Mr. HOLT. Madam Chair, I recognize provided to such employee will be paid in se- amendment. that under the structure of this bill curities or obligations that such institution,

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The amendment seeks to address be held in escrow for such period as may be This amendment goes to the future and regulation of the financial industry, a necessary to determine whether the such se- curities or obligations created or dealt with says for those in Wall Street, the high matter outside the confines of the sub- by such institution, company, or entity are and the mighty that get the huge bo- ject addressed by the bill. of substandard quality or cannot be readily nuses, most of whom were just in the The amendment is therefore not ger- identified as an asset or a liability; newspaper this week, that their bo- mane. The point of order is sustained. (3) require such escrow accounts to be port- nuses should be in the stock of the Mr. BACHUS. Madam Chair, I move able so that an employee may change jobs company in which they are operating to strike the last word. without hindrance; and and that those bonuses be held in an The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman (4) prohibit use of any such bonuses to escrow account for a period of time so from Alabama is recognized for 5 min- hedge against future losses. that either the good or the bad effect of utes. Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chair, I re- their action would be known and so Mr. BACHUS. Madam Chair, there serve a point of order against this that they could not take immediate seems to be some confusion on what amendment. benefit from their irresponsible ac- the underlying bill does and what the The Acting CHAIR. A point of order tions. amendments are trying to accomplish. is reserved. This amendment would put a damper In fact, in certain cases, it’s quite evi- The gentleman from California is on Wall Street greed. This amendment dent that some of my colleagues don’t recognized for 5 minutes. understand the bill. Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Chair, 10 is necessary to put a damper on Wall Street greed, and it goes directly to This bill authorizes $8 billion to go weeks ago on this floor there was great towards the FHA refinance plan. It has celebration by our colleagues in the one of the reasons why this bill is be- fore us. This bill is before us, I think in already disbursed $50 million. Now Republican Party as they took control we’re hearing these claims of 10 million of this House, and there were many ser- an inappropriate way, to deal with the housing crisis. The housing crisis was and 11 million homeowners. There are mons given to all of us by the Members probably closer to 12 million home- in the majority party about the need to caused in part by Wall Street greed. We ought to be addressing that. That’s owners that are underwater than 11. I listen to Americans. I suggest we do think the numbers are understated. So that at this moment as we consider what this amendment does, by with- holding from immediate benefit those let’s assume 12 million. this bill. This Federal program that we’ve dis- Madam Chair, 10,780,236 American members of Wall Street who have cre- bursed $50 million to, how many Amer- families are crying out for help. We ated the crisis in the past and who may ican families have had their mortgages should be listening to them. very well be in the process of creating I know the gentlewoman from Illi- tomorrow’s crisis. refinanced? Forty-two. Now, who refinanced those? Who paid nois has a big heart, and she knows I ask for the support of this amend- for that? Was it the lenders who loaned that 430,000 of the homeowners in Illi- ment. the money? No. Was it the borrowers nois are crying out for relief. And I’m POINT OF ORDER who borrowed the money? No. It was certain, Madam Chairman, that the au- Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chairman, I these children, because it was taxpayer thor of this bill, the gentleman from make a point of order against the money. Alabama, is well aware that in his amendment of my good friend and col- Now you say they’re not taxpayers. State 35,000 homeowners are crying out league because in my opinion it vio- No, but they’re going to have to pay for relief. And I’m certain that all of lates clause 7 of rule XVI, which re- this back because we’re spending $8 bil- the Members of the Republican Party quires that an amendment be germane lion more every day than we’re taking are listening to the 10,780,236 families to the matter it is amending. It is not in in revenue. in America that are crying out for re- germane to the bill because it is out- It was announced earlier this week— lief. I can assure you the Democrats side the scope of the bill. I think the American people, and I are listening. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other don’t blame them, don’t want to really My amendment, Madam Chair, is one Member wish to speak to the point of put their arms around this—but we just that goes to one of the three reasons order? announced a deficit for the month of why they are crying out for relief. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. February, 28 days, that was more than b 1500 Mr. GARAMENDI. I think that it’s the deficit 4 years ago for the entire There was no regulation imposed dur- necessary when we take up a bill that year. We’re hemorrhaging red ink. ing the years 2001 to 2009. That was one would eliminate a law that is intended Are we better off than our parents? problem. We attempted to address that to help 10,780,326 homeowners that we Most of us are. Are these children with the Dodd-Frank law that’s now in look to the underlying reason why the going to be better off than we are? Not place. problem exists. This amendment does if we don’t start cutting spending. And The second reason was irrespon- that. the American people, those who are sibility; and certainly some of those We ought not be using artificial rules parents and grandparents, are crying homeowners who are crying out for re- that prevent us from the underlying out for this Congress to address this. lief were irresponsible, and certainly problem, allowing those rules to stop And that’s what we’re on this floor some of those who lost their homes al- us from taking up the real problem. today to do. ready that are crying out for relief I oppose the proposal to rule this out Now, if I were one of the 12 million were irresponsible. But the big irre- of order. homeowners who was underwater, I sponsibility were the bankers in this The Acting CHAIR. Does any other might say, Why those 42? But if I were Nation. They took advantage of mil- Member seek to speak to the point of the taxpayers, I would say, Why are lions upon millions of homeowners and order? If not, the Chair is prepared to you taking money from me that we engaged in irresponsible activity. rule. have to borrow from other countries— The third item is where my amend- The gentlewoman from Illinois 42 cents out of every dollar that we’re ment goes, and that is to Wall Street makes the point of order that the putting into this program—why are greed. We know, from the commission amendment offered by the gentleman you paying this mortgage down? Isn’t that was assigned the responsibility of from California is not germane. that the lender—if a loan gets in trou- looking at why the great crash oc- The bill addresses repeal of a Federal ble, is it up to the taxpayers to bail curred, we know from that report that Housing Administration program that that lender out? greed was the underlying motivation provides for refinancing of a specified Someone mentioned Bank of Amer- for Wall Street. My amendment goes to set of mortgages. ica. Somebody mentioned Citibank. If I that greed. One of the fundamental principles of were Citibank or Bank of America and In the future, not in the past—and germaneness is that the amendment someone who was making their pay- some of my colleagues have spoken to must relate to the subject matter of ments who was underwater who may

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.008 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1699 walk off, yeah, I’d say if the taxpayers ghan war. Get our priorities straight Now, because of this crisis that we will come in and take that obligation here on this floor. You bet I’m worried are in, the subprime meltdown that we off my hands, I would love that. about the children of today. But 25 per- are in, this economic difficulty, these My district, the average home is cent of Americans’ children are hun- homes have lost their value. They are worth $212,000. And it’s the highest— gry, and a large percentage of them are no longer the homes that they signed one of the highest in the State. And ac- homeless because their parents have that mortgage for. The value has tually when I say that, let me say the been unable to meet the mortgage changed. That $400,000 home, that community I live in, which is one of commitments. $300,000 home that middle class citizens the more—it’s above average in in- This program is one of four that is were now buying is 35 percent less, or come. going to be terminated by the Repub- 50 percent less in some areas. But the average loan here that people lican majority. Mr. BACHUS. Will the gentlewoman borrowed was $313,000—the loan itself. So what is it that you are offering yield? That’s quite a loan. And to say that those children? The children of today, Ms. WATERS. No, I will not yield. the taxpayers need to pay that mort- what is it that you are offering them? These homeowners are saying, Will gage down makes no sense when these The opportunity to be homeless. That’s you please help me? Will you please do are the children, this is the generation what you’re offering. something about the fact that I am that’s going to have to pay it back. Come to this floor and talk to me working every day, paying a mortgage We need to get serious. We need to about tomorrow’s generation. Yes, do amount for a home that’s 35 to 50 per- get out pictures of our children and our that. And that’s my concern also. But cent less than what I signed up for? grandchildren and we need to say, Do I’m concerned about those that are Will my government please help me? we really need to come to the rescue of homeless and hungry today. This is not fair. They’re simply saying, So don’t eliminate this program. these banks when they’ve overextended Can’t you do something? And we said, Make it work. Don’t eliminate the loans? Yes. We put into play legislation, FHA, other three programs that are an effort that would help to refinance these b 1510 to try to keep people in their homes so homes. Let’s get the amounts right. How about all of those Americans that they don’t go homeless. I now yield to the gentleman from Madam Chair, I know my colleagues who are making their payments and Alabama, because I don’t want to deny on the Republican side care about the didn’t buy a house and are not under- my friend the opportunity to have his children of America, today’s children. water? Should you ask those Ameri- say. Why they would put four bills forward cans to pay to banks money that they Mr. BACHUS. Would the gentlelady this week and next week that elimi- didn’t obligate themselves to? The an- tell the Members, when you write that nate the opportunity for those parents swer is ‘‘no.’’ ‘‘No’’ to more govern- check to help them with their under- to stay in their home I do not under- ment spending. water home, that check goes to Bank stand. We need compassion. We need to Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Chair, I of America. That check goes to be aware of the deficit. We need to move to strike the last word. Citibank. That check goes to just fill make choices. If our choice is to force The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman in the bank, fill in the mortgage com- more families to be homeless, that’s from California is recognized for 5 min- pany. It goes to whoever loaned the utes. the wrong choice. I yield back the balance of my time. money. It doesn’t go to the home- Mr. GARAMENDI. Yes, we ought to Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I move owner. Are they benefited? Yes. And look to the children. Last Sunday on to strike the last word. tell the Members of this body who pays ‘‘60 Minutes’’ was a report about our The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman for that check. We do. The American children in America today. Twenty-five from California is recognized for 5 min- people. percent of our children in America utes. Ms. WATERS. Reclaiming my time, I today are hungry, and many of them Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I rise am focused on the homeowner who was are homeless because their parents because I want to make sure that the supposed to be protected by the regu- have lost their homes. chair of our committee, who just took lators that have been appointed and Forty-two families. Yes, this pro- the floor, understands that we under- given the jobs of regulation so that gram hasn’t yet kicked into its full po- stand the bill. When our chairman first they could make sure that our con- tential. Forty-two families are in their took the floor to talk about what this sumers are being treated fairly. We homes today, and those children are bill is and what it is not, he said he did failed them. We let them down. We al- not out on the street homeless. not think that we really understood lowed them to get into mortgages Listen to America. Listen to the 25 what the bill was all about. I would where fraud was quite evident. We did percent of children in America today like to assure you that the Members on not do the job. And so now they have that are hungry, and a large percent- this side of the aisle understand this these homes that are underwater, and age of them are homeless. Listen to legislation. I would like to assure you they’re saying, Help us. And we did. their cry. Listen to them. Yes, we have that those of us who work on the Fi- That’s what this FHA legislation would an obligation as good citizens of this nancial Services Committee, who put have done, helped to refinance so that Nation to see to it that our neighbor- these bills into operation, who orga- they could lower their mortgage pay- hoods, even if they are the high-end nized these bills, who presented these ments. neighborhoods in Alabama, that those bills, who got these bills passed into Now, my friends on the opposite side problems are addressed. law to help homeowners, understand of the aisle are saying to the taxpayers Ten months ago, the new majority what is now happening to them. and to the homeowners, No, we’re not took this floor and they said, Listen, We understand that the bill before us going to help you. We know your home listen to Americans that want jobs. would eliminate this program. This is is underwater. We know this informa- Not one job bill has passed this House. an FHA program that’s designed to tion. We know what the servicers have The only bill that’s passed this House provide refinance opportunities for done to you. We know that you are that dealt with jobs was H.R. 1, the those homes that are underwater. working every day to pay a mortgage continuing resolution, that destroyed What do we mean when we say ‘‘un- for a home that you thought was worth 700,000 jobs and will put more of those derwater’’? We mean that when middle an amount that is no longer so. children homeless, will destroy more class homeowners, hardworking citi- So we are saying please don’t do families. Yes, we ought to be listening zens went and signed for that mortgage that. We’re saying please don’t do that. to the generations ahead of us. But if where they were paying $250,000, Don’t strip the homeowners of this op- we do not listen to today’s problems, $300,000, $400,000 for a home, they portunity to refinance this home. those problems in the future will only signed that mortgage, that was sup- In addition to stripping the home- be worse. posed to be the value of that home. owners of this opportunity, the other And $8 billion, yes, that’s a lot of That’s what it was assessed at at the programs that you are going to hear money. But it happens to be 8 percent time. That was what it is supposed to about, the other three programs, the of what we spend every year in the Af- be worth. HAMP program, the NSP program, the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.077 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 program for homeowners who have lost lender or to get to your servicer in contact the servicers. As you know, their jobs who simply want a loan, some way. there are those who tell us that we we’re saying no to all of this. We’re It is certainly not what I would pre- shouldn’t be doing any of this, but I saying, No, homeowners, we’re not fer to have to do, but I understand think you and I agree that we should going to help you. we’re going to lose. The Members on offer some assistance to the home- I yield back the balance of my time. the opposite side of the aisle have owners who contact us. made up their minds, and they have de- I would like to thank you for that. b 1520 cided that this is important and that Mr. BACHUS. Thank you. AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. WATERS this is what they’re going to do. If I continue to have time, let me say Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I have So I would simply like our citizens to this in closing: I do want to caution an amendment at the desk. know that this program that they may Members that it is not an obligation of The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will have started to hear about is no longer Congress or of Members of Congress— designate the amendment. in existence and that, if they call us, and I think Ms. WATERS would agree— The text of the amendment is as fol- we will agree that we will try and help to intervene and to suggest to the lend- lows: them, in some modest way, to get to ers that they do anything other than At the end of the bill, add the following their servicers or to their lenders. give due consideration. We simply put new section: I yield back the balance of my time. them in communication. Now, we will SEC. 4. PUBLICATION OF MEMBER AVAILABILITY Mr. BACHUS. Madam Chair, I move help them with the applications, but I FOR ASSISTANCE. to strike the last word. think it is important, in all our deal- Not later than 5 days after the date of the The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ings, that we do not try to intervene in enactment of this Act, the Secretary of from Alabama is recognized for 5 min- legal obligations or in any way appear Housing and Urban Development shall pub- utes. to coerce or influence that outcome. lish to its Website on the World Wide Web in Mr. BACHUS. Let me say this: I I think this is a very good amend- a prominent location, large point font, and would prefer that this amendment no- boldface type the following statement: ‘‘The ment, and I would encourage Members FHA Short Refinance Program, which would tify all Americans, particularly tax- to support it. There are also VA pro- have provided borrowers who are current on payers, that we are stopping a program grams and FHA programs that we can their mortgage but owe more than their that authorizes $8 billion worth of put borrowers in touch with. This, I be- home is worth with the ability to refinance spending. lieve, is an amendment I will support. into an FHA loan with better terms, has Having said that, I think this is a Madam Chair, I yield back the bal- been terminated. If you owe more on your good amendment. I know there may be ance of my time. mortgage than your home is worth, please Members who say they don’t want to be The Acting CHAIR. The question is contact your Member of Congress for assist- contacted, but I will tell you this: Peo- ance.’’. on the amendment, as modified, offered ple do call us from time to time, and by the gentlewoman from California Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I ask they say, I’m having trouble with pay- (Ms. WATERS). unanimous consent that amendment ing my mortgage. I’m facing fore- The question was taken; and the Act- No. 6 be modified with the modification closure, and I can’t get in touch with ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- that is at the desk. my lender or my servicer, and I’m not peared to have it. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will re- sure who I should talk to. Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Chair, I de- port the modification. We put them in communication mand a recorded vote. The Clerk read as follows: many times with the servicer or the The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Modification to amendment No. 6 offered lender. We go further and actually help clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- by Ms. WATERS: some of them with their applications. ceedings on the amendment, as modi- Strike all after the section heading and in- On 18 occasions this last year, we sert the following: fied, offered by the gentlewoman from Not later than 5 days after the date of en- helped citizens with applications to California will be postponed. actment of this Act, the Secretary of Hous- lenders for modifications. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR ing and Urban Development shall publish to I think it’s a good service, particu- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to its website on the World Wide Web in a larly with the recession we have now. I clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will prominent location, large point font, and think it’s a far, far better approach now resume on those amendments boldface type the following statement: ‘‘The than a government program that uses printed in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD FHA Short Refinance Program, which was taxpayer dollars, because we are con- intended to provide borrowers with refinance on which further proceedings were tacting the lender or the servicer, and postponed, in the following order: opportunities, has been terminated. If you that is who ought to talk to the bor- are having trouble paying your mortgage Amendment No. 3 by Mr. LYNCH of and need help contacting your lender or rower. That’s who could have an obli- Massachusetts. gation or who has an interest in work- servicer for purposes of negotiating or ac- Amendment No. 6 by Ms. WATERS of quiring a loan modification, please contact ing it out. On almost every occasion California, as modified. your Member of Congress to assist you in with the mortgages, it is in the inter- The Chair will reduce to 5 minutes contacting your lender or servicer for the est of the borrower and the lender to purpose of negotiating or acquiring a loan the time for the second electronic vote work it out. in this series. modification.’’ Ms. WATERS. Will the gentleman The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection yield? AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. LYNCH to the modification? Mr. BACHUS. I yield to the gentle- The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Without objection, the amendment is woman from California. business is the demand for a recorded modified. Ms. WATERS. Thank you so much. vote on the amendment offered by the There was no objection. First of all, Mr. Chairman, I would gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman like to thank you for your cooperation LYNCH) on which further proceedings from California is recognized for 5 min- on this amendment. I know that there were postponed and on which the noes utes. are other words that you would, per- prevailed by voice vote. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, this haps, use to explain to the homeowner The Clerk will redesignate the amendment that I’ve worked on with or to the citizen your point of view; but amendment. my colleagues on the opposite side of you did work with me on this, and you The Clerk redesignated the amend- the aisle is simply about transparency. thought that this kind of transparency ment. It is simply about making ourselves was good. RECORDED VOTE available to the homeowners who are I do commend you because I know The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote trying to get some help because they that you have worked directly with has been demanded. are under water. This amendment some of your constituents. We found A recorded vote was ordered. would simply say that the program is out, as we talked with you, that you The vote was taken by electronic de- no longer in existence and that you had helped 18 people with loan modi- vice, and there were—ayes 184, noes 243, may call us to help you to get to your fications and that you were willing to not voting 5, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.079 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1701 [Roll No. 168] Hall McCotter Roskam The vote was taken by electronic de- Hanna McHenry Ross (FL) vice, and there were—ayes 278, noes 147, AYES—184 Harper McKeon Royce Ackerman Garamendi Neal Hartzler McKinley Runyan not voting 7, as follows: Hastings (WA) McMorris Andrews Gonzalez Olver Ryan (WI) [Roll No. 169] Baca Green, Al Pallone Hayworth Rodgers Scalise Baldwin Green, Gene Pascrell Heck Meehan Schilling AYES—278 Bass (CA) Grijalva Heller Mica Schmidt Pastor (AZ) Ackerman Flake Miller, Gary Becerra Gutierrez Hensarling Miller (FL) Schock Payne Aderholt Forbes Miller, George Berkley Hanabusa Herger Miller (MI) Schrader Pelosi Akin Fortenberry Moore Berman Harris Herrera Beutler Miller, Gary Perlmutter Schweikert Alexander Frank (MA) Moran Bishop (GA) Hastings (FL) Huelskamp Mulvaney Peters Scott (SC) Andrews Fudge Murphy (CT) Bishop (NY) Heinrich Huizenga (MI) Murphy (PA) Pingree (ME) Scott, Austin Austria Gallegly Nadler Blumenauer Higgins Hultgren Myrick Polis Sensenbrenner Baca Garamendi Napolitano Boren Himes Hunter Neugebauer Price (NC) Sessions Bachus Gardner Neal Boswell Hinchey Hurt Noem Quigley Shimkus Baldwin Gerlach Nugent Brady (PA) Hinojosa Issa Nugent Rahall Shuler Barletta Gibson Nunnelee Braley (IA) Hirono Jenkins Nunes Shuster Barrow Gonzalez Olson Brown (FL) Holden Rangel Johnson (IL) Nunnelee Simpson Bartlett Goodlatte Olver Butterfield Holt Richardson Johnson (OH) Olson Smith (NE) Bass (CA) Granger Pallone Capps Honda Richmond Johnson, Sam Owens Smith (NJ) Bass (NH) Green, Al Pascrell Capuano Hoyer Ross (AR) Jones Palazzo Smith (TX) Becerra Green, Gene Pastor (AZ) Cardoza Inslee Rothman (NJ) Jordan Paul Southerland Benishek Griffin (AR) Paulsen Carnahan Israel Roybal-Allard Kelly Paulsen Stearns Berg Grijalva Payne Carney Jackson (IL) Ruppersberger King (IA) Pearce Stivers Berkley Grimm Pelosi Carson (IN) Jackson Lee Rush King (NY) Pence Stutzman Berman Guinta Perlmutter Castor (FL) (TX) Ryan (OH) Kingston Peterson Sullivan Biggert Gutierrez Peters Chandler Johnson (GA) Sa´ nchez, Linda Kinzinger (IL) Petri Terry Bilbray Hanabusa Petri Chu Johnson, E. B. T. Kline Pitts Thompson (PA) Bilirakis Hanna Pingree (ME) Cicilline Kaptur Labrador Platts Sanchez, Loretta Thornberry Bishop (GA) Harper Platts Clarke (MI) Keating Lamborn Poe (TX) Sarbanes Tiberi Bishop (NY) Harris Polis Clarke (NY) Kildee Lance Pompeo Schakowsky Tipton Blumenauer Hastings (FL) Price (NC) Clay Kind Landry Posey Schiff Turner Bonner Heinrich Quigley Cleaver Kissell Lankford Price (GA) Schwartz Upton Boswell Heller Rahall Clyburn Kucinich Latham Quayle Scott (VA) Walberg Boustany Hensarling Rangel Cohen Langevin LaTourette Reed Scott, David Walden Brady (PA) Herger Reichert Connolly (VA) Larsen (WA) Latta Rehberg Serrano Walsh (IL) Braley (IA) Herrera Beutler Renacci Conyers Larson (CT) Lewis (CA) Reichert Sewell Webster Brown (FL) Higgins Richardson Cooper Lee (CA) LoBiondo Renacci Sherman West Butterfield Himes Richmond Costa Levin Long Ribble Sires Calvert Hinchey Rigell Costello Lewis (GA) Lucas Rigell Westmoreland Slaughter Camp Hinojosa Rogers (AL) Courtney Lipinski Luetkemeyer Rivera Whitfield Speier Canseco Hirono Rogers (KY) Critz Loebsack Lummis Roby Wilson (SC) Stark Capito Holden Rohrabacher Crowley Lofgren, Zoe Lungren, Daniel Roe (TN) Wittman Sutton Capps Holt Ross (AR) Cuellar Lowey E. Rogers (AL) Wolf Thompson (CA) Capuano Honda Rothman (NJ) Cummings Luja´ n Mack Rogers (KY) Womack Thompson (MS) Cardoza Hoyer Roybal-Allard Davis (CA) Lynch Marchant Rogers (MI) Woodall Tierney Carnahan Inslee Ruppersberger Davis (IL) Maloney Marino Rohrabacher Yoder Tonko Carney Israel Rush DeFazio Markey McCarthy (CA) Rokita Young (AK) Carson (IN) Issa Ryan (OH) DeGette Matheson Towns McCaul Rooney Young (FL) Cassidy Jackson (IL) Ryan (WI) DeLauro Matsui Tsongas McClintock Ros-Lehtinen Young (IN) Castor (FL) Jackson Lee Sa´ nchez, Linda Deutch McCarthy (NY) Van Hollen ´ NOT VOTING—5 Chaffetz (TX) T. Dicks McCollum Velazquez Chu Johnson (GA) Sanchez, Loretta Dingell McDermott Visclosky Diaz-Balart Manzullo Smith (WA) Cicilline Johnson (IL) Sarbanes Doggett McGovern Walz (MN) Giffords Reyes Clarke (MI) Johnson (OH) Schakowsky Donnelly (IN) McIntyre Wasserman Clarke (NY) Johnson, E. B. Schiff Doyle McNerney Schultz b 1553 Clay Jones Schock Edwards Meeks Waters Cleaver Kaptur Schwartz Ellison Michaud Watt Messrs. DUFFY, ROGERS of Ala- Clyburn Keating Schweikert Engel Miller (NC) Waxman bama, HUNTER, DENHAM, BROOKS, Cohen Kildee Scott (VA) Eshoo Miller, George Weiner Cole Kind Scott, David Farr Moore Welch TIPTON, TERRY, LAMBORN, Connolly (VA) King (NY) Serrano Fattah Moran Wilson (FL) MCHENRY, ROONEY, and Mrs. Conyers Kinzinger (IL) Sewell Filner Murphy (CT) Woolsey MYRICK changed their vote from Costa Kissell Sherman Frank (MA) Nadler Wu Costello Kline Shimkus Fudge Napolitano Yarmuth ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Messrs. GARAMENDI, CARSON of Courtney Kucinich Sires Cravaack Langevin Slaughter NOES—243 Indiana, DINGELL, DOGGETT, and Ms. Crawford Larsen (WA) Smith (NJ) Adams Burgess Farenthold SPEIER changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ Crenshaw Larson (CT) Smith (TX) Aderholt Burton (IN) Fincher to ‘‘aye.’’ Critz LaTourette Speier Akin Calvert Fitzpatrick Crowley Lee (CA) Stark Alexander Camp Flake So the amendment was rejected. Cuellar Levin Stearns Altmire Campbell Fleischmann The result of the vote was announced Cummings Lewis (GA) Stivers Amash Canseco Fleming as above recorded. Davis (CA) Loebsack Sutton Austria Cantor Flores Davis (IL) Lofgren, Zoe Thompson (CA) Bachmann Capito Forbes AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. WATERS, AS Davis (KY) Lowey Thompson (MS) Bachus Carter Fortenberry MODIFIED DeFazio Lucas Tiberi Barletta Cassidy Foxx The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished DeGette Luja´ n Tierney Barrow Chabot Franks (AZ) business is the demand for a recorded DeLauro Lynch Tipton Bartlett Chaffetz Frelinghuysen Dent Maloney Tonko Barton (TX) Coble Gallegly vote on the amendment offered by the Deutch Marino Towns Bass (NH) Coffman (CO) Gardner gentlewoman from California (Ms. WA- Dicks Markey Tsongas Benishek Cole Garrett TERS), as modified, on which further Dingell Matheson Turner Berg Conaway Gerlach Doggett Matsui Upton Biggert Cravaack Gibbs proceedings were postponed and on Dold McCarthy (NY) Van Hollen Bilbray Crawford Gibson which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. Donnelly (IN) McCollum Vela´ zquez Bilirakis Crenshaw Gingrey (GA) The Clerk will redesignate the Doyle McDermott Visclosky Bishop (UT) Culberson Gohmert amendment. Dreier McGovern Walden Black Davis (KY) Goodlatte Duncan (TN) McIntyre Walz (MN) Blackburn Denham Gosar The Clerk redesignated the amend- Edwards McKeon Wasserman Bonner Dent Gowdy ment. Ellison McMorris Schultz Bono Mack DesJarlais Granger Emerson Rodgers Waters RECORDED VOTE Boustany Dold Graves (GA) Engel McNerney Watt Brady (TX) Dreier Graves (MO) The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Eshoo Meehan Waxman Brooks Duffy Griffin (AR) has been demanded. Farenthold Meeks Weiner Broun (GA) Duncan (SC) Griffith (VA) A recorded vote was ordered. Farr Michaud Welch Buchanan Duncan (TN) Grimm Fattah Miller (FL) Whitfield Bucshon Ellmers Guinta The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 5- Filner Miller (MI) Wilson (FL) Buerkle Emerson Guthrie minute vote. Fitzpatrick Miller (NC) Wittman

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.027 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Wolf Woodall Wu Resolution 150, reported the bill back There was no objection. Womack Woolsey Yarmuth to the House with an amendment The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- NOES—147 adopted in the Committee of the tleman from Florida is recognized for 5 Adams Guthrie Peterson Whole. minutes. Altmire Hall Pitts The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I present Amash Hartzler Pompeo the rule, the previous question is or- an amendment to this legislation that Bachmann Hastings (WA) Posey dered. Barton (TX) Hayworth Price (GA) will help the seniors who built America Bishop (UT) Heck Quayle Is a separate vote demanded on any from the bottom up. This amendment Black Huelskamp Reed amendment to the amendment re- provides us with an opportunity not to Blackburn Huizenga (MI) Rehberg ported from the Committee of the Bono Mack Hultgren stall this bill, but improve it, right Ribble Whole? here and right now. The contributions Boren Hunter Rivera Brady (TX) Jenkins If not, the question is on the com- Roby of the men and women who became Brooks Johnson, Sam Roe (TN) mittee amendment in the nature of a known as America’s greatest genera- Broun (GA) Jordan Rogers (MI) substitute, as amended. Buchanan Kelly tion should humble us all. Rokita Bucshon King (IA) The amendment was agreed to. As teenagers, Mr. Speaker, they con- Buerkle Kingston Rooney The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ros-Lehtinen fronted unspeakable evil and endured Burgess Labrador question is on the engrossment and incredible sacrifices during World War Burton (IN) Lamborn Roskam third reading of the bill. Ross (FL) II. In the aftermath of the Great De- Campbell Lance The bill was ordered to be engrossed Cantor Landry Royce pression, their love of country and and read a third time, and was read the Carter Lankford Runyan commitment to hard work created the Chabot Latham Scalise third time. Schilling world’s most vibrant economy. They Chandler Latta MOTION TO RECOMMIT Schmidt were doctors and nurses, teachers and Coble Lewis (CA) Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I have a Coffman (CO) Lipinski Schrader engineers, steelworkers and pipefitters, motion to recommit at the desk. Conaway LoBiondo Scott (SC) secretaries and truck drivers. Today, Cooper Long Scott, Austin The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Culberson Luetkemeyer Sensenbrenner gentleman opposed to the bill? they are seniors who deserve to live Denham Lummis Sessions Mr. DEUTCH. I am, in its current their retirement years with dignity DesJarlais Lungren, Daniel Shuler form. and self-sufficiency. Diaz-Balart E. Shuster Unfortunately, throughout the finan- Duffy Mack Simpson The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Duncan (SC) McCarthy (CA) Smith (NE) Clerk will report the motion to recom- cial crisis and this devastating reces- Ellmers McCaul Southerland mit. sion, seniors have often gone forgotten. Fincher McClintock Stutzman For many, their pensions have dried up Fleischmann McCotter The Clerk read as follows: Sullivan Fleming McHenry Mr. Deutch of Florida moves to recommit or come under attack. Their life sav- Terry Flores McKinley ings were decimated by recklessness on Thompson (PA) the bill, H.R. 830, to the Committee on Fi- Foxx Mica Thornberry nancial Services with instructions to report Wall Street. They have not received a Franks (AZ) Mulvaney the same back to the House forthwith with Frelinghuysen Murphy (PA) Walberg Social Security cost of living increase Walsh (IL) the following amendments: for 2 years. Finally, Mr. Speaker, their Garrett Myrick In section 3(b), before ‘‘shall continue’’ in- Gibbs Neugebauer Webster homes, often their last standing pillar West sert the following: ‘‘, and any amounts made Gingrey (GA) Noem of equity and economic security, have Gohmert Nunes Westmoreland available for use under such Program pursu- Gosar Owens Wilson (SC) ant to subsection (d),’’. lost their value through no fault of Gowdy Palazzo Yoder In section 3(c), after ‘‘such enactment,’’ in- their own. Graves (GA) Paul Young (AK) sert ‘‘or pursuant to a commitment to insure The community of South Florida I Graves (MO) Pearce Young (FL) made pursuant amounts made available for am so privileged to represent is home Griffith (VA) Pence Young (IN) use under such Program pursuant to sub- to one of our Nation’s largest popu- NOT VOTING—7 section (d),’’ In section 3, strike subsection (d) and in- lations of retirees. But it is also ground Giffords Marchant Smith (WA) sert the following new subsection: zero for the foreclosure crisis. In 2010, Hurt Poe (TX) Manzullo Reyes (d) CONTINUATION OF PROGRAM FOR SENIOR Mr. Speaker, South Florida outpaced HOMEOWNERS.— the Nation for new foreclosure filings. b 1559 (1) IDENTIFICATION OF AMOUNTS FOR The counties of Palm Beach, Broward, So the amendment, as modified, was REFINANCINGS FOR SENIOR HOMEOWNERS.—Not and Miami Dade have suffered the ma- agreed to. later than the expiration of the 180-day pe- jority of these foreclosures in Florida, riod beginning on the date of the enactment The result of the vote was announced of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and and my office fields calls from strug- as above recorded. Urban Development shall— gling homeowners every day. Stated for: (A) determine the amount necessary to Statewide in Florida, nearly 1 mil- Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Chair, on rollcall provide assistance under the FHA Refinance lion families and seniors have lost No. 169 I was unavoidably detained. Had I Program described in subsection (a) to senior their homes since 2009. Today, nearly been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ homeowners (as such term is defined in para- half of all Florida homeowners are un- Stated against: graph (3) of this subsection); and derwater on their mortgages. They owe Mr. HURT. Madam Chair, on rollcall (B) submit notice of such determination to banks more money than their homes the Congress that specifies such amount. No. 169, I was unavoidably detained. are now worth. Through no fault of (2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Ef- Had I been present, I would have voted fective upon the submission to the Congress their own, thousands of seniors who ‘‘no.’’ by the Secretary of Housing and Urban De- built this Nation face the tragedy of The Acting CHAIR. The question is velopment of the notice required under para- losing their homes. on the committee amendment in the graph (1), there is authorized to be appro- Now, America’s greatest generation nature of a substitute, as amended. priated, for assistance under the FHA Refi- has never been one to ask for handouts, The amendment was agreed to. nance Program referred to in section 2 only and today is no exception. What we The Acting CHAIR. Under the rule, for mortgages for senior homeowners, the have the opportunity to do here today the Committee rises. amount identified in such notice. is to give our seniors a chance—a (3) SENIOR HOMEOWNER.—For purposes of Accordingly, the Committee rose; this subsection, the term ‘‘senior home- chance—to rearrange their deal with and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. owner’’ means a homeowner who is a mem- their lenders, make their payments, CHAFFETZ) having assumed the chair, ber of a household composed of one or more and keep their homes. The mortgage Mrs. MILLER of Michigan, Acting Chair persons at least one of whom is 62 years of program abolished by the bill needs to of the Committee of the Whole House age or older. be fixed. So let’s start by fixing it for on the state of the Union, reported that Mr. DEUTCH (during the reading). seniors, as my proposal will do. that Committee, having had under con- Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Before us is a real opportunity to sideration the bill (H.R. 830) to rescind to dispense with the reading. amend these programs for the future. the unobligated funding for the FHA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there It will not send this legislation back to Refinance Program and to terminate objection to the request of the gen- committee. It will not stall this bill. It the program, and, pursuant to House tleman from Florida? will simply preserve these mortgage

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.035 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1703 modification programs for seniors and We can’t pay it back because we bor- Cleaver Jackson (IL) Price (NC) open the door to improving these ini- row 42 cents out of every dollar. And Clyburn Jackson Lee Quigley Cohen (TX) Rahall tiatives. let me tell you, a lot of them have Connolly (VA) Johnson (GA) Rangel According to leading economists, grandparents. When you talk about Conyers Johnson, E. B. Richardson high foreclosure rates and our strug- seniors, let’s talk about our children Cooper Kaptur Richmond gling housing sector remain the biggest and our grandchildren. Let’s talk about Costa Keating Ross (AR) Costello Kildee Rothman (NJ) challenge to our economic recovery. In that we’re endangering their future. Courtney Kind Roybal-Allard Florida, with unemployment at 12 per- Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of Critz Kissell Ruppersberger cent, the real estate industry is so in- my time to the gentleman from New Crowley Kucinich Rush Cuellar Langevin Ryan (OH) tegral to our economy, we must stem York (Mr. GRIMM). Cummings Larsen (WA) Sa´ nchez, Linda foreclosures in order to grow the pri- Mr. GRIMM. Thank you, Chairman Davis (CA) Larson (CT) T. vate sector and create jobs. We can BACHUS. Davis (IL) Lee (CA) Sanchez, Loretta DeFazio Levin Sarbanes begin stabilizing the housing market You know, I just came back from my DeGette Lewis (GA) today and do right by Americans who Schakowsky district in Staten Island and Brooklyn, DeLauro Lipinski Schiff Deutch Loebsack made this country great for every one and I visited several senior centers. Schrader Dicks Lofgren, Zoe of us in this Chamber. And I’ll tell you, the seniors are nerv- Schwartz Dingell Lowey Scott (VA) Seniors answered the call of Uncle ous, they’re worried. You know what Doggett Luja´ n Scott, David Sam every week of their working lives, Donnelly (IN) Lynch their number one fear is? Their number Serrano paying taxes for America’s schools, one fear is that their children and Doyle Maloney Edwards Markey Sewell roads, military and health care. When grandchildren will not have the oppor- Ellison Matsui Sherman asked to serve, these Americans always tunities that they had. I heard count- Engel McCarthy (NY) Shuler said yes. Now, when these same men Eshoo McCollum Sires less story after story that their chil- Slaughter and women are asking for a modest dren are out of work. So when I hear Farr McDermott Fattah McGovern Speier amount of time to renegotiate in good about another failed program, I think Filner McIntyre Stark faith, to prevent foreclosure, to remain of the mandate—and it was a mandate. Frank (MA) McNerney Sutton self-sufficient as retirees, what answer I’m not sure if everyone in this room Fudge Meeks Thompson (CA) Garamendi Michaud Thompson (MS) will this body give them? heard it in this Chamber, but I heard Gonzalez Miller (NC) Tierney Every day, it seems, mortgage lend- it—and the mandate was very simple: Green, Al Miller, George Tonko ers have their day in Washington. cut the spending, grow the economy, Green, Gene Moore Towns Tsongas Every day, Wall Street executives have and create jobs. Grijalva Moran Gutierrez Murphy (CT) Van Hollen their day in Washington. Every day, This program is broken, and to think Hanabusa Nadler Vela´ zquez Mr. Speaker, banks have their day in that somehow suddenly—miracu- Hastings (FL) Napolitano Visclosky Washington. Isn’t it time to give the lously—it’s going to work for seniors is Heinrich Neal Walz (MN) Higgins Olver Wasserman seniors who made America great their outrageous. And I have to tell you, I Himes Pallone Schultz day in our Nation’s capital? cannot, in good conscience, go back to Hinchey Pascrell Waters Let’s make today a day for the peo- my district, go back to those senior Hinojosa Pastor (AZ) Watt ple who rebuilt this country after the centers, look those seniors in the eye Hirono Payne Waxman Holden Pelosi Weiner Great Depression, who started the busi- and tell them that I supported another Holt Perlmutter Welch nesses small and large so important to failed program because someone stood Honda Peters Wilson (FL) our economy, the people who are our up and said, well, it’s for seniors. You Hoyer Peterson Woolsey Inslee Pingree (ME) Wu parents and our children’s grand- can label it any way you want, you can Israel Polis Yarmuth parents, who served our nation, who put anything you want on this, but at made America what it is today, the the end of the day it’s a failed program. NOES—243 people who taught us what it means to And for that reason, I strongly urge Adams Coffman (CO) Graves (MO) be Americans. They’re not asking for my colleagues to support the chairman Aderholt Cole Griffin (AR) credit or recognition or attention, but and end this reckless spending. Akin Conaway Griffith (VA) Alexander Cravaack Grimm we owe it to them to honor their life- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Altmire Crawford Guinta times of hard work and responsibility objection, the previous question is or- Amash Crenshaw Guthrie and decency by making it possible for dered. Austria Culberson Hall them to live out the rest of their lives Bachmann Davis (KY) Hanna There was no objection. Bachus Denham Harper with four walls around them and a roof The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Barletta Dent Harris over their heads. question is on the motion to recommit. Bartlett DesJarlais Hartzler Vote ‘‘yes’’ on this amendment. The question was taken; and the Barton (TX) Diaz-Balart Hastings (WA) Bass (NH) Dold Hayworth Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Speaker pro tempore announced that Benishek Dreier Heck opposition to the motion to recommit. the noes appeared to have it. Berg Duffy Heller Biggert Duncan (SC) Hensarling The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- RECORDED VOTE tleman from Alabama is recognized for Bilbray Duncan (TN) Herger Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I demand Bilirakis Ellmers Herrera Beutler 5 minutes. a recorded vote. Bishop (UT) Emerson Huelskamp Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, this is A recorded vote was ordered. Black Farenthold Huizenga (MI) Blackburn Fincher Hultgren simply a procedural measure to stop The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this legislation which cuts yet again Bonner Fitzpatrick Hunter ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Bono Mack Flake Hurt another wasteful government program. will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Boren Fleischmann Issa This program has already allocated $50 time for any electronic vote on the Boustany Fleming Jenkins million and it has only helped 42 Amer- Brady (TX) Flores Johnson (IL) question of passage. Brooks Forbes Johnson (OH) ican families. Do that math. It author- The vote was taken by electronic de- Broun (GA) Fortenberry Johnson, Sam izes $8 billion. That’s at a time when vice, and there were—ayes 185, noes 243, Buchanan Foxx Jones Bucshon Franks (AZ) Jordan this country has a record deficit for not voting 4, as follows: this year. Buerkle Frelinghuysen Kelly [Roll No. 170] Burgess Gallegly King (IA) b 1610 Burton (IN) Gardner King (NY) AYES—185 Calvert Garrett Kingston And yet they don’t get the message, Ackerman Bishop (NY) Carnahan Camp Gerlach Kinzinger (IL) my Democratic colleagues. They sim- Andrews Blumenauer Carney Campbell Gibbs Kline Baca Boswell Carson (IN) Canseco Gibson Labrador ply do not realize this money goes to Baldwin Brady (PA) Castor (FL) Cantor Gingrey (GA) Lamborn the lender, this goes to the banks, Barrow Braley (IA) Chandler Capito Gohmert Lance that’s who the checks are made out to. Bass (CA) Brown (FL) Chu Carter Goodlatte Landry And who pays for it? The taxpayers. Becerra Butterfield Cicilline Cassidy Gosar Lankford Berkley Capps Clarke (MI) Chabot Gowdy Latham And, ultimately, this is who pays for Berman Capuano Clarke (NY) Chaffetz Granger LaTourette it: our children and our grandchildren. Bishop (GA) Cardoza Clay Coble Graves (GA) Latta

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:11 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.088 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Lewis (CA) Paulsen Scott, Austin Duncan (SC) Labrador Ribble Matsui Pingree (ME) Sires LoBiondo Pearce Sensenbrenner Duncan (TN) Lamborn Rigell McCarthy (NY) Polis Slaughter Long Pence Sessions Ellmers Lance Rivera McCollum Price (NC) Speier Lucas Petri Shimkus Emerson Landry Roby McDermott Quigley Stark Luetkemeyer Pitts Shuster Farenthold Lankford Roe (TN) McGovern Rahall Sutton Lummis Platts Simpson Fincher Larsen (WA) Rogers (AL) McIntyre Rangel Thompson (CA) Lungren, Daniel Poe (TX) Smith (NE) Fitzpatrick Latham Rogers (KY) McNerney Richardson Thompson (MS) E. Pompeo Smith (NJ) Flake LaTourette Rogers (MI) Meeks Richmond Tierney Mack Posey Smith (TX) Fleischmann Latta Rohrabacher Michaud Rothman (NJ) Tonko Marchant Price (GA) Southerland Fleming Lewis (CA) Rokita Miller (NC) Roybal-Allard Towns Marino Quayle Stearns Flores Lipinski Rooney Miller, George Ruppersberger Tsongas Matheson Reed Stivers Forbes LoBiondo Ros-Lehtinen Moore Rush Van Hollen ´ McCarthy (CA) Rehberg Stutzman Fortenberry Long Roskam Moran Ryan (OH) Velazquez ´ McCaul Reichert Sullivan Foxx Lucas Ross (AR) Murphy (CT) Sanchez, Linda Visclosky McClintock Renacci Terry Franks (AZ) Luetkemeyer Ross (FL) Nadler T. Wasserman McCotter Ribble Thompson (PA) Frelinghuysen Lummis Royce Napolitano Sanchez, Loretta Schultz McHenry Rigell Neal Sarbanes Waters Thornberry Gallegly Lungren, Daniel Runyan McKeon Rivera Gardner Olver Schakowsky Watt Tiberi E. Ryan (WI) McKinley Roby Garrett Mack Scalise Pallone Schiff Waxman Tipton McMorris Roe (TN) Gerlach Marchant Schilling Pascrell Schwartz Weiner Turner Rodgers Rogers (AL) Gibbs Marino Schmidt Pastor (AZ) Scott (VA) Welch Upton Meehan Rogers (KY) Gibson Matheson Schock Payne Scott, David Wilson (FL) Walberg Mica Rogers (MI) Gingrey (GA) McCarthy (CA) Schrader Pelosi Serrano Woolsey Walden Miller (FL) Rohrabacher Gohmert McCaul Schweikert Perlmutter Sewell Wu Miller (MI) Rokita Walsh (IL) Goodlatte McClintock Scott (SC) Peters Sherman Yarmuth Miller, Gary Rooney Webster Gosar McCotter Scott, Austin Mulvaney Ros-Lehtinen West Gowdy McHenry Sensenbrenner NOT VOTING—5 Murphy (PA) Roskam Westmoreland Granger McKeon Sessions Farr Manzullo Smith (WA) Myrick Ross (FL) Whitfield Graves (GA) McKinley Shimkus Giffords Reyes Neugebauer Royce Wilson (SC) Graves (MO) McMorris Shuler Noem Runyan Wittman Griffin (AR) Rodgers Shuster ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Nugent Ryan (WI) Wolf Griffith (VA) Meehan Simpson The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Womack Nunes Scalise Grimm Mica Smith (NE) the vote). There is 1 minute left in the Nunnelee Schilling Woodall Guinta Miller (FL) Smith (NJ) Olson Schmidt Yoder Guthrie Miller (MI) Smith (TX) vote. Owens Schock Young (AK) Hall Miller, Gary Southerland Palazzo Schweikert Young (FL) Hanna Mulvaney Stearns b 1637 Paul Scott (SC) Young (IN) Harper Murphy (PA) Stivers Mr. MCINTYRE changed his vote Harris Myrick Stutzman NOT VOTING—4 Hartzler Neugebauer Sullivan from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Giffords Reyes Hastings (WA) Noem Terry So the bill was passed. Manzullo Smith (WA) Hayworth Nugent Thompson (PA) The result of the vote was announced Heller Nunes Thornberry as above recorded. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Hensarling Nunnelee Tiberi The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Herger Olson Tipton A motion to reconsider was laid on the vote). There is 1 minute left in the Herrera Beutler Owens Turner the table. Huelskamp Palazzo Upton f vote. Huizenga (MI) Paul Walberg Hultgren Paulsen Walden AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO 1630 Hunter Pearce Walsh (IL) b Hurt Pence Walz (MN) MAKE CORRECTIONS IN EN- So the motion to recommit was re- Issa Peterson Webster GROSSMENT OF H.R. 830, FHA RE- jected. Jenkins Petri West FINANCE PROGRAM TERMI- Johnson (IL) Pitts Westmoreland NATION ACT The result of the vote was announced Johnson (OH) Platts Whitfield as above recorded. Johnson, Sam Poe (TX) Wilson (SC) Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jones Pompeo Wittman unanimous consent that in the engross- Jordan Posey Wolf question is on the passage of the bill. Kelly Price (GA) Womack ment of H.R. 830, the Clerk be author- The question was taken; and the King (IA) Quayle Woodall ized to correct section numbers, punc- Speaker pro tempore announced that King (NY) Reed Yoder tuation, and cross-references, and to the ayes appeared to have it. Kingston Rehberg Young (AK) Kinzinger (IL) Reichert Young (FL) make such other technical and con- RECORDED VOTE Kline Renacci Young (IN) forming changes as may be necessary Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I to accurately reflect the actions of the demand a recorded vote. NOES—171 House. A recorded vote was ordered. Ackerman Critz Himes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Andrews Crowley Hinchey objection to the request of the gentle- The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Baca Cummings Hinojosa will be a 5-minute vote. Baldwin Davis (CA) Hirono woman from Illinois? The vote was taken by electronic de- Bass (CA) Davis (IL) Holden There was no objection. vice, and there were—ayes 256, noes 171, Becerra DeFazio Holt f Berkley DeGette Honda not voting 5, as follows: Berman DeLauro Hoyer UNEMPLOYMENT IN AMERICA [Roll No. 171] Bishop (GA) Deutch Inslee Bishop (NY) Dicks Israel (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and AYES—256 Blumenauer Dingell Jackson (IL) was given permission to address the Adams Bonner Chabot Boswell Doggett Jackson Lee House for 1 minute.) Aderholt Bono Mack Chaffetz Brady (PA) Donnelly (IN) (TX) Akin Boren Chandler Braley (IA) Doyle Johnson (GA) Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speak- Alexander Boustany Coble Brown (FL) Edwards Johnson, E. B. er, last month our Nation created Altmire Brady (TX) Coffman (CO) Butterfield Ellison Kaptur 200,000 new jobs. That’s good news. But Amash Brooks Cole Capps Engel Keating Austria Broun (GA) Conaway Capuano Eshoo Kildee our country needs to create 335,000 jobs Bachmann Buchanan Cooper Carnahan Fattah Kind per month to keep up with population Bachus Bucshon Costa Carson (IN) Filner Kissell growth and to reduce unemployment to Barletta Buerkle Cravaack Castor (FL) Frank (MA) Kucinich what it was before the recession. In Barrow Burgess Crawford Chu Fudge Langevin Bartlett Burton (IN) Crenshaw Cicilline Garamendi Larson (CT) communities like mine, unemployment Barton (TX) Calvert Cuellar Clarke (MI) Gonzalez Lee (CA) is at least 15 percent, and the numbers Bass (NH) Camp Culberson Clarke (NY) Green, Al Levin do not include those who stopped look- Benishek Campbell Davis (KY) Clay Green, Gene Lewis (GA) Berg Canseco Denham Cleaver Grijalva Loebsack ing for a job. Biggert Cantor Dent Clyburn Gutierrez Lofgren, Zoe In order to hear the stories of the un- Bilbray Capito DesJarlais Cohen Hanabusa Lowey employed Americans, I have asked Bilirakis Cardoza Diaz-Balart Connolly (VA) Hastings (FL) Luja´ n them to send me their resumes to Bishop (UT) Carney Dold Conyers Heck Lynch Black Carter Dreier Costello Heinrich Maloney [email protected] so Blackburn Cassidy Duffy Courtney Higgins Markey I can submit them for the RECORD.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.017 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1705 I heard from Peter Haas of Parlin, Banquet Manager—Managed all banquet func- http://resources.bnet.com/topi/ New Jersey, who said, ‘‘I am sending tions, liquor purchase, inventory, and sales pc+mall+inc,html.com out resumes every day. No response (5 years) Senior Account Manager—For Sales & Mar- from any company out there. I think Directed recruitment and retention of new keting Research and Business Development no company is hiring at all. No re- employees or potential supervisors and cur- Conducted research to identify potential rent employees sponse, not even an email.’’ markets for products and services within the Monitored all sales distribution through- United States Ms. Christine Stumpf of Chicago said out the hotel and customers satisfactory in she’s had only one phone interview in a Consistently demonstrated excellent com- banquet services munication skills, customer service, team- Successfully improved banquet operations year of looking, and she can hardly be- work, and leadership and customer satisfaction within the ban- lieve it. Successfully refined and implemented new quet department Why is it so hard to find work? projects to improve operation and customer Monitored the budget for any banquet Maybe it’s because the unemployed are service function within the client’s arrangement and Prospected and profiled current customers’ not even being considered for many negotiated event jobs. It’s been reported that some com- Quickly and effectively solved customers’ account information through any new panies will not even accept applica- questions, comments, and concerns projects Formulated plans to extend business with tions or grant interviews to those cur- Steward Department Manager—Managed res- new and established customers taurant, banquet, and kitchen supplies (2 rently without a job. Negotiated contracts with customers and years) I hope unemployed Americans will vendors to manage product distributions send me their resumes and stories to Assigned employees to specific duties to Marketed hardware and software products [email protected] to maintain quality service throughout the for customer solutions via e-mail and tele- keep stories of the unemployed in front hotel phone Ensured all health regulations are main- of our government, in front of Demo- Directed and coordinated activities involv- tained and updated within the establishment ing sales of manufactured products or other crats and Republicans. Tracked inventory stock and reordered as subjects of sale PETER HAAS inventory dropped to a specific level Visited franchise dealers to stimulate in- Responsible for restaurant, kitchen, and 14 Skytop Gardens Apt. 4 terest in establishment or expansion of leas- banquet supplies within the Waldorf Astoria Parlin, NJ 08859 ing programs Cell: (949) 878–1953, Coached steward supervisors on manage- ment and communication skills within the Represented company at trade association Home: (732) 588–5145, meetings to promote products and company E-mail: [email protected] department Responsible for scheduling, budgeting, and services SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE: training employees for safety regulations, SCHOOL EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS 11/89–03/2006 THE WALDORF-ASTORIA IN NEW YORK standards within the steward department Hotel & Resort Hospitality Administra- HILTON HOTEL Performed weekly department meetings to tion, Graduate School—Manhattan College, Director—Food & Beverage Operations (6 years) evaluate ways to improve service standards New York City Assessed company staffing needs and re- Ensured that all requisitions and services New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council— cruited staff through various methods are completed according to Hilton Hotel Professional Labor & Delegate Training Pro- Coordinated the successful and complete policies and standards gram Maintained acknowledged all sanitation, training for 140 or more employees within Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, dishwashing maintenance, and safety stand- the establishment Institute of Electrical Engineering College, ards Successfully trained team members on cus- Austria—Graz tomer service, teamwork, and leadership in (MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE: 04/06–03/09) Professional Sales & Marketing Asset Man- the hotel 04/2006–01/2008 ECOLAB CORPORATION IN AUSTRIA- agement, Graduate School, Germany—Ham- Assisted with training, monitoring, and de- VIENNA burg BMG veloping employee skills within all service (Moved to Vienna to be near family when Professional Institute of Graduate School, departments mother ill) Masters of Electrical Building Engineering, Implemented policies and procedures for http://www.ecolab.com/ Austria—Graz the restaurants, bars, and banquets within District Manager—For Hospitality Services & SPOKEN LANGUAGES: the Waldorf Astoria Business Development Monitored compliance with health and fire German & English—Some Spanish Contacted strategic business and oper- regulations regarding food preparation and PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE serving, and building maintenance in lodging ational projects, managed public and invest- 2010 TO PRESENT—EXAMINER.COM, CHICAGO, IL and dining facilities ment relationships, prepared presentation, Performed all aspects of marketing and and developed business plans directly for the Chicago Community Life Examiner promotions for restaurants, bars, cocktail CEO Write online articles about events, places Managed 90–110 employees and engaged in lounge, and banquets and people in Chicago frequent customer contact, collaboration, Reviewed operational procedures to deter- 2007 TO 2010—INTERPARK (RETAIL PARKING COM- mine ways to improve services, performance, and feedback Planned and directed staffing, training, PANY, A SUBSIDIARY OF GENERAL ELECTRIC), and safety and performance evaluations to develop and CHICAGO IL Estimated food, liquor, wine, and other control sales and service programs Executive Assistant beverage consumption to anticipate amounts Appointed as lead trainer for all company to be purchased and used for food & beverage Supported six key executives including the products and services within the establish- operations within the hotel general counsel and the heads of asset man- ment Successfully maintained and updated food, agement, acquisitions and dispositions, and Recommended the correct use of proper engineering wine, liqueur, and equipment inventories in chemicals and products in customers’ envi- a monthly time Made travel, meeting and conference call ronment arrangements; managed calendars for every- Monitored budget and payroll records and Maintained basic knowledge of operation, one in the department review financial transactions to ensure that cleaning, and maintenance of various dish- expenditures are authorized and budgeted Processed expense reports and check req- washing machines and equipments uisitions for each member of the team; per- Restaurant Manager—Managed restaurants, Reviewed operational records and reports formed billing and collection projects bars, fine dining, and casual dining (5 to project sales determine profitability years) Formulated plans to extend business with Created marketing presentations, forms, new established customers directories; typed documents and cor- Coached assistant managers and super- respondence for the team visors on management and communication Managed all customer accounts in sales and marketing for better business develop- Processed legal, real estate and human re- skills sources issues Successfully maintained all service stand- ment Arranged weekly department meetings to Did on-going research projects related to ards according to Hilton Restaurant services company’s many real estate holdings and policies improve customer service and satisfactory Reviewed monthly forecast and reports Assisted with closings by coordinating and Trained, supervised and evaluated new typing large volumes of legal documents staff for restaurant operation and services how to expand customer’s needs and solu- Monitored restaurant sales activities to tions Key Accomplishments: ensure customer satisfaction and service 02/2008–03/2009 PC-MALL CORPORATION IN IRVINE, Reorganized, catalogued and maintained Maintained quality control by evaluating CALIFORNIA confidential departmental electronic and satisfaction records with restaurant sales (Took position due to downturn in hospi- hard files (legal and corporate documents) and constantly sought new ways to improve tality employment opportunities. Although Created online picture gallery of properties employee performance and service successful, too much travel involved.) for company-wide use

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.095 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Reduced costs by finding ways to save 1997 TO 2000—TMP WORLDWIDE (FORMERLY LAI) Washington that we maybe aren’t fa- money, including subscription consolidation (EXECUTIVE SEARCH), CHICAGO, IL miliar with here, particularly our and bulk ordering Administrative Assistant freshman Members. The first word is Oversaw implementation of IT processes Coordinated travel, meetings, conference ‘‘entitlements.’’ (i.e., Instant Messaging) to boost team effi- calls; scheduled candidate interviews; main- I’m an engineer by training, so ‘‘enti- ciency and trained team tained recruiters’ calendars tlements’’ you could think of as a ma- 2005 TO 2007—FISHER AND SHAPIRO, LLC (BANK- Handled expenses for consultants, can- chine. In fact, it’s a little bit like those RUPTCY AND FORECLOSURE LAW), CHICAGO, IL didates; invoiced clients; paid bills machines in bathrooms, and when you Executive Legal Secretary Prepared marketing presentations; typed put your hands in front of them, they Supported attorneys, helped head account- correspondence, resumes, contracts spit out those brown paper towels you Assisted partner with entrepreneurial ant, processed evictions and assisted with see. In fact, the entitlements we’re real estate closings; planned events; main- start-up businesses including extensive Internet research and study talking about here spit out dollar bills. tained office needs What happened is a legislator or a leg- Opened files; prepared court documents; 1995 TO 1997—RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES billed clients; sent out mailings; handled (EXECUTIVE SEARCH), CHICAGO, IL islature maybe 30 years ago created calls Administrative Assistant some bill which automatically gives money to certain people who come and Served as a closing assistant: Opened and Coordinated travel, meetings, conference processed closing files, interacting with cli- calls; scheduled candidate interviews; main- put their hands in front of the ma- ents, title companies, real estate brokers, at- tained recruiters’ calendars chine. Of these entitlements, the big- torneys, closers; created and maintained Handled expenses for consultants, can- gest ones are Social Security, Medicare hard files and database; ordered title and didates; invoiced clients; paid bills and Medicaid. These are programs that other pertinent documents; typed closing Prepared marketing presentations; typed have been around for quite a while, but documents; billed and closed files correspondence, resumes, contracts they’re a little bit like that, if you Served as an eviction specialist: Opened EDUCATION and processed eviction cases from start to think of them as things that spend finish, interacting with clients, attorneys, Associate’s Degree in Science, Clinical Die- money automatically. So those of us title companies, real estate brokers, county tetic Technology, Kettering College of Med- here on the floor of the Congress talk clerks and sheriffs; researched foreclosure ical Arts, Kettering, OH about whether we’re going to fund this cases; created and kept hard files and data- Northern Illinois University, 2 years, or fund that or how we’re going to run base current, including client websites; cal- DeKalb, IL the government. These things were cre- culated bills and invoiced clients; closed Triton College, 1 year, River Grove, IL ated a long time ago, and they just cases SKILLS keep on running and spending money. Key Accomplishment: Computer programs and applications in- Those are called ‘‘entitlements.’’ Saved thousands of dollars by identifying clude: Windows MS Office (Word, Excel, There is another thing that is like accounting errors while assisting head ac- PowerPoint, Outlook); Lotus Notes; DOS the entitlements, and it is the interest countant with monthly balancing of the WordPerfect & Lotus 1–2–3; DeltaView, on our debt. When the U.S. Govern- books Workshare; CMS, PerfectPractice, Mortgage ment issues a Treasury bill, the Treas- Computer, Vantive, AS 400, DataBase IV; 2003 TO 2004—MID-NORTH FINANCIAL SERVICES, Etrack; Bloomberg; RE/Xplorer, eMLS; ury bill is supposed to pay some inter- INC. (COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS), CHI- Internet research (including est. It’s a little bit like that machine CAGO, IL Munistatements), etc. in that it spits out some dollar bills. It, Assistant Loan Servicing Officer Typing speed 80+ wpm like an entitlement, is something Processed insurance portion of new mort- Transcription: shorthand, dictaphone that’s spending money. gage loans and served as liaison between f Now, here is the thing that I think is company, borrowers and insurance agencies frightening, and I think you’ll think Paid insurance premiums and claims b 1640 it’s frightening as you give this a little Analyzed escrow accounts and filed quar- THE U.S. ECONOMY bit of thought, and this isn’t sometime terly and annual reports The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. way out in the future but, rather, just 2001 TO 2002—NEAR NORTH INSURANCE/NEAR ULTGREN this year. If you add up the Social Se- NORTH TITLE, CHICAGO, IL H ). Under the Speaker’s an- nounced policy of January 5, 2011, the curity, the Medicare, the Medicaid, and Sales Assistant/Marketing Representative gentleman from Missouri (Mr. AKIN) is the other entitlements—there are some Supported Director of Marketing and staff recognized for 60 minutes as the des- other smaller entitlements—and if you in promoting and generating business ignee of the majority leader. put those together with the interest on Participated in sales calls, presentations, our debt, it comes to $2.2 trillion. I meetings and oversaw successful client Mr. AKIN. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are going to talk for a little while don’t know what $2.2 trillion is in events; distributed client gifts/promo items; terms of trying to visualize the money, sent out mass mailings; handled client or- here this afternoon about a subject ders that is on, I think, everybody’s minds but it’s very easy to visualize this. $2.2 regardless of their political affili- trillion is also the total revenue that Key Accomplishments: the Federal Government brings in in Reduced the problem of work overload in ations. The more we look at it, the more significant it seems to be—in taxes, so that makes it easier to see. In the typing pool by volunteering to type title other words, these entitlements and commitments and policies during slower fact, the more frightening it seems to the interest on the debt, $2.2 trillion, is times be. It is the simple situation with our the same thing as the revenue that we Reorganized the hard files in the Mar- economy and the level of what the gov- keting Department get in from taxes. ernment is doing in the ‘‘spending Now, why is that frightening? 2000 TO 2001—U.S. BANCORP PIPER JAFFRAY money’’ department. This, of course, It’s because it doesn’t include two (INVESTMENT BANKING), CHICAGO, IL ties into the job situation in America. other things: the defense budget and Executive Assistant The many people who are looking for what’s called non-defense discre- Supported two investment bankers and an work, some of the businesses that are tionary. analyst in the public finance sector by gener- struggling as well as the families who So what are these two things over ating municipal transaction and sales bul- are struggling, all of it is tied together here? letins in the economy. It is also, of course, The defense budget is pretty obvious. Tended calendars; arranged travel, meet- tied to the Federal Government and its ings and conference calls Obviously, it’s tanks and airplanes and Performed check requisition and expense spending. ships. It’s men with rifles, and it’s our reporting What I’m going to try to do is paint national security. That’s a piece of Typed correspondence, regulatory con- a picture in simple terms. Sometimes that, and you can see that it’s almost tracts and proposals economists make things seem a little $700 billion. Then non-defense would be Prepared marketing presentations bit too complicated. This doesn’t have things like the building that we’re in. Key Accomplishments: to be so complicated. In fact, the less It would be the Capitol building. It Reorganized the bankers’ filing systems complicated it is, the less frightening would be the Federal parks. It would be Performed special research projects uti- it becomes. So, first of all, I’d like to the Federal prisons. It would be the De- lizing the Internet and Bloomberg terminals talk about some words that we use in partment of Energy or Commerce or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.025 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1707 Justice or Education. All those dif- times we lower them—what the experi- The problem is you can’t fix it by ferent government things that we ence of the Federal Government has getting more revenue in. And so what’s spend money on are in this non-de- been is that our revenue kind of comes your alternative? fense. in at this 18 percent average. So you The alternative is the uncomfortable In other words, if you want to bal- say, Well, look. We’ve got way too fact that America cannot continue to ance the budget today, what do you much spending and not enough revenue afford these entitlements. have to do? coming in, and we need an extra $1.5 Now, of course, that’s radioactive to What you’d have to do would be to trillion in revenue, so we’re going to say that politically. I am surprised I cut defense to zero: not one soldier, not just raise taxes about 30 percent. The haven’t been hit by lightning yet. But one rifle left, not one uniform. You cut trouble is, if you do raise the taxes, that is, unfortunately, the pure mathe- that to zero, but that’s not enough. you don’t get more revenue coming in. matics of it. Now, there are some peo- Then you’d cut the rest of the stuff the That’s sort of a weird thing, isn’t it? ple in politics, they like to sugarcoat government is spending money on. Let’s talk about that for just a minute. things and may not tell you absolutely You’d close this building down, the Why would it be that if you raise all the truth, but those are the facts. Capitol. You’d close the Senate and the taxes the government wouldn’t get That’s where we are. House down. You’d close down the Fed- more revenue? Now, how are you going to deal with eral parks. You’d close down all of The reason is, if you tax the economy these things? None of us really know. those different departments, those of to a certain degree, then you start to We have a bunch of ideas. We are strug- Commerce, Justice, Education, Energy, collapse the jobs and the economy. The gling with how you are going to do it, and all those things. You’d close them economy goes south. When it does, it but there are a lot of people that are all down. When those are all zero, you stalls, and you don’t get as much tax dependent on these entitlements. Yet, will have a balanced budget. revenue. Think about it this way. I’d the money is not going to be there. How is that going to work? Not very like to explain it by just having you We can’t keep borrowing money from well. picture yourself, if you will, as being the Chinese to pay for these things be- That’s why I say what we’re dealing king for a year and that your job is to cause sooner or later what’s going to with is a far bigger problem than, I be- try to raise some tax revenue for your happen, the interest rates will go up on lieve, most Americans are aware of. If kingdom. that money, and the whole Nation will you think about that, you ask: How in b 1650 be bankrupt. the world can our government and how And the only thing you can do is to And I don’t quite know what that can America continue when we’re tax a loaf of bread. And so you start would look like. What does it look like doing this? thinking in your mind about this. You if you picture, you get up one morning As I’ve said, I’m a conservative Re- say, well let’s see, in my kingdom they and you find out that the dollar bill publican. These aren’t Republican or eat a lot of bread. So I could just tax a doesn’t work any more? You go to your Democrat numbers. These are just the loaf of bread for just 1 penny a loaf. grocery store and it seems like every- numbers. This is just our country. This Or you could say to yourself, ha, I thing stopped moving. The trucks is a country that we inherited. This is know how to get a lot of taxes. I am aren’t moving and you can’t get food really our country, and these are what going to put a $10 tax on every loaf of for the shelves because the trucks the numbers look like. So this is pretty bread. But you think, yeah, but I bet don’t have gas. The whole thing just frightening. What that means is we’re nobody would buy any bread if we did kind of comes to a stop because the going into debt, deeper and deeper into that. dollar bill, the whole country has gone debt at an incredible rate right now, So your common sense would say bankrupt. trying to do something that mechani- somewhere between a penny and $10 for I don’t know what that looks like. I cally, economically, mathematically that loaf of bread, there is going to be don’t think it’s particularly pretty, but just will not work. That’s the nature of an optimum tax. If you raise it or that’s going to be the picture if we the problem. lower it either way, you won’t get as don’t deal with this problem. So, if anybody has a little bit of much money raised in taxes, and that’s What I am suggesting is that, first sense of intuition, if anybody has a what’s going on here. off, what we have to do, every one of us good American spirit, one of the first You can raise the tax rate, but what as Americans, we have to educate our- things you ask when you see a good happens is people find out ways to selves on the simple facts. You don’t problem is: Oh, how can we fix the avoid it. The economy stalls and so, in have to be a wizard on the budget or problem? Because this is something all fact, your revenue starts to fall off, and economics; all you have to realize is of us have to deal with. Let’s take a you don’t get any more money in. Of that the entitlements are using up all look at what the possibilities are. course, the problem is your spending is of the tax revenues. That’s a problem. The real possibilities remind me a still going like mad. Plus the entitlements are also growing, little bit of all of these kinds of funny So the solution to this problem isn’t and you don’t really have flexibility to weight-watching programs that are out even as easy as trying to lose weight. raise the taxes too much more. there. I always think it’s sort of inter- You really don’t have two alternatives. Let’s take a look at the problem a esting when people say they’re going to What you have is really one alter- little bit more closely. This is a picture go on a low-carb diet or this diet or native, and that alternative is you of what’s going on relative to the na- that diet or something. When you come have got to get these entitlements tional defense. I am on the Armed to be a little bit older, such as I am, under control. Services Committee. We have spent 10 you’re really faced with two realities. Now, the fact of the matter is that years, all kinds of hearings, listening You either get more exercise or you even if you look at a snapshot of this to what the Russians do, what the Chi- don’t eat so much. It’s about that sim- year, you have to get the entitlements nese are doing, what the different ple. You don’t have to have a lot of under control, but particularly this threats are, and also understanding the fancy dietary programs. graph shows that the entitlements logic of why America has a strong na- This situation suggests that it’s kind here, these are just three of them, the tional defense, why that buys us a of simple. It’s either don’t spend as big ones, Medicaid, Medicare, Social great deal. much money or tax everybody a whole Security, that these entitlements are You might ask yourself why in the lot more. The trouble is, in this situa- growing rapidly over time. world do we have nuclear aircraft car- tion, the ‘‘tax everybody a whole lot So even if we went to the scenario up riers. What exactly do they do, because more’’ doesn’t really work. Let me ex- here, and we got rid of defense and non- other countries that are allies of ours, plain why it doesn’t. We’ll take a look defense spending, and we balance the they don’t have ships like that. Why at another chart. budget with the government spending would we? Well, the reason is because if What happens to our economy is that nothing, except just entitlements, even you think about America and the globe we have these different taxes that we if we did that, in a couple of years you find that America is sitting there run. In spite of all the different taxes— these entitlements are going to eat our a little bit to a degree by itself, a little sometimes we raise them and some- lunch. bit of an island. And our two main

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.096 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 trading partners, which is Europe and If the loaf of bread is overtaxed, peo- you want jobs, you’ve got to have em- all the way around to China and Japan ple won’t buy much of it, and you ployers. If you tax small business into and India, those trading partners are a won’t get that much tax. If you put a the dirt, you won’t have as many jobs. considerable distance around the thousand-dollar tax on a loaf of bread, And so you can’t have it both ways. If world. nobody would buy any. Golly, you have you want to allow small business own- And it is in our interest because of got nice, high taxes. Should you have a ers to keep enough money that they all of the things that we buy that are lot of money coming in? No, because it can invest in their business, you can’t traded that we protect those trade doesn’t make sense. That’s what this tax them very, very heavily. routes from some hegemon that might chart is showing: That as the taxes ac- And so the deal was here, you change want to cause trouble. So we have tually come down, you actually get capital gains, dividends and death things like our Navy and our nuclear- more revenue with the government. taxes. That freed money up for small powered aircraft carriers so that we Has this actually been proven to hap- businesses to invest. Now look what can go to the other side of the world pen? Yes, historically it has. There are happened. This is the GDP, or the and conduct operations and not to several times when it did. growth of our economy. Here’s the tax worry about fueling these things up. And those times were, first of all, cut. These average about 1.1 percent of That’s the reason why we have a lot of when JFK inherited not a very good GDP. And then here after that tax cut, national defense. This started a long economy, I mention this because JFK this thing averages 3.5 percent. This, time ago, and you can see this blue line was obviously a Democrat, a Democrat then, is the result of generating a lot here talks about our defense and President. He understood these prin- more money for the Federal Govern- what’s going on with defense spending, ciples, and when the economy was bad, ment. and then what’s going on with entitle- what JFK did was he decided to cut So when business is doing well and ments. taxes. when people are being employed, when You see entitlements back here in Now, doesn’t that seem like an odd people have good job markets and the 1965, this is just Medicare, Medicaid, thing? The economy is bad. The gov- economy is strong, not only do indi- and Social Security. This chart says ernment needs more money, and yet he vidual citizens prosper, the Federal it’s 2.5 percent of GDP. You see defense cuts taxes. What an odd thing to do. Government prospers. It gets more is much, much higher, it’s jumped up Yet it certainly worked. It worked money. So let’s take a look at this to above 9 here. beautifully. question. And we’re going to look at So how did it work? But then over time these entitle- this exact same graph. This is May of Well, over a period of time by putting ments are going up. That 9.9 percent is 2003 when those tax cuts went into more money back in the economy, the place; they were called the Bush tax low because it doesn’t add all of the en- people that were small business owners titlements. That’s just three of the big cuts, as you recall. took the money, invested in their busi- Here’s the chart on employment, job entitlements, and defense spending is nesses, and they built warehouses, new creation, before and after tax relief. going down. So people that say, well, machines, new technology, new re- You see here, these lines, anything aren’t you open-minded, shouldn’t we search to develop better products. going down means we lost jobs, and so be cutting defense and cutting other As their businesses grew, they hired you’re seeing we’re losing a lot of jobs things as well? more people. And as they hired more in the front end when we were in the The answer is no, not really. Because people the government got more tax recession. Then as we did some tax cuts you see any freedom that you enjoy in revenue. The economy got better and in here, it helped a little bit. But still this country isn’t worth anything if we better, and as the economy got better when we do this tax cut, take a look at are being attacked by an enemy and they made more money. So the result how things turn around; and this is the there are bombs falling and there is was, by actually cutting taxes, particu- average loss of 100,000 jobs per month, chaos all around us. Our national de- larly cutting taxes in certain ways, this is a gain of 168,000 jobs a month fense provides us with what we enjoy in that is you cut taxes on the people that after this tax cut goes into place. a peaceful and decent world to live in. own the businesses, when you do that, So, you can see where I’m going. I’m As you see, the defense budget is you can actually pick an economy up starting to get to a solution to this going down and yet the entitlements and get it going so you get more rev- problem, and there are really two are going up. So this gives you a sense, enue coming in. pieces of solution. And so let’s take a again, that you can’t fix this by cut- b 1700 look at the final chart here. This is ting defense. You could cut defense to government revenues. Again, May of zero and you still are not going to deal What we’re getting at is the part of 2003: Capital gains, dividends and death with the problem here. the solution to the problem that we tax. So this tax goes into place. Here is another way of saying that talked about in the very beginning. This is the Federal revenues coming you can’t really fix the problem by And the solution is two-fold. The first down here from 2 trillion down to 1.9 raising taxes. This is a curve of the is fairly obvious: We have to cut spend- down to 1.8. Revenues are going down. very highest marginal income rate, ing. And particularly we must cut The country is in a recession. We do back here in 1960. If you were very these entitlements in some way. The the tax cuts. And take a look at gov- well-to-do, your tax rate is 90 percent. second thing, though, is that you don’t ernment revenue. Government revenue So if you earn $1, you give 90 cents to have to cut them entirely. What you takes off. Because the economy is the government. can do probably is also to some degree starting to strengthen now, so are the Well, you can imagine the people grow your way out of the problem. revenues for the Federal Government, 4 that are making a whole, whole lot of In May of 2003—George Bush had been straight years of increases right after money aren’t dumb enough to give 90 elected in 2001, the same time I was the tax cut. What an odd thing. You cents out of a dollar away. So what elected—and when we came in, there might not have expected that. they find a way to do is move to an- was a recession going on. You can see What does that say then about our other country, or they find different that reflected in some of these graphs. problem overall? Coming back to our tax shelters and things to avoid paying This is the time period of 2001 on up to first chart here then, the problem is this. But, anyway, you have this very about 2006. This chart is a little bit old, that the entitlements are eating our high tax rate here on the people that but it makes an interesting point. And lunch. Entitlements are taking every- are very well-to-do. so this is the gross domestic product thing that the Federal Government These lines show how much revenue before and after tax relief. The tax re- has. comes into the Federal Government. lief is this vertical line right here. This And so the solution is what? Well, You see, as this highest tax rate is de- was not a particularly popular tax. It it’s two-fold. First of all, we’re going to creased, that’s the red line, what you was a tax relief to get rid of capital have to reduce the amount of spending see is that actually the revenue that gains, dividends and get rid of the here, reduce spending anywhere we the government is collecting goes up. death tax. can, for that matter, particularly in This is reflecting that same idea that People say, well, those are taxes that this sector, because a lot of the spend- we talked about, the loaf of bread. favor the rich. Well, the problem is, if ing over here creates a tremendous

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.098 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1709 amount of red tape and regulations for Federal Government, we’re supposed to in the Civil War. After 4 years, Abra- businesses. If we can reduce the red provide for the common defense. First ham Lincoln writes his second inau- tape and regulations on businesses, if of all, the job of the Federal Govern- gural address, and he references the we can also cut taxes on businesses in ment is to protect our country. Any fact this war is more miserable, there certain specific ways, you can start to other rights you have mean nothing if has been more suffering, and it has get this economy growing again. you’re being bombed and people are at- been much, much worse than anybody And if you do that, then what starts tacking your shorelines. imagined it would be. to happen is instead of having 2.2 tril- The main job of the Federal Govern- So what’s the point? The point was lion in terms of receipts from the Fed- ment is to provide for the national de- that there is this gorilla in the room eral Government, they will start to go fense. A lot of these other things, they that the leadership failed to deal with, up. We will get more tax revenues so might be nice. They’re probably, even and the results were absolutely hor- we have less debt, and so we both re- though they’ve been around for genera- rible. Statistics don’t touch your duce here, but we also grow our way tions, not constitutional because heart, but statistics also are helpful to out of the problem. they’re not specifically enumerated know. Six hundred thousand Ameri- And so that’s the general strategy powers of the Federal Government. cans died in the battles of the Civil that I think most any economist would And what we’re seeing happening, what War. That is more than all of the say that you’re going to have to do was a safety net has become a way of Americans killed in all the wars of our faced with the problems. Now, of life for huge blocks of our citizens. past other than the Civil War. course, there’s a whole lot of politics, And we’re getting to the point where, But the stories that come from that as you can imagine, that’s involved in in fact, we are and have arrived at the war are even more compelling. I recall these questions and these issues. point where the numbers don’t work. one that every time I think of it, it The politics are, the main political America’s solvency, everything you puts a face on the Civil War. There was a Northern unit that was trying to questions would be, first of all, what and I think of as America, is up for take a position occupied on some high- should the Federal Government do? Is grabs. This is a very, very sober mo- er ground by a Southern unit. The it really the job of the Federal Govern- ment for our country. Northern unit seemed like they had the ment to get involved in education per I would ask you to, if you will, just South just wavering. They were about se? Or is that something that should be pretend in your mind, pretend that you to be able to take the hill, and there done at the local level? Is it really the were a Congressman or a Senator in was a young officer at the top of the Federal Government’s job to get in- the year 1850. In the year 1850, you hill who would reappear, almost not volved in flood insurance? Is the Fed- might recall, there was this 10,000- worried about his own safety. He would eral Government to be involved in pro- pound gorilla in the tent. People politi- reposition his Southern troops, and viding loans to people? Is that really cally didn’t quite know what to do they would settle down and fight the the job of the Federal Government? with it. It was called the issue of slav- North back. They fought back and What really is the job of the Federal ery. And the way politics was working, Government? That is the biggest polit- forth a number of times until the offi- you had the Southern guys and the cer of the Northern unit remembered ical question here and what we argue Northern guys, and so the power was about quite a lot, and with good rea- he had an older man who was an excel- somewhat divided, and the people that lent shot with a rifle. He said: There is son, because that is the big question. were Congressmen and Senators didn’t As you recall, there was a nation a young officer up there that is really know what to do with this huge gorilla the one who is holding this hill, and I that believed that the job of their fed- which we call slavery. They didn’t eral government was to provide you want you to use your great marksman- know what to do with the issue, so ship ability, and I want you to take with a good education, to provide you they sort of tried to step around it the with health care, to provide you with a that officer out. best they could politically. And they So the next time that young officer home and some food, provide you with said, well, we’ll let one State come into showed himself, this crack marksman a job and a future. It was the federal the Union, and it will be a free State, shot him. And the young officer, the government’s job to do those things. and then we’ll let another one come in, Southern officer, dropped dead on the And that particular nation went into and it will be a slave State. They tried spot. The Northern troops moved up the dustbin of history. to make a compromise instead of deal- and by the time they took the position, And we thought, as the Soviet Union ing head-on with a massive problem the marksman went over to see who he collapsed, oh, that will never work. that they had. shot. He realized he had shot his own That’s communism. Communism son. He was so distraught that he just doesn’t work very well. Socialism b 1710 stood up and ran across the field where In 1852, there was a book, ‘‘Uncle doesn’t work very well. And yet, here, the Southern army was shooting, and Tom’s Cabin,’’ and it increased the years later, in America, we’re thinking he was killed by rifle fire. the Federal Government should be pro- rhetoric and the tension of the slavery That is a little personal tragedy. The viding health care, the Federal Govern- issue. So the issue of the gorilla was Civil War was full of those. But they ment should be providing housing, the now glowing, and he is there and he is are full of them because there was a Federal Government should be pro- threatening. By 1857, the terrible deci- leadership failure to deal with the cri- viding food, the Federal Government sion from the Supreme Court, the Su- sis that America had to deal with, and should make sure that you have a job, preme Court again decided to act like they didn’t do it, for whatever reason. the Federal Government should be legislators. Instead of just interpreting Today, we also have a crisis that is doing this and that and the other the law, they decided to create law. right here in front of us. And as Ameri- thing. And so we’re wondering why They decided in Dred Scott that Dred cans start to understand where we are we’re starting to get in trouble. Scott was not really a person, he had with the budget, we also have to deal Now that’s a debate. What should the to go back to slavery, et cetera, he was with this thing. The face on our entire Federal Government be doing? Should property. They made other decisions economic system collapsing could be it be doing all these entitlements? that the Congress couldn’t decide very ugly indeed. Well, if you go to the U.S. Constitu- whether new States coming in were And so my point of being here on the tion, you would find out, well, no, in slave or free. So now this whole great floor today is not to be particularly fact, a lot of these things are unconsti- big slavery gorilla was really ready to partisan, but simply to acknowledge tutional. The Constitution says that storm out and cause trouble. that the numbers don’t work. Now I the only things the Federal Govern- President Lincoln, the first Repub- have to be somewhat partisan because ment can do are the things which are lican President, is elected. The South our President submitted the 2012 budg- specifically enumerated. Well, what’s knows he is against slavery. He gets on et. The 2012 budget is irresponsible be- one of the main ones enumerated? the train, and he hasn’t even gotten cause it refuses to deal with these Well, you don’t have to read past the, here to Washington, D.C., and the mathematics. It pretends that it is a not only the first page, it’s in the first Southern States start to secede. Amer- budget but it never deals with entitle- paragraph, it’s in the Preamble. As a ica, like a train going off a cliff, starts ments, for whatever particular reason,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.101 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 and tries to kick the can down the very flat and cold. The idea would be the stuff down into sort of a primitive road, pretending that the gorilla is not you could bring drilling rigs when it is asphalt. They’ve then taken the as- there. That we cannot do. frozen solid, drill down there and pull phalt, mixed it with gravel and used it The fact is that we are overspending. them out before it is thawed. You have to asphalt some roads. You may think, We are overspending at a horrendous a pipe, and you would pump the oil out that must be a smelly road, but it’s rate, and something has to be done. So of that area. And you could pull the not. It doesn’t have the smell anymore America now faces a great challenge in pipes out later after the oil is tapped because of the temperature and the the next couple of years as to how are out. Why are we not drilling? changes chemically. So now they’re we going to deal with this problem. Why is it, on our Continental Shelf, testing out a section of highway that’s As I said before, the solutions are not foreign nations are coming onto our been made with pig manure. He has simple. In fact, the solutions are sim- Continental Shelf and drilling for oil this thing designed so that it’s not that ple, they are just not easy. I think and we are not? That just doesn’t make big a unit so you could put different Ronald Reagan said that. The solution sense. ones of these units in areas where there is simple, but it is not easy. The simple So there are some policies that kind are pig farms and they could bring over part is we have to cut the spending. of come over in this area where Amer- their pig manure and get paid for it The simple part is we need to grow the ica can do some things to get our econ- and still make a profit on selling the revenues of the government by getting omy back in shape. We can cut a lot of asphalt. the economy and the jobs going. We the ridiculous regulations that come That’s the kind of thing that makes know how to do that. We have to cut from places like the EPA. America. That’s the kind of thing that the redtape. We have to cut taxes on There was an award that we pre- has made America such a special place. small business owners, and we have to sented last week here on the floor. I It’s called freedom. It’s called free en- try to make sure that the liquidity is think was called the Golden Turkey terprise. It’s called innovation. It’s available to small business owners Award for the fact that the EPA de- talking about somebody that has a through the banks. And then we have cided that milk, because it contained dream in their heart, and they’re will- to stop the era of uncertainty so the oil or fat or whatever it was, had to be ing to take a risk and to try to do businessman feels like the economy treated like an oil spill. And so farmers something that no one’s ever done be- has settled down and they can actually had to put containment around their fore. They hear people say, you can’t make some investments. Those are the dairy barns instead of having a few do that and you can’t do that, and the things you do to get jobs going. We cats to lick up the milk that was spilt. American in them comes out and the know it is fairly simple what it takes I guess it is a sort of cry over spilt American says, ‘‘Ain’t no such word as to get jobs because we know employers milk type situation. But talk about ‘I can’t.’ ’’ And so they go forward. make jobs, and that means businesses overregulation, my goodness. America has been built that way. have to be healthy and we have to do Another part of EPA was a decision This great nation was built that way, the things so they are not red-taped now that we cannot, if you are a farm- by all these people that had some crazy out of existence. We have to allow er, have any rogue dust. Well, what dream that became a vague possibility, them to be competitive with businesses would rogue dust be? That would be if and then a possibility, and then it ac- overseas. I would stack up Americans you are plowing a field, if any dust tually happened. America was built one competition-wise with any foreign comes off your field, that would be ter- dream at a time. A beautiful country. country as long as we don’t burden rible. So the EPA is very concerned But a country now that because of gov- them down with too many taxes and about rogue dust. They haven’t been to ernment irresponsibility is in a crisis redtape and uncertainties and things, my good State of Missouri and seen, state and something that we all have and scare all the jobs overseas. So it is when you are harvesting corn in the to deal with. simple, but it is not easy. fall and that stuff has got all kinds of Some of us that hold elective office, Also, cutting the tremendous level of dust that the rain has deposited on it. we travel around. We talk to our con- entitlement spending. You can see you And, boy, when that machine goes by, stituents. We talk to people in dif- have to do it. You just can’t not do it. it is a cloud of dust. Still the corn is ferent States, but our own particu- But how do you do it? That is not easy. good, and it feeds a lot of cattle. What larly, and there’s a perception out That is where we are. But we cannot would you do with all of that rogue there that we can solve this problem by continue to ignore the gorilla that is in dust? Somehow that just seems a little taking out a line in the budget that’s the tent. If we do that, we threaten all absurd to me. So we have to get rid of called waste, fraud and abuse. Now, kinds of very serious problems in our all this redtape and ridiculous kinds of we’ve never found that line. It’s like a economy. things and let good old American inno- fat marbleized in meat. It’s all over the The other different pieces that have vation go. place. We try to get at that and get rid to go into place—we have to stop all of On the subject of innovation, that is of waste, fraud and abuse. But you’re the regulations that make it so we what free enterprise is all about. That not going to fix this problem by fixing can’t drill for oil. We have a Federal is what we are pretty good at. There is waste, fraud and abuse. You’re not Government now that ever since the oil guy in my district that I am just so going to fix this problem by more effi- spill has shut down drilling for oil. I proud of. His name is Kent Schien. He ciency. You’re not going to fix this guess they have got one well working. has a company called Innoventor. One problem by saying we’re not going to You have chaos in the Middle East, and of the things that he started playing send any more money to foreign coun- we are dependent on foreign oil, which with is something that some of us who tries. You’re not going to fix this prob- we shouldn’t be because we have a lot grew up a little closer to town try to lem by trimming a little bit here and of oil in America. We have great nat- avoid at all cost. We try to avoid it at there. This is a massive problem, and ural gas resources that we just discov- a distance. It is called pig manure. it’s going to require a rework of the en- ered, all kinds of coal to last us for tire way that we’re spending money in hundreds of years. We have the re- b 1720 the Federal Government. That doesn’t sources in America, but we are not de- It has its own special smell. Some mean that it can’t be fixed. veloping them. We don’t have drilling people can take it and some people I recall Ronald Reagan. It seemed rigs going out and drilling where we have trouble with it. He thought, well, like things were kind of in rough shape know there is oil. Those drilling rigs maybe if we could find something good when he took over as President. But he are silent. Why? Well, because there is to do with this pig manure, we’d really had that can-do attitude, his little an environmental lawsuit on almost have something. As you can tell, he’s a twinkling sets of wit. He would kind of every promising well—the big, heavy guy with a lot of imagination. cheer America along and he put us on wells that could really bring in oil. Or, So what did he do? Well, he gets this the right path, got the economy going if it’s not that, there are regulations pig manure. He puts it in a big kettle. and basically won the Cold War. He was that say you can’t drill. There is an He puts it under pressure and tempera- a great man, a great leader, that God area in Alaska called ANWR. It is basi- ture and works something like a petro- brought to our Nation at a critical cally like Oklahoma only frozen. It is leum cracking process until he breaks time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.102 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1711 I think we need to be praying now for where we can trade back and forth nose, 80-something years old, which of great leaders in America, people who across the oceans of the world. course was very old in those days, understand the problem, are not going And so there’s not going to be a lot stood to address George Washington. to turn their tail and run away from it; here to be able to solve this problem. He said: I have lived through a long they’re not going to pretend it doesn’t We can spend this money more effi- time, and the longer I have lived, the exist but take it straight on, because I ciently probably, but we’re not going more convincing proofs I see of this believe the American public, when they to be able to cut a whole lot there. The truth, that God governs in the affairs understand the nature of what we’re solution to this is, once again, pretty of men. And if it’s possible that a spar- dealing with here, I think they’re will- straightforward: We have to cut par- row cannot fall to the ground without ing to roll their sleeves up and say, ticularly the amount of spending we’re His notice, is it probable that a nation Let’s do what Americans have always doing on entitlements, and particularly can rise without His aid? done so well. Let’s just move forward we have to reduce the growth where Then he goes on to say that in the re- and solve this problem. Let’s figure out the entitlements, as the years go out, cent war we saw frequent instances of what each of us has to do, what’s rea- are going to become more difficult. God’s superintending Providence. And sonable, and let’s move forward and get This growth is induced because of the he closed by saying: We need to be in this thing done. fact that the population is getting prayer as a Constitutional Congress It was my father’s generation. My fa- older and the older people are taking here as we look at adopting the new ther served with General Patton, and up more of these entitlement pro- U.S. Constitution. there was that phrase, everybody did grams, so it becomes more expensive. Well, Washington called the first day their bit. That was kind of the speak of So people like me, I’m a baby boom- of Thanksgiving as America adopted the day. We, likewise, are challenged er, as the baby boomers get older, then the U.S. Constitution, but that tradi- now that we have to do our bit. We they’re going to get onto these pro- tion that when we got in a jam that we have to be making the wise decisions grams. It’s going to cost a lot more, looked to God continued. General Ei- to put our business and industry back and there’s not as many younger work- senhower, recognizing that trend, de- in place. ers to be able to pay. That’s part of cided to add it to our Pledge of Alle- Now, that’s very controversial. You why this gets high. We have to be able giance. And so it was that he added might be surprised here on the floor of to bring that curve down, and we have words that came from Lincoln, from the U.S. Congress—you wouldn’t be to cut the level of spending in that his Gettysburg address, the words ‘‘one surprised if I said Republicans and area. nation under God.’’ Democrats are pretty polarized on the So we have to do the cutting on the abortion issue, and they are. But you one hand, and the other thing is we b 1730 might be surprised to know that in have to grow the economy. We know And so Eisenhower, on just the front terms of voting, Republicans and how to do it. It’s been done by other steps behind me of this Capitol, recited Democrats are more polarized on the Presidents. We understand the econom- for the first time the new pledge, which energy issue than they are on the abor- ics of it. But it’s just a big challenge. included ‘‘one nation under God, indi- tion issue. But I believe that the fact The sooner that Americans across the visible.’’ that the foreign oil is starting to be- board understand what we’re dealing And so as we approach this crisis in come very expensive and more scarce is with, say, ‘‘Okay, let’s roll up our our history, I have faith, faith in the going to tip the balance of that argu- sleeves. Let’s get to work on this American people that we will take a ment. And I believe that America is thing,’’ I have tremendous confidence. look at the problem, that we will solve going to start developing our own sup- Americans in the past have always it, we will do the right thing, and that plies of energy, and I think that’s the rolled up into challenges. They’ve done we will recognize that the problem is way we have to go. I think we have to well, and we’ve gotten through many bigger than we are, and that we will get rid of the redtape and the ridicu- things. have the wisdom to also ask God’s lous regulations like rogue dust and I think the way we’ll get through blessing on our efforts, and that by His spilled milk in the dairy barn and them, also, is something we can learn help we will be able to overcome and things like that that just don’t make from the past. That was what the Pil- put America back on a more solid fis- any sense. There’s a Clean Water Act, grims did when the Pilgrims first land- cal footing. also, that has incredible kinds of regu- ed. They had a dream of creating a na- I thank you for allowing me to do, I lations and things that don’t make any tion that was designed in an entirely suppose you’d call it, a 30,000-foot view sense at all from an engineering point different way than the European coun- of the budget, not a lot of details, but of view. tries. They arrived here, and in the the big picture, a very sober, a very se- We have to look at those things. first couple of months half of them rious big picture, one that we all have We’re going to have to trim out some died. The Mayflower, in the time spring to think about, we all have to become of those things in this budget in order came around, up anchor, was headed engaged in and take part in. to create that environment, a good, back to England. The captain said, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for your in- strong environment for business. But Come back to England with me, but 50 dulgence. I thank you for your atten- we’re going to also have to look at this Pilgrims said—52 or 53—said, No, we tion and the attention of my colleagues spending. We’re going to have to figure felt like God called us to this country and friends. God bless you all and God out ways to reduce that spending. to do something new and different and bless America. As a member of the Armed Services unique, and they stayed, and that f Committee, and actually I’m a chair- dream started the great American man of the subcommittee that deals Dream. A TRIBUTE TO PUBLIC with the Navy, the Marine Corps and Later on, 160-some years later, there EMPLOYEES projection forces—that would be things was a general by the name of General The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under like bombers and long range—we real- Washington at Valley Forge. He also the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ize that there is not a whole lot we was forced to his knees looking to God uary 5, 2011, the gentlewoman from the dare to cut here because of the various for help in America’s time of crisis. He District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) is other nations and the rate that they’re saw the answer to his prayers. In fact, recognized for 60 minutes as the des- spending on defense and the threat there was this old guy with bifocal ignee of the minority leader. they could be to our country. This spectacles when the first Constitution Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to money is not always spent as wisely as was going to be ratified that talked lead a Special Order this evening in it should be, but, again, the Navy right about those days when George Wash- tribute to public employees every- now, the American Navy, has the same ington ran the army. He rose to speak where, and especially our Federal em- number of ships as we had in the year because the politicians were dis- ployees here in the United States, 85 1916. That’s not enough ships to do agreeing with each other at the Con- percent of whom do not work in Wash- what we need to do in order to try to stitutional Convention, and old Ben ington. I hope that my colleagues and create a peaceful and free trade area Franklin with his glasses down on his I will be able to offer some little

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.104 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 known facts about Federal employees chair and once the vice chair of the The turnaround in Wisconsin I think today so that the word ‘‘Federal em- Safety Committee. He is on a team tells us where the country is headed ployee’’ gets a face and you know who that has designed ways to keep trans- when they see the overreaching here in it is we’re talking about. portation security officers up to date Washington and when they see the Today I introduced a resolution sup- on techniques for identifying weapons overreaching at the State level. porting the right of all workers to bar- and prohibited items through x-ray The Wisconsin results are just as- gain collectively, public and private machines. He served on the Emergency tounding. They fly in the face of every- workers. I’m grateful that Representa- Readiness Team—that’s a team that thing Walker was doing. They are the tive DONNA EDWARDS cosponsored this deploys within 24 hours in the event of classic backlash to overreach. The resolution with me and invite others to an emergency or national disaster. An- State’s population now believes that cosponsor the resolution. The resolu- thony Hutchinson is a Federal em- Walker should reverse course and raise tion reminds us of what our grand- ployee. taxes on those making $150,000 a year. fathers and our forefathers would have When you speak of Federal employ- That’s by a 72 percent to 27 percent told us, that for a long time there was ees, it seems to me we owe them at margin. a fight waged after it became clear least the courtesy of recognizing them There you have it. A kind of incu- that individual workers standing alone for what they do for the American peo- bator in one State that I think, writ have little or no bargaining power ple. But you would not have understood large, tells us where the country stands against some employer that they hope that if you have been watching over when it comes to public employees. the last few weeks the episodes in Wis- will hire them or in whose employ they Now, the national poll found, not un- consin. These were shocking. And find themselves. Thus rose, and finally expectedly, that 71 percent of Demo- many I think thought, well, maybe it was legalized as the National Labor Re- crats opposed weakening collective has come to this. Unions aren’t very lations Act, the right of workers to bargaining rights. But there was also popular and maybe people are ready to form unions. almost as strong opposition from Inde- bash unions in just this way. But look In no free society in the world is the pendents—71 percent Democrats, 62 right to bargain collectively barred. what the polls are showing us. The polls show, following Wisconsin, percent of Independents. And only a That right has been under attack for bare margin of Republicans were for decades, and the decline of unions in when there have been national polls about the standing of public employees weakening collective bargaining the United States is directly attrib- rights. utable to the difficulty in organizing and public employee unions, that We know that when it came to Walk- workers today because the National Americans oppose weakening the bar- er, there was no doubt what he was Labor Relations Act is a figment of an- gaining rights of public employee after, because the unions, seeing that other century. unions by a huge margin, by a margin the State was indeed in trouble, had a I think we will see in some of the sta- of 2–1, 60 percent to 33 percent. Only a huge deficit, gave him what he desired tistics coming out of Wisconsin and out slim majority, just a slim majority of in savings. And still he would not com- of the country at large that the decline Republicans favored taking away bar- promise. He held his ground, and in of unions today does not mean that gaining rights. It’s as if Americans un- holding his ground, appears to have unions are not prized institutions in derstand a right when they see one. lost his State. our country, and I will have some sta- Now, bargaining rights are not like tistics that show that. the rights of freedom of religion or This is a turning point moment for What I think most Americans recog- freedom of speech. the country. This is a moment that is nize is that they owe to the American b 1740 sorting out those who linger on the ex- trade union movement much that they treme from those who have fought to But they’re right up there on my list find their way to the mainstream. And take for granted today, even if you are of six or seven rights that Americans not a member of a union movement. Wisconsin is a harbinger of what over- believe, once you get, you are entitled reach will reap here in the House of Unions could have been content to bar- to because you have gotten them demo- gain at the table for health and safety Representatives as polls in Wisconsin cratically. You had to go worker by show it has already done there. conditions, for a 40-hour week and the worker. You had to organize. And it Look what we have here. The Presi- rest of it. Instead, they led the country looks as though there has been a hor- dent already announced a freeze, a 5- in making laws that require a 40-hour rific backlash from Wisconsin. workweek, child labor laws, require Indeed, now Americans, when asked year spending freeze, on Federal em- health and safety conditions, require how they would choose to reduce their ployees in the State of the Union. They overtime pay, and encourage health in- own State deficits, having watched didn’t like that. But that seems to surance and pension insurance. Those Wisconsin, say they prefer tax in- have whet the appetite of Republicans matters which began at the bargaining creases over benefit cuts for State for more and even more. table now many Americans enjoy, and workers by a margin of 2-to-1. That is They come to the floor with bills yet we have seen targets especially what Wisconsin has given the country. that would furlough Federal workers placed on the backs of public employ- It has laid bare what a frontal attack for the 2 weeks, would impose an addi- ees. on a basic right means. And what it tional 1-year pay freeze, and cut 200,000 I’d like to open by giving you an idea means is Americans are not for it. Federal jobs. There’s another bill that of who a public employee is by speak- We saw what happened in Wisconsin would limit the ability of Federal ing of a public employee in my own dis- overnight, that through the tricks of workers to bargain collectively. trict, the District of Columbia. I don’t parliamentary maneuvers they were The bills just roll out of Repub- know Anthony Hutchinson, but I’ve able to, in fact, weaken the bargaining licans—a freeze, a cut in the Federal heard about him. He is an example of rights of Wisconsin workers. There is workforce by 15 percent. Don’t you an exceptional Federal employee, I un- going to be a price to pay in Wisconsin, think somebody would want to look derstand. He is a husband and a father I believe, and I’m going to point to and see who the workers are before of two. He lives on Savannah Street in why. coming up with a number like that? southeast Washington. He is a trans- The present Governor of Wisconsin Cutting agency funding to 2008 levels in portation security officer, and he has came in with a six-point margin of vic- 2012, as H.R. 1 does, and then to 2006 worked at the Ronald Reagan National tory. His polls show seven points be- levels for the next 9 years. That would Airport for the last 6 years. He is also hind now. Forty-five percent strongly reduce most agency budgets by 40 per- a member and shop steward of his approve of his performance. The man cent. union, which in this case happens to be has only been in office a little more I see that my good friend who has the National Treasury Employees than 3 months. Public employees’ also cosponsored the resolution paying Union. He has been named the Trans- unions, including teachers’ unions in tribute to America’s public and Federal portation Security Officer of the Year. Wisconsin, now have favorable, posi- employees has come to the floor, and I He has received outstanding ratings tive ratings, 16 points higher than am pleased to grant her such time as from his employer. He was once the Walker’s ratings. she may desire.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.106 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1713 Ms. EDWARDS. I want to thank the Kennedy gave to them to explore space, paring comparable workforces. The pri- gentlewoman from the District of Co- to discover that new frontier, who have vate sector has categories we don’t lumbia. been at the cutting edge of all kinds of even have here like cooks and manu- Mr. Speaker, I’m here today because research that benefit us in every capac- facturing workers. I’m here on behalf of and with the ity. I like to say to people it was actu- So these comparisons that you speak 150,000 Federal workers who live in the ally a Federal worker and the Federal of, I say to the gentlelady, could not be Fourth Congressional District in Mary- workforce that figured out through more important to distinguish. We are land. But in our region, in our metro- technology and experimentation that talking about the highest level work- politan region, we know that there are they could create materials that would force in the United States of America. some 700,000 Federal workers just in lead to the creation of air bags and And I will say to the gentlelady, I the Washington metropolitan region seat belts in our space program. And learned as well that there are far fewer who do so much to protect this coun- those are the same air bags that I of them than when I was a child. In try, to keep our neighborhoods, our know saved my life one time when I 1953, there was one Federal worker for communities safe, to keep our food was in a car accident, and have saved every 78 residents. Today, there is one safe, to make sure that we know what many lives all across this country. for every 147. How did you go from one the weather is; 2.7 to 2.8 million Fed- Well, that’s the product of what hap- Federal worker for every 78 residents eral workers all around the country pens when you make an investment in to one for every 147 residents? Produc- and around the globe. That means that our Federal workforce. tivity. This is a knowledge workforce. they’re not all here in Washington. So It’s a Federal worker who works at It is a workforce to die for. I’m always troubled when I hear people Andrews Air Force Base in my congres- I yield to the gentlelady from Mary- who, for the last couple of decades, sional district looking out for the pro- land. have just gone on an all-out attack tection of the President and for dip- Ms. EDWARDS. I want to thank the against the great work of Federal lomats who fly in and out of Andrews, gentlelady, because I think it’s really workers. making sure that we safeguard the pro- important for us to understand really And I would say to the gentlewoman tected space in this capital region, who is the Federal worker. You know, from the District of Columbia, I know making sure that we have an Air Force what is it that they do? And as the gen- a little bit of something about Federal and personnel who are deployed to as tlelady has pointed out, our food is safe workers. I grew up in a household with far away places as Afghanistan and because of Federal workers. The drugs two Federal workers. My mother and Iraq looking out for improvised explo- that we take, whether they come over my father both worked for the Federal sive devices, training some of our great the counter or they’re prescription Government. In fact, it was working other servicemembers, those German drugs, they’re safe because of a Federal for the Federal Government that really shepherds and other service dogs that worker. When that prediction is com- helped them become a part of the mid- we see. It’s the Federal workforce ing through for severe weather that dle class in this country. It was the that’s doing those things. hits the middle of our country in the work that they did as Federal workers So I am often shocked, Mr. Speaker, most oppressive way, it’s a Federal that saved taxpayers lots of money. It when I hear people targeting the Fed- worker who analyzes that data and was the work that my father did in uni- eral workforce. Let’s just be clear, Fed- works really hard and really quickly to form in this country protecting and eral workers have actually absorbed get that information out to the public. honoring all of us by his service. and been willing to absorb and to take, Federal workers also work in some of And so there’s such a wide range of not liking it, as the gentlewoman from the most dangerous fields, in addition the Federal workforce, and yet some the District of Columbia points out, a to being some of the most skilled fields who want to go after Federal workers— freeze that’s been placed on their in this country. You mentioned the and I say ‘‘go after,’’ and I mean that wages, but they continue to serve. It’s work, the gentlelady did, the work of very directly—do it without actually the Federal worker, Mr. Speaker, who our nuclear scientists that Federal knowing what it is that Federal work- makes sure that that Social Security workers do, in our laboratories all ers do. check and that disability claim and across this country, not just in Wash- Well, I want to tell you about some those veterans services are provided ington, D.C., in States like Colorado of the Federal workers in my congres- not just in the Fourth Congressional and California and New Mexico, some sional district. They are workers who District in Maryland, but all across of the highest level of scientific work work at the Food and Drug Adminis- this country. that’s going on in the country. tration. They’re doing some of the So when I think about the range of So we have a skilled Federal work- most cutting-edge research that is out things that Federal workers do that no force. And, you know, I was really there. They are looking to make sure one else does, it’s really extraordinary. shocked about this story that we have that our—that the food and the drugs People try to compare, the gentle- heard evolving in Wisconsin and the that are in our marketplace are safe woman knows this, try to compare struggle of Wisconsin workers for col- for children and families and con- wages and salaries to wages and sala- lective bargaining rights that indeed sumers. ries in the private sector; but it’s not a on the committee on which we serve in I want to talk about the Federal direct match. I mean, imagine, if you Transportation, just a couple of weeks workers at the National Oceanic and would, that we could get away in the ago we were looking at an authoriza- Atmospheric Administration. private sector with paying a top-notch tion for the Federal Aviation Adminis- engineering researcher $100,000 to work tration. In that authorization we actu- b 1750 for us. But that’s what happens in the ally passed legislation through our Today in the Washington region, and Federal Government, even though committee that would say that if you up and down the east coast, we have those salaries may be significantly didn’t show up for a union vote, maybe actually had flood warnings for com- higher than that. you were sick, maybe you didn’t want munities, including communities Ms. NORTON. The gentlewoman is to vote, for whatever reason, your not around the District of Columbia metro- making a very important and much showing up would be counted as a ‘‘no’’ politan area, that are under flood misunderstood point with these com- vote. warnings and watches today. It’s Fed- parisons between apples and bananas. Can you imagine if any of us actually eral workers who actually helped us to Half of the Federal workforce, I conducted elections like that? All analyze the data coming from the sat- learned, work in the nine highest pay- those folks who decided to stay home ellite that was put up into our atmos- ing occupation groups: judges, engi- for whatever reason would be counted phere by Federal workers that help us neers, scientists, nuclear plant inspec- as ‘‘no’’ votes? I daresay there would be understand what’s happening in our en- tors. That’s half of the Federal work- a lot of Members of this Congress who vironment with our climate and our ers. Less than a third of private sector would not be Members of this Congress weather. workers work in these same nine top- under those kinds of rules. Yet those It’s the Federal workers at NASA drawer occupations. So when you hear are the kinds of rules that are being who took the charge that President these comparisons, you are not com- promoted by the Republican majority

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.107 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 through our continuing resolution, sion,’’ with a capital ‘‘G’’ and a capital Ms. EDWARDS. I do. through our authorization that really ‘‘R,’’ as opposed to the Great Depres- Too often we hear: Let’s cut Wash- go at the heart of taking the feet out sion. So many of the stories that we ington. We don’t care if the Federal from under the Federal workforce. hear are about people just struggling Government shuts down because it’s Ms. NORTON. I thank the gentlelady, to make ends meet, including our Fed- just a bunch of Federal employees. In and I hope she will remain with us, be- eral employees. They’re like the rest of fact, only 1 quarter of Federal employ- cause the gentlelady is pointing out us. Of course there are faces to all of ees works in the Three-State Region distinctions that the public is largely these Federal employees. In fact, let that comprises the Washington Metro- unaware of. Some of these job cat- me just tell you about some of the Fed- politan Region. The other 75 percent of egories that my friend from Maryland eral employees who have been ac- Federal employees works someplace points to ought to be instructive: rock- knowledged in my State for the exem- else. et scientists, VA nurse, park ranger, plary work that they’re doing. I love this idea of exploring what it is cancer researcher, prison guards. For example, I want to talk about that Federal employees do because I’m It’s interesting that the cooks in the Sergeant Michael Schellenbach, who is often fascinated by the many jobs that Bureau of Prisons are probably paid a combat camera officer in charge of they do which provide so many impor- more than the cooks in the private sec- the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in Ha- tant resources for us: tor because they have supervision of waii. He won a Federal Leader of the Meteorologists. Well, could we do prisoners, who also work in the kitch- Year award. He provided unparalleled without meteorologists? Ask the peo- en. How do you measure that? You customer service to prepare marines ple in California and in these other don’t do it by throwing out a bunch of for Operations Iraqi and Enduring earthquake zones. In the gentlelady’s statistics, public versus private, and Freedom. home State of Hawaii, we need mete- believe that that tells the whole story. Warren Au won the 2010 Federal Em- orologists in that sector. Aerospace en- Now we are very pleased to be joined ployee of the Year award for profes- gineers, who are exploring these 21st by the gentlewoman from Hawaii, our sional, administrative and technical century new technologies and horizons new Member from Hawaii, and I am professions. Warren works in the Naval that are not here on this Earth, who pleased to grant her 5 minutes. Facilities Engineering Command as an are looking at things like climate and Ms. HIRONO. Thank you. Relatively electrical engineer on the Far East planetary science, they don’t make a new Member. I am really glad to join planning team. He developed and im- lot of money. They may have Ph.Ds. the two of you in honoring and ac- plemented an electronic data-gathering An aerospace engineer with a Ph.D., knowledging the work of our Federal tool to produce an updated facilities who works for the Federal Govern- workers. Ms. EDWARDS and I sit on the plan. The tool is now required at all ment, probably makes about $70,000. same Transportation and Infrastruc- Navy and Marine Corps installations, Imagine if you translated that skill ture Committee; and, yes, it was quite and it has greatly increased produc- level into the private sector. revealing to talk about the kinds of tivity and efficiency, saving tax- So I thank the gentlelady for remind- changes some people were proposing to payers—that’s all of us—a lot of ing us of the fact that Federal workers the FAA bill that would have totally money. span the spectrum of job skills, and changed the way you count votes. It is Bill Pursley was a 2008 Federal Men- they’re in every single State and in a way to count votes that doesn’t hap- tor of the Year. He works for the every congressional district in this pen in any other arena. Transportation Security Administra- country. Certainly, if we had to count votes tion at Maui County Airports. Under Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, may I in- where all the people who were reg- Bill’s guidance and leadership, over quire as to how much time I have re- istered to vote didn’t vote would be dozens of officers have been promoted maining? counted as a ‘‘no’’ vote, I would say to lead, supervisor and master posi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- that most of us here, including our tions. Bill’s very calm and convincing tlewoman has 25 minutes remaining. friends on the other side of the aisle, demeanor has earned him the respect Ms. HIRONO. Will the gentlewoman would not be here. of airport employees and leaders, and yield? That’s very telling to me, the kind of he has had a significant impact on Ms. NORTON. I am glad to yield to perspective that’s reflected, any kind keeping us safe. the gentlewoman from Hawaii. of an effort that goes after government These are just a few of the 4.6 million Ms. HIRONO. Thank you. employees. And today we are here to Federal workers and retirees in every When we think about the kinds of re- talk about the thousands and thou- State in our country who have not only sources in our country that everyone sands of Federal employees who are provided services to us over the years enjoys, think about our national parks. doing the job every single day to keep and who have earned their retirements, What a tremendous resource for all of our government going. but they’re continuing to, as we have us, and so many families go to all of referred to in so many of our commit- our national parks. Guess who is there b 1800 tees, step up to do more with less. They to make sure that families, individ- Who do we think keeps government have been doing that for years now, uals—all of us—have a lovely time? going but our workers? We need to ac- and I am proud of them. I am proud of Who is protecting our endangered spe- knowledge that and honor them. the Federal workers in Hawaii. cies, these national parks? We have a When you go to the Social Security Ms. NORTON. If the gentlewoman lot of national parks in Hawaii. In fact, office, for example, as I have, and when would yield, I think it’s very inter- you may have seen the pictures re- you see the Federal employees proc- esting that we have on the floor Mem- cently of one of them. We have the con- essing the paperwork, that needs to bers from, perhaps, the most dense part tinuing eruption of Kilauea on the Is- happen so that our seniors can get the of the Federal workforce, all the way land of Hawaii, which is part of my dis- benefits that they’ve worked hard for to Hawaii. Eighty-five percent of Fed- trict. and that they deserve. When you go to eral workers does not work in the So there are just so many areas in an unemployment line, you see State Washington region. Ms. EDWARDS and I which we could not do without the workers. This is what I mean. Govern- feel fortunate to live in the National commitment of our Federal employees. ment employees are there, doing the Capital Region, but we by no means re- Truly, I feel as though they’re getting jobs they need to do to enable our gard ourselves as representative of picked on for basically political rea- working people and middle class fami- Federal workers. Every Member has sons, and it’s unjustifiable to do that lies and everyone else in our country to Federal workers in her district. So, and to scapegoat our workers in that get the kinds of services that we pay when you’re bashing Federal employ- way. for. ees, you’d better watch yourselves be- Ms. NORTON. They deserve just the They’re being scapegoated as though cause you’re bashing your own con- opposite. they’re the ones who are responsible stituents. Ms. HIRONO. Yes. for this economic crisis. Some people Does the gentlelady from Maryland Ms. NORTON. Far from scapegoating, refer to it now as the ‘‘Great Reces- want to speak to that issue? it seems to me we ought to stand up

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.109 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1715 and salute Federal employees for what equipment is calibrated in the same money goes, they shouldn’t be tar- they’re doing for this country now. way. Now, you may not think that geting the employee who stands up, has Ms. HIRONO. You mentioned Ms. ED- matters for a toaster, but it surely USA written across their chest, is WARDS and about exploration and about matters for an MRI machine. proud to work for the Federal Govern- meteorologists. Well, the astronaut Those are the kinds of jobs that our ment. They should look at the entire program, that’s a Federal program. We Federal employees do. Those are jobs workforce, which turns out to be many, had a wonderful astronaut from Ha- that you really can’t translate into the many contracted workers. waii, Ellison Onizuka, who tragically private sector but that are so nec- It’s interesting to know that the lost his life in the Challenger disaster. essary to safeguard the public. President is cutting the number of con- This is part of what we need to do to Ms. NORTON. That’s such an impor- tracted workers and expects to save $40 educate all of us and the young people tant point about translating them. Un- billion annually by, in fact, bringing and our students. In fact, I was visited like what the Federal Government is that work in-house, so that we know by a group of students in my district required to do, the people who have who is performing it, we can measure yesterday. They were here with the been throwing around the comparisons them. We can get rid of the work we Close Up program, and were here to don’t do what the Bureau of Labor Sta- don’t need. You contract the work out, learn about the Federal Government tistics does. Now, this is very, very dif- it’s gone, and it gets a life of its own. and what keeps the Federal Govern- ficult work. Ms. EDWARDS. Well, I think that ment going. It’s not just us. It’s all When the Bureau of Labor Statistics you raise such an amazing point for the those 4.6 million people out there who compares workers in the public and American people on two points, one are helping. private sector, they have to, for exam- about Federal benefits. There is this Ms. NORTON. Ms. EDWARDS, you are ple, look beyond the title of budget an- wide assumption across the country probably also aware that we hear about alyst. In the Federal Government, they that Federal workers don’t contribute the best and the brightest. The Federal may be dealing with a budget analyst to their own health and life insurance workforce, now with many baby who has oversight over multimillion- and their dental insurance, and it’s boomers, is eligible to retire, and there dollar agency budgets. just not true. So I think it’s really is absolute panic about whether or not In the private sector, that may be born for us to debunk that right now. we will ever see a workforce as good as somebody who is sitting in an office As you say, the Federal Government the workforce we got in the post-Ken- pushing papers, is qualified, but no- is a decent employer, but it is by no nedy period. These were people who where near the same kind of responsi- means the best employer when it came fresh with all of the notions of bility. What the Bureau of Labor Sta- comes to providing benefits, as some of the Kennedy era that public service tistics does, and only the government those Fortune 500, Fortune 1000 compa- was a wonderful thing, and they made can do this, because only the govern- nies that you point to. Nonetheless, it’s their careers in the Federal service. ment has the resources, is to literally the Federal worker who contributes to Ninety percent of them could retire in get into the weeds so that when you see her own benefit, contributes to her the next 10 years. Now the whole world the government statistics, those are pension, contributes to her health in- is open to them. They could go to the the statistics to be trusted. surance, contributes for her family high-tech companies. They could go to I have got to ask my good friend to members across the board. Hawaii. They could go to California. help me as well on one of the great dis- The gentlewoman also makes an im- Will we be able to attract the best tortions, and that is on Federal bene- portant distinction for us to know and the brightest right when we most fits. that, in fact, the Federal workforce, need them—in an era when the country I think most Americans don’t know because they sometimes work along- needs, on this side as well as on the that Federal employees pay for 30 per- side contract employees who are paid military side, the very best talent we cent of the cost of their health care. If different rates, who have different ben- can find? you get dental and vision, you pay 100 efits, but are in some cases doing very, percent. very similar kind of work. I applaud 1810 b If you have group life insurance, the the Obama administration for trying to Ms. EDWARDS. The gentlewoman employee pays 66 percent of the pre- get a handle on what is uniquely gov- from the District of Columbia raises mium and the full cost of any addi- ernment work and shouldn’t be con- yet another really interesting point tional coverage, and if you have, and tracted out because we need much and it is that not only could they go many employees now have, Federal greater oversight. anyplace in the United States, but the long-term care, 100 percent. I know, I mentioned earlier to the world is their oyster. We know that our The Federal Government, yes, is a gentlewoman that I come from a fam- best and brightest are not just being decent employer. It is by no means an ily of Federal workers. I want to tell recruited from State to State outside overly generous employer. Just com- you about one of those workers, be- of the Federal workforce, they are pare that to Fortune 1000, Fortune 500 cause I bet if anybody goes back, they being recruited outside of the United employers and see if these employees would say that my mother saved the States, because we know that we have who pay 30 percent of their health care Federal Government a boatload of the talent here, and what better place premium are coddled. I don’t think so. money. to absorb that talent in public service Another issue that is often raised is She was a steward of the taxpayer. than in service in the Federal sector. contractors. One of the most astound- She worked in the Department of De- I am just so proud. I think about the ing things about the Federal work- fense doing military housing, over- time that I met a scientist, a re- force, and some things should be done seeing contracts. She would tell you in searcher over at the National Institute by contracting out, but there are more a minute if a contractor was violating of Standards and Technology. Let me contracted, contracted Federal em- a contract. She would tell you in a tell you what they do at NIST. ployees than there are Federal employ- minute if they were overspending Any piece of the electronic equip- ees. When you are attacking Federal where they didn’t need to overspend, ment that you might have, and maybe employees, you are attacking people and she would save the taxpayer money it’s in your doctor’s office, and it’s an who work in the agencies, who work, as because she viewed herself as a steward MRI machine, or maybe it is some- my two colleagues have spoken in de- of the taxpayer as a public servant. thing, a piece of your home equipment tail, work as a park ranger, who work I know that my mother is not alone. in your home, or maybe it’s the iron, as a rocket scientist. She is joined by millions of Federal or it’s the toaster, or it’s the micro- But the invisible workforce is the workers all across this country who wave, the National Institute of Stand- contracting workforce. At the Depart- take pride in the work that they do for ards and Technology sets a standard ment of Homeland Security, for exam- the taxpayer, the work that they do in for industry for those products and ple, we have 188,000 employees but service to this Nation, whether it’s tests those to meet standards. It means there are 200,000 contracting employees processing Social Security disability that no matter where you go, no mat- working for the Agency. So if the pub- claims, or it is making sure that our ter what store you shop in, that that lic really wants to know where the veterans get appropriate medical and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.111 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 mental health attention, or whether polls show us. And I indicated some of and kicking. But I must say what it’s making sure that our airways are those figures when we began this spe- we’ve seen from Wisconsin is a national safe and clear, that our planes are cial hour that 2–1, Americans oppose reawakening of the American trade landing and taking off safely, pro- weakening the bargaining rights of union movement. I think unions are tecting us in our parks. public employees. After all that has going to be able to organize in ways After all, if someone gets lost, a child happened in Wisconsin, instead of their they would never have been able to or- gets lost in a park, it’s a Federal work- reaping the whirlwind for it, American ganize without Wisconsin. Thank you, er that goes to find that child and re- people understand what it means to Governor Walker. unite him or her with their parents. take away a precious right, even a As I close this hour, I want to par- The Federal workforce is varied, it’s di- right some of them don’t enjoy. And so ticularly thank my two friends from verse, it’s efficient. It’s becoming more they say they would rather have their Hawaii and from Maryland for coming efficient every day. Federal workers taxes raised than to even weaken— down to share this special hour with are really contributing to the lifeblood weaken the collective bargaining us. We think the least we can do is to, of this country. rights of workers. every once in a while, say to Federal So I think for those who want to get If that is not a lesson for the other employees and to public employees, we about the business of cutting spending side of this Chamber, which is over- appreciate what you’re doing. where it’s appropriate, let’s do that re- reaching in 1,000 different ways, noth- President Obama perhaps said it best. sponsibly. But let’s not make the Fed- ing is. It is a bellwether of what is to I don’t think it does any good, he said, eral worker the scapegoat for budget- come. when public employees are denigrated cutting and for ending deficit spending. Ms. EDWARDS. I want to thank the or vilified or their rights are infringed Let’s continue a strong and vigorous gentlelady and my friend because I upon. We need to attract the best and Federal workforce that really is work- think what you’ve done is you’ve the brightest to public service. These ing to the best benefit of the taxpayer. brought the connection from the public times demand it. Ms. NORTON. This is such an impor- sector worker in Wisconsin and Again, I thank the gentlelady for tant point. I would say to my friend throughout our States to the Federal coming forward. from Maryland because, remember in workforce and to the private sector f Wisconsin, the public employees said, workforce. THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN look, we will do our share. Yet the I think what we’ve seen over these AMERICA last couple of decades, and I think it is Governor insisted upon going at collec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under evidenced in the poll and the support tive bargaining. Anyone who thinks the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- that all workers are showing for the public employees are not willing to do uary 5, 2011, the gentleman from Illi- workers in Wisconsin and for the idea their share does not understand how nois (Mr. JACKSON) is recognized for 30 unions operate. of collective bargaining rights, is that minutes. we all recognize as workers whether b 1820 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speak- you’re in the public sector or the pri- er, let me first begin by associating If you have a workforce that needs to vate sector, whether it’s State or mu- myself with the remarks of the distin- be downsized, if you have a workforce nicipal government or it’s the Federal guished gentlelady from the District of that needs to give up some of what it Government, that, in fact, it’s that or- Columbia and the gentlelady from has for a period of time, the best way ganizing and the ability to organize Maryland on a very thoughtful presen- to deal with that workforce is through and the ability to bargain that has tation that they offered the body this an agent that the workers trust. If the helped so many of us to achieve a place evening. employer has no agent and simply goes in the middle class. And I think that Mr. Speaker, there has been some in and does it, that becomes a deflat- there is an understandable fear of los- controversy in the blogosphere and on ing, morale-sapping exercise. Unions ing that given what’s transpired over conservative talk radio shows about are very sophisticated. Unions operate the years. some comments I made last week re- within our capitalist system. They In fact, you look at wages in the pri- garding my belief that every child in know when there’s money on the table vate sector, and private sector wages this country should have the constitu- and when there’s not. Unions are said have, in fact, remained stagnant for tional right to an education of equal to have been the major agent in cre- about the last decade. And so you can high quality. Let me be clear. Last ating the American middle class. understand that a private sector work- week, I raised the possibility that such What do we mean by that? After all, er is actually feeling that strain, but a right might lead to an education there were businesses, automobile com- they understand the position of the standard in this country of an iPad for panies and managers. What we mean by public sector workers, of the Federal every child just like it could lead to it is that when that money was com- workers. And so we’re all united as standards of class sizes and athletic fa- ing, when that revenue was coming to workers together to make sure that we cilities and music classes and other im- business, it was sitting across from a can lift all of us into the middle class. portant resources for our children. union who said, workers help produce And I think the Federal workforce is Let me be clear on a few things. this product, the revenue from this particularly important because the These devices are revolutionizing our product should be shared with workers. Federal workforce then becomes sort of country, and they will fundamentally Out of that came the great American a bellwether for what can happen in alter how we educate our children. Mr. middle class. That is why an auto- other sectors in our workforce. Thank Speaker, this is an iPad. It is an in- mobile worker, for example, who didn’t you for bringing that full circle. credible device, so incredible, in fact, have a college education, could get a Ms. NORTON. I want to thank the before I could open it up after I re- pension and could support a family. gentlelady for coming down. You make cently purchased it, Apple came out And unions did this, yes, across the a very important point about the stag- with the iPad 2. bargaining table; but in doing it for nation of the American standard of liv- Mr. Speaker, this is the Kindle, a de- their own members, they spread it ing. It correlates with the stagnation vice from Amazon that allows you to through the society, because then com- of the American labor movement. The download books and to read them. Be- petitors had to meet the union wage. stagnation of the American labor fore I could finish opening up my Kin- And so what happened was you got a movement has everything to do with dle, Kindle came out with an even great American middle class that you the difficulty under the National Labor smaller Kindle, neither of which has did not have before the unionization of Relations Act of organizing a union been activated at this time. American workers. And they deserve today. Mr. Speaker, it will not be very long credit for that. Unions deserve credit When unions were first legalized in before every child in this country is for that. They don’t deserve to be the 1930s, they were encouraged. educated using one of these devices or bashed. Today, it is very difficult under the ex- something similar. Why? Just go to I have to say to my good friend, I was isting statute to organize a union; and your local Borders bookstore, that is, if never so gratified to read what the I’m amazed that unions are still alive there’s one left.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.113 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1717 Recently, Borders announced it was ners of trade and commerce that That doesn’t even include freedom of closing 200 of 508 stores, including one ranged from farming cotton and beans religion, the churches, the synagogues, in my congressional district. If the re- and corn. And even before the Con- the mosques, all religions, nonprofit cent history of the music business is stitution of the United States was rati- organizations, 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, any guide, then other bookstores and fied in 1788, even before the Bill of charitable giving. All of this is First libraries, both private and public, may Rights in 1791, even before the Declara- Amendment activity. not be far behind them. That’s because tion of Independence, from 1492 until Mr. Speaker, the First Amendment, the future of publishing isn’t in hard 1776, and certainly and even more trag- with American innovation through copy books any more or magazines or ically in 1619, 19 scared Africans ar- time, from the founding of our country newspapers. It’s all digital. The iPad, rived on the shores of Jamestown, Vir- to this very date has unleashed over the Kindle, the Nook, and other similar ginia, 157 years before the Declaration time the greatest economy that the devices make it possible to access any of Independence. Their desire for com- world has ever known. The Founding book, any periodical at any time any merce and capitalism even had them Fathers set in place a system that place. trading people. They traded among through our value system would give As digital downloadable music has themselves and with others across the birth to more than 50 percent of all gained in popularity, we’ve seen a fun- world. And when they rebelled against jobs in the United States of America. damental shift in the music industry. the government of England and estab- And that system has worked remark- Now there are hardly any physical lished their own country, they had a ably well for a long, long time. stores where we can buy CDs or other choice in an unregulated, unfettered But now there is a problem, Mr. music products anymore. We’ve gone free market system or a system of gov- Speaker. These devices will cause the from the 78 to the 45 to the long-play- ernment with checks and balances and loss of jobs at bookstores. Borders is ing LP to DVDs, and now to regulations and rules. So much for the closing almost 50 percent of its stores. downloadable music. The same will be antigovernment movement in our Na- It is going to cost the jobs of librarians true for publishing. Books will soon be- tion. Our Founding Fathers were not and libraries, publishing houses, print- come obsolete. So the school library antigovernment. They chose govern- ers, book binders. will soon, unfortunately, be obsolete. ment, but they chose government with And where do we think these devices Schools are likely in the future to an overall structure of freedom and are made? They are not made here in use that space for more classrooms. personal liberty along with regulation the United States. They are most like- Maybe it will help alleviate our class- and rules, which leads us to the Bill of ly made in China or other places. So if room size problems. But for certain, ar- Rights. you are not an American and if you be- chitects in the future will likely be de- Mr. Speaker, the First Amendment is lieve in the value system that ema- signing future schools without a li- one of the great landmarks in human nates from the First Amendment, in- brary. rights and personal freedom. It cer- cluding all of the jobs that emanate tainly is that not only in domestic his- from the First Amendment, and you b 1830 tory but in world history. It protects are outside of America and you are Hard copies of textbooks will become free speech, freedom of and freedom looking in, you need only wait for obsolete. Instead of incurring the costs from religion, the right to assemble American innovation as a result of our of buying them and storing them and and to petition the government. It also own freedom system to take advantage instead of forcing our children to lug happens, and often not talked about in of selling to the United States at some around huge backpacks full of heavy our country, it also happens to be the cheaper labor costs a product that books, we’ll just download them onto a greatest economic program in the his- helps strengthen our First Amend- device just like one of these. This is tory of our country. Think about it. ment. It comes, however, at the cost of going to happen in the future. In fact, I asked the Congressional Research jobs. Significant jobs. it is happening right now. Service and their experts responded by So the First Amendment, the amend- In my district, at Chicago State Uni- saying to a specific question: How ment that has unleashed such great versity, thanks to the innovation of many jobs in the United States of economic activity and brought about President Wayne Watson, the freshmen America are tied to the First Amend- such amazing innovation and helped class of students this past fall, every ment? Initially they said: It is prac- America become the greatest economy single freshman received an iPad. Over tically incalculable. He said any job, in the world, is now known for helping time as new classes enroll, the admin- and I quote, ‘‘with a public presence’’ the Chinese economy grow and create istration at Chicago State University could be considered protected under jobs and prosperity and, ironically, hopes that all students will use elec- the First Amendment. And, therefore, challenge America’s place in the global tronic devices for textbooks and to sub- the Congressional Research Service economy. mit assignments. It could be a conservatively estimated that approxi- We all know our economy has strug- textbookless campus within 4 years. mately 50 percent of all jobs in the gled over the past few years. The finan- ‘‘Imagine the cost savings for schools,’’ United States are tied to the First cial and economic crises have been dev- President Watson said. ‘‘Give a child Amendment. Imagine, or just stop and astating for many Americans. The un- an iPad, a Nook or a Kindle or any of think about it. Every newspaper in this employment rate still hovers near 9 these devices when they are in the first Nation and the jobs that emanate from percent. And in communities like grade, and he or she could use it all of those newspapers are tied to the First mine, it is near 15 percent. the way through college. All of the cost Amendment. Books, Internet publica- How do we turn our economy around? of buying hard copy books for the tions, every TV station, social media, I have suggested, Mr. Speaker, that we course of that child’s educational ca- public speaking, Sirius Network, AM/ follow the mold of the greatest capital- reer would be simply wiped out.’’ FM radio, advocacy, lawyers, movies, ists and turn to our Constitution; turn Now, Mr. Speaker, because I sug- CDs, DVDs, VHRs, VHSs, Comcast, to our bylaws, the bylaws of the Amer- gested this idea, I have been called a Blu-ray, MP3 players, Democrats and ican enterprise. That is what President communist and a socialist and any Republicans, telephone services, cell Roosevelt did as he began his fourth number of other things, but let me tell phones, Droids, pagers, music—clas- term in office. you why that is misleading and mali- sical, R&B, pop, country western, hip- Mr. Speaker, here is what President cious. Let me go back to what I talked hop, techno, karaoke—the United Roosevelt said on January 11, 1944, in about last week. States Postal Service, Federal Express, his State of the Union address. Janu- Last week from the House floor, I UPS, print advertising, Times Square, ary 11, 1944, unemployment is begin- talked about the greatest capitalists in New York City, commercials, iPods, ning to come down, but throughout the history of our world. In my opin- iPhones, iPads, computers, art, muse- President Roosevelt’s administration, ion, the greatest capitalists in the his- ums, photography, education, colleges we see the highest levels of unemploy- tory of our world were the men who and schools, theaters, plays, musicals, ment in the history of the United founded our country, our Founding Fa- and on and on and on, they have their States, the period known as the Great thers. They were engaged in all man- basis in the First Amendment. Depression.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:20 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.115 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 But as we are coming out of that rights, to new goals of human happi- to have the facilities, the resources, Great Depression, President Roosevelt, ness and well-being. the rigor of New Trier. I certainly need after having served nearly four terms ‘‘America’s own rightful place in the it in my congressional district on the as President of the United States, has world depends in large part upon how south side of Chicago. And if there is some insights on how future genera- fully these rights and similar rights someone out there in America who tions of Americans must address unem- are carried into practice by our citi- wishes they had a school like that in ployment. Today, unemployment hov- zens.’’ their congressional district, I wish ering at around 9 percent. Mr. Speaker, what if we amended the they would just go touch their tele- Let’s hear what our President had to Constitution, if we amended the bylaws vision set, Mr. Speaker and say say: ‘‘It is now our duty to begin to lay of America, to include the right of ‘‘amen.’’ the plans and determine the strategy every citizen to an education of equal But we can’t get there, Mr. Speaker, for winning a lasting peace and the es- high quality? What would that do for under local property tax regimes that tablishment of an American standard architects, and roofers, and bricklayers fund our schools. In the 50 States and of living higher than we have ever and manufacturers, as school districts territories, there are 95,000 public known before. We cannot be content, across this country seek to meet the schools in 15,000 school districts, in no matter how high the general stand- equal high quality standard by building 20,000 cities—all different, all separate, ard of living may be, if some fraction new schools and improving existing all unequal and all funded differently. of our people’’—and this is January 11, ones? At New Trier, roughly $15,000 is spent 1944—‘‘whether it be one-third or one- What would it do for the NASDAQ, as on every child per year, which is nearly fifth or one-tenth is ill-fed, ill-clothed, schools improve their technological ca- double the State average. That’s be- ill-housed and insecure.’’ pabilities with laptops and computers cause New Trier is located in one of the and iPads and Nooks and Kindles and wealthiest areas in my State and, b 1840 other devices? There are 60 million therefore, has the resources to fund ‘‘This Republic had its beginning’’— children in the Nation’s public school such a high quality education. 1788, 1791—‘‘and grew to its present systems. Sixty million. I believe that, Now I don’t want to take, Mr. Speak- strength, under the protection of cer- like the First Amendment over time, er, anything from New Trier. My vision tain inalienable political rights.’’ an amendment guaranteeing every on the floor of this Congress is that the Here Roosevelt is giving deference to American the right to a quality edu- United States of America should be the idea that the First Amendment cation for all students would provide a building 95,000 New Triers across our through the Great Depression is re- huge economic boost for our country, country—that’s 95,000 schools putting sponsible for most of the Nation’s jobs. just like the First Amendment at the millions of Americans to work in high ‘‘Among these rights,’’ President inception of our country is responsible quality education—for as long as there Roosevelt says, ‘‘is the right of free for 50 percent of all jobs, if we truly is an America, not for the 112th Con- speech, free press, free worship, trial by want to compete with China, with gress, not for the 113th Congress, but jury, freedom from unreasonable India, with other countries around the for all of these Congresses, and there searches and seizures. They were our world, if we truly want a population have been 112 Congresses that have rights to life and liberty. that is better educated than any other made the First Amendment responsible ‘‘As our Nation has grown in size and population on planet Earth, capable of for 51 percent of all jobs in this Nation. stature, however,’’ the President ac- paying more taxes, eliminating unem- It has taken 112 Congresses for 51 per- knowledges, ‘‘as our industrial econ- ployment, rebuilding schools, rebuild- cent of all jobs to be vested in the First omy expanded, these political rights ing bridges, rebuilding hope in our Amendment. proved inadequate to assure us’’—that communities, and by definition every What’s the great thing about my is, every American—‘‘equality in the time we build a newer first class amendment? The jobs that are associ- pursuit of happiness. school, we change the property values ated with building 95,000 schools are ‘‘We have come to a clear realization of every home around that school. In not likely to end up in Beijing. Because of the fact that true individual freedom America we just don’t sell housing any- building schools has something to do cannot exist without economic secu- more, we sell housing plus schools at with putting Americans to work. rity and independence. the same time. That’s very different than building ‘‘Necessitous men are not free men. I wish every Member of Congress, Mr. iPads, or using First Amendment val- People who are hungry and out of a job Speaker, in my home State would visit ues that tend to leave our own country are the stuff of which dictatorships are New Trier in the northwest suburbs. and, yes, they spread good will made. New Trier High School represents qual- throughout the world but it takes our ‘‘In our day, these economic truths ity of education that is provided unlike quality of life and our standard of liv- have become accepted as self-evident. any other high school in the Nation. ing with them. We have accepted, so to speak, a second There are state-of-the-art classrooms, And that’s what Mr. Roosevelt is Bill of Rights under which a new basis with small class sizes. It has top qual- talking about. I mean, he is the Presi- of security and prosperity can be estab- ity athletic facilities including two dent that had to address unemploy- lished for all, regardless of station, aquatic centers. That’s swimming. The ment. So what Roosevelt is looking for race, or creed. school rents it out for fees, raising rev- are jobs with domestic content. But he ‘‘Among these are: enue to help offset some of its cost. recognizes that the Constitution of the ‘‘The right to a job; the right to earn There are 17 varsity athletic teams for United States, however much we honor enough food to provide for one’s fam- boys and 17 varsity athletic teams for it, is insufficient on the question of ily; the right to every farmer to raise girls. New Trier is noted for its drama, economic rights for all Americans to and sell their products; the right of for its music, for its visual arts pro- ensure that future generations of every businessman, large and small; grams. Students are given the oppor- Americans will be the beneficiary of the right of every family to a decent tunity to develop all of the aspects of the highest possible education standard home; the right to adequate medical their talent. They are given a full edu- that the world has ever known. care; the right to adequate protection cational experience that molds boys As I have said, Mr. Speaker, it will from the economic fears of old age and and girls into young men and women. create new jobs over time. As teachers sickness and accident and unemploy- The academics at New Trier are are hired to provide that high quality ment; the right to a good education; all unrivaled. In 2006, the mean SAT education and schools are built and re- of these rights. verbal score was 620, and the mean SAT built and technology is purchased and ‘‘And after this war is won,’’ he said, math score was 650, meaning that 1370 maintained, that will unleash over ‘‘they spell security. We must be pre- was an average score at New Trier. The time immense economic capitalistic pared to move forward’’—forward school literally churns out Ivy activity that will drive job creation through time, a time that President Leaguers. and corporate profits for generations to Roosevelt himself would not live to Mr. Speaker, I think we need more come. Yes, Mr. Speaker, there will be a see—‘‘in the implementation of these New Triers. We need all of our schools cost. But if we can find money for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:24 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.117 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1719 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, if we can ‘‘My story is that after getting out of and my family and I recently relocated find money to bail out Wall Street, if, the Marine Corps in 1980 I landed a job to Okinawa, Japan, where the job as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, we can as a welder working in Arizona on a search still continues. find money to put a man on the Moon, power plant. I went to night school, ob- ‘‘I would like to thank you for start- then we ought to be able to find money tained my certificate of completion for ing this program. There are so many to put a man and a woman on their the trade I was working in and contin- veterans out there that can be produc- own two feet right here in America and ued to use my benefits to add classes at tive members of our society if the Con- guarantee our children an equal high the local community college level gress of the United States would just quality education like that of New while raising my family and trying to find something for them to do.’’ Trier. live the American Dream. After nearly Out of respect for your resume, which Mr. Speaker, only the Constitution of 30 years of work in the construction in- is going into the CONGRESSIONAL the United States can guarantee that dustry I found myself laid off. RECORD tonight, my hat is off to you, kind of education system and at the ‘‘I had not completed the degree pro- Thomas Gadbois. We’re going to do same time unleash incredible job gram, but had the experience and what we can to try and find you a job. growth and economic activity. enough credits for a 2-year degree in ‘‘I served as an active duty member, With the few minutes I have remain- the industry. I had worked hard to es- full time, in the 111th Fighter Wing of ing, I have been dedicating this session tablish a role of senior project manager the Pennsylvania Air National Guard of Congress to the unemployed. A lot of on a construction project; yet without for over 20 years, Mr. Speaker, as an unemployed people have been sending that degree, most companies will not ordnance mechanic. I took advantage me their resumes, and the cost of even give me a call. of the VA programs after retiring in inputting their resumes into the House ‘‘It is my hope that this idea not only 2000 to start a second career in the in- RECORD, for which I am asking them to heightens the concern of veterans, but formation technology field. I applied to continue to send me their resumes and sheds light on the college industry’s all technology positions at a local VA stories, is astronomical. business model that keeps people for- medical center as they were available. ever pursuing degrees that, despite My application was not even consid- b 1850 their personal life changes, nothing ered. I never gave up and tried for at And I wonder sometimes, Mr. Speak- changes. Thanks again.’’ Former ser- least 10 more years. er, why the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD geant, United States Marine Corps, ‘‘In my last job, I was making $44,000, isn’t digitized, why we still have to cut Robert Green. but it was just enough for the both of down trees to print all of these speech- ‘‘Congressman, I am currently a gov- us. Now I am forced to tell potential es delivered by Members of Congress. ernment contractor with the 505th employers I will take a minimum of $15 Well, the cost would be significantly Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, per hour just to get interviewed. I see less if the Congress of the United Florida. We’re undergoing a Research American companies wallowing in States would catch up to the Nation’s Management Decision, RMD 802, which their greed, Mr. Speaker, to outsource education system and start digitizing includes the realigning of resources for jobs to other countries because it’s the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. I’m not to- fiscal year 2010 and 2014 to decrease cheaper, and that’s what we’re getting tally unconvinced yet that we’re not funding for contract support and in- into, cheap products instead of invest- dragging our feet into the future on crease funding for approximately 33,400 ing in the talents and the skills and purpose. new civilian manpower authorizations, the knowledge of the American worker. With that said, I want to read a few 10,000 of which are for the defense ac- This has to stop somewhere. ‘‘Respect- stories of some people who have been quisition workforce. fully yours, Pasquale Filoromo, TSgt going through, well, a whole lot of hell, I and three other 30-percent-or-more United States Air Force, retired.’’ Mr. Speaker, in this economy. These disabled veterans are being replaced by They go on and on and on. are the stories of our men and women workers and will be terminated from Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- who have served. This is from John employment effective the 25th of Feb- sent to revise and extend my remarks Bridges: ruary, 2011. All three of us have served and to submit extraneous materials for ‘‘Representative JACKSON, I appre- our country for over 20 years and have the RECORD relating to the subject of ciate your effort to show the country been an integral part of the 505th Com- this Special Order, including the names what’s happening to the veterans by bat Training Squadron for years. It’s of these veterans that I specifically of- entering their resumes in the CONGRES- going to be a difficult task to find work fered tonight. SIONAL RECORD. A bit of background for because of our age and our disabilities. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there you: I was raised in Tilden, Illinois, ‘‘I myself, having young children and objection to the request of the gen- and joined the U.S. Navy when I was 17. limited opportunities for work, find tleman from Illinois? And after 22 years, I retired in the Dal- myself wondering if everything that There was no objection. las, Texas, area. I then went into the I’ve worked for and the American JOHN M. BRIDGES wireless telecommunications industry Dream of keeping my house and put- (817) 846–9080 for over 12 years before being laid off at ting my kids through college has now Profile: the end of August, 2010. become a nightmare. Thanks for prom- Technical Applications, Quality Control, ‘‘I have not had any success with any ising to post the veterans’ resumes. Training/Development, Management, Cus- position since that time. I’ve had one And I believe that even though you’re tomer Relations, Troubleshooting interview with the VA, and an upcom- A self-starter with proven ability to de- not promising jobs, at least you’re try- liver high quality projects from inception to ing one with the University of North ing to bring visibility to the plight of completion, on schedule and within budget. Texas. However, I have not heard back our Nation’s veterans.’’ Mr. Tracy L. Innovative, resourceful and inventive with from anyone, so I’m assuming that the Palmer—put his life on the line for the an extra-ordinary ability to identify oppor- positions have gone to other individ- United States of America. The least we tunities, make things happen, and consist- uals. Thank you, and good luck with can do is try and find Mr. Palmer a job. ently achieve goals and objectives. this effort, as well as your service to ‘‘Good evening. My name is Thomas Areas of expertise: the Congress.’’ Gadbois. I recently read an article DMS HLR100/200, ATCA, VSE , GSM, Tele- Thank you, Mr. Bridges. We’re going about this program in the Marine communication System Troubleshooting, to do what we can, I hope, one of these Times. I served in the Marine Corps Commissioning/Installation, Customer Sup- days in this Congress to find you a job. from 2001 to 2002 before receiving a port, System Maintenance/Upgrades/Expan- How about a former sergeant from medical discharge. I was separated sion, Customer/Employee Technical Train- ing. the United States Marine Corps, Rob- after having a seizure disorder. During Professional history: ert Green: ‘‘Congressman JACKSON, Jr., my time in the Corps I served as a NORTEL/ERICSSON, Richardson, Texas, thank you for thinking of the veterans, radio operator, a platoon sergeant, and 1999–2010, Network integration specialist— whose sacrifice for our country should worked a complex entry control point Commissioned and integrated DMS, GSM, always be respected and honored the while serving in Iraq in 2007. I’ve been iDEN, HLR100/200 and ATCA HLR (VSE) sys- way one veteran honors another. searching for a job for over 1 year now, tems. Performed internal technical support,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.119 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 installation support, as well as customer in- Profile: Certification as a journeyman Steam fitter formation, documentation, and training. Multi-project management—More than 14+ Combat Engineer, USMC SGT. Completed all DO–EMS application instal- years of successful management of small and PV–100 NABCEP training Completed PMP Training awaiting test lations for the CCMP equipment for the large scale, complex construction projects, Verizon Ohio/Michigan area. with a proven record of completing projects Work history—Projects: GSM HLR Subject Matter Expert for Read- on time and under budget. Project portfolio 10/2008–06/2009, Sr. Project Manager, Sum- iness group, responsible for implementing encompasses schools, healthcare, warehouse, mit Builders, Inc., Desert Foothills YMCA, and activating ATCA HLR’s and transferring high rise, private and public sectors. My Community Center & College Cost—$10 Mil- knowledge base to co-workers and customers Completed Construction Dollar Volume lion to ensure satisfaction of quality and service. 6/2003–10/2008, Project Manager, McCarthy Coordinated work activities for 6 different Ranged from $5 million to $35 million. Communication—Reputation as an con- Building Companies, Inc.: Holdeman and HLR200’s and the initial commissioning in Thew Elementary Schools—60,000 SF each absence of the Implementation Prime. As- fident leader with strong interpersonal and written communication skills that provides Cost—$9.5 million each; Scales Elementary sisted with provisioning of equipment as well School—65,000 SF Cost—$9.2 million; Pilgrim as monitoring of sites including resolution of a foundation for building a successful col- laboration with architects, engineers, build- Rest Wellness Center—38,000 SF Cost—$4.5 difficult or non-existent procedures. million; ASU Foundation Fulton Center— On-site Team Leader/Prime for HLR 200 ing officials, management and owners. 147,000 SF Cost—$35.5 million. commissioning and installation on over 30 Safety—Extensive experience in developing 9/2002–5/2003, Owners Representative, KSL HLR sites for Cingular Wireless, T-Mobile, project safety programs that incorporate Development at the Arizona Biltmore (con- and AWS. quality control specifications, OSHA safety structed by Hunt Const.) NSS Prime for coordinating FP Decommis- standards and regulatory compliance to pre- 1999–7/2002, Project Manager, Target Gen- sioning on HLR100’s for three major market vent accidents. Programs regularly exceeded eral, Inc.: Coconino Community College, customers as well as over 120 different DMS– project and governing authorities’ expecta- Flagstaff Cost—$27 Million; Peoria 25, Zuni MSC’s. This in addition to completing the tions. Hill K–6, 208,000 SF Cost—$9.2 Million; Foun- procedure to remove the software itself. Leadership—Proven leadership ability to tain Hills Library and Community Center, Completed SDM–FT upgrades on various mentor project engineers and directly man- 55,000 SF Cost—$4.5 Million; Wal-mart customer sites from GEM 10.1 to GEM12, age staff while indirectly supervising the ef- Superstore, 208,000 SF Retail store Cost— GEM16 to GEM17 including software and forts of project workers in support of various Combo w/Sam’s $12 Million; Sam’s Club, CPU card upgrade, SBA applications, and as- aspects of the project. Leadership qualities 135,000 SF Wholesale warehouse—Cost—(See sociated hardware. uphold honesty, integrity, and a commit- Above); Offices at Raintree, 11 building office Completed all NI acceptance testing re- ment to safety. park Cost—$8 Million. quirements for iDEN CDMA and GSM DMS– Experience and achievements: MSC customers assigned within acceptable 1995–1999, Project Manager, Huber, Hunt & parameters and time limits. Summit Builders, Inc., 10/2008–06/2009, Sr. Nichols, Inc.: Anasazi Office Park and Park- Project Manager—Recruited to organize and ing Garage, 110,000 SF office building and SPRINT PCS, Trouble Management Team manage operations for multiple construction 100,000 SF parking garage. Cost—$7.5 million; Leader, Ft. Worth, Texas— projects. Responsibilities included esti- VA Medic 1 Center, Phase I Ambulatory Care Promoted rapidly to Team Leader. A posi- mating, budget analysis, scheduling, writing Addition, 180,000 SF Cost—$29 million. tion requiring specialized knowledge of all sub contracts and maintained budgets, moni- other departments within the organization toring quality control standards, sub-con- TRACY L. PALMER as well as a proven ability to interact with tractor and owner relations. the general public. Combined proven market [email protected], 604 Rowan Circle, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., 6/2003– cognizance with a practiced business sense. Crestview, FL 32536, H: (850) 758–0558. Coordinated efforts of 30 team members, as 10/2008, Project Manager—Employed as a Objective: well as other department personnel, to fully Project manager for the Small Projects divi- Seeking a challenging position with your understand all aspects of the telecommuni- sion however the first assignment was the Professional Business Unit cations industry. Exercised planning, con- project manager for a large scale, high-pro- file LEED Green project with involvement Summary of Qualifications and Career High- trolling and organizing skills to set prior- lights: ities and determine the correct handling of from Preconstruction through completion. Performed tasks such as pre-construction Twenty-three years of progressively re- difficult activation’s, report and resolution sponsible supervisory and technical experi- of network transmission issues. schedule development, scope development, contract administration, constructability re- ence while on active duty with the United THE ASSOCIATES, Customer Service Ad- views, contractor coordination, and imple- States Air Force vocate, Irving, Texas—Contributed vision, mentation of quality control and safety Secret security clearance NACLC as of Oc- planning and interpersonal expertise crucial standards, damage assessments, generated tober 15, 2007 to organizational efficiency and business daily activity reports, and monitored overall Controlled Area Monitor, Security Mon- growth. project flow. Upon completion developed itor, Communication Security (COMSEC) Military service: multi-project skills as project manager for custodian, Records Manager, Cost Estimate UNITED STATES NAVY, Various Loca- the Small projects division managing mul- Coordinator, Office Manager, Database Man- tions/Domestic and Foreign, Radioman Chief tiple school projects during the same period ager, Training Instructor, Scheduler Strong working background with Depart- Petty Officer—RMC(SW)/E–7 Various Loca- of time. ment of Defense Manuals, Regulations and tions— KSL Development, 9/2002–5/2003, Owners Technical Orders Progressed through numerous promotions Representative—Responsible for advising the Knowledge of all Microsoft Office products with a broad range of responsibilities culmi- owner of all major construction issues, budg- nating in Director Navy/Marine Corps A.S. Degree, Information Systems Tech- et and schedule variances, and quality con- nologies, Community College of the Air MARS, Region Three. cerns during the construction of a ballroom Managed up to 80 enlisted personnel and Force and parking structure. Monitored the con- Currently enrolled in Northwest Florida more than 300 volunteers in settings that struction process as operations for the exist- ranged from a one-person office to a five- State University pursuing a Computer Infor- ing facility continued, including but not lim- mation Administrator Degree state directorship. ited to requests for information, requests for Chief in charge of Radio Communications Professional Experience & Career Highlights: change orders, contractor payment requests, aboard USS Tuscaloosa which included as- testing, inspections, Coordinated work stop- 2008 to Present: Professional Control Force signment as ship’s CMS custodian. Respon- pages with Resort events schedule, permit- Controller, TYONEK Corporation, 505th sible for all UHF, HF, and Satellite commu- ting and occupancy status, commissioning, Combat Training Squadron, 505th Command nications. and Control Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida— Provided physical security for all assigned close-out and turn over to operations man- agement. Provides air operations data through the stations as well as electronic security to pre- Theater Battle Management Core System vent unauthorized access to classified mate- Target General, Inc., 1999–7/2002, Project Manager—Projects include a big box combo (TBMCS) and Air War Simulator (AWSIM) to rial. the Air Operations Center (AOC) Joint Held a Top Secret Clearance for over 20 site, public library and community center, community college and elementary school. Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) years. as a simulated Wing Operations Center Education: Qualifications: (WOC) controller during joint training Bachelor in Business Administration, Project Manager Training Seminar McCar- events and experiments Northwood University—GPA 3.74 thy Provides written reports using the Theater Management/Computer Information Man- Advanced Project Manager McCarthy Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) agement OSHA 10 hour Safety Course information operation communication tool Red Cross CPR & First Aid Certified to close air support/strike, intelligence sur- ROBERT G. GREEN Maricopa County Dust Control Compliance veillance, tanker/airlift and air defense con- Cell 480–297–4103, Scottsdale, AZ, LEED Certified Project Completed trollers through all phases of joint exercise [email protected] Certificate Of Crane Safety Trained training

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.048 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1721 Provides command and control statistical and implement procedural or policy changes Developed and revised Quick Reaction data to the Commander Air Force Forces to improve operations Checklist (QRC) that were used in the dis- (COMAFFOR) during joint training events Participated in regular Center and em- semination of information to Numbered Air using the Logistics Simulation model ployee performance review sessions Forces (NAF), Major Commands (MAJCOM), (LOGSIM) and Time-Phased Force Deploy- Ordered, acquired, distributed and stored National Military Command Center (NMCC), ment Data (TPFDD) while participating in supplies and the Air Force Operations Center (AFOC) strategic planning of joint exercise scenario Directed or coordinated the supportive Developed and prepared management re- development of assigned major command services department within the organization ports and briefings based on documented programs by implementing and monitoring Hired and terminated administrative per- processes to provide decision makers real- exercise events using the Joint Master Sce- sonnel time data to make informed decisions nario Event List (JMSEL) Prepared and reviewed operational reports Coordinated, directed, monitored, and re- Provides operational level of war subject and schedules to ensure accuracy and effi- ported mission movement during pre, in, and matter expertise to the Air Operations Cen- ciency post flight phases with on and off base agen- ter (AOC) in the command and control arena 2006 to 2008: Military Operations Analyst, cies to ensure successful mission accomplish- while producing message traffic and tele- Lockheed Martin Corporation, 505th Combat ment communications to simulate all levels of Training Squadron, 505th Command and Con- Served as the responsible agency for com- command and control while interacting with trol Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida mand post operations and executed mission the training audience to provide joint train- Provided subject matter expertise in the movement of the unit’s peacetime, contin- ing command and control arena gency, and wartime flying operations Documents planning and programming de- Received, processed, and controlled data Reviewed and coordinated the daily flying cisions by providing after action comments for operational purposes schedule with all involved agencies to senior leaders for analysis of joint exer- Developed command and control instruc- Analyzed and evaluated unit response re- cise training effectiveness tions and maintained training reference quirements and functioned as the executive Provides administrative direction and col- files, directives, office instructions, lesson agency for the wing command and staff as laborative coordination between cells within plans, training aids and training records related to command and control activities the control group via an embedded email Researched and developed planning and Assisted in development and implementa- function and message release system during training documents supporting the cus- tion of proficiency training and certification joint exercise events tomer’s Air Operations Center (AOC) and Air programs for command post controllers Responsible for scheduling exercises, tests, Force Forces (AFFOR) staff training objec- Provided certification instructions to con- and experimentation support as directed by tives trollers in areas of emergency action proce- Higher Headquarters using the Enterprise Operated models, simulators and collabo- dures, flight following, SORTS, C4 systems, Scheduling Tool (EST) ration tools; prepares databases, controller operational reports, and command post secu- Manages the squadron’s current computer interfaces and reports for various training rity procedures scheduling capabilities and ensures all activities Assisted in managing wing level Status of events are entered into the appropriate soft- Produces message traffic and tele- Resource and Training Systems (SORTS) and ware and databases communications to simulate all levels of other reporting programs Used computer generated messages and re- Re-wrote the 505th Combat Training command and interacts with the training au- ports software to submit reports for unit as- Squadron Controlled/Open Storage Operating dience to provide a realistic environment signed aircraft, along with other operation- Instruction Participated in the planning and execution ally required reports Briefs squadron commanders on current of ARDENT SENTRY-NORTHERN EDGE 07 Collected, consolidated, and reported to and future events, and scheduling conflicts which is a Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. higher headquarters combat readiness data Creates, coordinates, and monitors presen- Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) spon- from subordinate flying and non-flying units tations for the organization’s missions, exer- sored homeland defense and Defense Support Assisted with the management and control cises, experimentation support, and associ- of Civil Authorities (DSCA) exercise of facilities, equipment, and supplies Developed a basic knowledge of applicable ated conferences Assisted in the management and control of federal, state and local laws and regulations, Assists in the implementation of the orga- budgets for the command post guidelines issued by DHS, FEMA, EPA, nization’s SharePoint system providing a Assisted in establishing requirements for OSHA and directives such as Homeland Secu- single integrated location where employees command and control activities can efficiently collaborate with team mem- rity Presidential Directives (HSPDs) related Managed accountability for equipment and bers and find organizational resources to emergency preparedness, infrastructure supply accounts Operates models, simulators and collabora- protection and physical security Maintained a current publications library tion tools; prepares databases, controller Primary security monitor responsible for (to include JCS, DoD, USAF, GMAJCOM, interfaces and reports for various training classified safe and records management AFRC, and local C2 directives) activities 2003–2006: Senior Juvenile Detention Offi- Exercise Evaluation team member working Reviews and submits travel authorization cer, State of Florida, Crestview Facility— with United States Air Force, local, and fed- request through the proper channels for ap- Supervised over 400 juveniles in a 30 month eral emergency response personnel to de- proval in support of numerous exercises and period planning and coordinating schedules velop and implement exercises, drills, inspec- events and daily operations tions, training, and assisted in the establish- Coordinate travel estimates between con- Ensured that offender services and pro- ment of documentation and evaluation of tractor, customer and contracts personnel to grams were in compliance with Department emergency response exercises and Emer- be sure funds are added to the contract of Juvenile Justice and court ordered regula- gency Operations Center activation drills Updates cost estimate databases and pro- tions, detention services manual, facility op- Created course materials, developed exer- vides reports to management in the tracking erating procedures and quality assurance cise and tests which provided initial, re- of expenditures involving organization travel standards fresher and recurring training on command cost Assisted operations of detention center emergency actions exercises providing safe, secure care and custody of all 2008: Center Manager/Training Instructor, f JobsPlus, Ft. Walton Beach, FL— assigned detainees without fail Managed and controlled facilities, equip- Developed and implemented corrective ac- LEAVE OF ABSENCE ment, and supplies while supervising 20 em- tion plans By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Maintained a safe environment and created ployees sence was granted to: Conducted research and needs assessment an atmosphere that had zero tolerance for Mr. REYES (at the request of Ms. relevant to course development and revi- detainee escapes, abuse or sexual harassment sions, changes in policies and procedures, Ensured that all detainees were provided PELOSI) for today and the balance of professional development plans and the de- their constitutional rights with special con- the week on account of illness in the livery of course materials cern for legal, medical and mental health family. Planned, prepared, and revised work sched- issues f ules and duty assignments according to cus- Developed and implemented a Home Deten- tomer needs, problems, workloads and statis- tion Monitoring system that was used in two ADJOURNMENT tical forecasts counties to track at risk youths Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speak- Oversaw employment projects managed by 1980–2003: Command and Control Specialist, er, I move that the House do now ad- Center employees, including the ability to United States Air Force, Various Assign- journ. reach placement goals and leverage local re- ments— The motion was agreed to; accord- sources Provided supervision of a 24/7 operating Conducted regular, timely, performance United States Air Force command center di- ingly (at 6 o’clock and 56 minutes evaluations for all Center employees recting oversight of the command, control, p.m.), the House adjourned until to- Conducted monthly Center meetings to communication and information support to morrow, Friday, March 11, 2011, at 9 analyze internal processes and recommend all agencies a.m.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:17 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.050 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 812. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- duce waste, and improve aviation safety and ETC. ment of Energy, transmitting the Depart- capacity, to provide stable funding for the ment’s Fiscal Year 2010 Agency Financial national aviation system, and for other pur- Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Report; to the Committee on Oversight and poses; with an amendment (Rept. 112–29, Pt. communications were taken from the Government Reform. 1). Ordered to be printed. Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 813. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, f 802. A letter from the Director, Policy Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, Issuances Division, Department of Agri- transmitting the annual report on the Con- REPORTED BILLS SEQUENTIALLY culture, transmitting the Department’s final tract Support Costs of Self-Determination REFERRED rule — Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingre- Awards, pursuant to Public Law 93-638, sec- tion 106(c); to the Committee on Natural Re- Under clause 2 of rule XII, bills and dient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat reports were delivered to the Clerk for and Poultry Products [Docket No.: FSIS- sources. 2005-0018] (RIN: 0583-AC60) received February 814. A letter from the Director, Office of printing, and bills referred as follows: 18, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to Surface Mining, Department of the Interior, Mr. MICA: Committee on Transportation the Committee on Agriculture. transmitting the Department’s final rule — and Infrastructure. H.R. 658. A bill to amend 803. A letter from the Congressional Re- Alabama Regulatory Program [SATS No.: title 49, United States Code, to authorize ap- view Coordinator, Department of Agri- AL-075-FOR; Docket No. OSM-2010-0001] re- propriations for the Federal Aviation Admin- culture, transmitting the Department’s final ceived February 16, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. istration for fiscal years 2011 through 2014, to rule — Citrus Seed Imports; Citrus Greening 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural streamline programs, create efficiencies, re- and Citrus Variegated Chlorosis [Docket No.: Resources. duce waste, and improve aviation safety and APHIS-2008-0052] (RIN: 0579-AD07) received 815. A letter from the Rules Administrator, capacity, to provide stable funding for the February 16, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Federal Bureau of Prisons, transmitting the national aviation system, and for other pur- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- Bureau’s final rule — Use of Less-Than-Le- poses; with an amendment; referred to the culture. thal Force: Delegation [BOP-1146-F] (RIN: Committee on the Judiciary for a period end- 804. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 1120-AB46) received February 18, 2011, pursu- ing not later than March 23, 2011, for consid- Department of Defense, transmitting a letter ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee eration of such provisions of the bill and regarding the submission of the report speci- on the Judiciary. amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of fying for each Reserve component the addi- 816. A letter from the Rules Administrator, that committee pursuant to clause 1(1), rule tional items of equipment that would be pro- Federal Bureau of Prisons, transmitting the X. cured; to the Committee on Armed Services. Bureau’s final rule — Inmate Furloughs Mr. MICA: Committee on Transportation 805. A letter from the Director, Defense [BOP Docket No.: 1144-F] (RIN: 1120-AB44) re- and Infrastructure. H.R. 658. A bill to amend Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- ceived February 16, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. title 49, United States Code, to authorize ap- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Judici- propriations for the Federal Aviation Admin- partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- ary. istration for fiscal years 2011 through 2014, to quisition Regulation Supplement; Govern- 817. A letter from the President and Chief streamline programs, create efficiencies, re- ment Support Contractor Access to Tech- Executive Officer, Amtrak, National Rail- duce waste, and improve aviation safety and nical Data (DFARS Case 2009-D031) received road Passenger Corporation, transmitting capacity, to provide stable funding for the March 2, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. the Corporation’s FY 2012 General and Legis- national aviation system, and for other pur- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed lative Annual Report; to the Committee on poses; with an amendment; referred to the Services. Transportation and Infrastructure. Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- 806. A letter from the Director, Defense 818. A letter from the United States Trade nology for a period ending not later than Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- Representative, Executive Office of the March 23, 2011, for consideration of such pro- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- President, transmitting the 2011 Trade Pol- visions of the bill and amendment as fall partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- icy Agenda and the 2010 Annual Report on within the jurisdiction of that committee quisition Regulation Supplement; Limita- the Trade Agreements Program as prepared pursuant to clause 1(p), rule X. by the Administration, pursuant to 19 U.S.C. tions on Procurements with Non-Defense f Agencies (DFARS Case 2009-D027) (RIN: 0750- 2213, as amended; to the Committee on Ways AG67) received February 16, 2011, pursuant to and Means. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on 819. A letter from the Chief, Publications and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Armed Services. bills and resolutions of the following 807. A letter from the Director, Depart- Service, transmitting the Service’s final rule ment of the Treasury, transmitting the De- — Lactation Expenses as Medical Expenses titles were introduced and severally re- partment’s final rule — Transfer and Reorga- Announcement 2011-14 received February 15, ferred, as follows: nization of Bank Secrecy Act Regulations- 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the By Mr. LEVIN (for himself, Mr. RAN- Technical Amendment (RIN: 1506-AA92) re- Committee on Ways and Means. GEL, Mr. STARK, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. ceived February 17, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 820. A letter from the Assistant Attorney LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. NEAL, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial General, Department of Justice, transmit- BECERRA, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali- Services. ting first quarterly report of FY 2011 on Uni- fornia, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, 808. A letter from the Chairman, Federal formed Services Employment and Reemploy- Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. KIND, Mr. Reserve System, transmitting the System’s ment Rights Act of 1994; jointly to the Com- PASCRELL, Ms. BERKLEY, and Mr. semiannual Monetary Policy Report, pursu- mittees on the Judiciary and Veterans’ Af- CROWLEY): ant to Public Law 106-569; to the Committee fairs. H.R. 992. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- on Financial Services. 821. A letter from the Director, Congres- enue Code of 1986 to create jobs through in- 809. A letter from the Chairman, Federal sional Budget Office, transmitting the Con- creased investment in infrastructure, and for Energy Regulatory Commission, transmit- gressional Budget Office’s estimate on the other purposes; to the Committee on Ways ting the Commission’s eleventh report de- direct spending and revenue effects of H.R. 2, and Means. scribing the progress made in licensing and the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care By Mr. FLORES (for himself, Mr. constructing the Alaska natural gas pipeline Law; jointly to the Committees on Energy BOUSTANY, Mr. BOREN, Mr. CASSIDY, and describing any issue impeding that and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education Mr. LANDRY, Mr. GENE GREEN of progress; to the Committee on Energy and and the Workforce, the Judiciary, Natural Texas, Mr. OLSON, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. Commerce. Resources, House Administration, Appro- BRADY of Texas, Mr. HALL, Mr. 810. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, priations, the Budget, and Rules. CANSECO, Mr. SCALISE, Mr. SMITH of Legislative Affairs, Department of State, f Texas, Mr. HARPER, and Mr. transmitting the Department’s final rule — PALAZZO): Amendment to the International Traffic in REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON H.R. 993. A bill to extend outer Continental Arms Regulations: Electronic Payment of PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Shelf leases to accommodate permitting Registration Fees; 60-Day Notice of the Pro- Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of delays and to provide operators time to meet posed Statement of Registration Information committees were delivered to the Clerk new drilling and safety requirements; to the Collection (RIN: 1400-AC74) received Feb- Committee on Natural Resources. ruary 25, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. for printing and reference to the proper By Mr. REHBERG: 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- calendar, as follows: H.R. 994. A bill to require Congress to lead fairs. Mr. MICA: Committee on Transportation by example and freeze its own pay for a fiscal 811. A letter from the Chairman, Com- and Infrastructure. H.R. 658. A bill to amend year unless the Federal government did not modity Futures Trading Commission, trans- title 49, United States Code, to authorize ap- run a deficit in the previous fiscal year; to mitting the Commission’s Strategic Plan, propriations for the Federal Aviation Admin- the Committee on House Administration, FY 2011 to FY 2015; to the Committee on istration for fiscal years 2011 through 2014, to and in addition to the Committee on Over- Oversight and Government Reform. streamline programs, create efficiencies, re- sight and Government Reform, for a period

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to be subsequently determined by the Speak- KEY, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Ms. MATSUI, HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. HOLDEN, Ms. er, in each case for consideration of such pro- Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Mrs. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the MCCARTHY of New York, Ms. ROYBAL- KING of New York, Mrs. MALONEY, committee concerned. ALLARD, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. LINDA T. Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. ROYCE, Mr. By Mr. CARNAHAN (for himself and SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan): MCDERMOTT, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. H.R. 995. A bill to improve transportation MCGOVERN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, Mr. JONES, Mr. safety, efficiency, and system performance MEEKS, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. MICHAUD, LATHAM, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mrs. MYRICK, through innovative technology deployment Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. MOORE, Ms. Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. BRADY of Texas, and operations; to the Committee on Trans- SPEIER, Mr. MORAN, Mr. STARK, Mr. Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. portation and Infrastructure. MURPHY of Connecticut, Ms. SUTTON, MCGOVERN, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. PITTS, By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mr. Mr. NADLER, Mr. TONKO, Mrs. Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Ms. LO- ISSA, and Mr. BOUSTANY): NAPOLITANO, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. NEAL, RETTA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. H.R. 996. A bill to limit the use of cluster Ms. TSONGAS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. VAN SESSIONS, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. MEEKS, munitions; to the Committee on Armed HOLLEN, Mr. OLVER, Ms. WASSERMAN Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. BRADY of Penn- Services. SCHULTZ, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. WAXMAN, sylvania, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. CHABOT, By Mr. KING of Iowa (for himself, Mr. Mr. PETERS, Mr. WEINER, Ms. PIN- Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. JONES, Mr. TURNER, GREE of Maine, Mr. WELCH, Mr. HOLT, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. WEINER, Mr. Mr. ROSS of Florida, Mr. WESTMORE- QUIGLEY, Ms. WOOLSEY, Ms. RICHARD- CRENSHAW, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. LAND, Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. POSEY, SON, Mr. WU, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. EDDIE MATHESON, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. ROE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, of Tennessee, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, PASCRELL, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. ROSS of Arkansas, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. ROKITA, Mr. BARTON of Texas, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia): Mr. FORBES, Mr. WILSON of South Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. LONG, Mr. H.R. 998. A bill to end discrimination based Carolina, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. ALEX- SCHOCK, Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado, on actual or perceived sexual orientation or ANDER, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mrs. Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. SAM gender identity in public schools, and for BLACKBURN, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. ROHRABACHER, other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- CARDOZA, Mr. CARTER, Mr. COLE, Mr. Mr. LATTA, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. cation and the Workforce. GARRETT, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. JORDAN, Mrs. EMERSON, Mr. GARY G. By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, Ms. GRIJALVA, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. MILLER of California, Mr. HERGER, DEGETTE, Mr. FARR, Mr. FRANK of KLINE, Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mrs. ADAMS, Mr. WIL- Massachusetts, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. LEE Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of SON of South Carolina, Mr. BARTLETT, of California, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mrs. Georgia, Mr. BARROW, Mr. BOREN, Mr. Mr. DREIER, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. MALONEY, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. PIN- BOUSTANY, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. COSTA, LAMBORN, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, GREE of Maine, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. Mr. DENT, Ms. FOXX, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, HONDA, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. MACK, Mr. PAUL, Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. POE of Texas, Mr. Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. GINGREY of Geor- GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. REICHERT, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. WEST- gia, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Ms. STARK, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. WAXMAN, Mrs. MORELAND, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. SIRES, FOXX, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, CAPPS, and Mr. WEINER): Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. HELLER, Mr. Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. TIBERI, H.R. 999. A bill to amend title XVIII of the JORDAN, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. SHULER, Mr. SCALISE, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Ms. RICHARD- Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. GOOD- benefit and lower prescription drug prices SON, Mr. LATTA, Mr. WITTMAN, Ms. LATTE, Mr. FLEMING, Mrs. MYRICK, under the Medicare Program; to the Com- SPEIER, Mr. SCALISE, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. RIGELL, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. JOHNSON mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- Mr. HARPER, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. LANCE, of Ohio, Mr. WEST, Mr. WALBERG, and dition to the Committee on Ways and Means, Mr. OLSON, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. POSEY, Mr. CHABOT): for a period to be subsequently determined Mr. ROONEY, Mr. THOMPSON of Penn- H.R. 997. A bill to declare English as the of- by the Speaker, in each case for consider- sylvania, Mr. OWENS, Mr. CRITZ, Mr. ficial language of the United States, to es- ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- REED, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mrs. ADAMS, tablish a uniform English language rule for risdiction of the committee concerned. naturalization, and to avoid misconstruc- Mr. BARLETTA, Mrs. BLACK, Mr. By Mr. PIERLUISI (for himself, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. GRIMM, Mr. HANNA, Mr. tions of the English language texts of the OUNG URTON Y of Alaska, Mr. B of Indi- HUELSKAMP, Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. laws of the United States, pursuant to Con- OWNS ALEOMAVAEGA ana, Mr. T , Mr. F , LONG, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. gress’ powers to provide for the general wel- ERRANO ACKSON EE Mr. S , Ms. J L of QUAYLE, Mr. RUNYAN, Mr. SMITH of fare of the United States and to establish a HRISTENSEN ROW Texas, Mrs. C , Mr. C - New Jersey, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, uniform rule of naturalization under article LEY ACA ORDALLO , Mr. B , Ms. B , Mr. Mr. CALVERT, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN I, section 8, of the Constitution; to the Com- IAZ ALART RIJALVA D -B , Mr. G , Ms. of California, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. BUR- mittee on Education and the Workforce, and ASSERMAN CHULTZ ABLAN W S , Mr. S , TON of Indiana, Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkan- in addition to the Committee on the Judici- RIMM IVERA Mr. G , and Mr. R ): sas, Mr. TONKO, and Mr. HINOJOSA): ary, for a period to be subsequently deter- H.R. 1000. A bill to amend title 10, United mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- H.R. 1002. A bill to restrict any State or States Code, to increase the number of per- local jurisdiction from imposing a new dis- sideration of such provisions as fall within sons appointed to the military service acad- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. criminatory tax on cell phone services, pro- emies from Puerto Rico from nominations viders, or property; to the Committee on the By Mr. POLIS (for himself, Mr. ACKER- made by the Resident Commissioner from Judiciary. MAN, Mr. FARR, Mr. BACA, Mr. FIL- Puerto Rico; to the Committee on Armed By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: NER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. FRANK of Mas- Services. H.R. 1003. A bill to amend title 10, United sachusetts, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. AL By Mr. MCINTYRE: States Code, to authorize space-available GREEN of Texas, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. H.R. 1001. A bill to amend title II of the So- travel on military aircraft for reserve mem- GRIJALVA, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. cial Security Act to allow workers who at- bers, former members of a reserve compo- GUTIERREZ, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- tain age 65 after 1981 and before 1992 to nent, and unremarried surviving spouses and vania, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. choose either lump sum payments over four dependents of such members and former BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. HIMES, Mrs. years totalling $5,000 or an improved benefit members; to the Committee on Armed Serv- CAPPS, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. CAPUANO, computation formula under a new 10-year ices. Ms. HIRONO, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, rule governing the transition to the changes By Mr. BOUSTANY (for himself, Mr. Mr. HOLT, Ms. CHU, Mr. HONDA, Mr. in benefit computation rules enacted in the LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. PAULSEN, CICILLINE, Mr. ISRAEL, Ms. CLARKE of Social Security Amendments of 1977, and for Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, other purposes; to the Committee on Ways Georgia, and Mr. BURTON of Indiana): Mr. COURTNEY, Ms. JACKSON LEE of and Means. H.R. 1004. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Texas, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. KILDEE, By Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California enue Code of 1986 to increase participation in Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. (for herself, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, medical flexible spending arrangements; to KUCINICH, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. COHEN, Mr. the Committee on Ways and Means. LANGEVIN, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. LARSON COBLE, Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, By Mr. BOUSTANY (for himself and of Connecticut, Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. LEE Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. HALL, Mr. Mr. NEAL): of California, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. LEVIN, ROGERS of Kentucky, Mr. ACKERMAN, H.R. 1005. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Mr. ELLISON, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. GALLEGLY, Social Security Act to preserve access to Mr. ENGEL, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- Mr. UPTON, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. ambulance services under the Medicare pro- fornia, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. LUJA´ N, Mr. STEARNS, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. GENE GREEN gram; to the Committee on Energy and Com- KEATING, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. MAR- of Texas, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. merce, and in addition to the Committee on

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:24 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L10MR7.100 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- dren of members of the Armed Forces who By Mr. THORNBERRY: quently determined by the Speaker, in each are serving on active duty or who have H.R. 1023. A bill to secure unrestricted reli- case for consideration of such provisions as served on active duty through the presen- able energy for American consumption and fall within the jurisdiction of the committee tation of an official lapel button; to the transmission; to the Committee on Natural concerned. Committee on Armed Services. Resources, and in addition to the Commit- By Mr. BURTON of Indiana (for him- By Ms. LEE of California (for herself, tees on Ways and Means, and Energy and self, Mr. GARRETT, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, and Ms. Commerce, for a period to be subsequently WALSH of Illinois, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. SPEIER): determined by the Speaker, in each case for SHULER, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. ROS- H.R. 1015. A bill to provide for the hon- consideration of such provisions as fall with- LEHTINEN, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. ROSS of orary promotion of Charles Young to the in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Florida, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. POMPEO, grade of brigadier general in the United cerned. and Mr. GRIMM): States Army; to the Committee on Armed By Ms. TSONGAS: H.R. 1006. A bill to recognize Jerusalem as Services. H.R. 1024. A bill to prohibit entities from the capital of Israel, to relocate to Jeru- By Ms. LEE of California: using Federal funds to contribute to political salem the United States Embassy in Israel, H.R. 1016. A bill to measure the progress of campaigns or participate in lobbying activi- and for other purposes; to the Committee on relief, recovery, reconstruction, and develop- ties; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs. ment efforts in Haiti following the earth- in addition to the Committee on House Ad- By Ms. CLARKE of New York: quake of January 12, 2010, and for other pur- ministration, for a period to be subsequently H.R. 1007. A bill to amend the Homeland poses; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. determined by the Speaker, in each case for Security Act of 2002 to establish an appeal By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. consideration of such provisions as fall with- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- and redress process for individuals who are OWENS, Mr. WELCH, Ms. DELAURO, cerned. screened against the terrorist watchlist and and Mrs. CAPPS): By Mr. WALZ of Minnesota (for him- wrongly delayed or prohibited from boarding H.R. 1017. A bill to provide for the sale of self, Mr. LATHAM, and Mr. RUNYAN): a flight, or denied a right, benefit, or privi- light grade petroleum from the Strategic Pe- lege, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 1025. A bill to amend title 38, United troleum Reserve and its replacement with States Code, to recognize the service in the mittee on Homeland Security. refined petroleum product; to the Committee By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: reserve components of certain persons by on Energy and Commerce. honoring them with status as veterans under H.R. 1008. A bill to authorize the convey- By Mr. NUNES (for himself and Mr. ance of a small parcel of National Forest law; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ROWLEY): C By Ms. WATERS (for herself, Mr. System land in the Cherokee National For- H.R. 1018. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. GUTIER- est and to authorize the Secretary of Agri- enue Code of 1986 to make permanent the de- REZ, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. culture to use the proceeds from that con- duction for mortgage insurance premiums; COSTELLO, Ms. MATSUI, and Mr. veyance to acquire a parcel of land for inclu- to the Committee on Ways and Means. CARDOZA): sion in that national forest, and for other By Mr. ROONEY (for himself and Mr. purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, H.R. 1026. A bill to extend the authoriza- HUNTER): and in addition to the Committee on the tion for the national flood insurance pro- H.R. 1019. A bill to ensure that members of gram, to identify priorities essential to re- Budget, for a period to be subsequently de- the Armed Forces and civilian employees of termined by the Speaker, in each case for form and ongoing stable functioning of the the Department of Defense who were killed consideration of such provisions as fall with- program, and for other purposes; to the Com- or wounded in certain attacks in 2009 and in the jurisdiction of the committee con- mittee on Financial Services. 2011 directed at members or employees out- cerned. By Mr. WEINER (for himself, Mr. ACK- side of a combat zone are treated in the same By Ms. ESHOO (for herself, Mr. ERMAN, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. manner as members and employees who are SHIMKUS, and Mr. DOYLE): CROWLEY, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. HIGGINS, killed or wounded in combat zones; to the H.R. 1009. A bill to amend the Communica- Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. KING of Committee on Armed Services, and in addi- tions Act of 1934 to authorize 3 or more Com- New York, Mrs. LOWEY, Mrs. tion to the Committee on Oversight and Gov- missioners of the Federal Communications MALONEY, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New ernment Reform, for a period to be subse- Commission to hold nonpublic collaborative York, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. NADLER, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each discussions, and for other purposes; to the OWENS, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. SERRANO, case for consideration of such provisions as Committee on Energy and Commerce. Mr. TONKO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. FORBES: BUERKLE, Ms. HAYWORTH, Mr. GIBSON, H.R. 1010. A bill to provide for expedited concerned. Mr. GRIMM, Mr. HANNA, Mr. TOWNS, consideration by the Supreme Court of cer- By Mr. SABLAN (for himself, Mr. Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, and Ms. CLARKE of tain actions challenging the constitu- FALEOMAVAEGA, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, New York): tionality of certain provisions of the Patient and Ms. BORDALLO): H.R. 1027. A bill to provide for the award of Protection and Affordable Care Act; to the H.R. 1020. A bill to amend the Energy Pol- a gold medal on behalf of Congress post- Committee on the Judiciary. icy Act of 2005 to include American Samoa, humously to Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., By Mr. HASTINGS of Washington (for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern beloved Chaplain of the Fire Department of himself, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin New York who passed away as the first re- and Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER): Islands in certain efforts to reduce diesel corded victim of the September 11, 2001, at- H.R. 1011. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- emissions; to the Committee on Energy and tacks in recognition of his example to the enue Code of 1986 to allow tax-exempt bond Commerce. Nation of selfless dedication to duty and financing for fixed-wing emergency medical By Mr. SMITH of Texas (for himself, compassion for one’s fellow citizens; to the aircraft; to the Committee on Ways and Mr. COHEN, Mr. COBLE, and Mr. CON- Committee on Financial Services. Means. YERS): By Mr. WEINER (for himself, Mr. By Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER: H.R. 1021. A bill to prevent the termination FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. POLIS, H.R. 1012. A bill to provide for a 10 percent of the temporary office of bankruptcy judges Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. reduction in pay for Members of Congress, in certain judicial districts; to the Com- RICHARDSON, Mr. HONDA, Mr. GUTIER- the President, and the Vice President; to the mittee on the Judiciary. REZ, Ms. NORTON, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. Committee on Oversight and Government By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. AUS- LANGEVIN, Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jer- Reform, and in addition to the Committee on TRIA, Ms. BERKLEY, Ms. BORDALLO, sey, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. House Administration, for a period to be sub- Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. ACKERMAN, sequently determined by the Speaker, in FARR, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. Mr. BERMAN, Ms. MOORE, Mr. TOWNS, each case for consideration of such provi- JACKSON of Illinois, Ms. JACKSON LEE Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the of Texas, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, committee concerned. LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. NADLER, Mr. By Mr. KEATING: of California, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MORAN, Mr. SERRANO, Mrs. MALONEY, H.R. 1013. A bill to amend the Magnuson- GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. Stevens Fishery Conservation and Manage- MOORE, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. RAN- HINCHEY, Ms. CHU, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. ment Act to provide the New England Fish- GEL, Mr. REYES, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. WOOLSEY, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- ery Management Council additional re- THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. ESHOO, fornia, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. MICHAUD, sources to address research and monitoring and Ms. CLARKE of New York): Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, priorities established by the Council; to the H.R. 1022. A bill to authorize the Secretary Ms. PINGREE of Maine, Mr. FILNER, Committee on Natural Resources. of the Interior to conduct a study of alter- Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. STARK, Mr. HOLT, By Mr. LATTA (for himself, Mrs. natives for commemorating and interpreting Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. SHERMAN, and Ms. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Ms. KAPTUR, and the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early SPEIER): Mr. ROSS of Florida): years of the National Parks, and for other H.R. 1028. A bill to provide for equal access H.R. 1014. A bill to amend title 10, United purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- to COBRA continuation coverage; to the States Code, to recognize the dependent chil- sources. Committee on Education and the Workforce,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:24 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L10MR7.100 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1725 and in addition to the Committees on Energy H. Res. 164. A resolution expressing the Clause 3 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a condolences of the House of Representatives Constitution. period to be subsequently determined by the to the people of the Islamic Republic of By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY: Speaker, in each case for consideration of Pakistan upon the assassination of Shahbaz H.R. 999. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Bhatti, Minister for Minorities, who coura- Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion of the committee concerned. geously advocated for religious freedom and lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. WHITFIELD (for himself and tolerance in Pakistan and calling on the The constitutional authority of Congress Mr. POLIS): United States to renew its efforts with inter- to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- H.R. 1029. A bill to provide for payment to national partners in the Human Rights cle 1, Section 8 of the United States Con- the survivor or surviving family members of Council and the United Nations General As- stitution (Clause 3), which grants Congress compensation otherwise payable to a con- sembly to promote religious freedom and tol- the power to regulate commerce among the tractor employee of the Department of En- erance in accordance with international several states. ergy who dies after application for com- human rights standards; to the Committee By Mr. PIERLUISI: pensation under the Energy Employees Occu- on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 1000. pational Illness Compensation Program Act Congress has the power to enact this legis- of 2000, and for other purposes; to the Com- f lation pursuant to the following: mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY The constitutional authority on which this the Committee on Education and the Work- STATEMENT bill rests is the power of the Congress to force, for a period to be subsequently deter- raise and support Armies, as enumerated in mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Article I, Section 8, Clause 12 of the United sideration of such provisions as fall within the Rules of the House of Representa- States Constitution, and to make all laws the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. tives, the following statements are sub- which shall be necessary and proper for car- By Mr. WHITFIELD (for himself and mitted regarding the specific powers rying into execution such power as enumer- Mr. POLIS): granted to Congress in the Constitu- ated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the H.R. 1030. A bill to amend the Energy Em- tion to enact the accompanying bill or Constitution. ployees Occupational Illness Compensation By Mr. MCINTYRE: Program Act of 2000 to establish the Advi- joint resolution. H.R. 1001. sory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker By Mr. LEVIN: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Health for the contractor employee com- H.R. 992. lation pursuant to the following: pensation program under subtitle E of such Congress has the power to enact this legis- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Act; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and lation pursuant to the following: granted to Congress under Article I, Section in addition to the Committee on Education The Congress enacts this bill pursuant to 8 of the United States Constitution. and the Workforce, for a period to be subse- Sections 7 and 8 of Article I of the United By Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California: quently determined by the Speaker, in each States Constitution and Amendment XVI of H.R. 1002. Congress has the power to enact this legis- case for consideration of such provisions as the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. FLORES: Section 5 of the 14th Amendment to the concerned. H.R. 993. Constitution and Congress’ plenary power By Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas (for Congress has the power to enact this legis- under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the herself, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: Constitution (commonly known as the ‘‘com- BUTTERFIELD, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Con- merce clause’’), in order to ensure that Mr. GONZALEZ, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE stitution of the United States. States and political subdivisions thereof do JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. LEE of Cali- By Mr. REHBERG: not discriminate against providers and con- fornia, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. JACKSON of Il- H.R. 994. sumers of mobile services by imposing new linois, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- selective and excessive taxes and other bur- CARSON of Indiana, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: dens on such providers and consumers. ELLISON, Ms. CHU, Mr. RICHMOND, Ms. Clause 1 of Section 6 of Article I of the By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: WATERS, Ms. MOORE, Ms. RICHARD- Constitution which states ‘‘The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensa- H.R. 1003. SON, and Mr. AL GREEN of Texas): Congress has the power to enact this legis- H. Res. 160. A resolution honoring the 50th tion for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the lation pursuant to the following: anniversary of the Houston Forward Times; The constitutional authority of Congress United States.’’ and Clause 1 of Section 1 of to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- Article I which states: ‘‘All legislative Pow- ment Reform. cle I, Section 8 of the United States Con- ers herein granted shall be vested in a Con- By Mr. CROWLEY (for himself and Mr. stitution (Clauses 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18), which gress of the United States, which shall con- KING of New York): grants Congress the power to raise and sup- sist of a Senate and House of Representa- H. Res. 161. A resolution honoring the 250th port an Army; to provide and maintain a tives.’’ anniversary of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Navy; to make rules for the government and By Mr. CARNAHAN: parade; to the Committee on Oversight and regulation of the land and naval forces; to H.R. 995. Government Reform. provide for organizing, arming, and dis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. LATTA: ciplining the militia; and to make all laws H. Res. 162. A resolution expressing the lation pursuant to the following: necessary and proper for carrying out the sense of the House of Representatives that Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, the Com- foregoing powers. any comprehensive plan to reform our na- merce Clause. By Mr. BOUSTANY: tional energy policy must promote the ex- By Mr. McGOVERN: H.R. 1004. panded use of renewable and alternative en- H.R. 996. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ergy sources; increase our domestic refining Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: capacity; promote conservation and in- lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress creased energy efficiency; expand research The Constitution’s instruction ‘‘ to provide shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, and development, including domestic explo- for the common defense’’; and under Article Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the ration; and enhance consumer education; to I, Section 8, the clause stating, ‘‘To make all Debts and provide for the common Defence the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Laws which shall be necessary and proper for and general Welfare of the United States; but and in addition to the Committee on carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uni- Science, Space, and Technology, for a period ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- form throughout the United States. to be subsequently determined by the Speak- stitution in the Government of the United Sixteenth Amendment: The Congress shall er, in each case for consideration of such pro- States, or in any Department or Officer have power to lay and collect taxes on in- visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the thereof.’’ comes, from whatever source derived, with- committee concerned. By Mr. KING of Iowa: out apportionment among the several By Ms. NORTON: H.R. 997. States, and without regard to any census or H. Res. 163. A resolution supporting the Congress has the power to enact this legis- enumeration. rights of all workers and calling for an end lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BOUSTANY: to the recent attacks on workers; to the This bill is enacted pursuant to Congress’ H.R. 1005. Committee on Education and the Workforce. powers to provide for the general welfare of Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for him- the United States and to establish a uniform lation pursuant to the following: self, Mr. WOLF, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. rule of naturalization under Article I, Sec- Clause 3 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the CAPUANO, Mr. DUNCAN of South Caro- tion 8, of the United States Constitution. Constitution. lina, Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, Mr. By Mr. POLIS: Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California, Ms. H.R. 998. Constitution. SPEIER, Mr. JONES, Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the ROHRABACHER, and Mr. SIRES): lation pursuant to the following: Constitution.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:24 Mar 11, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L10MR7.100 H10MRPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with HOUSE H1726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2011 By Mr. BURTON of Indiana: By Mr. MARKEY: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United H.R. 1006. H.R. 1017. States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. WHITFIELD: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1030. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 14 and 18. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 and Article 1, Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. CLARKE of New York: Section 8, Clause 18. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1007. By Mr. NUNES: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1018. States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- lation pursuant to the following: f tion. Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article I of the By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: Constitution of the United States. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 1008. By Mr. ROONEY: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1019. lation pursuant to the following: were added to public bills and resolu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- tions as follows: The constitutional authority of Congress lation pursuant to the following: to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- Article 1, Section 8 (Clauses 12, 13, 14, 16, H.R. 3: Mr. ROONEY and Mr. REHBERG. cle I, Section 8 of the United States Con- 18) which grants Congress power to raise and H.R. 27: Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. stitution, specifically Clause 1 (relating to support an army; provide and maintain a H.R. 35: Mr. HUNTER. the power of Congress to provide for the gen- navy; to make rules for the government and H.R. 68: Mr. HENSARLING. eral welfare of the United States) and Clause regulation of the land and naval forces; to H.R. 104: Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. 18 (relating to the power to make all laws provide for the organizing, arming and dis- H.R. 122: Mr. HUELSKAMP and Mr. HERGER. necessary and proper for carrying out the ciplining the militia; and to make all laws H.R. 174: Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mrs. powers vested in Congress), and Article IV, necessary and proper to carrying out the CHRISTENSEN, Ms. RICHARDSON, Mr. RICH- Section 3, Clause 2 (relating to the power of foregoing powers. MOND, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. Congress to dispose of and make all needful By Mr. SABLAN: KEATING. rules and regulations respecting the terri- H.R. 1020. H.R. 198: Mr. SESSIONS and Ms. HIRONO. tory or other property belonging to the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 217: Mr. REHBERG. United States). lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 218: Mr. SABLAN. By Ms. ESHOO: Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 and Ar- H.R. 219: Mr. POSEY. H.R. 1009. ticle IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitu- H.R. 263: Ms. TSONGAS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion. H.R. 276: Mr. CARTER. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. SMITH of Texas: H.R. 280: Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Article I, Section 8; Article IV, Section 3. H.R. 1021. H.R. 308: Mr. MCNERNEY, Ms. CLARKE of By Mr. FORBES: Congress has the power to enact this legis- New York, and Ms. HANABUSA. H.R. 1010. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 365: Mr. NUNES. Congress has the power to enact this legis- The power of Congress to create inferior H.R. 399: Mr. STARK. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 412: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Article III, Section 2, Clause 2. federal courts pursuant to Article III, Sec- H.R. 432: Mr. FARR. By Mr. HASTINGS of Washington: tion 1. The power of Congress to enact uni- H.R. 1011. form bankruptcy laws pursuant to Article I, H.R. 440: Mr. PAYNE, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Section 8. ida, and Ms. NORTON. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. SPEIER: H.R. 452: Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. WILSON of Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1—The Con- H.R. 1022. South Carolina, Mr. GOSAR, Ms. BERKLEY, gress shall have Power To lay and collect Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. SCHOCK, Mr. FLAKE, and Mr. LATTA. Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 455: Mr. LAMBORN and Mr. SAM JOHN- the Debts and provide for the common Article 1, Section 8: Congress shall have SON of Texas. Defence and general Welfare of the United the power to regulate commerce among the H.R. 459: Mr. RIBBLE, Mr. STUTZMAN, Mr. States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises states, and provide for the general welfare. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, and Mr. SCHRADER. shall be uniform throughout the United By Mr. THORNBERRY: H.R. 469: Mr. WELCH, Mr. MCINTYRE, and States. H.R. 1023. Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. By Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 470: Mr. ROYCE. H.R. 1012. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 471: Mr. ROSS of Florida and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 and Article IV, Section NEUGEBAUER. lation pursuant to the following: 3 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 513: Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina and Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, By Ms. TSONGAS: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. of the Constitution to determine its own H.R. 1024. H.R. 515: Mr. COHEN, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor- Congress has the power to enact this legis- pay. This legislation is also consistent with ida, Mr. DOGGETT, and Mr. MCINTYRE. lation pursuant to the following: the Twenty-Seventh Amendment of the Con- H.R. 539: Ms. BROWN of Florida. Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the stitution. H.R. 547: Ms. HAYWORTH. United States Constitution. By Mr. KEATING: H.R. 548: Mr. STUTZMAN and Mr. SAM JOHN- By Mr. WALZ of Minnesota: H.R. 1013. SON of Texas. H.R. 1025. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 584: Ms. ESHOO. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 606: Mr. GARDNER and Mr. PITTS. lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 610: Mr. MICHAUD. Constitution. Article I, Section I: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress H.R. 623: Mr. MORAN. By Mr. LATTA: H.R. 625: Mr. KISSELL. H.R. 1014. of the United States, which shall consist of a H.R. 639: Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia, Mr. RA- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Senate and House of Representatives. HALL, Mr. ROSS of Arkansas, and Mr. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. WATERS: SCHRADER. This resolution is enacted pursuant to Ar- H.R. 1026. H.R. 651: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. ticle I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- GARAMENDI, Ms. HIRONO, Ms. JACKSON LEE of States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: Texas, Ms. PINGREE of Maine, Mr. NADLER, By Ms. LEE of California: Article I, Section 8, Clause III. H.R. 1015. By Mr. WEINER: and Ms. KAPTUR. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1027. H.R. 665: Mr. PITTS, Mr. SCHOCK, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- ROKITA, and Mrs. HARTZLER. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 674: Ms. JENKINS, Ms. HAYWORTH, Ms. granted to Congress under Article I of the Article I, Section 8, Clause 5 of the United BALDWIN, and Mr. CHAFFETZ. United States Constitution and its subse- States Constitution. H.R. 692: Mr. BACHUS and Ms. FOXX. quent amendments, and further clarified and By Mr. WEINER: H.R. 704: Mr. SHULER, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. interpreted by the Supreme Court of the H.R. 1028. CARTER, and Mr. ROONEY. United States. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 734: Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. By Ms. LEE of California: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 740: Mr. ROSS of Florida and Mr. H.R. 1016. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United POLIS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution. H.R. 745: Mr. POMPEO, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. WHITFIELD: Mr. HENSARLING, Mrs. ADAMS, and Mr. Article I, Section 8, of the United States H.R. 1029. LATTA. Constitution, as clarified and interpreted by Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 747: Mr. LUJA´ N. the Supreme Court of the United States. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 749: Mr. KIND.

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H.R. 750: Mrs. BACHMANN and Mr. WEST- KING OF IOWA, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. RUNYAN, H. Res. 47: Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. GRIJALVA, MORELAND. Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. ROSS Mr. FILNER, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. SHERMAN, H.R. 751: Ms. BASS of California, Mr. BER- of Arkansas, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. ROYBAL- Mr. CARNAHAN, and Mr. HOLT. MAN, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. LEVIN. ALLARD, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. RAHALL, H. Res. 60: Mr. CLAY, Mr. OLSON, and Ms. H.R. 760: Mr. COSTA. Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. H.R. 763: Mr. CARTER, Mr. COHEN, Mr. Walz BLUMENAUER, Ms. SUTTON, Mrs. DAVIS of H. Res. 83: Mr. SHERMAN. of Minnesota, and Mr. JORDAN. California, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, and H.R. 764: Mr. ROSS of Arkansas, Mr. WEST- Mr. MCNERNEY. H. Res. 85: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. MORELAND, Ms. JENKINS, Mrs. EMERSON, and H.R. 875: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. H. Res. 98: Mr. HURT, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. LOEBSACK. H.R. 883: Mrs. MALONEY, Ms. KAPTUR, and Mr. JONES, Mrs. BLACK, Mr. FLORES, and Mrs. H.R. 780: Mr. WATT. Mr. ENGEL. ADAMS. H.R. 787: Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. PLATTS, Mrs. H.R. 885: Mr. UPTON and Mr. CARSON of In- H. Res. 134: Mr. MANZULLO and Mr. MCIN- CAPITO, Mr. KLINE, Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, diana. TYRE. Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina, and Mr. WIL- H.R. 895: Mr. CHABOT and Mr. RANGEL. SON of South Carolina. H.R. 903: Mr. COLE. H. Res. 137: Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mrs. H.R. 798: Mr. RAHALL. H.R. 909: Mr. GUINTA, Mr. MANZULLO, and MCCARTHY of New York, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. H.R. 822: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Mr. GUTHRIE. DEUTCH, Mr. BISHOP of New York, and Ms. WITTMAN, and Mr. HARRIS. H.R. 910: Mr. GARDNER, Mr. SENSEN- BERKLEY. H.R. 826: Mr. OLSON, Mr. GENE GREEN of BRENNER, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mrs. H. Res. 139: Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. Texas, and Mr. KISSELL. SCHMIDT, Mr. WALBERG, and Mr. CAMP. MCCAUL, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Ms. H.R. 843: Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. SHULER, Mr. H.R. 912: Mr. MORAN and Mr. FITZPATRICK. BORDALLO, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GRIMM, Mr. COSTELLO, and Mr. PETERSON. H.R. 923: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. BORDALLO, MCDERMOTT, Mr. RIVERA, Mr. WU, Ms. OHMERT ING H.R. 849: Mr. G , Mr. K of Iowa, Mr. SCHIFF, and Mr. POSEY. CLARKE of New York, Mr. KELLY, Mrs. URTON and Mr. B of Indiana. H.R. 943: Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. NAPOLITANO, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. MACK, Mr. H.R. 850: Mr. CRAVAACK. MARKEY, and Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. ROYCE, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. H.R. 863: Mr. SIRES and Mr. H.R. 952: Mr. HONDA and Mr. HOLT. CICILLINE, Mr. LEWIS of California, Ms. FALEOMAVAEGA. H.R. 973: Mr. LATTA and Mr. MCKINLEY. HIRONO, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. TOWNS, and Mr. H.R. 865: Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. BRALEY of H.R. 984: Mr. HALL, Mr. POSEY, Mr. DUNCAN HONDA. Iowa, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. FILNER, Mr. of Tennessee, Mr. MCHENRY, and Mr. UPTON. LAMBORN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. H.J. Res. 1: Mrs. ADAMS and Mr. CRAVAACK. H. Res. 140: Mr. ROKITA. BILBRAY, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. H.J. Res. 2: Mrs. NOEM. H. Res. 148: Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. MCINTYRE, CONNOLLY of Virginia, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. H.J. Res. 47: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. and Mr. LEVIN.

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