E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2008 No. 104 House of Representatives The House met at 12:30 p.m. and was but it’s not because we’re not lacking creased. Political stability in oil-pro- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- for domestic energy. Since the 1990s, ducing nations has decreased. Domestic pore (Ms. BERKLEY). the Federal Government has placed se- production has flattened, all while our f vere restrictions on new energy devel- ability to extract resources without en- opment, particularly in some of our vironmental damage has increased dra- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO most promising areas. matically. TEMPORE As this graph shows, Congress has With all of this energy out there, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- placed over 85 percent of our Outer with demands at all-time highs and fore the House the following commu- Continental Shelf off limits. Back with prices remaining high, what has nication from the Speaker: then, oil and natural gas were cheap, taken so long? and the need for additional energy was The biggest problem has been envi- WASHINGTON, DC, ronmental concerns, being worried June 23, 2008. not considered significant. Also, the about a spill. What would it do to the I hereby appoint the Honorable SHELLEY 1989 Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill led to tourist industry, for example, in the BERKLEY to act as Speaker pro tempore on the heightened environmental concerns this day. about offshore energy production. gulf coast areas? The National Acad- NANCY PELOSI, Environmental concerns took prece- emy of Sciences says, ‘‘Improved pro- Speaker of the House of Representatives. dence over future economic consider- duction technology and safety training f ations. Soon, access to 85 percent of of personnel have dramatically reduced both blowouts and daily operational MORNING-HOUR DEBATE federally controlled offshore areas had been restricted, including the Pacific spills.’’ The danger of such spills has been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and Atlantic coasts and portions of the greatly reduced. Of the more than 7 bil- ant to the order of the House of Janu- area off the shores of Alaska and off lion barrels of oil pumped offshore in ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- the eastern Gulf of Mexico. No one nize Members from lists submitted by the past 25 years, 0.001 percent—that is knows how much energy lies in those one thousandth of 1 percent—has been the majority and minority leaders for areas, but many agree there is enough morning-hour debate. spilled. In fact, even during Katrina to bring stability to energy markets and Rita, during winds that reached 170 f and to make a real difference in oil and miles per hour and during lashing natural gas prices for many years to END THE OCS MORATORIUM waves that took out a quarter of Amer- come. ica’s domestic energy production, no The SPEAKER pro tempore. The According to a recent Interior De- significant spills were reported. Fur- Chair recognizes the gentleman from partment study, restricted offshore thermore, Cuba wants to let the Chi- Florida (Mr. STEARNS) for 5 minutes. areas are known to contain—and this is nese drill in some of the very parts of Mr. STEARNS. Good morning, a fact—15 billion barrels of oil and 60 the gulf that American producers are Madam Speaker. trillion cubic feet of natural gas, but forbidden to touch, some as close as 45 A question for all of us: Why would literally, when they go to estimate be- miles off the Florida coast. the most powerful economy in the yond the hard facts, the estimate goes Do we truly believe the environ- world leave so much of its own energy up to 86 billion barrels of oil and even mental safeguards of Chinese energy sources untapped? higher and to 420 trillion cubic feet of firms are better than ours? Alone among all the countries, the natural gas, enough oil to replace all of It’s time we stop assuming that all United States has placed a substantial our imports for the next 27 years at energy exploration is bad. Most takes amount of its oil and natural gas po- current rates. In fact, it may be even place too far from the coast to be seen, tential off limits. Other countries have higher given that most of the off-limit and we haven’t even had a spill from the potential to drill just off their areas have not been thoroughly ex- offshore drilling in over 40 years, nei- shores, but United States’ firms face plored. ther has Canada, which permits drill- strict restrictions on drilling in most New technology and what we esti- ing off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts offshore areas even as American driv- mate based upon the 1980s is probably and in the Great Lakes where some ers face sharply higher prices at the not correct. Our policies need to catch rigs are closer to U.S. shores than gas pump. up with our times. Oil and natural gas American producers are permitted to Domestic oil and gas production has prices have tripled since the 1990s. De- drill. failed to keep pace with the growing mand continues to increase by a steady Madam Speaker, America’s energy demand both domestically and abroad, 1.5 percent per year. Imports have in- problems are partially self-imposed,

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.

H5799

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.000 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 and that needs to end. Congress over- nies holding Federal leases use them or PRAYER reacted in the 1990s, and it needs to lose them. That will not do much to in- The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. undo that damage. Our need for afford- crease supply because it’s already the Coughlin, offered the following prayer: able energy will not decrease, and the law of the land. We’re going to pass a Hope for the future, Lord God, is very time has come to lift the restrictions bill to pay transit fares—bus tickets— much a part of the American char- on offshore energy production and to for folks. It’s not a bad idea, maybe, acter. Bless this society which places let U.S. producers do what they can do but what will that do for supply? We’re such a high value on personal freedom. to meet our growing energy demands. going to pass an antiprice-gouging Help all Americans to see that freedom It’s time for this Congress to get seri- measure that the House has already is not only a treasured gift but a sum- ous about bridging the growing gap be- passed on a number of occasions. mons to personal responsibility. tween supply and demand. Opening the That’s not doing a thing for supply. May the Members of Congress set an Outer Continental Shelf to environ- Facts are troubling things, and the example for the rest of the Nation by mentally sound exploration could be fact right now is that this House of working diligently this week to address just the way to do it. Representatives is doing nothing, noth- responsibly the country’s problems and f ing to increase the supply of gasoline seek the common good of the people. for the United States, nothing to in- In whatever they do or say, may they GAS PRICES AND ENERGY SUPPLY crease American energy for Americans. IN THE UNITED STATES give You glory and honor both now and Consequently, what we see are record forever. Amen. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gas prices continuing—$4.08 over the Chair recognizes the gentleman from weekend, $4.10, I understand, today. f Georgia (Mr. PRICE) for 5 minutes. There are a couple of other interesting Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam facts, Madam Speaker. THE JOURNAL Speaker, here it is, Monday, at 12:38 The United States has expanded its The SPEAKER pro tempore. The p.m. We find the House back in order dependence on foreign members of Chair has examined the Journal of the for another week. What will we be OPEC by a full 7 percent in 2007 alone. last day’s proceedings and announces doing this week? Another fact, Madam Speaker, is to the House her approval thereof. Well, Madam Speaker, we’re going to that the United States is the only de- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- pass a bill that recognizes the achieve- veloped nation in the world that for- nal stands approved. ments of America’s high school val- bids safe energy production on its edictorians of the class of 2008. We’re Outer Continental Shelf, deep sea ex- f going to pass a bill honoring the life ploration. The only nation in the and musical accomplishments and con- world. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE tributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th Another fact, Madam Speaker, is anniversary of his birth. We’re going to that the U.S. Minerals Management The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the pass a bill that recognizes Pittsfield, Service estimates that America’s Outer gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. EDDIE Massachusetts as being the home of the Continental Shelf contains nearly 86 BERNICE JOHNSON) come forward and earliest known reference to the word billion barrels of oil, enough oil to re- lead the House in the Pledge of Alle- ‘‘baseball’’ in the United States. We’re place OPEC imports for 50 years. giance. going to pass a bill supporting the Another fact, Madam Speaker, is Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of goals and ideals of Black Music Month that, when bills to increase the supply Texas led the Pledge of Allegiance as and to honor the outstanding contribu- of gas for Americans and American en- follows: tions of African American singers. ergy for Americans have come to the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the We’re going to pass a bill expressing floor of this House, 81 percent of the United States of America, and to the Repub- the sense of Congress that schools in time, Republicans have supported lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the United States should honor the those bills; 83 percent of the time, contributions of individuals from the Democrats have opposed those bills. f territories of the United States. We’re So the law of supply and demand is going to pass a bill naming a veterans’ clear. If you increase supply, you de- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE outpatient clinic in Wenatchee, Wash- crease the cost, and you decrease the A message from the Senate by Ms. ington. We’re going to pass a bill nam- price at the pump. So, yes, we need to Curtis, one of its clerks, announced ing a veterans’ center in Tampa, Flor- conserve. Yes, we need to make certain that the Senate has passed without ida. We’re going to pass a bill recog- that we find alternative fuel sources amendment concurrent resolutions of nizing National Homeownership Month for the future, but right now, in the the House of the following titles: and the importance of homeownership short term, in the near term, it’s in- in the United States. We’re going to cumbent upon this House to make cer- H. Con. Res. 307. Concurrent resolution ex- pass a bill expressing support for the tain that we increase supply. pressing the sense of Congress that Members’ Congressional papers should be properly designation of September 2008 as the American energy for Americans. maintained and encouraging Members to Gospel Music Heritage Month. We’re There are easy ways to do that. What take all necessary measures to manage and going to pass a bill naming a post of- we demand is that the House be al- preserve these papers. fice in Indianola, Mississippi. We’re lowed to vote. H. Con. Res. 335. Concurrent resolution au- going to pass a bill honoring the life of f thorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Robert Mondavi. RECESS Madam Speaker, all of those are im- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. portant things, and they would be fine The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The message also announced that for us to do if we were dealing with the ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair pursuant to Public Law 110–181, and in number one issue of Americans across declares the House in recess until 2 consultation with the Chairmen of the this Nation, and that is the issue of gas p.m. today. Committee on Armed Services, the prices and energy supply in the United Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 42 Committee on Homeland Security and States. minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- Governmental Affairs, and the Com- Last week, the Speaker told us that cess until 2 p.m. mittee on Foreign Relations, the Chair, we would be dealing with the issue this f on behalf of the Vice President, ap- week, possibly, although it’s not on the b 1400 points the following individuals to be list—but possibly—and there may be members of the Commission on War- four bills that they’ll bring forward, AFTER RECESS time Contracting in Iraq and Afghani- that the majority party will bring for- The recess having expired, the House stan: ward. One is to increase regulation. was called to order by the Speaker pro Linda J. Gustitus of the District of That ought to do a lot to increase sup- tempore (Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland) at Columbia. ply. One is to require that oil compa- 2 p.m. Charles Tiefer of Maryland.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.045 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5801 AMERICANS SPEAK UP CONGRATULATING THE TOWN OF for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina JONESVILLE ON ITS NEW TOWN his remarks.) asked and was given permission to ad- HALL Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speak- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- er, for 30 years, we have seen the devel- vise and extend his remarks.) mission to address the House for 1 opment of new major gas and oil devel- opments in our country thwarted. For Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. minute.) 30 years, we have had no new nuclear Madam Speaker, Americans are speak- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, today I reactors built in this country to pro- ing up about rising gas prices. want to congratulate the people of vide us electricity. For 30 years, we The polls show that well over 60 to 70 Jonesville, North Carolina on the com- have seen no new refineries being built percent of Americans support explo- pletion of their new town hall. in this country. For 30 years, we ration of American oil and natural gas Jonesville’s new town hall will serve haven’t even seen a hydroelectric dam reserves, and we are seeing a vocal out- both as a government center and the being built in this country. And people pouring of disappointment in Washing- hub for the town’s tourism outreach ef- ask why are we paying $4 and $5 a gal- ton’s refusal to take action. forts. While I was unable to attend the lon for gasoline now? For example, former Speaker of the Well, what has happened, of course, is House Newt Gingrich has put a petition grand opening event this past Friday due to Congress being in session, con- we have put ourselves in a position on his Web site asking Americans to where the discretionary income of our send a message to Washington that we gratulations are in order for everyone in Jonesville who helped make this im- people is being robbed from them be- need to ‘‘Drill Here, Drill Now, and Pay cause we were acting irresponsibly for Less.’’ As of today, the petition has portant project a success. I want to praise Mayor Lindbergh Swain for his these last 30 years. Congressmen, elect- over 1.1 million signatures. Surely this ed representatives of the people, did is only a snapshot of the millions more leadership and also the people at USDA Rural Development for their help in se- not stand up to a radical element in America who are feeling the pinch which opposed all of these energy alter- from rising energy prices. That is the curing critical financing for the new town hall. natives for America and has left us vul- bad news. nerable to our enemies overseas. The good news is that House Repub- This town hall, which replaces the town’s more than half century old town It is about time we speak up, we licans have a plan to reduce our de- stand up, and we do what is right so we pendence on foreign oil, invest in a fu- hall, promises not only to give the town a new government seat but also can fix this problem that was caused by ture of renewable, cleaner energy re- inaction for the last 30 years. sources, and ask the American people to bolster the local tourist economy. to participate through conservation. Tourism is a growing segment of the f We have a plan, and the American peo- local economy in Yadkin and sur- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ple have the will to put that plan into rounding counties, and this new facil- PRO TEMPORE ity is a wise investment in drawing action if House Democrats stop stand- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- new tourist dollars to Jonesville. I ap- ing in the way. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair plaud Jonesville for its forward think- In conclusion, God bless our troops, will postpone further proceedings ing mindset, and hope to visit the new and we will never forget September the today on motions to suspend the rules town hall in the coming weeks. 11th. on which a recorded vote or the yeas f and nays are ordered, or on which the f ENERGY INDEPENDENCE vote is objected to under clause 6 of rule XX. (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- OFFSHORE ENERGY EXPLORATION Record votes on postponed questions fornia asked and was given permission IS LONG OVERDUE will be taken after 6:30 p.m. today. to address the House for 1 minute and (Mr. CALVERT asked and was given to revise and extend his remarks.) f permission to address the House for 1 Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERV- minute.) fornia. Madam Speaker, soon we will be ISTS DEBT RELIEF ACT OF 2008 Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, the breaking for the July 4 district work Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I American people recognize that ex- period. July 4, Independence Day. But move to suspend the rules and pass the panding our offshore energy explo- what are we doing about making us, bill (H.R. 4044) to amend the Bank- ration is long overdue. Unfortunately, the American people, independent of ruptcy Abuse Prevention and Con- my Democratic colleagues have failed foreign oil and foreign energy? If you sumer Protection Act of 2005 to exempt to reach this obvious conclusion, so let look at the record in this House, abso- from the means test in bankruptcy me offer them some help. lutely nothing. cases, for a limited period, qualifying This is our country. This is our coun- The first response we had from the reserve-component members who, after try’s Outer Continental Shelf. There is majority was denial. They say this sup- September 11, 2001, are called to active oil and natural gas in the Outer Conti- ply will do nothing. Well, of course it duty or to perform a homeland defense nental Shelf that belongs to us, the will do nothing unless you explore it activity for not less than 60 days, as American people. As offshore oil pro- and produce it. amended. duction increases, our domestic oil sup- Then they say energy will be pro- The Clerk read the title of the bill. ply increases. As oil supplies increase, duced by lawsuit. We have got a bill The text of the bill is as follows: prices will decline. Let me repeat that coming out of the Judiciary Com- H.R. 4044 for my Democratic colleagues. mittee. Sue, sue, sue, and somehow Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- This is our country. This is our coun- that is going to give you more energy. resentatives of the United States of America in try’s Outer Continental Shelf. There is The American people are smart. They Congress assembled, oil and natural gas in the Outer Conti- understand that if we have a precious SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. nental Shelf that belongs to us, the resource granted to us, we ought to use This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Guard American people. As offshore oil pro- it. and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008’’. duction increases, our domestic oil sup- Independence Day, July 4. Why can’t SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS. ply increases. As supplies increase, we bring at least one bill to the floor Section 707(b)(2)(D) of title 11, United States prices will decline. that would begin to give us energy Code, is amended— Hopefully, for the sake of the Ameri- independence? (1) in clauses (i) and (ii)— cans that are suffering at the gas (A) by indenting the left margin of such f clauses 2 ems to the right, and pump, our Democratic colleagues can FIXING THE ENERGY PROBLEM (B) by redesignating such clauses as sub- learn what everybody else in the world clauses (I) and (II), respectively, has known all along: If you have en- (Mr. ROHRABACHER asked and was (2) by striking ‘‘if the debtor is a disabled vet- ergy resources, use them. given permission to address the House eran’’ and inserting the following:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.005 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 ‘‘if— ees, stated separately, in cases under title 11 of Guard and Reserves have been called to ‘‘(i) the debtor is a disabled veteran’’, the United States Code in which such members Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them (3) by striking the period at the end and in- avail themselves of the benefits of such provi- have even served multiple tours of serting ‘‘; or’’, and sions, and duty. And so it is easy to understand (4) by adding at the end the following: (vi) whether and to what extent there is any ‘‘(ii) while— indicia of abuse or potential abuse of such pro- that these unanticipated deployments ‘‘(I) the debtor is— visions, and disrupt their lives and their family ‘‘(aa) on, and during the 540-day period be- (B) with respect to debt-incurrence practices— members and leads to financial hard- ginning immediately after the debtor is released (i) any increase in the average levels of debt ship. So we are happy for the from, a period of active duty (as defined in sec- incurred by such members before, during, or gentlelady from Chicago, Illinois, JAN tion 101(d)(1) of title 10) of not less than 90 after such service, SCHAKOWSKY, who has included an ef- days; or (ii) any indicia of changes in debt-incurrence practices adopted by such members in anticipa- fort that has attracted our colleagues ‘‘(bb) performing, and during the 540-day pe- on both sides of the aisle. I am very riod beginning immediately after the debtor is tion of benefitting from such provisions in any no longer performing, a homeland defense activ- potential case under such title; and happy to report this from the Judiciary ity (as defined in section 901(1) of title 32) per- (iii) any indicia of abuse or potential abuse of Committee. formed for a period of not less than 90 days; and such provisions reflected in the debt-incurrence I reserve the balance of my time. of such members. ‘‘(II) if after September 11, 2001, the debtor b 1415 while a member of a reserve component of the SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION OF Armed Forces or a member of the National AMENDMENTS. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Guard, was called to such active duty or per- (a) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Except as provided in fornia. Madam Speaker, I rise in sup- formed such homeland defense activity.’’. subsection (b), this Act and the amendments port of H.R. 4044, the National Guard made by this Act shall take effect 60 days after SEC. 3. GAO STUDY. and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008. the date of the enactment of this Act. (a) COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY.—Not later (b) APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS.—The I am happy that the House is consid- than 2 years after the effective date of this Act, amendments made by this Act shall apply only ering today this bipartisan legislation. the Comptroller General shall complete and with respect to cases commenced under title 11 As the gentleman from Michigan, the transmit to the Speaker of the House of Rep- of the United States Code in the 3-year period chairman of the committee mentioned, resentatives and the President pro tempore of beginning on the effective date of this Act. the Senate, a study of the use and the effects of several years ago we passed the Bank- the provisions of law amended (and as amend- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ruptcy Abuse Prevention and Con- ed) by this Act. Such study shall address, at a ant to the rule, the gentleman from sumer Protection Act. The purpose was minimum— Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- to ensure that bankruptcy procedures (1) whether and to what degree members of re- tleman from California (Mr. DANIEL E. were still allowed for those who needed serve components of the Armed Forces and mem- LUNGREN) each will control 20 minutes. them, and yet the abuses that we had bers of the National Guard avail themselves of The Chair recognizes the gentleman seen in the years leading up to the bill the benefits of such provisions, from Michigan. would be reduced if not eliminated. It (2) whether and to what degree such members are debtors in cases under title 11 of the United GENERAL LEAVE received bipartisan support. States Code that are substantially related to Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Today’s bill deals with a part of that service that qualifies such members for the bene- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- scene that needs to be addressed and fits of such provisions, bers have 5 legislative days to revise addressed immediately. Republicans (3) whether and to what degree such members and extend their remarks and include strongly support the mission and ap- are debtors in cases under such title that are extraneous material. preciate the sacrifice of our dedicated materially related to such service, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there reservists and guardsmen. As many (4) the effects that the use by such members of people know, we rely far more on our section 707(b)(2)(D) of such title, as amended by objection to the request of the gen- this Act, has on the bankruptcy system, credi- tleman from Michigan? National Guard and Reservists in the tors, and the debt-incurrence practices of such There was no objection. conflict that we have ongoing in the members. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Middle East today than we have in pre- (b) FACTORS.—For purposes of subsection yield myself such time as I may con- vious conflicts. That was a conscious (a)— sume. decision by the Congress of the United (1) a case shall be considered to be substan- Members of the House, the National States over the last couple of decades. tially related to the service of a member of a re- Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act As a result, many, many more dedi- serve component of the Armed Forces or a mem- is a part of the idea of improving the cated reservists and guardsmen are as- ber of the National Guard that qualifies such member for the benefits of the provisions of law Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act suming responsibility in areas of con- amended (and as amended) by this Act if more signed into law by President Bush 3 flict. We agree that reservists and than 33 percent of the aggregate amount of the years ago. It effectuated a comprehen- guardsmen who are plunged into bank- debts in such case is incurred as a direct or indi- sive overhaul of bankruptcy, especially ruptcy by the demands of their service rect result of such service, with regards to consumers. These con- should be given a helping hand under (2) a case shall be considered to be materially sumer bankruptcy amendments in- the bankruptcy code. related to the service of a member of a reserve cluded the establishment of a means In committee, Republicans labored component of the Armed Forces or a member of testing mechanism to determine a long and hard to achieve a workable the National Guard that qualifies such member compromise that would help these for the benefits of such provisions if more than debtor’s ability to repay debts. Under 10 percent of the aggregate amount of the debts this test, a chapter 7 bankruptcy case serving men and women. The major in such case is incurred as a direct or indirect is presumed to be an abuse if it appears issue for committee Republicans was result of such service, and that a debtor has income in excess of simple—that the bill respond to bank- (3) the term ‘‘effects’’ means— certain thresholds. ruptcies attributable to a reservist’s or (A) with respect to the bankruptcy system and The measure before us today would guardsman’s service. creditors— exempt certain qualifying National This bill does not perfectly meet that (i) the number of cases under title 11 of the Guard members and Reserve members concern. However, it is part of the art United States Code in which members of reserve of compromise and it meets it suffi- components of the Armed Forces and members of from the means test presumption of the National Guard avail themselves of the ben- abuse. Come to think of it, I would like ciently for committee Republicans to efits of such provisions, to exempt some other people as well. support passage. (ii) the aggregate amount of debt in such But this legislation addresses the It does this first by requiring an im- cases, issue of fundamental fairness. Those portant study by the GAO. The study (iii) the aggregate amount of debt of such who find themselves in financial dif- will examine the degree to which bank- members discharged in cases under chapter 7 of ficulty as a result of service in the Na- ruptcies benefiting from the bill are in- such title, tional Guard or being activated into it deed attributable to service, as we hope (iv) the aggregate amount of debt of such or the aftermath of their service, par- they will be. members in cases under chapter 7 of such title as of the time such cases are converted to cases ticularly overseas, should not face the The study thus will help us to be sure under chapter 13 of such title, additional burden of the means test. of whether reservists and guardsmen (v) the amount of resources expended by the Since September 11, 2001, almost one- are using the relief granted by the bill bankruptcy courts and by the bankruptcy trust- half million members of the National when it is their service that leads to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.002 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5803 bankruptcy. And the study must be abuse by demonstrating a special cir- out our country, who have often been completed promptly within 2 years of cumstance before the court. They can called up for deployments that are for enactment. beg. They can jump through hoops, far longer than they were initially Secondly, the bill includes a 3-year they can hire lawyers, and then it is at thought, will not pay a very high per- sunset. When we are asked to reauthor- the discretion of the court to grant sonal cost for their absence and their ize the bill, we will have the GAO study these homecoming heroes special cir- willingness to step forward. and report. And we will know for sure cumstances and allow them a chapter 7 As my colleague, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, how the bill is working, and if it needs filing. This should have been in the bill put it, these servicemembers have put to be modified, how it should be modi- in the first place, as well as Ms. their lives and livelihood on the line fied. It is not my expectation that it SCHAKOWSKY’s motion should have been for us, and we owe them a great debt. would be abused, but if it is, we would accepted by the majority. It is a shame This is one way that we can show our be able to address that at the time the that it wasn’t. deep appreciation for the service of reauthorization is considered. The Schakowsky motion would not these people, as we should have done With these requirements added, I am have killed the bill, as some Members originally. Now it is time for us to pleased to support passage of the bill. have argued since. In fact, because the repay that debt in a very bipartisan I reserve the balance of my time. motion asked the Judiciary Committee way. I thank very much my chairman Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I re- to report the bill forthwith, we could and ranking member. serve the balance of my time. have considered the bill on that very Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- same day. And even if that were not yield myself such time as I may con- fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 min- the case, as now we hear from my side sume. utes to the gentleman from California, so often as we point out a motion re- First of all, I think that this bill one of the major sponsors of this bill, quiring a committee to report the bill might appropriately be renamed the active sponsor of this bill, Mr. DANA promptly could still be brought up the Schakowsky-Rohrabacher provision be- ROHRABACHER. next legislative day. cause of the hard work that our col- Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speak- No, this motion failed so long ago be- league has done on the matter. I appre- er, I rise in strong support of this legis- cause of the worst type of partisanship. ciate the fully bipartisan spirit that lation. It failed because Republicans did not this committee, the Judiciary Com- Madam Speaker, today marks the want to admit that the Democrats mittee, had in much evidence when we culmination of work that should have could better their bill. took this measure up. been finished long ago. On April 14, When I found that there was no ade- And I close by asking my friends, the 2005, the House considered S. 256, the quate protection for our returning re- Blue Dogs on this side of the aisle and Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Con- servists and guardsmen, I pledged to most of the Republicans, my Repub- sumer Protection Act of 2005, which work with my colleague, Ms. lican colleagues on the other side, that was a much needed and responsible re- SCHAKOWSKY, and make it right. we might want to take a look at this form. Then in the minority, my col- Subsequently, I introduced legisla- means test which presumes you did league, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, introduced a tion to amend the bankruptcy law. Un- something wrong if you are broke and motion to recommit so that the bill fortunately, the Republican leadership in trouble. I mean, it occurs to me that would allow a targeted exemption from refused to bring my bill up to the floor under the economic circumstances we the bankruptcy means test for those for a vote and it took a change in the find ourselves in as a nation, anybody National Guard and Reservists who had majority for this pro-reservist, pro-Na- could flunk the means test and then be been called up after 9/11. tional Guard bill to be brought to the presumed to be irresponsible or not up- At the time of the floor debate, I was House floor today. standing citizens. Credit ratings would told by the Republican floor manager This measure isn’t costing any new be damaged profusely. that the Schakowsky motion was re- Federal dollars. There is no new mas- And so maybe we can look at this. dundant, that there was already such sive appropriation. All it is is a consid- We don’t want to offend the banking protection for our National Guard and eration for these people who have lobby, don’t get me wrong, but let’s Reservists under the Service Member’s risked their lives for us and are coming just take a peek at what we have Civil Relief Act. Because of this, I home. But my party couldn’t get itself wrought here in the name of improving voted against the motion and it failed to provide consideration for our home- the bankruptcy law which I was not in on a party line vote, 220 yeas to 229 coming heroes even though there support of when it came forward. nays. wasn’t any major cost involved. Madam Speaker, with that I conclude I soon found out that I and other Re- In the meantime, party control of the my remarks, and I yield back the bal- publican Members had been mis- House changed, and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY ance of my time. informed, apparently to prevent the and I have been working diligently to Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- then-minority from having any legisla- get this legislation to the floor and get fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself tive success. it passed into law. We are now consid- such time as I may consume. Yes, disabled veterans are exempt ering this bill under suspension which Once again I would just repeat this is from the new bankruptcy means test, means it is pretty well recognized that a bipartisan bill brought to this floor but not activated reservists and this has widespread support. It should with strong bipartisan support. Hope- guardsmen, the men and women torn have been voted on by the majority or fully we will get a unanimous vote in from their jobs and families, sent over- at least accepted a long time ago. favor of it. This is something that rec- seas to protect us were not to be given I encourage my colleagues who voted ognizes the unique situation our re- consideration under the Republican ‘‘no’’ on the motion to recommit 3 servists and guardsmen and women are bankruptcy law unless they were dis- years ago because they were misled to placed in when they leave the jobs that abled. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY’s motion vote in favor of this legislation. This they have, go back to the theater of sought to correct that. In order to pre- bill is not a wedge to reopen the bank- war, serve us well and run into difficul- vent even one success by the other ruptcy law. Rather, it is a narrow, tar- ties as a result of that service from a party, the leaders of my party threw geted change modeled after existing ex- financial standpoint. aside considering the well-being of our emptions for disabled veterans, Amer- We all agree that they should receive returning heroes. ica’s heroes in neighborhoods through- relief. I would hope that we can get A returning reservist or guardsman, out our country, who have been called people on the other side of the aisle to who possibly left a lucrative job to an- up for deployments. also agree that they ought to get relief swer the call of duty, gets the same The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- from these extraordinary, out-of-char- tougher means test as everybody else. tleman’s time has expired. acter, unprecedented high gas prices If they fail, they are presumed to be Mr. CONYERS. I yield the gentleman that we have. What a shock it must be abusing the system as specified in 1 minute. for our reservists and guardsmen to chapter 7 of the bankruptcy law. Yes, Mr. ROHRABACHER. This bill will leave this country and do service for they can then rebut the presumption of ensure that America’s heroes through- this country in a foreign land and then

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.008 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 return and find out that in the period ject into all of the debate this week be- determine a debtor’s ability to repay debts. of time they have been gone, all of a cause I would love to get into this. You Under this test, a chapter 7 bankruptcy case sudden gas prices have risen $1.50, $1.70, didn’t mention shale to coal. There’s a is presumed to be an abuse if it appears that before they were even able to return. whole range of opportunities for discus- the debtor has income in excess of certain So hopefully as we grant relief in this sion here. thresholds. small particular area of bankruptcy But I yield back, and I thank my col- H.R. 4044 would exempt certain qualifying law, we might also think about the re- league for his support. reserve component members of the Armed lief not only for reservists and guards- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Services and National Guard members from men but all Americans from the ex- fornia. Madam Speaker, of course I the means test’s presumption of abuse. This traordinary costs that they are now cannot address the gentleman directly bill responds to the fact that some who serve being called upon to pay in the area of under the rules. So through the Chair, in the National Guard and the Reserves en- energy. I would just say that yes, shale oil and counter financial difficulties and that they It is not just at the gas tank, it is tar sands are important. We happen to should not be subject to the additional proof rippling through the economy because be the Saudi Arabia of those certain re- requirements of the means test. transportation costs are built into the sources of God, placed here for us to I am a co-sponsor of this bill and I urge my cost of just about everything that we use, and yet for one reason or another, colleagues to support it. This bill makes sense have, and our friends on the other side we’re almost afraid to use the world because often Armed Services personnel and of the aisle say, well, we will bring a ‘‘drill.’’ So I appreciate the chairman Reservists receive high compensation when lawsuit, maybe that will do something. using the word ‘‘drill’’ three different they are away on hazardous tours or combat Wind, solar, I support those, but I have times. That doesn’t mean going to the zones. However, when these individuals re- yet to find a wind-powered car in my dentist. That means drill for oil, drill turn, their income is not as high. Therefore, it district, or a solar-powered car in my for natural gas. That will be something is unfair to subject these individuals to the district. which will help the American people. means test. Simply, the means test is whether And creeping up on us, although we So I would just say that I don’t need the person has the means to pay his or her are now involved in the middle of sum- my leadership to tell me about it. All I debts. Hazard pay and temporary high pay for mer, the beginning of summer, but it need to do is go home and see the combat work is not necessarily a good indi- feels like the middle of summer with prices of gasoline. All I need to do is cator of a person’s means or ability to pay. the heat that is out there, creeping up listen to people. Seventy-some percent These individuals are serving our country and on us is the extraordinary increase of the American people now, by the lat- have legitimate financial concerns. I do not be- that we are seeing in the cost of nat- est Fox poll, say they want more drill- lieve that they should be penalized. I believe ural gas. Natural gas supplies a good ing, they want more production in we should help our armed services personnel bit of the heating for the winter that America. The only group that doesn’t for giving so much to fight for and protect this we will find come November and De- have a 70-some percent support of it is country. The least we can do is help them. cember. this group, the House of Representa- I firmly believe that we should celebrate our b 1430 tives. Either we’re behind the times or National Guard and Reservists, and I remain we’re ahead of the times. And I suspect I have been informed that in Cali- committed, as a Member of Congress, to en- we’re behind the times. fornia electricity is produced at least suring that we demonstrate our respect for And all I’m doing is asking my good 60 percent by natural gas. We don’t them. The National Guard and Reservists friend, the chairman from Michigan, to have to wait for our heating fuel. We have kept their promise to serve our Nation; understand that the people of Michigan can worry about the concerns that we they have willingly risked their lives to protect suffer as much as the people of Cali- have with air-conditioning supplied by the country we all love. fornia when we fail to understand that electricity. As the great British leader Winston Churchill we have resources that we could use. So all I’m saying, Madam Speaker, is famously stated, ‘‘Never in the field of human We ought to use American technology that as we work on worthy legislation conflict was so much owed by so many to so to develop American energy rather like this, there is other worthy legisla- few.’’ than having it developed all around the tion out there. And all we ask is what We must always remember the debt that we world. the American people ask: Give us a owe our National Guard and Reservists that Oh, and by the way, oil spills. They vote. Give us a chance to prove that are willing to lay down their lives for us and come from tankers. They come from the reserves that are available in the render the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom tankers, not from offshore rigs. We United States, American reserves, and security. Our gratitude must continue to ought to understand the more we’re de- American oil, American natural gas, be be unwavering. pendent upon foreign oil, the more utilized for Americans. If our enemy In the words of President John F. Kennedy, tankers that supply the oceans and a was doing this to us, we would be in a ‘‘As we express our gratitude, we must never greater possibility of a problem which fighting mood, but unfortunately forget that the highest appreciation is not to would cause difficulty on our beaches through our Congress, we’re doing it to utter words, but to live by them.’’ It is not sim- and those beautiful waves that my ourselves. ply enough to sing the praises of our Nation’s So at some point in time, hopefully friend from California enjoys surfing great veterans; I firmly believe that we must in the not-too-distant future, we might on in California. demonstrate by our actions how proud we are be able to prevail on the other side to Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam of our American heroes. understand that supply makes a dif- Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4044, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. ference and help us bring those costs the ‘‘National Guard and Reservists Debt Re- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- down as a result of increasing the prod- lief Act of 2008.’’ This bill is important because fornia. I yield back the balance of my uct that is available to Americans from it liberalizes the debt relief standard for those time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The American sources. persons who are most deserving, our Nation’s Once again, Madam Speaker, I sup- heroes that serve in the National Guard. question is on the motion offered by port H.R. 4044, the National Guard and This bill is important because the President the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008. has made it more difficult for people to claim CONYERS) that the House suspend the Mr. CONYERS. Would the gentleman bankruptcy. Specifically, the Bankruptcy Abuse rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4044, as yield? Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of amended. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN. I yield to 2005 (2005 Bankruptcy Act) was signed into The question was taken; and (two- my good friend from Michigan, the law by President George W. Bush on April 20, thirds being in the affirmative) the chairman. 2005. The 2005 Bankruptcy Act is the most rules were suspended and the bill, as Mr. CONYERS. I want to thank my comprehensive overhaul of bankruptcy law in amended, was passed. colleague for yielding. more than 25 years. The 2005 Bankruptcy Act The title was amended so as to read: I thought for a minute I was on a makes particular changes to the consumer ‘‘A bill to amend title 11 of the United Special Order about ‘‘drill drill drill.’’ bankruptcy. The changes to consumer bank- States Code to exempt for a limited pe- Has the leadership on your side in- ruptcy included, among other things, the es- riod, from the application of the structed everybody to insert this sub- tablishment of a means testing mechanism to means-test presumption of abuse under

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.010 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5805 chapter 7, qualifying members of re- Officer Byrne’s sacrifice was not in funds are used for Statewide initia- serve components of the Armed Forces vain. His murderers and the criminals tives, technical assistance and train- and members of the National Guard who employed them were found, ing, and support for local and rural ju- who, after September 11, 2001, are charged, and convicted. And today, in risdictions. called to active duty or to perform a perpetuation of Officer Byrne’s legacy, I can say, Madam Speaker, that my homeland defense activity for not less the Byrne-JAG grant program is now experience in the past serving as the than 90 days.’’. the only Federal program that funds Attorney General of California allowed A motion to reconsider was laid on crime fighting and prevention through- me to see the good work that the the table. out the States across State lines and Byrne funds has done and continues to f nationwide. do, primarily in the area of multi-juris- This program, Mr. Chairman and EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUS- dictional task forces as was mentioned Madam Speaker, is more important TICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PRO- by the gentleman from Georgia. now than ever. The slowing economy GRAM AUTHORIZATION This is actually an area where we ac- undermines the ability of local law en- tually see a synergism that exists Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I forcement to maintain and support among different levels of government move to suspend the rules and pass the crime prevention programs in our com- and their law enforcement personnel. It bill (H.R. 3546) to authorize the Edward munity as well as maintain order. is always important that they have Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Already, cash-strapped local govern- good leadership at each level, and the Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 lev- ments face lower tax revenues and training that took place as a result of els through 2012, as amended. higher crime rates and recidivism. many of these multi-jurisdictional The Clerk read the title of the bill. Local officials depend on these Byrne- The text of the bill is as follows: task forces actually created an im- JAG grants to invest in law enforce- provement in the overall training for H.R. 3546 ment resources that keep crime and law enforcement across the country. It Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- drugs out of our communities. In my is a remarkable thing to see agents resentatives of the United States of America in home State of Georgia, these grants Congress assembled, from different agencies, different de- provide for a specialize core of drug en- partments, working together for a SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF GRANTS. forcement agencies that work closely Section 508 of title I of the Omnibus Crime common purpose. Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 together cooperating with each other As the gentleman mentioned, you U.S.C. 3758) is amended by striking ‘‘for fis- and the Federal Government. And na- can, as a result of these task forces, cal year 2006’’ through the period and insert- tionwide, the results speak for them- count up the number of arrests made, ing ‘‘for each of the fiscal years 2006 through selves. the number of convictions obtained, 2012.’’. Byrne-JAG has led to the seizure of the number of weapons taken off the 54,000 weapons, the destruction of 5.5 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- street, the number of drugs taken off million grams of methamphetamine, ant to the rule, the gentleman from the street in each and every case mak- and the elimination of nearly 9,000 Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- ing it safer for the people of the States meth labs per year. Nevertheless, Con- tleman from California (Mr. DANIEL E. of the United States. LUNGREN) each will control 20 minutes. gress has consistently underfunded this On June 9, the Federal Bureau of In- The Chair recognizes the gentleman program, and President Bush threatens vestigation released a 2007 Unified from Michigan. additional cuts in the 2009 fiscal budget Crime Report detailing the statistics fiscal year. But we can’t afford to deny GENERAL LEAVE and tracking trends for violent crimes local governments the resources that Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I nationwide. The national rate for vio- they so desperately need to fight and ask unanimous consent that all Mem- lent crimes, that is including robbery, bers have 5 legislative days to revise prevent crime. My bill will reauthorize Byrne-JAG sexual assault, and murder, decreased and extend their remarks and include nationally. Unfortunately, the report extraneous material on the bill under funding at full 2006 levels, and I urge my colleagues in this body to support also showed the rate of violent crime consideration. rate increased in some communities The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there it. across the country. This is not by acci- objection to the request of the gen- In honor of Officer Edward Byrne, dent that we see an overall improve- tleman from Michigan? this program will help keep our streets, ment across the country. It is the re- There was no objection. our kids, our fellow citizens, and our Mr. CONYERS. I would like to begin communities safe from criminal activ- sult of the work of many good men and by yielding as much time as he may ity and drugs. women in uniform and the support to consume to our distinguished colleague Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- organizations that they have through- out this country. from Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON) who has fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself worked more diligently than I believe such time as I may consume. We should understand that while any Member in the House on this meas- Madam Speaker, I rise in support of sometimes the trend is to say that if ure. He shepherded it through hearings H.R. 3546, a bill to authorize the Ed- something is a serious crime, it’s a and markup in Judiciary, and now ward Byrne Memorial Justice Assist- Federal crime; unless the FBI gets in- we’re on the floor. ance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 volved, it’s not important, it’s not Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank levels through the year 2012. This bill going to be handled well. Well over 90 you, Mr. Chairman. continues to fund the Department of percent, well over 95 percent of all Madam Speaker, today I rise in sup- Justice Byrne-JAG Grant Program crime is investigated and prosecuted at port of my bill, H.R. 3546, which will re- that, as the gentleman from Georgia the local and State level, not the Fed- authorize Byrne-JAG grants for local said, provides assistance to State and eral level. That’s why these grants law enforcement. local law officials. work very, very well when it encour- Officer Edward Byrne was a rookie These grants support a broad range ages a multi-jurisdictional approach New York police officer in New York of activities to prevent and control where you can find the abilities, the City when he was killed in the line of crimes and to improve the criminal differing abilities of the agencies and duty in February of 1988. Officer Byrne justice system. The department allo- departments, the coming together to came from a family of police officers cates funds using a formula based on work with one another. and was dedicated to cleaning up his State population and the annual Uni- Law enforcement officials remain beat in Queens. fied Crime Report statistics. The pro- committed to preventing crime and Late on the night of February 26, gram does have a minimum allocation keeping our communities safe, and 1988, Officer Byrne and his partner were to ensure that each State and territory their efforts should be applauded. How- staking out a house when he was mur- receive an appropriate share of the ever, given the report, it is clear that dered in his car, shot in the head five Federal funds. additional steps need to be taken in times with a pistol. He was only 22 Byrne-JAG funds can be used to pay order to continue to address the issue years old. for personnel overtime and equipment, of crime.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:18 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.012 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 During the past few months, rep- people, yes, applying technology, but prosecution and court programs, prevention resentatives from various law enforce- we depend on people. and education, corrections and community ment associations visited me and my When we have concern about crime in programs, drug treatment, planning, evalua- colleagues to discuss the Byrne-JAG a particular area, it doesn’t do to say, tion, technology improvement programs, and funding. They have spoken with near well, we’ve got new computers down- crime victim and witness programs (other than unanimity about the important role town; that’s going to take care of it. compensation). In short, they are an indispen- Byrne-JAG funding plays in aiding What do people want to see? They want sable resource that states use to combat their efforts to accomplish their law to see law enforcement in their areas. crime. enforcement missions. And for most areas of America, that RECENT CUTS IN BYRNE JAG FUNDING Congress plays an important role in means seeing patrol cars coming Unfortunately, in fiscal year 2008 the Byrne- supporting State and local law enforce- through their neighborhoods at an ap- JAG program was cut by two-thirds. Although ment by continuing to enforce to reau- propriate time, seeing them respond Congress authorized over $1 billion, only $520 thorize this program at appropriate whenever there is a cry for help as a re- million were appropriated for fiscal year 2007. levels. However, we should not in any sult of crime or an attempt at crime. The appropriation was then drastically reduced way suggest that the Federal Govern- The costs that are implicit in this to $170.4 million in fiscal year 2008, and the ment has the first responsibility for tremendous increase in energy costs in President has proposed further cuts for the fis- funding local and State law enforce- this country, the gasoline pump prices, cal year 2009 budget. ment. That remains with local and affect each and every one of our law en- PAST PROBLEMS WITH BYRNE JAG State jurisdictions, and frankly, if they forcement agencies. And so I would The trend to reduce the grant funding may don’t understand the priority, the first hope as we support unanimously this result, in part, from instances where Byrne- priority of government, to try and cre- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice As- JAG funding has been abused. For example, ate a modicum of safety and security sistant Grant Program for fiscal years in 1999 Byrne-JAG funding was used in the for the people of those jurisdictions so 2006 through 2012, we also think at infamous Tulia outrage in which a rogue police that they can live their lives in some some point in time of bringing up a bill narcotics officer in Texas set up dozens of sense of security not having to worry that might help us get some relief in people, most of them African-American, in about violent criminals upsetting their that area. If you add it all up, it might false cocaine trafficking charges. In other in- lives, attacking them and their loved add up to the total cost of the Byrne stances, jurisdictions used the funding to fund ones. If local and State jurisdictions grant program. task forces focused solely on ineffective, low- don’t understand that, frankly, they Mr. CONYERS. Would the gentleman level drug arrests, which has put the task don’t understand the first obligation of yield? force concept—and the diminished standards government. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- of drug enforcement that it has come to rep- fornia. I would be happy to yield to the b 1445 resent—in the national spotlight. gentleman from the place where I The most well-known Byrne-funded scandal So, while we wholeheartedly support think they still build more auto- occurred in Tulia, Texas where dozens of Afri- this funding program, let us ensure mobiles than any other place in the can-American residents (representing 16 per- that at the local and State levels those country. cent of the town’s black population) were ar- representatives are held responsible by Mr. CONYERS. Well, not Canada, rested, prosecuted and sentenced to decades the people that elect them to ensure though. I thank the gentleman for in prison, even though the only evidence that the first priority of government is yielding, and I was concerned only for against them was the uncorroborated testi- achieved: a modicum of safety and se- a moment that he wasn’t going to mony of one white undercover officer with a curity for the people of the jurisdic- bring up this subject. It was with very history of lying and racism. The undercover of- tions that they find themselves in. little ingenuity required on his part to ficer worked alone, and had no audiotapes, With that, I reserve the balance of tie it into this measure. video surveillance, or eyewitnesses to cor- my time. As a distinguished member of Judici- roborate his allegations. Suspicions eventually Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I ary, has the gentleman considered one arose after two of the accused defendants couldn’t concur more with the speak- of the proposals about bringing the were able to produce firm evidence showing ers, our friend from Georgia, HANK price down by nationalizing the oil they were out of state or at work at the time JOHNSON, and the distinguished mem- companies in this country? of the alleged drug buys. Texas Governor Rick ber of the Judiciary Committee who Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Perry eventually pardoned the Tulia defend- has been the Attorney General in the fornia. If I might respond, through the ants (after four years of imprisonment), but largest State in the country. Speaker, I would say, Madam Speaker, these kinds of scandals continue to plague the And so I am enthusiastically sup- the only person I know that has sug- Byrne grant program. porting the continuation of these gested that we nationalize oil compa- These scandals are not the result of a few grants and would hope we would reau- nies, including refineries, is the gen- ‘‘bad apples’’ in law enforcement; they are the thorize this. We have got a reauthor- tleman from the other side of the aisle. result of a fundamentally flawed bureaucracy ization of over $1 billion this time It’s worked so well around the world, I that is prone to corruption by its very structure. through 2012, and I hope that we will think you could go through all the Byrne-funded regional anti-drug task forces enjoy the support of the Members of countries with a nationalization. are federally funded, State managed, and lo- the House. Maybe Venezuela is a trend setter here, cally staffed, which means they do not really Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- but I don’t think that’s exactly where have to answer to anyone. In fact, their ability ance of my time. we want to go. So the answer to the to perpetuate themselves through asset for- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- gentleman, through the Speaker, is no. feiture and federal funding makes them unac- fornia. Madam Speaker, once again, I Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam countable to local taxpayers and governing rise in support of H.R. 3546, and I yield Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3546 bodies. myself such time as I may consume, to reauthorize the Edward Byrne Memorial The scandals are more widespread than just and suggest that of all the costs that Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne-JAG) Pro- a few instances. A 2002 report by the ACLU are involved with law enforcement gram at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. of Texas identified seventeen scandals involv- across the country, one of the greatest The Byrne-JAG monies are supposed to be ing Byrne-funded anti-drug task forces in is the cost of gassing up their cars. used to make America a safer place. I support Texas, including cases of falsifying govern- As the gentleman understands, law the reauthorization and I would urge my col- ment records, witness tampering, fabricating enforcement, yes, travels on its feet, leagues to do likewise. evidence, stealing drugs from evidence lock- but more than often travels on its WHY BYRNE-JAG IS NECESSARY ers, selling drugs to children, large-scale racial wheels. The increased costs of energy Byrne-JAG allows states and local govern- profiling, sexual harassment, and other abuses affect us all across this Nation. Every ments to support a broad range of activities to of official capacity. home is affected by it, without regard prevent and control crime and to improve the Texas is not the only State that has suffered to economic status. But think about criminal justice system, which States and local from Byrne-funded law enforcement scandals. this, our law enforcement agencies are governments have come to rely on to ensure Scandals in other States have included the very labor-intensive. They depend on public safety. They support: law enforcement, misuse of millions of dollars in federal grant

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.013 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5807 money in Kentucky and Massachusetts, false consin. A 2001 study by the Government Ac- lives on the line daily to keep the rest of us convictions based upon police perjury in Mis- countability Office found that the federal gov- safe. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to souri, and making deals with drug offenders to ernment fails to adequately monitor the grant join me in voting for this very important legisla- drop or lower their charges in exchange for program and hold grantees accountable. tion to keep our neighborhoods safe! money or vehicles in Alabama, Arkansas, My amendment, which I would have offered, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Wis- would provide oversight and accountability. It fornia. I yield back the balance of my consin. A 2001 study by the Government Ac- is not burdensome. It will not prevent the time. countability Office found that the federal gov- States from collecting and funding programs The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ernment fails to adequately monitor the grant under the Byrne Grant program. My amend- question is on the motion offered by program and hold grantees accountable. ment does however shed light on any mala- the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. AMENDMENT CONSIDERED BUT NOT OFFERED dies that might exist in the system. Once we CONYERS) that the House suspend the Because of these abuses, I would have of- see the problems, we can fix them. My rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3546, as fered an amendment when this bill was con- amendment is responsible and aims to make amended. sidered at the Full Judiciary Committee mark- the Byrne-Grant program a better program by The question was taken. up. My amendment would have addressed the ensuring that the funding is used appropriately The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the responsible use of Byrne-JAG monies. Specifi- and is used with oversight. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being cally, my amendment would have required that NO MORE TULIAS in the affirmative, the ayes have it. a State that receives Byrne-JAG money While I support the Byrne JAG reauthoriza- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam should collect data for the most recent year for tion, I would also my urge my colleagues to Speaker, on that I demand the yeas which such funds were allocated to such also support my bill, H.R. 253, No More and nays. State, with respect to: Tulias: Drug Law Enforcement Evidentiary The yeas and nays were ordered. (1) The racial distribution of criminal charges Standards Improvement Act of 2007. This bill The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- made during that year; also enhances accountability with respect to ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (2) The nature of the criminal law specified the use of Byrne JAG monies. Chair’s prior announcement, further in the charges made; and First, it prohibits a state from receiving for a proceedings on this motion will be (3) The city of law enforcement jurisdiction fiscal year any drug control and system im- postponed. provement (Byrne) grant funds, or any other in which the charges were made. f My amendment would have required a con- amount from any other law enforcement as- dition of receiving funds that the State should sistance program of the Department of Jus- COMMEMORATING THE 44TH ANNI- submit to the Attorney General the data col- tice, unless the state does not fund any anti- VERSARY OF FREEDOM SUMMER lected by not later than one year after the date drug task forces for that fiscal year or the Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I the State received funds. Lastly, the report state has in effect laws that ensure that: (1) A move to suspend the rules and agree to should be posted on the Bureau of Justice person is not convicted of a drug offense un- the resolution (H. Res. 1293) commemo- Statistics website and submitted to the Attor- less the facts that a drug offense was com- rating the 44th anniversary of the ney General. mitted and that the person committed that of- deaths of civil rights workers Andrew My amendment is good because arrests will fense are supported by evidence other than Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael be transparent and the light of day and public the eyewitness testimony of a law enforce- Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi, airing of any problems will be the greatest dis- ment officer or individuals acting on an offi- while working in the name of American infectant. My amendment is an attempt to cer’s behalf; and (2) an officer does not par- democracy to register voters and se- ticipate, in an antidrug task force unless that make law enforcement more responsible, cure civil rights during the summer of officer’s honesty and integrity is evaluated and more accountable, and more just in their deal- 1964, which has become known as found to be at an appropriately high level. ings with persons of all races and back- ‘‘Freedom Summer’’. grounds. My amendment is but a small price Second, H.R. 253, No More Tulias, requires that states receiving federal funds under the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- to pay to rid the nation of scandals and disas- tion. ters that occurred in Tulia, Texas and else- No More Tulias Act to collect data on the ra- cial distribution of drug charges, the nature of The text of the resolution is as fol- where. lows: These scandals are not the result of a few the criminal law specified in the charges, and H. RES. 1293 ‘‘bad apples’’ in law enforcement; they are the the jurisdictions in which such charges are Whereas 44 years ago, on June 21, 1964, An- result of a fundamentally flawed bureaucracy made. I urge my colleagues to support my No More Tulias Act so that we can quickly bring drew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael that is prone to corruption by its very structure. Schwerner were murdered in Philadelphia, Byrne-funded regional anti-drug task forces the bill to markup. I also urge my colleagues to support Byrne Mississippi, while working in the name of are federally funded, state managed, and lo- JAG. American democracy to register voters and secure civil rights during the summer of 1964, cally staffed, which means they do not really Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise have to answer to anyone. In fact, their ability which would become known as ‘‘Freedom today to express my strong support for H.R. Summer’’; to perpetuate themselves through asset for- 3546, which authorizes the Edward Byrne Me- feiture and federal funding makes them unac- Whereas Andrew Goodman was a 20-year- morial Justice Assistance Grant Program at old White anthropology major from New countable to local taxpayers and governing fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. York’s Queens College, who volunteered for bodies. Earlier this year I was disappointed to learn the Freedom Summer Project; The scandals are more widespread than just of the administration’s draconian reduction in Whereas James Chaney was a 21-year-old a few instances. A 2002 report by the ACLU funding which would have limited the ability of African-American from Meridian, Mis- of Texas identified seventeen scandals involv- our law enforcement officers to obtain the nec- sissippi, who became a civil rights activist, ing Byrne-funded anti-drug task forces in essary manpower, equipment, and other tools joining the Congress of Racial Equality Texas, including cases of falsifying govern- (CORE) in 1963 to work on voter education to reduce criminal activity, putting them in a and registration; ment records, witness tampering, fabricating reactive rather than proactive mode. evidence, stealing drugs from evidence lock- Whereas Michael ‘‘Mickey’’ Schwerner was The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assist- a 24-year-old White CORE field secretary in ers, selling drugs to children, large-scale racial ance Grant Program allows States and local Mississippi and a veteran of the civil rights profiling, sexual harassment, and other abuses governments to improve their criminal justice movement, from Brooklyn, New York; of official capacity. system by supporting activities that help pre- Whereas in 1964, Mississippi had a Black Texas is not the only state that has suffered vent and control crime. voting-age population of 450,000, but only from Byrne-funded law enforcement scandals. H.R. 3546 authorizes $1.095 billion annually 16,000 Blacks were registered to vote; Scandals in other states have included the through FY2012 for the grant program. It is Whereas most Black voters were misuse of millions of dollars in federal grant critically important that States and local law disenfranchised by law or practice in Mis- money in Kentucky and Massachusetts, false enforcement agencies have access to these sissippi; Whereas in 1964, Andrew Goodman, James convictions based upon police perjury in Mis- much-needed resources, which help fight Chaney, and Michael Schwerner volunteered souri, and making deals with drug offenders to crime and drug proliferation in our commu- to work as part of the ‘‘Freedom Summer’’ drop or lower their charges in exchange for nities. project that involved several civil rights or- money or vehicles in Alabama, Arkansas, Madam Speaker, we must properly fund our ganizations, including the Mississippi State Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Wis- local law enforcement officers, who put their chapter of the National Association for the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.009 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 Advancement of Colored People, the South- Whereas Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, sissippi; Michael Schwerner, 24 years ern Christian Leadership Conference, the and Michael Schwerner worked for freedom, old of New York, were all working with Student Nonviolent Coordinating Com- democracy and equal justice under the law the CORE, the Congress of Racial mittee, and CORE, with the purpose of reg- for all; and Equality. And they left the Meridian, istering Black voters in Mississippi; Whereas the Federal Government should Whereas on the morning of June 21, 1964, find an appropriate way to honor these cou- Mississippi, office for the town of the 3 men left the CORE office in Meridian rageous young men and their contributions Philadelphia 25 miles away. They were and set out for Longdale, Mississippi, where to civil rights and voting rights: Now, there- stopped by the Klan, and the rest is they were to investigate the recent burning fore, be it history. of the Mount Zion Methodist Church, a Resolved, That the House of Representa- We still work against the backdrop of Black church that had been functioning as a tives encourages all Americans to— this activity. It was out of their sac- Freedom School for education and voter reg- (1) pause and remember Andrew Goodman, rifices that the movement and under- istration; James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner and standing of not only the citizens of the Whereas on their way back to Meridian, the 44th anniversary of their deaths; (2) commemorate the life and work of An- country but the leaders of the country James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Mi- and Washington understood what we chael Schwerner were detained and later ar- drew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael rested and taken to the Philadelphia, Mis- Schwerner, and all of the other brave Ameri- had to accomplish. And we passed the sissippi, jail; cans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Whereas later that same evening, on June name of civil rights and voting rights for all Rights Act of 1965. Dr. Martin Luther 21, 1964, they were taken from the jail, Americans; and King’s inspiring rhetoric kept us to- turned over to the Ku Klux Klan, and were (3) commemorate and acknowledge the leg- gether for so, so long, and I’m happy beaten, shot, and killed; acy of the brave Americans who participated that we’re doing what we’ve done. I’m in the civil rights movement and the role Whereas 2 days later, their burnt, charred, sure the Senate, the other body, will gutted blue Ford station wagon was pulled that they played in changing the hearts and minds of Americans and creating the polit- follow very rapidly. from the Bogue Chitto Creek, just outside I reserve the balance of my time. Philadelphia, Mississippi; ical climate necessary to pass legislation to Whereas the national uproar caused by the expand civil rights and voting rights for all Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- disappearance of the civil rights workers led Americans. fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself President Lyndon B. Johnson to order Sec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- such time as I may consume. retary of Defense Robert McNamara to send ant to the rule, the gentleman from Madam Speaker, I rise in support of 200 active duty Navy sailors to search the Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- H. Res. 1293, honoring Andrew Good- swamps and fields in the area for the bodies tleman from California (Mr. DANIEL E. man, James Chaney and Michael of the 3 civil rights workers, and Attorney LUNGREN) each will control 20 minutes. Schwerner: Mr. Goodman, a 20-year-old General Robert F. Kennedy to order his Fed- The Chair recognizes the gentleman student volunteer; Mr. Chaney, a 21- eral Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director, year-old plasterer and activist in the J. Edgar Hoover, to send 150 agents to Mis- from Michigan. sissippi to work on the case; GENERAL LEAVE civil rights movement; Mr. Schwerner, Whereas the FBI investigation lead to the Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I a 24-year-old founder of one of the first discovery of the bodies of several other Afri- ask unanimous consent that Members community centers for African Ameri- can-Americans from Mississippi, whose dis- have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- cans in Mississippi. Mr. Chaney and appearances over the previous several years tend their remarks and include extra- Mr. Schwerner were also members of had not attracted attention outside their neous material. the civil rights task force organized by local communities; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the Congress of Racial Equality. Whereas the bodies of Andrew Goodman, All three were tragically killed in James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, beat- objection to the request of the gen- en and shot, were found on August 4, 1964, tleman from Michigan? 1964, that summer, for their participa- buried under a mound of dirt; There was no objection. tion in the civil rights campaign in Whereas on December 4, 1964, 21 White Mis- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Mississippi, where they had just taken sissippians from Philadelphia, Mississippi, yield myself as much time as I may part, along with 175 other volunteers, including the sheriff and his deputy, were ar- consume. in a civil rights orientation project, rested, and the Department of Justice I am so pleased to bring this resolu- which led the way for some 800 other charged them with conspiring to deprive An- tion from the Judiciary Committee to volunteers. drew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael remember the deaths of those three I had just graduated from high school Schwerner of their civil rights, since murder in California, and I remember the was not a Federal crime; great civil rights workers. And I, of Whereas on December 10, 1964, the same course, begin my comments by thank- shock of hearing about this tragedy. It day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the ing and commending our greatest civil was one in a series of tragedies we were Nobel Peace Prize, a United States District rights champion in the House of Rep- seeing portrayed around the United judge dismissed charges against the 21 men resentatives, JOHN LEWIS of Georgia, States, where people just simply at- accused of depriving the 3 civil right workers who was a leader in the civil rights tempting to be recognized as full of their civil rights by murder; movement, worked with the Student human beings in this society, with the Whereas in 1967, after an appeal to the Su- Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, opportunity to vote and the oppor- preme Court and new testimony, 7 individ- tunity to participate in the political uals were found guilty, but 2 of the defend- and with Dr. Martin Luther King, and ants, including Edgar Ray Killen, who had with other civil rights organizations. process, were being denied that, and been strongly implicated in the murders by He was also at the great march on they and many others attempted to try witnesses, were acquitted because the jury Washington in 1963, and we all met. and change that. came to a deadlock on their charges; It was a stirring moment in Amer- That summer, these three men were Whereas on January 6, 2005, a Neshoba ican history, and these three young picked up by a sheriff for allegedly County, Mississippi, grand jury indicted men paid with their lives for their dedi- speeding, and after their release from Edgar Ray Killen on 3 counts of murder; cation to ensure that we could end seg- jail, they disappeared. Whereas on June 21, 2005, a jury convicted regation and secure the right to vote A KKK informant and an FBI inves- Edgar Ray Killen on 3 counts of man- slaughter; for all people in America. tigation pieced the story together. Evi- Whereas June 21, 2008, will be the 44th an- A number of Judiciary Committee dently, after their release, the three niversary of Andrew Goodman, James members have joined with me as co- men had been chased off the road, Chaney, and Michael Schwerner’s ultimate sponsors of this measure: the gen- forced into a Klansmen’s car, brutally sacrifice; tleman from New York, JERROLD NAD- beaten, and killed. Whereas by the end of Freedom Summer, LER; STEVE COHEN, Tennessee; BOBBY At the time, the State of Mississippi volunteers, including Andrew Goodman, SCOTT of Virginia; SHEILA JACKSON- didn’t file charges against anyone. The James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner, LEE, Texas; ADAM SCHIFF, California; Federal Government charged someone helped register 17,000 African-Americans to ´ in 1967 with conspiring to violate the vote; LINDA SANCHEZ, California; BETTY SUT- Whereas the national uproar in response to TON, Ohio; and a number of others. civil rights of another, but that defend- the deaths of these brave men helped create You remember the summer of 1964? ant was acquitted. Of seven other men the necessary climate to bring about passage Goodman, a student at New York’s convicted on conspiracy charges, no of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; Queens College; James Chaney of Mis- one served more than 6 years for the

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There is no doubt that justice so de- ter known as SNCC. I traveled around Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I’m layed warrants our honoring these the country encouraging young people delighted now to yield 2 minutes to Dr. three civil rights heroes again today, to come to Mississippi to get involved JAMES MCDERMOTT of Washington some 44 years after their death. with the Freedom Summer. It was the State, a dedicated leader for universal Last year, the House passed H.R. 923, summer of 1964. health coverage and a civil rights ac- the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights At that time, the State of Mississippi tivist. We were at the United Nations Crime Act, which came out of our com- had a black population of voting age of together not too many years ago. (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was mittee with bipartisan support, and it more than 450,000, but only about 18,000 given permission to revise and extend directs the Attorney General to des- blacks were registered to vote. It was his remarks.) ignate a deputy chief within the Civil dangerous, very dangerous, for those of Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I Rights Division of the Department of us who believed that everyone should am really very proud to rise in support Justice and a supervisory special agent have the right to vote. But in spite of of a resolution put forward by my the risks, there were people—young within the Civil Rights Unit of the FBI friend and colleague, JOHN LEWIS. This to coordinate the investigation and and old, black and white, rich and is a man who has risked his own life prosecution of unsolved civil rights-era poor—people like Andy Goodman, fighting for civil rights, helping to murders. James Chaney and Mickey Schwerner, bridge a racial divide during one of who put aside the comfort of their own b 1500 America’s worst times. lives to make sure that every citizen This was a time when it took real We’ve got to do it now because the had free and fair access to the ballot, courage to go out in the streets and do perpetrators of these crimes have been not only in Mississippi, but throughout things. JOHN walked with Martin and able to live in freedom for so long. America. with John and with Bobby as they And some say why go after old men Mickey Schwerner was a 24-year-old dealt with the threats of racial vio- in their last years? Because, in fact, white man from Brooklyn, New York, lence. There was clearly fear in every- they should not have the opportunity who was already a participant in the one. Anybody who went out was fear- to live out their lives without being movement. Andy Goodman was also ful; if they didn’t, they didn’t know held responsible for these horrendous white, a 21-year-old student at Queens what they were doing. acts. The bill also provides much-need- College in New York. James Chaney JOHN LEWIS is a towering figure who, ed resources to the Department of Jus- was a 21-year-old African American in his own right, has left his mark in tice, the FBI, State and local law en- man from Meridian, Mississippi, who this country. And it is fitting and prop- forcement officials to prosecute these decided to take a stand for justice in er that he should bring a resolution cases. his own community, in his own State. honoring these three civil rights work- Madam Speaker, the FBI has identi- On the morning of June 21, 1964, these ers whose lives ended 44 years ago in fied nearly 100 outstanding cases that three young men drove to Longdale, Mississippi at the hands of the Ku Klux still need to be assessed. Many of these Mississippi to investigate the burning Klan. murders are 30 or 40 years old. Obvi- of an African American church. On Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and ously they’re difficult to investigate their way back, they were arrested, at Michael Schwerner were killed in that and to prosecute because evidence has least stopped and detained by the sher- Freedom Summer of 1964. The widow of been lost or destroyed, witnesses and iff and taken to jail in Philadelphia, one of them is now a distinguished law- defendants have died, and memories Mississippi. That same evening they yer and a good friend in Seattle. She have dimmed. We must act quickly to were released from the jail by the sher- lives on in the memory of her husband. bring the long-overdue justice to these iff and turned over to the Klan. They Their deaths sparked a national victims and their families. were beaten, shot and killed. Their firestorm of anger and awareness that I urge all my colleagues to join the burnt blue Ford station wagon was led to the passage of the Voting Rights chairman of the full committee and pulled from a creek just 2 days later. I Act of 1965. Honoring them honors ev- eryone who fought for civil rights and other members of the Judiciary Com- joined in the search for them that those who suffered great personal sac- mittee in supporting this resolution. night with a very heavy heart. Their rifice during times when justice was Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- bodies were found a few weeks later, ance of my time. neither blind nor fair in America. about 6 weeks later, on August 4, 1964, It reminds me of the injustice Amer- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I buried under a mound of dirt. ica is only beginning to correct for a thank the floor manager for his state- Madam Speaker, I share this story group of African American soldiers sta- ment and his commitment across the today so that Members of Congress will tioned in Fort Lawton in Seattle. Be- years for civil rights activity. realize that the struggle for civil rights cause of the color of their skin, they I yield all but 3 minutes to the dis- has been a long, hard road littered by were denied equal justice and they tinguished gentleman from Georgia, the battered and broken bodies of were wrongly convicted of a crime that JOHN LEWIS, whose work and writings countless men and women who paid the they did not commit, were sent to pris- and the history that he has made in ultimate price for a precious right, the on, and were given bad conduct dis- this area are well known across this right to vote, the right to participate charges. country and, indeed, around the world. in a democratic process. We must never forget the lessons of Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Andy Goodman, James Chaney and history or we risk repeating them. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. CONYERS, Mickey Schwerner did not die in Eu- The resolution Mr. LEWIS of Georgia the chairman of the full committee, for rope; they did not die in Asia or in Af- offers will help us remain vigilant in his leadership and for his dedication to rica; they did not die in Central Amer- defending civil rights and civil lib- the issue and the cause of civil rights, ica or in the Middle East. They died erties, and help us protect the Nation and for bringing this resolution to the right here in America, in the American these people died to defend. floor. south. I knew these three young men. I urge my colleagues to strongly sup- Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay So, Madam Speaker, I urge all of my port the resolution offered by Mr. tribute to the courage and conviction colleagues to vote for this resolution to LEWIS of Georgia. of three young men, Andy Goodman, pay tribute to these three young men Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. and so many others who died in the thank the distinguished gentleman On June 21, 1964, they gave their lives struggle for voting rights in America. from Washington State.

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I now yield 21⁄2 minutes to a former bia, ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, a bril- anything, thrust the civil rights move- chairman of the Congressional Black liant lawyer who argues in the Su- ment forward in a way it had not been Caucus, the gentlelady from Dallas, preme Court frequently and is a civil before. Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON). rights leader in her own right. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Ms. NORTON. This entire House has tlewoman’s time has expired. Texas. I thank the gentleman from you, Mr. Chairman, to thank for a life- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Michigan. time of work in civil rights and human yield the gentlewoman the balance of I rise today in strong support of rights for all people, I thank you here my time. House Resolution 1293, a bill com- on the floor. Ms. NORTON. How much time do we memorating the lives of three civil I thank my good colleague who have, please, Madam Speaker? I don’t rights activists who were murdered serves on the Judiciary Committee. want to go over. outside Philadelphia, Mississippi by And I especially thank my colleague, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the Ku Klux Klan in June of 1964. JOHN LEWIS, who was chair of the Stu- tlewoman has 41⁄2 minutes. In 1964, Mississippi had the lowest dent Non-Violent Coordinating Com- Ms. NORTON. Thank you, Madam percentage of registered African Amer- mittee when I first joined. And I think Speaker. I won’t take much longer, but ican voters in the country. Rampant I can say for JOHN and me that either this is a very special moment. fear and intimidation, along with lit- of us expected to be on the floor of this In 1963 when I went to Mississippi, I eracy tests and poll taxes, had kept House at that time. first worked for the March on Wash- more than 90 percent of the African I thank you, JOHN. I’m not surprised ington under Bayard Rustin, then went Americans in Mississippi from reg- that you would come forward with this to the Mississippi Delta. That was, I istering to vote. In June of 1964, thou- resolution. For me, it would be too must say, the most eventful summer of sands of young people volunteered to poignant an occasion but for the my life, more eventful even than 1964. go to Mississippi in order to register progress that I think we can say The great chief of the Mississippi African American voters and fight edu- assures that these brutal murders, the NAACP Medgar Evers put me on a bus. cational disparities. murders that we came to call the Medgar Evers tried to convince me to What would come to be known as ‘‘Schwerner, Chaney and Goodman stay in Jackson, but I said, no, that I ‘‘Freedom Summer’’ ignited backlash murders,’’ certainly have not been in had promised I was coming to the and violence against these volunteers vain. Delta. So he put me on a bus to go to and civil rights activists. Many homes In 1963, Bob Moses, a legendary figure the Delta. He then turned around, went and black churches were firebombed or of the Mississippi movement, recruited back home, and he was shot and killed burned down that summer, and more me while I was in law school to go to in his driveway that same evening. than 1,000 volunteers were arrested. Mississippi. SNCC had opened up vir- That was a year I shall never forget. Among these Freedom Summer volun- tually everyplace else, but not Mis- But the fact is that the 1964 summer, teers were James Chaney, Andrew sissippi because, frankly, it was ter- in fact, happened. The students did not Goodman and Michael Schwerner, who rorist country. And to show you the ex- go home after the murders. We contin- went to Mississippi to investigate the tent to which Mississippi was a dif- ued to organize. The Mississippi Free- fire-bombing of the Mount Zion Meth- ferent place, it took the NAACP and dom Democratic Party, with Fannie odist Church. On June 21, these three Medgar Evers to lead the sit-ins there, Lou Hamer leading the way at the con- men were arrested and held for several and they got beat unmercifully. And vention, was the high point of that hours on alleged traffic violations, but that was in Jackson. convention. And the country has never later that evening they were taken I came to the Mississippi Delta that forgotten it. It democratized the Demo- from the jail and turned over to the Ku year for an express purpose, to prepare cratic Party. It democratized even the Klux Klan, where they were beaten, for the 1964 Freedom Summer, by con- Republican Party. And I must say that shot and killed. ducting the prototype ‘‘freedom both parties then recognized that they These men gave their lives in the school’’ to be used in 1964, when we had to have representative delegations. name of freedom and justice. The knew we would be able to gather thou- Steve Schwerner Michael’s brother media coverage surrounding their sands of students to come down. It was was one of my classmates in college. deaths sparked outrage amongst Amer- the high point of student activism. When I have met with the families, icans, millions of them all over the JOHN and others went throughout the what has been extraordinary about country. Their deaths and the activi- United States and students came in them is to see that they understand the ties of Freedom Summer helped set the huge numbers. We had the highest contributions they personally made to stage for the passage of the Voting hopes. the freedom struggle. They have no re- Rights Act of 1965. I was particularly working on the grets. They understand that the loss of I would like very much to thank Con- 1964 Democratic Convention with my Cheney and the two youngsters from gressman LEWIS for introducing this mentor, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Larry the north was the last thing we ex- resolution, who himself has a closer ex- Guyout, who now lives here, the co- pected and that that loss helped to perience than most of us in this body, chairs of the Mississippi Freedom waken the country. and as a matter of fact paved the way Democratic Party, and, working in- Do not forget what happened in 1964. for many of us to be here today. deed, on the brief that would be used to The passage of the 1964 Civil Rights I thank you, Congressman LEWIS, for say that this delegation, rather than Act, and that act contained Title VII. the many sacrifices you have made. the official delegation which excluded Something else I could never have And it is an honor to serve alongside African Americans, should be recog- imagined—I would one day come to en- Congressman LEWIS, who coordinated nized by the 1964 Democratic National force a major civil right’s law, the 1964 the Student Non-Violence Coordinating Convention. Civil Right’s Act as a Chair of the Committee’s efforts to organize voter Equal Employment Opportunity Com- registration drives and community ac- b 1515 mission. This was the first civil rights tion programs during Freedom Sum- And why was there a Mississippi legislation since the radical Repub- mer. Freedom Democratic Party? Because, licans gave us our first civil rights leg- I strongly support this resolution to indeed, in the summer of 1964, so many islation after the Civil War, and look honor the sacrifices of James Chaney, had come down to risk their lives for what happened afterwards: the 1965 Andrew Goodman and Michael whom that had to have been their Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Fair Schwerner, and all of the volunteers of choice. Those high hopes were not ex- Housing Act. the Mississippi Freedom Summer who tinguished when our delegation did not Oh, no, these three young men died helped to pave the way of voting rights get seated. Those high hopes were not for a great and noble purpose. And in for all Americans. even extinguished when these brutal case the national panorama doesn’t Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am murders occurred. It took authorities drive that point home, surely the fact pleased now to yield 3 minutes to the weeks to find the three young men. that Mississippi today has the largest gentlelady from the District of Colum- Those high hopes remained high and, if number of black public officials will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.019 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5811 help you to see that they did not die in that had started in 1961. Organizers chose to they played in changing the hearts and minds vain, and surely the fact that their rel- focus their efforts on Mississippi because of of Americans. We also celebrate these Ameri- atives now see the first African Amer- the State’s particularly dismal voting-rights cans for their decision to create a political en- ican to secure the nomination of a record: in 1962 only 6.7 percent of African vironment necessary to pass legislation to ex- major party for President of the United Americans in the State were registered to pand civil rights and voting rights for all Ameri- States will drive home the reality that vote, the lowest percentage in the country. cans. these three young men, at the dawn of The Freedom Summer campaign was orga- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- their lives, not only did not die in vain nized by a coalition called the Mississippi fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield back but for generations to come and, yes, Council of Federated Organizations, which the balance of my time. for this generation, have left a legacy was led by the Congress of Racial Equality The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of their own. (CORE), and included the National Associa- question is on the motion offered by I thank the gentleman for yielding. tion for the Advancement of Colored People the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I (NAACP), and the Student Nonviolent Coordi- CONYERS) that the House suspend the yield back the balance of my time. nating Committee (SNCC). rules and agree to the resolution, H. Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Freedom Summer activists faced threats Res. 1293. fornia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself and harassment throughout the campaign, not The question was taken; and (two- such time as I may consume. only from white supremacist groups, but from thirds being in the affirmative) the Once again, I rise in support of H. local residents and police. Freedom School rules were suspended and the resolu- Res. 1293. buildings and the volunteers’ homes were fre- tion was agreed to. David McCullough, the distinguished quent targets; 37 black churches and 30 black A motion to reconsider was laid on writer and historian, said, ‘‘We run the homes and businesses were firebombed or the table. risk of being a Nation of historic burned during that summer, and the cases f illiterates.’’ And he was referring to often went unsolved. More than 1000 black RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT ACT our lack of knowledge of the begin- and white volunteers were arrested, and at OF 2008 nings of this country, the lack of least 80 were beaten by white mobs or racist Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I knowledge of the Founding Fathers police officers. and that generation. But he need not But the summer’s most infamous act of vio- move to suspend the rules and pass the look back that far. All he needs to do lence was the murder of three young civil bill (H.R. 6344) to provide emergency is to look back 40 some years, as the rights workers—a black volunteer, James authority to delay or toll judicial pro- gentleman from Georgia has mentioned Chaney, and his white coworkers, Andrew ceedings in United States district and to us and the gentlewoman from the Goodman and Michael Schwerner. On June circuit courts, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. District of Columbia and the gen- 21, Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner set out The text of the bill is as follows: tleman from Michigan. to investigate a church bombing near Philadel- We cannot allow these real-life trage- phia, Mississippi, but were arrested that after- H.R. 6344 dies, events, sacrifices to be lost in the noon and held for several hours on alleged Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- midst of memory. We have to make resentatives of the United States of America in traffic violations. Their release from jail was Congress assembled, sure that not only do we understand the last time they were seen alive before their them but that we understand their im- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. badly decomposed bodies were discovered This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Responsive port and that we teach our children under a nearby dam six weeks later. Good- Government Act of 2008’’. that this is part of America’s history man and Schwerner had died from single gun- SEC. 2. EMERGENCY AUTHORITY TO DELAY OR and America is what it is today be- shot wounds to the chest, and Chaney from a TOLL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS. cause of the sacrifices of many great savage beating. These savage attacks were (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 111 of title 28, men and women, these three included perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan. United States Code, is amended by adding at among them: Goodman, Chaney, and The FBI investigation that uncovered the the end the following: Schwerner. deaths of these three brave young men, white ‘‘§ 1660. Emergency authority to delay or toll Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam and black, also led to the discovery of the judicial deadlines Speaker, I rise today to support the com- bodies of several other African-Americans ‘‘(a) TOLLING IN DISTRICT COURTS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the event of a natural memoration of the 44th Anniversary of the from Mississippi, whose disappearances over death of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, disaster or other emergency situation requir- the years had not attracted much attention. ing the closure of courts or rendering it im- James Chaney and Michael Schwerner in On December 4, 1964, 21 White Mississip- practicable for the United States Govern- Philadelphia, Mississippi while working in the pians from Philadelphia, Mississippi, including ment or a class of litigants to comply with name of American democracy to register vot- the sheriff and his deputy, were arrested and deadlines imposed by any Federal or State ers and secure civil rights during the summer charged with conspiring to deprive Andrew law or rule that applies in the courts of the of 1964, which would become known as Free- Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael United States, the chief judge of a district dom Summer. I would like to thank my fellow Schwerner of their civil rights, because murder court that has been affected may exercise Judiciary member and the gentleman from was not a Federal crime. Ironically, on the emergency authority in accordance with this section. Georgia, Congressman JOHN LEWIS for intro- very same day, December 4, 1964, Dr. Martin ‘‘(2) SCOPE OF AUTHORITY.—(A) The chief ducing this legislation. Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace judge may enter such order or orders as may The right to vote has held a central place in Prize. be appropriate to delay, toll, or otherwise the black freedom struggle. After emanci- Later, a District Court judge dismissed the grant relief from the time deadlines imposed pation, African Americans sought the ballot as charges against the 21 Whites. After three by otherwise applicable laws or rules for a means to in American society. During the years, and an appeal to the Supreme Court, such period as may be appropriate for any summer of 1964, thousands of civil rights ac- seven individuals were found guilty, but 2 of class of cases pending or thereafter filed in tivists, many of them white college students the defendants, including Edgar Ray Killen, the district court or bankruptcy court of the from the North, descended on Mississippi and district. who had been implicated by witnesses, were ‘‘(B) Except as provided in subparagraph other Southern states to try to end the long- acquitted because the jury was deadlocked on (C), the authority conferred by this section time political disenfranchisement of African charges. extends to all laws and rules affecting crimi- Americans in the region. Although blacks had Over twenty years later, on June 21, 2005 nal and juvenile proceedings (including, won the right to vote in 1870, thanks to the after new evidence, a jury convicted Edgar prearrest, post-arrest, pretrial, trial, and Fifteenth Amendment, for the next 100 years Ray Killen on 3 counts of manslaughter. post-trial procedures), civil actions, bank- many were unable to exercise that right. White These freedom riders made the ultimate sac- ruptcy proceedings, and the time for filing local and state officials systematically kept rifice for the freedom of all people, black and and perfecting an appeal. blacks from voting through formal methods, white. It is fitting that we recognize them and ‘‘(C) The authority conferred by this sec- tion does not include the authority to ex- such as poll taxes and literacy tests, and pay tribute, respect, and homage to them, and tend— through cruder methods of fear and intimida- to the legacy that they have left behind. ‘‘(i) any statute of limitation for a crimi- tion, which included beatings and lynchings. We commemorate and acknowledge the nal action; or Freedom Summer marked the climax of in- legacy of these brave Americans who partici- ‘‘(ii) any statute of limitation for a civil tensive voter-registration activities in the South pated in the civil rights movement and the role action, if—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.032 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 ‘‘(I) the claim arises under the laws of a made by the order or orders ends, submit a mans that is in the anticoagulant class of State; and brief report to the Committee on the Judici- drugs; or ‘‘(II) extending the limitations period ary of the Senate, the Committee on the Ju- (ii) the amount estimated under subpara- would be inconsistent with the governing diciary of the House of Representatives, and graph (B) with respect to any other original State law. the Judicial Conference of the United States application for a patent term extension. ‘‘(3) UNAVAILABILITY OF CHIEF JUDGE.—If describing the orders, including— (B) CALCULATION OF ALTERNATE AMOUNT.— the chief judge of the district is unavailable, ‘‘(1) the reasons for issuing the orders; The Director shall estimate the amount re- the authority conferred by this section may ‘‘(2) the duration of the orders; ferred to in subparagraph (A)(ii) as the be exercised by the district judge in regular ‘‘(3) the effects of the orders on litigants; amount equal to the sum of— active service who is senior in commission and (i) any net increase in direct spending aris- or, if no such judge is available, by the chief ‘‘(4) the costs to the judiciary resulting ing from the extension of the patent term judge of the circuit that includes the dis- from the orders. (including direct spending of the United trict. ‘‘(h) EXCEPTIONS.—The notice under sub- States Patent and Trademark Office and any ‘‘(4) HABEAS CORPUS UNAFFECTED.—Nothing section (f)(2) and the report under subsection other department or agency of the Federal in this section shall be construed to author- (g) are not required in the case of an order Government); ize suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. that tolls or extends a time deadline for a pe- (ii) any net decrease in revenues arising ‘‘(b) CRIMINAL CASES.—In exercising the riod of less than 14 days.’’. from such patent term extension; and authority under subsection (a) for criminal (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of (iii) any indirect reduction in revenues as- cases, the court shall consider the ability of sections at the beginning of chapter 111 of sociated with payment of the fee under this the United States Government to inves- title 28, United States Code, is amended by subsection. tigate, litigate, and process defendants dur- adding at the end the following new item: The Director, in estimating the amount ing and after the emergency situation, as ‘‘1660. Emergency authority to delay or toll under this subparagraph, shall consult with well as the ability of criminal defendants as judicial deadlines.’’. the Director of the Office of Management a class to prepare their defenses. and Budget, the Secretary of the Treasury, ‘‘(c) TOLLING IN COURTS OF APPEALS.— SEC. 3. WAIVER OF PATENT AND TRADEMARK RE- QUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN EMER- and either the Secretary of Health and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the event of a natural GENCIES. Human Services or (in the case of a drug disaster or other emergency situation requir- Section 2 of title 35, United States Code, is product subject to the Act commonly re- ing the closure of courts or rendering it im- amended by adding at the end the following ferred to as the ‘‘Virus-Serum-Toxin Act’’; 21 practicable for the United States Govern- new subsection: U.S.C. 151-158) the Secretary of Agriculture. ment or a class of litigants to comply with ‘‘(e) WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN (3) NOTICE OF FEE.—The Director shall in- deadlines imposed by any Federal or State EMERGENCIES.—The Director may waive stat- form the patent holder of the fee determined law or rule that applies in the courts of the utory provisions governing the filing, proc- under paragraph (2) at the time the Director United States, the chief judge of a court of essing, renewal, and maintenance of patents, provides notice to the patent holder of the appeals that has been affected or that in- trademark registrations, and applications period of extension of the patent term that cludes a district court so affected may exer- therefor to the extent the Director considers the patent holder may effect under this sub- cise emergency authority in accordance with necessary in order to protect the rights and section. this section. privileges of applicants and other persons af- (4) ACCEPTANCE REQUIRED.—Unless, within ‘‘(2) SCOPE OF AUTHORITY.—The chief judge fected by an emergency or a major disaster, 15 days after the Director provides notice to may enter such order or orders as may be ap- as those terms are defined in section 102 of the patent holder under paragraph (3), the propriate to delay, toll, or otherwise grant the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and patent holder accepts the patent term exten- relief from the time deadlines imposed by Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). A sion in writing to the Director, the patent otherwise applicable laws or rules for such decision not to exercise, or a failure to exer- term extension is rescinded and no fees shall period as may be appropriate for any class of cise, the waiver authority provided by this be due under this subsection by reason of the cases pending in the court of appeals. subsection shall not be subject to judicial re- petition under section 156(i)(1) of title 35, ‘‘(3) UNAVAILABILITY OF CHIEF JUDGE.—If view.’’. United States Code, pursuant to which the the chief judge of the circuit is unavailable, Director provided the notice. the authority conferred by this section may SEC. 4. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR OF PTO TO AC- CEPT LATE FILINGS. (5) PAYMENT OF FEE.—The extension of a be exercised by the circuit judge in regular (a) AUTHORITY.—Section 156 of title 35, patent term of which notice is provided active service who is senior in commission. United States Code, is amended by adding at under paragraph (3) shall not become effec- ‘‘(4) HABEAS CORPUS UNAFFECTED.—Nothing tive unless the patent holder pays the fee re- in this section shall be construed to author- the end the following new subsection: ‘‘(i) DISCRETION TO ACCEPT LATE FILINGS IN quired under paragraph (2) not later than 60 ize suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. CERTAIN CASES OF UNINTENTIONAL DELAY.— days after the date on which the notice is ‘‘(d) ISSUANCE OF ORDERS.—The Attorney provided. General or the Attorney General’s designee ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director may accept (6) FEE PAYMENT NOT AVAILABLE FOR OBLI- may request issuance of an order under this an application under this section that is filed not later than three business days after the GATION.—Fees received under this subsection section, or the chief judge of a district or of are not available for obligation. a circuit may act on his or her own motion. expiration of the 60-day period provided in (7) DIRECTOR DEFINED.—Except as other- ‘‘(e) DURATION OF ORDERS.—An order en- subsection (d)(1) if the applicant files a peti- wise provided, in this subsection, the term tered under this section may not toll or ex- tion, not later than five business days after ‘‘Director’’ means the Under Secretary of tend a time deadline for a period of more the expiration of that 60-day period, show- Commerce for Intellectual Property and Di- than 14 days, except that, if the chief judge ing, to the satisfaction of the Director, that rector of the United States Patent and (whether of a district or of a circuit) deter- the delay in filing the application was unin- Trademark Office. mines that an emergency situation requires tentional. additional extensions of the period during ‘‘(2) TREATMENT OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIONS ON (c) APPLICABILITY.— which deadlines are tolled or extended, the PETITION.—If the Director has not made a de- (1) IN GENERAL.—This section and the chief judge may, with the consent of the ju- termination on a petition filed under para- amendments made by this section shall dicial council of the circuit, enter additional graph (1) within 60 days after the date on apply to any application— orders under this section in order to further which the petition is filed, the petition shall (A) that is made on or after the date of the toll or extend such time deadline. be deemed to be denied. A decision by the Di- enactment of this Act; or ‘‘(f) NOTICE.—A court issuing an order rector to exercise or not to exercise, or a (B) that, on such date of enactment, is under this section— failure to exercise, the discretion provided pending before the Director or as to which a ‘‘(1) shall make all reasonable efforts to by this subsection shall not be subject to ju- decision of the Director is eligible for judi- publicize the order, including announcing dicial review.’’ cial review. the order on the web sites of all affected (b) FEE FOR LATE FILINGS.— (2) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN APPLICATIONS.— courts and the web site of the Federal judici- (1) IN GENERAL.—In order to effect a patent In the case of any application described in ary; and term extension under section 156(i) of title paragraph (1)(B), the 5-day period prescribed ‘‘(2) shall, through the Director of the Ad- 35, United States Code, the patent holder in section 156(i)(1) of title 35, United States ministrative Office of the United States shall pay a fee to the United States Treasury Code, as added by subsection (a) of this sec- Courts, send notice of the order, including in the amount prescribed under paragraph tion, shall be deemed to begin on the date of the reasons for the issuance of the order, to (2). the enactment of this Act. the Committee on the Judiciary of the Sen- (2) FEE AMOUNT.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ate and the Committee on the Judiciary of (A) FEE AMOUNT.—The patent holder shall ant to the rule, the gentleman from pay a fee equal to— the House of Representatives. Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- ‘‘(g) REQUIRED REPORTS.—A court issuing (i) $65,000,000 with respect to any original one or more orders under this section relat- application for a patent term extension, filed tleman from California (Mr. DANIEL E. ing to an emergency situation shall, not with the United States Patent and Trade- LUNGREN) each will control 20 minutes. later than 180 days after the date on which mark Office before the date of the enactment The Chair recognizes the gentleman the last extension or tolling of a time period of this Act, for a drug intended for use in hu- from Michigan.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.013 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5813 GENERAL LEAVE When the existing rigid deadline operates to and Trademark Office, respectively, Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I strip away up to 5 years of patent protection, with needed emergency authority to ask unanimous consent that all Mem- it significantly reduces the likelihood of the re- toll or delay judicial proceedings or bers have 5 legislative days to revise search and innovation that a full patent term statutory deadlines in the event of a and extend their remarks and include would encourage. natural disaster or other emergency extraneous material. This is not just a theoretical problem. A situation which makes it impractical The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there small U.S. maker of Angiomax, a blood thin- for parties, including the United objection to the request of the gen- ner, stands to lose 41⁄2 years of patent protec- States, to comply with certain filing tleman from Michigan? tion as a result of inadvertently filing its Hatch- conditions or, to the extent deemed There was no objection. Waxman application for patent term restora- necessary, to protect the rights and Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I tion 1 day late. privileges of people affected by certain yield myself such time as I may con- Angiomax is considered the best alternative emergencies or a major disaster. sume. to heparin in coronary angioplasties, and We recently all too often have ob- (Mr. CONYERS asked and was given shows great promise with respect to open served how the ravages of natural dis- permission to revise and extend his re- heart surgery and the treatment of stroke and asters disrupt the lives of our fellow marks.) peripheral artery disease. citizens, which can impede the ability Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. Public health and safety pushes us to pro- to comply with strict statutory dead- 6344, the Responsive Government Act of mote effective substitutes for heparin, such as lines. Thus the Responsive Government 2008, bipartisan legislation with strong support Angiomax. Act provides critical flexibility to the on both s des of the aisle. Earlier this year, contamination problems in courts and the PTO to help ameliorate The bill consists of three major components, Chinese manufacturing plants, where heparin the practical difficulties caused by each of which has, in substance, previously is made from pig intestines led to 81 patient these emergency situations. passed the House on the suspension cal- deaths. Finally, section 4 provides the PTO endar. Even apart from problems of contamination, Director with the discretion to accept Section 2 of the bill takes into account the thousands of people die every year from ad- an application for a patent term exten- practical realities of a natural disaster or other verse reactions to heparin. sion filed not later than 3 days after emergency situation where compliance with fil- At this moment, when the serious short- the expiration of the 60-day period in ing deadlines or other court rules would be im- comings of heparin have come into bold relief, title XXXV of the U.S. Code, provided practicable, dangerous, or simply impossible. we have rightfully turned our attention to ad- the Director determines that the delay In emergency situations, such as those justing a flawed patent provision in a manner in filing the application was uninten- which occurred during, and in the aftermath of, tional. that can improve and even save the lives of Hurricane Katrina, this section of the bill would This provision corrects an anomaly large numbers of sick patients for years to provide the Chief Judge of the affected District in the patent law and provides the PTO come in this and other instances. Court or Court of Appeals with the authority to with the discretion to excuse minor fil- Taken together, the three components of excuse a failure of litigants or the U.S. Gov- ing errors, discretion it already has in this bill—the discretion provided in cases of ernment to comply with filing deadlines. most circumstances. As the PTO has emergency and the discretion provided in the Section 3 grants similar authority to the Pat- testified to Congress in the past, it case of unintentional human error—are all ent and Trademark Office to excuse failures to would bring this provision of law in sound public policy, and have justifiably at- comply with filing deadlines caused by a nat- line with over 30 other patent laws and tracted bipartisan backing. ural disaster or other emergency. regulations. It would prevent the inap- Section 4 of the bill also involves a grant of This bill is not inconsistent with, nor does it propriate sacrifice of valuable earned authority to the Director of the Patent and detract from, other legal authorities. patent rights. More importantly, this Trademark Office to excuse specific late fil- I urge my colleagues to support this impor- adjustment would promote important ings—this time, in connection with uninten- tant legislation. clinical research that can benefit the Madam Speaker, I am pleased now to tional human error. lives of seriously ill patients. This pro- yield such time as he may consume to Section 4 would provide the USPTO with vision has the support of leading med- the author of this measure, the gen- the authority to accept an application for pat- ical researchers and practitioners ent term restoration under the Hatch-Waxman tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. across the Nation. Act if that application is filed within 3 business DELAHUNT), who has worked tirelessly It addresses a particular section of days of the existing 60-day deadline. to make sure that this measure arrives the Hatch-Waxman Act that provides a This small but important change simply on the floor for consideration today. patent holder with up to 5 years of re- gives the USPTO discretion to accept a late Mr. DELAHUNT. Thank you, Mr. stored patent protection for time lost application, within a limited time period, under Chairman, for yielding the time. while awaiting FDA approval. This specific conditions. This change is both good Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- extra time is critical because for many patent policy and good for public health. port of H.R. 6344. highly innovative medicines, as re- Under current law, the 60-day deadline is This is an extremely important bi- search continues even after the drugs absolutely rigid, and the consequences of that partisan measure that combines sound have been approved and released to rigidity can be draconian and harshly dis- judicial policy with rational patent law market for a particular use. Many of proportionate. and good public health policy. The bill these medicines have additional, poten- Up to 5 years of patent protection can be is aptly named Responsive Government tially lifesaving uses that would not be destroyed on account of a minor, inadvertent Act because through its provisions, discovered without further research, filing error of as little as 1 day. Congress provides the judicial and ex- which is made possible by the years of This penalty is not merely disproportionate ecutive branches with commonsense patent protection beyond the drug’s and excessive, it is also out of sync with most flexibility to ease certain administra- initial release. other patent laws and regulations, which typi- tive requirements which would other- I note the presence here of our friend cally give the USPTO Director the authority to wise result in undue hardship for dili- the delegate from the Virgin Islands, excuse minor errors. gent and well-intentioned individuals who I am sure will speak to this meas- For instance, currently, if an applicant files and entities. ure, but I would commend to all of our an incomplete Hatch-Waxman application, the The House has previously passed this colleagues a review of her commentary USPTO can grant up to 2 extra months to cor- proposal in either identical or similar that appeared some time ago describ- rect the application. language, and I should note under a ing one drug in particular and what it H.R. 6344 would eliminate this dichotomy, suspension of the rules; however, the means for medical research and for bringing the deadline provision of Hatch-Wax- other body has failed to act in a timely practicing physicians such as herself. man into greater harmony with other relevant manner, but I understand now the By removing the unnecessary bar- patent laws and regulations. other body is prepared to proceed expe- riers to medical research, section 4 of Moreover, H.R. 6344 would save lives. The ditiously. this act will promote research into reality is that the unnecessary forfeit of years Let me describe the measure. modern, safer, and more effective medi- of patent rights for drugs can have an ex- Sections 2 and 3 provide the Federal cines, saving lives and reducing bur- tremely damaging effect on patients. courts and the Director of the Patent dening costs to our health care system.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.022 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 b 1530 authority to provide individuals and single oil find in the last 25 years. In closing, I want to commend Chair- businesses with relief from certain There are some that suggest that man CONYERS, Ranking Member LAMAR statutory deadlines, especially those Brazil will now be energy-independent. SMITH, and our distinguished Chair of pertaining to the maintenance of pat- They won’t even have to use the eth- the Intellectual Property Sub- ents and trademarks. anol they produce from their sugar be- committee, Mr. BERMAN, for their out- Pursuant to the bill, the PTO may cause of this find. If the Congress of standing work in preparing the Respon- waive statutory provisions governing the United States had controlled sive Government Act of 2008, and urge the filing, processing, renewal, and Brazil, they wouldn’t have been able to that my colleagues approve this helpful maintenance of patents, trademarks, find it, because it’s offshore. and necessary measure. and applications to the extent the di- Last week, I remind my colleagues, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- rector deems necessary to protect the the Democrat leadership had time to fornia. I yield myself such time as I rights and privileges of applicants and schedule legislation to prohibit the may consume. other persons affected by an emergency interstate sale and transfer of mon- I rise in support of H.R. 6344, the Re- or major disaster. keys, but they apparently didn’t have sponsive Government Act of 2008, and Third, the bill grants the PTO direc- enough time to listen to the large ma- urge my colleagues to adopt it today. tor discretionary authority to accept a jority of Americans who support more There are three major components to late-filed application for patent term U.S. energy production. the bill. First, the legislation author- extension in certain cases if the appli- The new Fox News poll shows that 76 izes Federal courts to toll or otherwise cation is filed not later than 3 business percent of Americans support imme- delay deadlines outside of their statu- days after statutory deadline and the diate efforts to drill more in the United torily defined geographic domains dur- applicant files a petition within 5 busi- States in order to boost American en- ing times of emergency. The text is ness days of the deadline that shows ergy production and help lower record identical to that of H.R. 3729 from the that the delay was unintentional. prices. There’s only one thing standing 109th Congress, passed on July 17, 2006, This provision is similar to legisla- in the way of this Congress. If we are to by a voice vote under suspension of the tion, H.R. 5120, which passed the House be truly responsive, in addition to this rules. by voice vote under suspension of the fine bill that we are voting on today, The need for this legislation became rules as part of S. 1785, the Vessel Hull ought we not also respond to the most apparent following the terrorist at- Design Protection Amendments of 2005. immediate concern of Americans in tacks of September 11, 2001, and the im- That passed on December 6, 2006. every State, in every congressional dis- pact that these disasters had on court Madam Speaker, this is a good bill. It trict, and do something about the sup- operations, in particular in New York helps Federal litigants, inventors, ply of American-made energy and City. trademark holders, and other inter- lower gas prices. In emergency conditions, a Federal ested parties to maintain their rights The response is not, as my friend on court facility in an adjoining district under adverse conditions. I urge Mem- the other side said, all we need to do is or circuit might be more readily and bers to support the bill, but I am in- sue a little bit more. If we can have a safely available to court personnel, to trigued by the name of the bill, the Re- few more people and a few more courts, litigants, to jurors, and the public, sponsive Government Act of 2008. One and sue, that will somehow solve the than a facility at a place of holding would think that this government problem. No. The answer is increase court within the district. This is par- could be responsive to the tremendous the supply of American-made energy ticularly true in major metropolitan problem we have with high energy and lower gas prices right now. That is areas, such as New York, Washington, costs in this country, not just gas what the American people are asking DC, Dallas, and Kansas City, where the prices, but home heating oil, the cost for. metropolitan areas include part of of electricity, natural gas. So as I rise in support of the Respon- more than one judicial district. So with just one week left before the sive Government Act of 2008, I would This reform is also needed to address July 4 break, we would hope that the hope we would have another Respon- natural disasters. The impact of Hurri- Democrat majority would be willing to sive Government Act, one that will be cane Katrina on the Federal courts in bring a bill to the floor, something responsive to the concerns expressed by Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi that is meaningful to provide some so- the American people. once again demonstrated the impor- lutions to increase the supply of Amer- With that, I would yield back the bal- tance of congressional action on this ican-made energy and lower gas prices. ance of my time. proposal. Perhaps next time we won’t leave town Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Where court operations cannot be if the price of gasoline is $5 a gallon. yield myself such time as I may con- transferred to other divisions within The way it’s going, that may be the sume. the affected judicial district due to case. We shouldn’t wait for that. We We are in a spirit of bipartisanship widespread flooding or other destruc- should act now. and we are reaching out. Let’s not na- tion, judges must be empowered to So we should have another Respon- tionalize the oil companies. We agreed shift court proceedings temporarily sive Government Act of 2008, one that on that. Let’s go from shale to coal and into a neighboring judicial district. responds to the needs and concerns of let’s go into all the alternatives. We The advent of electronic court record the American people. Americans are are all for that. No suing. Drill, drill, systems will facilitate implementation paying, all Americans are paying, on drill. No sue, no sue, no sue. of this authority by providing judges, average, about $1.74 more for a gallon Now we are getting down to the 41 court staff, and attorneys with remote of regular unleaded gasoline than they million acres of leased oil, and he knew access to case documents. were on the day that the Democrats I was going to bring that up, that have Secondly, the bill allows the PTO di- took over this House, promising a new, been unused, and I don’t know how to rector to waive various patent and commonsense approach to energy that make those oil companies drill and find trademark filing requirements during would not only stop increases, but out if there’s anything there or not. emergencies. This text is identical to bring it down. Unfortunately, just the Maybe they don’t want to know. Maybe that of H.R. 4742 from the 109th Con- reverse has been the case. they do want to know but they don’t gress, passed on December 5, 2006, by Perhaps we could work together have the machinery or equipment. voice vote under suspension of the somehow, agreeing that America has Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- rules. never been afraid of the future. Amer- fornia. Would the gentleman yield? The devastation caused by Hurricane ica has always embraced the future and Mr. CONYERS. Maybe there’s a tech- Katrina in the gulf region affected the America has used technology here in nological problem that is beyond the ability of applicants, patentees, trade- the United States to surmount obsta- understanding of we mere mortals on mark holders, and other interested par- cles. It seems strange that we would Judiciary. ties to do business with the Patent and have American technology now being Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Trademark Office. Despite its best ef- used in waters off of Brazil to explore fornia. Would the gentleman yield, as I forts to date, the PTO needs additional where they have just found the largest yielded to him?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:29 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.024 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5815 Mr. CONYERS. Yes. The gentlemen We cannot afford to have given away United States. It was the sixth-strongest Atlan- yielded to me, so I will yield to him. our natural resources to major oil com- tic hurricane ever recorded and the third- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- panies and have them sit on it and do strongest hurricane on record that made land- fornia. I thank the chairman. absolutely nothing, because the gen- fall in the United States. Katrina formed on In response to the question, I am sure tleman is right, and he well knows it, August 23 during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane the gentleman may be aware of the that the American people are hurting. season and caused devastation along much of fact that 52 percent of the exploratory b 1545 the north-central gulf coast of the United wells that were drilled by American States. Most notable in media coverage were There is legislation I know that the companies in America over the last 5 the catastrophic effects on the city of New Or- dean of the Massachusetts delegation, years were dry wells. So, in some cases, leans, Louisiana, and in coastal Mississippi. Congressman MARKEY, has either filed they have taken leases on land off- Due to its sheer size, Katrina devastated the or is preparing to file, and I am sure shore, and that has proven not to be a gulf coast as far as 100 miles from the storm’s that he would welcome my good friend successful well. epicenter. the former Attorney General of Cali- The problem is that those that have The images of the detriment and devasta- the greatest prospect for yielding real fornia to be an original cosponsor. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I tion remain deeply etched in my mind and petroleum and natural gas have been much of the remnants of the tragedy still re- prohibited by this Congress. As the yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Is- main in those communities today. The storm gentleman may know, they pay for surge caused severe and catastrophic dam- those leases. They continue to pay for lands (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN), a leader in universal health care activities. age along the gulf coast, devastating the cities those leases. I have not heard anybody of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Biloxi/Gulfport in on this floor accuse the oil companies Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speak- Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama, and Slidell, Lou- of paying for something for nothing. er, I thank Chairman CONYERS for isiana and other towns in Louisiana. Levees They pay for those leases. There is a yielding, and I rise in support of H.R. separating Lake Pontchartrain and several ca- limit on the time that they can have 6344, the Responsive Government Act nals from New Orleans were breached a few those leases when they do not produce of 2008. days after Hurricane Katrina had subsided, them. Before I speak to that bill, I also So, in all cases, they have made judg- want to register my support for the subsequently flooding 80 percent of the city ments as to whether or not the leases previous bill, H. Res. 1293, which honors and many areas of neighboring parishes for they have are yielding leases, and in the memory of the three brave young weeks. In addition, severe wind damage was many cases, 52 percent, they have tried men, Andrew Goodman, James Chaney reported well inland. to find oil, and they haven’t found it. and Michael Schwerner, who gave their This commonsense bill recognizes that So I thank the gentleman for yield- lives to ensure that the right to vote deadlines in judicial proceeding need to be re- ing. I appreciate his courtesy. would be guaranteed to every Amer- laxed when there are natural disasters and Mr. DELAHUNT. Would the chair- ican. We thank them and their families emergencies. I support the bill. man yield? for their service and their sacrifice. Specifically, the bill provides federal courts Mr. CONYERS. You know, we had a Among its provisions, the Responsive with needed emergency authority to toll or hearing on this subject. The oil execs Government Act of 2008 will make a delay judicial proceedings in the event of a of the five companies came before us. minor but important amendment to natural disaster or other emergency situation In the other body, three of them told the landmark Hatch-Waxman Act pat- in which courts are closed, making it impracti- us how much they made. As you know, ent act of 1984. This act of 1984 has done cable for parties, including the United States, they make the top profits of any execu- much to make medicine available and to comply with certain filing deadlines. tives in business, short of the pharma- more affordable for countless people in Section 3 of the bill provides authority to the ceuticals, of course. I don’t want to this country. Inadvertently though, in Director of the Patent and Trademark office to short them. We found out that two of patent term restoration, there is an in- waive statutory provisions governing patents, them couldn’t even remember how flexible deadline provision which has trademark registrations and applications to the much they made. the potential to limit the good that the extent the Director deems necessary to pro- Look; salaries, options, stock, bonus. act can do. tect the rights and privileges of people af- Who knows what else. I hope my dear Within H.R. 6344 is a provision which fected by certain emergencies or a major dis- friend from California will join me on will grant discretion to the Patent and aster. the letter that I am sending to the two, Trademark Office to excuse minor fil- The Responsive Government Act provides referring them to look up their ac- ing errors as is the case with other pat- essential flexibility to the courts and the PTO countant, because I know they paid ents. This will ensure that needed to help ameliorate the practical difficulties their taxes on April 15, and just give us medication that treats sometimes life- caused by these emergency situations. a ballpark figure of how much they threatening illnesses, like Angiomax Finally, Section 4 provides the Director of made. If the gentleman will join me in and others, will be more readily avail- the Patent and Trademark Office with the dis- this consideration, I’d be very grateful. able, while continuing to ensure pa- cretion to accept an application for a patent I yield to the gentleman from Massa- tient protections. term extension filed not later than three days chusetts. This is an issue I have worked on as after the expiration of the 60-day period in Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the Chair. Chair of the Health Braintrust of the Title 35 U.S.C. 156, provided the Director de- It’s seldom that my dear friend from Congressional Black Caucus, and I am termines that the delay in filing the application California errs, but I would point out glad that it is on the floor for passage was unintentional. that the 41 million acres that the Chair today. I applaud my colleague from This provision, which corrects an anomaly in of the committee alluded to is actually Massachusetts, Mr. DELAHUNT, for his the patent law, will provide needed flexibility to 41 million acres under water. According work on this bill, and the Chair and the PTO to excuse minor filing errors and will to the latest statistics, that represents ranking member of the committee for promote important clinical research that can some 80 percent of the proven reserves their leadership, and I urge my col- benefit the lives of seriously ill patients. This that are available in terms of offshore leagues to pass H.R. 6344. provision has the support of leading medical waters. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam practitioners across the Nation. So I don’t know where the gentleman Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6344 This bill is common sense. It relaxes the gets his statistics, but I would think the ‘‘Responsive Government Act of 2008. technical filing requirements during times of after we pass this Responsive Govern- This bill is important because it liberalizes the disaster or emergency. Given the disaster and ment Act, that we could sit down and technical filing requirements in judicial pro- tough times that we have faced within the last work out some legislation that would ceedings in the event of a disaster or other 8 years, with disasters such as Hurricanes rescind those leases that are currently emergency situation. The bill provides flexi- Rita and Katrina, and the tragic events of 9/ being banked by leaseholders and the bility in both criminal and civil matters, includ- 11, Congress needs to have a sensible re- consequences of which are reducing the ing patents. I urge my colleagues to support sponse to these events. Litigants and pat- supply of oil and gas so that as the de- this bill. entees should not be penalized because of mand increases, naturally the price ex- Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one force majeur and other events beyond their plodes. of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of the control.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.025 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 Because this bill is sensible, responsible (3) by striking ‘‘Predisaster’’ each place it measured in discounted present value legislation, I urge my colleagues to support appears and inserting ‘‘Pre-Disaster’’; and for each $1 spent on these projects, in- this bill. (4) by striking ‘‘predisaster’’ each place it cluding both Federal and non-Federal Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I appears and inserting ‘‘pre-disaster’’. spending. yield back any time we have remain- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Madam Speaker, this is not a pro- ing. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from gram which we have lightly authorized. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) We learned some lessons from Katrina. question is on the motion offered by and the gentlewoman from Virginia We have learned lessons, I believe, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- Madam Speaker, this week when entire CONYERS) that the House suspend the utes. sections of our country are being rav- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6344. The Chair recognizes the gentle- aged by flooding. The question was taken; and (two- woman from the District of Columbia. This amount of money we do not pre- thirds being in the affirmative) the GENERAL LEAVE tend will allow pre-disaster programs rules were suspended and the bill was Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask to be undertaken for every event that passed. unanimous consent that all Members can be expected. What it does do is to A motion to reconsider was laid on may have 5 legislative days within draw to the attention of local and the table. which to revise and extend their re- State governments to what they and f marks and to include extraneous mate- what we should be doing to reduce our PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION ACT rial on H.R. 6109. own liability from particularly these OF 2008 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there natural disasters. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I objection to the request of the gentle- Whenever a disaster occurs, Madam move to suspend the rules and pass the woman from the District of Columbia? Speaker, this Congress will do what it bill (H.R. 6109) to amend the Robert T. There was no objection. must do. It will step up and do what we Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I are doing in Louisiana. We do not pre- gency Assistance Act to reauthorize yield myself such time as I may con- tend that the worst disaster in re- the pre-disaster hazard mitigation pro- sume. corded United States history could gram, and for other purposes, as Madam Speaker, I rise and ask the have somehow been even perhaps miti- amended. House to support H.R. 6109, as amend- gated by these funds, but we do believe The Clerk read the title of the bill. ed, the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of that Katrina tells the story that every The text of the bill is as follows: 2008. I want to especially thank Chair- bit of mitigation you do, $3 for every $1 H.R. 6109 man OBERSTAR and Ranking Member invested, says CBO, saves, first of all, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- MICA, and my own subcommittee rank- lives, and then, of course, saves the in- resentatives of the United States of America in ing member, Congressman GRAVES, for vestment that we ourselves will be re- Congress assembled, their very strong, bipartisan support of quired to make, and as Americans, we SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. this essential bill. can say will make, in the event of a This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pre-Disaster H.R. 6109, the Pre-Disaster Mitiga- disaster. Mitigation Act of 2008’’. tion Act of 2008, reauthorizes the Pre- We all owe it to the country and to SEC. 2. PRE-DISASTER HAZARD MITIGATION. Disaster Mitigation program for 3 (a) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—Section 203(f) of our local jurisdictions to use this the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and years. The bill authorizes grants to money strategically and wisely so that Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(f)) States awarded on a competitive basis, it has the greatest effect, given the is amended to read as follows: except that each State, and this is im- amount available. ‘‘(f) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.— portant, each State receives a statu- I reserve the balance of my time. ‘‘(1) BASE AMOUNT.—The amount of finan- tory minimum of $557,000 or 1 percent Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I cial assistance made available to a State (in- of the funds appropriated, whichever is yield myself such time as I may con- cluding amounts made available to local less. In this way, the bill increases the governments of the State) under this section sume. for a fiscal year— minimum amount that each State can Madam Speaker, I rise in support of ‘‘(A) shall be not less than the lesser of— receive under the program from $500,000 H.R. 6109, which reauthorizes the suc- ‘‘(i) $575,000; or to $575,000 and codifies the competitive cessful Pre-Disaster Mitigation pro- ‘‘(ii) the amount that is equal to 1.0 per- selection process of the program, as gram for the next 3 years. The Pre-Dis- cent of the total funds appropriated to carry currently administered by FEMA. The aster Mitigation program was origi- out this section for the fiscal year; and bill authorizes $250 million for each of nally authorized by the Disaster Miti- ‘‘(B) shall be subject to the criteria speci- fiscal years 2009 through 2011 for the gation Act of 2000 as a pilot program to fied in subsection (g). Pre-Disaster Mitigation program. study the effectiveness of mitigation ‘‘(2) COMPETITIVE PROGRAM.—Other than the amounts described in paragraph (1), fi- The PDM program was first author- grants given to communities before nancial assistance made available to a State ized in the Disaster Mitigation Act of disaster strikes. Prior to the creation (including amounts made available to local 2000. The program, administered by of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation pro- governments of the State) under this section FEMA through its Mitigation Division, gram, hazard mitigation primarily oc- shall be awarded on a competitive basis sub- is authorized under section 203 of the curred after a disaster through FEMA’s ject to the criteria in subsection (g). Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. ‘‘(3) MAXIMUM AMOUNT.—The amount of fi- Emergency Assistance Act, which we Every disaster costs us in damage to nancial assistance made available to a State call the Stafford Act, of course. Pursu- homes, businesses and infrastructure, (including amounts made available to local governments of the State) for a fiscal year ant to section 203(m) of the Stafford and potentially in the loss of lives. shall not exceed 15 percent of the total Act, the PDM program terminates on The Pre-Disaster Mitigation program amount of funds appropriated to carry out September 30 of this year unless Con- prevents damage and destruction by this section for the fiscal year.’’. gress reauthorizes the program. helping communities to act proactively (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— This program provides cost-effective through projects that reduce the cost Section 203(m) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(m)) technical and financial assistance to and limit the adverse impacts of future is amended to read as follows: State and local governments, which on disasters. ‘‘(m) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— There is authorized to be appropriated to the basis of a study of the effects of With FEMA’s assistance, local gov- carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of this quite new program, we now know ernments identify cost-effective miti- fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011.’’. reduces injuries, loss of life and dam- gation projects, which are awarded on (c) REFERENCES.—Section 203 of such Act age to property caused by natural dis- a competitive basis. Since its incep- (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended— asters. It provides grants to the States, tion, mitigation programs have helped (1) in the section heading by striking territories, tribal governments and local communities save lives and re- ‘‘PREDISASTER’’ and inserting ‘‘PRE-DIS- ASTER’’; local communities on a competitive duce property damage through a wide (2) in the subsection heading for subsection basis. range of mitigation projects, such as (i) by striking ‘‘PREDISASTER’’ and insert- According to the CBO, on average fu- home elevations, buyouts, improved ing ‘‘PRE-DISASTER’’; ture losses are reduced by about $3 shelters and warning systems.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.018 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5817 In 2005, the National Institute of pects of FEMA’s programs that have hurricanes, there is going to be a flood, Building Sciences issued a study that unfolded in the aftermath of Hurricane there is going to be whiteouts, there is conclusively demonstrated Federal Katrina. She has rendered enormous going to be an earthquake, and we need mitigation programs saved the Federal service to the country, to the people of to continue this program. So with bi- Government money. Specifically, the flood prone, disaster prone areas of the partisan support, we have extended the study found that for every dollar spent country through these hearings and program. on mitigation, the American taxpayer done a superb job. And to Mr. GRAVES, In the aftermath, one of the best ex- saves over $3 in Federal disaster pay- the ranking member of the sub- amples was the town of Valmeyer, Illi- ments. committee, and Mr. MICA who has fully nois, devastated in the 1993 Mississippi Mitigation projects also are intended participated in the shaping of this leg- River flood. For $45 million in Federal, to save lives, and this year’s record islation. It is truly a bipartisan initia- State, and local funding and Pre-Dis- tornado season underscores the impor- tive, but one that goes back a very aster Mitigation, the town was simply tance of lifesaving warning sirens. long time. relocated to bluffs 400 feet above the Given the tremendous destructive It was in 1988, then the Committee on site of the former town. This year, as power of tornadoes, you can’t mitigate Public Works and Transportation au- the Mississippi overflowed its banks in against property damage, but you can thorized FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation many places along its course from mitigate the loss of life with a warning Program. We thought then this was a southern Minnesota through Iowa, the system. I particularly want to thank very important initiative to provide Chicago Tribune ran a story entitled, Chairwoman NORTON for including re- grants to communities so that they ‘‘Valmeyer, Illinois, Soaked in ’93, port language clarifying that Congress could put in place initiatives, whether Town Now High and Dry.’’ Quoting a intended tornado warning sirens to be structures or nonstructural approaches resident, Eleanor Anderson, 86 years funded in this program. to protecting communities and individ- old, home destroyed in the 1993 flood, At this point I would like to read a uals, businesses, residences against the said, ‘‘I am sure glad I don’t have to paragraph from the committee report hazards of flood, tornado, hurricane worry now that we are high enough on this subject: and, in our northern tier, excessive here on the hill.’’ That is a reasonable ‘‘The Committee notes the clear pur- snowfall. investment of public funds. pose of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation The idea was to build better after a Story County, Iowa, in 1990, 1993 and program to reduce injuries, loss of life, disaster and be better prepared for the 1996, homes were flooded out. Finally, and damage to property from natural next time around. But that idea in 1996, with Pre-Disaster Mitigation disasters and the program’s broad stat- evolved over time, and it was in the Funds, those six homes were bought utory authority to provide Federal as- mid 1990s that then James Lee Witt, out and moved out. And in 1998 when sistance for projects, such as tornado the administrator of FEMA, conceived the floods struck, FEMA estimated warning sirens, which serve this pur- the idea of taking hazard mitigation a that the Federal and State and local pose. Given the sudden nature and ex- step further to pre-disaster mitigation. governments saved $541,900 in what treme destructive power of tornadoes, He called it Project Impact. would have been damages to restore the Committee believes warning sirens He came up to the committee, now those homes. are a cost-effective measure for miti- the Committee on Transportation and In my own district, in 1999, on the eve gating injuries and loss of life from tor- Infrastructure, to meet with then of July 4, on July 3, straight-line winds nadoes. The Committee believes that Chairman Bud Shuster and me as the called a derecho of 100 miles an hour in Section 203 of the Stafford Act clearly ranking member to discuss Project Im- a swath 15 miles wide swept through authorizes mitigation assistance for pact, saying that we can save money, the Superior National Forest, the tornado warning sirens.’’ as the gentlewoman, the minority lead- Boundary Waters Canoe area on the I believe this language makes it per- er for this afternoon, has indicated, U.S.-Canadian border, and blew down 26 fectly clear that Congress intended tor- that we can save money by protecting million trees, 3 years’ worth of timber nado warning sirens to be an eligible against what we know will be hazards, harvest for the whole State of Min- project under the Pre-Disaster Mitiga- disasters happening in the future. And nesota, creating an enormous hazard tion program and Congress expects the so the committee crafted in 2000 the for fire to local residents. In the area Federal Emergency Management Agen- Pre-Disaster Mitigation program in our outside of the wilderness, trees had to cy to administer the program accord- FEMA disaster Hazard Mitigation Pro- be subjected to salvage logging to clear ingly. gram. out a way from homes, from resorts, In conclusion, mitigation works. It Out of that program was allocated to and from outfitter buildings. saves lives, limits future damage, and the City of Seattle $50 million to Following up, FEMA came to the reduces Federal disaster costs. The strengthen structures in the city area and said, with Pre-Disaster Miti- Pre-Disaster Mitigation program is a against the possibility of earthquake. gation funds, we propose a 75/25 partici- worthy program, and I look forward to The city invested some $50 million in pation to install sprinkler systems working with Chairwoman NORTON to strengthening public structures, public around all the homes and all the busi- reauthorize it this year. buildings, public roadways, and private nesses in the Gunflint Trail area to I urge my colleagues to support the structures as well. And then they had protect against the potential, the very bill. an earthquake. After the effects of the real potential of future fire. Almost I yield back the balance of my time. earthquake had been analyzed, FEMA every resident and business partici- estimated that the Pre-Disaster Miti- pated in the program, and about 96 per- b 1600 gation investments saved $500 million cent of the people maintained their Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, it is a in what would have been damaged pub- sprinkler systems. Then last year, in special pleasure and honor to introduce lic and private structures alike, ten- April of 2007, a fire broke out. Careless the Chair of the full committee whose fold the value of the investment. campers left the site of their camping knowledge and work long before this The program then was further ex- and a wind came up and blew it into bill finally came forward in the form of tended as the Committee on Transpor- what eventually became a 75,000 acre an actual bill has been seminal to the tation and Infrastructure continued its fire. The homes that had the sprinkler act before us today, the chairman of work. I remember subsequent Chair- systems, the buildings that were pro- the full committee, the gentleman man Don Young saying so often: Yes, tected with the sprinkler systems were from Minnesota (Mr. OBERSTAR). we have to be prepared. FEMA is in the unscathed. Those that weren’t, 147 of Mr. OBERSTAR. I thank the gentle- Department of Homeland Security and them, burned. woman for yielding. And I want to has to be part of protecting against the Pre-Disaster Mitigation saves lives, compliment Chairwoman Norton for security threat to the United States. saves property, saves costs. It is a the splendid work she has done We don’t know when it will come. We sound investment in the future. We chairing the subcommittee, holding know that we have to be prepared. But have authorized in this legislation the hours of hearings on the Pre-Disaster we do know that every year, said program for an additional 3 years at Mitigation program and on various as- Chairman Young, there are going to be $250 million each for fiscal 2009 through

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.030 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 2011. The chair of the subcommittee, Senate a plan for the comprehensive redevelop- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I the gentlewoman from the District of ment of the Old Post Office. yield myself such time as I may con- (5) The Committee on Transportation and In- Columbia (Ms. NORTON) has outlined all sume. frastructure approved the redevelopment plan I am pleased to rise in support of of the specifics of the bill; I need not go on May 16, 2001, and the Committees on Appro- into them. priations and Environment and Public Works H.R. 5001, as amended, and to ask for I simply speak to reinforce the spe- approved the plan on June 15, 2001. the support of the House, a bill to di- cific examples the benefits of the Pre- (6) The General Services Administration rect the General Services Administra- Disaster Mitigation program. It is a issued a Request for Expression of Interest in tion to redevelop the Old Post Office sound investment in the future of this 2004 for developing the Old Post Office Building located on Pennsylvania Avenue, right country for all of us as we are sub- that generated a healthy, private sector interest, in the center of the District of Colum- jected to increasing amounts of dis- but the General Services Administration has bia. failed to proceed with implementation of the ap- aster from natural causes. On January 16, 2008, I introduced H.R. proved redevelopment plan. 5001, the Old Post Office Development Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I (7) Redevelopment of the Old Post Office yield back the balance of my time. Building will preserve the historic integrity of Act, to redevelop the nearly empty Old The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. this unique and important asset, put it to its Post Office, a unique historic treasure DAVIS of California). The question is on highest and best use, and provide a lucrative fi- which was once the post office of the the motion offered by the gentlewoman nancial return to the Government. Nation’s capital located at 1100 Penn- from the District of Columbia (Ms. SEC. 4. REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD POST OFFICE sylvania Avenue Northwest, owned by BUILDING. NORTON) that the House suspend the the Federal Government’s GSA. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of Gen- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6109, as For more than ten years, our Sub- eral Services is directed to proceed with redevel- committee on Economic Development, amended. opment of the Old Post Office Building, in ac- Public Buildings, and Emergency Man- The question was taken; and (two- cordance with existing authorities available to agement has expressed continuing and thirds being in the affirmative) the the Administrator and consistent with the rede- mounting concern about the neglect rules were suspended and the bill, as velopment plan previously approved by the and underutilization of this invaluable amended, was passed. Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc- government site, and has pressed the A motion to reconsider was laid on ture of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Environment GSA to develop and use this building to the table. and Public Works of the Senate. its full potential. f (b) RELOCATION OF EXISTING BUILDING TEN- Madam Speaker, when I brought this ANTS.—The Administrator is authorized, not- OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING bill to the full committee, Mr. OBER- withstanding section 3307 of title 40, United STAR from whom we just heard on a REDEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2008 States Code, and otherwise in accordance with prior bill and Ranking Member MICA Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I existing authorities available to the Adminis- trator, to provide replacement space for Federal lead what could only be called a round move to suspend the rules and pass the of hoorahs and hosannas that this bill bill (H.R. 5001) to authorize the Admin- agency tenants housed in the Old Post Office Building whose relocation is necessary for rede- was being brought forward. istrator of General Services to provide velopment of the Building. More than 20 million visitors come. for the redevelopment of the Old Post SEC. 5. REPORTING REQUIREMENT. This building is so strategically placed Office Building located in the District (a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of Gen- that it is almost certain that constitu- of Columbia, as amended. eral Services shall transmit to the Committee on ents of Members have ventured into The Clerk read the title of the bill. Transportation and Infrastructure of the House this extraordinary building which The text of the bill is as follows: of Representatives and the Committee on Envi- looks like just the kind of building H.R. 5001 ronment and Public Works of the Senate a re- that invites people on the outside, and port on any proposed redevelopment agreement then they come on the inside and they Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- related to the Old Post Office Building. resentatives of the United States of America in (b) CONTENTS.—A report transmitted under can’t believe what they see. So the Congress assembled, this section shall include a summary of a cost- building is well known not only by our SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. benefit analysis of the proposed development subcommittee but by the full com- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Old Post Office agreement and a description of the material pro- mittee. Worse, as I shall relate, is why Building Redevelopment Act of 2008’’. visions of the proposed agreement. it has not been brought forward. SEC. 2. OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING DEFINED. (c) REVIEW BY CONGRESS.—Any proposed de- The Old Post Office Building was In this Act, the term ‘‘Old Post Office Build- velopment agreement related to the Old Post Of- completed in 1899. That makes it one of ing’’ means the land, including any improve- fice Building may not become effective until the the oldest buildings here, and is cer- ments thereon and specifically including the Pa- end of a 30-day period of continuous session of Congress following the date of the transmittal of tainly one of the oldest, perhaps the vilion Annex, that is located at 1100 Pennsyl- oldest, for which rehabilitation and vania Avenue, NW., in the District of Columbia, the report required under this section. For pur- and under the jurisdiction, custody, and control poses of the preceding sentence, continuity of a preservation has not somehow begun or of the General Services Administration. session of Congress is broken only by an ad- envisioned. This grand example of Ro- journment sine die, and there shall be excluded SEC. 3. FINDINGS. manesque revival occupies an entire from the computation of such 30-day period any Congress finds the following: city block. Because it was the main day during which either House of Congress is (1) For almost a decade the Subcommittee on post office, it was strategically located not in session during an adjournment of more Economic Development, Public Buildings, and for a purpose not as an historic build- than 3 days to a day certain. Emergency Management of the Committee on ing, but in the 19th century when that Transportation and Infrastructure of the House The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- is how you built post offices. of Representatives has expressed considerable ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from The building was placed on the His- concern about the waste and neglect of the val- the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) toric Register in 1973, and remains one uable, historic Old Post Office Building, cen- and the gentlewoman from Virginia of the city’s most unusual, interesting, trally located in the heart of the Nation’s Cap- (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- ital on Pennsylvania Avenue, and has pressed and appealing landmarks. Part of the utes. appeal of the Old Post Office Building the General Services Administration to develop The Chair recognizes the gentle- and fully use this building. also is its central location in the Fed- (2) The policy of the Government long has woman from the District of Columbia. eral Triangle, its proximity to many been to preserve and make usable historic prop- GENERAL LEAVE Federal historic sites not the least of erties rather than sell them for revenue. Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask them the White House which is a (3) Security concerns related to this property’s unanimous consent that all Members stone’s throw from the Old Post Office. proximity to the White House may hinder the may have 5 legislative days within sale of the Old Post Office Building to a private Our major metro lines converge there, which to revise and extend their re- and a host of restaurants and other party. marks and to include extraneous mate- (4) On December 28, 2000, the General Services amenities surround this location’s Administration, pursuant to Public Law 105– rial on H.R. 5001. major tourist site. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 277, submitted to the Committee on Transpor- b 1615 tation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep- objection to the request of the gentle- resentatives and the Committees on Appropria- woman from the District of Columbia? This bill is important for the city I tions and Environment and Public Works of the There was no objection. represent, as well, but its importance

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.033 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5819 goes far beyond any particular district. lion or $7 million more than it takes in The bill would direct the General Serv- This building belonged to the United from the tiny agencies around the rim ices Administration to enter into an States of America before there was any of the cave, as it were. agreement to develop the Old Post Of- home rule in the District of Columbia. If you multiply that over many dec- fice building on Pennsylvania Avenue When the Congress of the United ades, you will understand that pouring in accordance with its plan approved States ran the District of Columbia, renovations into a building that needed by the Committee on Transportation they saw fit to have a post office befit- a complete makeover, while allowing a and Infrastructure in 2001. The bill ting the Nation’s capital. You would tiny agency here or there to occupy would also authorize GSA to relocate have thought, particularly given the whatever space you could find, has re- the Federal agencies currently occu- history of developing historic struc- sulted in the loss of billions of dollars pying the Old Post Office Building. tures here, for which the GSA deserves to the Federal Government, when in The management of Federal real special credit, that this building cer- fact we could have reversed that proc- property has been on the Government tainly, at some point in the 20th cen- ess, bringing billions of dollars of rev- Accountability Office’s high-risk list tury, would have been rehabilitated. enue for us, had we done what we did since 2003. One of the key issues the Actually, this particular struggle with the highly regarded Tariff Build- GAO has raised is the problem of un- started in 1998. Congress passed the ing, another one of the grand old build- used and under-used Federal property. Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency ings that stood here when I was a kid Currently, the Old Post Office is Supplemental Appropriations Act of and where GSA has already shown it under-used and has been for some time. 1999, and in that act our committee re- can make excellent use of otherwise Over the years, there have been many quired the GSA to submit a develop- antiquated and virtually useless struc- attempts to make better use of this ment plan for the Old Post Office be- tures. historic building. The most recent at- fore any Federal funds could be used to What it did was to convert the old tempt was made after Congress passed convert the space. And on February 28, Tariff Building into the rarified, high the Public Buildings Cooperative Use 2000, GSA did in fact, pursuant to law, priced Monaco Hotel, which sits across Act in 1976. This act, among other submit such a plan as required. from the Portrait Gallery. That build- things, required GSA to encourage the Madam Speaker, no bill, and in my ing quickly returned revenue to the public use of public buildings for ‘‘cul- entire history on the committee, no Federal Government. The redevelop- tural, educational and recreational ac- bill has been necessary for this work. ment of the Tariff Building shows what tivities’’ and allowed Federal entities We don’t trouble the Congress with can be achieved when the Federal Gov- and commercial enterprises to share this work. But it took a bill now 10 ernment works with the private sector federally owned buildings. years ago just to get a plan. On May 16, to redevelop a site that brings a return Unfortunately, the mixed use of Fed- 2001, the Committee on Transportation to the government, provides a safe and eral and commercial space was not suc- and the Infrastructure passed an addi- necessary facility for the city and for cessful in this case. Today, there are tional resolution authorizing the devel- visitors, and importantly, preserves a only a handful of Federal agencies in opment of the Old Post Office. So we priceless, truly priceless historic treas- this historic building on Pennsylvania come forward with bills that ordinarily ure. Avenue, considered America’s Main are unnecessary because the GSA goes Madam Speaker, our bill now has Street. This area of the city has under- ahead and submits a prospectus that language that makes it impossible for gone revitalization to help benefit and we approve, and that’s it. the GSA to refuse to proceed, as it has attract people who live, work and visit The GSA finally in 2005 did issue done with our prior two bills. GSA is the Nation’s capital. Allowing for the what we call a request for expression of directed to proceed. We waived the pro- redevelopment and reuse of this impor- interest. That’s the way we do federal spectus. OMB is not implicated. And I tant building will help to further the development in our subcommittee. should say for the record that I think progress made in this area of the city. This is a priceless treasure. If you go the villain in the piece is OMB and not Authorizing GSA to proceed with the to the inside of the building, you see it GSA. For reasons known only to itself, full redevelopment of this building has was built and looks now almost like a and some have said that they wanted the potential of being a win-win situa- cavernous space, most of it is ceiling to sell the building, even though there tion for the Federal Government, the like this chamber, Madam Speaker, is a bipartisan ‘‘no’’ to, in fact, selling taxpayers, and the local community. I without the room to place for offices or any historic structure in the United support this bill, and I urge my col- the like. So in order to decide whether States. Whatever is the reason, it took leagues to do the same. or not this was a property which the a killing in front of the building when Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in private sector thought could be devel- they had rented it out to a George support of H.R. 5001, a bill to direct the rede- oped, we required GSA to ask for ex- Washington University student organi- velopment of the Old Post Office Building, pressions of interest. zation in order to get any movement which is not only a landmark in the Nation’s The GSA received apparently many on the bill, and now the Congress is capital, but a jewel of ‘‘America’s Main Street,’’ indications of interest from the private going to have to make it impossible for Pennsylvania Avenue. I commend the gentle- sector. But the agency has never pro- OMB to keep GSA from proceeding or woman from the District of Columbia (Ms. ceeded to the next step. For that rea- face contempt of Congress. NORTON) for introducing this legislation and for son—and remember we are talking We also take away the excuse that her work on this issue as Chair of the Sub- about 2005 when the request for expres- there are agencies in the building. committee on Economic Development, Public sion of interest occurred—as has been There are a couple of tiny agencies in Buildings, and Emergency Management. required, every step along the way, a the building, the kind of agencies that Completed in 1899, the Old Post Office bill is going to be necessary to move GSA can relocate on the back of an en- building was intended to be the U.S. Post Of- the GSA to act and that is what H.R. velope because it relocates very large fice Department Headquarters building as well 5001 does, so that this structure can in agencies all the time. Congress has as the city’s main post office. The Old Post fact be utilized for the benefit of Fed- done its homework. It is now time for Office building was awarded a place on the eral taxpayers, for the benefit of visi- the GSA to do its work and start bring- National Register of Historic Places in 1973. tors to the city, and of course for the ing some revenue here from this his- This Romanesque building is the second tall- benefit of the city as well. toric structure and some pleasure for est structure and one of the first steel-frame The Congress may be curious as to the many visitors who wander inside buildings in the District of Columbia. why there would be any resistance. It and are distressed by what they see. Despite the magnificence of this building is difficult to understand, Madam I reserve the balance of my time. and its extraordinary location, it has been dif- Speaker, considering that for three, al- Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I ficult to develop this building to its fullest po- most four decades we have poured yield myself such time as I may con- tential. A renovation of the Old Post Office money into the Old Post Office because sume. began in 1977 as part of the redevelopment of they didn’t want to let it just stand Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Pennsylvania Avenue. In 1982, the General there and get no revenue. So each year port of H.R. 5001, the Old Post Office Services Administration, GSA, entered into a the Federal Government loses $6 mil- Building Redevelopment Act of 2008. 55-year lease with a private sector developer

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.037 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 to lease and operate the Old Post Office build- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. ‘‘(A) NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.—The no- ing. The building was renovated as a multi- Section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution tification requirements of paragraphs (1)(B) Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362) is amended by functional building that included office space, and (1)(C) shall not apply a sewer overflow adding at the end the following: that is a wastewater backup into a single- retail, and a food court. Unfortunately, this re- ‘‘(25) SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOW.—The family residence. development effort was not successful be- term ‘sanitary sewer overflow’ means an ‘‘(B) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—The re- cause of high turnover among the retail busi- overflow, spill, release, or diversion of waste- porting requirements of paragraphs (1)(D) nesses and low satisfaction among tenants. water from a sanitary sewer system. Such and (1)(E) shall not apply to a sewer overflow The original developer went into bankruptcy term does not include municipal combined that is a release of wastewater that occurs in and the lender foreclosed on the leasehold. sewer overflows or other discharges from a the course of maintenance of the treatment Today, the Old Post Office building is an municipal combined storm and sanitary works, is managed consistently with the sewer system and does not include waste- aging historical building that is inefficient, un- treatment works’ best management prac- water backups into buildings caused by a tices, and is intended to prevent sewer over- derutilized, and a financial drain on the Fed- blockage or other malfunction of a building flows. eral Building Fund. The building’s large atrium lateral that is privately owned. Such term ‘‘(3) REPORT TO EPA.—Each State shall pro- and other factors contribute to the high costs includes overflows or releases of wastewater vide to the Administrator annually a sum- of operating and maintaining the building. that reach waters of the United States, over- mary of sewer overflows that occurred in the The Committee on Transportation and Infra- flows or releases of wastewater in the United State. structure has provided oversight and direction States that do not reach waters of the ‘‘(4) RULEMAKING BY EPA.—Not later than United States, and wastewater backups into to GSA previously in attempts to foster the de- one year after the date of enactment of this buildings that are caused by blockages or subsection, the Administrator, after pro- velopment of the Old Post Office, including re- flow conditions in a sanitary sewer other viding notice and an opportunity for public quiring that GSA submit a viable development than a building lateral. comment, shall issue regulations to imple- plan for the Old Post Office before any Fed- ‘‘(26) TREATMENT WORKS.—The term ‘treat- ment this subsection, including regulations eral funds be used to convert the space. Not- ment works’ has the meaning given that to— withstanding these efforts, the desired devel- term in section 212.’’. ‘‘(A) establish a set of criteria to guide the opment has not occurred. SEC. 3. MONITORING, REPORTING, AND PUBLIC owner or operator of a publicly owned treat- NOTIFICATION OF SEWER OVER- ment works in— H.R. 5001, the ‘‘Old Post Office Building Re- FLOWS. development Act of 2008’’, authorizes the Ad- ‘‘(i) assessing whether a sewer overflow has Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution the potential to affect human health or may ministrator of General Services to enter into Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by imminently and substantially endanger an agreement to redevelop the Old Post Office adding at the end the following: human health; and Building in a manner that is beneficial to the ‘‘(r) SEWER OVERFLOW MONITORING, RE- ‘‘(ii) developing communication measures Federal Government. This bill will not only PORTING, AND NOTIFICATIONS.— that are sufficient to give notice under para- help spur the redevelopment of this building ‘‘(1) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.—After the graphs (1)(B) and (1)(C); and last day of the 180-day period beginning on ‘‘(B) define the terms ‘feasible’ and ‘time- but also help ensure that the taxpayers get the the date on which regulations are issued fullest return from this historic and treasured ly’ as such terms apply to paragraph (1)(A), under paragraph (4), a permit issued, re- including site specific conditions. structure. newed, or modified under this section by the ‘‘(5) APPROVAL OF STATE NOTIFICATION PRO- I urge my colleagues to join me in support Administrator or the State, as the case may GRAMS.— of H.R. 5001, the ‘‘Old Post Office Building be, for a publicly owned treatment works ‘‘(A) REQUESTS FOR APPROVAL.— Redevelopment Act of 2008.’’ shall require, at a minimum, beginning on ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—After the date of Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I have the date of the issuance, modification, or re- issuance of regulations under paragraph (4), no further speakers, and I yield back newal, that the owner or operator of the a State may submit to the Administrator the balance of my time. treatment works— evidence that the State has in place a legally ‘‘(A) institute and utilize a feasible meth- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I enforceable notification program that is sub- odology, technology, or management pro- stantially equivalent to the requirements of have no further requests for time, so I gram for monitoring sewer overflows to alert paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C). too am prepared to yield back the bal- the owner or operator to the occurrence of a ‘‘(ii) PROGRAM REVIEW AND AUTHORIZA- ance of my time. sewer overflow in a timely manner; TION.—If the evidence submitted by a State The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ‘‘(B) in the case of a sewer overflow that under clause (i) shows the notification pro- question is on the motion offered by has the potential to affect human health, no- gram of the State to be substantially equiva- the gentlewoman from the District of tify the public of the overflow as soon as lent to the requirements of paragraphs (1)(B) practicable but not later than 24 hours after Columbia (Ms. NORTON) that the House and (1)(C), the Administrator shall authorize the time the owner or operator knows of the suspend the rules and pass the bill, the State to carry out such program instead overflow; of the requirements of paragraphs (1)(B) and H.R. 5001, as amended. ‘‘(C) in the case of a sewer overflow that (1)(C). The question was taken; and (two- may imminently and substantially endanger ‘‘(iii) FACTORS FOR DETERMINING SUBSTAN- thirds being in the affirmative) the human health, notify public health authori- TIAL EQUIVALENCY.—In carrying out a review rules were suspended and the bill, as ties and other affected entities, such as pub- of a State notification program under clause amended, was passed. lic water systems, of the overflow imme- (ii), the Administrator shall take into ac- A motion to reconsider was laid on diately after the owner or operator knows of count the scope of sewer overflows for which the table. the overflow; notification is required, the length of time ‘‘(D) report each sewer overflow on its dis- during which notification must be made, the f charge monitoring report to the Adminis- scope of persons who must be notified of b 1630 trator or the State, as the case may be, by sewer overflows, the scope of enforcement describing— activities ensuring that notifications of RAW SEWAGE OVERFLOW ‘‘(i) the magnitude, duration, and sus- sewer overflows are made, and such other COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT pected cause of the overflow; factors as the Administrator considers ap- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of ‘‘(ii) the steps taken or planned to reduce, propriate. Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to sus- eliminate, or prevent recurrence of the over- ‘‘(B) REVIEW PERIOD.—If a State submits flow; and evidence with respect to a notification pro- pend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. ‘‘(iii) the steps taken or planned to miti- gram under subparagraph (A)(i) on or before 2452) to amend the Federal Water Pol- gate the impact of the overflow; and the last day of the 30-day period beginning lution Control Act to ensure that sew- ‘‘(E) annually report to the Administrator on the date of issuance of regulations under age treatment plants monitor for and or the State, as the case may be, the total paragraph (4), the requirements of para- report discharges of raw sewage, and number of sewer overflows in a calendar graphs (1)(B) and (1)(C) shall not begin to for other purposes, as amended. year, including— apply to a publicly owned treatment works The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(i) the details of how much wastewater located in the State until the date on which The text of the bill is as follows: was released per incident; the Administrator completes a review of the ‘‘(ii) the duration of each sewer overflow; notification program under subparagraph H.R. 2452 ‘‘(iii) the location of the overflow and any (A)(ii). Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- potentially affected receiving waters; ‘‘(C) WITHDRAWAL OF AUTHORIZATION.—If resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(iv) the responses taken to clean up the the Administrator, after conducting a public Congress assembled, overflow; and hearing, determines that a State is not ad- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(v) the actions taken to mitigate impacts ministering and enforcing a State notifica- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Sewage and avoid further sewer overflows at the site. tion program authorized under subparagraph Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act’’. ‘‘(2) EXCEPTIONS.— (A)(ii) in accordance with the requirements

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.019 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5821 of this paragraph, the Administrator shall so the Committee on Transportation and monitoring technologies or programs notify the State and, if appropriate correc- Infrastructure, Mr. BISHOP, is an im- to alert them to the presence of sewage tive action is not taken within a reasonable portant commonsense proposal to en- overflows. time, not to exceed 90 days, the Adminis- hance the monitoring and public notifi- The legislation under consideration trator shall withdraw authorization of such program and enforce the requirements of cation of sewage spills. here today is an essential step in pro- paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C) with respect to I applaud Mr. BISHOP’s work to raise tecting the public’s health and environ- the State. the public’s awareness of sewage spills ment from the dangers of sewage over- ‘‘(6) SPECIAL RULES CONCERNING APPLICA- and for his tenacity in bringing to- flows. H.R. 2452, the Sewage Commu- TION OF NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.—After gether relevant stakeholders on this nity Right-to-Know Act, is a common- the last day of the 30-day period beginning issue to work through potential dif- sense approach to enhance the moni- on the date of issuance of regulations under ferences and produce the fine product toring and notification of sewage over- paragraph (4), the requirements of para- under consideration today. I also ap- flows to protect human health and the graphs (1)(B) and (1)(C) shall— ‘‘(A) apply to the owner or operator of a plaud the work of our colleague, Mr. environment. It is also an approach publicly owned treatment works and be sub- LOBIONDO, for his efforts in supporting that can be achieved without signifi- ject to enforcement under section 309, and and advocating for H.R. 2452. cant burden to States and local govern- ‘‘(B) supersede any notification require- Public notification of sewage over- ments. Monitoring and providing pub- ments contained in a permit issued under flows is an important topic that has lic notification on sewage overflows this section for the treatment works to the not received the attention it rightly provides the greatest opportunity to extent that the notification requirements deserves. During committee hearings avoid direct contact and potentially are less stringent than the notification re- on this legislation last summer, the harmful pollutants as well. quirements of paragraphs (1)(B) and (1)(C), Subcommittee on Water Resources and Facilities’ rapid responses to over- until such date as a permit is issued, re- newed, or modified under this section for the Environment received testimony on flows in order to minimize the poten- treatment works in accordance with para- the overwhelming extent of the prob- tial harm to the environment, this leg- graph (1). lem of sewage overflows. According to islation amends the Clean Water Act to ‘‘(7) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection, the the Environmental Protection Agen- ensure that all publicly owned treat- following definitions apply: cy’s own numbers, the frequency and ment works incorporate enhanced mon- ‘‘(A) SEWER OVERFLOW.—The term ‘sewer volume of annual sewage overflows is itoring notification and reporting re- overflow’ means a sanitary sewer overflow or staggering. quirements into the existing permits a municipal combined sewer overflow. For combined sewage systems, EPA for those systems under their oper- ‘‘(B) SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE.—The term estimates that 850 billion gallons of ‘single-family residence’ means an individual ational control. dwelling unit, including an apartment, con- raw or partially treated sewage is dis- Under this Act, the Administrator of dominium, house, or dormitory. Such term charged annually into local waters. For the Environmental Protection Agency does not include the common areas of a separate sanitary sewer systems, EPA is given 1 year to issue regulations to multi-dwelling structure.’’. estimates that 23- to 75,000 of these define the parameters for monitoring SEC. 4. ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE. sanitary sewage system overflows and notification to be carried out by (a) PURPOSE OF STATE REVOLVING FUND.— occur each year in the United States, the publicly owned treatment works. Section 601(a) of the Federal Water Pollution discharging a total volume of between Following completion of this rule- Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1381(a)) is amended— 3 and 10 billion gallons annually. making, all publicly owned treatment (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ the first place it ap- Worse still is the fact that these sew- pears; and works are required within a defined (2) by inserting after ‘‘section 320’’ the fol- age overflows can be laden with poten- time period to incorporate the moni- lowing: ‘‘, and (4) for the implementation of tially harmful chemicals, pathogens, toring and notification criteria from requirements to monitor for sewer overflows viruses, and bacteria and often wind up the rulemaking into the existing clean under section 402’’. in local rivers and streams, city water permits. (b) WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING streets, parks, or, in unfortunate cases, However, to help minimize potential LOAN FUNDS.—Section 603(c) of the Federal directly into people’s homes. paperwork concerns, this legislation Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. These statistics further emphasize allows owners and operators to incor- 1383(c)) is amended— the importance of investment in our (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ the first place it ap- porate the enhanced monitoring provi- pears; and Nation’s water-related infrastructure. sions in their existing permits as such (2) by inserting after ‘‘section 320 of this For too long our communities and citi- permits come up for periodic renewal Act’’ the following: ‘‘, and (4) for the imple- zens have been waiting for us to renew modification. mentation of requirements to monitor for our commitment to meeting the water- To enhance the availability of public sewer overflows under section 402’’. related infrastructure needs of this information on sewer overflows, H.R. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- country. While the House of Represent- 2452 requires the enhanced notification ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from atives strongly approved legislation to requirements to take effect 30 days Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) reinvest and rebuild and replace our after completion of the rulemaking. and the gentlewoman from Virginia failing and outdated waste-water treat- The legislation under consideration (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- ment infrastructure and sewers, we today is slightly modified from the utes. have faced continued opposition from version that was reported favorably The Chair recognizes the gentle- this administration investing in our from the Committee on Transportation woman from Texas. Nation’s infrastructure. and Infrastructure on May 15 to ad- GENERAL LEAVE I remain hopeful that we will be able dress a few technical and transitional Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of to send legislation to the President concerns that were unresolved before Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unani- this year that will meet the water-re- the committee markup. mous consent that all Members may lated needs that we all know exist and In addition, the bill under consider- have 5 legislative days within which to are necessary to ensure the economic ation today provides a mechanism for revise and extend their remarks and in- and environmental health of our Na- States with active notification pro- clude extraneous materials on H.R. tion. grams to petition EPA for the ability 2452. However, in the interim, we need to to carry out the existing notification The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there make sure that the public is aware of programs provided that these programs objection to the request of the gentle- sewage levels to give the individuals are determined to be functionally woman from Texas? the opportunity to stay out of harm’s equivalent to the national standard for There was no objection. way. It makes no sense for sewage State notification programs called for Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of agencies to know where and when over- in this legislation. Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself flows are occurring but to avoid mak- I commend the ranking member of such time as I may consume. ing this information readily available the subcommittee, Mr. BOOZMAN, and Madam Speaker, H.R. 2452, the Sew- to the public. This type of practice de- the ranking member of the Committee age Overflow Community Right-To- fies common sense. Equally trouble- on Transportation and Infrastructure, Know Act, offered by my colleague on some are agencies that lack sufficient Mr. MICA, and my Chair, Mr. OBERSTAR,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.033 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 for working in a bipartisan fashion to rector, Physicians for Social Responsi- ership on, and commitment to, clean and resolve all the outstanding issues re- bility; Debbie Sease, National Cam- safe water in the United States. As the lead- lated to this important legislation. paigns Director, Sierra Club. ing advocacy organization representing the Let me conclude by thanking the fol- nation’s public wastewater treatment agen- CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION cies, NACWA has been working diligently lowing organizations for their efforts OF SANITATION AGENCIES, with your staff and with American Rivers to in reaching the compromised language Sacramento, CA, June 23, 2008. come up with a common-sense bill to estab- that is under consideration today: The Hon. JAMES L. OBERSTAR, lish a consistent, national framework for American Rivers, the National Associa- Chairman, Committee on Transportation and monitoring and reporting sewer overflows. tion of Clean Water Agencies, the Infrastructure, House of Representatives, The result of this effort is the Sewage Over- Water Environment Federation and the Washington, DC. flow Community Right-to-Know Act (H.R. California Association of Sanitation Hon. JOHN MICA, 2452) being considered by the House today. Ranking Republican, Committee on Transpor- Agencies. The hard work and willing- The bill goes a long way to address the needs tation and Infrastructure, House of Rep- and concerns of NACWA’s public agency ness of each of these organizations resentatives, Washington, DC. members, and we appreciate the hard work made it possible to reach this agree- DEAR CHAIRMAN OBERSTAR AND RANKING and good faith you have shown in helping ment and to bring forward this impor- MEMBER MICA: On behalf of the California craft this language. tant bipartisan legislation. Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), I NACWA, however, must share the bill and Madam Speaker, I submit the fol- write in support of H.R. 2452, which would accompanying report with its Board of Di- address the important issue of reporting and lowing for the RECORD. rectors before indicating whether it can offer notification for sewer overflows. This legis- JUNE 23, 2008. its support for the legislation. We expect to lation represents the culmination of a col- Hon. JAMES L. OBERSTAR, have a decision on that matter this week. laborative approach involving wastewater Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Again, thank you for your leadership on this treatment operators and the environmental Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office issue. community. We appreciate the committee’s Building, Washington, DC. Sincerely, willingness to address CASA’s concerns. Hon. JOHN MICA, KEN KIRK, CASA understands that the legislation has NACWA Executive Director. Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation been amended to address one of our major and Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office concerns, which relates to longstanding Cali- I reserve the balance of my time. Building, Washington, DC. fornia requirements for notification of regu- Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I Hon. TIM BISHOP, latory authorities and the public in the yield myself such time as I may con- Cannon House Office Building, event of a sewer spill that threatens public sume. Washington, DC. health or the environment. Specifically, the Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Hon. FRANK LOBIONDO, amendment provides a delegation process so H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow Com- Rayburn House Office Building, that existing state notification programs de- munity Right-to-Know Act. Washington, DC. signed to inform the public of health threats Our Nation has nearly 23,000 miles of DEAR CHAIRMAN OBERSTAR, RANKING MEM- emanating from sewer overflows will not be BER MICA, AND REPRESENTATIVES BISHOP AND ocean and gulf shoreline along the con- supplanted, provided EPA determines that tinental United States, 5,500 miles of LOBIONDO: On behalf of our members and the programs are substantially equivalent to supporters across the nation, thank you for the federal program. This is vital to avoid in- Great Lakes shoreline and 3.6 million reporting H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow efficient and potentially confusing duplica- miles of rivers and streams. Public con- Community Right-to-Know Act. Our organi- tion of effort. Further, this amendment will fidence and the quality of our Nation’s zations strongly support this legislation and allow POTWs to target their limited re- waters is important to every citizen of applaud your efforts to suspend the rules and sources to fulfilling their responsibilities as this Nation, but it is also critical to in- pass the bill. first responders when spills occur. Second, By requiring public notification, H.R. 2452 dustries that rely on safe and clean we understand that the committee report water. could protect millions of Americans from ex- clarifies that satellite collection systems are posure to untreated sewage spills that could To improve the public’s confidence in not subject to the provisions of the bill. This the quality of our Nation’s waters and make them sick. This first line of defense is is important because many regional POTWs critical as hundreds of billions of gallons of do not manage these upstream systems, and protect public health and safety, Rep- raw and partially treated sewage are dumped have no authority for spills that occur from resentatives BISHOP and LOBIONDO in- into our streams, rivers and lakes every facilities outside their jurisdiction. troduced H.R. 2452, the Sewage Over- year. Many American are unaware when a There is one provision in the amended bill flow Community Right-to-Know Act. sewage spill occurs in the local waterways that has given rise to a new concern. This Sometimes, especially during wet where their families swim and play. new provision is designed to ensure that the The bacteria, viruses and parasites found weather, sewage systems can leak or notification provisions of the bill will be im- overflow. This can be caused by inad- in untreated sewage can cause severe symp- plemented in a timely matter. However, as toms including gastrointestinal problems, written, there is no mechanism for informing equate design or capacity or by breaks infection and fever, as well as heart, liver or permittees of their new, fully enforceable ob- in the system of pipes that are often kidney failure, arthritis and even cancer. By ligations, which appears to be at odds with old and in need of repair. requiring the public to be notified when sew- basic due process rights. We hope that as H.R. 2452 requires the publicly owned age spills threaten their health, we can help Congress considers the bill that this matter treatment works develop and imple- Americans protect their families by avoiding can be further reviewed and addressed prior ment a feasible monitoring program contaminated areas until the threat has to final passage. that is reasonably able to detect the passed. Again, we appreciate the opportunity to occurrence of an overflow or leak in Thank you again for your hard work on work with the committee on this important this important legislation. We look forward legislation. their sewer systems in a timely man- to working with you to see this bill enacted Sincerely, ner and to notify the public and health into law this Congress. KAMIL AZOURY, authorities whenever a release would Sincerely, President. threaten public health and safety. Eli Weissman, Director of Government The Environmental Protection Agen- Affairs, American Rivers; Christy NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF cy is to develop regulations to help Leavitt, Clean Water Advocate, Envi- CLEAN WATER AGENCIES, local utilities implement these moni- ronment America; Tiernan Sittenfeld, Washington, DC, June 23, 2008. toring and notification requirements Legislative Director, League of Con- Hon. JAMES L. OBERSTAR, servation Voters; Nancy Stoner, Direc- House Committee on Transportation and Infra- starting 180 days after these regula- tor, Clean Water Project, Natural Re- structure, Rayburn House Office Building, tions have been issued. EPA or the sources Defense Council; David Jen- Washington, DC. States, as the case may be, are to in- kins, Government Affairs Director, Re- Hon. JOHN MICA, corporate these monitoring and notifi- publicans for Environmental Protec- House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office cation requirements into local utili- tion; Angela Howe, Legal Manager, Building, Washington, DC. ties’ Clean Water Act permits on a roll- Surfrider Foundation. Hon. TIM BISHOP, ing basis as their permits come up for Paul Schwartz, National Policy Coordi- House of Representatives, Cannon House Office renewal. nator, Clean Water Action; Shawnee Building, Washington, DC. Hoover, Legislative Director, Friends DEAR CHAIRMAN OBERSTAR, RANKING MEM- This should provide for the orderly of the Earth; Corry Westbrook, Legis- BER MICA AND REPRESENTATIVE BISHOP: The implementation of this program and lative Director, National Wildlife Fed- National Association of Clean Water Agen- minimize the need to reopen utilities’ eration; Will Callaway, Legislative Di- cies (NACWA) appreciates your ongoing lead- permits. To minimize burdening local

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utilities with duplicative notification River system resulted in a significant overload Again, I applaud Mr. BISHOP for introducing requirements, States that have sub- to the sewer systems and treatment works, this common-sense legislation to ensure that stantially equivalent release notifica- and resulted in the release of untold gallons of our citizens are made aware of the potential tion programs in place may seek EPA’s untreated or partially treated sewage into the public health threats caused by sewer over- approval to implement the State’s no- homes and street of communities along the flows. I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- tification program instead of the re- Mississippi River system. As families are start- porting H.R. 2452. quirements under H.R. 2452. The bill ing to return to their homes, they are in need Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, authorizes the use of State revolving of information on any health risks from coming on behalf of the residents of eastern Long Is- loan funds to help communities pay for into contact with potentially contaminated wa- land, I would like to commend Chairman this monitoring and notification pro- ters. OBERSTAR, Chairwoman JOHNSON and Con- gram. The cost of eliminating CSOs and SSOs gressman LOBIONDO for their leadership and Under this program, EPA and local throughout the nation is staggering. In its most unwavering dedication to clean water issues. I utilities must define the appropriate recent Clean Water Needs Survey (2000), would also like to thank the Transportation amount of monitoring to reduce risk EPA estimated the future capital needs to ad- and Infrastructure Committee staff for their and reasonably protect human health. dress existing CSOs at $50.6 billion. In addi- hard work and commitment to advancing this However, they need to be careful not to tion, EPA estimates that it would require an legislation to the full House today. unwisely use up funds that are meant additional $88.5 billion in capital improvements Madam Speaker, the EPA estimates that to address the very infrastructure to reduce the frequency of SSOs caused by sewer overflows discharge roughly 850 billion problems that are causing the release wet weather and other conditions. gallons of raw or partially treated sewage an- of sewage in the first place. Upon being elected Chairman of the Com- nually into local waters. These discharges, I congratulate Representatives mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I laden with potentially harmful chemicals and BISHOP and LOBIONDO on sponsoring made it a priority to renew the Federal com- pathogens, often end up in local rivers, lakes, this bill. The public has a right to mitment in addressing the nation’s wastewater streams, and the ocean. know when their waters are threatened infrastructure needs. In response, the Transportation & Infrastruc- by sewage release. So I encourage all In March 2007, the House approved two ture Committee has taken appropriate meas- Members to support this bill. bills reported from the Committee on Trans- ures to restore the federal commitment to our Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in portation and Infrastructure—H.R. 720, the Nation’s wastewater infrastructure. In the strong support of H.R. 2452, the ‘‘Sewage ‘‘Water Quality Financing Act’’, and H.R. 569, 110th Congress, we have passed the Water Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act’’. Let the ‘‘Water Quality Investment Act’’—to reau- Quality Financing Act, authorizing funds for me begin by congratulating our Committee thorize appropriations for the construction, re- the State Revolving Fund; and the Beach Pro- colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. pair, and rehabilitation of wastewater infra- tection Act, to carry out coastal recreation BISHOP), for introducing legislation to provide structure, including measures to address water quality monitoring and notification pro- common-sense standards for public notifica- CSOs and SSOs. grams. Today, we take our commitment to tion of both combined sewer overflows and H.R. 720 authorizes appropriations of $14 water quality one step further by passing the sanitary sewer overflows. This well-thought-out billion over four years for the Clean Water Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-know legislation will be a welcome addition to Fed- State Revolving Fund, which is the primary Act. eral efforts in protecting public health as well source of Federal funds for wastewater infra- As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention as the natural environment. structure. H.R. 569 authorizes appropriations is worth a pound of cure: The best way to The most reliable way to prevent human ill- of $1.7 billion in Federal grants over 5 years avoid human health and environmental con- ness from waterborne diseases and patho- to address combined sewers and sanitary cerns from sewer overflows is to ensure that gens is to eliminate the potential for human sewers. Both bills are pending before the they never occur in the first place. However, exposure to the discharge of pollutants from United States Senate. even with significant increases in investment, combined sewer overflows (‘‘CSOs’’) and sani- However, even with significant increases in sewer overflows will continue to occur. There- tary sewer overflows (’’SSOs’’). This can occur Federal, State, and local investment, it is likely fore, it is imperative that we provide the public either through the elimination of the discharge, that sewer overflows will continue. In the event with comprehensive and timely notification of or, in the event that a release does occur, to that a release does occur, the most effective sewer overflows. We need to make sure that minimize the potential human contact to pollut- way to prevent illness is to provide timely and the public is aware of sewer overflows to give ants. adequate public notice to minimize human ex- communities the opportunity to protect them- Unfortunately, Federal law does not provide posure to pollutants. selves. uniform, national standards for public notifica- H.R. 2452, the ‘‘Sewage Overflow Commu- It makes no sense for operators of local tion of combined and sanitary sewer over- nity Right-to-Know Act’’, amends the Clean sewer systems to know where and when over- flows. Notification of sewer overflows is cov- Water Act to provide a uniform, national stand- flows are occurring, but not to promptly notify ered only by a patchwork of Federal regula- ard for monitoring, reporting, and public notifi- the public. Notification of sewer overflows will tions, State laws, and local initiatives aimed at cation of sewer overflows. This legislation, help the public avoid direct contact with poten- limiting human exposure to discharges. which was approved by the Committee on tially harmful chemicals and pathogens, and it Potential human exposure to the pollutants Transportation and Infrastructure by voice will facilitate rapid response to overflows in found in sewer overflows can occur in a vari- vote, will strengthen the monitoring and public order to minimize the potential harm to the en- ety of ways. According to the Environmental notification requirements of the Clean Water vironment. Protection Agency (‘‘EPA’), the most common Act to encourage increased awareness and Accordingly, the Bishop/LoBiondo Sewage pathways include direct contact with sewer public notification of overflows in an expedi- Overflow Community Right-to-know Act pro- discharges in recreational waters and beach- tious manner. vides for the monitoring, reporting and public es, drinking water contaminated by sewer dis- The bill under consideration this afternoon is notification of sewer overflows from Publicly charges, and consuming or handling contami- a slightly modified version of this legislation as Owned Treatment Works by requiring POTWs nated fish or shellfish. However, humans are reported by the Committee. The bill, as to institute and utilize programs to alert opera- also at risk of direct exposure to sewer over- amended, makes a few technical and clari- tors to overflows, notify the public within 24 flows, including sewer backups into residential fying changes to the bill, as well as addresses hours of discovery of an overflow by an oper- buildings, city streets, and sidewalks. a few transitional issues on the implementa- ator, and notify public health officials when In October 2007, in my own Congressional tion of this Act. human health is endangered. district, basements and city streets across the The framework of this amendment was de- The bill requires the Environmental Protec- city of Duluth were flooded with sewer over- veloped jointly by the majority and minority tion Agency establish criteria to guide POTWs flows that resulted from massive rainstorms in Members of the Committee, it consultation in assessing whether a sewer overflow has the Lake Superior basin. The Western Lake with the National Association of Clean Water the potential to affect human health and devel- Superior Sanitary Sewer District reported at Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, oping communication measures to ensure the least seven major sewage overflows in its the California Association of Sanitation Agen- public is notified. The bill also establishes a service area, with reports of numerous addi- cies, and American Rivers. I appreciate the process for EPA to determine if a State’s ex- tional backups into local streets and base- hard work by all parties to help move this isting notification program is substantially ments. common-sense legislation to increase public equivalent to, or better than, the requirements Similarly, earlier this month, heavy rains in awareness of combined sewer overflows and established in this bill, and should be allowed the Midwest and flooding along the Mississippi sanitary sewer overflows. to continue.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.042 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 This bill is a result of hard work by several prove our wastewater infrastructure, it is es- Again, we appreciate the opportunity to organizations who believe that Americans de- sential that our constituents receive prompt work with the committee on this important serve clean, safe waters. Without their many notification when a spill occurs. H.R. 2452 pro- legislation. insights this legislation would not have been vides a national Standard for such notification Sincerely, KAMIL AZOURY, possible. Therefore, I would like to thank and permits the use of Clean Water State Re- President. American Rivers, the National Association of volving funds for publically-owned treatment Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment works to monitor their infrastructure for spills. Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I Federation, and the California Association of In California, we have an existing notifica- yield back the balance of my time. Sanitation Agencies for the countless hours tion process that is the most aggressive in the Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of they have given to refine the bill’s language to Nation. I applaud Chairman OBERSTAR and his Texas. Madam Speaker, I have no fur- ensure that public health and the environment staff for recognizing the existence of State no- ther requests for time, and I ask for are protected. tification programs and ensuring that duplica- support of this bill. Madam Speaker, I encourage my col- tion of State and Federal standards does not I yield back the balance of my time. leagues to vote in favor of this commonsense overburden local sanitation officials. In this bill, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The legislation, and I again thank my friend and States like California may operate their own question is on the motion offered by colleague, Mr. LOBIONDO, for his leadership notification program if the EPA certifies that it the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. and support in authoring the bill. is substantially equivalent to the Federal pro- EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the Mr. LOBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise in gram. House suspend the rules and pass the strong support of H.R. 2452, the Sewage I would like to include a letter from the Cali- bill, H.R. 2452, as amended. Overflow Right-to-Know Act. fornia Association of Sanitation Agencies that The question was taken; and (two- Last year, nearly 250,000 gallons of partially expresses full support for H.R. 2452. I com- thirds being in the affirmative) the treated sewage leaked from the Asbury Park, mend Mr. BISHOP and Mr. OBERSTAR for their rules were suspended and the bill, as New Jersey, sewer treatment plant into the At- hard work on this legislation, and urge my col- amended, was passed. lantic Ocean threatening beach goers for miles leagues to support the Raw Sewage Overflow The title was amended so as to read: down the shore. It was the result of a broken Community Right-to-Know Act. pipe that went undetected for over 6 hours. ‘‘A bill to amend the Federal Water CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF Pollution Control Act to ensure that Fortunately, no one got sick and the environ- SANITATION AGENCIES, ment did not suffer any long term con- Sacramento, CA, June 23, 2008. publicly owned treatment works mon- sequences. But that is not always the case. Hon. JAMES L. OBERSTAR, itor for and report sewer overflows, and The EPA estimates approximately 900 bil- Chairman, Committee on Transportation and for other purposes.’’. lion gallons of untreated sewage enter our wa- Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representa- A motion to reconsider was laid on terways each year, sickening nearly 3.5 million tives, Washington, DC. the table. people annually. Hon. JOHN MICA, f Ranking Republican, Committee on Transpor- That is why I was pleased to join with Rep- tation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of PROVIDING REIMBURSEMENT FOR resentative BISHOP to introduce H.R. 2452, the Representatives, Washington, DC. EXPENSES INCURRED BY MEM- Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know DEAR CHAIRMAN OBERSTAR AND RANKING BERS OF COMMITTEE ON LEVEE Act. This commonsense legislation will help MEMBER MICA: On behalf of the California SAFETY keep the public safe from waterborne illness Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), I by requiring sewer operators to put in place write in support of H.R. 2452, which would Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of monitoring systems to detect overflows and to address the important issue of reporting and Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to sus- promptly notify the public in the event of an notification for sewer overflows. This legis- pend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. lation represents the culmination of a col- overflow. While some States and localities 6040) to amend the Water Resources De- laborative approach involving wastewater velopment Act of 2007 to clarify the au- have strong notification programs in place al- treatment operators and the environmental ready, the majority do not. Establishing a min- community. We appreciate the committee’s thority of the Secretary of the Army to imum standard for public notification is the willingness to address CASA’s concerns. provide reimbursement for travel ex- right thing to do. CASA understands that the legislation has penses incurred by members of the H.R. 2452 makes sewer operators eligible been amended to address one of our major Committee on Levee Safety. for existing grant funds and loans to help defer concerns, which relates to longstanding Cali- The Clerk read the title of the bill. the cost of implementing monitoring and notifi- fornia requirements for notification of regu- The text of the bill is as follows: latory authorities and the public in the cation programs, and it provides flexibility to event of a sewer spill that threatens public H.R. 6040 States that already have these critical pro- health or the environment. Specifically, the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- grams in place. amendment provides a delegation process so resentatives of the United States of America in I want to thank the National Association of that existing state notification programs de- Congress assembled, Clean Water Agencies and American Rivers signed to inform- the public of health threats SECTION 1. COMMITTEE ON LEVEE SAFETY. for working with Chairman OBERSTAR and emanating from sewer overflows will not be Section 9003(f) of the Water Resources De- Ranking Member MICA to make improvements supplanted, provided EPA determines that velopment Act of 2007 (33 U.S.C. 3302(f)) is to this legislation. The bill before us today rep- the programs are substantially equivalent to amended by striking ‘‘To the extent amounts the federal program. This is vital to avoid in- resents a good compromise between all inter- are made available in advance in appropria- efficient and potentially confusing duplica- tions Acts,’’ and inserting ‘‘Subject to the ested parties. tion of effort. Further, this amendment will availability of appropriations,’’. I want to thank Chairman OBERSTAR, Rank- allow POTWs to target their limited re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing Member MICA, Chairwoman JOHNSON, and sources to fulfilling their responsibilities as Ranking Member BOOZMAN for their assistance first responders when spills occur. Second, ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from and support. I also want to thank Jon Pawlow we understand that the committee report Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) on Mr. MICA’s Staff, Ryan Seiger on Mr. OBER- clarifies that satellite collection systems are and the gentlewoman from Virginia STAR’s staff, and Mark Copeland on Mr. not subject to the provisions of the bill. This (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- is important because many regional POTWs BISHOP’s staff for their tremendous effort. I utes. do not manage these upstream systems, and urge all members to support this common- The Chair recognizes the gentle- have no authority for spills that occur from woman from Texas. sense measure. facilities outside their jurisdiction. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I raise There is one provision in the amended bill GENERAL LEAVE in support of H.R. 2452, the Raw Sewage that has given rise to a new concern. This Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act. new provision is designed to ensure that the Texas. I ask unanimous consent that Sewer overflows present serious threats to the notification provisions of the bill will be im- all Members may have 5 legislative environment and to human health. Our crum- plemented in a timely matter. However, as days in which to revise and extend bling wastewater infrastructure has resulted in written, there is no mechanism for informing their remarks and to include extra- permittees of their new, fully enforceable ob- an increasing number of sewage spills, most ligations, which appears to be at odds with neous materials on H.R. 6040. commonly through combined sewer overflows basic due process rights. We hope that as The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and sanitary sewer overflows. Congress considers the bill that this matter objection to the request of the gentle- As this Congress works to reauthorize the can be further reviewed and addressed prior woman from Texas? Clean Water State Revolving Fund and im- to final passage. There was no objection.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.025 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5825 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of the Nation to understand the true na- than 140,000 members of the American Soci- Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself ture and condition of our flood control ety of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to support pas- such time as I may consume. infrastructure, as well as to develop a sage of H.R. 6040, a bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 Madam Speaker, H.R. 6040, intro- comprehensive national policy to ad- to clarify the authority of the Secretary of duced by the ranking member of the dress issues related to the construc- the Army to provide reimbursement for trav- Transportation and Infrastructure tion, operation and maintenance of el expenses incurred by members of the Com- Committee, Mr. MICA, and the ranking projects and other management tech- mittee on Levee Safety. member of the Subcommittee on Water niques for flood damage reduction. As you recall, ASCE was a strong sup- Resources Environment, Mr. BOOZMAN, In that light, the Committee on porter of legislation to enact a national levee safety program in WRDA 2007. We be- makes a technical change to title IX of Transportation and Infrastructure in- cluded language in the Water Re- lieve that it is essential to clarify that the the Water Resources Development Act members of the Committee on Levee Safety of 2007. sources Development Act of 2007 for the be eligible to receive reimbursement for Title IX of the Water Resources De- creation of a national Committee on their travel incurred as a result of their vol- velopment Act of 2007 establishes the Levee Safety. unteering to work on the Committee. The framework for the creation of the Na- The committee would be chaired by outcome of the Committee’s study undoubt- tional Levee Safety Program to en- the Corps of Engineers and would in- edly will have an important bearing on fu- clude experts from around the Nation, ture legislative efforts to improve the safety hance the safety of levees and those of the nation’s levee systems. living in levee-protected areas. working towards a short-term rec- ommendation to Congress for the cre- Sincerely yours, In the 3 years since hurricanes DAVID G. MONGAN, Katrina and Rita, the Nation has re- ation of an effective and efficient Na- President. tional Levee Safety Program. focused its attention to the safety and I reserve the balance of my time. The House and Senate conferees on reliability of flood-control structures Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I the Water Resources Development Act and how lives and livelihoods can be af- yield myself such time as I may con- fected by their failure. of 2007 agreed on the importance of so- sume. It is especially evident that to our liciting the recommendations of the Madam Speaker, we have seen in the colleagues from the States of Iowa, Nation’s leading experts in levee safety gulf region and now along the Mis- Missouri, and Illinois, who have been to aid in the drafting of a future Na- sissippi River what can happen when tional Levee Safety Program. What- experiencing the challenges of flooding hurricane and flood protection infra- ever recommendations are made by the from the Mississippi River and its trib- structure is inadequate or fails to per- Committee on Levee Safety, these rec- utary system over the past few weeks. form. Yet more Americans are moving ommendations will be referred back to The Subcommittee on Water Resources to coastal areas where the risk of hur- the Congress for enactment in future and Environment has held numerous ricanes and floods is great. legislation. hearings on the condition of the Na- In the south Atlantic region, the It is my understanding that the coastal population grew 51 percent tion’s levees and other flood-control Corps has been working towards the structures. from 1980 to 2000, and this trend is ex- creation of the committee, including pected to continue. Along the Gulf of Throughout these hearings, one con- the identification of a broad array of sistent theme was readily apparent, Mexico, the population has increased 38 experts in levee safety. Unfortunately, percent from 1980 to 2000, and this the condition of the Nation’s flood con- the Corps believes it has hit a road- trol infrastructure is, at best, un- trend is also expected to continue. block due to the specific wording of the We do not know where the next hur- known, and in a few notable instances, authorization language that has pre- ricane or flood will hit, but we do know is in desperate need for repair and up- vented the Corps from utilizing avail- that many of our major cities, includ- grading. The subcommittee received able funding to pay for the travel ex- ing parts of Washington, D.C., have a testimony from noted experts in flood penses of the committee members. greater probability of flooding than did control infrastructure that of the thou- H.R. 6040 is a simple modification to New Orleans. sands of miles of Federal, State, local, the existing authorization language to For example, the City of Sacramento, and privately owned levees, in this ensure that the Corps can utilize al- California, has almost twice as many country little is known about the cur- ready identified funding to pay these people as New Orleans; yet it has less rent condition, including whether lev- expenses so that the Committee on flood protection than any other major ees were designed to meet current con- Levee Safety can formally be assem- city in America. Cities like Houston, ditions or whether they have been bled and begin its important work. St. Louis, and Miami also are at risk. properly maintained by the non-Fed- I applaud my colleagues on the Com- We cannot treat citizens of these cities eral interests. mittee on Transportation and Infra- differently unless we have a policy rea- b 1645 structure, Ranking Member MICA, and son that we can explain and justify to the ranking member of the Sub- our constituents. Although rare, failure of flood con- committee on Water Resources and En- As we have learned from recent levee trol structures, such as levees, does vironment for volunteering to move failures, our infrastructure is aging. occur, and has become more frequent this legislation through the House. What we know about the existence and in recent years, and actually, in the It is my hope that the other body conditions of these other levees we last recent weeks. can, also, quickly move this legislation often learn when one fails or it is over- Levees are typically built in a cer- to the President’s desk so that the whelmed by a flood event. For in- tain location and to a specified height Levee Safety Committee can begin its stance, the State of California in 2005 to provide a certain level of protection. important work and complete it later declared a state of emergency in the However, the level of protection pro- this summer. Central Valley in anticipation of the vided by a levee may change with time, I urge adoption of this legislation. failure of 24 levees. According to the due to natural or manmade changes. Madam Speaker, I submit the following for State of California, it would cost more Natural changes may include land sub- the RECORD. than $5 billion to make critical delta sidence, sedimentation, vegetative AMERICAN SOCIETY OF levees, but not all delta levees, strong- growth in the floodway, or the poten- CIVIL ENGINEERS, er in the face of flood and seismic tial implications of climate change. Washington, DC, June 23, 2008. events in the Central Valley. Land use changes in an area such as Hon. JAMES OBERSTAR, In the past, Congress has taken steps upstream development, and the loss of Chairman, Committee on Transportation and to ensure that the Nation’s flood dam- natural upstream storage capacity, can Infrastructure, House of Representatives, age reduction infrastructure is prop- induce hydrologic changes, including Washington, DC. erly inventoried, inspected, and as- faster runoff that will reduce the level Hon. JOHN MICA, sessed. In 1986, the Congress authorized of protection provided by a levee. Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representa- the National Dam Safety Program Act Given the important flood damage re- tives, Washington, DC. to conduct an inventory and assess- duction and development opportunities DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN AND CONGRESSMAN ments of all dams nationwide. The Na- provided by levees, it is important for MICA: I am writing on behalf of the more tional Inventory of Dams shows that 45

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.044 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 percent of all Federal dams are at least River and tributaries, to Federal, State, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 50 years old and that 80 percent of local levees nationwide, protect our lives and question is on the motion offered by them are at least 30 years old. livelihoods from the risks of flooding. Within the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. We know less about the status and the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the capabilities of our levees. There has alone, there are between 12,000 to 13,000 House suspend the rules and pass the never been a national inventory of lev- miles of levees protecting everything from bill, H.R. 6040. ees. Little is known about the current major metropolitan cities to towns and town- The question was taken; and (two- condition of both Federal and non-Fed- ships throughout the nation. Without a doubt, thirds being in the affirmative) the eral levees, including whether these the health, safety, and security of countless rules were suspended and the bill was levees were designed to meet current lives depend on the resiliency and upkeep of passed. conditions or whether they have been these essential structures. A motion to reconsider was laid on properly maintained by the non-Fed- We have all witnessed the result of levee the table. eral interest. failure. Just 2 years ago, the flood walls sur- f Over the decades, levees have been rounding three of the canals within the city of NEW AND EMERGING TECH- built by different entities, at different New Orleans failed, and the result was a NOLOGIES 911 IMPROVEMENT times, and to different standards. They major metropolitan city being underwater for ACT OF 2008 have been linked together to provide a days. Many of the communities impacted by protective system, but with such a this failure are still struggling today. Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam mixture of conditions, the true level of Just this past month, we watched as the riv- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to protection may be in doubt. ers of the Upper Mississippi River and its trib- take from the Speaker’s table the bill Over time, development has taken utaries overfilled their banks and resulted in (H.R. 3403) to promote and enhance place behind some of these levees so the unfortunate loss of life, as well as thou- public safety by facilitating the rapid much more may be at risk in terms of sands of families losing their homes, their deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E–911 lives and economic resources. cars, and their businesses to the raging wa- services, encourage the Nation’s transi- There is so much that we do not ters of the Mississippi River. tion to a national IP-enabled emer- know about the levees in America that Cognizant of the importance of the Nation’s gency network, and improve 911 and E– we cannot be sure how safe our cities system of levees, the Committee on Transpor- 911 access to those with disabilities, and towns really are. We need more in- tation and Infrastructure included a provision with a Senate amendment thereto, and formation. within the Water Resources Development Act ask for its immediate consideration in The Water Resources Development of 2007 to create a Committee on Levee Safe- the House. Act of 2007 included language estab- ty that would be tasked with developing rec- The Clerk read the title of the bill. lishing a panel to develop recommenda- ommendations for a national levee safety pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tions for a National Levee Safety Pro- gram. Clerk will report the Senate amend- gram. However, the Committee on The Secretary of the Army will establish the ment. Levee Safety is unable to meet since a committee, and it will develop short-term rec- The Clerk read as follows: drafting error contained in the Water ommendations to Congress for the creation of Senate amendment: Resources Development Act of 2007 in- an effective and efficient National Levee Safe- Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: advertently keeps the Army Corps of ty Program. The House and Senate conferees Engineers from carrying out important SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. on the Water Resources Development Act of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘New and work. 2007 agreed on the importance of soliciting Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of H.R. 6040 strikes the incorrect lan- the recommendations of the Nation’s leading 2008’’ or the ‘‘NET 911 Improvement Act of guage and replaces it with language experts in levee safety to aid in the drafting of 2008’’. stating the Committee on Levee Safety a future National Levee Safety Program. The TITLE I—911 SERVICES AND IP–ENABLED can develop its recommendations sub- recommendations made by the committee on VOICE SERVICE PROVIDERS ject to the availability of appropria- Levee Safety will be reported to the Com- SEC. 101. DUTY TO PROVIDE 911 AND ENHANCED tions. mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 911 SERVICE. This technical change will allow the It is my understanding that the Corps has The Wireless Communications and Public Corps of Engineers to convene the been working toward the creation of this com- Safety Act of 1999 is amended— Committee on Levee Safety as soon as mittee, including the identification of a broad (1) by redesignating section 6 (47 U.S.C. 615b) as section 7; this bill is enacted. array of experts in levee safety. Unfortunately, (2) by inserting after section 5 the following With the recommendations that will the Corps believes it has hit a roadblock due new section: come from this Committee on Levee to the specific wording of the authorization lan- ‘‘SEC. 6. DUTY TO PROVIDE 9–1–1 AND ENHANCED Safety, the Congress can develop a na- guage that has prevented the Corps from uti- 9–1–1 SERVICE. tional policy for levee safety and a pro- lizing available funding to pay for the travel ex- ‘‘(a) DUTIES.—It shall be the duty of each IP- gram to ensure that levees are func- penses of the committee members. enabled voice service provider to provide 9–1–1 tional and safe. H.R. 6040 is a simple modification to the ex- service and enhanced 9–1–1 service to its sub- I urge all Members to support H.R. isting authorization language to ensure that scribers in accordance with the requirements of 6040. the Federal Communications Commission, as in the Corps can utilize already identified funding effect on the date of enactment of the New and Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in to pay these expenses so that the Committee Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of support of H.R. 6040, a bill to make a tech- on Levee Safety can formally be assembled 2008 and as such requirements may be modified nical correction to a Water Resources and De- and begin its important work. by the Commission from time to time. velopment Act of 2007 provision authorizing I applaud my colleagues on the Committee ‘‘(b) PARITY FOR IP-ENABLED VOICE SERVICE the Secretary of the Army, acting through the on Transportation and Infrastructure, Ranking PROVIDERS.—An IP-enabled voice service pro- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to establish a Member MICA, and the Ranking Member of vider that seeks capabilities to provide 9–1–1 and Committee on Levee Safety. the Subcommittee on Water Resources and enhanced 9–1–1 service from an entity with own- Title IX of the Water Resources Develop- ership or control over such capabilities, to com- Environment, Congressman BOOZMAN, for ply with its obligations under subsection (a), ment Act of 2007 authorizes the Corps to es- sponsoring this legislation. It is my hope that shall, for the exclusive purpose of complying tablish a committee of Federal, State, local, the other body can quickly move this legisla- with such obligations, have a right of access to tribal, and private sector experts on levee tion to the President’s desk, so that the Com- such capabilities, including interconnection, to safety to develop recommendations for a na- mittee on Levee Safety can begin its important provide 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 service on the tional levee safety program. work later this summer. same rates, terms, and conditions that are pro- As the events of the last few years have I urge my colleagues to support the bill. vided to a provider of commercial mobile service clearly demonstrated, there is a serious con- Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I (as such term is defined in section 332(d) of the cern with the condition of the Nation’s primary yield back the balance of my time. Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d))), Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of subject to such regulations as the Commission structural flood control measures—the Nation’s prescribes under subsection (c). system of levees. These structures, which Texas. Madam Speaker, I have no fur- ‘‘(c) REGULATIONS.—The Commission— range from the Federally constructed and ther requests for time, and I yield back ‘‘(1) within 90 days after the date of enact- maintained levees along the lower Mississippi and ask for support for this measure. ment of the New and Emerging Technologies 911

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.047 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5827 Improvement Act of 2008, shall issue regulations actment of the New and Emerging Technologies ing information sharing among all emergency implementing such Act, including regulations 911 Improvement Act of 2008, and annually response entities. that— thereafter, to the Committee on Commerce, ‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—The plan required ‘‘(A) ensure that IP-enabled voice service pro- Science and Transportation of the Senate and by paragraph (1) shall— viders have the ability to exercise their rights the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the ‘‘(A) outline the potential benefits of such a under subsection (b); House of Representatives detailing the status in migration; ‘‘(B) take into account any technical, network each State of the collection and distribution of ‘‘(B) identify barriers that must be overcome security, or information privacy requirements such fees or charges, and including findings on and funding mechanisms to address those bar- that are specific to IP-enabled voice services; the amount of revenues obligated or expended riers; and by each State or political subdivision thereof for ‘‘(C) provide specific mechanisms for ensuring ‘‘(C) provide, with respect to any capabilities any purpose other than the purpose for which the IP-enabled emergency network is available that are not required to be made available to a any such fees or charges are specified. in every community and is coordinated on a commercial mobile service provider but that the ‘‘(g) AVAILABILITY OF PSAP INFORMATION.— local, regional, and statewide basis; Commission determines under subparagraph (B) The Commission may compile a list of public ‘‘(D) identify location technology for nomadic of this paragraph or paragraph (2) are nec- safety answering point contact information, devices and for office buildings and multi-dwell- essary for an IP-enabled voice service provider contact information for providers of selective ing units; to comply with its obligations under subsection routers, testing procedures, classes and types of ‘‘(E) include a proposed timetable, an outline (a), that such capabilities shall be available at services supported by public safety answering of costs, and potential savings; the same rates, terms, and conditions as would points, and other information concerning 9–1–1 ‘‘(F) provide specific legislative language, if apply if such capabilities were made available to and enhanced 9–1–1 elements, for the purpose of necessary, for achieving the plan; a commercial mobile service provider; assisting IP-enabled voice service providers in ‘‘(G) provide recommendations on any legisla- ‘‘(2) shall require IP-enabled voice service pro- complying with this section, and may make any tive changes, including updating definitions, viders to which the regulations apply to register portion of such information available to tele- that are necessary to facilitate a national IP-en- with the Commission and to establish a point of communications carriers, wireless carriers, IP- abled emergency network; ‘‘(H) assess, collect, and analyze the experi- contact for public safety and government offi- enabled voice service providers, other emergency ences of the public safety answering points and cials relative to 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 serv- service providers, or the vendors to or agents of related public safety authorities who are con- ice and access; and any such carriers or providers, if such avail- ducting trial deployments of IP-enabled emer- ‘‘(3) may modify such regulations from time to ability would improve public safety. gency networks as of the date of enactment of time, as necessitated by changes in the market ‘‘(h) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS.—The Com- or technology, to ensure the ability of an IP-en- mission shall work cooperatively with public the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Im- abled voice service provider to comply with its safety organizations, industry participants, and provement Act of 2008; ‘‘(I) identify solutions for providing 9–1–1 and obligations under subsection (a) and to exercise the E–911 Implementation Coordination Office enhanced 9–1–1 access to those with disabilities its rights under subsection (b). to develop best practices that promote consist- and needed steps to implement such solutions, ‘‘(d) DELEGATION OF ENFORCEMENT TO STATE ency, where appropriate, including procedures including a recommended timeline; and COMMISSIONS.—The Commission may delegate for— ‘‘(J) analyze efforts to provide automatic loca- authority to enforce the regulations issued ‘‘(1) defining geographic coverage areas for tion for enhanced 9–1–1 services and provide under subsection (c) to State commissions or public safety answering points; other State or local agencies or programs with ‘‘(2) defining network diversity requirements recommendations on regulatory or legislative jurisdiction over emergency communications. for delivery of IP-enabled 9–1–1 and enhanced changes that are necessary to achieve automatic Nothing in this section is intended to alter the 9–1–1 calls; location for enhanced 9–1–1 services. authority of State commissions or other State or ‘‘(3) call-handling in the event of call over- ‘‘(3) CONSULTATION.—In developing the plan local agencies with jurisdiction over emergency flow or network outages; required by paragraph (1), the Office shall con- communications, provided that the exercise of ‘‘(4) public safety answering point certifi- sult with representatives of the public safety such authority is not inconsistent with Federal cation and testing requirements; community, groups representing those with dis- law or Commission requirements. ‘‘(5) validation procedures for inputting and abilities, technology and telecommunications ‘‘(e) IMPLEMENTATION.— updating location information in relevant data- providers, IP-enabled voice service providers, ‘‘(1) LIMITATION.—Nothing in this section bases; and Telecommunications Relay Service providers, shall be construed to permit the Commission to ‘‘(6) the format for delivering address informa- and other emergency communications providers issue regulations that require or impose a spe- tion to public safety answering points. and others it deems appropriate.’’. cific technology or technological standard. ‘‘(i) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in the TITLE II—PARITY OF PROTECTION ‘‘(2) ENFORCEMENT.—The Commission shall New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improve- SEC. 201. LIABILITY. enforce this section as if this section was a part ment Act of 2008 shall be construed as altering, (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 4 of the Wireless of the Communications Act of 1934. For purposes delaying, or otherwise limiting the ability of the Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 of this section, any violations of this section, or Commission to enforce the Federal actions taken (47 U.S.C. 615a) is amended— any regulations promulgated under this section, or rules adopted obligating an IP-enabled voice (1) by striking ‘‘PARITY OF PROTECTION shall be considered to be a violation of the Com- service provider to provide 9–1–1 or enhanced 9– FOR PROVISION OR USE OF WIRELESS munications Act of 1934 or a regulation promul- 1–1 service as of the date of enactment of the SERVICE.’’ in the section heading and insert- gated under that Act, respectively. New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improve- ing ‘‘SERVICE PROVIDER PARITY OF PRO- ‘‘(f) STATE AUTHORITY OVER FEES.— ment Act of 2008.’’; and TECTION.’’; ‘‘(1) AUTHORITY.—Nothing in this Act, the (3) in section 7 (as redesignated by paragraph (2) in subsection (a)— Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et (1) of this section) by adding at the end the fol- (A) by striking ‘‘wireless carrier,’’ and insert- seq.), the New and Emerging Technologies 911 lowing new paragraph: ing ‘‘wireless carrier, IP-enabled voice service Improvement Act of 2008, or any Commission ‘‘(8) IP-ENABLED VOICE SERVICE.—The term provider, or other emergency communications regulation or order shall prevent the imposition ‘IP-enabled voice service’ has the meaning given provider,’’; and collection of a fee or charge applicable to the term ‘interconnected VoIP service’ by sec- (B) by striking ‘‘its officers’’ the first place it commercial mobile services or IP-enabled voice tion 9.3 of the Federal Communications Commis- appears and inserting ‘‘their officers’’; services specifically designated by a State, polit- sion’s regulations (47 CFR 9.3).’’. (C) by striking ‘‘emergency calls or emergency ical subdivision thereof, Indian tribe, or village SEC. 102. MIGRATION TO IP-ENABLED EMER- services’’ and inserting ‘‘emergency calls, emer- or regional corporation serving a region estab- GENCY NETWORK. gency services, or other emergency communica- lished pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Section 158 of the National Telecommuni- tions services’’; Settlement Act, as amended (85 Stat. 688) for the cations and Information Administration Organi- (3) in subsection (b)— support or implementation of 9–1–1 or enhanced zation Act (47 U.S.C. 942) is amended— (A) by striking ‘‘using wireless 9–1–1 service 9–1–1 services, provided that the fee or charge is (1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting before the shall’’ and inserting ‘‘using wireless 9–1–1 serv- obligated or expended only in support of 9–1–1 period at the end the following: ‘‘and for migra- ice, or making 9–1–1 communications via IP-en- and enhanced 9–1–1 services, or enhancements tion to an IP-enabled emergency network’’; abled voice service or other emergency commu- of such services, as specified in the provision of (2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as nications service, shall’’; and State or local law adopting the fee or charge. subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and (B) by striking ‘‘that is not wireless’’ and in- For each class of subscribers to IP-enabled voice (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- serting ‘‘that is not via wireless 9–1–1 service, services, the fee or charge may not exceed the lowing new subsection: IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency amount of any such fee or charge applicable to ‘‘(d) MIGRATION PLAN REQUIRED.— communications service’’; and the same class of subscribers to telecommuni- ‘‘(1) NATIONAL PLAN REQUIRED.—No more than (4) in subsection (c)— cations services. 270 days after the date of enactment of the New (A) by striking ‘‘wireless 9–1–1 communica- ‘‘(2) FEE ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT.—To ensure and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement tions, a PSAP’’ and inserting ‘‘9–1–1 commu- efficiency, transparency, and accountability in Act of 2008, the Office shall develop and report nications via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled the collection and expenditure of a fee or charge to Congress on a national plan for migrating to voice service, or other emergency communica- for the support or implementation of 9–1–1 or en- a national IP-enabled emergency network capa- tions service, a PSAP’’; and hanced 9–1–1 services, the Commission shall sub- ble of receiving and responding to all citizen-ac- (B) by striking ‘‘that are not wireless’’ and in- mit a report within 1 year after the date of en- tivated emergency communications and improv- serting ‘‘that are not via wireless 9–1–1 service,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.032 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency There was no objection. I intend, however, to take this matter up again communications service’’. MOTION OFFERED BY MR. GORDON OF in the future. We owe it to consumers to en- (b) DEFINITION.—Section 7 of the Wireless TENNESSEE sure that their emergency communications Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam (as redesignated by section 101(1) of this Act) is system does not become a playground for further amended by adding at the end the fol- Speaker, I have a motion at the desk. competitive shenanigans. lowing new paragraphs: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The H.R. 3403 is a forward-looking bill that en- ‘‘(8) OTHER EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS Clerk will report the motion. sures that consumers using VolP service are SERVICE.—The term ‘other emergency commu- The Clerk read as follows: able to access 911 as easily as consumers nications service’ means the provision of emer- Mr. Gordon of Tennessee moves that the using wireline or wireless services. Each of its gency information to a public safety answering House concur in the Senate amendment to elements—giving VoIP providers access to the point via wire or radio communications, and H.R. 3403. components they need to provide 911 service; may include 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 service. Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in extending to VoIP providers, public safety offi- ‘‘(9) OTHER EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS support of H.R. 3403, the ‘‘New and Emerging SERVICE PROVIDER.—The term ‘other emergency cials, and end users the liability protections communications service provider’ means— Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008’’. currently afforded to wireline and wireless ‘‘(A) an entity other than a local exchange This legislation ensures that consumers services; and requiring a plan for the contin- carrier, wireless carrier, or an IP-enabled voice using Voice over Internet Protocol technology, ued evolution of the emergency communica- service provider that is required by the Federal or VoIP, can make full use of the 911 system tions system—is a worthy victory for all con- Communications Commission consistent with the in two important ways. First, the legislation ex- sumers. I commend Representative GORDON Commission’s authority under the Communica- tends the same liability protections afforded to for his years of dedication to this important tions Act of 1934 to provide other emergency wireline and wireless carriers, public safety, issue and hail this success, from which all communications services; or and end users to VoIP service. This parity in ‘‘(B) in the absence of a Commission require- Americans will reap benefits for years to ment as described in subparagraph (A), an enti- liability protections will encourage service pro- come. ty that voluntarily elects to provide other emer- viders, public safety, and end users to con- The motion was agreed to. gency communications services and is specifi- tinue to rely on the 911 emergency commu- A motion to reconsider was laid on cally authorized by the appropriate local or nications system, regardless of the technology the table. State 9–1–1 service governing authority to pro- used to make a 911 call. Second, the legisla- vide other emergency communications services. tion ensures that VolP providers can inter- f ‘‘(10) ENHANCED 9–1–1 SERVICE.—The term ‘en- connect with legacy telephone networks so RECOGNIZING HIGH SCHOOL VAL- hanced 9–1–1 service’ means the delivery of 9–1– they can deliver calls and information to 911 1 calls with automatic number identification EDICTORIANS OF GRADUATING and automatic location identification, or suc- call centers. CLASS OF 2008 Representative GORDON, the author of H.R. cessor or equivalent information features over Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I 3403, Representative MARKEY, Chairman of the wireline E911 network (as defined in section move to suspend the rules and agree to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications 9.3 of the Federal Communications Commission’s the resolution (H. Res. 1229) recog- regulations (47 C.F.R. 9.3) as of the date of en- and the Internet, Representative BARTON, nizing the achievements of America’s actment of the New and Emerging Technologies Ranking Member of the Committee, Rep- high school valedictorians of the grad- 911 Improvement Act of 2008) and equivalent or resentatives UPTON and STEARNS, the former uating class of 2008, promoting the im- successor networks and technologies. The term and current Ranking Members of the Sub- also includes any enhanced 9–1–1 service so des- portance of encouraging intellectual committee, and I worked very closely with all ignated by the Commission in its Report and growth, and rewarding academic excel- stakeholders on this legislation, and it has Order in WC Docket Nos. 04–36 and 05–196, or lence of all American high school stu- widespread support among the public safety any successor proceeding.’’. dents, as amended. community, industry, and others. TITLE III—AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE CUS- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- As is clear from the language of the legisla- TOMER INFORMATION FOR 911 PUR- tion. tion, the requirement for interconnection is for POSES The text of the resolution is as fol- purposes of 911 only and should not be used SEC. 301. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE CUSTOMER IN- lows: FORMATION. to bootstrap access for other reasons. Simi- Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934 larly, the legislation makes clear that those H. RES. 1229 (47 U.S.C. 222) is amended— who control the legacy gateways to the emer- Whereas valedictorians are conferred as (1) by inserting ‘‘or the user of an IP-enabled gency communications system must provide the highest academically-ranked student in their high school’s graduating class; voice service (as such term is defined in section access, including rights of interconnection, to 7 of the Wireless Communications and Public Whereas our Nation’s secondary schools Safety Act of 1999 (47 U.S.C. 615b))’’ after ‘‘sec- those seeking to deliver 911 calls and informa- honor their highest academically ranked stu- tion 332(d))’’ each place it appears in sub- tion. Because all stakeholders agreed to the dents with the ‘‘valedictorian’’ title; sections (d)(4) and (f)(1); legislative language, we fully expect that this Whereas valedictorians have demonstrated (2) by striking ‘‘WIRELESS’’ in the heading of access will not be inhibited by either delay or consistency in their intellectual inquiry, subsection (f); and litigation. academic discipline, and utilization of teach- (3) in subsection (g), by inserting ‘‘or a pro- H.R. 3403 also requires the development of er mentoring throughout their high school vider of IP-enabled voice service (as such term is a national plan to ensure that the 911 system careers; defined in section 7 of the Wireless Communica- continues to evolve. It is significant that the Whereas valedictorians serve as peer role models to fellow high school students by suc- tions and Public Safety Act of 1999 (47 U.S.C. plan will include the participation of first re- 615b))’’ after ‘‘telephone exchange service’’. ceeding academically and contributing to sponders, including the emergency commu- Mr. GORDON of Tennessee (during community improvement; nications professionals maintaining and using Whereas valedictorians are charged with the reading). Madam Speaker, I ask the system. It is also important that the plan the duty of giving a graduation speech that unanimous consent to dispense with will address the needs of the disabilities com- reflects upon the intellectual development the reading. munity when they use emergency communica- and community involvement of the grad- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tions. I look forward to reviewing the results of uating class and inspires all graduating stu- objection to the request of the gen- this work so we can begin to move to the next dents to further their academic studies and social engagement; tleman from Tennessee? generation of emergency communications. There was no objection. Whereas numerous valedictorians and I am disappointed that the Senate stripped graduating seniors will further their intel- GENERAL LEAVE out one provision of the House-passed version lectual interests and academic studies by en- Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam of this legislation that protected proprietary rolling in universities and postsecondary Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that customer information. This provision prohibited educational institutions; all Members may have 5 legislative a carrier from using the customer information Whereas family members, teachers, school days in which to revise and extend that other carriers are required to provide for administrators, and community members their remarks and to insert extraneous 911 databases for any purpose other than have nurtured the intellectual growth and material on the bill under consider- rewarded the academic achievements of val- emergency communications. I heard no ration- edictorians and graduating seniors; and ation. al argument against the policy underlying this Whereas valedictorians and graduating The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there provision. Nevertheless, in the interest of en- seniors will become America’s future civic, objection to the request of the gen- suring that this legislation be enacted swiftly, business, and political leaders, maintaining tleman from Tennessee? I will support the bill as passed by the Senate. our Nation’s global leadership position and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.032 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5829 strengthening its economic competitiveness: Madam Speaker, I congratulate this ture. I think that we have to reflect on Now, therefore, be it year’s valedictorians and everyone in the fact that the Democrat majority’s Resolved, That the House of Representa- the graduating class of 2008. I urge my ‘‘just say no’’ energy policy certainly tives— (1) honors and recognizes the valedic- colleagues to support this resolution. darkens America’s energy future: torians and graduating seniors of the class of I reserve the balance of my time. No production of American energy 2008 for their academic achievements and Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield resources, which increases reliance on contributions to their communities; myself such time as I may consume. unstable foreign sources such as Ven- (2) encourages all valedictorians and grad- I rise today in support of House Reso- ezuela, Iran and Saudi Arabia. uating seniors to further their intellectual lution 1229, recognizing the achieve- No new oil refineries built, which in- inquiry and academic studies in universities ments of America’s high school val- creases gas prices and reliance on im- and postsecondary educational institutions; edictorians of the graduating class of ported fuel. and No new transmission lines, which (3) supports the continued social engage- 2008, promoting the importance of en- couraging intellectual growth, and re- hinders renewable electricity getting ment of valedictorians and graduating sen- to consumers and reduces reliability. warding academic excellence of all iors, which utilizes their knowledge and No new coal power plants, which in- skills for the betterment of their commu- American high school students. creases electricity prices and stifles nities and the social, cultural, and economic Valedictorians are the highest aca- advancement of the Nation. the economy. demically ranked students in their No new advanced zero-emission nu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- high school’s graduating class. These clear plants, which blocks one of the ant to the rule, the gentleman from students have demonstrated consist- cleanest, most reliable energy sources Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- ency in their intellectual inquiry, aca- available. tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. demic discipline, and utilization of No new zero-emission hydroelectric FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. teacher mentoring throughout their plants, which blocks reliable clean en- The Chair recognizes the gentleman high school careers. ergy. from Maryland. b 1700 No liquefied natural gas terminals, GENERAL LEAVE which increases prices and ships jobs Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I They serve as peer role models to fel- overseas. request 5 legislative days during which low high school students by succeeding Democrats’ prohibition on producing Members may revise and extend and in- academically and contributing to a American energy resources have made sert extraneous material on H. Res. culture of excellence in their schools. the U.S. more reliant on imported oil 1229 into the RECORD. Valedictorians are charged with the and natural gas. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there duty of giving a graduation speech that Democrats’ roadblocks on the utiliza- objection to the request of the gen- reflects upon the intellectual develop- tion of energy from our North Amer- tleman from Maryland? ment and community involvement of ican neighbors have made the U.S. There was no objection. the graduating class and inspires all more reliant on the Organization of Pe- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I graduating students to further their troleum Exporting Countries, OPEC. yield myself as much time as I may academic studies and social engage- Democrats’ unfavorable tax rules consume. ment. These students enjoy the support have sent energy investment and pro- Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- of family members, teachers, school duction abroad. port of H. Res. 1229, which recognizes administrators and community mem- Democrats’ unnecessary red tape and the achievements of America’s high bers who have nurtured their intellec- bureaucracy have made it nearly im- school valedictorians of the graduating tual growth and rewarded their aca- possible to move forward on new clean class of 2008. I am pleased to honor demic achievements. This class of sen- power generation. these outstanding individuals, as well iors will become America’s future Democrats’ 1970s-era energy policies as encourage the pursuit of high aca- civic, business and political leaders, have cancelled dozens of power plants, demic honors. maintaining our Nation’s global leader- reducing electricity supplies and in- Today, as we recognize our valedic- creasing electricity costs to con- torians, we reaffirm our commitment ship position and strengthening its eco- nomic competitiveness. sumers. to education and encourage our youth Democrats’ refusal to provide incen- to discover the many learning opportu- Today I want to especially honor and recognize the valedictorians and grad- tives for individuals and businesses has nities they will encounter throughout made it difficult to invest in efficient their lives. I hope that by saluting uating seniors of the class of 2008. They have all worked very hard to accom- technologies. these valedictorians we help make high But Republicans have solutions that plish the goals they reached on high achievement infectious and help every will fix this problem. We then can look school graduation day. I know this is student appreciate the countless oppor- at meeting our energy needs with not the first outstanding accomplish- tunities that await them beyond high American-made energy in the future. school. ment for many of these young people, The comprehensive House Republican Valedictorians are not only the high- and I am equally certain it will not be plan will fund research and develop- est academically ranked students in the last. ment of technologies and innovations their class; they are also peer role mod- I encourage all valedictorians and all which advance the use of renewable els who represent the ideals of their graduating seniors to further their in- and domestically available energy families and communities. They in- tellectual inquiry and academic studies sources, increase energy efficiency, and spire fellow classmates to become in- in universities and post-secondary edu- ease the environmental impacts of en- volved in improving the community cational institutions across the Nation. ergy use. and motivate their peers to achieve To all graduating seniors, I want to We will increase the production of academically. say congratulations on your many ac- American-made energy in an environ- Long after high school, the title of complishments, and enjoy your sum- mentally safe way. valedictorian is still upheld as a sig- mer. We support actions that reduce nificant accomplishment. By recog- I ask my colleagues to support this America’s dependence on energy from nizing the accomplishments of this resolution. unstable foreign governments and dic- year’s high school valedictorians, I Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- tatorships by increasing domestic pro- hope to support and promote inquiry ance of my time. duction of oil and natural gas in an en- and learning across our Nation. I know Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I vironmentally safe way. that this year’s valedictorians, and all reserve the balance of my time. And we promote unconventional fuels graduating seniors at our Nation’s high Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, as we re- such as coal-to-liquid technology by re- schools, are our future leaders. We owe flect on the valedictorians of the class covering our vast oil shale reserves and it to these students to give them the of 2008, I think it’s important that we increasing access for environmentally best education we can and celebrate think about what the Democrats are responsible development of conven- high school graduation as an important doing now in the House of Representa- tional and unconventional domestic oil step toward achieving their goals. tives that are going to affect their fu- and natural gas production.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.036 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 We want to provide coal-to-liquids fi- we’re saluting today, is they’re really This year, valedictorians across America nancing and tax incentives. We want to getting out on the cutting edge in have succeeded in tremendous academic en- advance the commercialization of the terms of thinking about the green rev- deavors. Whether by inspiring their fellow Nation’s 2 trillion barrel shale oil re- olution, about new energy tech- classmates to study a little longer for a test, or source, 80 percent of which occurs on nologies. And they’re the ones, I think, by tutoring them to write an essay, valedic- government-owned land in the West. that are going to join with enlightened torians have acted as noteworthy role models This is enough to supply all of Amer- policy makers across the country to to their peers. Furthermore, through their hard ica’s needs for over two centuries. make sure that we liberate ourselves work and dedications, they have enriched their We are promoting new, clean and re- from that dependence on fossil fuels academic communities. liable power generation. We encourage and we move forward and explore alter- It is further important that we recognize that more production of environmentally natives to that, which is really going valedictorians often engage in extracurricular safe energy to increase the use of our to be the solution to our energy crisis activities, enriching their local communities vast domestic supply, reduce emis- over time. and the nation by furthering economic, cul- sions, and keep coal-dependent commu- So again, for all they’re doing and for tural, and social accomplishments. By volun- nities strong. stepping up as they do every day and teering their time in soup kitchens, acting as We want to expand emissions-free nu- demonstrating incredible accomplish- captain of the soccer team or chess club, or clear power, including long-term nu- ments, I want to salute the valedic- simply taking an after-school job, valedic- clear waste storage solutions and recy- torians of the class of 2008 and encour- torians learn more than math and English, cling spent fuel by providing produc- age my colleagues to support H. Res. they learn to contribute significantly to our so- 1229. tion and investment tax credits for all ciety. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, today, we new base-load electricity products such As Chair of the Congressional Children’s as advanced nuclear power and clean rightly honor the hard work and achievements of this year’s valedictorians, salutatorians and Caucus, I recognize the importance of today’s coal, and allowing immediate expens- youth. Valedictorians as well as graduating ing for new renewable or zero-emission graduates all across the Nation. I wish to rec- ognize their dedication and the contributions to seniors of 2008 will become the future busi- power. nessmen, leaders, teachers, and scientists We want to cut red tape and increase their community. By completing a high school diploma, the future for these students has be- that lead this nation. They will use their ex- the supply of American-made fuel and traordinary talents to make the world a better energy by expediting permitting for en- come considerably brighter. I also wish to take a moment to reflect on place. As thus, it is important for them to con- hanced oil recovery projects, including tinue to cultivate their strengths by attending CO delivery and injection, as well as largo group of valedictorians, salutatorians and 2 graduates who, despite high school success one of the many universities that this great na- permitting for new refining capacity. tion has to offer. I support this legislation that We want to improve environmental and graduation, will be shut out of many of the opportunities for a prosperous future that we encourages valedictorians and the graduating review and permitting to encourage the class of 2008 as a whole, to further their intel- deployment of technologies which in- promise to our children for their hard work. I am referring to the many valedictorians, lectual inquiry and academic studies beyond crease the efficiency of existing power salutatorians and graduates who have worked their secondary education. plants. hard in the communities they have known their With over 15,000 of our nation’s schools And we want to end ill-advised poli- whole lives, played by the rules, excelled in recognizing this year’s valedictorians as the cies that have led to the proliferation school and, because of their undocumented highest academically-ranked students in their of unique gasoline and diesel fuel for- status, will be systematically cut off from the graduating class, the members of Congress, mations known as ‘‘boutique fuels’’ opportunities that are afforded to successful as representatives of our nation, must recog- which have fragmented our motor fuels students like them. Through no fault of their nize these talented individuals for their hard distribution system, choked off supply, own, these bright, intelligent, model students work. By doing so, we demonstrate the impor- and exacerbated the already painful will be caught in limbo—denied an opportunity tance of education and show our support for Pelosi Premium. to pursue success and, in so doing, to serve the continued hard work of students across We are encouraging greater energy our country. the country. Without this official recognition, efficiency by offering conservation tax These students are confronted with a lesson talented youth may not feel support which can incentives. We support technologies to that high schools do not teach—that because push them to achieve high goals, such as past help increase energy efficiency in all of a status that was not of their choosing, their valedictorians and the valedictorians of the sectors of the American economy, in- achievements are worth less than the achieve- 2008 graduating class have achieved. I feel cluding removing bureaucratic regu- ments of their friends and classmates. This is strongly that this bill is a step toward providing latory barriers that prevent businesses a cruel lesson indeed; the lesson that they support for students. from upgrading their facilities with have grown up in a social caste; that despite This legislation is imperative to recognizing newer, more efficient energy tech- America’s promise of prosperity for hard work, nologies. the achievement of the graduating class of that no matter what their educational suc- 2008, supporting social engagements by grad- We want to make home energy effi- cess—they will be branded ‘‘untouchables’’. ciency upgrades tax deductible, provide uating seniors to better our communities, and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam promoting continued intellectual pursuits by incentives for homebuilders and home- Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. owners to make their homes more en- these men and women at colleges and univer- 1229, recognizing the achievements of Amer- sities. As the Chair of the Congressional Chil- ergy efficient, offer investment expens- ica’s high school valedictorians of the grad- dren’s Caucus, a Representative of the people ing for industrial and commercial uating class of 2008, promoting the impor- of the United States, and a mother of two, I building efficiency upgrades, extend tance of encouraging intellectual growth, and am proud to cosponsor this legislation and I the residential and business solar and rewarding academic excellence of all Amer- urge my colleagues to join me in supporting fuel cell investment tax credits, with ican high school students, introduced by my this legislation. enhancements to the residential solar distinguished colleague from New York, Rep- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I credit ($2,000 per 1⁄2 kilowatt installed), resentative GREGORY MEEKS, of which I am a yield back the balance of my time. extend the fiber-optic distributed sun- proud cosponsor. This bill is an important step light investment tax credit, and in- in continuing and promoting the excellent sec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The crease energy efficiency of govern- ondary education that our nation provides. question is on the motion offered by ment-owned facilities. This legislation recognizes the fine accom- the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield plishments of the graduating class of 2008 SARBANES) that the House suspend the back the balance of my time. and commends them for their intellectual pur- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, for suits as well as their academic achievements. Res. 1229, as amended. too long our Nation has been captive of This bill, furthermore, recognizes the family The question was taken; and (two- the interests that are preserving de- members, teachers, school administrators, and thirds being in the affirmative) the pendence on fossil fuels. community members that have nurtured the rules were suspended and the resolu- What’s so exciting about what is hap- intellectual growth and rewarded the academic tion, as amended, was agreed to. pening with the younger generation, achievements of this year’s valedictorians and A motion to reconsider was laid on among them these valedictorians that graduating seniors. the table.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.053 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5831 HONORING THE LIFE OF LOUIS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the 1940s and profoundly influenced the JORDAN ON THE 100TH ANNIVER- ant to the rule, the gentleman from creators of R&B, rock and roll, and SARY OF HIS BIRTH Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- post-World War II blues. Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Jordan was born July 8, 1908 in move to suspend the rules and agree to FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. Brinkley, Arkansas. His father, James the resolution (H. Res. 1242) honoring The Chair recognizes the gentleman Aaron Jordan, led the Brinkley Brass the life, musical accomplishments, and from Maryland. Band. His mother died when he was contributions of Louis Jordan on the GENERAL LEAVE young. 100th anniversary of his birth, as Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I Jordan studied music under his fa- amended. request 5 legislative days during which ther and showed promise in horn play- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Members may revise and extend and in- ing, especially clarinet and saxophone. tion. sert extraneous material on H. Res. Due to World War I, there were vacan- The text of the resolution is as fol- 1242 into the RECORD. cies in his father’s band, so Jordan lows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there filled in. Soon he was good enough to H. RES. 1242 objection to the request of the gen- join his father in a professional trav- Whereas Louis Thomas Jordan was born tleman from Maryland? eling show touring Arkansas, Ten- July 8, 1908, in Brinkley, Arkansas; There was no objection. nessee and Missouri instead of doing Whereas he studied music as a young child Mr. SARBANES. I yield myself such farm work when school closed. under his father James Aaron Jordan, who time as I may consume. Jordan briefly attended Little Rock’s was the bandleader of the Brinkley Brass Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Arkansas Baptist College in the 1920s Band; Whereas in the late 1920s he attended Ar- port of H. Res. 1242, which honors the and performed with Jimmy Pryor’s Im- kansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Ar- life and recognizes the importance of perial Serenaders. He played saxophone kansas, and majored in music; Louis Jordan and his contributions to and clarinet with them, as well as Bob Whereas he joined Chick Webb’s Savoy America as a musician, composer and Alexander’s Harmony Kings. Ballroom band in 1936 in New York where he entertainer. In the 1930s, based in Philadelphia, played saxophone and performed occasion- July 8, 2008 will be Louis Jordan’s Jordan found work in the Charlie ally as a singer; 100th birthday, the celebration of his Gaines Band playing clarinet, and so- Whereas in 1938 he started his own band, 100th birthday. And in celebration of the Elks Rendez-Vous Band, and in 1939 he prano and alto sax, in addition to doing changed the name of the group to the Tym- this day, we should recognize Jordan’s vocals, which he recorded and toured pany Five; contributions to this country. with Louis Armstrong. During this Whereas his prolific musical career con- Louis Jordan, born in 1908, is a time, Jordan also learned baritone sax, sists of 54 hit singles including, ‘‘Five Guys Brinkley, Arkansas native. Under the and he joined nationally popular drum- Named Moe’’, ‘‘Let the Good Times Roll’’, musical tutelage of his father, who was mer Chuck Webb’s Savoy Ballroom ‘‘Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’’’, and a local band leader, music found Jor- Band featuring Ella Fitzgerald. ‘‘Barnyard Boogie’’, and 18 number 1 hits on dan at an early age. He expanded and Billboard’s R&B chart including ‘‘Beans and Jordan created his own band, which Cornbread’’, ‘‘Run Joe’’, ‘‘Ain’t That Just mastered formal components of music was called Tympany Five, regardless of Like A Woman’’, ‘‘Blue Light Boogie’’, and through his collegial experience at Ar- number of pieces. The small size of the 1946 hit ‘‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’’, which kansas Baptist College in Little Rock. Tympany Five made it innovative topped the Billboard’s R&B chart for 18 Jordan majored there in music. He structurally and musically in the Big weeks; learned to play the saxophone, sing, Band era. Whereas 15 of his hits made it onto the Pop and entertain audiences through his Among the first to join electric gui- charts, including ‘‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’’, personal experiences and watching his tar and bass with horns, Jordan set the ‘‘Caldonia’’, ‘‘Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby’’, ‘‘Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chick- father. framework for decades of future R&B ens’’, ‘‘Buzz Me’’, and ‘‘Beware’’; Highly touted musicians, such as and rock combos. Endless rehearsals, Whereas he actively recorded for the B.B. King, Ray Charles, James Brown, matching suits, dance moves, and rou- Armed Forces Radio Service and the V–Disc Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Sonny tines built around songs made the band program during World War II, and one of the Rollins, all pointed to Jordan as an in- Jordan’s singular brand of sophisti- his songs recorded during this period, ‘‘G.I. fluence on their own careers. His pro- cated, yet down-home, jump blues and Jive’’, was number 1 on the Pop chart for 2 lific musical success consists of 54 hit vocals made it a success. weeks; singles and 18 number one songs on Whereas he was featured in a variety of In the 1940s, Jordan released dozens short musical films in the 1940s, such as the Billboard’s R&B charts. Two short mu- of hit songs, including the swinging 1945 short film ‘‘Caldonia’’, and played cameo sical films were centered around his ‘‘Saturday Night Fish Fry,’’ one of the roles in movies like ‘‘Follow the Boys’’ and songs. earlier and most powerful contenders ‘‘Swing Parade of 1946’’; Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall for the title of ‘‘First Rock and Roll Whereas his 1949 recording of ‘‘Saturday of Fame in 1987, Jordan’s contribution Record,’’ ‘‘Blue Light Boogie,’’ the Night Fish Fry’’ was one of the earliest mu- to his art is immeasurable. Rolling comic classic ‘‘Ain’t Nobody Here But sical examples of what would later become Stone Magazine named him one of the known as ‘‘Rock and Roll’’; Us Chickens,’’ ‘‘Buzz Me,’’ ‘‘Ain’t That Whereas he died on February 4, 1975, in Los 100 greatest artists of all time. Just Like a Woman,’’ ‘‘Caldonia,’’ and Angeles, California; Though Jordan passed away in 1975, the million-dollar seller, ‘‘Choo Choo Whereas a host of prominent musicians in- his legacy flourishes through the work Ch’Boogie.’’ cluding Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, B.B. King, of other artists. He helped shape rock b 1715 Ray Charles, James Brown, and Sonny Rol- and roll. On this day, I would like to lins have counted him as an influence; commemorate Jordan’s work. Let us Jordan died in Los Angeles, Cali- Whereas he was inducted into the Rock recognize his contribution by honoring fornia, in 1975. A host of prominent mu- and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, in his 100th birthday. sicians claimed his influence, including 1987; I urge support of this resolution. Ray Charles, James Brown, Bo Diddley, Whereas in 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine and Chuck Berry. His songs have ap- named him one of the 100 Greatest Artists of Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- All Time; and ance of my time peared in commercials, TV, and movies Whereas Louis Jordan will be highlighted Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield and have been recorded by dozens of on a United States Postal Service stamp, as myself such time as I may consume. popular artists. Louis Jordan leaves a part of the 2008 commemorative stamp pro- Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- musical legacy that influences popular gram: Now, therefore, be it port of House Resolution 1242, honoring music as we know it today. Resolved, That the United States House of the life, musical accomplishments and I ask my colleagues to support this Representatives— contributions of Louis Jordan on the resolution. (1) honors the life of Louis Jordan, on the 100th anniversary of his birth; and 100th anniversary of his birth. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- (2) recognizes his important contributions Louis Thomas Jordan, vocalist, ance of my time. to American music as a musician, composer, bandleader and saxophonist, ruled the Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, it and entertainer. charts, stage, screen and airwaves of is my privilege now to yield such time

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.054 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 as he may consume to the sponsor of ket (He Had it Coming)’’; ‘‘Petootie The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this bill, the gentleman from Arkansas Pie’’; ‘‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’’; ‘‘That ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (Mr. SNYDER). Chick’s Too Young to Fry’’; ‘‘Ain’t Chair’s prior announcement, further Mr. SNYDER. Proudly today, Madam That Just Like a Woman (They’ll Do It proceedings on this motion will be Speaker, the House of Representatives Every Time)’’; ‘‘Ain’t Nobody Here But postponed. solutes another great American, ac- Us Chickens’’; ‘‘Let the Good Times knowledging the contributions of a re- Roll.’’ f markable man to our great country. And then on to 1947: ‘‘Texas and Pa- RECOGNIZING PITTSFIELD, MAS- Entertainers reflect the rich history cific’’; ‘‘I Like ’Em Fat Like That’’; SACHUSETTS, AS BEING HOME of America, and their stories, their per- ‘‘Open the Door, Richard!’’; ‘‘Jack, TO THE EARLIEST KNOWN REF- sonal stories, tell our story. No more You’re Dead’’; ‘‘I Know What You’re ERENCE TO THE WORD ‘‘BASE- worthy among these is Arkansas native Puttin’ Down’’; ‘‘Boogie Woogie Blue BALL’’ Louis Jordan, a musician, songwriter, Plate’’; ‘‘Early in the Mornin’’’; ‘‘Look entertainer, and even movie performer. Out.’’ Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I Nothing could stifle this remarkably In 1948: ‘‘Barnyard Boogie’’; ‘‘How move to suspend the rules and agree to talented man, not racial bigotry or up- Long Must I Wait for You’’; ‘‘Reet, Pe- the resolution (H. Res. 1050) recog- bringing a century ago in rural Arkan- tite and Gone’’; ‘‘Run Joe’’; ‘‘All for nizing Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as sas. the Love of Lil’’; ‘‘Pinetop’s Boogie being home to the earliest known ref- Louis Jordan was born July 8, 1908, in Woogie’’; ‘‘Don’t Burn the Candle at erence to the word ‘‘baseball’’ in the Brinkley, Arkansas, and in the late Both Ends’’; ‘‘We Can’t Agree’’; United States as well as being the 1920s he attended Arkansas Baptist ‘‘Daddy-O’’; ‘‘Pettin’ and Pokin’.’’ birthplace of college baseball, as College where I live, in Little Rock, In 1949: ‘‘Roamin’ Blues’’; ‘‘You amended. Arkansas, and majored in music. He be- Broke Your Promise’’; ‘‘Cole Slaw (Sor- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- came a songwriter, performer, and ghum Switch)’’; ‘‘Every Man to His tion. movie actor. He actively recorded for Own Profession’’; ‘‘Baby, It’s Cold Out- The text of the resolution is as fol- the Armed Forces Radio Service and side’’; ‘‘Beans and Corn Bread’’; ‘‘Sat- lows: the V-Disc program during World War urday Night Fish Fry.’’ H. RES. 1050 II, and one of his songs recorded during In 1950, four hits: ‘‘School Days, Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the this period, ‘‘G.I. Jive,’’ was number ‘‘Blue Light Boogie,’’ ‘‘I’ll Never Be home of a historic document discovered in one on both the R&B and Pop charts. Free,’’ ‘‘Tamburitza Boogie.’’ Pittsfield’s archives by noted baseball histo- He appeared in soundies, which were And in 1951: ‘‘Lemonade,’’ ‘‘Tear rian John Thorn in 2004; Whereas the historic document is a bylaw, short musical films in the 1940s dis- Drops from My Eyes,’’ ‘‘Weak Minded passed by the Town of Pittsfield, Massachu- played on coin-operated film juke- Blues.’’ setts, during a town meeting on September 5, boxes, and played cameo roles in mov- Those song titles from the remark- 1791, which states that ‘‘for the Preservation ies like ‘‘Follow the Boys’’ and ‘‘Swing able career of hits of Louis Jordan give of the Windows in the New Meeting House . Parade’’ of 1946. you a flavor for the kinds of songs, the . . no Person or Inhabitant of said town, shall Previous speakers have acknowl- kind of music, the richness of Amer- be permitted to play at any game called edged some of his remarkable accom- ican heritage. Wicket, Cricket, Baseball, Football, Cat, plishments: the ‘‘Saturday Night Fish This was really brought home to me Fives or any other game or games with balls, when I was getting signatures to sign within the Distance of Eighty Yards from Fry’’ recording of 1949, which many say said Meeting House’’; was the first rock and roll song; his in- onto this bill, and one of the first peo- Whereas this bylaw was created to protect duction into the Rock and Roll Hall of ple I talked to was one of our col- the windows of the new meetinghouse in the Fame in Cleveland in 1987; and in 2004 leagues Congressman STEVE ISRAEL Town of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which is being named one of the 100 Greatest from New York, a long way from rural currently the Congregational Church, de- Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone Arkansas, and he immediately told signed by renowned architect Charles Magazine. me—he signed on—that he had seen Bulfinch in 1789 and completed in 1793; I am pleased that the House today ‘‘Five Guys Named Moe’’ in New York Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, will pass this resolution, but in some three times. He started singing the through the First Home Plate project will commemorate being known as the home of ways we don’t get the full flavor of his songs and knew the lyrics of many of the oldest known documentation of the game accomplishments and the richness of these songs, even though Louis Jordan by erecting three permanent monuments, the heritage of what he did without died over 30 years ago. Bat, Ball, and Glove, to recognize Pittsfield’s talking specifically about these songs. I appreciate the efforts by the major- unparalleled position in baseball history; Let me go through the list of hits brief- ity and minority today to bring this Whereas the monuments will highlight and ly here today. bill to the floor, and today we salute a represent the great virtues of the game that His career began in the early days of remarkable American: Louis Jordan. have solidified baseball as our national pas- World War II, some dark years for Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I have time; Whereas the virtues of baseball are inno- America. The 1942 hits included ‘‘I’m no further requests for time, and I cence, youth, bridging generations, and how Gonna Leave You on the Outskirts of yield back the balance of my time. it parallels the great history of our Nation; Town’’ and ‘‘What’s the Use of Getting Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is also Sober (When You Gonna Get Drunk want to thank my colleague from Ar- the home of many historical baseball mo- Again).’’ kansas for that wonderful history on ments; In 1943: ‘‘The Chicks I Pick are Slen- Louis Jordan, and I want to urge my Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the der and Tender and Tall,’’ ‘‘Five Guys colleagues to support H. Res. 1242. birthplace of college baseball in the United Named Moe,’’ ‘‘That’ll Just ’Bout Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- States as it is the site of the first intercolle- Knock Me Out,’’ ‘‘Ration Blues.’’ ance of my time. giate baseball game between Amherst Col- lege and Williams College, which took place In 1944: ‘‘G.I. Jive,’’ ‘‘Is You Is or Is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The on July 1, 1859; You Ain’t My Baby.’’ question is on the motion offered by Whereas in 1865, Ulysses F. ‘‘Frank’’ Grant, In 1945: ‘‘Mop! Mop!,’’ ‘‘You Can’t Get the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. generally considered the best African Amer- That No More,’’ ‘‘Caldonia,’’ ‘‘Some- SARBANES) that the House suspend the ican player of the 19th century, was born in body Done Changed the Lock on My rules and agree to the resolution, H. Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Door,’’ ‘‘My Baby Said Yes.’’ Res. 1242. Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the And then truly the remarkable year The question was taken. home of Wahconah Park, an enclosed ball- of 1946 in which he had 13 hits: ‘‘Buzz The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the park and grandstand, originally built in 1892 Me’’; ‘‘Don’t Worry ’Bout That Mule’’; and placed on the National Historic Register opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in June 2005; ‘‘Salt Pork, West Virginia’’; ‘‘Recon- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is version Blues’’; ‘‘Beware (Brother, Be- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, on where in 1921 and 1922, the Boston Red Sox ware)’’; ‘‘Don’t Let the Sun Catch You that I demand the yeas and nays. played 2 exhibition games at Wahconah Park Cryin’’’; ‘‘Stone Cold Dead in the Mar- The yeas and nays were ordered. against the Hillies;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:49 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.056 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5833 Whereas Boston won the first game with a between Amherst College and Williams have two or three Hall of Fame-caliber score of 10 to 9 and the Hillies won the sec- College. Ulysses F. Grant, the most players cannot count on success. Yet it ond with a score of 4 to 1; prominent 19th century African Amer- places individual players under great Whereas in 1922, Jim Thorpe, considered ican player, was born in Pittsfield. pressure and scrutiny. Many Ameri- one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports, played baseball at Wahconah Park; Wahconah Park, a famous ballpark and cans believe that baseball is the ulti- Whereas in 1924, Lou Gehrig made his pro- grandstand built in 1892, is located mate combination of skill, timing, fessional debut with the Hartford Senators there. The Boston Red Sox won their athleticism, and strategy. The pitcher at Wahconah Park, where he hit a home run first game in that park. Lou Gehrig must make good pitches or risk losing into the Housatonic River; made his professional debut with the the game. The hitter has a mere frac- Whereas in 1942, future major leaguer Mark Hartford Senators there where he hit a tion of a second to decide whether to Belanger was born in Pittsfield, Massachu- home run into the Housatonic River. swing. The field players, as the last setts; With every great baseball moment, line of defense, make the lone decision Whereas on June 1, 1976, a recreation of the Pittsfield is a part of the significance. to try to catch it or play it on the 1859 Williams and Amherst collegiate base- The first home plate project will ball game took place in Pittsfield, Massachu- bounce, to throw out the runner at setts; erect a bat, ball, and glove statues in first base or to try to make the play at Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, hosted Pittsfield. These monuments symbolize home. a vintage baseball game which was broadcast great virtues, innocence, purity, and Baseball has truly provided countless on national television in 2004; parallels to American culture. Let Con- Americans fond memories of their Whereas Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 2005, gress at this time recognize and honor youth over the years, and I am honored welcomed the Pittsfield Dukes, a member of the contribution Pittsfield plays in our to stand here today recognizing Pitts- the New England Collegiate Baseball League, Nation’s history. field, Massachusetts, as being home to who made their second season debut at I would like to recognize Pittsfield, Wahconah Park in 2005; and the earliest known reference to the Massachusetts’ role in our Nation’s word ‘‘baseball’’ in the United States. Whereas on August 31, 2007, His Excellency, history, and I urge my colleagues to Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Common- I ask my colleagues to support this wealth of Massachusetts, proclaimed Sep- support this resolution. resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- tember 5, 2007, to be Pittsfield Baseball Day Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ance of my time. in the Commonwealth: Now, therefore, be it ance of my time. Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield Resolved, That the United States House of Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, at Representatives— myself such time as I may consume. (1) recognizes the importance of college Madam Speaker I rise today in sup- this time I yield such time as he may baseball to the Nation; and port of House Resolution 1050, recog- consume to the sponsor of this bill, the (2) recognizes the birthplace of college nizing Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. baseball as Pittsfield, Massachusetts. being home to the earliest known ref- OLVER). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- erence to the word ‘‘baseball’’ in the Mr. OLVER. I thank the gentleman ant to the rule, the gentleman from United States. for yielding time. Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- The question of the origins of base- Madam Speaker, I am pleased today tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. ball has been the subject of debate and that the House of Representatives is FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. controversy for more than a century. considering House Resolution 1050, The Chair recognizes the gentleman Baseball, as well as the other modern which honors the city of Pittsfield for from Maryland. bat, ball, and running games, were de- its rich baseball history. As a sponsor GENERAL LEAVE veloped from earlier folk games. Pre- of this legislation, I would like to Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I vious beliefs held that baseball was in- thank the Committee on Education request 5 legislative days during which vented in 1839 by Abner Doubleday in and Labor, especially the gentleman Members may revise and extend and in- Cooperstown, New York. This belief from California Chairman GEORGE MIL- sert extraneous material on H. Res. provided the rationale for baseball cen- LER for his assistance in bringing this 1050 into the RECORD. tennial celebrations in 1939, including resolution to the floor. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the opening of a National Baseball Hall Pittsfield, Massachusetts, can trace objection to the request of the gen- of Fame and Museum. Still, few histo- its baseball roots all the way back to tleman from Maryland? rians and even the hall’s vice president 1791. There was no objection. believed that Cooperstown was indeed b 1730 Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I the birthplace of the game, most pre- yield myself such time as I may con- ferring to believe that ‘‘baseball wasn’t The city, which was only the town of sume. really born anywhere.’’ Pittsfield then, was in the middle of Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- In 2004, however, historian John constructing a new meeting house. port of H. Res. 1050, which recognizes Thorn discovered a reference to a 1791 Trying to protect the windows of this Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as the birth- bylaw prohibiting anyone from playing new building, the town enacted a bylaw place of our Nation’s great sport: base- ‘‘baseball’’ within 80 yards of the new that banned the playing of ‘‘baseball’’ ball. This great sport is interlaced into meetinghouse in Pittsfield, Massachu- within 80 yards of it. You see, even American culture, history, and tradi- setts. The so-called ‘‘Broken Window back in 1791, youths were already tion. Baseball is our Nation’s national Bylaw’’ soon became the earliest breaking windows playing America’s pastime, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, known reference to baseball in North favorite national pastime. With that, helped create the American sporting America and allowed Pittsfield to lay the first mention of baseball was culture. Legendary players such as claim to the honor. penned into history. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Baseball is unique among American Madam Speaker, besides being home Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken, and other sports in several ways. This uniqueness to the earliest known reference to Hall of Fame players raised the level of is a large part of its longstanding ap- baseball, this resolution also honors play and integrity of the game. peal and strong association with the the city for being designated the Birth- The first recorded mention of base- American psyche. Some philosophers place of College Baseball by the College ball in known history occurred when a describe baseball as a national religion. Baseball Hall of Fame. Pittsfield bylaw passed on September 5, This popularity has resulted in base- On July 1, 1859, the city hosted one of 1791, banned the playing with bats and ball’s being regarded as more than just the Nation’s oldest collegiate rivalries, balls near the town’s newly con- a major sport. Since the 19th century, Williams College versus Amherst Col- structed meetinghouse. This ordinance it has been popularly referred to as the lege, in the first collegiate baseball is the first known reference to the ‘‘national pastime,’’ and Major League game to be played in the Nation. Now game in U.S. history. Baseball has been given a unique mo- this game was played under the old Other notable historic moments took nopoly status by the Supreme Court of ‘‘Massachusetts’’ rules. No gloves were place in Pittsfield. The very first colle- the United States. used, the ball was pitched under hand, giate baseball game in the United Baseball is fundamentally a team only one out was necessary, and a foul States took place there on July 1, 1859, sport. Even a team blessed enough to ball, if uncaught, was considered a hit.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.052 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 The record shows that Amherst College energy efficiency, and encouraging in- ment into proving our public transpor- won this first contest by a score of 73– vestment in groundbreaking research tation infrastructure in this country. 32. in advanced alternative and renewable Obviously, we have got to do more of Pittsfield is also the site of many energy technologies. With 21st century that going forward so that we can con- other historical baseball moments. technologies and the strictest environ- serve. That can help drive down some Among others, this resolution honors mental standards in the world, Amer- of the gas prices that have been alluded the city for being the birthplace of ica must produce more of our own en- to. Ulysses F. Grant, born in 1865, who’s ergy right here at home and protect In any event, to get back to the main generally considered to be the best Af- our environment at the same time. topic here with respect to recognizing rican American player of the 19th cen- That is the change America deserves. the tremendous role of Pittsfield, Mas- tury, as well as Mark Belanger, born in To help ease the pain of the Pelosi sachusetts, in the establishment of the 1944, who spent most of his career play- Premium, House Republican leaders culture of our national pastime, I want ing for the Baltimore Orioles. have also embraced short-term legisla- to urge my colleagues to support H. In 1924, Lou Gehrig made his profes- tion that would suspend the 18.4 cents Res. 1050. sional debut at Wahconah Park, the per gallon Federal gas tax this summer I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The venerable ballbark in Pittsfield that is and establish a corresponding freeze on question is on the motion offered by listed on the National Historic Reg- all taxpayer-funded earmarks to ensure the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. ister, and in that debut he appro- the Highway Trust Fund will not be SARBANES) that the House suspend the priately hit a home run into the impacted. Savings from the earmarks Housatonic River. Jim Thorpe, consid- rules and agree to the resolution, H. freeze also would be applied towards re- Res. 1050, as amended. ered one of the most versatile athletes ducing the Federal deficit. in modern sports, also played there. The question was taken; and (two- A House Republican majority will thirds being in the affirmative) the In recognition of its baseball past, work to deliver the change America de- the city of Pittsfield plans to erect rules were suspended and the resolu- serves on gas prices with meaningful tion, as amended, was agreed to. three permanent monuments, Bat, solutions that make our Nation more Ball, and Glove, representing the vir- A motion to reconsider was laid on energy independent. Here’s how we will the table. tues of the game. do it. We will increase the production Overall, Madam Speaker, I am proud f of American-made energy in an envi- to recognize the city of Pittsfield for ronmentally safe way. This includes SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND its rich baseball history and I am hon- the exploration of next generation oil, IDEALS OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH ored to stand on the floor today to natural gas and coal, and the produc- honor its significance to our national Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I tion of advanced alternative fuels like pastime. move to suspend the rules and agree to I urge my colleagues to support this cellulosic and clean coal-to-liquids, all the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. resolution, Madam Speaker. while protecting our natural resources 372) supporting the goals and ideals of Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I for future generations. Black Music Month and to honor the reserve the balance of my time. We will promote new, clean, and reli- outstanding contributions that African Ms. FOXX. The rising cost of gas and able power generation like advanced American singers and musicians have energy prices throughout this country nuclear and next generation coal, while made to the United States. threatens many aspects of our lives, promoting clean power from renewable The Clerk read the title of the con- and the ability to attend baseball energy such as wind and hydroelectric current resolution. games this summer is one of those. The power. Nuclear energy has proven itself The text of the concurrent resolution notion that Washington is broken is as a safe, carbon-free, and environ- is as follows: exemplified in the Democratic major- mentally friendly alternative, with H. CON. RES. 372 ity’s refusal to address soaring energy France relying on it for 80 percent of Whereas the Nation should be urged to rec- prices. its electricity needs, compared to just ognize the exemplary contributions that Af- Two years ago, then-Minority Leader 19 percent in America. rican-American singers, musicians, and com- posers have made both to the United States PELOSI promised the American people a We will cut red tape and increase the supply of American-made fuel and en- and the world; ‘‘commonsense plan’’ to lower gasoline Whereas the music of African-Americans is prices, but Democrats have not only ergy. Limiting the construction of new the music of America, and has historically failed to offer any meaningful solu- oil refineries and bureaucratic regula- transcended social, economic, and racial bar- tions, they’ve put forward policies that tions mandating the use of exotic fuels riers to unite people of all backgrounds; will have precisely the opposite effect. have decreased supply and increased Whereas artists, songwriters, producers, As a result of their inaction, oil, gaso- the Pelosi Premium. We will encourage engineers, educators, executives, and other line, and electricity prices are as high greater energy efficiency by offering professionals in the music industry provide as they have ever been. Once a night- conservation tax incentives to America inspiration and leadership through their cre- who make their home, car, and busi- ation of music; mare scenario, $4 plus gasoline has be- Whereas African-American music is indige- come a harsh reality on Speaker ness more energy efficient. nous to the United States and originates PELOSI’s watch, and now Americans are We can do much to make it more fea- from African genres of music; paying nearly $1.50 more per gallon at sible for families to attend baseball Whereas African-American genres of music the pump than when the Speaker took games this summer and participate in such as gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, office. other normal summer activities by re- rap, and hip-hop have their roots in the Afri- This Pelosi Premium is hitting work- ducing our dependence on foreign oil can-American experience; ing families hard, at a time when they and creating more American-generated Whereas African-American music has a are confronting high costs of living, a energy, and I call on my colleagues to pervasive influence on dance, fashion, lan- bring up the bills that will allow us to guage, art, literature, cinema, media, adver- slowing economy, and a housing tisements, and other aspects of culture; crunch. This has to change. do that. Whereas Black music has helped African- Republicans are committed to a com- I yield back the balance of my time. Americans endure great suffering and over- prehensive energy reform policy that Mr. SARBANES. The discussion of come injustice with courage and faith; will boost supplies of all forms of en- energy and oil, on the one hand, and Whereas civil rights demonstrators often ergy right here at home to reduce our baseball on the other, got me thinking marched to the cadence of many songs writ- dependence on foreign sources of en- about something I read last week, ten and composed as gospels or spirituals ergy, protect us against blackmail by which is a lot of the folks coming into that were created on the fields of slaves; foreign dictators, create American baseball games around the country and Whereas June was first declared as Black sporting events are using public trans- Music Month in 1979 by President Carter and jobs, and grow our economy, all those has yearly been designated as National things as basic to us as our of love of portation wherever they get the Black Music Month by all concurrent Presi- baseball. chance, as opposed to driving their dents; This includes increasing the supply cars, and I am so glad that the Demo- Whereas African-American musicians have of American-made energy, improving cratic Congress has put such an invest- played a significant role in inspiring people

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.059 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5835 across the generations in America and the deputies withdrew and let the stu- and Miles Davis. The unparalleled bril- around the world with their vision and cre- dents sing. ‘‘We Shall Overcome’’ is a liance of these and other great jazz mu- ativity by writing lyrics which speak to the Negro spiritual taken from Reverend sicians had an extraordinary effect human experience and express heartfelt emo- Charles Tindley’s, ‘‘I’ll Overcome Some upon the American musical tradition, tion; Whereas producers of African-American Day.’’ Other songs, such as, ‘‘Swing while bringing great pleasure to mil- music have come to be known as some of the Low Sweet Chariot,’’ ‘‘There is a Balm lions of fans. greatest musical talents who have enriched in Gilead,’’ and ‘‘Lift Every Voice and Later, rhythm and blues emerged, our culture and continue to influence fellow Sing,’’ are all prominent African Amer- synthesizing elements from gospel, musicians today; ican ballads that were instrumental in blues, and jazz; and from these styles Whereas African-American musicians have the Civil Rights movement. came the birth of rock and roll. helped shape our national character and Other genres of music are rooted in b 1745 have become an important part of our musi- the black experience as well. The ori- cal heritage; and A fabulous array of artists helped to gins of gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, Whereas African-American music has mil- pioneer this modern musical trans- and rap are all closely linked to Afri- lions of fans of different races and ages in formation, including Chuck Berry, Ray can American culture. These genres cities and towns all across the United States: Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin have enormous impact on our Nation Now, therefore, be it and Stevie Wonder. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the at large. African American music continues to Senate concurring), That Congress— President Carter acknowledged the influence the American music scene (1) supports the goals and ideals of Black influence and contribution of black Music Month; today with styles such as rap and hip- music when he first declared June as, hop. As we celebrate the many creative (2) honors the outstanding contributions ‘‘Black Music Month,’’ in 1979. Black that African-American singers, musicians, and inspiring African American artists composers, and producers have made to this musicians inspire people across genera- whose efforts have enhanced our Na- country; tions and around the world with their tion, we recognize their enduring leg- (3) calls on the people of the United States creativity, vision, and ability to speak acy and look to a future of continued to take the opportunity to study, reflect on, to the human experience. The long his- musical achievement. and celebrate the majesty, vitality, and im- tory of African American music has I ask my colleagues to support this portance of African-American music; and helped shape our Nation and musical resolution. (4) requests and authorizes the President heritage. Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam to issue a proclamation calling upon the peo- There are millions of African Amer- ple of the United States to observe such with Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. appropriate ceremonies and activities. ican music fans of different races and Res. 372, honoring the outstanding contribu- ages all across our Nation. I support tions that African American singers and musi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this bill and I honor the goals and ant to the rule, the gentleman from cians have made to the United States. June ideals of Black Music Month, along 2008 marks the 29th year of national recogni- Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- with the many contributions of black tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. tion of Black Music. It is difficult to imagine musicians to the American people. American music without the rich and con- FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. I reserve the balance of my time. tinuing innovations of African Americans. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Ms. FOXX. I yield myself such time from Maryland. Prompted by Songwriter/producer Kenny as I may consume. Gamble, producer Berry Gordy, and artist GENERAL LEAVE I rise today in support of House Con- Stevie Wonder, President Jimmy Carter des- Mr. SARBANES. I request 5 legisla- current Resolution 372, supporting the ignated June as Black Music Month in 1979. tive days during which Members may goals and ideals of Black Music Month From the African American spirituals created revise and extend and insert extra- and to honor the outstanding contribu- and sung by those who were enslaved or who neous material on H. Con. Res. 372 into tions that African American singers were striving for equal rights, to the celebra- the RECORD. and musicians have made to the United tion of faith in gospel music, to the trials and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there States. struggles of life illuminated in blues, the music objection to the request of the gen- From the days of slavery and dis- throughout the years served as a narrative to tleman from Maryland? crimination, through the progress of the African American experience. The number There was no objection. the Civil Rights movement, to today, of actual contributors to the African-American Mr. SARBANES. I yield myself such black music has told the story of the Music Movement is immeasurable, and the im- time as I may consume. African American experience. In addi- pact of these artists on American music and Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- tion to giving voice to black struggles, culture has been astounding. African American port of H. Con. Res. 372, which supports faith, and joys, African American artists have influenced the development of all the goals of Black Music Month. This music has helped also to bring people branches of American popular culture includ- is an appropriate time to honor the together. During Black Music Month, ing rock, country, and popular or ‘‘pop’’ music. outstanding contributions African we celebrate this integral part of music Artists such as Paul Robeson and Marian An- American singers and musicians have history by highlighting the enduring derson, who lived in my home State of Con- made to the United States. The Nation legacy of African American musicians, necticut, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Duke benefits culturally and economically singers, and composers. Ellington, Louie Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, from the experience of black musi- In the early days, black music was Mahalia Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Frank- cians. Today, I stand to honor the in- used to share stories, spread ideas, pre- lin, and Marvin Gaye set the tone for Amer- fluence of African American musical serve history, and establish commu- ican music and have influenced artists and artists. nity. These spirituals eventually musicians across generations throughout the African American music has strong evolved into a genre that remains vi- globe. ties to African heritage. The complex brant and very meaningful today, gos- And so Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate rhythm, melodic harmony, and active pel music. This great musical tradition the numerous African American musicians and call-and-response nature of African developed under the leadership of peo- singers who have enriched and defined the American music are products of deep ple like Thomas Dorsey, who was various forms of American Music and urge the African traditions. Many Negro spir- known as the Father of Gospel Music. passage of this bill. ituals performed and written by Afri- In the early 20th century, the pro- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam can Americans not only commemo- gression of jazz took place all over the Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. rated the African Diaspora but helped country, from the deep south of New Con. Res. 372, Supporting the goals and to create social change. Orleans and the Mississippi Delta, to ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the In April of 1960, in Monteagle, Ten- northern cities such as Chicago and outstanding contributions that African Amer- nessee, a 16-year-old girl named Jamila New York. Jazz captured the interest ican singers and musicians have made to the Jones stood in a crowd of nonviolent of 20th century America, making United States, introduced by my distinguished segregation protestors and began sing- household names of great African colleague from Michigan, Representative KIL- ing, ‘‘We Shall Overcome’’ to a group of American artists like Louis Arm- PATRICK. This important resolution honors, rec- armed and hostile deputies. That night, strong, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, ognizes, preserves, and promotes the legacy

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.043 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 and contributions that Black Music and African Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this sity for 100 years of leadership and service to American singers and musicians have made legislation that supports the goals and ideals the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County re- to our great Nation. of Black Music Month and I urge all my col- gion, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Nation. Black Music has been woven into the fabric leagues to join me in so doing. of American Society for centuries, deeply im- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- pacting hundreds of generations. The music of back the balance of my time. ant to the rule, the gentleman from African-Americans is the music of America, Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. and has historically transcended social, eco- again, I urge my colleagues to support FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. nomic, and racial barriers to unite people of all H. Con. Res. 372, and I yield back the backgrounds. African American artists, song- The Chair recognizes the gentleman balance of my time. from Maryland. writers, producers, engineers, educators, ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The GENERAL LEAVE ecutives, and other professionals in the music question is on the motion offered by industry provide inspiration and leadership Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. request 5 legislative days during which through their creation of music, and their value SARBANES) that the House suspend the to the African American community cannot be Members may revise and extend and in- rules and agree to the concurrent reso- sert any extraneous material on H. overstated. lution, H. Con. Res. 372. Res. 1051 into the RECORD. African-American music is indigenous to the The question was taken. United States and originates from African The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the genres of music. From gospel, blues, jazz, objection to the request of the gen- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being rhythm and blues, rap, and hip-hop, African tleman from Maryland? in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Americans musical roots can be heard There was no objection. Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, on throughout many musical genres that we love Mr. SARBANES. I yield myself such today. African-American music has had a per- that I demand the yeas and nays. time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- vasive influence on dance, fashion, language, The yeas and nays were ordered. port of H. Res. 1051, which celebrates art, literature, cinema, media, advertisements, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- James Madison University’s 100 years and other aspects of culture and this legisla- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the of service and leadership. Founded in tion commends its pervasive influence. Fur- Chair’s prior announcement, further 1908, the State Normal and Industrial thermore, Black music has helped African- proceedings on this motion will be postponed. School for Women eventually became Americans endure great suffering and over- what is now known as James Madison come injustice with courage and faith. Civil f University. Beginning with only 150 rights demonstrators often marched to the ca- CONGRATULATING JAMES MADI- students and 15 faculty members, the dence of many songs written and composed SON UNIVERSITY FOR 100 YEARS small school has grown into a pres- as gospels or spirituals that were created on OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP tigious university. the fields of slaves. Today, James Madison enrolls over As we know, African-American music is an Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I 17,000 students and offers a wide range American art form that has spanned through- move to suspend the rules and agree to of courses. With 68 undergraduate ma- out hundreds of years. Its musical elements the resolution (H. Res. 1051) congratu- jors, 40 graduate and certificate de- can be heard melodiously infused in many lating James Madison University in grees and six doctoral programs, JMU genres that we love today. It has grown be- Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of boasts a strong academic program. By yond its roots to achieve pop-culture and his- service and leadership to the United coupling this strong educational base torical relevance, touching audiences around States, as amended. with student support, the university is the world. According to the Gospel Music The Clerk read the title of the resolu- able to graduate 81 percent of its stu- Channel, ‘‘Gospel music sales now account tion. dents. According to the United States for nearly 8 percent of all music purchased in The text of the resolution is as fol- Department of Education, JMU is the United States, selling seven CDs for every lows: ranked 16th nationally for its graduate ten purchased in country music.’’ H. RES. 1051 rate and is first among all schools in Regardless of their musical styles, artists Whereas on March 14, 1908, Virginia Gov- the South. have turned to Black music as the source and ernor Claude A. Swanson signed into law leg- Much has changed in James Madison inspiration for their own music, which has islation for the establishment of the new University’s 100 year history, but some blurred the boundaries between secular and State Normal and Industrial School for of the core principles have remained Gospel music. African-American musicians Women; consistent. The university still strives have played a significant role in inspiring peo- Whereas in 1938, the institution was re- to empower its students to make a dif- ple across the generations in America and named Madison College in honor of the Na- ference and use their education to posi- tion’s fourth president, James Madison; around the world with their vision and cre- tively impact the world around them. ativity by writing lyrics which speak to the Whereas in 1966, the Virginia General As- sembly approved full coeducational status In fact, JMU ranks 14th on the Peace human experience and express heartfelt emo- for the college, and men were enrolled as Corps list of top volunteer producing tion. This important legislation requests and resident students for the first time; universities and the ONE campaign authorizes the President to issue a proclama- Whereas James Madison University (JMU) listed the school among their top 100 tion calling upon the people of the United enrolls nearly 17,000 students and employs most active schools in the Nation. States to observe such with appropriate cere- 3,000 full-time and part-time faculty and This year, James Madison University monies and activities. staff; grew its impact with the graduation of In 1979, President Carter first declared June Whereas in 2007, the US News and World its 100,000th student. As the university as Black Music Month, an honor that has Report ranked JMU as the top public, mas- ter’s level university in the South for the community celebrates this accomplish- yearly repeated by the designation of National ment, JMU will take a moment to re- Black Music Month by all concurrent Presi- 17th time; Whereas also in 2007, the US News and flect on a century of achievement. The dents. African-American musicians have World Report noted JMU’s graduation rate, university will also take a look ahead helped shape our national character and have at 80 percent, was the highest among all pub- to the next 100 years of inquiry, learn- become an important part of our musical herit- lic and private schools in the South; ing and discovery. age and African-American music has millions Whereas JMU has been led by presidents Madam Speaker, once again I express of fans of different races and ages in cities Julian Ashby Burruss, Doctor Samuel Page my support for James Madison Univer- and towns all across the United States. I am Duke, Doctor G. Tyler Miller, Doctor Ronald sity, and I urge my colleagues to sup- proud to support this legislation that honors E. Carrier, and Doctor Linwood H. Rose; port this resolution. the outstanding contributions that African- Whereas JMU offers 106 degree programs, Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- American singers, musicians, composers, and including 68 undergraduate programs, 30 graduate programs, 2 education specialist ance of my time. producers have made to this country and call programs, and 6 doctoral programs; and Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield on the people of the United States to take the Whereas JMU has conferred more than myself such time as I may consume. opportunity to study, reflect on, and celebrate 98,000 degrees: Now, therefore, be it Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- the majesty, vitality, and importance of Afri- Resolved, That the House of Representa- port of House Resolution 1051, con- can-American music. tives congratulates James Madison Univer- gratulating James Madison University

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.039 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5837 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years with the centennial celebration on I urge all the Members of this body of service and leadership to the United March 14, 2008. The entire JMU commu- to join us in congratulating James States. nity celebrated with galas, portrait Madison University on its 100th anni- If one word could describe James unveilings of JMU dignitaries, statue versary and to support this resolution. Madison University, unquestionably presentations, and a photograph of Mr. SARBANES. I reserve the bal- that word would be ‘‘bold.’’ For 100 nearly 3,000 students, faculty, staff and ance of my time. years, the institution that began as alumni forming a ‘‘human 100’’ to cele- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, as we re- ‘‘the little school that could’’ has brate the centennial. flect on the last 100 years of JMU’s his- charged through the century like a bul- James Madison University, located in tory, I want to talk a little bit about a let train. The campus began with two my congressional district in Harrison- very dark time in our history, the ten- buildings, now called Jackson Hall and burg, Virginia, is surrounded by the ure of former President Carter. Maury Hall, that sat on farmland at beautiful Shenandoah Valley and has During Carter’s administration, the the outer edge of Harrisonburg. Con- proved to be a catalyst in Western Vir- Nation suffered from oil shortages. stant growth and expansion have been ginia, building on the agricultural base These shortages led to record high gas a hallmark for the campus ever since. of the region to create a center for prices that ultimately persuaded the Today, JMU extends over 650 acres of higher education and innovation. President to turn to the American pub- rolling Shenandoah Valley hills and in- James Madison University has grown lic for answers. Following a Camp cludes more than 100 buildings. from its establishment as the Normal David summit on energy, he addressed Founded in 1908 with unmatched en- and Industrial School for Women in the country saying, ‘‘We can’t go on thusiasm that, after a century, has not 1908 to its renaming to Madison College consuming 40 percent more energy diminished, today James Madison Uni- in 1938 and eventually to James Madi- than we produce. When we import oil, versity’s mission reaffirms the univer- son University, where it presently en- we are also importing inflation plus sity’s long-time commitment to meet- rolls nearly 17,000 students and em- unemployment.’’ ing the needs of its students. In its ear- ploys 3,000 full-time and part-time fac- ‘‘We have got to use what we have. liest years, JMU’s academic offerings ulty and staff. The Middle East has only 5 percent of included only what would now be called Since its establishment, James Madi- the world’s energy, but the United technical training or junior college son University has been led by Presi- States has 24 percent.’’ courses. Today, the university offers dents Julian Ashby Burress, Dr. Sam- And this one, which President Carter more than 100 degree programs on the uel Page Duke, the namesake of JMU’s thought was one of the most vivid bachelors, masters, educational spe- mascot, the ‘‘Duke Dog,’’ Dr. G. Tyler statements. ‘‘Our neck is stretched cialist and doctor levels. Miller, Dr. Ronald Carrier, and the cur- over the fence and OPEC has the As the university crosses into the rent President, Dr. Linwood H. Rose. knife.’’ new century, the rest of the world is In my service of representing the It is truly frightening how tech- beginning to take notice. Through the Sixth District of Virginia and JMU, it nology has advanced since 1977, yet individual achievements and service has been a true pleasure to work with here we are today faced with the same that put the power of knowledge to former President Dr. Ron Carrier and issues that this Democratic Congress work embodying President James current President Dr. Linwood Rose as refuses to address. When it comes to Madison’s belief that a self-governing they have skillfully guided James energy production, while our global people ‘‘must arm themselves with the Madison University into the 21st cen- competitors are pursuing 21st century power which knowledge gives,’’ JMU is tury. technologies, America is stuck in the developing, through education, leaders Madam Speaker, from its inception, 1970s. who are well-prepared to help shape the James Madison University has been at On electricity production alone, for future of the Nation. the forefront of education. Originally a example, just to keep up with the new I am honored to stand before the teachers college, today JMU provides demand, by 2030 the United States House today and recognize this fine groundbreaking research in informa- must build 747 new coal plants, 52 new university. I congratulate the univer- tion technology, security and alter- nuclear plants, 2,000 new hydroelectric sity’s president, Linwood Rose, the native fuel sources, and offers more generators, and add 13,000 new board of visitors, the students, alumni, than 100 degree programs, including 68 megawatts of renewable power. The and James Madison University for undergraduate, 30 masters, two edu- dire need to increase domestic oil and reaching this milestone, and wish the cational specialists and six doctor pro- gas production is no different, yet the university continued success. grams. In its 100 yearlings of existence, Democratic majority refuses to lead. I ask my colleagues to support the James Madison University has con- Republicans are committed to a com- resolution. ferred more than 98,000 degrees. prehensive energy reform policy that I reserve the balance of my time. Based on this outstanding cur- will increase the supply of American- Mr. SARBANES. I reserve the bal- riculum, in 2007 U.S. News and World made energy, improve energy effi- ance of my time. Report, for the 17th time, ranked JMU ciency and encourage investment in Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield as the top public, masters-level univer- groundbreaking research and advance such time as he may consume to my es- sity in the South, and JMU’s gradua- alternative and renewable energy tech- teemed colleague from Virginia (Mr. tion rate, 80 percent, was the highest nologies. With 21st century tech- GOODLATTE). among all public and private schools in nologies and the strictest standards in Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I the South. the world, America can and must rise today to honor James Madison Madam Speaker, James Madison Uni- produce more of our own energy right University and ask my colleagues to versity’s alumni have impacted the here at home and protect our environ- support House Resolution 1051. I want Commonwealth of Virginia, the United ment at the same time. to thank my colleague from North States and the entire world. Madison I wonder what President James Madi- Carolina and my colleague from Mary- graduates travel to the farthest cor- son would think of the situation we land for managing this legislation on ners of the Earth to perform find ourselves in, and wonder if he the floor, and the chairman and rank- groundbreaking research and provide would agree with many people who ing member of the committee for their leadership in corporate boardrooms, have compared the views of the 2008 support of this resolution, which recog- athletic fields, State legislatures, and presumptive nominee of the Democrat nizes an outstanding institution of even here on Capitol Hill. Party with President Carter and the higher education which I am proud to I am pleased to have introduced this failed policies of his administration. represent in the Sixth Congressional resolution, cosponsored by the entire I call on the Democratic leadership District of Virginia. Virginia delegation and more than 50 to bring forth the proposals that Re- This resolution celebrates James Members of Congress, that recognizes publicans have made that will help Madison University on the occasion of the rich history and accomplishments solve the problems, and not put Amer- its 100th anniversary, which held a of this remarkable institution on the ica through what we went through in week-long celebration culminating occasion of its 100th anniversary. the 1970s all over again.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.064 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 I yield back the balance of my time. stitution that exemplifies the full promise of a Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Con- b 1800 public university. Throughout its growth, JMU has maintained its core mission of providing a gress that children in the United States Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I should understand and appreciate the con- terrific education and producing well-rounded tributions of individuals from the territories don’t know what James Madison would alumni prepared to contribute to society, while have thought specifically about the of the United States and the contributions of at the same time fostering an inclusive and such individuals in United States history.’’. issue raised, but I know he had an abid- high-spirited atmosphere that complements its ing confidence in the ingenuity of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- beautiful location in the Shenandoah Valley. ant to the rule, the gentleman from American people, as did all of our Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to have Founding Fathers and I think every Maryland (Mr. SARBANES) and the gen- James Madison University in the State of Vir- tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. President since. And we have been held ginia and to recognize its 100 years of FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. back from the kinds of investments achievement. I ask all my colleagues to sup- and partnerships that the American The Chair recognizes the gentleman port this resolution and to congratulate the im- from Maryland. people could join with that ingenuity pressive achievements of James Madison Uni- GENERAL LEAVE to move us forward, we have been held versity. back by a lack of investment and em- Mr. SARBANES. I yield back the bal- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I phasis on that kind of investment from ance of my time. request 5 legislative days during which the current administration. So I look The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Members may revise and extend and in- forward to a time when we can join in question is on the motion offered by sert extraneous material on H. Con. partnership with the American people the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Res. 2 into the RECORD. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and take advantage of that ingenuity SARBANES) that the House suspend the that James Madison and so many oth- rules and agree to the resolution, H. objection to the request of the gen- ers recognized from the earliest days. Res. 1051, as amended. tleman from Maryland? What an accomplishment for any uni- The question was taken. There was no objection. versity to just be there for 100 years. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Mr. SARBANES. I yield myself such The fact that James Madison Univer- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being time as I may consume. sity has reached this milestone with in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- such a terrific list of accomplishments Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, on port of H. Con. Res. 2, which recognizes is truly deserving of the recognition that I demand the yeas and nays. the contributions of individuals from that we seek to bestow upon the uni- The yeas and nays were ordered. Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin versity today, and I urge my colleagues The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and to support H. Res. 1051. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the the Northern Mariana Islands to the Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I Chair’s prior announcement, further United States. Many individuals from rise today to commemorate the centennial of proceedings on this motion will be these territories have added and con- James Madison University. postponed. tinue to add tremendous cultural, po- Established in Harrisonburg, Virginia, by the litical, and athletic contributions to Virginia General Assembly in 1908 as the f America. State Normal and Industrial School for SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING Some examples of these remarkable Women, the school’s first student body was TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED individuals include Roberto Clemente, made up of 209 students and 15 faculty mem- STATES David Hamilton Jackson, and Agueda bers. In 1938, its name was changed to Madi- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I Iglesias Johnston. Roberto Clemente, a son College in honor of the fourth President of move to suspend the rules and agree to native of Puerto Rico, was a legendary the United States, James Madison. In 1966, the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. major league baseball player with the the university became a coeducational institu- 2) expressing the sense of the Congress Pittsburgh Pirates and an altruistic tion, and in 1976, the university’s name was that schools in the United States global public servant. I will say as an changed to James Madison University. Today, should honor the contributions of indi- aside that Roberto Clemente put the the university enrolls nearly 17,000 students viduals from the territories of the Baltimore Orioles in fits during the and employs 3,000 full-time and part-time fac- United States by including such con- World Series when I was growing up, ulty and staff. tributions in the teaching of United and I have a vivid memory of that. In addition to its expansion in physical size States history, as amended. While displaying extraordinary ath- dramatic and student enrollment, JMU has ex- The Clerk read the title of the con- letic feats on the baseball diamond, his perienced dramatic growth in academic pres- current resolution. selfless nature, not his play, cast him tige and popularity over the past 20 years. For The text of the concurrent resolution as an national icon and an exemplary the 13th consecutive year and 17th time, is as follows: role model. Unfortunately, Roberto James Madison University ranked as the top Clemente died in a plane crash as he H. CON. RES. 2 public, master’s-level university in the South in was trying to deliver aid to Nicaraguan the highly regarded annual survey on aca- Whereas individuals from Puerto Rico, the earthquake victims. United States Virgin Islands, American David Hamilton Jackson is another demic quality conducted by U.S. News & Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Is- World Report. JMU also had the highest grad- lands have contributed to many aspects of outstanding individual to recognize. uation rate—80 percent—among both public the history and culture of the United States, Jackson spearheaded the transfer of and private colleges in the South. Last spring, including its politics, athletics, and music; the United States Virgin Islands terri- a record 16,050 students applied for 3,300 Whereas many students do not know the tory from the Danish into the hands of spots in the 2007–2008 freshman class. location or the significance of these places; the local residents. Jackson, born in James Madison University is also notable Whereas the diversity of the citizens of the the Virgin Islands, parlayed his power for encouraging its students to engage in the United States strengthens the Nation, and into making local Virgin Island resi- individuals from the territories of the United dents also United States residents. global community. According to the Institute of States contribute to that diversity; and International Education, JMU ranks second Whereas it is important for students to Jackson served as an educator, legis- nationally among master’s-level institutions for study the history of these geographic areas lator, labor leader, and lawyer, and is the total number of students studying abroad. as part of United States history: Now, there- known as one of the most important With 65 of its alumni serving as Peace Corps fore, be it figures from the West Indies. volunteers in developing countries, JMU also Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Agueda Iglesias Johnston was ranks second in the nation among medium- Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Guam’s leading educator and well- sized colleges and universities for graduates Congress that children in the United States known patriot. After Japan invaded should understand and appreciate the con- the island in 1942, she both served as a currently serving as volunteers with the U.S. tributions of individuals from Puerto Rico, service program. the United States Virgin Islands, American teacher and principal during dangerous Over the past 100 years, James Madison Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Is- times in Guam. Amidst the perilous University has grown from a small technical lands and the contributions of such individ- state, Johnston showed bravery when college for women into a thriving academic in- uals in United States history. many feared. She communicated over

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.066 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5839 the radio about the progress of the war, I ask my colleagues to support this by a Markoe, again from the then Dan- and she also aided an American Navy resolution. ish West Indies. soldier, George Tweed, to escape cap- I reserve the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, among outstanding ture by the Japanese. In Guam, she is Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, it Virgin Islanders in American history, known for her outstanding commit- is my privilege at this time to yield we are also proud to count Alexander ment, bravery, and service. such time as she may consume to the Hamilton, one of the great Founding Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, the Fathers of our Nation, the first Sec- American Samoa, Guam, and the sponsor of this important bill, Mrs. retary of the Treasury and the author Northern Mariana Islands have many, CHRISTENSEN. of the Nation’s financial system. Ham- many historical figures, events, and Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speak- ilton lived in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Is- pivotal historic moments that high- er, I am proud to rise in strong support lands, then the Danish West Indies dur- light the legacy of their respective of House Concurrent Resolution 2 ing his formative years and before homelands. Children in the United today, which I introduced on the first coming to the then Colonies. It is while States should understand and appre- day of this Congress and which ex- on the U.S. Virgin Islands that, accord- ciate the contributions of citizens from presses the sense of Congress that chil- ing to noted historian Richard the territories of the U.S. Ensuring dren in the United States should under- Brookhiser and others, that Hamilton America’s youth know the contribu- stand and appreciate the contributions learned accounting and trade which tions of these great territories and of individuals from the United States spanned international borders and their impact on American culture cre- Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American where he began to develop his philos- ates a better understanding of our Na- Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mar- ophy of life and politics. One of his ear- tion’s history. iana Islands to the U.S. history. I am liest recorded writings is a descriptive Madam Speaker, once again, I ex- joined in this bill by 46 cosponsors. and moving account of a hurricane press my support for recognizing the This bill began with young people which was published in the local news- important contributions of individuals and it is for young people, but it is also paper when he was around 16, in 1772. from these territories of the United for all Americans. A few years ago, I More recently, one of New York’s States. was on the campus of the Charlotte premier politicians of the mid 1900s was I reserve the balance of my time. Amalie High School in St. Thomas, and J. Raymond Jones, also known as the Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield as I was leaving some students gath- Silver Fox, from St. Thomas, who ran myself such time as I may consume. ered around to greet me and ask ques- politics in New York City and is cred- I rise today in support of House Con- tions. It is because of one of those ited as a mentor by our own greater current Resolution 2, expressing the questions that I introduced this resolu- leader in this Congress, Congressman sense of the Congress that schools in tion. and Chairman CHARLES RANGEL. He the United States should honor the A young lady expressed her concern played an important role in laying the contributions of individuals from the and frustration that so many stateside political foundation of that city, which territories of the United States by in- children and adults as well knew so lit- continues to this day. cluding such contributions in the tle about the Virgin Islands. Is it is a We were active and remain active in teaching of the United States history. the U.S. labor movement. Men like Scholars say that teaching history to complaint I have heard often from other students coming up for Close Up Ashley Totten was one of A. Phillip children has many important lifelong Randolph’s lieutenants, and instru- benefits. History provides them with and other legislative classrooms. They challenged me to do something about mental in the founding of the Brother- identity. Studying history improves hood of Sleeping Car Porters. their decision-making and judgment. it. While it has taken longer than I In the entertainment business, people History highlights models of good and like Kelsey Grammer grew up in St. would have liked, I am pleased that responsible citizenship. History also Thomas, and he is well known for his House Concurrent Resolution 2 is being teaches students how to learn from the character on Cheers and its spinoff, considered today, and I would like to mistakes of societies’ past. History Frasier. Benny Benjamin, the well- thank Chairman MILLER, Ranking helps them understand change and so- known songwriter of songs like ‘‘I Member MCKEON, and all of the com- cietal development, and it provides a Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire,’’ mittee members for their support as context from which to understand oth- John Lucien, and others were from my well as my staff and the staff of the ers. home. Students today need to be engaged in Education and Labor Committee for There are also individuals like Cas- substantive historical content. Only their work on bringing this resolution per Holstein who played a role in the through curriculum that provides to the House floor. Harlem Renaissance, and Barbara solid, exciting historical narratives Madam Speaker, the United States Christian, an influential feminist lit- and working with materials firsthand presently maintains sovereignty over erary scholar and critic who was born will students grasp the essential events three unincorporated territories and in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. of American history and proficiently two commonwealths, the U.S. Virgin And, of course, we have also made comprehend the crucial issues of mod- Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American major contributions in sports, with ern society. Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Included in our schools’ history cur- All, including the now Freely Associ- Raja Bell of the Phoenix Suns who riculum should be a look at the con- ated States of Palau, Micronesia, and both hail from St. Croix. And in the tributions of individuals from the terri- Marshall Islands, have contributed to past we had Giants catcher Valmy tory of the United States. From revolu- the defense and the richness of the Thomas whose daughter Shelley works tionary times through the second United States in politics, music, arts, in our office, Joe Christopher and Hor- World War, these territories have science, sports, education, as well as in ace Clarke, and many others in major played significant roles in American many other areas. league baseball. Boxing legends such as history. And there have been many historic Emile Griffith and Julian Jackson are Individuals who lived in U.S. terri- events in the past that unfortunately from the Virgin Islands. And none of us tories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, are not well known by the rest of our could match the number of major the U.S. Virgin Islands, Midway Is- country. As depicted in this painting league football players who come from lands, the Mariana Islands, and Amer- that is the cover on a book about many American Samoa. ican Samoa have all contributed to the of the relationships between the then But it should not take an NBA game history and cultural fabric of our coun- Danish West Indies and the early years or a boxing match to bring about try in unique ways. As such, the stories of this country, it is reported that it awareness of the U.S. territories. Our of their accomplishments and chal- was a ship in Christiansted Harbor in children should begin to learn about lenges should be passed down to our St. Croix that gave the first foreign the U.S. territories within the context young people and included when we recognition to the early Stars and of U.S. history. talk about the rich history of this Stripes in June of 1776. In another fact, Madam Speaker, it is the diversity of great country. one of the earliest flags was designed the citizens of the United States that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.069 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 strengthens this Nation, and individ- ported; House Democrats, 83 percent leaders, as my colleague pointed out uals from the territories have contrib- opposed. from her own territory of the Virgin Is- uted to that diversity and continue Refinery increased capacity: House lands. through today. The sad reality is that Republicans, 97 percent supported; Today, our school children learn the far too many of our fellow Americans House Democrats, 96 percent opposed. capital cities of Jefferson City, Boise, do not even know where the U.S. terri- I reserve the balance of my time. Concord, Tallahassee, and many oth- tories are located, not to mention the Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, at ers. But San Juan, Pago Pago, and important contributions that they this time it is my pleasure to yield Hagatna, for example, they are unfa- have made not only to U.S. history but such time as she may consume to the miliar to their ear and rarely can be to world history. gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. pinpointed on the map. Our territorial A full history program should include BORDALLO), and I would say I have ben- flags, seals, trees, flowers, birds, et curricula that give students a balanced efited from having my office right cetera, they are all too frequently learning of all of the historic contribu- across the hall from her office because overlooked or a mystery, our history tions that impact people who live in she has sponsored a number of cultural under appreciated. the United States, including contribu- activities in the hallway between our How many young students today tions made by the people of the terri- offices, so I have learned a lot about know that Guam was discovered by tories, the Commonwealth of the Guam since I got here. Magellan in 1521, and Guam was gov- United States, and the Freely Associ- Ms. BORDALLO. I thank the gen- erned under Spain for 100 years. Today, ated States. tleman. too few Americans know and realize This bill will be a giant step forward Madam Speaker, today the teaching that the territory of Guam was in ensuring that all Americans, how- of history to our children and young bombarded, attacked and invaded by ever separated by geography, are fully adults is an integral part of the learn- Imperial Japanese forces concurrent a part of the told and taught history of ing experience and the American ele- with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Too our great country, as we are today an mentary and secondary education sys- few Americans know and learn about integral part of its unfolding future. tem. History is a formidable, impor- the loyalty and courage of the people And to the children and young people tant part of the curriculum and the in- of Guam in suffering at the hands of a of Guam, American Samoa, the North- tellectual development of our youth. It brutal enemy, while their homeland, sovereign American soil, was occupied. ern Mariana Islands, the Freely Associ- is through history that we learn about, Guam is the only American community ated States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. recall, and reflect upon lessons of the to have been occupied since the War of Virgin Islands, this bill is for you. past and it is through history that we 1812. I urge my colleagues to pass House learn to responsibly recognize and seize the opportunities of the future. History This resolution is an exercise about Concurrent Resolution 2. learning to appreciate the cultures and Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I is an exercise of self-awareness. It helps each citizen understand his or the history of our islands, where our reserve the balance of my time. U.S. flag flies. House Concurrent Reso- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, unfortu- her place and role in our society, and it helps us establish a continuity for lution 2 expresses the sense of this Con- nately, as I was listening to the Dele- gress that schools and educators all gate speak, I realized that the failed progress. It is through history that we learn across these 50 United States and right energy policies of the Democratic ma- here in our Nation’s capital city should jority are going to be hurting these about and come to appreciate our roots, our heritage, our culture, our strive to teach our children about the very groups of folks, because people territories and should in their noble can’t afford to fly there for vacation; progress as a society, and our relation- ships to one another and about how our profession seek to honor the contribu- the prices of tickets have gone up so tions of individuals from each of these much that it is going to hurt signifi- family and our community relate to the broader world and to the genera- territories. cantly the tourism industry. For over a century now individuals tions that have come before us and Also, I think as we study the history from Guam, Puerto Rico, American those that follow us. Through history, of the contributors from the territories Samoa, the United States Virgin Is- our children learn about people and the of the United States, we need to call lands, and the Northern Mariana Is- faces and the stories behind the names attention to people to the history of lands have contributed to the growth the actions of the Democrats and Re- that have helped shape our great demo- and development of our country. Indi- publicans in relation to American- cratic experiment. viduals from the territories have stood The teaching of United States his- made oil and gas, which is a history of shoulder to shoulder with their broth- tory is fundamental to the American support and opposition. ers and sisters in harm’s way, and I am classroom. Yet, the teaching of history When it comes to taking meaningful speaking about the war in Iraq and Af- steps to provide affordable energy to can be elevated today with greater in- ghanistan. They have worn the uniform the American people, Congress has the corporation of facts related to the ter- in times of war, and boast some of ability and responsibility to act. Unfor- ritories and our fellow Americans who highest enlistment rates in our mili- tunately, a clear pattern has emerged call the territories home. Integration tary. Many have paid the ultimate sac- over the years as one party consist- into the modern day curriculum of the rifice from World War I to the present ently has fought to increase access to accounts of relationships and the cir- day war against terrorism. home-grown energy reserves while the cumstances surrounding the entry of Some have gone on to distinguished other has consistently voted to expand each of the territories into the Amer- military careers as officers. Others America’s dependence on foreign unsta- ican family is both appropriate and have made contributions in the fields ble energy instead. needed if our teaching of American his- of medicine, law, music and the arts. tory is to be complete and meaningful. b 1815 Some have become incredible teachers Learning about the contributions of il- in their own rights, and work to pre- We have compiled the facts by the lustrious persons from the territories serve our history and expand the circle issues. complements this goal and is a proven, of awareness about the beautiful tap- ANWR exploration: House Repub- effective means of sharing our history. estry and the rich history of the people licans, 91 percent supported; House Today, American children, for exam- of the United States territories. Democrats, 86 percent opposed. ple, learn about Squanto, George Wash- The textbooks, the classroom discus- Coal-to-liquid: House Republicans, 97 ington, Paul Revere, Lewis and Clark, sions, the maps, the globes, the tech- percent supported; House Democrats, Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, nology, the learning games, all could 78 percent opposed. Francis Scott Key, Orville and Wilbur stand to include more pages, more Oil shale exploration: House Repub- Wright, Rosa Parks, and many, many study questions, and more focus on the licans, 90 percent supported; House other notable Americans. But, Madam territories. Democrats, 86 opposed. Speaker, the names and the stories of I want to thank my colleague, Con- Outer Continental Shelf exploration: historic figures in the territories are gresswoman CHRISTENSEN, for her lead- House Republicans, 81 percent sup- not known, and we have many historic ership in working to incorporate the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.071 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5841 territories into history for America’s want to thank those who spoke today, dividuals from the territories of the schoolchildren. Congresswoman BORDALLO and Con- United States and the contributions of I stand here today proud of our own gresswoman CHRISTENSEN, for contrib- such individuals in United States his- schoolchildren on Guam. This debate is uting their perspective on this impor- tory.’’. on the heels of their participation last tant bill, and I want to urge my col- A motion to reconsider was laid on week for the first time in the national leagues to support it unanimously if the table. competition for National History Day, they could. f and my colleague spoke about this. His Mr. FORTUN˜ O. Madam Speaker, I am tre- office is located right across from mendously proud to be a co-sponsor of House APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO mine, and they all performed in the Concurrent Resolution 2, which expresses the COMMISSION ON THE ABOLITION hallway. History students from George sense of this Congress that schools in the OF THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE Washington High School, Untalan Mid- United States should honor the contributions TRADE dle School, Agueda Johnston Middle of individuals from the U.S. territories by in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- School and Guam High School all com- cluding such contributions in the teaching of ant to section 4(a) of the Commission peted with students from all across the American history. This Resolution will encour- on the Abolition of the Transatlantic United States at the University of age schools to teach—and students to learn— Slave Trade (Public Law 110–183), and Maryland, College Park, in the na- about the rich history and vibrant cultures of the order of the House of January 4, tional competition with research pa- the U.S. territories and the many achieve- 2007, the Chair announces the Speak- pers, exhibits, performance and docu- ments of individuals born there. I want to com- er’s appointment of the following mem- mentaries. This occurred, as I said, just mend Congresswoman CHRISTENSEN for intro- bers on the part of the House to the last week. And they also went on a ducing H. Con. Res 2. Commission on the Abolition of the field trip in Washington, DC. In the case of Puerto Rico, the impact that Transatlantic Slave Trade: So, Madam Speaker, I stand in full our native sons and daughters have had on Mr. Donald Payne, Newark, New Jer- support, in strong support for the pas- every aspect of American society cannot be sey sage of this very important House Con- overstated. Can you imagine preparing a his- Mr. Howard Dodson, New York, New current Resolution 2. tory of Major League baseball without devoting York Mr. SARBANES. I inquire whether at least a chapter to Roberto Clemente and Ms. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, the gentlelady has any additional the hundreds of Puerto Rican players who Cambridge, Massachusetts. speakers. have followed in his wake? Likewise, consider Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I don’t how much the film industry owes to great ac- f have any additional speakers, but I tors like Jose Ferrer, Raul Julia and Benicio b 1830 have some additional comments. del Toro—to name just a few. Beyond ath- Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, in letics and the arts, many Puerto Ricans have ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER that case, I reserve the balance of my made important contributions in the fields of PRO TEMPORE time. politics, business and law. With respect to na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield tional service, students and teachers may not ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings myself such time as I may consume. be aware—but should be—that residents of will resume on motions to suspend the I went over the list of differences in Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories rules previously postponed. ways that Republicans have suggested serve in the U.S. military. They ought to know Votes will be taken in the following that Americans become energy inde- that Puerto Rico sends a higher percentage of order: H. Res. 1242; H. Con. Res. 372; and pendent from foreign sources of oil. I its residents to the armed forces that all but H. Res. 1051, each by the yeas and nays. want to give a summary of those now. one other U.S. jurisdiction and that four Puerto The first electronic vote will be con- I have stated that the gap has been as Ricans have won the Medal of Honor. H. Con. ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining much as 97 percent of House Repub- Res 2 will help ensure that students in our Na- electronic votes will be conducted as 5- licans supporting increasing refinery tion’s schools learn basic but largely unknown minute votes. capacity, and 96 percent Democrats op- facts about the U.S. territories—how they were f posing increased refinery capacity. acquired, what political and civil rights resi- The summary of all of the issues I dents of the territories have and do not have HONORING THE LIFE OF LOUIS have outlined was 91 percent of House when compared to their fellow citizens in the JORDAN ON THE 100TH ANNIVER- Republicans have historically voted to states, and the prospects for change. SARY OF HIS BIRTH increase the production of American Unsurprisingly, there are still many people in made oil and gas, while on average 86 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- our great Nation—children and adults—who finished business is the vote on the mo- percent of House Democrats have his- do not know the names of the U.S. territories torically voted against increasing the tion to suspend the rules and agree to or their location on a map. It is my hope that, the resolution, H. Res. 1242, on which production of American made oil and by teaching students about the history of the gas. the yeas and nays were ordered. territories and the individual accomplishments The Clerk read the title of the resolu- My interest and the interest of other of their residents, we can foster better under- Republicans is in keeping this country tion. standing of and greater appreciation for the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The as the greatest country in the world many contributions that the territories have and ending our dependence on foreign question is on the motion offered by made to American life. the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. oil. I call on the Democratic majority Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- SARBANES) that the House suspend the to join with Republicans in taking ac- ance of my time. rules and agree to the resolution, H. tion toward this goal. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Res. 1242. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- question is on the motion offered by The vote was taken by electronic de- ance of my time. the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. vice, and there were—yeas 348, nays 0, Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I SARBANES) that the House suspend the not voting 86, as follows: know it is incredibly difficult for the rules and agree to the concurrent reso- minority to resist the impulse to lob lution, H. Con. Res. 2, as amended. [Roll No. 438] this energy rhetoric into every single The question was taken; and (two- YEAS—348 discussion we have here on the floor. I thirds being in the affirmative) the Abercrombie Baldwin Bishop (GA) am not going to take the bait, particu- rules were suspended and the concur- Ackerman Barrett (SC) Bishop (NY) Aderholt Barrow Bishop (UT) larly on this resolution because this is rent resolution, as amended, was Akin Bartlett (MD) Blumenauer such an important resolution that has agreed to. Altmire Barton (TX) Blunt been put forward. It encourages and it The title was amended so as to read: Andrews Bean Boehner guides us on how we can teach this val- ‘‘Concurrent resolution expressing the Arcuri Berkley Bonner Baca Berry Bono Mack uable, valuable history of the U.S. ter- sense of the Congress that children in Bachmann Biggert Boozman ritories to all Americans so that they the United States should understand Bachus Bilbray Boren can gain a deeper appreciation of it. I and appreciate the contributions of in- Baird Bilirakis Boswell

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.072 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 Boustany Graves Miller (NC) Vela´ zquez Watson Wilson (SC) Bilbray Fortenberry McCrery Boyd (FL) Green, Al Miller, George Visclosky Watt Wittman (VA) Bilirakis Fossella McDermott Brady (PA) Green, Gene Mitchell Walberg Waxman Wolf Bishop (GA) Foster McGovern Brady (TX) Hall (NY) Moore (KS) Walsh (NY) Welch (VT) Woolsey Bishop (NY) Foxx McHenry Braley (IA) Hall (TX) Moore (WI) Walz (MN) Westmoreland Wu Bishop (UT) Franks (AZ) McHugh Broun (GA) Hare Moran (VA) Wamp Wexler Yarmuth Blumenauer Frelinghuysen McIntyre Brown (SC) Harman Murphy, Patrick Wasserman Whitfield (KY) Young (AK) Blunt Garrett (NJ) McKeon Brown, Corrine Hastings (FL) Musgrave Schultz Wilson (NM) Boehner Gerlach McMorris Brown-Waite, Hastings (WA) Myrick Bonner Giffords Rodgers Ginny Hayes Nadler NOT VOTING—86 Bono Mack Gillibrand McNerney Buchanan Heller Napolitano Alexander Hoekstra Pryce (OH) Boozman Gingrey Meek (FL) Burgess Hensarling Neal (MA) Allen Hulshof Radanovich Boren Gonzalez Meeks (NY) Butterfield Herger Neugebauer Becerra Hunter Reyes Boswell Goode Mica Calvert Herseth Sandlin Oberstar Berman Israel Reynolds Boucher Goodlatte Michaud Camp (MI) Higgins Obey Blackburn Johnson (IL) Roybal-Allard Boustany Gordon Miller (FL) Campbell (CA) Hinchey Olver Boucher Johnson, Sam Rush Boyd (FL) Granger Miller (MI) Capito Hinojosa Ortiz Boyda (KS) Jones (OH) Ryan (OH) Brady (PA) Graves Miller (NC) Capps Hirono Pallone Burton (IN) Kanjorski Sa´ nchez, Linda Brady (TX) Green, Al Miller, George Capuano Hobson Pastor Buyer Kaptur T. Braley (IA) Green, Gene Mitchell Cardoza Hodes Paul Cannon Kilpatrick Schiff Broun (GA) Hall (NY) Moore (KS) Carson Holden Pence Cantor Kind Schwartz Brown (SC) Hall (TX) Moore (WI) Carter Holt Perlmutter Carnahan Kingston Sestak Brown, Corrine Hare Moran (VA) Castle Honda Peterson (MN) Carney Knollenberg Shea-Porter Brown-Waite, Harman Murphy, Patrick Castor Hooley Petri Cohen Langevin Shimkus Ginny Hastings (FL) Murtha Cazayoux Hoyer Pitts Costa Loebsack Sires Buchanan Hastings (WA) Musgrave Chabot Inglis (SC) Platts Costello Maloney (NY) Solis Burgess Hayes Myrick Chandler Inslee Poe Courtney McNulty Souder Butterfield Heller Nadler Childers Issa Pomeroy Davis (IL) Miller, Gary Space Calvert Hensarling Napolitano Clarke Jackson (IL) Porter Doyle Mollohan Tancredo Camp (MI) Herger Neal (MA) Clay Jackson-Lee Price (GA) Drake Moran (KS) Thompson (MS) Campbell (CA) Herseth Sandlin Neugebauer Cleaver (TX) Price (NC) Engel Murphy (CT) Udall (CO) Cantor Higgins Oberstar Clyburn Jefferson Putnam Ferguson Murphy, Tim Udall (NM) Capito Hinchey Obey Coble Johnson (GA) Rahall Frank (MA) Murtha Walden (OR) Capps Hinojosa Olver Cole (OK) Johnson, E. B. Ramstad Gallegly Nunes Waters Capuano Hirono Ortiz Conaway Jones (NC) Rangel Gilchrest Pascrell Weiner Cardoza Hobson Pallone Conyers Jordan Regula Gohmert Payne Weldon (FL) Carson Hodes Pastor Cooper Kagen Rehberg Grijalva Pearce Weller Carter Holden Paul Cramer Keller Reichert Gutierrez Peterson (PA) Wilson (OH) Castle Holt Pence Crenshaw Kennedy Renzi Hill Pickering Young (FL) Castor Honda Perlmutter Crowley Kildee Richardson Cazayoux Hooley Peterson (MN) Cubin King (IA) Rodriguez b 1856 Chabot Hoyer Petri Cuellar King (NY) Rogers (AL) Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California Chandler Inglis (SC) Pitts Culberson Kirk Rogers (KY) Childers Inslee Platts Cummings Klein (FL) Rogers (MI) changed his vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Clarke Issa Poe Davis (AL) Kline (MN) Rohrabacher So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Clay Jackson (IL) Pomeroy Davis (CA) Kucinich Ros-Lehtinen tive) the rules were suspended and the Cleaver Jackson-Lee Porter Davis (KY) Kuhl (NY) Roskam resolution was agreed to. Clyburn (TX) Price (GA) Davis, David LaHood Ross Coble Jefferson Price (NC) Davis, Lincoln Lamborn Rothman The result of the vote was announced Cole (OK) Johnson (GA) Putnam Davis, Tom Lampson Royce as above recorded. Conaway Johnson, E. B. Rahall Deal (GA) Larsen (WA) Ruppersberger A motion to reconsider was laid on Conyers Jones (NC) Ramstad DeFazio Larson (CT) Ryan (WI) the table. Cooper Jones (OH) Rangel DeGette Latham Salazar Cramer Jordan Regula Delahunt LaTourette Sali Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Crenshaw Kagen Rehberg DeLauro Latta Sanchez, Loretta Speaker, on rollcall No. 438, H. Res. 1242, Crowley Keller Reichert Dent Lee Sarbanes Honoring the life, musical accomplishments, Cubin Kennedy Renzi Diaz-Balart, L. Levin Saxton Cuellar Kildee Richardson Diaz-Balart, M. Lewis (CA) Scalise and contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th Culberson King (IA) Rodriguez Dicks Lewis (GA) Schakowsky anniversary of his birth, had I been present, I Cummings King (NY) Rogers (AL) Dingell Lewis (KY) Schmidt would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Davis (AL) Kirk Rogers (KY) Doggett Linder Scott (GA) Davis (CA) Klein (FL) Rogers (MI) Donnelly Lipinski Scott (VA) f Davis (KY) Kline (MN) Rohrabacher Doolittle LoBiondo Sensenbrenner Davis, David Kucinich Ros-Lehtinen Dreier Lofgren, Zoe Serrano SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND Davis, Lincoln Kuhl (NY) Roskam Duncan Lowey Sessions IDEALS OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH Davis, Tom LaHood Ross Edwards (MD) Lucas Shadegg Deal (GA) Lamborn Rothman Edwards (TX) Lungren, Daniel Shays The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DeFazio Lampson Royce Ehlers E. Sherman CUELLAR). The unfinished business is DeGette Larsen (WA) Ruppersberger Ellison Lynch Shuler the vote on the motion to suspend the DeLauro Larson (CT) Ryan (WI) Ellsworth Mack Shuster Dent Latham Salazar Emanuel Mahoney (FL) Simpson rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Diaz-Balart, L. LaTourette Sali Emerson Manzullo Skelton lution, H. Con. Res. 372, on which the Diaz-Balart, M. Latta Sanchez, Loretta English (PA) Marchant Slaughter yeas and nays were ordered. Dicks Lee Sarbanes Eshoo Markey Smith (NE) Dingell Levin Saxton Etheridge Marshall Smith (NJ) The Clerk read the title of the con- Doggett Lewis (CA) Scalise Everett Matheson Smith (TX) current resolution. Donnelly Lewis (GA) Schakowsky Fallin Matsui Smith (WA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Doolittle Lewis (KY) Schmidt Farr McCarthy (CA) Snyder question is on the motion offered by Drake Linder Scott (GA) Fattah McCarthy (NY) Speier Dreier Lipinski Scott (VA) Feeney McCaul (TX) Spratt the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Duncan LoBiondo Sensenbrenner Filner McCollum (MN) Stark SARBANES) that the House suspend the Edwards (MD) Lofgren, Zoe Serrano Flake McCotter Stearns rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Edwards (TX) Lowey Sessions Forbes McCrery Stupak Ehlers Lucas Shadegg Fortenberry McDermott Sullivan lution, H. Con. Res. 372. Ellison Lungren, Daniel Shays Fossella McGovern Sutton This will be a 5-minute vote. Ellsworth E. Sherman Foster McHenry Tanner The vote was taken by electronic de- Emanuel Lynch Shuler Foxx McHugh Tauscher vice, and there were—yeas 353, nays 0, Emerson Mack Shuster Franks (AZ) McIntyre Taylor Engel Mahoney (FL) Simpson Frelinghuysen McKeon Terry not voting 81, as follows: English (PA) Manzullo Skelton Garrett (NJ) McMorris Thompson (CA) [Roll No. 439] Eshoo Marchant Slaughter Gerlach Rodgers Thornberry Etheridge Markey Smith (NE) Giffords McNerney Tiahrt YEAS—353 Everett Marshall Smith (NJ) Gillibrand Meek (FL) Tiberi Abercrombie Baca Bartlett (MD) Fallin Matheson Smith (TX) Gingrey Meeks (NY) Tierney Ackerman Bachmann Barton (TX) Farr Matsui Smith (WA) Gonzalez Melancon Towns Aderholt Bachus Bean Fattah McCarthy (CA) Snyder Goode Mica Tsongas Akin Baird Becerra Feeney McCarthy (NY) Speier Goodlatte Michaud Turner Altmire Baldwin Berkley Filner McCaul (TX) Spratt Gordon Miller (FL) Upton Andrews Barrett (SC) Berry Flake McCollum (MN) Stark Granger Miller (MI) Van Hollen Arcuri Barrow Biggert Forbes McCotter Stearns

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.042 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5843 Stupak Turner Welch (VT) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Kaptur Miller (NC) Serrano Sullivan Upton Westmoreland PRO TEMPORE Keller Mitchell Sessions Sutton Van Hollen Wexler Kennedy Moore (KS) Shadegg Tanner Vela´ zquez Whitfield (KY) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Kildee Moore (WI) Shays Tauscher Visclosky Wilson (NM) objection, 5-minute voting will con- King (IA) Moran (VA) Sherman Taylor Walberg King (NY) Murphy, Patrick Wilson (SC) tinue. Shuler Terry Walden (OR) Wittman (VA) Kirk Murtha Shuster Thompson (CA) Walsh (NY) Wolf There was no objection. Klein (FL) Musgrave Simpson Thornberry Wamp Woolsey Kline (MN) Myrick Skelton Tiahrt Wasserman Wu f Kucinich Nadler Slaughter Tiberi Schultz Yarmuth Kuhl (NY) Napolitano Smith (NE) Tierney Watson CONGRATULATING JAMES MADI- LaHood Neal (MA) Smith (NJ) Towns Watt Young (AK) Lamborn Neugebauer Smith (TX) Tsongas Waxman SON UNIVERSITY FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP Lampson Oberstar Smith (WA) Langevin Obey Snyder NOT VOTING—81 Larsen (WA) Olver The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Speier Alexander Israel Reynolds Larson (CT) Ortiz Spratt Allen Johnson (IL) Roybal-Allard finished business is the vote on the mo- Latham Pallone Stark Berman Johnson, Sam Rush tion to suspend the rules and agree to LaTourette Pastor Stearns Blackburn Kanjorski Ryan (OH) Latta Paul the resolution, H. Res. 1051, as amend- Stupak Boyda (KS) Kaptur ´ Lee Pence Sanchez, Linda ed, on which the yeas and nays were or- Sullivan Burton (IN) Kilpatrick T. Levin Perlmutter Buyer Kind dered. Lewis (CA) Peterson (MN) Sutton Schiff Tanner Cannon Kingston Schwartz The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Lewis (GA) Petri Carnahan Knollenberg Lewis (KY) Pitts Tauscher Sestak tion. Carney Langevin Linder Platts Taylor Shea-Porter Cohen Loebsack The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Lipinski Poe Terry Costa Maloney (NY) Shimkus question is on the motion offered by LoBiondo Pomeroy Thompson (CA) Costello McNulty Sires the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Lofgren, Zoe Porter Thornberry Courtney Melancon Solis Lowey Price (NC) Tiahrt SARBANES) that the House suspend the Davis (IL) Miller, Gary Souder Lucas Putnam Tiberi Delahunt Mollohan Space rules and agree to the resolution, H. Lungren, Daniel Rahall Tierney Doyle Moran (KS) Tancredo Res. 1051, as amended. E. Ramstad Towns Ferguson Murphy (CT) Thompson (MS) This will be a 5-minute vote. Lynch Rangel Tsongas Frank (MA) Murphy, Tim Udall (CO) The vote was taken by electronic de- Mack Regula Turner Gallegly Nunes Udall (NM) Mahoney (FL) Rehberg Upton Gilchrest Pascrell Walz (MN) vice, and there were—yeas 354, nays 0, Manzullo Reichert Van Hollen Gohmert Payne Waters not voting 80, as follows: Marchant Renzi Vela´ zquez Grijalva Pearce Weiner Markey Richardson Visclosky [Roll No. 440] Marshall Rodriguez Gutierrez Peterson (PA) Weldon (FL) Walberg Hill Pickering Matheson Rogers (AL) Weller YEAS—354 Walden (OR) Hoekstra Pryce (OH) Matsui Rogers (KY) Wilson (OH) Abercrombie Castle Farr Walsh (NY) Hulshof Radanovich McCarthy (CA) Rogers (MI) Young (FL) Ackerman Castor Fattah Walz (MN) Hunter Reyes McCarthy (NY) Rohrabacher Aderholt Cazayoux Feeney Wamp McCaul (TX) Ros-Lehtinen Akin Chabot Filner ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE McCollum (MN) Roskam Wasserman Altmire Chandler Flake McCotter Ross Schultz The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Andrews Childers Forbes McCrery Rothman Watson Arcuri Clarke Fortenberry the vote). Members have 2 minutes to McDermott Royce Watt Baca Clay Fossella vote. McGovern Ruppersberger Waxman Bachmann Cleaver Foster McHenry Ryan (WI) Welch (VT) Bachus Clyburn Foxx McHugh Salazar Westmoreland Baird Coble Franks (AZ) b 1904 McIntyre Sali Wexler Baldwin Cole (OK) Frelinghuysen McKeon Sanchez, Loretta Whitfield (KY) Barrett (SC) Conaway Garrett (NJ) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- McNerney Sarbanes Wilson (NM) Barrow Conyers Gerlach tive) the rules were suspended and the Meek (FL) Saxton Wilson (SC) Bartlett (MD) Cooper Giffords Meeks (NY) Scalise Wittman (VA) concurrent resolution was agreed to. Barton (TX) Cramer Gillibrand Melancon Schakowsky Wolf The result of the vote was announced Bean Crenshaw Gingrey Mica Schmidt Woolsey Becerra Crowley Gonzalez as above recorded. Michaud Scott (GA) Wu Berkley Cubin Goode Miller (FL) Scott (VA) Yarmuth A motion to reconsider was laid on Berry Cuellar Goodlatte Miller (MI) Sensenbrenner Young (AK) the table. Biggert Culberson Gordon Bilbray Cummings Granger Stated for: NOT VOTING—80 Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bilirakis Davis (AL) Green, Al Bishop (GA) Davis (CA) Green, Gene Alexander Israel Reyes Speaker, on rollcall No. 439, H. Con. Res. Bishop (NY) Davis (KY) Hall (NY) Allen Johnson (IL) Reynolds 372, Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Bishop (UT) Davis, David Hall (TX) Berman Johnson, Sam Roybal-Allard Music Month and to honor the outstanding Blumenauer Davis, Lincoln Hare Blackburn Kanjorski Rush Blunt Davis, Tom Harman Boyda (KS) Kilpatrick Ryan (OH) contributions that African American singers Boehner Deal (GA) Hastings (FL) Burton (IN) Kind Sa´ nchez, Linda Bonner DeFazio Hastings (WA) and musicians have made to the United Buyer Kingston T. Bono Mack DeGette Hayes States, had I been present, I would have Cannon Knollenberg Schiff Boozman Delahunt Hensarling Carnahan Loebsack voted ‘‘yea.’’ Schwartz Boren DeLauro Herger Carney Maloney (NY) Sestak Boswell Dent Herseth Sandlin Cohen McMorris f Boucher Diaz-Balart, L. Higgins Costa Rodgers Shea-Porter Boustany Diaz-Balart, M. Hinchey Costello McNulty Shimkus Boyd (FL) Dicks Hinojosa Courtney Miller, Gary Sires WELCOMING HENRY NELSON Brady (PA) Dingell Hirono Davis (IL) Miller, George Solis GILLIBRAND Brady (TX) Doggett Hobson Ferguson Mollohan Souder Braley (IA) Donnelly Hodes Frank (MA) Moran (KS) Space (Mrs. GILLIBRAND asked and was Broun (GA) Doolittle Holden Gallegly Murphy (CT) Tancredo given permission to address the House Brown (SC) Doyle Holt Gilchrest Murphy, Tim Thompson (MS) Brown, Corrine Drake Honda for 1 minute.) Gohmert Nunes Udall (CO) Brown-Waite, Dreier Hooley Graves Pascrell Udall (NM) Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. Speaker, I Ginny Duncan Hoyer Grijalva Payne Waters rise to announce the birth of the new- Buchanan Edwards (MD) Inglis (SC) Gutierrez Pearce Weiner Burgess Edwards (TX) Inslee Heller Peterson (PA) Weldon (FL) est upstate New Yorker, Henry Nelson Butterfield Ehlers Issa Hill Pickering Weller Gillibrand, and to announce his birth Calvert Ellison Jackson (IL) Hoekstra Price (GA) Wilson (OH) Camp (MI) Ellsworth Jackson-Lee Hulshof to the Members of the 110th Congress. Pryce (OH) Young (FL) Campbell (CA) Emanuel (TX) Hunter Radanovich I want to thank the Members for all Cantor Emerson Jefferson their encouragement and good wishes. Capito Engel Johnson (GA) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE And I want to thank the friends and all Capps English (PA) Johnson, E. B. the constituents of upstate New York, Capuano Eshoo Jones (NC) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Cardoza Etheridge Jones (OH) from the 20th District of New York, for Carson Everett Jordan the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- their good wishes and their prayers. Carter Fallin Kagen ing on this vote.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.068 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 b 1913 arm on the council and prevented free The torture consisted of beatings, So (two-thirds being in the affirma- discussions of practices that are advo- electric shocks, involuntary medica- tive) the rules were suspended and the cated in the name of religion by a few tion, shackling, and sexual humilia- resolution, as amended, was agreed to. Muslims. Those practices include fe- tion. Other techniques were used, but The result of the vote was announced male genital mutilation and so-called they are far too awful for me to men- as above recorded. ‘‘honor killings,’’ or murder, of women. tion here. One Iraqi detainee who was One would think that the mutilation A motion to reconsider was laid on held for a time in the notorious Abu and killing of women would be a front- the table. Ghraib prison said he was subjected to burner topic with the Human Rights Stated for: psychological abuse as well as physical Council. But some Muslims have said Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. torture. He said that his captors this subject is taboo and the discussion threatened to rape his mother and his Speaker, on rollcall No. 440, H. Res. 1051, of this religious practice and the reli- Congratulating James Madison University in sisters. gious practices of other faiths is off- Former Major General Anthony Harrisonburg, Virginia, for 100 years of service limits. Taguba, who conducted the Army’s in- and leadership to the United States, had I So much for the basic human right of vestigation of the Abu Ghraib scandal been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ free speech. in 2004, wrote a preface to the report. f Those that advocate the mutilation He said, ‘‘In order for these individuals and honor killings of women in the PERSONAL EXPLANATION to suffer the wanton cruelty to which name of religion should be proud of they were subjected, a government pol- Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, due to per- this doctrine of faith and be able to icy was promulgated to the field where- sonal reasons, I was unable to attend several justify it before the U.N. Human by the Geneva Conventions and the votes. Had I been present, I would have voted Rights Council. But I guess not. Uniform Code of Military Justice were By the way, Mr. Speaker, it seems to ‘‘yea’’ on final passage of H. Res. 1242, Hon- disregarded. The U.N. Convention me that in the history of humanity, oring the life, musical accomplishments, and Against Torture was indiscriminately more murders, tortures, and wars have contributions of Louis Jordan on the 100th an- ignored . . . ’’ niversary of his birth; ‘‘yea’’ on final passage been justified and done in the name of He continued: ‘‘Through the experi- of my bill, H. Con. Res. 372, supporting the the world’s numerous religions than ences,’’ he said, ‘‘of these men . . . we goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to any other reason or cause. can see the full scope of the damage Reason enough in 2008 to discuss this honor the outstanding contributions that Afri- this illegal and unsound policy has in- can American singers and musicians have practice of abusing women. And that’s just the way it is. flicted, both on American institutions made to the United States, and ‘‘yea’’ on final and our founding values.’’ passage of H. Res. 1051—Congratulating f Mr. Speaker, I am sure that there James Madison University in Harrisonburg, SPECIAL ORDERS will be some people who will try to dis- Virginia, for 100 years of service and leader- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under credit this report by charging that it ship to the United States. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- was prepared by a group determined to f uary 18, 2007, and under a previous embarrass the administration. But if order of the House, the following Mem- they don’t believe this report, perhaps REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER they will believe the reporting of the AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6041 bers will be recognized for 5 minutes each. McClatchy newspapers, which con- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- ducted an 8-month investigation of the f mous consent to remove my name as a U.S. detention system created after 9/ cosponsor of H.R. 6041. TORTURE UNDERMINES OUR 11. The McClatchy investigation found The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there VALUES AND MAKES US WEAKER ‘‘that the United States imprisoned in- objection to the request of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a nocent men, subjected them to abuse, tleman from Texas? previous order of the House, the gentle- stripped them of their legal rights, and There was no objection. woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) allowed Islamic militants to turn the f is recognized for 5 minutes. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay into a Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, nothing school for jihad.’’ ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENTION TO has stained the honor of the United This House did the honorable thing a OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT States in recent years like the use of few months ago when it voted to stop CONFEREES ON H.R. 4040, CON- torture against detainees, detainees in the use of waterboarding and other ille- SUMER PRODUCT SAFETY MOD- Iraq and detainees elsewhere. Torture gal interrogation techniques. Forty- ERNIZATION ACT goes against our Nation’s most basic three retired generals and admirals Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to values, and it undermines the Amer- supported that bill. Eighteen national clause 7(c)(1) of rule XXII, I hereby no- ican people’s reputation as a compas- security experts, including former Sec- tify the House of my intention to offer sionate and committed people to retaries of State and national security a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. human rights. advisers, supported it as well. But the 4040. Torture is not only immoral; it has a President vetoed this bill, sending the The form of my motion is as follows: practical damaging effect on our for- world a message that America con- I move that the managers on the part of eign policy. When America is involved dones torture. the House at the conference on the dis- in torture, we lose the moral authority Torture doesn’t work. It doesn’t agreeing votes of the two Houses on the Sen- that is our most powerful weapon in produce good information. It exposes ate amendment to the bill H.R. 4040 be in- the fight against terrorism. How can our own troops to torture if they are structed to insist on the provisions con- we lead the world against terrorism captured. It creates enemies. In short, tained in the House bill with regard to the when the world believes that we don’t torture doesn’t make us stronger; it definition of ‘‘children’s product’’. respect the rule of law ourselves? makes us weaker. f That is why I want to call attention Congress must recognize these facts to a new report on torture that was and move to restore our Nation’s good NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT U.N. issued last week by the group Physi- name. The best way to begin to do that HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL cians for Human Rights. This group as- is by redeploying our troops out of Iraq (Mr. POE asked and was given per- sembled a team of doctors and psy- and then help the Iraqi people to re- mission to address the House for 1 chologists to evaluate former detainees build their lives and their country. I minute.) held in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and Guan- know that this won’t happen soon Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the U.N. tanamo Bay. The team found that the given last week’s vote on funding for Human Rights Council was formed to detainees were tortured, even though the occupation of Iraq. But sooner or have open, lively debate on the basic no charges were ever brought against later, Congress must act. Redeploying human rights of all peoples. However, them or any explanation ever given for out of Iraq will help to heal the wounds some Muslim nations have put a strong their imprisonment. of torture and right the wrongs.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.080 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5845 Mr. Speaker, it’s time for America to court, rather than the court of yellow The office of U.S. Attorney Johnny be America again: peace loving, com- journalism. Sutton charged the agents with the passionate, and a true champion of These journalists, ironically, are the discharge of a firearm during a crime human rights, and restore our dignity. same ones wanting to close down Guan- of violence. Yet, there is no such crime. f tanamo Bay prison and are worried The law makes it a crime to use or about the treatment of those alleged HADITHA, IRAQ, FIREFIGHT THE carry or possess a firearm in relation terrorists there who may get cold blue- MARINES AND THE PRESS to any crime of violence. The Supreme berry muffins for their breakfast. But The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a these writers could care less about the Court ruled last year in United States previous order of the House, the gen- presumption of innocence for these vs. Watson that discharge of a firearm tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- eight U.S. Marines, seven of which is only a sentencing factor for a judge nized for 5 minutes. have had their cases dismissed already. to consider at the conviction, not for Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the New York Only in America does the press get the jury to determine if a crime oc- Times called it the ‘‘nightmare’’ teary eyed about the Gitmo detainees curred. However, you can imagine how killings of Haditha, Iraq, and the ‘‘de- but is blissfully ignorant about the jus- difficult it would be to convince a jury fining atrocity’’ of the Iraq War. tice in the prosecution of our Marines. that two Border Patrol agents, law en- Maureen Dowd of the New York Times Meanwhile, the U.S. Marines are still referred to the incident as the ‘‘My Lai forcement officers, were unlawfully in the midst of battle in Iraq and Af- using, carrying, or possessing their Acid Flashback.’’ Another New York ghanistan and standing vigilant in firearms. Times reporter filed 36 stories on what other places of the world protecting he called the ‘‘cold blooded killing,’’ American interests and values. Those When you look at the history of why saying, ‘‘This is the nightmare every- values include the freedom of speech Congress enacted this statute, one rea- one worried about when the Iraq inva- and the freedom of the press to say son stands out: To warn criminals to sion took place.’’ Self-proclaimed ex- anything it wants, even when the press think twice before they stick a gun in pert and ‘‘worst person ever,’’ Keith is totally inaccurate and unfair in the their pocket on the way to the scene of Olbermann of MSNBC, called it ‘‘will- expression of those fundamental rights. a crime. This is the reason the statute ful targeted brutality.’’ Nation Maga- And for the U.S. Marines, we say Sem- clearly does not apply, does not apply zine said of the event in Iraq that per Fi. Semper Fi. to law enforcement officers like Ramos ‘‘members of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Ma- And that’s just the way it is. rine Regiment perpetrated a mas- and Compean. These men were not car- sacre.’’ And even a Member of this f rying guns so they could commit a House of Representatives said, ‘‘Our The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a crime, they were required to carry troops overreacted . . . and killed inno- previous order of the House, the gen- guns as part of their job. tleman from Washington (Mr. cent civilians in cold blood.’’ By focusing the jurors’ attention on It has become the largest investiga- MCDERMOTT) is recognized for 5 min- this nonexistent crime of discharging a tion in the history of Naval Criminal utes. Investigative Service, which has 65 (Mr. MCDERMOTT addressed the firearm, there is reason to believe that government agents assigned to this one House. His remarks will appear here- Johnny Sutton intentionally manipu- case. Mr. Speaker, as a former judge after in the Extensions of Remarks.) lated the Federal criminal code to ob- and prosecutor, I have never heard of 65 f tain a conviction against these two criminal investigators assigned to one Border Patrol agents at all costs. case except the 9/11 attack. THE PROSECUTION OF FORMER U.S. BORDER PATROL AGENTS The American people must be con- What is the terrible atrocity these fident that prosecutors will not tailor The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a news sources are talking about? the law to make it easier to secure a Well, Mr. Speaker, the Haditha, Iraq, previous order of the House, the gen- conviction in a particular case. Federal incident took place in November of 2005 tleman from North Carolina (Mr. prosecutors take an oath to enforce the when our Marines were attacked by the JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. use of a roadside bomb that exploded, Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. law, not to make it. killing one Marine and wounding two Speaker, as the Members of the House I want the families of Ramos and others. The Marines were then engaged are aware, in February of 2006, U.S. Compean to know that my colleagues in a firefight. Twenty-four Iraqis were Border Patrol agents Ramos and and I will continue to bring this injus- killed, including some civilians. Compean were convicted of shooting tice to the attention of the American After the gun battle was over and the and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler people and to the White House. smoke cleared, our government who brought $1 million worth of mari- charged four Marines with murder and juana across our borders into Texas. I am most grateful, I am most grate- four others with not properly inves- The agents were sentenced to 11 and 12 ful to Chairman JOHN CONYERS and his tigating the case. In a rabid rainstorm years in prison and now have been in staff for their interest in investigating of criticism by U.S. journalists who Federal prison for 523 days. the prosecution in this case. I hope were looking for the scalps of these Last week I sent a letter, signed by that the House Judiciary Committee eight Marines, the eight Marines were Congressmen TED POE, DANA ROHR- will soon hold a hearing on this injus- tried by a hysterical jury of journalists ABACHER, VIRGIL GOODE, LOUIE tice, and I am also hopeful that the De- in the press and apparently found GOHMERT, JOHN CULBERSON, and DON partment of Justice will take this mat- guilty on all charges. MANZULLO, to ask the U.S. Department ter seriously and will investigate Mr. But normally, Mr. Speaker, in Amer- of Justice Office of Professional Re- Sutton’s conduct in this case. ica we try folks in our justice system sponsibility to investigate the actions and give them a trial before we send of U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton in this Mr. Speaker, before closing, I want them off to the hangman and the gal- case. the family, again, of Border Patrol lows. Be that as it may, now, 21⁄2 years Agents Ramos and Compean, that after expensive, intense, and thorough b 1930 those of us in Congress on both sides of investigation, the facts as portrayed by One of the main reasons for this re- the aisle, we care about their families, the sensational National Enquirer-type quest stems from the firearm charge we care about these Border Agents, and journalists are not as they were por- used by his office in prosecuting the never, under any circumstances, should trayed to be. agents. This charge carried a 10-year they have been indicted and pros- According to columnist Michelle minimum sentence. Without this ecuted. Malkin, who covered these cases in charge, one of the agents, Agent depth, seven of the eight Marines have Ramos, would have already completed I want to thank Chairman JOHN CON- had their cases dropped or dismissed. his sentence and would be out of prison YERS for holding hearings on this mat- The eighth is awaiting trial in a real and with his family today. ter.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:23 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.082 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Brief Amici Curiae of Congressman Walter B. tleman from Texas (Mr. CULBERSON) is Washington, DC, June 18, 2008. Jones, Gun Owners Foundation, United recognized for 5 minutes. Re Complaint for Prosecutorial Misconduct States Border Control Foundation, United Mr. CULBERSON. Speaker CUELLAR, Against Johnny Sutton, United States States Border Control, and Conservative Attorney, Western District of Texas Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., In it’s perfectly appropriate that you’re in the chair today because you and I have H. MARSHALL JARRETT, Support of Appellants, United States of Amer- Counsel, Office of Professional Responsibility ica v. Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos, served together in the Texas House, United States Department of Justice, Wash- No. 06–51489, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Cir- and we have worked together, Mr. ington, DC. cuit (May 27, 2007). Speaker, in cooperation with our DEAR COUNSEL JARRETT: As Members of It is our firm conviction that, by these ac- friend, Congressman CIRO RODRIGUEZ of Congress, we write this letter to bring to tions, Mr. Sutton is guilty of prosecutorial Del Rio. You and I and CIRO have your attention for investigation what we misconduct, the effect of which has imposed worked together to successfully imple- have concluded to be a serious miscarriage of an irreversible and substantial effect upon Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean and their fami- ment a program that I want to single justice by United States Attorney Johnny out for praise tonight. Sutton. Mr. Sutton supervised, and has vig- lies. Prior to the return of the indictment orously defended, his office’s actions in a against Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean, Mr. In the Laredo sector and the Del Rio case wherein two United States Border Pa- Sutton must have known that it was impos- sector, the immigration laws of this trol agents—Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso sible for there to be probable cause for a country are being enforced with a zero Compean—have been convicted, and each are ‘‘crime’’ never enacted by Congress, as au- tolerance in a program called Oper- now being punished by imprisonment of 10 thoritatively and previously decided by the ation Streamline. With the full support years, for a crime that does not exist, and United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. of the local community that you rep- therefore, for a crime that could not have resent, Mr. Speaker, because the crime been committed. According to Rule 3.09 of the Texas Discipli- Specifically, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean nary Rules of Professional Conduct, a pros- rate in Laredo has dropped 70 percent— were charged with violating 18 United States ecuting attorney is to ‘‘refrain from pros- excuse me; in Del Rio we have seen a 70 Code Section 924(c)(1)(A) by the ‘‘knowing[] ecuting . . . a charge that the prosecutor percent drop. I think you have seen discharge[] [of] a firearm . . . during and in knows is not supported by probable cause.’’ about a 60 percent drop in the crime relation to a crime of violence.’’ (Emphasis Indeed, the Comments to Rule 3.09 of the rate in the Laredo sector as a direct re- added). There is, however, no such crime. Texas Rules of Professional Conduct admon- sult of simply enforcing existing law in Rather, Section 924(c)(1)(A) makes it a crime ish prosecutors to remember their ‘‘responsi- bility to see that justice is done, and not a team effort, Mr. Speaker, between to ‘‘use or carry . . . during and in relation the Border Patrol, the U.S. Marshals, to any crime of violence’’ or to ‘‘possess a simply be an advocate.’’ firearm’’ ‘‘in furtherance of’’ any such crime. On April 1, 1940, then Attorney General the prosecutors, the judges, the mag- And, as the United States Supreme Court re- Robert Jackson, speaking to United States istrates, and the sheriffs, with their cently pointed out, ‘‘discharge’’ is only a Attorneys serving in each federal judicial local Congressman, Congressman sentencing factor to be considered by the district across the country, reminded them CUELLAR. You, Mr. Speaker, CIRO judge after conviction, not by the jury in the why justice should be their goal, not winning RODRIGUEZ, and myself on the Appro- effort to determine whether the law has been their cases. ‘‘The prosecutor,’’ he said, ‘‘has priations Committee, we have been violated. United States v. Watson, 169 L.Ed.2d more control over the life, liberty, and rep- utation than any other person in America. able to bring together that team ap- 472 (2007). proach in a bipartisan way that has re- While this distinction might, at first His discretion is tremendous . . . We must glance, be merely technical, the United bear in mind that we are concerned solely sulted in a dramatic decline in the States. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Cir- with the prosecution of acts which the Con- crime rate. The illegal crossings in the cuit, the circuit in which Mr. Ramos and Mr. gress has made federal offenses.’’ Del Rio sector are now at the lowest Compean were convicted, ruled that an in- Mr. Sutton has manipulated the federal level they have been since the Border dictment that did not allege that a defend- criminal code to obtain a conviction against Patrol started keeping statistics in ant had so used or carried, or so possessed, a two U.S. Border Patrol agents, preferring to 1973. win at all costs over his duty as a United firearm was insufficient to charge an offense I bring this to the attention of the under Section 924(c)(1)(A). See United States States Attorney, and his duty under the v. McGilberry, 480 F.3d 326, 329 (5th Cir. 2007). Texas Rules of Professional Conduct. This is House tonight, Mr. Speaker, first of all, Indeed, six years before McGilberry, the a matter which your office has a duty to in- to congratulate and praise those fine Fifth Circuit, ruled that ‘‘discharging a fire- vestigate and, on the basis of what we now men and women in the law enforce- arm during and in relation to a crime of vio- know, to remedy. ment community of the Border Patrol lence’’ was not an ‘‘actus reus’’ element of Sincerely yours, in Del Rio and Laredo, also in the the offense defined by 18 U.S.C. Section WALTER JONES, Yuma sector, where this is working so 924(c)(1)(A), but only a factor to be consid- TED POE, VIRGIL GOODE, well. In particular, in the Laredo and ered at ‘‘sentencing’’ after conviction.’’ See Del Rio sectors we have seen real suc- United States v. Barton, 257 F.3d 433, 441–43 DANA ROHRABACHER, (5th Cir. 2001). And one year after Barton LOUIE GOHMERT, cess because of the teamwork of those (and five years before Watson), the United JOHN CULBERSON, law enforcement officers and the States Supreme Court agreed, ruling that DONALD A. MANZULLO, judges and the cooperation we have Section 924(c)(1)(A) did not define ‘‘dis- Members of Congress. seen at an unprecedented level between charge’’ of a firearm as a separate offense, f members of both parties in making but only as a ‘‘sentencing factor[] to be con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a sure the community and the Nation are sidered by the trial judge after conviction.’’ previous order of the House, the gen- safe in those sectors. See Harris v. United States, 536 U.S. 545, 550– 53 (2002). tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is I am working with you now, Mr. Notwithstanding these binding precedents recognized for 5 minutes. Speaker, as well as with the local in the Western District of Texas, United (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. Members of Congress in rolling out Op- States Attorney Sutton secured an indict- His remarks will appear hereafter in eration Streamline, it’s called, the zero ment charging Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean the Extensions of Remarks.) tolerance program, in the Rio Grande with the non-existent crime of ‘‘discharging’’ f Valley sector. So that the goal is, of a firearm ‘‘in relation to a crime of vio- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a course, from the mouth of the Rio lence.’’ By this charge Mr. Sutton facilitated Grande now, up through the Del Rio the conviction of the two border control previous order of the House, the gen- agents by means of jury instructions that fo- tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is sector, Lake Amastad, that the border cused the jury’s attention upon the ‘‘dis- recognized for 5 minutes. will be secure. charge’’ of the agents’ firearms, rather than (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is a upon the lawfulness of the possession, car- the House. His remarks will appear very different story in Tucson, Ari- rying, and use of such firearms in the ordi- hereafter in the Extensions of Re- zona. In Tucson, Arizona, the local U.S. nary course of their employment. Moreover, marks.) Attorney refuses to enforce existing by this indictment and these instructions, law, and in Tucson, if you are arrested Mr. Sutton obtained a conviction of an of- f by the Border Patrol, for example, in fense that carried a minimum 10-year sen- OPERATION STREAMLINE tence, as provided by the statute, rather Del Rio or Laredo, you have a 100 per- than the lesser sentence for violation of Bor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cent chance of being prosecuted and der Patrol rules and regulations. See also, previous order of the House, the gen- serving some time in jail, obviously

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.070 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5847 with the exception of women and chil- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the same time we have to be able to dren. The officer will use their good previous order of the House, the gentle- make certain that the fuel prices come judgment and their good heart. woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- down so people don’t have to make a But if you’re arrest in Del Rio or La- ognized for 5 minutes. decision as to whether they buy gas or redo, you’re going to jail. If you’re ar- (Ms. KAPTUR addressed the House. whether they buy food. I mean that is rested in Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Speak- Her remarks will appear hereafter in where we are. People who have been er, carrying less than a quarter ton of the Extensions of Remarks.) volunteering, providing care for sen- dope, you have a 99.6 percent chance of f iors, driving them to the shopping mall nerve going to jail, and you will prob- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and driving them to various places, are ably be home in time for dinner. previous order of the House, the gen- now saying, I can’t do it any more be- It’s an unbelievable and outrageous cause of the price of gasoline. That, to tleman from New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) is situation that I have worked on behind recognized for 5 minutes. me, is a shame and a disgrace in one of the scenes as quietly as I can with the (Mr. PAYNE addressed the House. His the wealthiest countries in the world, Department of Justice, with the U.S. remarks will appear hereafter in the that we are not paying more attention Attorney out there, Diane Humetewa, Extensions of Remarks.) to our seniors, and of course, as a re- who refuses to met with me, who re- sult, things are getting worse. fuses to talk to me, who refuses to co- f What I would like to do now is to operate. She, to this day, Mr. Speaker, ENERGY yield some time to the gentlewoman refuses to do anything to improve the from Texas, who has been very in- prosecution rate in the Arizona sector The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under volved in these issues over the years. of the border. As a result, those offi- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Of course, it’s my pleasure to yield to cers’ lives are in danger. As a result of uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from New her because she understands how im- her refusal to enforce the law, the lives York (Mr. TOWNS) is recognized for 60 portant this issue is, the gentlewoman minutes as the designee of the major- of the people of Arizona are in danger. from Texas, SHEILA JACKSON-LEE. This Nation is in danger because of the ity leader. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I want refusal of the U.S. Attorney in Arizona, Mr. TOWNS. I want to talk about the to thank my distinguished friend, Con- energy situation tonight. When I go Diane Humetewa, to do her job. gressman ED TOWNS. I think it’s impor- Frankly, I am sick and tired of it, back to my district, the number one tant to note of his leadership on the and it needs to be brought to the atten- subject today is that people are talking Energy and Commerce Committee for tion of the American people here on about the cost of fuel. Of course, the any number of years. We have joined the floor because we have found a bi- other one is affordable housing. But together on understanding this issue as partisan solution to this. We have when you look at it, they are all con- it impacts our very broad commu- found a solution that people on the nected. nities. border support. Of course, when you talk to the taxi The distinguished Congressman, as I You represent the Laredo sector, Mr. drivers, they are saying we cannot note, my good friend from Georgia, is Speaker. I know your community, the make a living because of the fact that on the floor as well. We all come from people you represent are thrilled with gasoline is so high. The bus drivers, the different districts. He comes from an the reduction in the crime rate. It has same thing. Hardworking people are urban-centered northeastern district been a team effort. There are no party finding it almost impossible to make it that has mass transit very deeply, but labels when it comes to Texans. My today because of the price of fuel. as well it’s interesting to note that the good friend, SHEILA JACKSON-LEE, will Of course, this is something that has cost of gasoline impacts all of our con- be speaking in a moment, and we are happened all of a sudden. In 2005, gaso- stituents. Texans first. There are no party labels line was $2.20 per gallon in December of I come from a broad, if you will, ex- when it comes to what is good for 2005. Now, today the price of gasoline is pensive district in the State of Texas Texas and the Nation. $4.10 per gallon. That is June 19, 2008, that has not only a fledgling metro We have found a solution, Mr. Speak- according to the Energy Information system, a metro system that we are er, in Operation Streamline and the Administration, the agency that col- just beginning to build, mass transit, Zero Tolerance Program, enforcing ex- lects official energy statistics for the but as well it is a community that uses isting law with existing resources and United States Government. In other its cars. existing personnel in a unified team ef- words, gas is just creating a tremen- fort, and it’s about time for the U.S. dous problem in this Nation. b 1945 Attorney in Arizona to get with the Now I know people will say, Well, We carpool. We carpool to work. We program and recognize that she has an here’s the solution. But let me just say live very far apart. It is a very large essential role in protecting this Na- to you there is no silver bullet here, district. Therefore, the cost of gasoline tion. that there is no single solution to this is very, very costly. So we have to Frankly, Mr. Speaker, if the U.S. At- problem. But I think the worst thing in come together to address this question torney in Arizona will not enforce the the world to do is to continue to ignore from the perspective of how will the law and live up to her oath of office, I the problem. consumer feel? We know there has been think she ought to find another job. You have people saying, Well, eth- a question, a bracelet everybody used It’s about time for her to just step anol is the solution. Then you have to wear asking the question how would aside. It’s unacceptable for a U.S. At- others will say that the fact that eth- a certain heavenly person feel about a torney to refuse to enforce the law. anol might not be the solution, but we question. We now ask, how does the Those officers’ lives are in danger. need to make certain that we create consumer feel? We on the Appropriations Com- cars that will go further. All these So I rise today to say that I think it mittee, I serve on the Homeland Secu- things are good, but when we are deal- is important for this Congress to come rity subcommittee, Mr. Speaker, we ing with a problem like this, whenever together and to be able to push forward sent 40 additional U.S. Attorneys, pros- you make a decision or make an ad- an energy agenda that really gets down ecutors to the southwest border with justment, there’s always something to the real individuals that are bur- specific instructions that those attor- else that is going to happen. dened by this cause. So let me explain, neys be used to prosecute border crime. Hybrid cars. People are coming in Mr. TOWNS, what I believe is impor- The U.S. Attorney in Arizona got 21 of now saying that, Look, we are having tant. them, and she will not use them to pro- problems. The blind, in particular. We First, let me applaud the leadership tect the border or this Nation. travel by sound. We can’t hear. We are for their new direction in energy. It is Mr. Speaker, we have done great getting knocked down in the parking an important direction. It is a greening work in Laredo and Del Rio, and the lots. Senior citizens are getting direction. It focuses on alternatives. It U.S. Attorney in Arizona needs to get knocked down. focuses on creating green jobs and get- with the program and enforce the law So we need to look at all these things ting a sense of understanding about the with zero tolerance or find another job. to be able to bring about safety, but at smallness of the resources that are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.089 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5848 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 available now, the fossil fuel and other not provide them access to capital, line of how we help our consumers. I energy resources that need to be uti- does not allow them to build on the re- think if we bring all these elements to- lized, and therefore it is important to, sources that they have. You can be as- gether, we will be able to do so. if you will, impress upon Americans sured that the more resources we put I will yield back to the gentleman the value of conservation. But, at the out allows us to have the ability to and will join you at a later time. same time, I think there are a lot of bring down the cost of gasoline. Mr. TOWNS. Let me thank the gen- other issues that we can discuss. Let me add an additional point that tlewoman from Texas for her remarks, I believe we should accept the I think should be considered. When you because, let’s face it, she is right. We premise that there are a number of en- talk to the multinationals about the need to end our addiction to foreign ergy resources that this Congress needs cost of gasoline, they will refer you to oil. We have to do that. I mean, there to address. For example, I come from the antiquated refineries, that they are no ifs, ands and buts about it. That Texas, and obviously we utilize fossil need to build more refineries. That too is something we must address. fuel. I think it is important to recog- requires a coming together at the Of course, the gentleman from Geor- nize that fossil fuel is present, but I table. I believe we need to have a dis- gia has been out at the forefront talk- think we need to emphasize looking at cussion so they can explain what does ing about this issue, and, of course, we independent producers. They were very it mean by having an antiquated refin- are delighted he has joined us in this prominent in years past. These are ery? discussion tonight. We are happy to smaller companies. There is a new refinery being built in have HANK JOHNSON from the great I do believe we need to look at where East Texas and in Louisiana. That re- State of Georgia, who is a leader on we are exploring off the Gulf, where finery took a long time to build. But this issue as well. Thank you for join- those States of Louisiana and Texas maybe we need to update the refin- ing us. I yield to you. have willingly accepted the exploration eries. I know that is a questionable Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank of the Gulf in a safe and environmental proposal and policy to make them my colleague from New York, the es- way. more environmentally efficient and teemed Congressman ED TOWNS. I ap- Two or three years ago, Congressman safe. That is a key element to dealing preciate very much you speaking on NICK LAMPSON and myself passed legis- with this. this very important issue. It is an issue lation to encourage the Federal Gov- Before I yield back and wait a mo- that has been creeping like a thief in ernment to do an inventory of what ment as you yield to the distinguished the night into the pocketbooks and was available in terms of fossil fuel re- gentleman from Georgia, I want to cite into the pockets of Americans, every- sources in the Gulf. I think it is impor- some numbers that say that the En- day working Americans. tant. We know that there are chal- ergy Information Administration esti- We have seen the price of gas esca- lenges to exploring the Outer Conti- mates that the United States imports lating quietly but steadily ever since nental Shelf. There are challenges to nearly 60 percent of the oil it con- 2001, I say to Congresswoman SHEILA exploring ANWR. There are challenges sumes. The world’s greatest petroleum JACKSON-LEE from Houston, Texas, in exploring the coast off the East reserves reside in regions of high geo- whom I am proud to serve with. And I Coast and the California coast and the political risk, including 57 percent see my other colleague, BARBARA LEE Florida coast. I believe those issues are which are in the Persian Gulf. from California. So we have got all issues that we have to work with the Replacing oil imports with domestic parts of the Nation covered here. local jurisdictions and the governors alternatives such as traditional and But ever since 2001, when the price of and consumers for that to be a com- cellulosic ethanol cannot only help re- gas was at $1.50, it has steadily gone fortable process. duce the $180 billion that oil contrib- up. And that is kind of ironic, given But let us not get stuck on that. utes to it our annual trade deficit, it the fact that we elected an oilman to There are resources in the Gulf. We can end our addiction to foreign oil. be our President and an oilman to be have found that there is oil shale, I be- These alternatives should be matched our Vice President. You would have lieve, that has been discovered in West with domestic production. That may thought that America would be taken Virginia. There are other domestic re- help a lot of these small interested pro- care of by our President and our Vice sources that have been discovered in ducers. President. But what we have seen since Mississippi. We need to be able to uti- Also the individual oil companies, that administration came to power is lize and to be able to encourage the the large ones who have leases here in prices going through the roof. And, like safe development of existing resources. the United States, we need to have an a thief in the night, people have now We know that our own multinational inventory and get a determination, as I awakened to see that they have been energy companies are holding leases said, as to why these leases are not gouged and stolen from by the oil in- they have not utilized. I believe it is being developed. According to the De- dustry, and it has all been while we important to call these individuals into partment of Agriculture, biomass can were enjoying a deregulated and un- Washington. The President needs to replace 30 percent of our Nation’s pe- regulated market and we were allowing call these individuals into Washington, troleum consumption. the speculators, instead of the pro- the heads of these major companies, So there are ways we can confront ducers, to get a stranglehold on the and let us discuss why these oil leases this issue. One other way, of course, is American economy. So these specu- are not being utilized, because there to develop more professionals, which lators are driving up the price of gas, lies a possibility of additional re- we have discussed, and I want to dis- driving up the price of oil. It has be- sources. cuss that later. come the number one issue in this Mr. TOWNS, you know that we have Let me conclude by saying we have a country. been discussing over the years the in- real crisis in addition to the cost of Mr. Speaker, while it is easy to ped- creasing of minority energy entre- gasoline. That crisis includes jet fuel. dle quick fixes, the hard truth is that preneurs. They come in all shapes and We are seeing the merger of airlines there is no quick fix. It is kind of like sizes. But I happen to know an energy and also a crisis in the airline industry the war in Iraq. We got in a little easi- company in the State of Texas, Osyka, because of the cost of jet fuel. That too er than it is going to take us to get that is held solely by African Ameri- impacts on our consumers. out. By the way, ironically, some peo- cans with domestic deposits. They have So I frankly believe as we discuss ple believe that it was for the 35 billion resources. But what do they need? this, Mr. TOWNS, we should talk about barrels of oil beneath al-Anbar Prov- They need investment. They are not what speculators have done to the en- ince in Iraq that we went to war for. overseas. They are right here in the ergy industry. We should talk about Some people believe that. United States, but they need invest- minority entrepreneurs who are able to So oil has driven much of the policies ment. participate in this industry. We should of this administration. And quick fixes So I think there are a lot of small, talk about independent producers. We will not do at this point. We are rap- independent producers that the legisla- should talk about greening America. idly reaching the point of peak oil, tive scheme here in the United States We should talk about conservation. peak oil being the moment, Mr. Speak- does not foster their development, does And really we should get to the bottom er, after which global oil supplies will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.093 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5849 forever decrease. That moment is ap- Of course, he’s right on the issue. and that you talked about, Mr. JOHN- proaching. Meanwhile, global demand There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. SON and Ms. JACKSON-LEE. They reach for oil is ever increasing. So we are We look at the fact that there has record profits quarter after quarter reaching a point where we have dwin- been a 5-year trend of record oil profits rather than adopt a real solution to dling supply and skyrocketing demand, under this administration. In 2007, the meet the energy needs across our Na- and that means one thing, among oth- big five oil companies raked in a profit tion. ers, but the biggest thing is that gas of $127 billion. That’s ‘‘B’’ as in ‘‘boy.’’ More specifically, we have proposed prices, high gas prices, are here to It is simply unacceptable that con- legislation that would invest in true, stay. sumers are bearing these costs while clean and renewable energy sources. Now, the President came up with an corporations continue to profit. Our proposals would also bring much energy plan, it was done in secrecy Now, the gentlewoman from Cali- needed accountability, which we need back in 2001, if you will remember. It fornia, to whom I’m getting ready to desperately, to the energy markets in seems to me that it was Vice President yield, has been at the forefront. She order to eliminate the price gouging— CHENEY who convened a group of peo- has been saying this now for a number do you hear me?—that’s taking place ple, whom we still have not found out of years. Of course, I would say to you and the market manipulation and the who those people were, in a task force that I wish that the country had lis- speculation that have inflated energy to formulate this country’s energy pol- tened to her because I’m certain, if prices to record levels. This week, we icy. Someone went to court to have the they had listened to her, we would not will also take up legislation to expand names and identities of those task have the mess that we have now. the use of public transit systems to save energy and to reduce greenhouse force members revealed, and I don’t It’s my honor to yield 5 minutes to gas emissions. think that lawsuit was successful. But the gentlewoman from California, BAR- In light of this growing energy crisis, I can only speculate on who was in that BARA LEE. Ms. LEE. Thank you very much, Mr. I cannot help but to reflect upon the room setting the oil policy. Bush administration’s determination That policy went into effect back in TOWNS. First, let me thank you for yielding, to squander our resources on the im- August of 2005. When President Bush moral occupation of Iraq that has di- signed energy legislation into law, gas but let me thank you also for your leadership on this issue and for so rectly contributed to the current eco- at the pump was selling for about $2.85 nomic downturn of the high gas prices a gallon. Then, just 1 year later, in many other issues. Your voice is ex- tremely important; your work has been that the American people are seeing at 2006, July 26, Energy Secretary Bodman the pump. Make no mistake. We are in important, and it continues to be quite celebrated the 1-year anniversary of the middle of the Bush-Iraq recession. amazing. energy legislation, kind of like ‘‘mis- The economic hardships that Ameri- sion accomplished.’’ And that didn’t In your coming from New York and in my coming from California, we have cans face today are the direct result of pan out either. At that point, 1 year this administration’s failed and flawed very similar issues that we have to after the anniversary of the signing of policies at home and abroad. deal with in terms of this horrific en- the Bush administration energy policy, When President Bush took office in 1 year later gas had gone up to $3 a gal- ergy crisis, and so thank you for giving January of 2001, the price of oil was $23 lon. And, of course, back in May it us the opportunity to talk about it one a barrel, and gasoline cost as little as, went up, it continued to go up, to $3.81 more time. I think it was, $1.35 per gallon. Now, Also, just as I was listening to my in May. But now we are in June head- after more than 5 years of bombing and ing towards July, and folks are specu- colleague Mr. JOHNSON from Georgia, bloodshed in Iraq, since the Iraq inva- lating that we will hit $5 a gallon by thank you for that very brilliant pres- sion, oil has topped $130 a barrel, and the end of the summer, and Americans entation and for that historical con- gasoline is averaging more than $4 a text. You know, sometimes we forget are hurting. gallon. As Congressman JOHNSON said, So it comes as no surprise that the the past. In the Ghanaian language, in it probably will hit the unfortunate big oil President and the big oil Vice the Akan language, there’s a term cost of $5 per gallon. By some esti- President propose more drilling, in- called ‘‘sankofa.’’ In order to move for- mates, the war and continued occupa- stead of suggesting real, lasting solu- ward, we must look back at our mis- tion of Iraq could cost the United tions to our energy problem. takes, and I think what you talked States more than $3 trillion. That’s a The most effective way to address about tonight really makes it very $3 trillion bill for this administration’s this problem is to start conserving. clear that we have to understand how failed policies in Iraq that our children There is so much we can do to conserve we got to where we are so that we don’t and grandchildren will be paying for energy. It means so much for our envi- make those mistakes again, such as years to come. ronment. We need to clean this envi- you talked about, which was the drill- The American people recognize the ronment up. ing in the pristine area in Alaska—in toll this immoral occupation has taken I returned from a trip just 1 month ANWR—and all of the proposals that on our economy. They’re in dire need ago to the North Pole, Mr. Speaker. this administration wants to embark of assistance. Many face the impossible The folks up there are talking about upon. choice of buying food for their families what is going to happen as the ice So thank you very much for that. or of purchasing the gasoline they need melts and it will open up the shipping To my colleague from Texas, Ms. to go to work. If we want to see prices lanes, so there will be more traffic, JACKSON-LEE, you have been on this for at the gas pump go down, one of the more opportunity to traverse that many, many years. You come from oil first and most essential steps we must area, and more opportunity to get at country, and you understand very take is to end the war and occupation that oil that is up in the North Pole. clearly the oil industry and what we in Iraq. And I suppose we will run all of the need to do to dig ourselves out of this We must also focus on transitioning polar bears out trying to get to that hole, and so your voice continues to be our economy away from fossil fuels to oil, trying to sip every last drop of oil important in coming from Texas, in the greener alternative fuels of the fu- that this Earth has to offer, while at understanding that the American peo- ture. This will be a long-term process the same time creating environmental ple deserve not to have to pay $5 a gal- that will affect communities through- havoc. lon for gas. The courage that you’ve out our nations in different ways. It’s displayed has been amazing. Thank you very important to note that, as we con- b 2000 for your voice and for your leadership. tinue to forge these new frontiers to So I would be happy to continue to As we work to reduce skyrocketing achieve energy independence and to have dialogue on this issue, but I know prices at the pump, we continue to face safeguard the environment, commu- that there are other colleagues here opposition from the Bush administra- nities will face many complex environ- who want to address this issue, so I tion, and our colleagues on the other mental and public health challenges. would yield back at this point. side of the aisle seem to be content to The drastic acceleration of greenhouse Mr. TOWNS. Thank you, the gen- subsidize the big oil companies’ record gas emissions has often been con- tleman from Georgia, for his remarks. profits that Mr. TOWNS talked about centrated in low-income and minority

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.094 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 communities, putting these vulnerable Black Caucus and Congressman TOWNS, 2001, I want to remind him that post populations on the front lines of the for allowing us to come down for an 2001, in 2002, there was created the fight against environmental degrada- hour to talk about the basic compo- havoc and the travesty and obviously, tion and global climate change. nents and reasons for this energy crisis as he indicated, the crisis of the Iraq The communities in my district, like and also for allowing us to provide war. Whether or not the Iraq war was in Mr. JOHNSON’s district and in Mr. what we see as some real and practical for oil, as has been debated, it desta- TOWNS’ district and in Ms. JACKSON- solutions that we can embrace right bilized the region. When you desta- LEE’s district, all face the severe con- now—not next year, but today—if, in bilize the region where all of the oil is sequences of pollution, of urban sprawl fact, the Bush administration and his coming from, you obviously dumb and of environmental injustice, which oil industry administration would ac- down the resources coming from that harshly affect people of color and low- cept the fact that they’re responsible area. income communities. Sadly, this epi- for this energy crisis. The American But I wanted to bring to the atten- demic is hitting our children the hard- people deserve a way out. tion of my colleagues that we know est. Thank you. that Saudi Arabia, in this meeting that For example, back at home in my Mr. TOWNS. Let me thank the gen- they’ve held in the last 48 hours, has own district, when children grow up in tlewoman from California for her re- suggested that they will increase oil the area of West Oakland, they’re marks and to say that you’re right. production by 200,000 barrels a day to seven times more likely to be hospital- Our priorities are definitely upside 9.7 million barrels a day, starting on ized for asthma than is the average down. There’s no question about that. July 1, in response to the current en- child in California. None of us can af- Mr. Speaker, how much time do we ergy crisis. ford to take this lightly. The health of have left? The concern there, of course, is that our community and neighbors affects The SPEAKER pro tempore. Thirty China is increasing its needs, and even all of us. minutes. though we’re sort of plateauing out, I I would also like to just take a mo- Mr. TOWNS. Thank you very much. do believe that this is an issue that ment and recognize the role that Cali- At this time, I’d like to yield 5 min- might not be resolved by the increase fornia’s East Bay is playing at the fore- utes to the gentlewoman from Texas, in the per barrel per day, meaning the front of the green jobs and green indus- Congresswoman JACKSON-LEE. 200,000 barrels per day. try movement, which is really a crit- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank We need a summit. We need a summit ical part in terms of addressing the en- you very much. I’m glad to have an op- here in the United States. We need to ergy crisis. One of the most exciting portunity to engage again and to thank get all of the parties together, dis- and inclusive solutions to the many Congressman TOWNS. cussing these components—the high issues facing environmental health and As I have listened to both Congress- gasoline price, the lack of utilization our energy crisis is the possibility af- man JOHNSON and Congresswoman LEE, of the independent producers, not giv- forded to us by promoting green jobs’ I hope that what is gleaned to our col- ing capital an access to African Ameri- cans and to other minorities who, in training and the growth of the green leagues as they listen to us is that fact, might be good stewards of the en- economy in America. there is a consensus, a meeting of the A true green economy, one that is minds, that we’ve got to do something ergy resources, such as those who are sincere in its mission and that is deep- different. I applaud Congresswoman finding oil in the Deep South, such as those who are engaged in green and in ly rooted in local communities and LEE’s collaboration with her mayor, businesses, can provide innovative an- Mayor Dellums. alternative fuels such as wind. I offered a bill on cellulosic ethanol, swers to many of the problems that our As I was standing here, I was reflect- which, I think, is really one of the next environment faces. Green jobs provide ing on the work that our city is doing. steps. Of course, this was embodied in We have Mayor Bill White, but I’m pathways out of poverty for those most the Democratic conservation bill that quite familiar with the Apollo Alli- affected by environmental injustice, included cellulosic ethanol. I know ance, and I was just thinking that it’s namely, people of color and our urban there has been debate over corn eth- time now for another meeting to be youth. anol, but here is an approach: Through We have been working closely in my able to join in that kind of expansive cellulosic ethanol, costly though it district with the Ella Baker Center and effort. may be, it has a long-term impact. with the Apollo Alliance. Mayor Ron So, if the Apollo Alliance is listening, I also believe it’s important to sup- Dellums—my predecessor here and our let me congratulate them, and let me port the legislation that has been of- colleague—has been working very hard tell them to come on down to Texas. fered by two of our colleagues—one to We’ve had some meetings early on, but on a new initiative to support the de- be, I believe, JOHN LARSON, who is mov- velopment of green model cities and to it’s the whole concept of educating in- ing forward on legislation that has to focus on economic development dividuals to change their lives. do with the speculator. We have heard, through green job training academies You said something else, Congress- even today, oil analysts who have said and to create a national green institute woman, about energy. You used the that the speculators are adding an arti- to serve as a clearinghouse for the word ‘‘energy’’ and the words ‘‘energy ficial price. In fact, the Enron loophole green movement. So there are many, industry.’’ That’s coming from what we that was offered by Senator GRAHAM many initiatives to which we need to perceive to be the oil capital of the has given a whole array, a whole new look forward in terms of providing for world—Houston, Texas. I want you to industry on speculation, and more and an alternative to our dependence on know a lot of hardworking people are more energy companies are pulling foreign oil. working in the energy industry, and back from that. They’re dealing with Let me just conclude by saying and they, too, see a new world of alter- their own product and with their own by reminding the country that, most native fuels and also an opportunity to need, and I want to applaud them for recently, the Bush administration has match, if you will, efficiently explored that. threatened to veto the House-passed fossil fuels, because it does exist. There I want to cite Representative VAN H.R. 5351, which is the Renewable En- is something called ‘‘clean coal.’’ As I HOLLEN’s Energy Markets Anti-Manip- ergy and Energy Conservation Tax Act indicated to you, there is something in ulation and Integrity Restoration Act. of 2008. This legislation makes critical the gulf, outside of your birthplace in I happen to be a cosponsor of that leg- investments in clean and renewable en- Texas and Louisiana, where they have islation. I think it’s important. I voted ergy and energy efficiency that will been quietly exploring oil and gas for a to stop the filling on the Strategic Pe- create hundreds of thousands of new number of years, and it has been effi- troleum Reserve, which will help jobs and that will help to maintain the cient. Even during Hurricane Katrina American families by temporarily di- United States’ position as a leader in we noted that those rigs still stayed verting the 70,000 barrels of oil that innovation as we move toward true en- safe in the gulf. So we can find ways to goes to the SPR a day and putting ergy independence. combine these efforts. them out on the market. So I have to thank my colleagues As I listened to Congressman JOHN- What I think is important, again, again, especially the Congressional SON and he took us chronologically to Congressman TOWNS, is that we’re not

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.095 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5851 having face-to-face discussions. I asked we are spending a lot of money in Iraq, heat in the winter and air conditioning the question of one of the members of I will tell you that. in the summer, and reasonable gasoline OPEC: What would be the possibility of Let me say this. I will thank all prices; because, frankly, I don’t think Members of Congress being observers three of my colleagues. I will continue that we can last much longer if we at the OPEC meeting? to work and pursue an answer. The don’t bring relief. The OPEC meeting has large num- Representative indicated he was very I thank you for bringing this very bers of African countries. It has large interested, and would go back and ask. important special order to the floor to- numbers of countries from South The meeting is in September and I will night. America. Then, of course, it has those pursue that. I don’t have the exact lo- Ms. LEE. I just want to emphasize from the Middle East. I, frankly, be- cation, but I believe it is in Europe. If one point raised by Congresswoman lieve it’s somewhat similar to treaty so, it would be easy for us to go. JACKSON-LEE with regard to getting discussions, that it’s somewhat similar I think the other part would be to our young people involved. This is a to the discussion on race in South Afri- give the energy leadership of these huge new industry. We have proposed ca when they were on track, that it’s multinationals, and obviously they are the green job training academy to somewhat similar to the United Na- in my congressional district, but a begin to look at the green industry. tions. It would be Members of Con- forum to be able to have a conversation It is my understanding that now ven- gress’ representing the most powerful outside of a hearing setting. We need to ture capitalists are looking at this as law-making body in the world, as de- ask the hard questions. We need to ask investment opportunities that will cre- scribed by others, their being able to how much of the cost of gasoline is the ate trillions of dollars in terms of job go to the OPEC meetings as observers refinery cost? How much of the cost of creation and in terms of an industry. and understanding the process of how jet fuel is refinery cost? What is attrib- And these are jobs that do not require this oil and gas moves. utable to having old refineries, and necessarily a 4-year college degree or a what can you do to make the energy Ph.D. These are jobs, once trained, b 2015 name of your industry more diverse, to young people will qualify for and will This does not diminish the call for have more green and more alternatives be able to make a living wage with ben- conservation. But I do think it will such as wind and biomass. efits, good-paying jobs. So we have to open our eyes. I am told that wind is very expensive, provide our young people with these al- Ms. LEE. Let me just say how impor- but you can’t get that answer if we are ternatives because they are going to tant that is because we are the people’s not sitting down at the table. school now and they are getting out of House. Americans don’t understand I thank the gentleman for the idea of school, and there are no jobs. They why they are paying $4.50 per gallon. a summit. We may work on that. Let have not been trained for the jobs of They expect us to be able to tell them. me conclude by saying we have been the future. This has to be an initiative I think by observing OPEC, being working in this Congress. I don’t want that we pursue. there, interacting and understanding, anyone to think that we have not been Mr. TOWNS. I yield to the gentleman listening to the dialogue, will give us a sensitive. You listed a whole road map from Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON). much better handle on what the crisis that you, Mr. TOWNS, as a senior mem- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank is from OPEC’s perspective and what ber of the Energy and Commerce Com- you, Congressman TOWNS. proposed solutions are coming out of mittee have been very much involved Just listening to the comments of my OPEC. in. For example, the Renewable Energy colleagues, I am intrigued with so I hope we can move forward on that and Energy Conservation Tax Act of many things. My colleague from Texas because I think that is a very creative 2008, a combination of the Ways and (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) is pretty much say- idea. We have to do things out of the Means Committee and the Energy ing we have to have dialogue with our box and do things that are creative be- Committee, which I think is very im- partners around the world, be they cause so many people are suffering. portant because it encourages the de- friends or foe. Because the bottom line, Thank you for that, and hopefully we velopment of innovative technologies, people talk about the global economy. can work together to support that. creating new jobs, reducing carbon It is true, we have a global economy. It Mr. TOWNS. Let me say one other emissions, protecting consumers, shift- doesn’t always work as fairly as it thing. I think the energy summit is ing production to cleaner renewable en- should, but the bottom line is that we just a terrific idea because you have so ergy, and modernizing our energy in- have a global economy. And some folks many people who feel there is a single frastructure. are making out like bandits, and oth- solution to the problem. There is no The note I want to end on is we have ers are sinking. And so it is time that single solution to the problem. It is to get more young people involved. we have equity in this world. going to require less dependence on for- Mr. TOWNS. And it also has gas price I know Congresswoman LEE, you eign oil. We must recognize that. We gouging and market manipulation in- have been a woman who has through- must promote market-based programs cluded in that legislation. out your career insisted on taking care that recognize and reward clean energy Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. And of the have-nots while the haves can technology. We need to do that. And we that is very important. continue to be prosperous as well. And must launch a cleaner, smarter energy What I want to end on is we must get so dialogue with our oil-producing na- future for America that lowers costs more of our young people involved in tions is so important. for consumers. the energy industry. We worked on Because by the way, Congresswoman We must look at ethanol and con- this, Congressman TOWNS. We had a SHEILA JACKSON-LEE, drilling is one of sider wind and look at all of these dif- bill about geologists. I have listened to the tools that we need in our tool bas- ferent things in order to make certain Congresswoman LEE as the chair- ket to address this issue. We must take that the problem is solved. woman of the Energy Brain Trust, and advantage of the leases that have al- I yield to the gentlelady from Hous- we are going to try and focus on that ready been granted by this government ton, Texas. and push our communities, Hispanics to the oil companies, that they have Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. If I may and African Americans and other mi- been sitting on for years waiting for quickly conclude so my distinguished norities and women, to get into this in- the price to go up so they can start friend from Georgia, who has made dustry and provide their sensitivity drilling. some valid points about the Iraq war and provide their perspective so that And Congresswoman BARBARA LEE, that we are still suffering, I was read- they can talk eloquently about what you talked about the children, and the ing something, Congressman JOHNSON, gasoline prices really mean when they children are so important. I am looking about the condition of the Iraq oil are this high. And then to add to the at an article in today’s Washington wells and the difficulty of bringing broader community of America who is Post. It says ‘‘Fuel Costs May Force them online and the need for U.S. in- crying out for relief, I believe we can Some Kids to Walk.’’ It means that our vestment or other investment. turn the corner, or we should, and to local boards of education have to pay It is interesting, a lot of people think bring to all of America an opportunity for the price of diesel fuel which is we are making a lot of money in Iraq; to have reasonable energy resources, going through the roof. And to get our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.096 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 children to school costs a whole lot to work, it prevents them from pur- And then I think, of course, we need more money than it did last year. And chasing a home. They can’t afford to to emphasize the environmentally safe so that means less money for teachers buy a home and pay all of these high exploration of drilling, as my colleague and less money for school infrastruc- prices for gas. And of course the fact indicated, and the reason why I say ture, the buildings, less money for that some buses are not running, which that is because it’s still going on in the books. as you indicated means children are gulf, not as they say—I know it’s dif- This oil crisis is wreaking havoc on going to have to walk to school be- ficult in other areas. But in the gulf, us, and our children are looking to us cause of the fact that these buses are it’s still going on, and it should be en- to make the right decision. They are saying we are not making a profit be- vironmentally safe. counting on us to make the tough cause of the gas prices. Then I think as members of the Con- choices for the future. They are count- So when you look at the facts, they gressional Black Caucus we need some ing on this Congress to understand that do not have affordable housing, and the meetings with the heads of the nations the most effective way to adapt to this fact that they can’t afford to buy a in the Continent in Africa, Angola, changing reality or this new reality, home because of the gas prices, and of Guinea Bassu, Nigeria. Ghana is find- which is dwindling supply with in- course we need to look at tax incen- ing oil. And it would be very helpful to creased skyrocketing demand, we must tives and things that will bring about sit down and have a discussion as to as a tool in our toolbox insist upon this discussion that we need to have how their product can be marketed conservation while we also extend tax because this is a serious problem. And where there is—I know the bottom line incentives to companies to develop to ignore it, it is not going to go away. has to do with dollars—but where there solar energy. I mean, we have a vast It is going to get bigger and it is going is a sense of morality, a sense of desert where I think it was 107 degrees to get worse. rightness on how that works. And out there, or more, sun brightly shin- We have to come together with a pol- again, it ties into my inquiry and out- ing down. Do you mean to tell me that icy that is going to protect not only reach that I am going to make to we can’t put some solar panels out the seniors, the young, and the middle- OPEC because I think a lot of heads are there and start capturing that sunlight aged, to protect America. This is some- better than none. And you listed all of and changing it to electricity, to help thing that we must do. We can no the good works of the Renewable En- take some of the demand away from longer allow and have the rich con- ergy and Energy Conservation Tax Act fossil fuels. It is much cleaner, but I tinue to get richer and at the same of 2008, and I think it’s important to think the oil companies would have a time having people in a position to note this is what the Democrats did. But I want to invite people to come hard time trying to get their fingers have to make a decision whether they together during the Congressional and their hands around the sun. So we are going to buy gasoline or whether they are going to buy food. That is Black Caucus, Mr. TOWNS, and we can haven’t seen a lot of solar energy. We are getting more wind coming wrong, and we should not stand for it. join together under the energy brain I yield to the gentlewoman from trust. I must pay tribute to my prede- through because of the global-warming Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). cessor, and you certainly knew him, phenomenon, the disruption of our cli- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. You Congressman Mickey Leland, who or- mate. We are getting the wind, but we have given an eloquent summary of the ganized the brain trust, on the basis of are not using that wind to help us with crisis that I think most Americans are getting a sense of morality in this in- our energy needs. We need to do that. facing. dustry. In fact, he was coming into it Biofuels. And all of these new things with another energy crisis that was are on the table, but instead what we b 2030 certainly in that time. get is a new plan announced by the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would So I believe that with all of the hid- President which is more drilling, and like us to move past these hot months den resources that we still have, we drilling in our sensitive areas in our that we have right now and begin to will open resources that we can ad- environment. look forward into particularly the cold- dress. And the only reason why we’re Ms. LEE. If the gentleman would er areas of America and begin to think not coming together is I don’t think yield, what you are talking about, about what is going to happen with that we’re putting our heads together which is so important, is a comprehen- heating fuel and this new coming win- to be able to develop the kind of bal- sive energy independence plan. We need ter season. We sort of got the tail end anced policy that brings these people a national plan for energy independ- of the high price of gasoline sort of as together. ence that provides for this toolbox, as we were leaving the winter months or I do want to make mention of the you describe it, that allows for all of as we were getting into the summer fact that I am looking forward to a the alternatives. months, and we saw a crisis of people roundtable discussion with leadership I read in the newspaper that rural going on a vacation and taking their in my district. However, that is the be- communities, because people have to kids places during the summer facing ginning stages of what I think can be a drive so far to jobs, people are having this very high cost for gasoline per gal- larger question for this Congress to ad- to make decisions whether or not they lon. dress, for leadership, for members of can afford to go to work because the But I met with some of my power the Congressional Black Caucus, for cost of gasoline is higher than the cost companies who provide energy, and, of our caucus members to address, be- of their wages. Rural communities course, I am in a warmer climate than cause our constituents and poor con- throughout our country are being dev- many of my colleagues. But I am con- stituents and elderly constituents and astated by the price of gasoline. This is cerned about what we will confront ailing constituents are impacted by the an emergency. with natural gas and other fossil fuels high cost of gasoline and heating oil. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. The price that may be utilized for heating peo- And I thank the distinguished gen- of food is going up. So we have food ple’s homes. What a crisis for elderly tleman for giving us an opportunity to going up. We have energy costs going and others and families who can’t af- raise these crucial issues that I believe up. And the American people feel ford their heating fuels. have to be raised. squeezed. They are counting on us to So I believe that today on the floor of Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I yield do something to address this issue. the House we have offered a suggestion. 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Congressman TOWNS, I just appre- A summit doesn’t mean 3,000 people. It California (Ms. LEE). ciate so much your emphasis on this means getting all of the parties to- Ms. LEE. Thank you for yielding, Mr. dilemma that we face. We are, I think, gether that can sit at the table. Get TOWNS. I thank you again for your proving that all Americans are con- this energy industry at the table. Let leadership for bringing us together, but cerned about the future of this country them lay out what is a concept of your it’s going to be through your leader- insofar as energy is concerned. company, because energy for me means ship and others here on the floor to- Mr. TOWNS. It affects a lot of things. that you are diversified under the con- night, our great Speaker, and bringing First of all, when you look at young cept of energy, green energy, alter- together Members of this body to make people and you talk about the gas native biomass, begin to look at how sure that we can have a bipartisan na- prices and what it costs for them to go we can lay down this roadmap. tional energy plan.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.098 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5853 I said earlier, and I hope we will al- Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, we are in Apollo Alliance in my district, to expand green ways remember, that the jobs that are the middle of the Bush Iraq recession. The jobs and green job training programs. going to be created by the development economic hardship that Americans face today I am also working with the mayor of Oak- of new, innovative energy independent is the direct result of this administration’s land on a new initiative to support the devel- industries, such as the green industry, failed and flawed policies—at home and opment of green model cities that focus on will be millions of jobs for our young abroad. economic development through green job people. And we have to also remember, When President Bush was signed into office training academies and to create a national as I talked earlier, about the long-term in January of 2001, the price of oil was $23 a green institute to serve as a clearinghouse for public health consequences and the en- barrel and gasoline cost as little as $1.35 per the green movement. vironmental concerns as we move to- gallon. While we are convincing long-standing busi- ward energy independence and clean Now, after more than five years of bombing nesses to go green and new businesses to energy, green energy, wind, solar, all of and bloodshed in Iraq, oil has topped $130 a start green, we must ensure that we are also the alternatives that will provide for a barrel and gasoline is averaging more than $4 funding opportunities to train our local youth much better quality of health for all per gallon. and qualify our existing work force to be able Americans, as well as for a cleaner en- By some estimates, the war and continued to work in these industries. vironment. occupation of Iraq could cost the United I want to end by saying what so many of us deeply understand: over the last eight years So we do have a chance for a win- States more than $3 trillion. That’s a $3 trillion the Bush administration has been openly hos- win-win. We can create millions of new bill for this administration’s failed policies in jobs, we can create a trillion-dollar in- tile to the environment. Iraq that our children and grandchildren will be His administration has repeatedly cut fund- dustry, we can create a cleaner envi- paying for years to come. ronment, we can create livable commu- ing for the EPA and put forth disastrous envi- The American people recognize the toll this ronmental policies that have rolled back envi- nities throughout our country if we immoral occupation has taken on our econ- would just understand the moment ronmental protections and undermined the omy. They are in dire need of assistance. safety and well being of our Nation and our we’re in and be honest with the Amer- Many face the impossible choice of buying ican people and be serious and do some planet. food for their families or purchasing the gaso- Most recently, the Bush administration has of the things we talked about. line they need to go to work. But also I think it’s important, as I threatened to veto the House passed H.R. If we want to see gas prices go down at the 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy close, to also remember that the occu- pump, one of the first, and most essential pation of Iraq, the bombing and inva- Conservation Tax Act of 2008. steps we can take, is to end to the war and This legislation makes critical investments in sion of the country of Iraq that was a occupation of Iraq. clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency country that was not an imminent We must also focus on transitioning our that will create hundreds of thousands of new threat to the United States of America economy away from fossil fuels to the greener jobs and help to maintain the United States’ where there were no weapons of mass alternative fuels of the future. This will be a position as a leader in innovation as we move destruction, the havoc that we have long term process that will affect communities toward true energy independence. wreaked on the country of Iraq and throughout our Nation in different ways. I urge my colleagues to help bring an end Iraqi civilians and our brave troops, But it is important to note that as we con- to policies that place corporate profits ahead this is a big part of why, when the war tinue to forge new frontiers to achieve energy of the long-term interest of public health and started, we were paying about $1.35 per independence and safeguard the environment, the environment, and instead work toward a gallon, $35 per barrel; now we are pay- communities will face many complex environ- greener and more prosperous future for the ing $4.50, soon to be $5 a gallon, close to mental and public health challenges. United States and the world. $140 per barrel. The drastic acceleration of greenhouse gas Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, how much So we can not forget the economic emissions has often been concentrated in low- time do we have left? impacts of this occupation of Iraq and income and minority communities, putting The SPEAKER pro tempore. About 4 remember that we have to include a de- these vulnerable populations on the ‘‘front minutes. mand that we end it and we bring our Mr. TOWNS. On that I would like to lines’’ of the fight against environmental deg- young men and women home. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from radation and global climate change. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank Rep- Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON). The communities in my district face the se- resentative TOWNS for holding this special Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank vere consequences of pollution, urban sprawl, order tonight on an issue that is on the minds you, Congressman TOWNS. of so many of my constituents. and enviromnental injustice—which harshly af- Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out As the Democratic Majority works to reduce fects people of color and low-income families. the fact that in the short time that the skyrocketing prices at the pump, we continue Sadly, this epidemic is hitting our children Democrats have been in leadership in to face opposition from the Bush administra- the hardest. Back home in my district, children Congress, we’ve passed no less than tion and my colleagues on the other side of growing up in West Oakland are seven times eight bills, passed them on to the the aisle who appear content to subsidize the more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than President, the President has either Big Oil Company’s record profits quarter after the average child in California. threatened to veto them or vetoed quarter rather than adopt real solutions to None of us can afford to take this lightly. them; and now the President proposes meet the energy needs of people across the The health of our community and our neigh- a plan that will have little or no im- Nation. bors affects all of us. pact on gas prices. It will take years to More specifically, we have proposed legisla- As the Representative of California’s 9th implement, it will threaten the envi- tion that would invest in truly clean and renew- Congressional District, I would also like to take ronment and does nothing to decrease able energy sources. a moment to recognize the role that Califor- our dependence on foreign oil. And this Our proposals would also bring much-need- nia’s East Bay is playing at the forefront of the is a plan that JOHN MCCAIN opposed as ed accountability to the energy, markets in green jobs and green industry movement. recently as last week when he made his order to eliminate the price gouging and mar- One of the most exciting and inclusive solu- announcement that he’s now in support ket manipulation and speculation that have in- tions to the many issues facing environmental of this failed policy. So we look like flated energy prices to record levels. health is the possibility afforded to us by pro- we’re headed for Bush-McCain a third This week, we will also take up legislation to moting green jobs training and the growth of term. expand the use of public transit systems to the green economy in America. And instead of pandering to the oil save energy and reduce greenhouse gas A true green economy, one that is sincere industry, the President should work emissions. in its mission and deeply rooted in local com- with this Congress to come up with a But, Mr. Speaker, in light of this growing en- munities and businesses, can provide innova- plan to address our long-term energy ergy crisis, I cannot help but also reflect upon tive answers to many of the problems our en- challenges. And I want to thank you, the Bush administration’s determination to vironment faces. Congressman TOWNS, for leading up squander our resources on the immoral occu- Green jobs provide pathways out of poverty this effort. I’m proud to be among my pation of Iraq that has directly contributed to for those most affected by environmental in- members of my fellow colleagues in the the current economic downturn and the high justice, namely minorities and our urban youth. Congressional Black Caucus because gas prices the American people are seeing at To that end, my office has been working we’re showing that we are broad based. the pump. closely with the Ella Baker Center, and the We understand what is happening down

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.099 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 home with the average Americans. And a day, and consequently has the potential to and independent energy companies in this we stand with average Americans, re- reduce gas prices from 5 to 24 cents a gallon, process because they represent some of the gardless of what color, regardless of helping American families, businesses, and hard working Americans and Houstonians who what shape or size or even sexual incli- the economy as a whole. are on the forefront of energy efficient strate- nation. We stand with you because There is an undeniable consensus on the gies to achieving energy independence. we’re all in the same boat together. importance of America achieving energy inde- According to the U.S. Minerals Management Mr. TOWNS. Thank you. pendence in the 21st century. It is critical that Service (MMS), America’s deep seas on the Let me thank all of you for partici- we terminate our dependence on foreign Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) contain 420 tril- pating in this Special Order. It was sources of oil, the majority of which are lo- lion cubic feet of natural gas (the U.S. con- said earlier on, I think by Congress- cated in regions of the world which are unsta- sumes 23 TCF per year) and 86 billion barrels woman LEE, that one reason the food ble and in most circumstances, opposed to of oil (the U.S. imports 4.5 billion per year). costs have increased along with fuel our interests. Accordingly, there is no issue Even with all these energy resources, the U.S. costs is that fuel is required to both more essential to our economic and national sends more than $300 billion (and countless produce and transport food. So in this security than energy independence. American jobs) overseas every year for en- regard, the rise in fuel costs is felt not I was happy to vote for the Renewable En- ergy we can create at home. only at the pump but at the grocery ergy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of I believe that we should mandate environ- store as well because people are paying 2008, which is significant and comprehensive mentally safe and efficient exploration tech- more for our gas. legislation that will make substantial strides to- niques in the Gulf Coast which energy compa- So I want to thank you for high- wards energy independence for our Nation, nies have demonstrated a willingness and ca- lighting this tonight because this is while also encouraging the development of in- pacity to utilize. By ensuring access to in- something that we just can no longer novative technologies, creating new jobs, re- creasing sources of energy in an environ- stand back and ignore. ducing carbon emissions, protecting con- mentally conscious way, I believe we can de- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. sumers, shifting production to clean and re- crease our dependence on foreign oil. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield, I newable energy, and modernizing our energy I support innovative solutions to our national want to thank Congressman TOWNS, infrastructure. energy crisis, such as my legislation which al- and let me extend to my colleagues an In addition to being a representative from leviates our dependence on foreign oil and invitation to come to Houston and let Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the fossil fuels by utilizing loan guarantees to pro- us have a summit, a discussion, begin- world, for the past 12 years I have been the mote the development of traditional and cel- ning discussion for energy and getting Chair of the Energy Braintrust of the Congres- lulosic ethanol technology. The Energy Information Administration esti- a roadmap for energy. sional Black Caucus. During this time, I have mates that the United States imports nearly 60 I would like to thank my fellow CBC Mem- hosted a variety of energy braintrusts de- percent of the oil it consumes. The world’s ber, Representative TUBBS-JONES for her con- signed to bring in all of the relevant players greatest petroleum reserves reside in regions sistent leadership on the issue of energy. ‘‘I ranging from environmentalists to producers of of high geopolitical risk, including 57 percent am proud to have worked with my dear col- energy from a variety of sectors including coal, of which are in the Persian Gulf. Replacing oil league in the CBC on a number of occasions electric, natural gas, nuclear, oil, and alter- imports with domestic alternatives such as tra- to promote a most energy responsible Amer- native energy sources as well as energy pro- ditional and cellulosic ethanol can not only ica. ducers from West Africa. My Energy help reduce the $180 billion that oil contributes We are all painfully aware of the devastation Braintrusts were designed to be a call of ac- to our annual trade deficit, it can end our ad- high energy prices have had on American tion—to all of the sectors who comprise the diction to foreign oil. According to the Depart- families. This New Direction Congress, of American and international energy industry, to ment of Agriculture, biomass can displace 30 which I am proud to be a part, is fighting to re- the African American community, and to the percent of our nation’s petroleum consump- duce our dependence on foreign oil and bring nation as a whole. tion. down record gas prices, and launch a cleaner, Energy is the lifeblood of every economy, Along with traditional production of ethanol smarter energy future for America that lowers especially ours. Producing more of it leads to from corn, cellulosic ethanol can be produced costs and creates hundreds of thousands of more good jobs, cheaper goods, lower fuel domestically from a variety of feedstocks, in- green jobs. prices, and greater economic and national se- cluding switchgrass, corn stalks and municipal It is undeniable that America, today, is in curity. Bringing together thoughtful yet distinct solid wastes, which are available throughout the midst of an energy crisis. Just this week- voices to engage each other on the issue of our nation. Cellulosic ethanol also relies on its end, Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, energy independence has resulted in the be- own byproducts to fuel the refining process, announced that it will increase oil production ginning of a transformative dialectic which can yielding a positive energy balance. Whereas by 200,000 barrels a day to 9.7 million barrels ultimately result in reforming our energy indus- the potential production of traditional corn- a day staring July 1st in response the current try to the extent that we as a nation achieve based ethanol is about 10 billion gallons per energy crisis. While this is an important step energy security and energy independence. year, the potential production of cellulosic eth- in the right direction, it is not enough. At a re- Because I represent the city of Houston, the anol is estimated to be 60 billion gallons per cent world economic forum in Doha, I called energy capital of the world, I realize that many year. for Members of Congress and the United oil and gas companies provide many jobs for In addition to ensuring access to more States Government to participate in OPEC’s many of my constituents and serve a valuable abundant sources of energy, replacing petro- deliberations, in regards to energy production. need. The energy industry in Houston exem- leum use with ethanol will help reduce U.S. I am extremely supportive of the legislation plifies the stakeholders who must be instru- carbon emissions, which are otherwise ex- introduced by my distinguished colleague from mental in devising a pragmatic strategy for re- pected to increase by 80 percent by 2025. Maryland, Representative VAN HOLLEN, The solving our national energy crisis. Cellulosic ethanol can also reduce greenhouse Energy Markets Anti-Manipulation and Integrity That is why it is crucial that while seeking gas emissions by 87 percent. Thus, Restoration Act, of which I am a proud co- solutions to secure more energy independ- transitioning from foreign oil to ethanol will sponsor. This important legislation would close ence within this country, we must strike a bal- protect our environment from dangerous car- the so-called Enron loophole by adding energy ance that will still support an environment for bon and greenhouse gas emissions. With its to the list of items that cannot be traded on continued growth in the oil and gas industry, commitment to American biofuels, this legisla- deregulated ‘‘exempt commercial markets’’, as which I might add, creates millions of jobs tion calls for a significant increase in the Re- well as closing the Foreign Board of Trade across the entire country. newable Fuels Standard. It encourages the di- (FBOT) loophole by forbidding an exchange We have many more miles to go before we versification of American energy crops thus from being deemed an unregulated foreign en- achieve energy independence. Consequently, ensuring that biodiesel and cellulosic sources tity if its trading affiliate or trading infrastruc- I am willing, able, and eager to continue work- are key components in the America’s drive to ture is in the U.S., and it trades a U.S.-deliv- ing with Houston’s and our Nation’s energy in- become energy independent. ered contract that significantly affects price dustry to ensure that we are moving expedi- By investing in renewable energy and in- discovery. tiously on the path to crafting an environ- creasing access to potential sources of en- Just last month, I voted to stop the filling on mentally sound and economically viable en- ergy, I believe we can be partners with re- the Strategic Petroleum Reserve which will ergy policy. sponsible members of America’s energy pro- help American families by temporarily diverting Furthermore, I think it is imperative that we ducing community in our collective goal of the 70,000 barrels of oil that go into the SPR involve small, minority- and women-owned, reaching energy independence.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:03 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.100 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5855 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, the bal- In Texas, the price of a gallon of gasoline House to talk about the energy poli- ance of the time I yield to the Con- has risen more than $1.05 in the past year. cies, or lack thereof, in this country. gresswoman from Jacksonville, Flor- No one drives more than Texans do. With And the first gentleman that I would ida, (Corrine Brown). thousands of miles of highways and cities lo- like to recognize is the gentleman from Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. cated far from one another, efficient transpor- Virginia (Mr. WITTMAN). Mr. Speaker, I first of all want to tation is frequently on our minds. Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. thank Congressman TOWNS for hosting Nationwide, gas prices have risen from Speaker, I thank the gentleman from this energy information transportation $2.20 per gallon in December 2005 to $4.10 Ohio for yielding. session today. per gallon on June 19, 2008, according to the Mr. Speaker, as I drove around the And I was very excited last weekend Energy Information Administration, the entity district today, I got to speak to a num- that I was in your district, and I was that collects official energy statistics for the ber of folks, in fact, even over the able to ride the train from Union Sta- United States Government. weekend; and the number one issue on tion to downtown New York. That dis- Gas prices are hurting our local families. 1 their mind is our energy policy in this tance, I was able to do it in 2 ⁄2 hours, Citizens must make tough economic choices Nation. And they asked me, Rob, what and the goal of our Transportation and because of the crippling effect that high gas are we going to do about fuel prices? Infrastructure Committee is to be able prices is having on their lives. to do it in less time. Congress must show leadership and take What are we going to do about making Mr. TOWNS. From Washington to action to address this problem of high gas sure that we have the long-term inter- New York 21⁄2 hours? prices. ests of this country at heart when we Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Congress should work toward the goals of develop this energy policy? That is right. And we want to do it in long-term energy solutions that promote eco- You know, I get to experience that 2 hours. nomic and environment stability. every day. I’m privileged to live close But the key is we were able to do We should invest in research to reduce our enough to the Capitol here where I that, and I was able to take that train dependence on fossil fuels. Wind-, solar-, hy- commute back and forth every day. I ride and read and contemplate what drogen-, nuclear-, and geothermal energy live in a little town that’s about 80 we’ve got to do. We’ve passed the Am- sources are all viable options that should be miles from here, and I drive that every trak bill. We’ve got to move this coun- considered. day. So I get to know what the cost of try forward, and I want to thank you We should mandate stricter fuel economy gas is, and I can really relate to folks for your leadership on this issue. standards on all automobiles. back in the district when they ask me, We’ve had our heads in the sand long We should utilize alternative fuels that are What are we going to do about making enough on the issues of global warming, and environmentally sustainable. sure that we have a good, comprehen- I’m glad that the House Leadership is making We should incentivize the use of public sive energy policy and making sure this issue a top priority. You only need to look transportation and improve our transportation that we address fuel prices. at the constantly rising gas prices to under- infrastructure. For me, it is about an 80-mile com- stand why we need to focus on energy inde- We should conduct stronger oversight to de- pendence. mute, and it is very similar to other termine if gas prices are being artificially in- folks who live back in the district, My home State of Florida is particularly vul- flated. nerable to weather pattern changes brought whether they live in the upper part of My years on the Transportation and on the the district in the Fredericksburg area about by climate change. Florida on average Science Committees have heightened my sen- sits just 98 feet above sea level and each year or down in Hampton Roads. Many of sitivity to this subject of rising gas prices. them commute day after day. They battles hurricanes with increased frequency I have worked to help these committees have to deal with the cost of com- and intensity. pass legislation that: muting to get to their work. And they Fortunately, the Transportation and Infra- Funds research for environmentally-friendly also have to deal with that as they structure Committee is taking the bull by the highway materials; horns and looking at ways that we can de- Secures dollars for our local transportation commute to take their families, wheth- crease the negative effect our transportation infrastructure; and er it’s to school or whether it’s to system has on the world’s ecosystem. Supports research on alternative fuels, plug- after-school activities for their chil- One simple way to do this is increasing the in hybrid cars, hydrogen, ethanol, and other dren. It’s really putting a crimp in use of passenger and freight rail. Freight rail- energy sources. their budgets, and they are very, very roads have made major gains in fuel efficiency In Texas, we spend a lot of time in our cars. concerned. through training and improved locomotive High gas prices are particularly impactful to As I drive through the district, I get technology. A single intermodal train can take our economy. to see the price of gas each day, and it up to 280 trucks off our highways. Today, one There is no simple or quick solution to this ranges anywhere from $4.10 a gallon up gallon of diesel fuel can move a ton of freight problem of gas prices, but Congress must in the Washington metro area down to an average of 414 miles, a 76 percent im- show leadership and take action to address it. $3.83 a gallon down in the Tappa- provement since 1980. And General Electric Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about my con- hannock area. So I know the range of will soon unveil the world’s first hybrid loco- stituents. They are asking for relief from esca- fuel prices in the district, know where motive. lating gas prices, and I want to be proactive. the best places are to buy fuel. But it’s Passenger rails’ ability to reduce congestion The time to act upon this issue is today. still extraordinarily expensive for peo- is well known, with ridership numbers increas- Mr. TOWNS. Thank you very much, ple. And that really makes it difficult ing steadily each year. One full passenger Mr. Speaker. on them. It really puts a crimp in their train can take 250–350 cars off the roads. f budgets. It creates challenges for them, Passenger rail also consumes less energy ENERGY POLICY and it creates hardships for them. And than automobiles and commercial airlines. But that’s something that they say, Why we need to get people to wake up and start The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under isn’t Congress acting? Why aren’t you making passenger rail a priority in this country. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- coming up with a solution for these Unfortunately, this also brings up the bigger uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Ohio real problems that we have to deal issue of capacity and what we are able to ac- (Mr. LATTA) is recognized for 60 min- with day in and day out? utes as the designee of the minority complish with the limited rail capacity that cur- And it’s frustrating for them. They rently exists in the United States. We need to leader. Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much, watch a Congress that really kind of find a dedicated source for increasing rail ca- stumbles and doesn’t do anything. And pacity and we need to do it now to prepare for Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the oppor- tunity on this special order this I can understand their frustration and the future. understand why they are frustrated This may not be an easy task, but it is the evening to talk about a very, very im- with us. right thing to do for future generations. portant issue that’s facing this coun- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. try, if not the most important issue, You know, I would like to relate a Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge Congress to enact and that is energy. couple of different stories. legislation to lower gas prices and invest in al- We have several Members this Earlier in the district, I spoke with ternative energy. evening that will be addressing the some folks in the Fredericksburg area,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:26 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.101 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5856 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 the Sherman family, and they run a mission control went to the engineers, tic sources has to be part of the puzzle, small business, and they rely on diesel and they went together and they put but we can’t take that off the table. It trucks in their business. And they said, together all the pieces of equipment has to be part of what we do in this ROB, we bought diesel trucks for a spe- that they had on board in both the suite of available resources that we cific reason. We bought them because service and command modules, and have to solve our energy problems here of the hauling that we have to do, and they put it in a box and they took it in and to come up with a comprehensive diesels are more economical as far as the room with the engineers, and they energy policy. hauling and heavy work. And diesel dumped those items on the table, and You know, it’s that energy policy fuel, when they first bought those vehi- they said, come up with a solution to that’s going to determine the health of cles, was less than gasoline. And now the problem. And they gave them a our economy in years to come. We have we know today diesel is significantly very specific time limit because obvi- to conserve. We have to look at alter- more expensive than gasoline, and ously their oxygen was going to run native and renewable sources of en- they’re frustrated. They said, We made out. And those engineers took that ergy. We have to look at the existing that decision. We made that decision time and they came up with an idea, sources that we have here. We have to based on good business sense, and now and they solved that problem which as- look at nuclear power. We have to look today their business is being affected sured that those astronauts got back to at every available means to make sure by that. Earth alive. that this country can meet its energy b 2045 That’s the same sort of spirit of inge- needs and to create energy independ- nuity to solve problems that we need ence. In fact, they’re having to park their to bear with this energy problem. We You know, we have to really ramp up trucks, and it’s cutting into their busi- can do it. We’ve seen that. We’ve seen the effort for research and develop- ness. So not only is it costing them that American ingenuity come to light. ment, not only of these resources, but more to operate, but they also have to We’ve seen it solve problems, and we of conservation and of other sources of make up for that by parking trucks, know with this particular situation we energy. And we have to do that aggres- which reduces the amount of business can put together a comprehensive en- sively, in addition to aggressively pur- that they’re able to do and affects their suing the sources of energy that we bottom line. So not only are they in a ergy policy that includes everything. have already. And we can incentivize situation of having to deal with higher We need to put everything in that box, conservation, and we can make sure fuel prices, but their margins get just like those Apollo engineers did, that we encourage the use of more en- pressed, and they do less business be- and put it on the table and say let’s de- ergy efficient equipment, in addition to cause of these higher fuel prices. And velop a comprehensive energy policy for this country. developing our domestic sources. they said, ROB, we can’t stand that for And again, it has to include every- So, again, we have to look at an very long. This really is going to affect across-the-board comprehensive energy what they’re able to do. thing. We have to make sure that we So we don’t have businesses that are look at domestic sources of energy, policy and realize that there’s no silver growing. We have businesses that are again to create energy independence, bullet for increasing gas prices. You can’t just say we’re going to do one retracting, and they’re asking me, ROB, and looking at our refining capacity to what are you going to do? Why isn’t make sure that meets our future needs. thing and that’s going to create a solu- the Congress coming up with a sensible You know, we have vast resources tion to this problem. We have to, just energy policy? And why isn’t there a here of energy. We need to make sure as the Apollo 13 engineers did, put ev- sense of urgency? that we bring those things to the table, erything on the table, put everything You know, folks are saying, look, whether it’s oil shale out west, oil in that box, and then put that on the this is something that affects us day in sands, oil and natural gas in the Outer table for us to solve these issues. and day out. We want to feel like Con- Continental Shelf. And we can do those But the American people are looking gress has a sense of urgency and is things, and we can do those things in for Congress to take clear-cut action to going to Washington to get things an environmentally sound manner. We try to solve this problem, and they ex- done. And they don’t want us to sit by have the technology to do that to pect us to work to come up with that idle. They are tired of words. They make sure that we don’t harm the en- policy. They expect us to hear them, to want action, and I can’t blame them. vironment, at the same time creating literally feel their pain, and to make You know, we have the opportunity energy independence for this country. sure that we get things done here. They to work together to develop a com- And we do have that ability. Whether want to make sure that we’re investing prehensive energy policy that provides it’s in ANWR, whether it’s offshore, or in these clean sources, in addition to relief to consumers for these high gas oil sands, or oil shales, we need to be investing and making sure that we de- and diesel fuel prices and also address- doing that. velop the sources that we have here in es the issue of our reliance on foreign You know, we haven’t constructed a our continental United States. oil. refinery in this country in over 30 And you know, we should not cut off A lady today told me she had a great years. We need to do that. We have the resources within our borders. I mean, analogy, and I think it’s perfect. She ability to do that. We have the ability we have that available. We don’t see said, ROB, did you ever see the movie to create and build environmentally other countries throughout the world ‘‘Apollo 13?’’ And I said, yes, I did. She sensitive refineries and develop our en- saying, well, we have these resources reminded me of a scene there where, as ergy here in environmentally sensitive and we’re not going to use them. And the command module and the service ways. you know, we’re in a world economy module were going to the moon, there You know, at the same time, it’s where we’re competing against those was an explosion in one of the oxygen critical that we encourage the develop- other nations, and those other nations tanks there, and it damaged the pri- ment of clean energy sources, again, all are buying energy abroad. They’re de- mary oxygen tank, which was there to different parts of the puzzle, and we veloping their own sources. If we are fuel the rocket to send it to the moon. need to bring those pieces together. We going to compete with those econo- So, obviously, they cut that trip short. need to look at clean energy sources mies, we cannot neglect the resources But then all the members of the crew, like wind, solar, hydroelectric, geo- that we have here. We have to make the three members had to move to the thermal power. The technology is sure that we have those resources command module, and the command there. The technology is really devel- available for us just to be able to com- module wasn’t designed for them to oping at this particular point. We need pete. stay in there. You know, those com- to make sure that we enhance that, I know there’s some folks that say, mand modules had scrubbers to take that we encourage that. well, you know, that’s not going to out carbon dioxide, these lithium oxide You know, environmentally friendly come on line for 2, 3, 4, 15, 20 years scrubbers, and they weren’t designed to power production needs to be part of down the road. Well, we need to do this keep folks alive for 4 days. our portfolio, too, in addition to con- now because it does have an effect on So what happened? They called back servation. You know, I think we all price. We all talk about speculation in to mission control, and the folks in agree that development of our domes- the market, and speculation is based

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:26 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.102 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5857 on the expected supply, and if the ex- one thing that they told me that broke cess its own energy. That’s right, Mr. pected supply goes up because the my heart, they told me that they are Speaker, we are the only country in United States develops its own sources, seeing 30 percent fewer sales at the the world that’s made it illegal to ac- that will have an effect on prices, in pump, and they’re also seeing 30 per- cess our own energy. addition to the effect on prices that cent fewer sales inside their store, and Congress caused this problem. The conservation and other alternative they’re hurting. problem is not OPEC and the problem sources will have. So we can multiply One gentleman told me that nor- is not speculators. The problem is the that effect if we make sure that we mally he would spend $10,000 to pur- United States Congress. I believe part don’t take anything off the table in de- chase the gasoline that would go into of the reason why we are seeing veloping this energy policy. the ground in the holding tanks, Congress’s approval ratings at an as- And you know, as I said, I know that $10,000, and that’s money that’s out of toundingly low 12 percent is because we as Members of Congress have an ob- his pocket, sitting there in inventory Congress has chosen to make it illegal ligation to act, and the American peo- until it can be sold. And he said, now, to access the answer that we need, and ple demand that we act, and they de- I pay $40,000 to have that inventory in that’s our own energy resources. mand that we take a comprehensive the ground, and now sales are 30 per- Here’s another great fact. In the gulf look at what we do to address these en- cent less. And so he has more money in coast region, we have what is probably ergy needs, and we come up with a the ground, not producing for him, at a the world’s largest reserve of natural comprehensive energy policy. higher and higher price level, and he gas. We have 420 trillion, 420 trillion You know, we had the opportunity said this is eating up my entire profit cubic feet of natural gas that’s avail- years ago when we went through an en- margin. There are people going out of able to us right now off the shore in ergy crisis to develop a policy, and we business. the Gulf of Mexico. We can access this, didn’t. Now, we have a renewed oppor- And so what he told me is we’ve got and we can bring natural gas into our tunity to do that and do what’s best for to do something to get gasoline back country, use it to fire up our electrical the American people. They demand it. down from its $4 a gallon, and that’s grid, and also, we could even change They tell me every day the things that what we’re about here tonight to say our cars and buses, run them on nat- I need to be doing as a Congress Mem- there’s very good news on the horizon. ural gas as well. ber, and they say, look, you and your It’s doom and gloom when you wake b 2100 colleagues need to be doing that across up in the morning and you see and you the board. hear on the radio and you see when you America also is home to 25 percent of So I think we need to make sure that drive to the gas station what the price the Earth’s supply of coal right here in we’re cognizant of what the demand is at the pump is. But the good news is, the United States, almost an unlimited and what the requirement is from the there is an answer, and America can go supply. We have clean coal technology American public on what we should be back to $2 a gallon gasoline or less. It’s today that’s available to us that can doing here, and that’s a comprehensive entirely possible. process coal and transmit that almost energy policy that includes everything. Why? Because we have the answer unlimited supply of energy all across Again, we need to take that Apollo 13 right here in our country. We are the United States. box, dump it out there, and say let’s standing on our own solution. We have And as well, nuclear energy. I have a have at it, let’s create a comprehensive energy that’s available to us, 86 billion nuclear energy facility in my home dis- energy policy that ensures the long- barrels, that’s according to our own trict in the Sixth Congressional Dis- term economic viability of this coun- United States department, 86 billion trict of Minnesota, Mr. Speaker. And try. barrels of energy right now that’s I’m so grateful we have that because I can tell you, we can no longer af- available to us in the form of oil in the nuclear power supplies almost 20, 25 ford to wait, and my constituents de- Outer Continental Shelf area. percent of Minnesota’s energy needs. mand that as well of every other Mem- We have over 10 billion barrels of oil It’s a clean, safe, reliable form of en- ber of Congress. Now is the time to cre- that’s fully recoverable up in the arctic ergy, and it has zero emissions. I am so ate a comprehensive energy policy, energy slope. This is an area of land excited about this wonderful tech- taking all the tools that we have. that Congress originally set aside spe- nology, but unfortunately, Mr. Speak- Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman cifically for the purpose of accessing er, again, Congress has made it illegal for his statement on energy policy in that energy through drilling to bring for us to be able to tap into this won- this country. back down to the United States. I had derful source of energy. I’d like to next recognize the the privilege back in the mid-1970s of Whether it’s nuclear, whether it’s gentlelady from Minnesota, Represent- working two summers up on the Aleu- coal, whether it’s natural gas, whether ative BACHMANN. Good evening. tian Chain in Alaska. That’s when the it’s the oil reserves that we have, Mrs. BACHMANN. I thank Rep- Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, trans-Alaska oil America has the answer. In fact, this is resentative LATTA. I appreciate your pipeline was built. That oil pipeline is the industry that we can tap into right leadership on the issue of energy, and currently up. It’s running, but it is now. We don’t need to find a magic bul- although you are a brand new Member only half full. let or a magic alternative. This is en- of Congress—you haven’t been here for With very little effort, we could actu- ergy that we have available to us today a long time—you’ve shown just ex- ally tap into that oil pipeline, the 10 that we could tap into today so we can traordinary leadership on the issue billion barrels that we know are al- see the American people very soon get that’s probably facing more Americans ready in Alaska, and we could fill that back to paying $2 a gallon. today than any other, and that’s the pipeline. Rather than having it half One thing that happened not too long dramatic increase in the price of en- empty, we could fill it and bring down ago was this body, the United States ergy, and I know how passionate another million barrels of oil a day. Congress, sent out stimulus checks to you’ve been on this issue. You’ve And Mr. Speaker, 1 million barrels of Americans all across the country. Why, worked tirelessly in your district, and oil a day translates into 27 million gal- Mr. Speaker? Because people in the the people of your district in Ohio are lons of gasoline, and that would mean United States Congress were worried fortunate to have you as their rep- a 50 percent increase in American re- about the economy, so we went to the resentative. Thank you so much for serves than we’re already tapping United States Treasury and we wrote working so hard on this issue. today. That’s just those 10 billion bar- checks that are still being sent out to It’s one, Mr. Speaker, that I believe rels. That doesn’t include the 85 billion Americans all across this country. probably every Member of this body is barrels that are also available in the Why? We wanted to encourage Ameri- hearing from their constituents over Outer Continental Shelf in the deep sea cans to spend money to stimulate the and over and over again. I know that I energy reserves that America only has. economy. have as well. I had conducted a meet- But Mr. Speaker, I think most Amer- Do you know what I believe the ing with several members of my com- icans aren’t even aware that America greatest stimulus would be to Ameri- munity who own gas stations, inde- is the only country in the world that cans? It would be to get gasoline back pendent owners of gas stations. And has voluntarily made it illegal to ac- to $2 a gallon. And it’s so possible. It

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:26 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.104 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5858 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 was just about 18 months ago that the Republicans don’t want to see gas at have coal-to-liquid technology, to give Democrat majority took over in this $4.08 a gallon, or $5 or $6—or whatever us more oil at cheaper prices. Demo- body. And when they took over, gaso- that price could be by the end of sum- crats opposed it 78 percent of the time. line, on average, at the national level mer. We don’t want it that price be- Oil shale exploration. The United was $2.33 a gallon. Mr. Speaker, that cause we know for a fact we can get States is the Saudi Arabia of oil. We average today is about $4.07 a gallon. gasoline back down to $2 a gallon or have more oil just in Colorado, Utah That’s a dramatic increase in the price less very simply if all we do is explore and Wyoming than all of Saudi Arabia, of gasoline, unheard of increase in the what we already know we have. We’ve over 1.3 trillion barrels of oil. Repub- price of gasoline. It took us 25 years in got the resources, we’ve got the tech- licans said yes, let’s explore that oil 90 the United States for gasoline to go nology. We can do this thing, we’re percent of the time. Democrats opposed from $1 a gallon to $2 a gallon. And just Americans. We’re Americans, and we exploring that oil 86 percent of the in the time that the Democrats have can do this, just like Congressman time. held the gavel they have taken this WITTMAN said, like we did with the Outer Continental Shelf, where we country from $2.33 to $4.08 a gallon. Apollo 13. We can do this, and it’s excit- have 86 billion barrels of oil. House Re- I was listening to the previous dis- ing. publicans voted 81 percent of the time, cussion that occurred, and I heard We don’t have to go with the Demo- let’s explore, let’s access that energy. some suggestions about why the price crat agenda, which is, nationalize the Democrats, almost the flip, 83 percent of gasoline has gone up so dramati- oil industry, take over the oil refin- opposed exploration. cally. And I find it interesting, because eries. We think the United States Gov- On refinery increase. Because, you if you look at the votes from 1994 until ernment—who didn’t do such a great know, we had over 300 refineries not today, this Congress has already voted job at Walter Reed Hospital—is going too long ago in this country, we’re now on whether or not we should explore in to be brilliant and bring down the price down to somewhere near 150 refineries. ANWR. We voted on it. In fact, the of gas by taking over oil refineries? I The Republicans voted 97 percent to in- Congress, back in 1995, sent a bill to don’t think so. I don’t think that’s who crease the number of refineries, Demo- President Bill Clinton to say that we I want to trust, not with the American crats opposed it 96 percent. should be drilling in ANWR. The House people saying that we have a 12 percent I don’t take any glory in reading passed that bill, the Senate passed that approval rating; I don’t think they those numbers, but if you average bill. Unfortunately, it was President them all together, over 90 percent of Bill Clinton that vetoed that bill; oth- would trust us either. And I don’t think the American peo- the time, Mr. Speaker, Republicans erwise, we would have already been ple want us to drive less and pay more. have voted to explore American en- drilling in ANWR. We wouldn’t be in I think what the American people want ergy, explore it now so that Americans the pickle that we’re in today. But this is the vote and these are the is what the Republicans are offering. can pay less. That’s our answer. We’re facts. I’m not trying to be partisan be- And that’s why I’m so grateful to Con- not new to this dance. This has been cause we need to come together, as gressman LATTA tonight for sponsoring the answer that Republicans have been Democrats and Republicans, and solve this important hour on energy. Be- giving since 1994. That’s the answer we this problem now because Americans cause what Congressman LATTA is try- want to have. Democrats, since 1994, al- are feeling real pain and the economy ing to let the American people know is most 90 percent have said no, let’s not is reeling over energy prices. But here’s that we can get back down to $2 a gal- access American resources; in fact, the facts, Mr. Speaker. This is a fact. lon of gas or less if we open up the key let’s make it illegal to access these re- Any American can go and find out to our own answer, which is, open up sources. Well, that’s not what the what the voting has been on ANWR ex- America’s supplies and do it in a clean, American people say. ploration, of bringing energy down safe, environmentally sensitive way, Mr. Speaker, over 70 percent of the from Alaska. which we’ve already done. American people have had it up to Ninety-one percent of Republicans How do I know that to be true? Be- here. They’re seeing their lives change; have voted to explore in ANWR and cause the United States was one of the they’re seeing jobs lost, jobs sent over- drill for oil in ANWR, 91 percent; 86 only countries in the world last year seas. They want us to explore here, ex- percent of Democrats have opposed that actually reduced its emissions. plore now, so they can pay less. drilling. And that hasn’t changed today That’s right, Mr. Speaker, the United And, Mr. Speaker, we agree with the because we already know what the States is one of the only countries in American people. And Congressman Democrat plan is for energy, they’ve the world that reduced its emissions. LATTA is leading the charge tonight to made it abundantly clear. It is very All these other countries that signed let the American people know that simple. Their plan has been, let’s have onto the Kyoto Treaty, the EU, that we’re with them, we’re in their corner. the United States Government—that signed onto this elaborate, bureau- We don’t think they are the problem. created this problem—take over the oil cratic-driven cap and trade system, We think the American people are way industry and nationalize oil refineries. their emissions all went up, ours went out in front on this solution. That’s what they said last week at a down. What’s the difference? So I yield back, Congressman LATTA. press conference, let’s nationalize oil We, in this country, believe in free- I yield back because I can’t wait to refineries. Well, that’s not a new idea, dom. We believe in freedom and we be- hear what more you have to say on this but it’s not an American idea. And lieve in free markets to solve our prob- issue. And thank you for that oppor- that’s not an idea that the American lems. And they do, free markets solve tunity. public wants us to embrace. They don’t the problems. It’s not socializing our Mr. LATTA. Well, I thank the want us to embrace socialism. But oil industry like the Democrats have gentlelady for yielding back, and also that’s what we heard Democrats say suggested. It’s not sitting home, put- for her enthusiasm and her knowledge last week. ting a sweater on, turning our thermo- of this subject because this is what we Here’s the other part of their plan: It stat down, that’s not going to solve the have to do in this country because is, drive less and pay more. Drive less problem. It’s not going to be paying we’ve got to get the word out to the and pay more. That’s not what the more at the pump; that’s not going to American people. But as you said, the American people want. But Senator solve the problem. It is unleashing American people are actually far ahead OBAMA, the nominee of the Democrat American ingenuity and finding these of Congress right now and they know party, just recently said it isn’t the new sources of supply, which we al- what we need to do. So I just want to high price of gasoline that has him ready have, with technology that we thank you very much for your elo- worried, it’s how quickly that price already have, and bring the supplies in quence tonight on your statement. went up. Well, I’ll tell you one thing, so we can make it happen. At this time, I would like to yield Congressman BOB LATTA, Congressman I am so excited about what Congress- now to my good friend, the gentleman PAUL BROUN and also Congressman ROB man LATTA is doing. And I just want to from Georgia (Mr. BROUN), to speak on WITTMAN, who was on the floor tonight, end now with these other statistics, energy. it’s the high price of gasoline that’s and they’re very simple. House Repub- I appreciate your being here this bothering us. licans voted 97 percent of the time to evening. Thank you.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.105 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5859 Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I thank my courage the construction of new refin- upon Middle Eastern oil. These coun- good friend for yielding, and I appre- eries in the United States. tries want to destroy us. They hate our ciate what you’re doing tonight. Liberals also suggest mandating eth- freedom. They hate our market sys- Energy is the lifeblood of the Amer- anol and renewable fuel production and tem. They hate everything that we ican economy. Our economic prosperity selling it as the answer to America’s stand for. They even hate women. They is closely tied to the availability of re- energy needs. The 2007 ‘‘non-energy’’ want to use them as tools. And yet we liable and affordable supplies of en- energy bill, or ‘‘lack of energy’’ bill has are funding these countries that want ergy. Unfortunately, U.S. energy pro- already proven that the Democratic so- to destroy us. It makes no sense. We duction has grown only 13 percent lution is wrong, dead wrong. Man- have got to develop an energy policy while energy consumption has in- dating the production of renewable that makes sense economically, envi- creased 30 percent since 1973. fuels has only led to an increase in ronmentally, and makes us not depend- According to AAA, the average world food prices. It is, at best, dis- ent upon these countries that want to American is paying over $4.07 per gal- ingenuous, and at worst, an outright destroy us. lon for gasoline today. Instead of trav- lie to say that renewable fuels can I highly commend your effort to- eling to spend time with loved ones, meet America’s needs in the near fu- night. I am glad to have joined you to- record gas prices will keep many Amer- ture. night, and I look forward to working icans home this 4th of July weekend. with you and the rest of the Members. b 2115 Skyrocketing gas prices and a risky Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, I dependence upon fuel supply by vola- As a good southerner, I love my corn- just love you and I appreciate your pas- tile foreign nations highlight our need bread and grits. It makes no sense to sion and your fervor in fighting for for an American energy policy that em- me to put corn in the tank of my pick- change in our policy. It’s absolutely phasizes production and decreases our up truck. critical. So I applaud your efforts. I reliance upon foreign oil. Energy prices are soaring, and the fi- know last week I saw you fighting Many here in Congress bemoan nancial pain that families are feeling down here on the floor again for the America’s addiction to foreign oil, yet at the pump is forcing them to decide same issues, and I am at awe of your they refuse to allow access to Amer- what they can and cannot spend. Con- fervor towards this. But we must end ican oil and gas supplies necessary to gressional Democrats act as if they our dependence on foreign oil, and I ap- cure this addiction. America has been have been living under a rock by con- preciate both of you as well as Con- blessed with abundant natural re- tinuing to ignore the demands of the gressman Whitman’s participation to- sources, and we should not be hesitant American people and refusing to do night in this Special Order. Thank you to tap into them, especially at a time anything to lower these burdensome so much, and I just praise God for you when energy cost is so high. prices. Skyrocketing gas prices and a and your efforts tonight. We’ve heard time and time again risky dependence on fuel supplied by Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much, about how drilling off the coast in the volatile foreign nations highlight our my good friend from Georgia. I really Outer Continental Shelf will harm the need for an American energy policy appreciate your being here tonight. environment. This is pure hogwash. that emphasizes production and de- And, again, what you say is absolutely Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed creases our reliance upon Middle East- what we have to be doing in this coun- or damaged literally hundreds of drill- ern oil. try, and I appreciate it. And, again, as ing rigs without causing the spill of a The United States is the only nation we said a little bit earlier, the Amer- single drop. Yet congressional Demo- on Earth that forbids development of ican people back home get it, but we crats continue to pander to the far left its own natural resources. Listen to are not getting it down here in Con- environmental whackos instead of me. Right now America is drilling for gress. So I appreciate your words this mending the pains of hardworking ice on Mars; yet we cannot drill for oil evening. Americans. in America. That makes no sense. It’s Mr. Speaker, we aren’t listening to We cannot even drill for oil or gas 200 idiotic. It’s stupid. We must drill on the folks back home. I got home on miles off our own shore. Meanwhile, our own lands and we must do it now. Friday night from Washington at about communist China and Fidel Castro’s We must streamline our oil refinery 8 o’clock, and gas down at the local gas communist Cuba are moving forward processes, and we must end our depend- station was $4.03. I had to speak at our with plans for drilling for oil and gas ence upon Middle Eastern oil. Buckeye Boys State, which was going only 45 miles off of the shores of Key Our energy prices were not created on at Bowling Green State University West. Liberal Democrats have also pre- overnight and will not be solved over- on Saturday morning, and I attended vented any access to the billions of night. Congress must act swiftly to ad- one of my county fairs that day and barrels of oil located in ANWR. dress this growing energy crisis. Amer- also went to an event at Bowling Green The entire area of ANWR is larger ica’s energy policy must make us State University that evening. And the than the combined areas of five stronger and less reliant on countries only topic that people are talking States—Massachusetts, Connecticut, that are hostile to freedom. Passing about right now is what are we going Rhode Island, New Jersey and Dela- any so-called energy bill that fails to to do in this country about the high ware—yet the proposed drilling area is produce even a single kilowatt of new prices of fuel? And, again, they under- equal to one-sixth the size of Dulles energy or produce a gallon of gas is not stand there’s a problem, but, unfortu- Airport here in Washington, D.C. a solution. We must pass legislation nately, here in this Congress there is a Development of American oil and gas that will allow for responsible use of real question if we actually are getting on these lands will help bring the price our known American supplies of en- it. down and help break the stranglehold ergy, that reduce excessive and burden- My district, the Fifth Congressional on energy that hostile countries in the some environmental policies, and that District, is kind of unique in that we Middle East enjoy. And this can be encourage the development of alter- are number nine in manufacturing in done in an environmentally sound native forms of energy. We need to in- the entire United States Congress, manner and should be immediately im- crease nuclear power. It’s the only ninth out of four hundred thirty-five. plemented. thing that has proven to be incredibly What made this country great was The environmental groups haven’t al- safe. It’s a successful source of energy, the Industrial Revolution. After the lowed a new oil refinery to be built in and it’s the only thing that makes Civil War, we watched what happened the United States for decades, about 30 sense economically. as the country took off. We had a situ- years. It does little good to increase I stand ready to fight for this, and I ation where we had the resources, we our use of domestic supplies of oil when encourage my colleagues to do the had the people, and we were able to we do not have the refinery capacity to same. produce a product that the rest of the quickly convert it into a useable form, Mr. LATTA, I appreciate your working world wanted. And we did great. But gasoline. Members on both sides of the tonight to bring this issue forward. It’s the big thing we have to look at today aisle need to stand up to these fringe absolutely critical for the American is that energy equals manufacturing, groups and implement policies that en- public that we stop this dependence which equals jobs for Americans, and if

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.106 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5860 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 we are not going to be doing that, and get to work or get to that store. So building. China, they are building 40 we’re in trouble. we have to make sure that folks have gigawatt nuclear power stations in the Another great privilege and honor that ability to be able to purchase next 25 to 30 years. That’s 40 in the that I have got out there, I am able to things because if we have too high next 25 to 30 years. go around my district and go to the prices for gasoline, home fuel oil, nat- What about coal? As my colleague manufacturing facilities and talk with ural gas, electric costs, rising food from Minnesota brought up about all a lot of the people that are working in bills, that’s going to prevent con- the coal that we have in this country, these plants. And one of the questions sumers out there from having more dis- what is China doing? Well, right now in that I always ask them right upfront is posable income. And when they don’t China, about 80 percent of their power how many miles do you drive to work? have disposable income out there, is electrically generated and 18 percent or how many folks do you have that what’s going to happen? Well, they are is hydro, and they are getting into nu- are driving out of the area? It’s not un- going to quit buying, and pretty soon clear. China is investing in $24 billion common to hear 30, 40, 50 miles one this economy is going to be in sham- in clean coal technology. way for people to come into work. So bles. So we have got to do something India, the third largest coal producer you multiply that out, and some people right now. And, again, the American and consumer in the world. India is driving 500 miles a week. And some people understand it, but we have got right there at number three. India and people are saying to me, you know to understand it here in Congress. China account for 45 percent of coal what? There’s a real problem out there. A couple weeks ago when we were use. What happens when gas gets to the having another Special Order, a Mem- Hydro, China is constructing the price that I’m not going to be able to ber from Texas brought up an example Three Gorges hydro plant, which is afford to drive to work and it’s not of a person from his district. A trucker going to produce about 18.2 gigawatts, going to be sound for me to do that? from Texas had a load to take to Cali- and the Yellow River hydro plan will We have got a real problem. We have fornia. It cost $1,500 in fuel costs to get produce 15.8 gigawatts. Oil, as my colleague from Georgia got a real problem. Because the Fifth that to California. That trip cost $1,500, has mentioned, drilling offshore, the Congressional District is 140 miles east and he got $1,700 for the entire trip. By Chinese, as he just mentioned and as to west. It’s not as large as going to the time you take out all the expenses, my colleague from Minnesota men- Montana or Wyoming or some other the taxes, the depreciation on the tioned, China is negotiating for oil spots in Iowa or some of the other truck, he lost money. So we have got a leases off Cuba 50 miles from the U.S. States. But when you’re driving that real problem in this country, and that Canada is negotiating. Venezuela is ne- many miles to work, people are going problem is coming up on us right now. gotiating. Those are in waters that to start asking, is it worth it for me to The United States uses about 21 per- would be considered areas that the actually get to work? cent of the world’s energy as we speak United States should be drilling in, and At the same time, we have a lot of tonight, but the rest of the world is different manufacturing facilities in we are not. catching up. We were years ago able to The alternatives/supplementals, Northwest Ohio. We also have certain make some dumb mistakes in this China is mandating by 2020 15 percent very unique ones. We have a float glass country because we were always able of energy from wind, biomass, solar, plant in my district. Five years ago to correct them quickly because every- and small hydro plants. their costs were around $10 million; body was behind us. After World War Things are happening across the today they are $30 million. There are 40 II, most of the world all lay in sham- world, but the real question is what is of these facilities being constructed in bles but the United States. But as time happening in this country? What is China today. Their labor force is cheap- went by, these other countries have happening in this country? And I am er. So when we are competing with been catching up, and I think this afraid to report tonight not much at cheaper labor compared to our more chart explains it really quickly. all. highly skilled labor, but at the same When you look at the energy con- As we have talked about, what’s been price of fuel, let’s just say, they are sumption in this country and where going with nuclear in this country? going to win because their prices are the other countries are, and I’m talk- The last plant to be licensed in this cheaper. We can’t have that happen. ing about India and China, you will see country was in 1977. The last plant to The other thing we have in North- that right now we are leading. But in go online was in 1996. When you’re west Ohio, I come from the largest 2015 China and India are going to be at looking at these things, we are getting farming area in Ohio, and when you’re parity with the United States. In 2020 farther and farther behind. There is a looking at the farmers today, they China is going to surpass the United lot of different things we can be talk- have been planting corn and soybeans, States in energy usage. What does en- ing about with alternatives or maybe and they are getting ready in the near ergy usage mean again? Energy usage you want to call them supplementals, future to be out there and are going to means jobs. It means manufacturing. types of powers, but I think people be harvesting that wheat. But it costs And if they get ahead of us, it’s going have got to know what we’re talking money. It costs a lot in diesel. It costs to be very, very tough to catch up. about. When we’re looking at what one in chemicals. It costs in fertilizer. And Once again, we have got to do what we 1,000 megawatt reactor would need, you this is all from the same thing, and all have to do for the American people, would have to erect between 1,250 to of it is coming from petroleum. So and that is to make sure that we have 1,700 wind turbines to get there. I think when people say they are getting X the energy to make sure that we have wind is great, but I think you have to number of dollars for a bushel of wheat the jobs for the future. remember we have to have a base load or beans or corn, you’ve got to look at As my colleagues discussed a little out there to make sure that we can run what that production cost is. And it’s bit earlier some of the issues, nuclear, our plants. rising. And not only is it rising for the let’s just talk about nuclear for a few As the gentlewoman from Minnesota farmers and the manufacturers, but minutes. France, about 75 percent of mentioned, the United States has 24 to also for that man and woman going all their energy comes from nuclear 25 percent of the world’s coal. Well, into that grocery store every week to power. Not only do they have that nu- what are we doing about it? In Ohio we try to make sure they have food on the clear power, but they also have that have higher sulfur in our coal, and the table for their family. The costs are nuclear power they can export to the problem with that is it costs more to going up. rest of Europe. So they’re producing it scrub it. But we have the technology. In Ohio 80 percent of all the goods and they’re shipping it over. We have an individual from Northwest that are delivered are delivered by Japan has 55 nuclear reactors with 2 Ohio that has helped bring about and truck. We don’t have a rail system. We under construction. Russia, 31 reactors invent a clean coal technology that we don’t have a metro system. We don’t in operation and 37 to 42 currently or can consume this coal without emit- have a bus system. People in my area, will be under construction and oper- ting it. We have hundreds of years of if you’re going to get someplace, you ational by 2020. India is building 30 new reserves on our coal. can’t walk. You can’t ride a bicycle. plants in 25 years. They’re smaller, As has been mentioned, the oil shale You’ve got to get in that automobile about 200 megawatts, but they are in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, over 6

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.107 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5861 trillion barrels of oil equivalence out natives, well, maybe don’t have enough Mr. LATTA. That is correct. there, and what are we doing about it? base load out there. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Well, in fact Absolutely nothing. So we have to make sure that we get we know that there is oil and gas out those wind turbines up. Again, people there; in fact, trillions of cubic feet of b 2130 object to those. In my district, out my gas. Gas, when we burn it, is a very Congress is standing in the way. Oil back door I can see the only four wind clean fuel. Those who adhere to this and natural gas. When we reimport 65 turbines in the State of Ohio. We have global warming hysteria, which I think percent of our oil in this country, that solar, with two companies, one in pro- is a hysteria and not fact; in fact, I am is a problem. That is a problem. We duction right now in my district, an- a medical doctor and scientifically I need to start doing something. Our other going to be going online here in have looked at this issue, and there are friend from Virginia, Mr. WITTMAN, the near future, producing solar panels. many scientists on both sides, a lot said a little earlier that what they did I have another company in my district that say that global warming that we with Apollo 13, they had to come up working on hydrogen. There’s ethanol, are experiencing is due to natural with a solution, and come up with it there’s biodiesel, but everything put causes and not due to an increase in now. We have got to do that in this together, we have got to go out there carbon output by man’s use. But we country. and do it all right, and do it all right, have got propane that is produced from John Kennedy, when he was in office, and we’ve got to do it now. the refinery of oil. We could produce had said that we were going to put a So, Mr. Speaker, I think that the that. There are a lot of cars and buses man on the Moon by the end of the time is now. The American people are that run on propane. 1960s. We did it with Neil Armstrong in demanding action from this Congress, We have natural gas that, in my 1969. But we have got to have a purpose and we can’t make the mistakes of the home in Watkinsville, Georgia, I have and make sure we get that done. past because we don’t have time to a natural gas hot water heater, natural We are talking about places where we catch up. gas stove that I cook my wild game on are restricting ourselves. The only Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Will the gen- when I get home and have the oppor- country in the world to fight with both tleman yield? tunity to cook my game and fish that hands tied behind its back is this coun- Mr. LATTA. I yield to my friend I love to hunt and fish. But all these try. ANWR, we have approximately 10.3 from Georgia. are clean sources of energy, and we are billion barrels of oil. As has been men- Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I have got a just not tapping into those. tioned, we are talking about an area of comment and a question. Last week, I thank you for bringing these things over 19 million acres, and only talking we heard members of the other party up. We have got so many sources of about drilling and exploring in 2,000 of come to this floor and talk over and clean fuels, even if global warming is those acres. When you are looking at over again about the oil companies caused by human causes, which I am 10.3 billion recoverable barrels of oil up have thousands of acres that they al- one that I don’t think there’s enough there, we have got to get up there. As ready have leased and that they are scientific data to prove that fact. mentioned a little bit earlier, Presi- not drilling in them. It’s my under- There are a lot of scientists that do say dent Clinton, in 1995, vetoed that legis- standing that a lot of this is land that that. But certainly tapping into our lation, or we would be getting that oil the oil companies just leased up so that own gas and oil resources can make us right. they would have the prerogative to be less dependent upon foreign oil, make Also, as has been mentioned, we have able to do so in the future. us less dependent upon those who want 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas off- I think this is correct, is that not so? to destroy us as a Nation. It’s a na- shore. We have 86 billion barrels of oil. Mr. LATTA. To the gentlemen, I be- tional security interest for us to tap Of that, the Federal Government de- lieve that is absolutely correct. When into those resources that we have here. nies access to 92 percent for oil drilling you’re talking about leases, as you As I said a few minutes ago, America and 90 percent of that area for natural said, you’re buying and leasing a lot of is the only Nation in the world that gas. As has been mentioned, even if we an area. It doesn’t mean they are all won’t tap into and develop its own nat- got that oil to this country, we haven’t profitable, because if every time you ural resources. It makes absolutely no done anything for over 21⁄2 decades on put a well down and struck oil, every- sense. It’s stunningly stupid, stun- refinery. body would be doing it. ningly stupid that we don’t do that. A bill has been introduced here to Mr. BROUN of Georgia. That is the Right now, we are drilling for ice on say if people have that NIMBY, that point that I was just wanting you to mars, yet we cannot drill for oil in ‘‘don’t put it in my backyard,’’ how bring up, is that all this land that the America. I just cannot understand about using an abandoned military oil companies have leased over the that. It makes no sense. base to put these facilities in, these re- years, they have temporary leases, We are being blocked over and over fineries. that when those leases expire, the land again by the people on the other side The scary thing we have got going turn back. In fact, I have got a friend, who are pandering to the radical envi- out there is this, is that as we watch the Dudleys in Athens, Georgia, who ronmentalists. I am a conservationist. more and more American dollars being lease some land in Alabama to an oil I started my political activity coming spent on all of this fuel and all these company to drill for gas. They had that up here as a volunteer, working on con- other dollars going overseas, and of lease for a number of years. The oil servation issues. I think it’s critical course we have a $9 trillion debt right company never drilled. That lease has that we develop those oil sources. now, the scary thing that we have got expired. So those friends of mine, I congratulate you on bringing this going out there is who’s buying our Randy and Mary Dudley, in Athens, forward tonight. debt. Right now, we have about a $9 Georgia, today, don’t have the lease Mr. LATTA. Thank you. I yield to trillion national debt. About $2.6 tril- money coming in as they did. The oil my good friend from Minnesota. lion of that is owned by foreign coun- company never drilled there. Mrs. BACHMANN. Thank you, Con- tries. Japan owns, as of the April state- That is true all over this country, gressman LATTA. I want to address a ment, about $592.2 billion, and the Chi- from what I understand. We just hear point that was brought up by Congress- nese have about a half a trillion dollars from the Democrats over and over man BROUN and really the absurdity of of that debt. again that the oil companies have all the remark regarding the oil leases We have got to act now. We can’t this land, but it’s land where there’s no that oil companies have taken up. wait. We can’t make mistakes. We have oil. They just lease it in case that they These lands are owned by the American to explore, drill, we have got to con- may be able to find oil or gas. But we people and they are leased out to oil serve. We have got to do everything know there’s oil, we know there’s gas companies or natural gas companies. that has been mentioned here tonight. on the Outer Continental Shelf. In fact, These oil and gas companies have to We have got to look at those alter- it’s my understanding that only about pay for these leases. They aren’t just natives of supplementals because, 15 percent of the land in the Outer Con- given to them free of charge. They again, you talk to a lot of folks out tinental Shelf is actually leased, that have to pay for the right to search for there and the question as to alter- we could tap into. Is that correct? the oil.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.108 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5862 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 They take all the risk, and they find GENERAL LEAVE private home, but now it is a symbol of the natural resource and they access Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I ask unani- the evils of an activist court that dis- that natural resource. It doesn’t make mous consent that all Members have 5 regards our constitutional rights. any sense economically for a company legislative days to revise and extend Our Founding Fathers knew that our to lease something and waste money on their remarks on the topics of to- liberties were only as secure as our leases that they aren’t going to use. night’s Special Order speeches. property rights. Property rights are a It’s already in law that if the compa- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. central institution of Western civiliza- nies that lease this land, if they are MURPHY of Connecticut). Is there ob- tion, yet too often our Nation has vio- not productive, it’s already a law they jection to the request of the gentleman lated the basic principles of our Found- have to turn the leases back. They from Georgia? ing Fathers. Federal, State and local can’t just lease them forever, get them There was no objection. governments continue to ignore, ne- for free, not pay for that right to lease glect, disparage and even fail to under- f the land. They have to already turn stand the importance of property them back if they aren’t productive, KELO THIRD ANNIVERSARY rights. because the companies know if there’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Today I am pleased to introduce a oil on the land, or if there’s gas on the previous order of the House, the gen- resolution defending private property land, they already know if it’s there. tleman from Georgia (Mr. BROUN) is rights. This resolution in a very clear Just because they have leased land recognized for 5 minutes. manner reflects the intent of our doesn’t mean that there’s oil on it or Mr. BROUN of Georgia. The fifth Founding Fathers when they listed pri- that there’s gas on it. It just doesn’t amendment to the U.S. Constitution vate property rights as untouchable by make sense someone is going to waste states that, ‘‘No person shall be de- government power. By placing property money if they are in a private com- prived of life, liberty, or property with- rights in the fifth amendment to the pany. That takes away from profit, and out due process of law; nor shall pri- Constitution, the Founders made the you need to have profits to be able to vate property be taken for public use protection of private property a pri- go forward. without just compensation.’’ mary aim of the American government. Again, this is the 75th anniversary of June 23, 2005, marks a very sad day in There is no provision in Article I, Sec- the New Deal, and it reminds me of our Nation’s history. Exactly 3 years tion 8, or anywhere else in the Con- Solomon, who said in Ecclesiastes, ago today, five unelected members of stitution, that allows the unnecessary, ‘‘There is nothing new under the sun.’’ the U.S. Supreme Court made one of predatory seizure of private land. And there is nothing new under the sun the most despised rulings in our Na- On this, the third anniversary of one with a lot of these suggestions we have tion’s history, one of the most egre- of the Supreme Court’s most infamous seen. As a matter of fact, the plan we gious, unconstitutional rulings in our decisions, I am proud to join property have seen so far from the Democrats Nation’s history in its ruling of Kelo v. rights advocates all over America in has been this, and it’s pretty simple, it City of New London. renewing our protest against judicial is: Drive less, pay more. That is pretty The courts allowed a small Con- activism. I applaud the many States much the plan that we have seen. Oh, necticut town to seize a private home that have passed legislation to limit yeah, also, let’s increase taxes on the to make way for a riverfront develop- their power to eminent domain and the domestic production of American en- ment. This activist decision was an at- supreme courts of many States that ergy. That doesn’t take too much for tack on middle-class citizens for the have barred the practice under their the American people to figure out. benefit of the rich. There have been no State constitution. I applaud the cour- If Congress would decide we are going worse interpretations of the intent of age of Susette Kelo and other victims to start taxing food, do you think food the fifth amendment than when the Su- of eminent domain abuse who have would cost more? Of course it would. preme Court seized a private home for stood up to their government and What about if Congress decided, Let’s the profit of a private company. Yes, a fought for their constitutional rights. add taxes to health care, as if that private company. As John Dickinson, signer of the wasn’t expensive enough. Would that Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, with Constitution stated: ‘‘Let these truths cost more? Of course it would. whom I have disagreed on many of her be indelibly impressed on our minds: (1) This is not the way the American decisions, was spot on in her dissent that we cannot be happy without being people want us to go. They don’t want when we stated, ‘‘the specter of con- free; (2) that we cannot be free without us to jack up taxes on American pro- demnation hangs over all property. being secure in our property; and (3) duction of oil. They don’t want to drive Nothing is to prevent the State from that we cannot be secure in our prop- less, they don’t want to pay more. replacing any Motel 6 with a Ritz- erty if, without our consent, others They don’t want to have America so- Carlton, or any home with a shopping may as by right take it away.’’ Private property rights are critical cializing and taking over oil refineries. mall, or any farm with a factory.’’ for freedom, and we need to fight for What the American people want, pure She added that under the Court’s de- private property rights. and simple, is freedom. They want free- cision in Kelo, ‘‘any property may now dom, they want the free market, and be taken for the benefit of another pri- f vate party,’’ and ‘‘the fallout from this they want to see energy prices get back LEAVE OF ABSENCE down to $2 a gallon or less. decision will not be random. The bene- ficiaries are likely to be those citizens By unanimous consent, leave of ab- I know it’s possible, I know it can with disproportionate influence and sence was granted to: happen, and that is why I am so thank- power in the political process, includ- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois (at the request ful for your brilliant leadership to- ing large corporations and development of Mr. HOYER) for today and June 24. night, Congressman LATTA, and also firms. As for the victims, the govern- Mr. HILL (at the request of Mr. for Congressman PAUL BROWN, and also ment now has a license to transfer HOYER) for today. for Congressman WITTMAN, who was their property from those with fewer Mr. KANJORSKI (at the request of Mr. here earlier this evening speaking, be- resources, to those with more. HOYER) for today. cause here’s an answer. Here’s an an- Ms. KILPATRICK (at the request of Mr. swer. b 2145 HOYER) for today on account of per- It’s here, it’s ours, it’s for the taking. The Founders cannot have intended sonal reasons. We can be environmentally sensitive. this perverse result.’’ Mr. KIND (at the request of Mr. We can explore here in America now, So detested was the Supreme Court’s HOYER) for today on account of busi- and we can have Americans pay less. I 2005 ruling that the small home that ness in the district regarding flooding. yield back. became the center of the New London Mr. MCNULTY (at the request of Mr. Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much, land grab has been moved and restored HOYER) for today and until 3 p.m. on Mr. Speaker. We appreciate the oppor- near the center of town as a constant June 24 on account of personal reasons. tunity to be here tonight on this Spe- reminder of the town’s injustice. That Mr. REYES (at the request of Mr. cial Order. small, pink home once represented a HOYER) for today.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23JN7.110 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE June 23, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5863 Mr. BURTON of Indiana (at the re- 7256. A letter from the Administrator, De- taken on audit recommendations, covering quest of Mr. BOEHNER) for today on ac- partment of Agriculture, transmitting the the period October 1, 2007 through March 31, count of flight delays. Department’s final rule — Potatoes; Grade 2008 in compliance with the Inspector Gen- Standards [Docket AMS-2006-0136; FV-06-303] eral Act Amendments of 1988, pursuant to 5 Mr. BUYER (at the request of Mr. received June 20, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Act) section 5(b); to BOEHNER) for today on account of flight 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- delays. culture. ment Reform. Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California (at 7257. A letter from the Administrator, Of- 7266. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- the request of Mr. BOEHNER) for today fice of Workforce Security, Department of ment of Education, transmitting the thirty- on account of travel delays. Labor, transmitting the Department’s final eighth Semiannual Report to Congress on Mr. MORAN of Kansas (at the request rule — Treatment of Fees Collected by State Audit Follow-Up, covering the period Octo- Child Support Agencies — received June 20, ber 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008 in compli- of Mr. BOEHNER) for today on account 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the ance with the Inspector General Act Amend- of business in Kansas. Committee on Education and Labor. ments of 1988, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Mr. PEARCE (at the request of Mr. 7258. A letter from the Director, Regula- Gen. Act) section 5(b); to the Committee on BOEHNER) for today on account of offi- tions Policy and Mgmt. Staff, Department of Oversight and Government Reform. cial business. Health and Human Services, transmitting 7267. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Mr. WELLER of Illinois (at the request the Department’s final rule — Food Label- for Administration and Management, De- of Mr. BOEHNER) for today on account ing: Health Claims; Dietary Noncariogenic partment of Labor, transmitting pursuant to of personal reasons. Carbohydrates Sweeteners and Dental Caries the provisions of the Federal Activities In- [[Docket No. FDA-2006-P-0404] (Formerly ventory Reform (FAIR) Act of 1998 (Pub. L. f Docket No. 2006P-0487)] received June 13, 105-270), the Department’s 2007 Inventory of SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Inherently Governmental Activities and In- Committee on Energy and Commerce. ventory of Commercial Activities; to the By unanimous consent, permission to 7259. A letter from the Director, Regu- Committee on Oversight and Government address the House, following the legis- latory Management Division, Environmental Reform. lative program and any special orders Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 7268. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- heretofore entered, was granted to: cy’s final rule — Lead Hazard Information ment of the Treasury, transmitting two (The following Members (at the re- Pamphlet; Notice of Availability [EPA-HQ- Semiannual Reports which were prepared OPPT-2004-0126; FRL-8358-6] received June 20, separately by Treasury’s Office of Inspector quest of Ms. WOOLSEY) to revise and ex- 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the General (OIG) and the Treasury Inspector tend their remarks and include extra- Committee on Energy and Commerce. General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) for neous material:) 7260. A letter from the Director, Regu- the period ended March 31, 2008, pursuant to Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. latory Management Division, Environmental 5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Act), section 5(b); to Mr. MCDERMOTT, for 5 minutes, Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- today. cy’s final rule — National Emission Stand- ment Reform. ards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Area 7269. A letter from the Chair, Equal Em- Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. Source Standards for Plating and Polishing ployment Opportunity Commission, trans- Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Operations [EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0084; FRL- mitting the semiannual report on the activi- Mr. PAYNE, for 5 minutes, today. 8581-3] (RIN: 2060-AM37) received June 13, ties of the Inspector General and manage- (The following Members (at the re- 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the ment’s report for the period ending March 31, quest of Mr. POE) to revise and extend Committee on Energy and Commerce. 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. their remarks and include extraneous 7261. A letter from the Deputy Division Act), section 5(b); to the Committee on Over- material:) Chief, SCPD, WTB, Federal Communications sight and Government Reform. Commission, transmitting the Commission’s Mr. BROUN of Georgia, for 5 minutes, 7270. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- final rule — In the Matter of Amendment of today. dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting the the Commission’s Rules Governing Hearing Bank’s semiannual report for the period end- (The following Member (at his re- Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets Petition of ing March 31, 2008, in accordance with Sec- quest) to revise and extend his remarks American National Standards Institute Ac- tion 5(b) of the Inspector General Act of 1978; and include extraneous material:) credited Standards Committee C63 (EMC) to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Mr. CULBERSON, for 5 minutes, today. ANSI ASC C63 [WT Docket No. 07-250] re- ment Reform. ceived June 20, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7271. A letter from the First Vice President f 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and and Controller, Federal Home Loan Bank of ENROLLED BILL SIGNED Commerce. Boston, transmitting the 2007 management 7262. A letter from the Director, Office of report and statements of internal controls of Ms. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, pur- House, reported and found truly en- Commission, transmitting the Commission’s suant to 31 U.S.C. 9106; to the Committee on rolled a bill of the House of the fol- final rule — Regulatory Improvements to the Oversight and Government Reform. lowing title, which was thereupon Nuclear Materials Management and Safe- 7272. A letter from the Chairman, Inter- signed by the Speaker: guards System [NRC-2007-0002] (RIN: 3150- national Trade Commission, transmitting in AH85) received June 11, 2008, pursuant to 5 accordance with Section 645 of Division F, H.R. 3403. An act to promote and enhance U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on En- Title VI, of the Consolidated Appropriations public safety by facilitating the rapid de- ergy and Commerce. Act, FY 2004, Pub. L. 108-199, the Commis- ployment of IP-enabled 911 and E–911 serv- 7263. A letter from the Acting Assistant sion’s report covering fiscal year 2007; to the ices, encourage the Nation’s transition to a Secretary for Export Administration, De- Committee on Oversight and Government national IP-enabled emergency network, and partment of Commerce, transmitting the De- Reform. improve 911 and E–911 access to those with partment’s final rule — Revisions to the Ex- 7273. A letter from the Administrator, Na- disabilities. port Administration Regulations based on tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- f the 2007 Missile Technology Control Regime tion, transmitting pursuant to the provi- Plenary Agreements [Docket No. 080208146- sions of the Federal Activities Inventory Re- ADJOURNMENT 8148-01] (RIN: 0694-AE23) received June 13, form (FAIR) Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-270) and Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the OMB Circular A-76, Performance of Commer- I move that the House do now adjourn. Committee on Foreign Affairs. cial Activities, the Administration’s FY 2007 The motion was agreed to; accord- 7264. A letter from the Deputy Assistant inventory of commercial activities per- ingly (at 9 o’clock and 47 minutes Secretary for Export Administration, De- formed by federal employees and inventory partment of Commerce, transmitting the De- of inherently governmental activities; to the p.m.), under its previous order, the partment’s final rule — Expansion of the Committee on Oversight and Government House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- Gift Parcel License Exception Regarding Reform. day, June 24, 2008, at 9 a.m., for morn- Cuba to Authorize Mobile Phones and Re- 7274. A letter from the Director, Office of ing-hour debate. lated Software and Equipment [Docket No. National Drug Control Policy, transmitting f 080519687-8707-01] (RIN: 0694-AE37) received a report on the ‘‘Fiscal Year 2007 Accounting June 13, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. of Drug Control Funds,’’ pursuant to Public EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- Law 105-277, section 705(d)(Div. C-Title VII); ETC. fairs. to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- 7265. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ment Reform. Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive ment of Education, transmitting the fifty- 7275. A letter from the Senior Associate communications were taken from the sixth Semiannual Report to Congress on General Counsel, Office of the Director of Speaker’s table and referred as follows: management decisions and final actions National Intelligence, transmitting a report

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pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ROGERS of Kentucky, Mr. ALEX- Act of 1998; to the Committee on Oversight Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through ANDER, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. PAUL, Mr. and Government Reform. 2012 (Rept. 110–729). Referred to the Com- SOUDER, and Mr. CALVERT): 7276. A letter from the Director, Peace mittee of the Whole House on the State of H.R. 6348. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Corps, transmitting the semiannual report the Union. enue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross in- on the activities of the Office of Inspector Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California: Com- come gain from the conversion of property General for the period October 1, 2007 mittee on Education and Labor. H.R. 3195. A by reason of eminent domain; to the Com- through March 31, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. bill to restore the intent and protections of mittee on Ways and Means. app. (Insp. Gen. Act), section 5(b); to the the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; By Mr. MARSHALL: Committee on Oversight and Government with an amendment (Rept. 110–730 Pt. 1). Or- H.R. 6349. A bill to provide energy price re- Reform. dered to be printed. lief by authorizing greater resources and au- 7277. A letter from the Secretary and Di- Mr. CONYERS: Committee on the Judici- thority for the Commodity Futures Trading rector, Postal Regulatory Commission, ary. H.R. 3195. A bill to restore the intent Commission, and for other purposes; to the transmitting a report pursuant to the Fed- and protections of the Americans with Dis- Committee on Agriculture. eral Vacancies Reform Act of 1998; to the abilities Act of 1990; with an amendment By Mr. SCHIFF (for himself and Mr. Committee on Oversight and Government (Rept. 110–730 Pt. 2). Ordered to be printed. ROGERS of Michigan): H.R. 6350. A bill to extend the pilot pro- Reform. DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE gram for volunteer groups to obtain criminal 7278. A letter from the Acting Director Of- Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII, the fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- history background checks; to the Com- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- Committees on Transportation and In- mittee on the Judiciary. tion, transmitting the Administration’s final frastructure and Energy and Commerce By Mr. SPACE (for himself and Mr. rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic discharged from further consideration. CHILDERS): Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the H.R. 3195 referred to the Committee of H.R. 6351. A bill to amend the Public Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Manage- the Whole House on the State of the Health Service Act to reauthorize the Na- ment Area [Docket No. 071106673-8011-02] Union and ordered to be printed. tional Health Service Corps Program, and for (RIN: 0648-XH33) received June 20, 2008, pur- other purposes; to the Committee on Energy suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- f and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- mittee on Natural Resources. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be 7279. A letter from the Deputy Assistant subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Administrator For Regulatory Programs, Under clause 2 of rule XII, public each case for consideration of such provi- NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric bills and resolutions were introduced sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Administration, transmitting the Adminis- and severally referred, as follows: committee concerned. By Mr. BROUN of Georgia: tration’s final rule — Fisheries of the North- By Mr. DELAHUNT (for himself, Mr. H.J. Res. 94. A joint resolution whereas eastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop PENCE, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. there is no greater expression of freedom and Fishery; Framework Adjustment 19 [Docket HENSARLING, Mr. DUNCAN, Mrs. JONES liberty than the defense of the God-given No. 070817467-8554-02] (RIN: 0648-AV90) re- of Ohio, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, and Mr. right of an individual to hold, possess, and ceived June 13, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. GALLEGLY): use private property; to the Committee on 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural H.R. 6344. A bill to provide emergency au- the Judiciary. Resources. thority to delay or toll judicial proceedings By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. 7280. A letter from the Administrator, in United States district and circuit courts, CAPUANO, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. NEAL of FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Massachusetts, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. transmitting notification that funding under the Judiciary. considered and passed. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. OLVER, Title V, subsection 503(b)(3) of the Robert T. By Mr. BOUSTANY: Mr. DELAHUNT, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- H.R. 6345. A bill to establish a demonstra- TIERNEY, and Mr. JOHNSON of Illi- sistance Act, as amended, has exceeded $5 tion program to provide financial incentives nois): million for the cost of response and recovery to encourage the adoption and use of inter- efforts for FEMA-3285-EM in the State of H. Con. Res. 376. Concurrent resolution active personal health records and to encour- congratulating the 2007-2008 National Bas- Wisconsin, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 5193; to the age health information exchange networks Committee on Transportation and Infra- ketball Association World Champions, the to link clinical data to such personal health Boston Celtics, on an outstanding and his- structure. records; to the Committee on Energy and 7281. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- toric season; to the Committee on Oversight Commerce, and in addition to the Committee and Government Reform. ment of Transportation, transmitting the on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- Department’s annual report on recommenda- By Mr. SKELTON: quently determined by the Speaker, in each H. Con. Res. 377. Concurrent resolution au- tions made by the Intelligent Transportation case for consideration of such provisions as Systems Program Advisory Committee, pur- thorizing the use of the rotunda of the Cap- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee itol for a ceremony commemorating the 60th suant to Public Law 109-59, section 5305(h)(4); concerned. to the Committee on Transportation and In- Anniversary of the beginning of the integra- By Mr. STUPAK: tion of the United States Armed Forces; to frastructure. H.R. 6346. A bill to protect consumers from 7282. A letter from the Assistant Secretary the Committee on House Administration. price-gouging of gasoline and other fuels, By Ms. SCHWARTZ (for herself and Mr. of the Army for Civil Works, Department of and for other purposes; to the Committee on Defense, transmitting the Department’s fea- SAM JOHNSON of Texas): Energy and Commerce, and in addition to H. Res. 1294. A resolution supporting the sibility report for hurricane and storm dam- the Committee on Education and Labor, for goals and ideals of National Save for Retire- age reduction for Port Monmouth, Middle- a period to be subsequently determined by ment Week; to the Committee on Ways and town Township, Monmouth County, New Jer- the Speaker, in each case for consideration Means. sey; to the Committee on Transportation of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself and and Infrastructure. tion of the committee concerned. Ms. FALLIN): 7283. A letter from the Acting Assistant By Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida H. Res. 1295. A resolution recognizing and Administrator for Procurement, National (for herself, Mr. MICA, and Mr. GON- commemorating the efforts and contribu- Aeronautics and Space Administration, ZALEZ): tions of outstanding female veterans of the transmitting the Administration’s final rule H.R. 6347. A bill to facilitate the use of Armed Forces, and the vital roles women — NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement HOPE VI grant amounts by certain public play today as servicemembers in the defense Handbook — C.A.S.E. Reporting and Prop- housing agencies that have suffered project of the Nation; to the Committee on Vet- erty Delegations (RIN: 2700-AD40) received delays due to catastrophes or emergencies; erans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Com- June 13, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. to the Committee on Financial Services. mittee on Armed Services, for a period to be 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Science By Mr. GINGREY (for himself, Mr. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in and Technology. HUNTER, Mr. LINDER, Mr. WESTMORE- each case for consideration of such provi- f LAND, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the BROUN of Georgia, Mrs. DRAKE, Ms. committee concerned. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON FALLIN, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. MARCHANT, f PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. SHAD- Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of EGG, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. DAVIS of Ken- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS tucky, Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. PITTS, committees were delivered to the Clerk Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. for printing and reference to the proper PENCE, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. KING of were added to public bills and resolu- calendar, as follows: Iowa, Mr. LATTA, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of tions as follows: Mr. CONYERS: Committee on the Judici- Tennessee, Mr. GARRETT of New Jer- H.R. 594: Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. VIS- ary. H.R. 3546. A bill to authorize the Edward sey, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. WAMP, Mr. CLOSKY, Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Mr. GALLEGLY.

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H.R. 643: Mr. CAZAYOUX, Mr. CUMMINGS and H.R. 6199: Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. H.J. Res. 89: Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. FOSSELLA, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. H. Con. Res. 195: Mr. LEVIN. H.R. 820: Mr. GORDON. TOWNS, and Mr. MEEKS of New York. H. Con. Res. 253: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. H.R. 871: Mr. MOORE of Kansas. H.R. 6207: Mr. GOODE. BERMAN, Ms. CASTOR, and Mr. FILNER. H.R. 932: Mr. CARSON. H.R. 6220: Mr. PAUL and Mr. BURTON of In- H. Con. Res. 315: Mr. MCHUGH and Mr. H.R. 1078: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. diana. BONNER. H.R. 1108: Mr. KANJORSKI. H.R. 6230: Mr. CASTLE. H. Con. Res. 341: Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. TAN- H.R. 1185: Mr. SERRANO. H.R. 6251: Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. NER, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. SHULER, Mr. H.R. 1283: Mr. SALAZAR. HILL, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. BOREN, Mr. HODES, and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. H.R. 1321: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. MITCHELL, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. WALZ of H.R. 1386: Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Minnesota, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, H. Con. Res. 342: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. H.R. 1507: Ms. LEE. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. SESTAK, Mr. LAHOOD, and Mr. BACHUS. H.R. 1621: Mrs. MUSGRAVE and Mr. KING of CHANDLER, Mr. MCNULTY, and Mr. THOMPSON H. Con. Res. 367: Mr. SESSIONS and Mr. WIL- New York. of California. SON of South Carolina. H.R. 1665: Mr. DEFAZIO. H.R. 6252: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. ACKER- H. Res. 925: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsyl- H.R. 1820: Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. MAN, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. BACA, vania. H.R. 2164: Ms. SUTTON. Mr. BARROW, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. H. Res. 1008: Mr. TIBERI. H.R. 2472: Mr. DOYLE and Mr. GENE GREEN BISHOP of Georgia, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. H. Res. 1090: Mr. WU, Mr. CHABOT, Ms. of Texas. BOUCHER, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Ms. CORRINE WOOLSEY, Mr. ROYCE, and Mr. ENGEL. H.R. 2552: Mr. HONDA and Mr. BRADY of BROWN of Florida, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. CHAN- H. Res. 1179: Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. Pennsylvania. DLER, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. H. Res. 1202: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 2712: Mr. BOEHNER and Mr. BLUNT. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H. Res. 1217: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 2721: Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. H. Res. 1231: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsyl- H.R. 2880: Mr. HENSARLING. DOYLE, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. vania, Mr. BOREN, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- H.R. 2911: Mr. WAXMAN. ETHERIDGE, Mr. FARR, Mr. Fortun˜ o, Mr. SON of Texas, and Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. H.R. 2994: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. FOSSELLA, Mr. GOODE, Mr. GORDON, Mr. H. Res. 1266: Mr. SESTAK, Mr. COHEN, Mr. H.R. 3098: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. HAYES, Mr. HIG- H.R. 3116: Mr. CARSON. MCNULTY, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. WEXLER. GINS, Mr. HOBSON, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. ISRAEL, H.R. 3195: Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. KANJORSKI, Ms. H. Res. 1271: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. H.R. 3234: Mr. CALVERT. KAPTUR, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. KUHL of H. Res. 1273: Mr. KIND. H.R. 3267: Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. New York, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. MEEK of Flor- H. Res. 1279: Mr. COHEN, Mr. KING of New H.R. 3289: Mr. DINGELL. ida, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. York, Mr. REICHERT, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor- H.R. 3334: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. NADLER, ida, Mr. DICKS, and Mr. WEXLER. H.R. 3347: Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. REGULA, Mr. ROG- H. Res. 1283: Mr. LOEBSACK and Mr. POE. H.R. 3457: Mr. SALI. ERS of Albama, Mr. ROSS, Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. H. Res. 1291: Mr. BECERRA, Mr. BACA, Mrs. H.R. 3546: Mr. BOREN. SESSIONS, Mr. SESTAK, Mr. SHULER, Mr. NAPOLITANO, Mr. SALAZAR, and Mr. REYES. H.R. 3650: Mr. CARNEY. SPRATT, Ms. SUTTON, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. H.R. 3769: Mr. CARDOZA. H. Res. 1293: Ms. LEE, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. ´ H.R. 3874: Mr. BOREN. TIBERI, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. HOLT, Mr. H.R. 3934: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas and WATSON, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, and VAN HOLLEN, Ms. MATSUI, and Ms. KIL- Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. PATRICK. H.R. 4099: Mr. PORTER. H.R. 6253: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. H.R. 6256: Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. WALZ H.R. 4105: Mr. HODES. f H.R. 4236: Ms. BERKLEY and Mr. CLEAVER. of Minnesota, Ms. HOOLEY, Mr. FARR, Mr. H.R. 4544: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of SESTAK, and Mr. LANGEVIN. Texas, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. H.R. 6274: Mr. HAYES and Mr. CHABOT. DELETION OF SPONSORS FROM H.R. 6278: Mr. MORAN of Virginia. SUTTON, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, and PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 6286: Mr. HERGER, Mr. WAXMAN, Mrs. Mr. BOUSTANY. TAUSCHER, Mr. BERMAN, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 4930: Mr. CARTER, Mr. SCHIFF, and Mr. California, Mr. CARDOZA, Ms. LINDA T. were deleted from public bills and reso- STUPAK. A´ NCHEZ ATSUI H.R. 5131: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsyl- S of California, Ms. M , Mrs. lutions as follows: CAPPS, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. vania. H.R. 6041: Mr. POE. H.R. 5265: Mrs. MALONEY of New York. FILNER, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. CALVERT, Ms. H.R. 5425: Mr. SALI. WOOLSEY, Ms. SOLIS, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. f H.R. 5454: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. ISSA, Mr. HONDA, Mr. FARR, Mr. BACA, Ms. H.R. 5484: Ms. TSONGAS. HARMAN, Ms. LEE, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. GALLEGLY, H.R. 5507: Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. COSTA, Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. DISCHARGE PETITION H.R. 5564: Mr. CHILDERS and Mr. FILNER. PELOSI, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mr. H.R. 5575: Mr. DOGGETT and Mrs. MALONEY MCKEON, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California, Under clause 2 of rule XV, the fol- of New York. Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. lowing discharge petition was filed: H.R. 5606: Mr. BOYD of Florida and Ms. RADANOVICH, Mr. LEWIS of California, Ms. (Omitted from the Record of June 20, 2008) LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, Ms. SPEIER, Petition 9, June 18, 2008, by Mr. PHIL H.R. 5611: Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Ms. RICHARDSON, Ms. WATERS, Mr. ENGLISH on H.R. 2279, was signed by the fol- H.R. 5656: Mr. SOUDER, Mr. BROWN of South MCNERNEY, Mr. STARK, Ms. WATSON, Mrs. lowing Members: Phil English, Todd Tiahrt, Carolina, and Mr. MANZULLO. Davis of California, and Mr. CAMPBELL of Daniel E. Lungren, Bob Goodlatte, Tim H.R. 5709: Mr. SESTAK, Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. California. Walberg, Devin Nunes, Dennis R. Rehberg, PASCRELL. H.R. 6298: Mr. WOLF. Joseph R. Pitts, Gus M. Bilirakis, Bill Sali, H.R. 5793: Mr. PALLONE. H.R. 6307: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. POR- Peter J. Roskam, Mac Thornberry, John T. H.R. 5821: Mr. HERGER. TER, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. VAN H.R. 5825: Mr. CHILDERS. HOLLEN, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Ala- Doolittle, Kay Granger, K. Michael Conaway, H.R. 5882: Ms. MATSUI. bama, Mr. COOPER, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. DAVIS of Charles W. Boustany, Jr., J. Randy Forbes, H.R. 5894: Mr. WEXLER. Illinois, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. GEORGE Kevin Brady, Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon, H.R. 5921: Ms. MATSUI. MILLER of California, Mr. ENGLISH of Penn- Todd Russell Platts, Thomas G. Tancredo, H.R. 5950: Mr. SIRES and Ms. LINDA T. sylvania, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Jean Schmidt, Paul C. Broun, Jim Jordan, SA´ NCHEZ of California. Ms. HIRONO, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, Frank D. Lucas, H.R. 6017: Mr. LEVIN. CROWLEY, Mr. STARK, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- Edward R. Royce, Thomas M. Reynolds, H.R. 6039: Mr. DELAHUNT. vania, and Mr. TAYLOR. Mary Bono Mack, Connie Mack, Dana Rohr- H.R. 6087: Mr. TERRY. H.R. 6309: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. MALONEY of abacher, Wally Herger, Mike Rogers of Ala- H.R. 6107: Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mrs. New York, and Mr. MEEKS of New York. bama, Roy Blunt, Patrick J. Tiberi, Steve MUSGRAVE, and Mr. HENSARLING. H.R. 6312: Mr. ROSKAM. Chabot, Deborah Pryce, Robert E. Latta, Joe H.R. 6127: Mr. SIRES, Mr. FRANK of Massa- H.R. 6315: Mr. KIRK. Barton, Michael T. McCaul, Ron Paul, Randy chusetts, and Mr. WELCH of Vermont. H.R. 6330: Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. LIPINSKI, Neugebauer, Sam Johnson, John R. Carter, H.R. 6129: Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. OBERSTAR, and Howard Coble, Adrian Smith, David Davis, H.R. 6137: Mr. CULBERSON. Ms. CASTOR. Sue Wilkins Myrick, Tom Price, Tom H.R. 6151: Mr. DOGGETT. H.R. 6334: Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. Latham, Spencer Bachus, Donald A. Man- H.R. 6184: Mr. SESTAK. MELANCON, and Mr. MATHESON. zullo, Bill Shuster, Henry E. Brown, Jr., H.R. 6195: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvanian, Mr. H.J. Res. 39: Mr. PLATTS. John Shimkus, Mike Rogers of Michigan, SESTAK, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. CAPUANO, and Mr. H.J. Res. 85: Ms. WOOLSEY and Ms. BERK- Scott Garrett, Terry Everett, Dan Burton, HOLDEN. LEY. Lynn A. Westmoreland, George Radanovich,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:26 Jun 24, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JN7.054 H23JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC60 with HOUSE H5866 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 23, 2008 John Abney Culberson, Fred Upton, Marsha Dean Heller, Ed Whitfield, Steve King, Ken DISCHARGE PETITIONS— Blackburn, Joe Wilson, Jeff Miller, Mario Calvert, Michael K. Simpson, Ginny Brown- ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS Diaz-Balart, John Boozman, Sam Graves, Waite, Thaddeus G. McCotter, Jeb The following Members added their Tom Cole, Robin Hayes, Michael C. Burgess, Hensarling, J. Gresham Barrett, Ray Phil Gingrey, Jeff Flake, Chris Cannon, LaHood, Ric Keller, Robert J. Wittman, Jo names to the following discharge peti- Christopher Shays, Candice S. Miller, John Bonner, Robert B. Aderholt, David L. Hob- tions: E. Peterson, Greg Walden, Ron Lewis, John son, Joe Knollenberg, Jo Ann Emerson, Jerry Petition 8 by Mr. WALBERG on the H.R. R. ‘‘Randy’’ Kuhl, Jr., Adam H. Putnam, Moran, Steve Scalise, John A. Boehner, 3089: VIRGIL H. GOODE, Jr., TODD TIAHRT, JOE Geoff Davis, Eric Cantor, Patrick T. Marilyn N. Musgrave, Jim McCrery, Vernon KNOLLENBERG, JOHN E. PETERSON, JERRY McHenry, Nathan Deal, John Linder, Frank MORAN, JIM MCCRERY, BARBARA CUBIN, KEVIN J. Ehlers, Virginia Foxx, Judy Biggert, Gary A. LoBiondo, Mike Ferguson, Thelma D. MCCARTHY, JOHN SULLIVAN, and TIM MUR- G. Miller, Pete Sessions, Barbara Cubin, Drake, John Campbell, Doug Lamborn, Tim PHY. Murphy, Bob Inglis, Kenny Marchant, Mi- Stevan Pearce, Kevin McCarthy, Michele Petition 6 by Mr. BOUSTANY on H.R. 1843: chael R. Turner, Zach Wamp, Heather Wil- Bachmann, Paul Ryan, John Sullivan, MICHELE BACHMANN. son, Ted Poe, Harold Rogers, Lamar Smith, Charles W. ‘‘Chip’’ Pickering, W. Todd Akin, Petition 4 by Mr. ADERHOLT on H.R. 3584: Darrell E. Issa, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Steven C. LaTourette. MICHELE BACHMANN.

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