Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 110 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

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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, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 No. 95 House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was One year ago, crude oil was selling recent past. If studies show we don’t called to order by the Speaker pro tem- for $65 a barrel, and all of us were pay- have enough oil refineries, then let’s pore (Mr. MCNULTY). ing around $3 per gallon at the pump. ask the question: Is it time that we f We thought things were bad then. The build refineries on each side of the cost per barrel for crude oil has more Rocky Mountains? DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO than doubled since last year while, this Skyrocketing gasoline prices are TEMPORE week, we are forced to pay in northeast crippling family budgets and profits for The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Wisconsin over $4 per gallon. Yet this small businesses everywhere in the fore the House the following commu- is taking place during a recession when country. Our long-term energy solu- nication from the Speaker: demand for oil is down. This is not the tions, however, must include creating a WASHINGTON, DC, way of the free marketplace. new national energy policy, imple- June 10, 2008. Like you, I was more than a little menting provisions like those I fought I hereby appoint the Honorable MICHAEL R. surprised to learn that, during this to include in the new farm bill that MCNULTY to act as Speaker pro tempore on past January of 2008, we had so much will promote alternative sources of en- this day. oil right here in the United States that ergy, leaving behind, once and for all, NANCY PELOSI, American oil companies were exporting all of the losing ideas that we have Speaker of the House of Representatives. 335,000 barrels of diesel per day to Eu- had, namely, the drill-and-burn and f rope and to Mexico. Enough is enough. drill-and-burn philosophy and policy of MORNING-HOUR DEBATE The Gas Price Relief for Consumers the Bush and Cheney administration. Act that we passed would allow us to We cannot drill and burn our way out The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- attack gas price manipulation, some- of this energy crisis. ant to the order of the House of Janu- thing we do not currently have the au- Although there are many causes for ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- thority to do. It would authorize as today’s record-high gas prices, we nize Members from lists submitted by well an antitrust task force within the should not be afraid to take on specific the majority and minority leaders for Department of Justice to begin to root steps today to ensure that prices for morning-hour debate. out any anticompetitive activities and middle class families and small busi- The Chair will alternate recognition price manipulation in the speculative nesses come down. That is why we have between the parties, with each party and volatile futures markets. For the given the Department of Justice these limited to 25 minutes and each Mem- first time, it would instruct the Fed- new tools to, in effect, put a cop back ber, other than the majority and mi- eral Government to evaluate the dam- on the beat, making certain that those nority leaders and the minority whip, aging effects of past oil company merg- who are profiting from our pain at the limited to 5 minutes, but in no event ers and acquisitions and these effects pump will be held accountable. shall debate continue beyond 9:50 a.m. that they have had on our families and With regard to the facts of the situa- f on small businesses alike. tion, let’s look at some of the facts This is the first step in beginning to here, at the United States’ oil facts. GAS PRICE RELIEF FOR reestablish a free and open market- We, the people, have leased 42 million CONSUMERS ACT OF 2008 place in the world’s oil delivery, some- acres to oil companies, and of the 42 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The thing that Teddy Roosevelt attempted million acres, they are using 12 mil- Chair recognizes the gentleman from in the early 1900s. lion. What else is going on? Wisconsin (Mr. KAGEN) for 5 minutes. My friends, we are today no further Since the year 1980, we have lost over Mr. KAGEN. Mr. Speaker, last advanced in establishing a free and 200 refineries, decreasing our capability month, I had the opportunity and the open marketplace than we were in 1910, to produce more oil and diesel when we pleasure to work with the bipartisan but all of us who live in Wisconsin are require it. What else is going on? majority of 221 Democrats and 103 Re- struggling to fill our tanks today, and The outer banks. Everyone is talking publicans, including the entire Wis- we need relief as fast as possible, and about leasing the outer banks, the consin delegation, to pass the Gas that’s why I and an overwhelming Outer Continental Shelf. Well, 82 per- Price Relief for Consumers Act of 2008. number of my colleagues from both cent of that property has already been This will in time decrease gas prices sides of the aisle passed this act to leased, and they’re not drilling. Some for everyone and will make certain begin to cut gas prices immediately, people have asked: Why aren’t we drill- that no one is able to manipulate oil realizing it will require some time to ing in ANWR? By drilling in ANWR, prices and to control the free markets. reverse the failed energy policies of the what are we going to get?

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

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:26 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.000 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 This is an old idea. If we took all of PRAYER chase oil. The reality, however, is that the oil out of ANWR, it would drop, The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. about 75 percent of the oil in the economists say, the cost at the pump Coughlin, offered the following prayer: United States is on land that is already by one to two pennies per gallon, and Lord God, Your provident love is re- open for production, but less than one- that would take place 10 or 20 years vealed today as it was revealed in the third of that land is actually being from now. Furthermore, there is no scriptures and in the early days of this used by the oil companies. guarantee whatsoever that the compa- Nation’s history. Lord, after Your serv- They are literally sitting on 10,000 nies bringing the oil out of ANWR ant Moses had died, You spoke again to permits and millions of acres of leased would deliver it to the United States Your people and Joshua, the son of land that would let them start pulling citizens. It may go to Japan or to Eu- Nun. You said, ‘‘Prepare now to cross more oil out of the ground here at rope or to the highest bidder. So ANWR the Jordan with all the people. Enter home. So I say to the oil company ad- and drilling, drilling and burning is not the land I stretch out before you. No vocates, start drilling for more domes- the solution. one can stand against you as long as tic supply. Start drilling on the lands What is going on in our marketplace? you live in My presence. I will be with that are already open, and stop pos- Recent investigations and testimony you as I was with Moses. I will not turing while American drivers are in here in the House and in the Senate leave you nor will I forsake you.’’ pain at the pump. have shown that there is a concentra- In this millennium, we as a Nation f tion where pension funds are now be- need to cross over some turbulent wa- REDUCE THE PRICE AT THE PUMP ginning to invest more and more since ters and enter into a new terrain. Lord, (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was the year 2000 into our commodities fu- we must face a new environment with given permission to address the House tures market. So it is now time to ask a need for resourceful energy as we for 1 minute and to revise and extend the question: Isn’t it appropriate that seek economic security and global her remarks.) we ask you, if you’re buying oil, to peace. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, take possession of what you buy? Give us Your confidence as we once you know that the price at the pump is f again hear Your words of promise: Be what everyone is talking about. And in firm and steadfast so that you may FRANKLIN L. ‘‘JAKE’’ FLAKE my district in Tennessee, moms are lead this people to the secure and pros- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The now spending over $100 more to fill up perous land which I promised to your Chair recognizes the gentleman from the tanks than they were when the ancestors. I will be with you as I was Arizona (Mr. FLAKE) for 2 minutes. Democrats took the gavel in both the with Moses. I will not leave you nor Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, flags at House and the Senate. It costs over $100 will I forsake you, now or forever. the State Capitol in Arizona are flying a month more to fill up the tank of an Amen. at half-staff this week to honor the life average minivan. We have seen the of Jake Flake. f price of a gallon of gas go from $2.26 to Jake leaves behind a legacy of serv- THE JOURNAL $4 a gallon. ice from school boards to irrigation Madam Speaker, there is a reason for districts to hospital governing boards The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this. And we on the Republican side to the Boy Scouts of America to the Chair has examined the Journal of the have solutions for this problem. It is Farm Credit Association to countless last day’s proceedings and announces time to waive the gas tax. It is time to other organizations. You name it; Jake to the House her approval thereof. waive the ethanol mandates. It is time Flake ran it; raised money for it; res- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- to waive the requirements for boutique cued it or improved it. nal stands approved. fuels. And it is time for Americans to But it was in Arizona’s State legisla- f explore for American energy on Amer- ture that he became best known and ican soil. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE loved across the State, particularly There is a way to address this. There during his term as Speaker of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the are bills that are filed. There is action House. One of Arizona’s last genuine gentleman from New York (Mr. HALL) that can be taken. I encourage my cowboy legislators, his perspective, his come forward and lead the House in the Democrat colleagues, encourage your insight and his counsel is simply irre- Pledge of Allegiance. leadership to rise to the challenge, re- placeable. Mr. HALL of New York led the duce the price at the pump. To his wife, Mary Louise, Jake was a Pledge of Allegiance as follows: f loving husband. To his 13 children, he I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the BIG OIL NEEDS TO DRILL WHERE was a devoted father. To his 55 grand- United States of America, and to the Repub- THEY HOLD LEASES children, he was an adoring grand- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, father. To his church, he was a faithful indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (Mr. SIRES asked and was given per- servant. To his community, he was a f mission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his re- loyal advocate. To his beloved State of DOMESTIC OIL DRILLING Arizona, he was a statesman. marks.) To this lowly Congressman, he was a (Mr. HALL of New York asked and Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, Presi- caring uncle and mentor, and I will was given permission to address the dent Bush and congressional Repub- miss him dearly. House for 1 minute and to revise and licans continue to blame today’s record extend his remarks.) gas prices on our refusal to open more f Mr. HALL of New York. Madam land up for drilling. They claim that if RECESS Speaker, over the weekend, gas reached we allowed big oil to drill more, gas The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the $4 national average for the first prices would fall. What Republicans ne- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair time in our Nation’s history. The ma- glect to say is that the number of drill- declares the House in recess until 10 jority in Congress has worked to coming permits increased dramatically a.m. today. bat these prices by advancing new en- over the last 5 years from 3,800 permits Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 10 min- ergy solutions and efforts to protect in 2002 to 7,500 last year. utes a.m.), the House stood in recess consumers. The standard refrain from That’s right. Big oil is actually get- until 10 a.m. the oil companies and their allies is, ting access to more land to drill, but is f ‘‘We need to drill for more oil here at doing nothing to bring down the price home.’’ I would ask them, ‘‘Who is of gas. Big oil has access to millions of AFTER RECESS stopping you?’’ acres of Federal land. But for some rea- The recess having expired, the House The oil company myth is that we son, they have yet to do any drilling. was called to order by the Speaker pro need to open up the Arctic refuge and According to a new Natural Resources tempore (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- give the oil company a free hand to go Committee report, oil and gas compa- fornia) at 10 a.m. wherever and whenever they want to nies hold leases to nearly 68 million

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.002 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5115 acres of Federal land that they are not dential disaster areas. I understand pocket for child care so they can pur- currently drilling. If big oil really that the National Guard has been acti- sue a career. In short, it hurts all of wants to drill more, why aren’t they vated to assist in the flood control ef- America, and it must end right here, drilling? forts. I am grateful for their assist- right now. Madam Speaker, Washington Repub- ance. I continue to stand ready to help f licans are wrong again to rely on big my fellow Iowans in any way possible. YOU CAN’T GET OIL FROM A DRY oil to bring down the prices at the f pump. After all, while American con- HOLE SOLUTIONS EXIST FOR HIGH GAS sumers battle these record prices, big (Mr. WESTMORELAND asked and PRICES oil is laughing all the way to the bank. was given permission to address the f (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given House for 1 minute and to revise and permission to address the House for 1 extend his remarks.) THE CURE FOR PUMP PANIC minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam (Mr. POE asked and was given per- marks.) Speaker, more smoke and mirrors that mission to address the House for 1 Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I we are hearing this morning from the minute and to revise and extend his re- feel sympathy for the folks paying majority party about, oh, there is plen- marks.) these high gas prices. Here is a prob- ty of land to drill in, the big oil compa- Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, with all lem: On average, $3.98, take in climate nies just aren’t drilling. Let me just the gloom, doom and despair about the change 50 cents and we’ll be paying straighten that out just a little bit. high gasoline prices, there is a remedy $4.48 a gallon. Ninety-seven percent of the Federal to this pessimistic pump panic. Before Here is the solution: Outer Conti- offshore drilling sites are off-limits. we start passing out bicycles to the nental Shelf, which is off-limits by ap- Ninety-four percent of the federally multitudes or start going to Dr. Phil propriation bills; moving coal-to-liquid owned onshore areas are off-limits. for therapy, we can and should obtain technology, which has been blocked Fifty-two percent of the area that oil more crude oil here in America. Crude here on motions to recommit; expand- companies drilled in between 2002 and oil will still be the driving energy of ing renewable fuels, which has been 2007 were dry holes. We need to allow this Nation for the foreseeable future helpful, but still is not the panacea. these oil companies to drill in areas until we find some alternative. And we The New York Times, which is not where there actually is oil. don’t need to line the pockets of OPEC one of our best supporters, says the I don’t know the economics that the and Third World dictators by begging counties were motorists spend the majority party has, but if there is no them for more crude. We already give highest percentage of their income on oil, why would you drill there? That them $425 million a day! gasoline tend to be poor, rural areas, does not make sense. If the government The U.S. Geological Survey has re- which is what I represent. That is why would sell companies leases that have leased a report that says the ‘‘sweet I am on the floor monthly now talking oil in them instead of selling them crude’’ oil find in the Williston-Bakken about gas reaching $4 a gallon, refinery places that turn out to be dry holes, Basin is larger than first believed. It is expansion delayed because of environ- then we would have more oil produced enormous. According to the report, it mental attacks, the clean gas, $4 in- in this country. We imported over 600 is over 500 billion barrels, and it is lo- crease in price of natural gas bills. million gallons of gasoline last year. cated in the Dakotas. It is 15 times Our consuming public cannot stand We need to add to our refinery capa- larger than the oil in the Alaskan these high prices any more. Our manu- bilities, also. North Slope. facturing base cannot. We have to America needs to take care of Amer- bring on more supply. f ica. We need to remove the silly re- f b 1015 strictions that prohibit drilling. We THE PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT ANOTHER MONTH OF JOB LOSSES: need to drill in the Badlands of the Da- CONGRESS SHOULD EXTEND UN- kotas; remove the offshore drilling ban; (Ms. SPEIER asked and was given EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE drill in Alaska; and we can cure this permission to address the House for 1 pump panic disease. minute and to revise and extend her re- (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given And that’s just the way it is. marks.) permission to address the House for 1 f Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, 45 minute.) years ago today, President Kennedy Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE signed a law to end what he called the every month this year our economy FLOOD AND TORNADO VICTIMS ‘‘unconscionable practice of paying fe- has shed more jobs than it has pro- IN IOWA male workers less wages than male duced. Last month was no exception; (Mr. LOEBSACK asked and was given workers for the same job.’’ 49,000 jobs were lost nationwide and un- permission to address the House for 1 When President Kennedy signed the employment rose from 5 percent in minute and to revise and extend his re- law, women earned 60 cents for every April to 5.5 percent in May. That is the marks.) dollar earned by a man. In 2006, the largest 1 month increase in 20 years. Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I woman’s share is 77 cents. While we As job losses continue on a monthly rise today to express my sincere sym- have made some progress in 45 years, it basis, it is becoming increasingly dif- pathy for residents in my district and is scant at best. Since 1963 the ratio ficult for the unemployed to find jobs, around Iowa who are currently experi- has narrowed by less than one-half cent and it is expected to get even worse. encing severe flooding at record setting per year. At this rate, my 13-year-old That is why last month this Congress levels. daughter will be close to retirement by passed legislation to extend unemploy- Just this weekend I went to two the time President Kennedy’s order is ment benefits for an additional 13 neighborhoods to help sandbag and pro- realized. weeks. tect homes. I spoke with a man who That is why I am cosponsoring H.R. Today, more than 1 million people pointed to his home and said, ‘‘This is 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which have exhausted all of their benefits. the only thing I have.’’ It was a very adds teeth to previous laws. Washington should provide these work- emotional setting. I was touched by Equal pay for equal work is as Amer- ers some additional relief as they con- the intensity and good spirits of many ican as a principle can be. This is not tinue to pursue a job through these of the residents and volunteers despite about men versus women, but basic rough times. Yet President Bush and the circumstances, and I commend fairness. And its ramifications affect congressional Republicans oppose the them for their perseverance. everyone. Paying women less hurts unemployment insurance extension, The Governor of Iowa has already men who aren’t hired because hiring a even though they supported a similar issued emergency proclamations for woman is cheaper. It hurts families by extension in 2002 when economic condi- many of Iowa’s counties, and four devaluing the work of women and tions were not nearly as hard as they counties have been declared Presi- mothers who are already paying out of are today.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.005 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Madam Speaker, the May jobs report compete in Philadelphia for a spot on This year’s summit marked the 10- should serve as a wake-up call to Presi- the elite six-member U.S. Women’s year anniversary of the Year of the dent Bush and congressional Repub- Olympic Gymnastic Team. Ocean and the oceans conference in licans to support our efforts to extend Shawn not only exudes the hard work Monterey attended by President Clin- unemployment insurance. necessary to achieve her dreams, but ton and Vice President Gore. In the in- f also the character of a natural role tervening 10 years, the Federal Govern- model. Even with all her gold medals ment has done little to address the URGING THE PRESIDENT TO DE- and new-found fame, Shawn continues oceans’ growing problems, ranging CLARE AN EXPEDITED MAJOR to compete with humble pride and from overfishing to pollution to coastal DISASTER AREA IN THE STATE gratitude. development and global warming. Cali- OF INDIANA I thank Shawn for all of the wonder- fornia and Massachusetts have had to (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- ful things she has done around the step into the breach, but problems as mission to address the House for 1 State of Iowa and the Nation. Since big as our oceans can’t be addressed by minute and to revise and extend his re- winning the world championship, she a few States. marks.) has used her fame to bring awareness Fortunately, there is a solution. Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, across to breast cancer and other cancers that Oceans 21, introduced by Representa- Indiana, Hoosiers are picking up the affect women. tive FARR and moving through the Nat- pieces from a week of extraordinary Once again, Shawn, congratulations ural Resources Committee now, estab- weather. My own hometown of Colum- on winning the National Championship lishes a national oceans policy and a bus is in the midst of a cleanup of the again, and good luck in Philadelphia. framework for national and regional worst flooding since the Great Flood of f management of our shared ocean re- 1913, and I come to the floor today to sources. REPUBLICANS ARE READY TO ACT urge the President of the United States I strongly urge my colleagues to ON ENERGY NEEDS to take immediate action and declare sponsor Oceans 21. Join us, and help an expedited major disaster area in the (Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was provide stewardship for this vast re- State of Indiana as a result of these se- given permission to address the House source and protect it for future genera- vere storms, tornadoes and torrential for 1 minute.) tions. downpour. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam f Following the harsh impact of torna- Speaker, my constituents and Ameri- does 1 week ago today, on Saturday cans are asking, where is the bill? REMEMBERING THE HEROES OF parts of my district experienced ap- When will House Democrats bring for- WORLD WAR II proximately 10 inches of rain in a mat- ward a real plan for families being (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- ter of hours. This is more rainfall than hammered by record gas prices? fornia asked and was given permission Hoosiers typically see in 2 months dur- Today, the majority will spend hours to address the House for 1 minute and ing this time of year, and the results considering no less than 10 nonbinding to revise and extend his remarks.) have been catastrophic. resolutions. Yet this Democrat Con- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- I commend the President for his ac- gress will do nothing, nothing, about fornia. Madam Speaker, 64 years ago tion on Sunday evening speeding relief outrageous energy prices. We fill the this week, my father and approxi- to community governments, but this day with recognitions and commemora- mately 2 million of his fellow soldiers government must act and act now to tions, but there is no urgency for strug- from the United States, Great Britain, bring relief to Hoosier families, small gling Americans. and Canada were moving into the area businesses and family farms. We need It is shameful that with energy of France, which began the liberation additional declarations like those re- prices rising 70 percent on their watch, of Europe. Sixty-four years ago they quested by Governor Mitch Daniels of House Democrats remain stubbornly sacrificed in ways almost unimaginable the President, support from FEMA and opposed to offering any ideas to infor us. Had they not done that, had the Department of Agriculture, and we crease supply and lower gas prices. All they not succeeded, we would not enjoy need it now. we see from this majority is brazen ne- the freedoms we have today. Hoosier families and communities glect. Yet it was little remarked nor re- are hurting, and they deserve to know Republicans, on the other hand, have membered on the pages of our news- that help is on the way. I urge this ad- brought forward an energy action plan. papers across our country and on our ministration and all of my colleagues We are ready to act. We are ready to television sets. And the fact of the to focus their attention on this urgent increase American-made energy re- matter is these brave, gentle warriors Midwestern need for emergency relief. sources. We are ready to provide a are dying at over 1,000 a day. We soon f broad mix of energy options. We are will not have the opportunity to thank ready to streamline regulations allow- them for the sacrifices they made. CONGRATULATING SHAWN JOHN- ing for increasing refining capacity. We So today as we deal with these prob- SON: 2007 WORLD GYMNASTIC are ready to help. lems that face us, let us remember that CHAMPION; 2008 NATIONAL CHAM- Madam Speaker, we are ready. Amer- America has always been a can-do PION icans are begging to know, when will country. We have never shirked from (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given this Democrat majority be? challenges. We have figured out how to permission to address the House for 1 f do it. And remember in the words of minute and to revise and extend his re- those people in that movie not too long THE TROUBLED STATE OF OUR marks.) ago, to ask ourselves what our fathers WORLD’S OCEANS Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, last asked themselves; are we worthy? Did November I stood here to congratulate (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given we lead a good life? Did we do what we a native of Iowa, a young woman from permission to address the House for 1 had to do? our district who has demonstrated minute and to revise and extend her re- f amazing discipline and spirit of Amer- marks.) ican ambition. In September of 2007, Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING TO IM- Shawn Johnson won the 2007 World Ar- today to speak about the troubled PROVE THE LIVES OF VETERANS tistic Gymnastic Championship. She is state of our world’s oceans. Last (Mr. BRALEY of Iowa asked and was one of four American women to hold month, I attended an ocean science given permission to address the House this esteemed title. summit in Monterey, California. Also for 1 minute and to revise and extend Today, I congratulate Shawn on her there were State and Federal policy- his remarks.) most recent win. On Saturday, June 7, makers and scientists concerned about Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speak- Shawn successfully defended her title our oceans and the lack of attention er, while the Iraq war has stretched our as the National Champion in women’s our Federal Government has given military thin and our troops continue gymnastics. Next weekend she will them. to struggle with multiple deployments,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.008 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5117 House Democrats are fighting to im- have allowed Big Oil to run our Na- vetoed, that should help lower prices at prove the lives of soldiers when they tion’s energy policy. From the very the pump. return home. first days of this administration, Vice Last month we passed a final farm Last month we passed a new and im- President CHENEY was meeting in se- bill that makes an historic investment proved GI Bill that restores the prom- cret with energy executives to develop in expanding biofuel production, large- ise of a full 4-year college scholarship. its energy proposal. Today we see the ly from non-food crops such as corn- The original GI Bill sparked economic results of that secret policy that was stalks, wood chips and switchgrass. growth and expansion in America after approved by a rubber-stamp Republican The bill also provides support to farm- World War II. This new bill will be an Congress. When President Bush took ers growing energy crops and entre- integral part of rebuilding our failing office, the average price of gas was preneurs building refineries to convert economy. It will also make military $1.47. Today, it has more than doubled biomass into fuel. Without biofuels, service more attractive and improve to an average hovering around $4. gasoline prices would be about 50 cents the quality of recruits as we work to Since taking control of Congress last higher per gallon than they are right strengthen our military. The new GI year, Democrats have rejected the now. Bill goes further than current law, failed Republican policies that are re- The farm bill should be going to the which only covers a small portion of sponsible for these record high prices. President’s desk any day now, but he public and private college education. We are working to lower prices by plans to veto it. Fortunately, we Madam Speaker, the education of our cracking down on price gouging, hold- should have enough bipartisan support Nation’s veterans should be considered ing OPEC accountable for price fixing, to override that veto when the bill a cost of the war which they rightfully repealing subsidies for profit-rich oil comes back to Congress. have earned after completing their companies, and instead investing in re- Madam Speaker, investing in biofuels military service. newable energy. is critical to our energy future. The Madam Speaker, the U.S. has never Each of these efforts have received farm bill is just one more example of gone wrong when it properly invests in some partisan support, but the Repub- how this Democratic Congress is work- education and rewards our veterans. I lican leadership of this House and the ing to lower prices at the pump. President continue to oppose our ef- would only hope that President Bush f would reconsider his opposition to the forts. new GI Bill. It is the right thing to do f b 1030 for both our military and our economy. RESPONSIBLE ENERGY POLICY INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF OIL AT f NEEDED HOME DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY NEEDS (Mr. BROUN of Georgia asked and (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- NEW ENERGY POLICY NOW was given permission to address the mission to address the House for 1 House for 1 minute and to revise and (Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee minute and to revise and extend his re- extend his remarks.) asked and was given permission to ad- marks.) Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, Presi- dress the House for 1 minute.) Speaker, today America is drilling for Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. dent Bush recently went to Saudi Ara- ice on Mars, yet we cannot drill for oil bia to ask the gulf kingdom to increase Madam Speaker, with high gas prices in America. We have billions of gallons soaring, moms and dads across East its oil production to help bring down of crude oil in America that we can’t gas prices. Instead of flying all the way Tennessee and across America are even tap into because of a failed policy struggling to put a budget together at to the Middle East, perhaps he should by the majority. We can’t drill for oil. have made the short trip down Penn- the kitchen table. They are worried Just yesterday, I filled up my car and how they are going to pay for their sylvania Avenue for a visit with Con- paid $3.99.9 a gallon. gress to ask the lawmakers here to in- health care, how they are going to buy It is crazy that we can’t drill for oil. crease the supply of oil right here at enough gas to get their kids to school, We have to have responsible energy home. how they are going to pay for their policy that gives us more supply. It is According to the Department of Inte- children’s education. not about wind or electricity or taxing rior, 86 billion barrels of oil are avail- Families and small businesses across oil. The Democrats want to put a 50 able in the Outer Continental Shelf, America are hurting. Earl Humphreys, cents a gallon tax on every gallon of added to the 53 billion barrels available for example, in Bristol, Tennessee, diesel and gasoline in America. That is in land. According to the Bureau of owns Lawn Boyz Lawn Care Service. inane. That is not energy policy. He has told me he may have to go out We have to drill for oil now. We have Land Management, we have 139 billion of business. to streamline the permitting process barrels of oil right here at home. It is time for solutions, time for no for refineries. We have to supply more That’s more than the oil-rich countries more excuses. High gas prices are not gas to people. It is a national security like Kuwait, Venezuela and Russia only an economic security issue, they policy, it is an economic policy that we have. Last year we imported over 6 bil- are a national security issue. We are cannot continue that the majority has lion gallons of refined gasoline into the too dependent on foreign countries, given us today. We need a responsible United States. countries that hate us and hate our energy policy. One might ask, considering these freedoms and, quite frankly, hate our numbers, why aren’t we attempting to f religion. access more of our fuel right here at We need an energy policy now. I call DEMOCRATS TAKE ACTION ON home? The Democrat leaders have a on the Democrat majority to offer leg- RECORD HIGH GAS PRICES AT roadblock to every bill to drill for oil, islation that will provide for lower gas THE PUMP natural gas, shale oil, right here in the prices, better economic security, better (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and U.S. national security, and I ask them to do was given permission to address the How long is it going to take them to it now. We need to use American en- House for 1 minute and to revise and learn? ergy. We need solutions. extend his remarks.) f f Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, as the price of gas continues AMERICAN FAMILIES ARE PAYING REPUBLICAN LEADERS OPPOSE to hit record highs almost every day, THE PRICE EFFORTS TO LOWER RECORD House Democrats continue to work on (Mr. ARCURI asked and was given HIGH GAS PRICES AT THE PUMP passing legislation that creates a permission to address the House for 1 (Ms. WATSON asked and was given cleaner and smarter energy policy that minute and to revise and extend his re- permission to address the House for 1 will provide consumers some real remarks.) minute.) lief. Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, today Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, for 7 This year, the House has passed nine American families are paying the price years now, Washington Republicans bills, many of which the President has for 7 years of failed economic policies

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.009 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 by this administration. This year first met as a Congress, and the Speak- NATURAL GAS IS THE CLEAN, alone, our economy has lost more than er said she had a secret plan to lower GREEN FUEL 300,000 jobs. It’s important to remem- those costs. (Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania ber that in order to just keep up with Yet rather than talking about energy asked and was given permission to ad- the population growth, our economy issues, we are talking, spending time to dress the House for 1 minute.) must create at least 150,000 jobs per find scapegoats to blame for those Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania. month. costs, not realizing that for every dol- Madam Speaker, today natural gas These statistics are devastating to lar that goes up in energy costs, jobs opened at $12.65 per 1,000 Btus. That is millions of unemployed Americans who are lost, income is reduced, our social an almost 100 percent increase from are increasingly competing against programs are harmed and people sim- this time a year ago. each other for the very few jobs that ply suffer. We should be fighting for Natural gas is the clean, green fuel have become available. Yet President these issues, for the 1,100 people that that powers our manufacturing econ- Bush continues to sit on the sidelines worked for American Airlines but were omy, accounts for 23 percent of the en- hoping that the economic situation fired because they couldn’t afford the ergy consumed in America and heats 52 will correct itself without additional gas for 100 planes; for the Washington, million of our homes. Yet as prices governmental intervention. continue to skyrocket and companies The Democratic House believes the D.C., cabbie who, for the first time in move offshore because America has the government must act, and it must act his life, cannot greet his kids at home highest natural gas prices in the world, now. That’s why we passed legislation when they come home from school be- this Congress has done absolutely last month that would extend unem- cause he has to work 2 hours a day nothing to increase production. ployment insurance to workers who longer for the same amount of money; have exhausted their benefits. We also for the Virginia father who can no Tomorrow, I will offer an amendment plan to move a second economic stim- longer attend his father-and-son outing to the Interior appropriations bill that ulus package that should help create because he can’t afford the gas to go will lift the congressional moratorium jobs. I hope both President Bush and there. on offshore production from 50 to 200 congressional Republicans would fi- People are suffering, and, instead, we miles, which happens to be the safest nally realize that this is the right are here on the floor dealing with con- and most environmentally friendly thing to do. gressional minutia. We must be dealing place to produce energy. There is no need to beg the Saudis for more oil and f with legislation to improve conservation, improve production and improve Canada for more natural gas. DEMOCRATS HELP REBUILD THE innovations of how we deliver those We have vast reserves here in Amer- ECONOMY fuel sources to the people. Otherwise ica. We need to produce American en- (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given we will become, as John Adams said, ergy with an American labor force and permission to address the House for 1 one useless man is disgraced, two are a give Americans energy they can afford. minute and to revise and extend his re- law firm, and three or more become a marks.) Congress. f Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, with so The people have had this Congress. many Americans fearing the loss of COLLUSION AND PRICE GOUGING their jobs and their homes and wor- (Mr. DEFAZIO asked and was given rying about the rising cost of basic f permission to address the House for 1 needs like food and gas, it is clear that minute.) Washington must act. DEMOCRATS TAKE ACTION ON The House had led the way in work- RECORD HIGH GAS PRICES AT Mr. DEFAZIO. Madam Speaker, you ing to jump-start the economic recov- THE PUMP have got to admit it’s a great system. ery by putting hundreds of dollars in The oil companies fill the Republican the hands of more than 130 million (Mr. WU asked and was given permis- coffers with campaign contributions, American families with the economic sion to address the House for 1 minute and the Republicans pretend that they stimulus package. That is only the and to revise and extend his remarks.) care about consumers while the Repub- first step. It is going to take time to Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I, for one, licans stonewall steps to rein in price- reverse the 7 years of the Bush failed welcome this opportunity to engage in gouging market speculation. economic policies that have favored a debate with my friends across the Remember the Enron loophole? the wealthiest few to the detriment of aisle about who truly stands with the That’s 50 cents a gallon at the pump the middle class. American consumer versus standing today. Ken Lay is dead, but it lives on. Congressional Democrats are work- with Big Oil. They are protecting OPEC against ing to address the record high cost of World Trade Organization complaints Over the weekend, the average price gasoline with the passage of a renew- that the President refuses to sign. He for a gallon of gas hit $4 per gallon. It’s able energy tax incentive that will goes over and holds hands with the $4.50 per gallon at the pump closest to lower prices at the pump and create Saudi princes, but he won’t file a com- this debate. These outrageous prices thousands of green jobs. With 325,000 plaint against market collusion. are taking their toll on all of us, and jobs lost over the last 5 months, this Refineries, you are right. We have the average American driver now pays Congress extended unemployment ben- got a shortage. ExxonMobil says they more than $2,200 per year for gasoline, efits last month, so that those having a are doing just fine. They have no plans up from about $1,400 a year in 2001 at hard time finding a new job have access to build a refinery. They are making the beginning of the Bush administra- to 13 additional weeks. obscene profits, 6,492 leases, no devel- tion. The Bush economy is hurting middle- opment. Eighty percent of the Outer class families in my home State of New Since January 2007, when this Demo- Continental Shelf reserves are avail- Jersey, across the Nation, and we must cratic Congress came into the major- able, no plans to drill. Naval Petroleum give them relief. ity, we have been committed to chang- Reserve, it is 8 years since Clinton f ing the Nation’s energy policy so we leased it, zero percent production. can lower prices at the pump. Last There is a sea of oil under it. DELIVER FUEL SOURCES TO THE year, this Democratic Congress passed Market forces, 11 bucks in 1 day for a PEOPLE the landmark law that will make cars barrel of oil, while consumption is way (Mr. BISHOP of Utah asked and was and trucks more efficient, which will down in the U.S. It’s not market given permission to address the House eventually save American families forces, it’s collusion and price gouging. for 1 minute.) somewhere between $700 to $1,000 each The Bush-Cheney Republican caucus Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Madam Speak- year. We have followed this up this and the OPEC cartel are doing just fine er, gas prices have finally hit $4 a gal- year by passing bills cracking down on the way things are. They pretend they lon. That’s $1.71 higher than when we price gouging by Big Oil. want change, but they don’t.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.011 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5119 PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION time yielded during consideration of fifth straight fiscal year of record rid- OF H.R. 6003, PASSENGER RAIL the rule is for debate only. ership. Increased ridership numbers oc- INVESTMENT AND IMPROVE- GENERAL LEAVE curred across all of Amtrak’s services MENT ACT OF 2008 Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I ask in both corridor and long-distance Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, by di- unanimous consent that all Members routes. On average, more than 70,000 rection of the Committee on Rules, I have 5 legislative days within which to passengers ride on Amtrak every day. call up House Resolution 1253 and ask revise and extend their remarks and to Amtrak’s financial performance has for its immediate consideration. insert extraneous materials into the also improved in recent years, posting The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- RECORD. record gains in ticket sales. My region lows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there has seen the positive effects and benefits of having efficient transportation H. RES. 1253 objection to the request of the gentlewoman from California? options. The Capitol Corridor line in Resolved, That at any time after the adop- California is showing that record num- tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- There was no objection. suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I bers of Californians are choosing to use House resolved into the Committee of the yield myself such time as I may con- passenger rail. Ridership on the Capitol Whole House on the State of the Union for sume. Corridor line is up 14 percent and rev- consideration of the bill (H.R. 6003) to reau- H. Res. 1253 provides a structured enue is up 21 percent from last year. thorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. The rule for consideration of H.R. 6003, the On-time performance was also up from first reading of the bill shall be dispensed Passenger Rail Investment and Im- last year. with. All points of order against consider- provement Act of 2008. The resolution We can all agree that Amtrak needs ation of the bill are waived except those aris- provides 1 hour of general debate con- to be brought into the 21st century. ing under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. General This legislation provides a comprehen- debate shall be confined to the bill and shall trolled by the Committee on Transpor- not exceed one hour equally divided and con- tation and Infrastructure and makes in sive framework to improve Amtrak trolled by the chairman and ranking minor- order 8 of the 10 amendments sub- across the country. It increases capital ity member of the Committee on Transpor- mitted for consideration. and operating grants to Amtrak, helps tation and Infrastructure. After general de- From coast to coast we are seeing bring the Northeast Corridor to a state bate the bill shall be considered for amend- the effects of rising fuel prices. Energy of good repair, and makes various cap- ment under the five-minute rule. It shall be prices have been a regular topic here in ital improvements. in order to consider as an original bill for the Congress, in the newspapers, and at H.R. 6003 also creates a new grant purpose of amendment under the five-minute program for intercity passenger rail rule the amendment in the nature of a sub- family dinner tables. stitute recommended by the Committee on The average price of a gallon of gas capital projects. Our urban centers will Transportation and Infrastructure now in Sacramento just climbed to $4.41. see tangible benefits and a commit- printed in the bill. The committee amend- My constituents are feeling this burden ment to getting cars off the streets by ment in the nature of a substitute shall be every single day. Driving to work and promoting alternative and efficient considered as read. All points of order school is becoming more difficult and modes of transportation. against the committee amendment in the more costly for everyone. H.R. 6003 takes great strides to re- nature of a substitute are waived except The City of Sacramento also just lieve rail congestion. It provides im- those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. portant congestion grants and works to Notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no started a major construction project on amendment to the committee amendment in I–5, which cuts through the heart of my resolve disputes between commuter the nature of a substitute shall be in order district. The already congested streets and freight railroads. It also provides except those printed in the report of the are going to become even more crowd- significant funding for high-speed rail Committee on Rules accompanying this res- ed. corridors, including $1.75 billion for olution. Each such amendment may be of- construction and equipment. fered only in the order printed in the report, b 1045 Simply put, this bill will reduce con- may be offered only by a Member designated That is why I am glad we are here gestion and facilitate ridership growth. in the report, shall be considered as read, considering such an important bill to I want to thank Chairman OBERSTAR shall be debatable for the time specified in reauthorize and invest in Amtrak. Our and Ranking Member MICA for coming the report equally divided and controlled by constituents are in desperate need of the proponent and an opponent, shall not be together on this important bipartisan subject to amendment, and shall not be sub- alternative modes of travel to combat legislation. I am proud that this Con- ject to a demand for division of the question both increased congestion as well as gress is taking this important issue in the House or in the Committee of the rising gas prices. Now is the time to and tackling it, and look forward to Whole. All points of order against such capitalize on the renewed interest in supporting this legislation. amendments are waived except those arising passenger rail. Madam Speaker, passage of the Pas- under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. At the con- Millions of Americans from Atlanta senger Rail Investment and Improve- clusion of consideration of the bill for to Sacramento are getting out of their ment Act is an important step to dem- amendment the Committee shall rise and re- cars and onto public transit. Many of onstrating our commitment to infra- port the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Mem- these riders will be getting on rail for structure investment. This is long ber may demand a separate vote in the the first time. We must not let the op- overdue, and I encourage everyone to House on any amendment adopted in the portunity to invest in our rail system support the rule and the underlying Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the pass us by. legislation to provide the country with committee amendment in the nature of a From Greece to Paris to Tokyo, we a safe and alternative mode of travel. substitute. The previous question shall be have seen the economic benefits of Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- considered as ordered on the bill and amend- intercity rail. Let’s now bring these ance of my time. ments thereto to final passage without inter- benefits to our Nation, our States, and Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I vening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. our hometowns. yield myself such time as I may con- SEC. 2. During consideration in the House The Passenger Rail Investment and sume. of H.R. 6003 pursuant to this resolution, not- Improvement Act takes great strides I rise today and want to thank my withstanding the operation of the previous to improve Amtrak and give our con- friend from California, a member of the question, the Chair may postpone further stituents the flexibility they need to Rules Committee, for yielding this consideration of the bill to such time as may travel. time to me to discuss the proposed rule be designated by the Speaker. Amtrak was created in 1970 to pre- for consideration of the Passenger Rail The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- serve and reinvigorate intercity pas- Investment and Improvement Act. tlewoman from California is recognized senger rail service throughout the I rise in opposition to this rule, and for 1 hour. country. Since 1981, it has been the Na- to the legislation, neither of which will Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, for tion’s sole provider of regularly sched- meet the Democrats’ campaign prom- the purpose of debate only, I yield the uled intercity passenger rail service. ises about how they said they would customary 30 minutes to the gen- In fiscal year 2007, Amtrak carried run the House in a fair and transparent tleman from Texas (Mr. SESSIONS). All more than 25.8 million passengers, the manner, nor the American taxpayers’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.013 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 expectations how the Federal Govern- but does not include basic measures to hold Unfortunately, through their inac- ment should manage tax revenues that Amtrak accountable to taxpayers for its tion, the Democrat majority has al- it takes from hardworking Americans. spending decisions. For example, H.R. 6003 ready demonstrated its lack of interest The Passenger Rail Investment and provides scant opportunity for competition on existing Amtrak routes and does not in- in doing anything serious to address Improvement Act of 2008 would reau- clude provisions that would condition Am- this issue as well as soaring energy thorize Government spending on Am- trak’s funding based on progress on reforms. costs. Through its flurry of constant trak over the next 5 years at a cost of Measures to address these areas are included action on behalf of big labor bosses, almost $15 billion without requiring in S. 294 and should be adopted before Con- they have demonstrated that they are any meaningful reforms in Amtrak’s gress completes its work on this measure. equally unwilling to do anything to ad- governance or operations and without The Administration also would strongly dress that problem for Amtrak, its rid- allocating taxpayer dollars based on a object if bonding authority were added to the bill. Language in the introduced version of ers, or the American public. demand for the service. H.R. 6004, the Rail Infrastructure Develop- That means that the only oppor- As we know, Amtrak is a private cor- ment and Expansion Act for the 21st Cen- tunity that Members have to reform poration that continues to receive tury, permits State issuance of $24 billion in Amtrak in this bill is through cutting large Federal operating subsidies, de- bonds, including but not limited to tax cred- the fat from these underused, rural spite laws passed by Congress requiring it bonds. In particular, the use of tax credit long-haul lines that are often sub- after 2002, over 5 years ago, that they bonds to finance the construction of high- sidized at a cost of multiple hundreds should be able to run their operations speed rail capital projects would be expen- of dollars per ticket by American tax- without Federal grant funds. sive and highly inefficient, and costs would payers. be borne by taxpayers, not system users. Despite the fact that the Transpor- To move Amtrak towards a sustainable To address this problem, I have of- tation and Infrastructure Committee business model, the Administration urges fered an amendment that is very simi- approved this legislation, I am not Congress to pass legislation that reflects the lar to my efforts in the past on this alone in believing that Amtrak should following core reform principles consistently issue, but is this time even more direct conduct its operations without picking articulated by this Administration: (1) cre- in its approach. the pockets of American families who ate a system driven by sound economics In March 2007, I offered an amend- are already being asked to do this by where services are provided based primarily ment to the Rail and Public Transpor- the do-nothing Democrat Congress to on consumer demand; (2) promote competi- tation Security Act that would have tion; (3) focus Amtrak on core operating pay for record prices for energy, and competencies; (4) establish funding partner- prohibited Amtrak from subsidizing its can little afford to subsidize the ineffi- ships with States; and (5) improve the invest- 10 worst revenue losing long-distance ciencies of a transportation system ment in and management of the Northeast routes, as determined by its own Sep- that many of them will never use. Corridor. tember 2006 monthly performance re- Like me and many of my Republican The Administration appreciates that H.R. port unless the Secretary of Homeland colleagues, President Bush has urged 6003 includes measures to promote private Security determined that the route this Congress to pass legislation that sector development of the Northeast Cor- was critical to our homeland security would: (1) create a system driven by ridor and other potential high-speed routes. Making use of the private sector’s oper- needs. Unfortunately, this common- sound economics where services are ational and financial management capabili- sense and fiscally responsible amend- provided based primarily on consumer ties could help new rail services to perform ment failed. demand; (2) promote competition; (3) at a high level for the traveling public. How- So today, I will be offering an amend- focus Amtrak on core operating com- ever, the Administration is concerned that ment that is even more direct in its petencies; (4) establish funding partner- the authorized funding levels for high-speed purpose and even more clear in its in- ships with States; and, (5) improve in- rail in H.R. 6003 send the wrong message; any tent, an amendment that will simply vestment in and management of the expansions of rail service should be based on prohibit taxpayer subsidies from flow- a sustainable business model. Northeast Corridor. Titles III and V would establish certain ing to the absolutely worst, most I include for the RECORD the State- capital grants programs requiring workers wasteful, most expensive long-distance ment of Administration Policy for H.R. employed with funds obtained under these route that Amtrak runs, according to 6003. programs be paid pursuant to Davis-Bacon its own performance report as of March EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESI- Act requirements. Thus, Titles III and V 2008, unless this route is deemed to be DENT, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT would expand Davis-Bacon Act coverage, critical to our Nation’s homeland secu- AND BUDGET which is contrary to the Administration’s rity. Washington, DC, June 9, 2008. long-standing policy of opposing any statu- My amendment simply seeks to pre- tory attempt to expand or contract the ap- STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION vent further good taxpayer dollars POLICY plicability of Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements. This expansion could un- from being thrown after bad by lim- H.R. 6003—PASSENGER RAIL INVESTMENT AND dermine the effectiveness of the enumerated iting the cost of Amtrak’s number one IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008, (REP. OBERSTAR programs. least profitable route; the number one (D) MINNESOTA AND 41 COSPONSORS) least profitable route, that’s all we are The Administration believes that a signifi- This statement, which outlines these asking in this bill. cantly reformed intercity passenger rail sys- goals for the improvement of Amtrak, Madam Speaker, if Members cannot tem has the potential to play a role of growing importance in providing transportation makes clear that the President’s senior support this simple, security-conscious options in the United States, including help- advisers would recommend his veto of amendment on behalf of fiscal dis- ing to reduce congestion along heavily trav- today’s legislation that falls far short cipline, I don’t know if there is any- eled intercity corridors. However, the Ad- of this mark. thing that we can possibly do to help ministration strongly opposes House passage During testimony in the Rules Com- the American taxpayers any more. of H.R. 6003, which would reauthorize the Na- mittee last evening, it was represented I ask all of my colleagues to vote tional Railroad Passenger Corporation (Am- to the committee that the legislation against this rule which does not match trak) for five years, because it would author- would allow some minimal privatiza- the Democrats’ rhetoric about running ize an appropriation of more than $14 billion tion of a few routes, and that some ad- without requiring any meaningful reforms in the most honest, open and transparent Amtrak’s governance or operations and ditional studies and the rearrangement Congress in history. I also ask them to without allocating resources based on the de- of some management duties at Amtrak oppose this underlying legislation mand for passenger rail service. For this rea- were included in the bill to improve its which even if my amendment were in- son, and others set forth below, if the bill were efficiencies. I appreciate these efforts, cluded does not go far enough to pro- presented to the President in its current form, and although I do not think that they tect the hard-earned money of Amer- his senior advisors would recommend he veto it. go nearly far enough, because as we ican taxpayers from wasteful spending Amtrak is a private corporation that con- speak Amtrak continues to hemor- at Amtrak. tinues to receive large Federal operating rhage money due to labor disputes, en- subsidies, despite longstanding existing law Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- requiring that, after 2002, ‘‘Amtrak shall op- ergy costs, and the requirement that ance of my time. erate without Federal operating grant funds they maintain service on very lightly Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, before appropriated for its benefit.’’ H.R. 6003 au- used, long-haul routes through rural I yield to the next speaker, I just want thorizes an unprecedented level of funding areas of the country. to remind my colleagues that all of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.015 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5121 Nation’s major transportation systems I would gladly take the train home to they won’t stick to their mission, if receive significant Federal investment, my Upstate New York district, or from this Congress will not hold them ac- with good reason. Investment in rail my home in Utica to New York City, countable for the taxpayer dollars that infrastructure creates jobs, helps with but currently that is not a viable op- they are utilizing. congestion, decreases our dependence tion because of the minimal Amtrak Madam Speaker, at this time I would on oil, and offers viable alternatives service. And even when there is service like to yield 3 minutes to the gen- for many of our citizens, including the available, it is unreliable. Deferred tleman from South Carolina, the dis- elderly and disabled. track maintenance, especially in Up- tinguished gentleman, Mr. BROWN. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to state New York, has required lowering Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. I the gentleman from New York (Mr. the speed limits on significant portions thank my great friend from Texas (Mr. ARCURI), a member of the Rules Com- of the track. In addition, competition SESSIONS) for yielding. mittee and the Committee on Trans- with freight carriers for priority on Madam Speaker, I come to the floor portation and Infrastructure. tracks causes Amtrak trains to become today in strong support of H.R. 6003, Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, I seriously delayed, to the point where the bipartisan Passenger Rail Invest- would like to thank Chairman OBER- train schedules are simply unreliable. ment and Improvement Act of 2008. I want to applaud Subcommittee STAR, Chairwoman BROWN, and Rank- The on-time arrival rate between Al- Chairwoman BROWN and Ranking Mem- ing Members MICA and SHUSTER for bany and Buffalo is a mere 42 percent, ber SHUSTER, along with Full Com- their bipartisan leadership on the Am- meaning that less than half of the mittee Chairman OBERSTAR and Rank- trak legislation we will consider today, trains arrive on time. and as they showed yesterday in the ing Member MICA, for crafting a bipar- b 1100 Rules Committee, for their passionate tisan reauthorization package that is advocacy on behalf of this great bill. Unfortunately, for hardworking focused on both improving Amtrak’s There has been much discussion Americans, passenger rail is the only capital assets, while also providing for about the condition of our Nation’s option for travel because of record high development of new corridors in part- transportation system and the growing fuel prices, making air and car travel nerships with States. I am most pleased to see a major pressures it faces from all sides: sky- less viable. commitment to high speed rail con- rocketing costs of fuel and mainte- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tained in this bill, something that is nance; increased congestion from grow- time of the gentleman from New York absent in the Senate’s bill. This legis- ing demand; and global climate change. has expired. lation calls for more than just paper H.R. 6003 will take tremendous Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I plans for high speed rail projects; it ac- strides toward addressing these pres- yield an additional minute to the gen- tually calls for dedicated funding and sures by continuing our commitment tleman. private sector involvement to move to Amtrak and passenger rail service. Mr. ARCURI. I thank you for the additional time. these projects forward. Maintenance costs will continue to Specifically, I am pleased that this Improving passenger rail service hinder us, but expanding and improv- legislation contains a provision that must be part of our long-term trans- ing passenger rail service has the po- will improve the ability of future high portation strategy if we expect to ef- tential to relieve congestion both on speed rail corridors in the Southeast to fectively decrease our Nation’s reliance our highways and in the skies by offer- best meet the changing population pat- on finite fossil fuels, and allow Ameri- ing passengers a viable alternative. A terns and tourist demands along the cans to get to and from work on time shift toward rail can reduce the harm- cost. without breaking the bank each ful CO2 emissions generated by the With America facing $4 gas and air- transportation system. month. lines seeing fuel costs 100 percent high- For too long Amtrak has been the The Passenger Rail Investment and er than last year, we must look to de- symbol of partisan politics in Wash- Improvement Act will aggressively ad- velop in ways that will ensure that new ington. If we are to have a robust and dress these concerns. I encourage my travel options such as high speed rail successful system that users can rely colleagues to vote for this rule and the are directed where they are most need- on, then we must make a bipartisan underlying bill and continue to support ed. commitment to supporting Amtrak. the viable passenger rail option in our High speed rail can play an impor- We cannot waiver on this commitment Nation. tant role in reducing congestion in and expect to keep pace with the na- Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, the places like the Grand Strand in my tional rail systems of other developed gentleman from New York, my friend, State, which sees 14 million tourists a countries around the world. really made a great argument on ex- year, and Charleston, which is the Partisan bickering has hurt Am- actly what I’ve been trying to say. But most congested small city in the coun- trak’s overall state of repair. In fact, we’ve got to get our friends to come try. And I am glad that this bill takes the Department of Transportation’s in- around the corner and see that if we the next step towards addressing the spector general concluded that, ‘‘De- would get Amtrak to do the things that transportation needs of these commu- spite multiple efforts over the years to are in their mission statement, rather nities. change Amtrak’s structure and fund- than running all across the United Another important element of this ing, we have a system that limps along, States trying to do things that are not bill moves us towards planning for rail is never in a state of good repair, cost effective, are not within their transportation the same way we plan awash in debt, and perpetually on the main core mission, then we could find for highways. Again, as we face histori- edge of collapse.’’ That must change. the money that would be available for cally high gasoline and diesel fuel Amtrak’s maintenance backlog is a them to support, as the gentleman costs, we must ensure that our trans- major impediment to its success. In re- said, the Northeast Corridor, to spend portation system is planned out to pro- cent years, Amtrak’s ridership has the money within the corridor to make vide the connectivity that we need for grown at a modest but continuing rate, them safer. increased passenger rail use and to and Amtrak’s on-time performance has But, instead, what happens is Am- take advantage of freight rail’s ability declined down to an on-time arrival trak is not held accountable, not by to move a ton of freight 436 miles on a rate of 67.8 percent. this Congress. We tell them, just go gallon of fuel. When combined with the The Department of Transportation’s ahead and do whatever you choose to investment this bill makes in high inspector general has stated that Am- do, rather than focusing on their mis- speed rail, and by allowing freight and trak’s continued deferral of mainte- sion which they have, which is that passenger railroads to negotiate access nance increases the risk of a major which is required for traffic on the to freight-owned tracks, the Commit- failure on its system. Currently, Am- coasts, the west coast and the east tee’s reauthorization proposal will go a trak has an estimated $6 billion in coast. long way towards an improved rail sys- backlogged capital maintenance needs, So, Madam Speaker, once again, we tem in the future. including $4 billion on the Northeast can’t expect Amtrak to do the things But that future may not be possible, Corridor, its most profitable line. that would be in the best interest if Madam Speaker, if America continues

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.016 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 to face $4 gasoline at the pump. I urge 200 million to 300 million. It’s only lic, is it the public responsibility, and the majority to bring to the floor one going to take us 35 years to go from 300 can the public do it better than the pri- of the many pieces of legislation intro- million to 400 million. And that popu- vate sector? duced to open up domestic sources of lation isn’t all going to move out into Well, I believe that the private sector energy, or else we won’t be able to the West and to the middle of the coun- can run a passenger rail system. And I catch even an on-time train. try. That population will move around just have to look back to history. Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I’d some, but those corridors around the From 1850 to 1950 the private sector ran just like to say that this bill creates a country that are densely populated, a profitable passenger rail system. new State Capital Grants program for the Northeast Corridor, Chicago, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- intercity passenger rail projects. These west coast, throughout Texas, Florida, tleman’s time has expired. grants will help fund new facilities and up and down the east coast, those cor- Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the gentleman equipment for intercity passenger rail ridors are going to become even more, 1 additional minute. and help move commuters off the roads the population is going to become dens- Mr. SHUSTER. For 100 years the pri- and pollution out of the air. er. vate sector operated passenger rail The bill also authorizes $1.75 billion So it’s important that we do things profitably. But what happened to it to develop 11 high-speed rail corridors. to encourage people to use other forms wasn’t mismanagement, it was avia- These corridors will help remove cars of transportation, and passenger rail is tion, the airplane that came about. It from the highway and reduce pollution. one of those modes of transportation. was the interstate highway system With that, I would like to reserve my It is one of the, if not the most effi- that we built in this country. So people time. cient modes of transportation to move got off the trains and got into their Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at people, move large quantities of people. cars and into airplanes. That’s what this time I would like to yield 5 min- And I think that that’s an extremely happened to passenger rail. utes to the ranking member of the sub- important reason for us to move for- And for the last 30 some years, as the committee, the Republican from Penn- ward. government’s tried to run it, it’s not sylvania, the gentleman, Mr. SHUSTER. As we watch fuel prices escalate, as done it efficiently. So this is an oppor- Mr. SHUSTER. I thank the gen- we watch the population continue to tunity for us to have some real suc- tleman for yielding me time, and I grow, and as I said, the American peo- cesses, some private sector successes, want to start today by saying that it’s ple are desperate to escape gas prices, and we can end this debate. a shame that this Congress and that long commutes that define their work Is the private sector able to run a the majority party, for 18 months, has days, and I think this is a way for us to railroad, a passenger rail system? I be- failed to do anything to alleviate our move forward. lieve they are, and I believe that these energy problems in this country. We’ve Now, in the bill there are some im- initiatives are extremely important for had ample opportunity to pass legisla- portant provisions, and one of the rea- us to have some successes to point to tion that will deal with this rising cost sons that myself and the Ranking as we move down the road and give the of energy this country, and as I’ve said, Member MICA signed on to it, and there American people something they need, we’ve done nothing. The American peo- are some private sector initiatives. a passenger rail system that is profit- ple are crying out for us to do some- First, we authorize in this bill for Am- able, that is successful. thing. trak, the IG and the Department of And I want to end as I started. We And what we can do, it’s obvious, in Transportation to identify the least of need to do something on energy. This the short-term it’s supply. It’s look for the underperforming, significantly is one small step in the right direction. new sources of oil, explore in different underperforming lines in this country; We can do more to solve our energy parts of this country, offshore. That’s identify at least two of them. That we problems in this country. We should do the answer in the short-term. then turn to the private sector and more, and we must do more. The Amer- The long term-we have other tech- allow them to bid to take those lines ican people deserve that. nologies, clean coal technology, nu- over, and to allow them to run them Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I just clear energy. We have to start doing and see if we can’t turn them into effi- want to point out that one of the ways something here. The American people, cient operations. we are addressing gas prices is by giv- as I said, are crying out. The second privatization initiative is ing constituents alternative modes of Gas in my district is $4 a gallon. In to take a line in this country that Am- transportation, thereby reducing the my 7 years in Congress, I’ve been ap- trak has stopped using, has abandoned number of cars on the road. Passenger proached by people to tell me they dis- because of high cost or whatever rea- rail will reduce our demand on foreign agree with me on this issue or that son, and allow the private sector to oil and help us become more energy issue. But I’ve never had people come take it over, re-establish it and run it independent. up to me and at the gas pump and yell efficiently and profitably, we hope. I reserve the balance of my time. at me publicly about this Congress And third is the Northeast Corridor. Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at doing absolutely nothing. It is the most used corridor in the this time I would like to yield 3 min- The time is now. We have to act. country. We need to establish high utes to the gentleman from Illinois, We’ve already, 7, 15 years ago we speed rail in this country, and the the MVP of the Republican baseball should have been acting. But we have Northeast Corridor is where we need to championship team, the gentleman, to move today. As I said, it’s just a do it, from Washington to New York; Mr. SHIMKUS. shame that we haven’t done anything to get private sector companies to (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given sooner. come to the table to give real bids on permission to revise and extend his re- That being said, I think that this bill how much it’s going to cost to estab- marks.) that we have before us today, The Pas- lish high speed rail in this country. Not Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I ap- senger Rail Investment Improvement pie in the sky, not throwing darts, as preciate Congresswoman MATSUI man- Act, does something positive when it we’ve done over the years, but to have aging the time. We’ve worked very comes to energy in this country. It’s a real numbers, if it’s $10 billion, $20 bil- hard on clean diesel issues and the like, small step. It’s a positive step, but it’s lion, $60 billion, how much is it going so this is really appropriate to this de- a step I think it’s important for us to to cost us to have true high speed bate though, because Amtrak uses big take today. which we need in this country, because diesel engines. And what’s happened in The last time that we authorized of the population growth, because of the Amtrak debate that we haven’t Amtrak was 1997. Gas was $1.27 a gal- energy costs that we have in this coun- heard yet, hopefully we’ll hear it later lon, and today, as I said, in Central try. on is, like, one of the biggest threats to Pennsylvania it’s hovering around $4 a High speed rail is extremely impor- Amtrak is the high cost of diesel fuel. gallon. tant in this authorization. And for the In fact, the fiscal year 2007 budget for We also have, in this country, in 2005, past 20 years we’ve had a theoretical fuel was $125 million for Amtrak. The we passed the 300 million mark in pop- debate on this floor about can the pri- fiscal year 2008 budget for fuel for Am- ulation. It took us 65 years to go from vate sector run a railroad, can the pub- trak is $215 million.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 23:38 Jun 10, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.018 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5123 Now, how are we going to pay for those refineries. Let’s build pipelines Member MICA, subcommittee Ranking that? I know how they’re going to pay to get this fuel to the Amtrak station Member SHUSTER, and myself. for it. They’re going to raise prices on to put in the diesel engines, and let’s Amtrak is extremely valuable to our these commuters. And there are some help our budget airlines not go bank- country. It takes cars off the road that commuters who use Amtrak. But rupt because of the high cost of fuel. are already congested. It reduces con- again, I’ll quote the New York Times Not just our budget airlines. Here is gestion in the sky, and it’s better for article that says ‘‘the counties where one on Continental: Continental joins the environment. motorists spend the highest percentage cut-back frenzy. Soaring fuel prices. In many areas of the country, Am- of their income on gasoline tend to be Why do we have a job problem in this trak is the only mode of transportation in poor, rural areas.’’ Amtrak doesn’t country? Because we have an energy available. They have shown major in- go there. We don’t have commuter problem. Until we come to this floor to creases in ridership, too, as ridership rails. We have working trucks. We have debate on bringing more supply to the has increased in 8 of the 9 last years big trucks. We haul feed. We haul beef. American public, our economy is al- and reached a record level of 25.8 mil- We haul pork. We need working trucks ways going to be struggling. We’re the lion passengers just last year. And with and they drive a large distance. only country that looks at energy re- the cost of gas potentially rising to $5 That’s why this energy debate is crit- sources not as an economic advantage a gallon, there would be even more rid- ical. And here’s the problem. All we’re but as an environmental disaster. ers lining up for Amtrak. trying to do is bring, what’s the prob- Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, first Unfortunately, for many years Am- lem, what’s the solution. What’s the of all, at the end of the Clinton admin- trak had been given just enough money problem. What’s the solution. istration, oil was $27 a barrel. It is now to live alone, never getting the nec- Here’s the problem. January 2001. $23 $134 a barrel. A significant increase. essary funding to make serious im- a barrel. January 2006, after the Demo- And my friends on other side of the provement in the system. The hydrau- crats took control and promised to aisle are attempting to blame this lic electric system is 70 years old, 65 percent of the bridges were built in the lower fuel prices, that’s right here, newly elected Democratic Congress—I 1920s, and several tunnels which trains where are we today? $123 a barrel. think someone on the other side said travel through every day were built in What does that do for gas prices? we have been here for 18 months—for the 1800s. From $1.45 to $2.33 to over $4 a gallon this increase. In 2005, Amtrak conducted a com- Furthermore, every bill that the for gas hurts rural America, hurts my prehensive review of its capital needs. Democrats bring before this Congress district. The review determined that Amtrak that attempts in any way, shape, fash- b 1115 should invest $4.2 billion to bring their ion, or form to reduce the use and infrastructure to the state of good re- Don’t come to the floor without a so- therefore the price of oil, the other side pair. Today, with the backlog of major lution. The Outer Continental Shelf, of the aisle votes ‘‘no.’’ bridges and tunnel work, the necessary trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, The response to high oil prices was to investment capital has approached an billions of barrels of oil. We have in give the big oil companies tax breaks. this Congress and Congresses of the estimated $6 billion. Well, that’s not the priority of this As other countries continue to invest past said ‘‘off-limits.’’ We’re not going Democratic Congress. to explore this area. We’re not going to tens of billions of dollars each year to I want to talk about alternative en- improve their passenger rail system, recover. ergy. We want to invest in alternative we are falling further and further be- Very similar to our position on modes of transportation like passenger hind by deferring much-needed im- ANWR. A position a size of the State of rails which would take 8 million cars provements to our system. We must South Carolina. A drilling platform the off the road. We want to reduce the de- find a way to speed up Amtrak bylaws size of an airport. And we are not going pendence on foreign oil, the dependence of repair work and bring its assets to a to drill there for billions of barrels of on gas and on fossil fuels thereby mak- good state of repair so that Amtrak oil. President Clinton vetoed that in ing our country stronger both domesti- can concentrate on increasing capac- 1995. Had he not, that oil would be cally and internationally. ity, increasing speed, developing new flowing to our country today. 1995 he The other side wants to talk about facilities, and planning for the future. vetoed the bill. President Carter put it tax breaks for oil and gas companies. These major infrastructure improve- off-limits for oil and gas exploration. We’re talking about investing in Am- ments are also necessary to improve That’s why ANWR was originally set trak and making our streets less con- the safety and security of the system aside, but, no, we have that off-limits. gested, our skies cleaner, and our coun- and its passengers and workers. Am- What is another solution? Coal-to- try less reliable on oil and gas. trak has and will continue to play a liquid technologies, diesel fuel that What that, I reserve the balance of critical role in evacuation and trans- could help lower the price for Amtrak my time. portation systems during national can be produced by taking U.S. coal, Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I emergencies. Unfortunately, it is also a American energy, and turning it into could inquire how much time remains. prime target for those who wish to fuel. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- harm us, and we must provide re- We’re going to come to this floor tleman from Texas has 10 minutes. The sources to make the system less vul- talking about, oh, unemployment com- 1 gentlewoman from California has 18 ⁄2 nerable. pensation. minutes. I’m looking forward to working with The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. SESSIONS. I reserve my time. my colleagues in the House and the tleman’s time has expired. Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I Senate to pass important legislation. Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- yield the gentleman an additional from Florida (Ms. CORRINE BROWN) for 3 tlewoman’s time has expired. minute. minutes. Ms. MATSUI. I yield an additional 30 Mr. SHIMKUS. We’re going to come Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. seconds to the gentlewoman. to this floor saying, Oh, we’ve got to do Madam Speaker, 50 years ago President Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. something because energy heating Eisenhower created the national high- The United States used to have a costs are high; oh, we need to do some- way system which changed the way we strong passenger rail system. Now thing because people are losing their travel in this country. Today, we need we’re at the caboose, and they don’t jobs. to do the same thing with passenger even use cabooses anymore. I will tell you how we can get jobs rail and make the level of investment The American people deserve better, back into the economy. Let’s use necessary for us to become the most and I believe that the Amtrak reau- American-made emergency. Let’s open successful in the 21st century. That is thorization bill will go a long way to up the coal fields. Let’s get mine work- why I am so excited about House bill bring the use to its rightful place as ers the jobs. Let’s build a coal-to-liquid 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment the world leader in passenger rail. refinery. Good building trade jobs. and Improvement Act, which was in- In closing, I went from downtown Let’s have high-paying jobs operating troduced by Mr. OBERSTAR, Ranking Brussels to downtown Paris, 200 miles,

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11⁄4 hours; downtown Barcelona to issues while 86 percent of House Demo- and actually do something. And the downtown Madrid, 21⁄2 hours. crats oppose those actions. way to act today is to vote down the We will move forward with high- I think it’s time that we come to- previous question so today we can do speed rail in this country. gether for a commonsense solution to something about the cost of energy Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, you reduce our dependence on foreign oil. throughout the country. know, I think we’ve forgotten it’s a Conservation is a sign of personal vir- The No More Excuses Act takes the private corporation, not a government tue but is not a means to energy inde- approach that we need to do more of entity, that we’re attempting to help pendence. We must act together. here. Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I everything. Yes, it allows drilling in Madam Speaker, at this time I would want to remind everybody that invest- Alaska and off our coasts, but it also like to yield 3 minutes to the distin- ing in Amtrak is an energy-efficient encourages companies to take the CO2 guished gentleman from North Caro- way to decrease our dependence on for- that goes up the smokestacks and put lina (Mr. MCHENRY). eign oil. One rail line can carry the it back in the ground to flush out all of Mr. MCHENRY. I thank my colleague equivalent of 16 highway lanes, and the oil on existing wells so that we can from Texas for yielding the time. Amtrak uses 50 percent less energy per get every drop we can out of the We’re debating Amtrak. Well, cer- passenger than air travel. ground. tainly Amtrak’s important for a lot of I will reserve the balance of my time. This bill encourages the building of folks in the Northeast, but I will tell Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I more refineries. It encourages the you as far as my constituents in west- could inquire on the time remaining. building of nuclear power plants. It en- ern North Carolina, we can’t commute The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- courages more wind energy. There is a to our jobs using Amtrak. This is not a tleman from Texas has 7 minutes. The lot of wind energy activity in my dis- solution for American energy independ- gentlewoman from California has 15 trict, but what I hear from all of those ence that is being offered here on the minutes. involved is, when Congress just extends Mr. SESSIONS. If I could inquire of House floor. the tax credit 1 or 2 years at a time, my colleague if she has additional re- What is outrageous is as gas prices go there is no way that we can make the quests for time. above $4, all they have is blame rather financial decisions we need to make. than action. My Democrat colleagues Ms. MATSUI. I have no additional are simply passing blame rather than speakers, and I will close. So this bill that ought to come to the trying to act in a constructive way. I would yield to the gentleman to use floor today would extend it by 10 years And there is a way for us to act as a his time. so that we can have a major invest- Congress to bring down gas prices. It is Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the gentle- ment in wind, as well as all the other not by lawsuits, which is what the woman for saying she has no additional forms of energy that we can produce Democrat majority wants; it is not by speakers, so I will continue. here at home, because every bit of en- more taxation on those driving cars, Madam Speaker, I would like to yield ergy we produce here at home is one those using energy resources, those 5 minutes to the distinguished gen- less barrel of oil we have to buy from producing resources. tleman from Texas (Mr. THORNBERRY). overseas. And that makes sense. Mr. THORNBERRY. I thank my col- You know, there is a way that we can league for yielding. What we’re trying to do is to force act. The American people understand Madam Speaker, whatever the out- some action that will make things bet- it. This is a question of supply and de- come of this debate on Amtrak today ter, not worse. Unfortunately, what the mand. Seventy percent of the price of is, it is not going to affect my constitu- public and what the markets hear from fuel comes from the price of crude oil. ents very much. What does affect them this Congress so far the last 18 months The American people understand this every minute of every day is the price are ideas that make things worse. They as gas is over $4 a gallon, as a barrel of of energy. I would suggest that we want to put a windfall profits tax on oil is over $130 a barrel. And I will tell should defeat the previous question on ‘‘Big Oil’’ so that they are discouraged you, we must act. the rule so that the gentleman, Mr. from producing more oil. They may not In order to lower gas prices, this Con- SESSIONS, can offer an amendment to know by the way, Madam Speaker, gress must act to increase supply. We this bill that would bring to the floor a that 90 percent of the wells drilled in have to increase refining capacity, and bill that has provisions that will do the continental United States are we have to do this in a constructive, something about energy, that will do drilled by independent companies, not reasonable, proper way. One day we something on the issue that affects Big Oil. But what people hear from this will end our dependence on foreign oil. every American every moment of every Congress is we want to take away the We will end it and we will use our al- day. incentives that encourage us to drill ternative sources of energy. We will That amendment would bring to the the Deepwater in the gulf. So other use domestic production. We will use floor H.R. 3089, the No More Excuses countries are there drilling, but we refining capacity here in the United Energy Act, and at the same time, a want to tie our hands and not produce States. But let’s talk about some im- discharge petition today is being filed the energy we have; we’d rather buy portant statistics here. to require the House to vote on that Seven hundred days ago the Speaker the oil from Saudi Arabia or Venezuela bill. or Nigeria. That makes no sense. of the House, NANCY PELOSI, said, The philosophy of that bill is that we There is no one perfect answer, but Democrats have a commonsense plan need to produce more energy of all to bring down skyrocketing gas prices. Madam Speaker, my argument is that kinds here at home, and we have run rather than pointing the fingers of What is the plan? Where’s the action? out of time to make excuses on why we blame, it’s time for no more excuses. We’ve seen nothing. The Democrat can’t do that. And you have heard It’s time for action today, and that ac- Whip, JIM CLYBURN, said, Democrats some of those excuses and some of the tion can come by voting down the pre- have a plan to help curb rising gas political blame game already today vious question so that the rule can be prices. What have we seen? Nothing. during the debate. Some people want to amended and we can take action today STENY HOYER, the Democrat leader, blame China and India for using too that produces more energy of all kinds said, Democrats believe that we can do much oil. Some people want to blame here at home. That will matter to my more for the American people who are big oil companies. Other people want to constituents, and that will matter to struggling to deal with high gas prices. blame OPEC for not producing enough. Now, all of this was said in an election Some people even want to blame subur- all Americans. year. What have we seen in the last 2 ban moms for using too much energy Ms. MATSUI. I reserve the balance of years from this Democrat Congress? as they drive their kids to sporting my time. Nothing. events in their minivans. Now, I will tell you it is not perfect. Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I Not all Republicans support opening up b 1130 yield myself the balance of my time. ANWR. Not all Republicans support oil They want to say they’re using too Madam Speaker, the gentleman from shale. Not all Republicans support in- much oil. But the point is, we’ve had Texas, Mr. THORNBERRY, said it best: creasing refinery capacity, but roughly enough of this blame game. The point no excuses. It’s time for us to get our 91 percent of Republicans support those is, it’s time for this Congress to act work done, and the bottom line is is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.021 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5125 that the supply side of the equation is cleaner, smarter energy future for being made by the Member in charge.’’ To the problem. If we had lots of supply, America that lowers costs and creates defeat the previous question is to give the prices wouldn’t be what they are. We hundreds and thousands of green jobs. opposition a chance to decide the subject be- need to bring to the table American en- This is a marked change from the 7 fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s ergy for America’s independence, but years of the current administration’s ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- quite frankly, we’re not only tired of energy policies of simply drilling for mand for the previous question passes the paying higher prices, we’re also tired of more fossil fuels and providing even control of the resolution to the opposition’’ building new Dubais across the world. greater taxpayer subsidies to big oil in order to offer an amendment. On March And that rests at the feet of our Speak- companies already earning record prof- 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- er, NANCY PELOSI, who has a policy its. fered a rule resolution. The House defeated that restricts Americans from drilling The underlying bill, H.R. 6033, the the previous question and a member of the for oil and having energy independence. Passenger Rail Investment and Im- opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Today is no excuses. provement Act of 2008, takes huge steps asking who was entitled to recognition. Madam Speaker, since taking control to modernize Amtrak and give it the Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: of Congress in 2007, this Democrat Con- tools it needs to operate effectively ‘‘The previous question having been refused, gress has totally neglected its responsi- and efficiently. the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- bility to do anything constructive, con- By giving this Nation viable pas- gerald, who had asked the gentleman to structive, to address the domestic sup- senger rail, we will be able to decrease yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to the first recognition.’’ ply issues that have created the sky- our dependence on foreign oil and give rocketing gas, diesel and energy costs commuters options to get to work and Because the vote today may look bad for that American families are facing school. In fact, Amtrak takes 8 million the Democratic majority they will say ‘‘the today. cars off the road. vote on the previous question is simply a vote on whether to proceed to an immediate So, today, I urge my colleagues to de- We have a commitment to maintain vote on adopting the resolution . . .[and] has and improve the backbone of our Na- feat the previous question so this no substantive legislative or policy implica- House can address the real solutions to tion’s transportation infrastructure tions whatsoever.’’ But that is not what they energy costs. That’s the supply side. system. This bill does just that, and I have always said. Listen to the definition of By defeating the previous question, I urge its adoption. the previous question used in the Floor Pro- will move to amend the rule to allow Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote cedures Manual published by the Rules Com- for consideration of H.R. 3089, the No on the previous question and on the mittee in the 109th Congress, (page 56). More Excuses Energy Act of 2007, intro- rule. Here’s how the Rules Committee described duced by my friend MAC THORNBERRY The material previously referred to the rule using information from Congres- of Texas, that he introduced back 1 by Mr. SESSIONS is as follows: sional Quarterly’s ‘‘American Congressional year ago in July 2007. AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 1253 OFFERED BY MR. Dictionary’’: ‘‘If the previous question is de- This legislation would reduce the SESSIONS OF TEXAS feated, control of debate shifts to the leading price of gasoline by opening new Amer- At the end of the resolution, add the fol- opposition member (usually the minority lowing: Floor Manager) who then manages an hour ican oil refineries; investing in clean of debate and may offer a germane amend- energy sources such as wind, nuclear SEC. 3. Immediately upon the adoption of this resolution the House shall, without ment to the pending business.’’ and captured carbon dioxide; and mak- intervention of any point of order, consider ing available more homegrown energy Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House of in the House the bill (H.R. 3089) to secure un- Representatives, the subchapter titled through environmentally sensitive ex- restricted reliable energy for American con- ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal ploration of the arctic energy slope and sumption and transmission. All points of to order the previous question on such a rule America’s deep sea reserves. order against the bill are waived. The bill [a special rule reported from the Committee Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous shall be considered as read. The previous on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- question shall be considered as ordered on consent to have the text of this amendment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- the bill and any amendment thereto to final ment and extraneous material inserted tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- passage without intervening motion except: jection of the motion for the previous ques- into the RECORD prior to the vote on (1) one hour of debate on the bill equally dition on a resolution reported from the Com- the previous question. vided and controlled by the chairman and mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ranking minority member of the Committee objection to the request of the gen- on Natural Resources, the chairman and ber leading the opposition to the previous tleman from Texas? ranking number of the Committee on Ways question, who may offer a proper amendment There was no objection. and Means, and the chairman and ranking or motion and who controls the time for de- Mr. SESSIONS. I urge all of my col- member of the Committee on Energy and bate thereon.’’ leagues to take this attempt to spend Commerce; and (2) an amendment in the na- Clearly, the vote on the previous question almost $15 billion of taxpayers’ money ture of a substitute if offered by Representa- on a rule does have substantive policy impli- on subsidized trains and turn it into tive Rahall of West Virginia, which shall be cations. It is one of the only available tools considered as read and shall be separately something positive about energy prices for those who oppose the Democratic major- debatable for 40 minutes equally divided and ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- for all of America and for American controlled by the proponent and an oppo- native views the opportunity to offer an al- independence so that we can say we are nent; and (3) one motion to recommit with or ternative plan. finally working together and doing without instructions something positive about the rising Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I price of fuel. By defeating the previous (The information contained herein was yield back the balance of my time, and question, we can do that. provided by Democratic Minority on mul- I move the previous question on the tiple occasions throughout the 109th Con- resolution. I yield back the balance of my time. gress.) Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The thank the gentleman from Texas, and I IT REALLY MEANS question is on ordering the previous yield myself the balance of my time. This vote, the vote on whether to order the question. The rule before us today is a fair rule previous question on a special rule, is not The question was taken; and the that allows us to highlight transpor- merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- tation challenges and our vision for a dering the previous question is a vote Speaker pro tempore announced that better tomorrow. It is Congress’ re- against the Democratic majority agenda and the ayes appeared to have it. sponsibility to provide our constitu- a vote to allow the opposition, at least for Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, on ents with alternative modes of trans- the moment, to offer an alternative plan. It that I demand the yeas and nays. portation, especially as we see in- is a vote about what the House should be de- The yeas and nays were ordered. creased congestion and ever rising gas bating. Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the prices. House of Representatives, (VI, 308–311) de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Democratic majority is fighting scribes the vote on the previous question on ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- to reduce our dependence on foreign oil the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the ceedings on this question will be post- and bring down gas prices and launch a consideration of the subject before the House poned.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:06 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.023 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND Washington, DC, June 10, 2008. tents for this Act is as follows: TECHNOLOGY Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents. Speaker, Capitol Building, Sec. 2. Definitions. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Washington, DC. TITLE I—ASSISTANCE FOR MEXICO fore the House the following resigna- DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: I am writing to no- tify you of my resignation from the Com- Sec. 101. Findings. tion as a member of the Committee on Sec. 102. Declarations of policy. Science and Technology: mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. Please consider this resignation effective today. Subtitle A—Law Enforcement and Security CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Thank you for your attention to this mat- Assistance HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ter. Sec. 111. Purposes of assistance. Washington, DC, June 10, 2008. Sincerely, Sec. 112. Authorization of assistance. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, MIKE DOYLE, Sec. 113. Activities supported. Speaker of the House, U.S. Capitol Building, Member of Congress. Sec. 114. Limitation on assistance. Washington, DC. Sec. 115. Authorization of appropriations. DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: I am writing to no- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Subtitle B—Assistance to Enhance the Rule tify you of my resignation from the Com- objection, the resignation is accepted. of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions mittee on Science and Technology, effective There was no objection. Sec. 121. Sense of Congress. today. f Thank you for your attention to this mat- Sec. 122. Authorization of assistance. ter. RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF Sec. 123. Activities supported. Sincerely, COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL Sec. 124. Authorization of appropriations. DARLENE HOOLEY, SERVICES TITLE II—ASSISTANCE FOR COUNTRIES Member of Congress. OF CENTRAL AMERICA The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Sec. 201. Findings. fore the House the following resigna- Sec. 202. Declarations of policy. objection, the resignation is accepted. tion as a member of the Committee on There was no objection. Subtitle A—Law Enforcement and Security Financial Services: Assistance f HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Sec. 211. Purposes of assistance. RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF Washington, DC, June 10, 2008. Sec. 212. Authorization of assistance. COMMITTEE ON TRANSPOR- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Sec. 213. Activities supported. Speaker, Capitol Building, Washington, DC. Sec. 214. Limitation on assistance. TATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI: At the request of Sec. 215. Authorization of appropriations. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- the Speaker and to provide a slot for a Subtitle B—Assistance to Enhance the Rule fore the House the following resigna- newly-elected colleague, I resign my mem- of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions bership on the Financial Services Com- tion as a member of the Committee on Sec. 221. Authorization of assistance. mittee. Sec. 222. Activities supported. Transportation and Infrastructure: Very truly yours, Sec. 223. Authorization of appropriations. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JIM MARSHALL. Washington, DC, June 9, 2008. TITLE III—ADMINISTRATIVE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Hon. NANCY PELOSI, PROVISIONS Speaker, Capitol, H–232, objection, the resignation is accepted. Sec. 301. Conditions on provision of assist- Washington, DC. There was no objection. ance. DEAR MADAM SPEAKER, Thank you for the f Sec. 302. Limitations on provision of assist- tremendous opportunity to serve on the En- ance. ergy and Commerce Committee. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Sec. 303. Limitation on monitoring. Due to the pending assignment, please ac- PRO TEMPORE Sec. 304. Exemption from prohibition on as- cept my resignation from the Transportation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sistance for law enforcement and Infrastructure Committee effective ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair forces. Tuesday, June 10. will postpone further proceedings Sec. 305. Relationship to other authority. It was an honor to serve on the Transpor- Sec. 306. Rule of construction. today on motions to suspend the rules tation and Infrastructure Committee under TITLE IV—SUPPORT ACTIVITIES IN THE the tremendous leadership of Chairman on which a recorded vote or the yeas UNITED STATES and nays are ordered, or on which the Oberstar. The Transportation and Infrastruc- Sec. 401. Report on reduction of drug de- ture Committee has provided me with a use- vote is objected to under clause 6 of mand in the United States. ful forum to help shape our country’s invest- rule XX. Sec. 402. Reduction of southbound flow of il- ment in our roadways and transportation Record votes on postponed questions legal weapons. systems. I look forward to continuing to fol- will be taken later. Sec. 403. Reduction of southbound flow of il- lowing the success of the committee and of- f legal precursor chemicals and fering my assistance wherever possible. bulk-cash transfers. It is with great enthusiasm and dedication MERIDA INITIATIVE TO COMBAT Sec. 404. Report. that I look forward to serving on the Energy ILLICIT NARCOTICS AND REDUCE TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS and Commerce Committee. My strongest de- ORGANIZED CRIME AUTHORIZA- sire as a Member of Congress is to improve Sec. 501. Coordinator of United States Gov- the lives of the people I represent, and serv- TION ACT OF 2008 ernment Activities to Imple- ing on this committee will afford me invalu- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ment the Merida Initiative. able opportunities to make a demonstrative Sec. 502. Metrics and oversight mechanisms. move to suspend the rules and pass the Sec. 503. Report. and positive difference in their lives. bill (H.R. 6028) to authorize law en- I appreciate your attention to my resigna- Sec. 504. Sense of Congress. forcement and security assistance, and Sec. 505. Sunset. tion, and please do not hesitate to contact assistance to enhance the rule of law me if I can be of any assistance to you. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. Sincerely, and strengthen civilian institutions, In this Act: DORIS O. MATSUI, for Mexico and the countries of Central (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- Member of Congress. America, and for other purposes, as TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional amended. committees’’— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without (A) means— objection, the resignation is accepted. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: (i) the Committee on Appropriations and There was no objection. the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the H.R. 6028 f House of Representatives; and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (ii) the Committee on Appropriations and RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF resentatives of the United States of America in the Committee on Foreign Relations of the COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AF- Congress assembled, Senate; and FAIRS SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CON- (B) for purposes of titles IV and V, includes TENTS. the Committee on the Judiciary of the House The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as of Representatives and the Committee on the fore the House the following resigna- the ‘‘Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Nar- Judiciary of the Senate. tion as a member of the Committee on cotics and Reduce Organized Crime Author- (2) COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AMERICA.—The Veterans’ Affairs: ization Act of 2008’’. term ‘‘countries of Central America’’ means

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:06 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.026 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5127 Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, SEC. 102. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY. illegal arms into Mexico from the United Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama and in- Congress makes the following declarations: States, stem the flow of illegal bulk-cash cludes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. (1) The Merida Initiative is a critical part transfers into Mexico from the United (3) MERIDA INITIATIVE.—The term ‘‘Merida of a growing partnership and strategy of co- States, and stem the flow of illegal precursor Initiative’’ means the program announced by operation between the United States and its chemicals into Mexico from the United the United States and Mexico on October 22, southern neighbors to confront the illegal States. 2007, to fight illicit narcotics trafficking and flow of narcotics as well as violence and or- SEC. 112. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE. criminal organizations throughout the West- ganized crime that it has spawned. To carry out the purposes of section 111, ern Hemisphere. (2) The United States needs to ensure the the President is authorized to provide assist- TITLE I—ASSISTANCE FOR MEXICO free flow of trade between the United States ance for Mexico to support the activities de- SEC. 101. FINDINGS. and its critical neighbor, Mexico, while en- scribed in section 113. Congress finds the following: suring that the United States border is pro- SEC. 113. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED. (1) The drug crisis facing the United States tected from illegal smuggling into the (a) IN GENERAL.—Activities that may be remains a significant national security United States. supported by assistance under section 112 in- threat. (3) The United States must intensify ef- clude the following: (2) The Government Accountability Office forts to stem the flow of precursor chemi- (1) COUNTERNARCOTICS AND (GAO) estimates that 90 percent of illegal cals, bulk cash, and the so-called ‘‘iron- COUNTERTRAFFICKING.—To assist in building drugs that enter the United States come river’’ of arms illegally flowing south, as the capacity of law enforcement and security through the Mexico-Central America cor- well as demand-related aspects of the illicit forces of Mexico to eradicate illicit narcotics ridor. narcotics phenomenon. trafficking and reduce trafficking-fueled vio- (3) The same smuggling routes that are (4) The United States should provide its ex- lence, including along the United States- used to bring illegal narcotics north are uti- pertise to meet immediate security needs Mexico border, including assistance such as— lized to illegally distribute arms, precursor along the United States-Mexico border, fight (A) radar and aerial surveillance equip- chemicals, and bulk cash transfers south. the production and flow of illicit narcotics, ment; (4) Drug gangs that operate in the United and support Mexico in its efforts to do the (B) land and maritime interdiction equip- States, Mexico, and Central America have same. ment and training, including— become sophisticated and vertically-inte- (5) The United States should support the (i) transport helicopters and night-oper- grated operations expert at penetrating the Government of Mexico’s work to expand its ating capabilities; United States-Mexico border. own law enforcement to independently con- (ii) surveillance platform planes; and (5) Narcotics-related activity and expand- duct successful counternarcotics and orga- (iii) maintenance and training relating to ing cross-border trafficking is dangerously nized crime-related operations. (6) The Merida Initiative reflects the belief maintenance of aircraft; and undermining the security environment for (C) training of security and law enforce- our neighbors to the South, as well as in the that Mexican military involvement is required in the short-term to stabilize the se- ment units to plan and execute counter- United States. narcotics operations. (6) Mexico can and has served as a critical curity situation, but that most aspects of (2) PORT, AIRPORT, AND RELATED SECU- ally and partner in stemming the flow of ille- this problem fall into the realm of law en- RITY.—To assist in monitoring and control- gal narcotics into the United States. Under forcement. (7) In implementing the Merida Initiative, ling the United States-Mexico border and the the leadership of Mexican President Felipe border between Mexico and Central America ´ the United States should work with its Calderon, the United States and Mexico have to combat illicit narcotics trafficking, in- initiated an approach of joint responsibility southern neighbors to mitigate the so-called ‘‘balloon effect’’ in which successful counter- cluding assistance such as— to confront the threat of illicit narcotics (A) computer infrastructure and equip- trafficking and organized crime in the West- narcotics efforts shift narcotics-related activities to other areas. ment; ern Hemisphere. (B) secure communications networks; and (7) The spread of illicit narcotics through (8) The United States should coordinate with the Congress of the Union of Mexico to (C) nonintrusive monitoring technology. United States borders and the violence that (3) OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY.— accompanies it cannot be halted without a ensure full partnership on the programs authorized under this Act. (A) ASSISTANCE OBJECTIVES.—To assist in comprehensive interdiction and security investigation and collection of intelligence strategy planned and executed jointly with Subtitle A—Law Enforcement and Security against illicit drug trafficking organizations, our southern neighbors. Assistance including— (8) In March 2007, President George W. SEC. 111. PURPOSES OF ASSISTANCE. (i) expansion of intelligence databases; and Bush and Mexican President Caldero´ n held a The purposes of assistance under this sub- (ii) hardware, operating systems, and summit in the Mexican City of Merida and title are to— training for updating the communications agreed that the United States and Mexico (1) enhance the ability of the Government networks of security agencies. must expand bilateral and regional coopera- of Mexico, in cooperation with the United (B) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of tion to fight violence stemming from States, to control illicit narcotics produc- Congress that— narcotrafficking and regional criminal orga- tion, trafficking, drug trafficking organiza- (i) operational technology transferred to nizations. tions, and organized crime; the Government of Mexico for intelligence or (9) On October 22, 2007, the United States (2) help build the capacity of law enforce- law enforcement purposes should be used and Mexico issued a joint statement an- ment forces of Mexico to control illicit nar- solely for the purposes for which the oper- nouncing the Merida Initiative, a program to cotics production, trafficking, drug traf- ational technology was intended; and fight illicit narcotics trafficking and crimi- ficking organizations, and organized crime; (ii) the United States should take all nec- nal organizations throughout the Western (3) aid the support role that the armed essary steps to ensure that use of oper- Hemisphere. forces of Mexico is providing to law enforce- ational technology described in clause (i) is (10) In the joint statement— ment agencies of Mexico as the security situ- consistent with United States law, including (A) Mexico pledged to ‘‘strengthen its operation in Mexico is initially stabilized; protections of freedom of expression, free- ational capabilities to more effectively fight (4) protect and secure the United States- dom of movement, and freedom of associa- drug-traffickers and organized crime’’; Mexico border, and control illegal activity tion. (B) the United States pledged ‘‘to intensify going south as well as north; (4) PUBLIC SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCE- its efforts to address all aspects of drug traf- (5) strengthen the bilateral and regional MENT.—To assist in the modernization of law ficking (including demand-related portions) ties of the United States with Mexico and enforcement entities and prevent crime, in- and continue to combat trafficking of weap- the countries of Central America by assum- cluding assistance and activities such as— ons and bulk currency to Mexico’’; and ing shared responsibility and offering con- (A) law enforcement training and equip- (C) both nations pledged to ‘‘augment co- crete assistance in this area of great mutual ment, including— operation, coordination, and the exchange of concern; (i) transport helicopters; information to fight criminal organizations (6) strengthen respect for internationally (ii) surveillance aircraft, including Cessna on both sides of the border’’. recognized human rights and the rule of law Caravan light utility aircraft; (11) A long-term strategy to adequately in efforts to stabilize the security environ- (iii) nonintrusive inspection equipment; contain the northbound and southbound ment relating to illicit narcotics production and flows of illicit narcotics along the United and trafficking and organized crime; and (iv) human rights training for law enforce- States-Mexico border, as well as protect the (7) support the judicial branches of the ment units; vast and free flow of trade, will require the Government of Mexico and the countries of (B) enhancement of the Government of United States to partner with its southern Central America, as well as support anti-cor- Mexico’s financial intelligence unit; neighbors in their efforts to build the capac- ruption efforts in those countries; and (C) safety-related equipment for law en- ity of their own law enforcement agencies (8) respond to the direct requests of the forcement officers and prosecutors, including and enhance the rule of law, as well as to for- Government of Mexico that the United protective vests and helmet sets; tify United States illicit narcotics reduction States reduce the demand for illicit nar- (D) reduction of drug demand in Mexico, efforts. cotics in the United States, stem the flow of including activities such as—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:06 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.006 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 (i) assistance to the National Council Subtitle B—Assistance to Enhance the Rule (A) establishment of programs that address Against Addictions (CONADIC) to establish of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions domestic violence and increase school at- an Internet web-based support network; SEC. 121. SENSE OF CONGRESS. tendance rates; and (ii) establishment of a national data center (B) expansion of intervention programs, in- It is the sense of Congress that, as a crit- to support the CONADIC; and cluding after-school programs and programs ical part of a joint, comprehensive security, (iii) training of CONADIC and other agency for at-risk and criminal involved youth. counternarcotics, and organized crime ini- staff in best practices and outreach and (4) DEVELOPMENT.—To assist in the devel- tiative, the United States should support— treatment programs, and design of a method- opment of areas where lack of jobs breeds il- (1) programs of the United States Agency ology to implement best practices in con- licit narcotics-related violence, including— for International Development and other junction with the National Network for (A) expansion of alternative livelihood pro- United States agencies focused on strength- Technological Transfers in Addiction. grams, including job creation programs and ening civilian institutions and rule of law (b) PROVISION OF HELICOPTERS.—Funds rural development programs and the provi- programs in Mexico at the federal, state, and sion of microenterprise development assist- made available to carry out this subtitle to local levels; and provide helicopters to the Government of ance under title VI of chapter 2 of part I of (2) anti-corruption, transparency, and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. Mexico, shall, to the extent possible, be used human rights programs to ensure due proc- to procure or provide helicopters that are of 2211 et seq.); and ess and expand a culture of lawfulness in (B) establishment of gang reeducation and a similar manufacture to those helicopters Mexico. already in the possession of the Government training programs. of Mexico in order to facilitate integration SEC. 122. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE. SEC. 124. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of those assets into Mexico’s existing air The President is authorized to provide as- (a) IN GENERAL.—To carry out this sub- fleet. sistance for Mexico to support the activities title, there are authorized to be appropriated to the President $120,000,000 for fiscal year (c) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of described in section 123. Congress that the United States shall en- SEC. 123. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED. 2008, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. sure, to the extent possible, that assistance Activities that may be supported by assist- (b) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts appropriated under this subtitle is made available and ance under section 122 include the following: pursuant to the authorization of appropria- cross-utilized by the armed forces of Mexico (1) INSTITUTION BUILDING AND RULE OF tions under subsection (a) are— and relevant law enforcement agencies of the LAW.—To assist Mexico’s efforts to expand (1) authorized to remain available until ex- Government of Mexico, including the Mexi- the rule of law and build the capacity, trans- pended; and can Office of the Attorney General. parency, and trust in government institu- (2) in addition to funds otherwise available SEC. 114. LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE. tions, including assistance such as— for such purposes, including funds available (a) LIMITATION.—No assistance may be pro- (A) rule of law and systemic improvements under chapter 8 of part I of the Foreign As- vided under this subtitle to any unit of the in judicial and criminal justice sector insti- sistance Act of 1961. tutions, including— armed forces of Mexico or any unit of the TITLE II—ASSISTANCE FOR COUNTRIES (i) courts management and prosecutorial law enforcement agencies of Mexico if the OF CENTRAL AMERICA capacity building; Secretary of State determines that, con- SEC. 201. FINDINGS. sistent with section 620J of the Foreign As- (ii) prison reform activities, including those relating to anti-gang and anti-orga- Congress finds the following: sistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2378d), there is (1) A May 2007 report by the United Na- nized crime efforts; credible evidence that such unit has com- tions Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) ar- (iii) anti-money laundering programs; mitted gross violations of human rights. gues that countries of Central America are (iv) victim and witness protection and res- (b) EXCEPTION.—The limitation in sub- particularly vulnerable to violent crimes titution; and section (a) shall not apply if the Secretary of fueled by illicit narcotics trafficking and (v) promotion of transparent oral trials via State determines and reports to the appro- corruption because such countries are geo- training for the judicial sector; priate congressional committees that the graphically located between the world’s larg- (B) police professionalization, including— Government of Mexico is taking effective est drug producing and drug consuming (i) training regarding use of force; measures to bring the responsible members countries. (ii) human rights education and training; of the unit of the armed forces or law en- (2) According to Assistant Secretary of forcement agencies, as the case may be, to (iii) training regarding evidence preserva- State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thom- justice. tion and chain of custody; and as Shannon, ‘‘[T]he nations of Central Amer- (iv) enhanced capacity to vet candidates; SEC. 115. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ica have committed to collective action to (C) support for the Mexican Office of the address these common security concerns. (a) IN GENERAL.—To carry out this sub- Attorney General, including— Through the Central American Integration title, there are authorized to be appropriated (i) judicial processes improvement and co- System (SICA), the governments have ex- to the President $350,000,000 for fiscal year ordination; pressed the political resolve to join forces to 2008, $390,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and (ii) enhancement of forensics capabilities; strengthen regional security; however they $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. (iii) data collection and analyses; lack sufficient tools and capacity to execute (b) LIMITATION.— (iv) case tracking and management; such will.’’. (1) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- (v) financial intelligence functions; and (3) Crime and violence in Central America priated pursuant to the authorization of ap- (vi) maintenance of data systems. has increased in recent years. propriations under subsection (a)— (2) ANTI-CORRUPTION, TRANSPARENCY, AND (4) In 2005, the estimated murder rate per (A) not more than $205,000,000 may be pro- HUMAN RIGHTS.—To assist law enforcement 100,000 people was roughly 56 in El Salvador, vided as assistance for the armed forces of and court institutions in Mexico to develop 41 in Honduras, and 38 in Guatemala. Mexico for 2008; mechanisms to ensure due process and prop- (5) Youth gang violence has been one of the (B) not more than $120,000,000 may be pro- er oversight and to respond to citizen com- major factors contributing to increased vio- vided as assistance for the armed forces of plaints, including assistance such as— lence in Central America, with the United Mexico for 2009; and (A) enhancement of polygraph capability States Southern Command estimating that (C) not more than $9,000,000 may be pro- in the Mexican Police agency (SSP); there are 70,000 gang members in Central vided as assistance for the armed forces of (B) support for greater transparency and America. Mexico for 2010. accountability in the Mexican legal system, (6) Many Central American youth gangs (2) ADDITIONAL LIMITATION.—None of the including— are transnational and negatively impact funds appropriated pursuant to the author- (i) establishment of a center in the Mexi- both Central America and the United States. ization of appropriations under subsection can Office of the Attorney General for re- (7) Youth gang violence cannot be curbed (a) for fiscal year 2009 may be provided as as- ceipt of citizen complaints; only through enforcement, but must also in- sistance for the Mexican Secretariat of Pub- (ii) establishment of clerk of the court sys- clude a substantial investment in preven- lic Security until the President determines tem to track cases and pretrial detentions; tion, rehabilitation, and reintegration. that the Mexican National Registry of Police (iii) reorganization of human and financial (8) Deportees sent from the United States Personnel (Registro Nacional de Personal resources systems; and back to Central America, while not a central Policial) is operational at the federal, state, (iv) equipping and training of criminal in- cause of crime and violence, can contribute and local levels. vestigators; and to crime and violence in Central America. (c) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts appropriated (C) promotion of human rights, including— (9) Guatemala has experienced a surge in pursuant to the authorization of appropria- (i) support for human rights organizations, murders of women in recent years, many of tions under subsection (a) are— bar associations, and law schools; and which have been committed by illicit nar- (1) authorized to remain available until ex- (ii) training for police, prosecutors, and cotics traffickers and other organized crimi- pended; and corrections officers. nals. (2) in addition to funds otherwise available (3) PREVENTION.—To assist in the preven- (10) Violence between partners, particu- for such purposes, including funds available tion of individuals from participating in il- larly violence by men against their wives or under chapter 8 of part I of the Foreign As- licit narcotics-related violent activities, girlfriends, is widespread in Central Amer- sistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291 et seq.). such as— ica, and an international violence against

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women survey comparing selected countries (i) Investigation and collection of intel- (b) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts appropriated in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia ligence against illicit narcotics trafficking. pursuant to the authorization of appropria- found that 60 percent of women in Costa (ii) Combating illegal trafficking in arms. tions under subsection (a) are— Rica—often considered the least violent (iii) Prevention of bulk currency smug- (1) authorized to remain available until ex- country in Central America—reported hav- gling. pended; and ing experienced domestic violence during (iv) Collection of information on crime and (2) in addition to funds otherwise available their lives. establishment of a regional database. for such purposes, including funds under (11) Weak justice systems in the countries (B) ASSISTANCE.—Activities under subpara- chapters 2 and 8 of part I of the Foreign As- of Central America have led to a high level graph (A) may include— sistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2166 and 2291 et of impunity in Central America. (i) automated fingerprint identification seq.). (12) The United Nations International systems (AFIS); (c) LIMITATION.—Of the amounts appro- Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (ii) vetting sensitive investigative units to priated pursuant to the authorization of ap- (CICIG) was recently created to begin to ad- collaborate on counternarcotics at the fed- propriations under subsection (a) for any fis- dress impunity related to illegally armed eral, state, and local levels; cal year, at least $15,000,000 should be made groups in Guatemala. (iii) technical assistance to develop strong available to carry out section 213(2)(B). (13) The United States and the Central and effective financial crimes investigation Subtitle B—Assistance to Enhance the Rule American Integration System (SICA) signed units; of Law and Strengthen Civilian Institutions an agreement in July 2007 to improve intel- (iv) maritime security support, including SEC. 221. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE. ligence sharing and policing and to institu- refurbishing and procuring patrol boats; The President is authorized to provide as- tionalize dialogue on regional security. (v) firearms interdiction training; and sistance for the countries of Central America SEC. 202. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY. (vi) illicit narcotics demand reduction pro- to support the activities described in section Congress makes the following declarations: grams. 222. (1) A long-term United States strategy to (2) PUBLIC SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCE- SEC. 222. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED. curb illicit narcotics trafficking must in- MENT.—To assist in building the capacity of Activities that may be supported by assist- clude Central America, which is the corridor the police in countries of Central America, ance under section 221 include assistance in for 90 percent of the cocaine that transits supporting efforts to combat transnational building the capacity, transparency, and from South America to the United States. gangs, investing in gang prevention and re- trust in the justice system of the countries (2) It is in the interest of the United States habilitation programs, and programs for the of Central America and reducing high impu- to support a long-term commitment to as- reintegration of deportees, including assist- nity rates in the countries of Central Amer- sisting the countries of Central America to ance such as— ica, including assistance such as— improve security by combating illicit nar- (A) funding to continue the United States- (1) improved police academies and entry cotics trafficking, investing in prevention Central American Integration System level training on crime investigations; programs, increasing intelligence sharing, (SICA) Dialogue; (2) courts management and prosecutor ca- improving regional security coordination, (B) youth gang prevention activities, in- pacity building; improving border and customs capabilities, cluding targeted education for at-risk youth, (3) witness and victim protection pro- professionalizing police, justice, and other vocational training and funding of commu- grams, including in Guatemala in coordina- government officials, and funding programs nity centers in areas with high youth gang tion with the United Nations International to reintegrate deportees from the United violence rates and other risk factors; Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala States. (C) programs to reintegrate deportees from (CICIG); (3) The countries of Central America are the United States back into the societies of (4) programs to enhance transparency in committed to combating illicit narcotics their home countries to avoid further crimi- the procedures to designate and remove per- trafficking and its related violence and nal activity; sonnel in the recipient country’s judicial crime, including gang violence, and the (D) transnational anti-gang initiatives; system; United States must seize the opportunity to (E) police professionalization, including— (5) prosecutor and judge protection pro- work in partnership with Central America. (i) training regarding use of force; grams, including in Guatemala and in co- (ii) human rights education and training; Subtitle A—Law Enforcement and Security ordination with the CICIG; (iii) training regarding evidence preserva- Assistance (6) short-term assignment of United States tion and chain of custody; and Government personnel to the CICIG to pro- SEC. 211. PURPOSES OF ASSISTANCE. (iv) enhanced capacity to vet candidates; vide technical assistance for criminal inves- The purposes of assistance authorized by (F) utilization of the International Law tigations, specifically but not limited to in- this subtitle are to— Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in El Salvador vestigations involving money laundering so (1) enhance the ability of governments of consistent with traditional respect for long as this assignment does not negatively countries of Central America to control il- human rights and professional police prac- impact United States domestic operations; licit narcotics production, trafficking, illicit tices; (7) regional juvenile justice reform; drug trafficking organizations, and organized (G) police training programs of the Organi- (8) prison management; crime; zation of American States (OAS ); (9) programs to rehabilitate gang members (2) help build the capacity of law enforce- (H) police equipment, including commu- released from prison, including job training; ment agencies of the countries of Central nications equipment; and and America to control illicit narcotics produc- (I) anti-domestic violence education pro- (10) community policing, including human tion, trafficking, illicit drug trafficking or- grams and women’s shelters. rights and use of force training for commu- ganizations, and organized crime; SEC. 214. LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE. nity policing projects. (3) strengthen the bilateral ties of the SEC. 223. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. United States with the countries of Central (a) LIMITATION.—No assistance may be provided under this subtitle to any unit of the (a) IN GENERAL.—To carry out this title, America by offering concrete assistance in there are authorized to be appropriated to this area of great mutual concern; armed forces of a country of Central America or any unit of the law enforcement agencies the President $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, (4) strengthen respect for internationally $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and $95,000,000 recognized human rights and the rule of law of a country of Central America if the Sec- retary of State determines that, consistent for fiscal year 2010. in efforts to stabilize the security environ- (b) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts appropriated with section 620J of the Foreign Assistance ment relating to illicit narcotics production pursuant to the authorization of appropria- Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2378d), there is credible and trafficking and organized crime; and tions under subsection (a) are— evidence that such unit has committed gross (5) support the judicial branch of govern- (1) authorized to remain available until ex- violations of human rights. ments of the countries of Central America, pended; and as well as to support anti-corruption efforts (b) EXCEPTION.—The limitation in sub- (2) in addition to funds otherwise available in such countries. section (a) shall not apply if the Secretary of for such purposes, including funds available SEC. 212. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE. State determines and reports to the appro- under chapters 2 and 8 of part I of the For- To carry out the purposes of section 211, priate congressional committees that the eign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2166 and the President is authorized to provide assist- government of the relevant country of Cen- 2291 et seq.). tral America is taking effective measures to ance for the countries of Central America to TITLE III—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS bring the responsible members of the unit of support the activities described in section SEC. 301. CONDITIONS ON PROVISION OF ASSIST- 213. the armed forces or law enforcement agencies, as the case may be, to justice. ANCE. SEC. 213. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED. (a) IN GENERAL.—The President may not Activities that may be supported by assist- SEC. 215. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. provide assistance under title I or II to a for- ance under section 212 include the following: (a) IN GENERAL.—To carry out this sub- eign country for a fiscal year until the end of (1) COUNTERNARCOTICS, COUNTERTRAFFICK- title, there are authorized to be appropriated a 15-day period beginning on the date on ING, AND RELATED SECURITY.— to the President $60,000,000 for fiscal year which the President transmits to the appro- (A) ASSISTANCE OBJECTIVES.—To assist in 2008, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and priate congressional committees a deter- the following: $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. mination that the requirements described in

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(2) none of the funds made available to ficking (including demand related portions)’’ (b) REQUIRED DETERMINATION.—The re- carry out title II may be available for the here in the United States. quirements referred to in subsection (a) are employment of any United States individual (b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the following: civilian retained as a contractor in a country the date of the enactment of this Act, the (1) The provision of assistance will not ad- of Central America or any foreign national President shall transmit to the appropriate versely affect the human rights situation in retained as a contractor if that employment congressional committees a report on the the foreign country. would cause the total number of individual (2) Vetting procedures are in place to en- civilian contractors employed in all coun- measures taken to intensify United States sure that members and units of the armed tries of Central America in support of the efforts to address United States demand-re- forces and law enforcement agencies of the Merida Initiative who are funded by United lated aspects of the drug-trafficking phe- foreign country that may receive assistance States funds to exceed 100; and nomenon in accordance with the Joint State- under title I or II have not been involved in (3) none of the funds made available under ment on the Merida Initiative announced by human rights violations. this Act shall be made available for budget the United States and Mexico on October 22, (3) The civilian authority in the foreign support or cash payments. 2007. country is investigating and prosecuting any (c) EXCEPTION.—The limitations contained member of any government agency or entity SEC. 402. REDUCTION OF SOUTHBOUND FLOW OF in subsection (b) shall not apply if the Presi- ILLEGAL WEAPONS. receiving assistance under title I or II who dent determines that it is in the national in- has been credibly alleged to have committed terest of the United States that such limita- (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of human rights violations on or after the date tions shall not apply and transmits to the Congress that— of the enactment of this Act. appropriate congressional committees a no- (1) much of the increased violence in Mex- (4) Equipment and material provided as tification thereof. ico is perpetrated using firearms and ammu- support is being used only by officials and nition smuggled illegally from the United employees of the government of the foreign SEC. 303. LIMITATION ON MONITORING. Beginning on October 1, 2009, no surveil- States into Mexico; country who have been approved by such (2) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire- government to perform counternarcotics ac- lance-related equipment may be transferred under this Act to any entity of Mexico or a arms and Explosives (ATF) has told Congress tivities, including on the basis of the back- of an ‘‘iron river of guns’’ with thousands of ground investigations by such government. country of Central America unless the Presi- dent determines that the recipient country weapons per week illegally crossing into (5) The government of the foreign country Mexico from the United States; has cooperated with the Secretary of State has cooperated with the United States to ensure that such equipment will be used prin- (3) more than 90 percent of the guns con- to ensure that— fiscated yearly in Mexico originate in the (A) the equipment and material provided cipally for the purposes for which it is provided. United States and approximately 40 percent as support will be used only by the officials of the total trafficked weapons are linked to and employees referred to in paragraph (4); SEC. 304. EXEMPTION FROM PROHIBITION ON AS- drug trafficking organizations; (B) none of the equipment or material will SISTANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT FORCES. (4) along the 2,000 mile border from be transferred (by sale, gift, or otherwise) to Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego, California, any person or entity not authorized by the Notwithstanding section 660 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2420; relat- there are 6,700 licensed gun sellers, but only United States to receive the equipment or 100 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, material; and ing to the prohibition on assistance to foreign law enforcement forces), the President and Explosives (ATF) special agents to inves- (C) the equipment and material will, to the tigate allegations of weapons trafficking and extent possible, be used for the purposes in- may provide assistance under title I or II if, at least 15 days before providing the assist- only 35 inspectors to ensure compliance with tended by the United States Government and United States laws; will be utilized by those agencies for which ance, the President notifies the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Represent- (5) on January 16, 2008, ATF announced such assistance is intended. that it will add 25 special agents and 15 in- (6) The government of the foreign country atives and the Committee on Foreign Rela- tions of the Senate, in accordance with the spectors to their Project Gunrunner along has implemented, in consultation with the the Southwest Border. And, the ATF budget Secretary of State, a system that will pro- procedures applicable to reprogramming no- tifications pursuant to section 634A of the request for fiscal year 2009 includes funding vide an accounting and inventory of the for another 12 inspectors; and equipment and material provided as support. Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. 2394–1), that (1) it is in the national interest to pro- (6) an effective strategy to combat these il- (7) The government of the foreign country legal arms flows is a critical part of a United will, along with United States personnel, vide such assistance, and (2) the recipient country is making significant progress to States contribution to a jointly executed conduct periodic observation and review of anti-narcotics strategy with Mexico. the use of the equipment and material pro- eliminating any human rights violations. vided as support under terms and conditions SEC. 305. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AUTHORITY. (b) PROJECT GUNRUNNER INITIATIVE.— similar to the terms and conditions imposed (a) ASSISTANCE UNDER TITLE I.—The au- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General with respect to such observation and review thority to provide assistance under title I is shall, to the extent amounts are made avail- under section 505(a)(3) of the Foreign Assist- in addition to any other authority to provide able to carry out this subsection pursuant to ance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2314(a)(3)). assistance for Mexico. paragraph (4), use such amounts for the (8) To the extent the foreign country has (b) ASSISTANCE UNDER TITLE II.—The au- Project Gunrunner initiative (hereafter in received equipment in the past, it has uti- thority to provide assistance under title I is this subsection referred to as the ‘‘initia- lized the equipment properly and in a man- in addition to any other authority to provide tive’’) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, ner that warrants additional provision of assistance for the countries of Central Amer- Firearms, and Explosives to expand the re- equipment or assistance. ica. sources provided to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in the traf- SEC. 302. LIMITATIONS ON PROVISION OF ASSIST- SEC. 306. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. ficking of firearms across the United States- ANCE. Nothing in title I or II shall be construed Mexico border. (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of to alter, modify, or otherwise affect the pro- (2) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out paragraph Congress that— visions of the Arms Export Control Act (22 (1), the Attorney General shall— (1) activities undertaken under titles I and U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) unless otherwise specified (A) assign additional agents of the Bureau II of this Act should be performed wherever in this Act. possible by official employees, personnel, or of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explo- officers of the federal, state, or local govern- TITLE IV—SUPPORT ACTIVITIES IN THE sives to the area of the United States adja- ment of the recipient foreign country; and UNITED STATES cent to the United States-Mexico border to (2) the United States should limit, to the SEC. 401. REPORT ON REDUCTION OF DRUG DE- support the expansion of the initiative; maximum extent possible, the number of MAND IN THE UNITED STATES. (B) establish not fewer than 1 initiative United States civilians and foreign nationals (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of team in each State along the United States- retained as contractors in a recipient coun- Congress that— Mexico border; and try. (1) supply-side drug reduction strategies (C) coordinate with the heads of other rel- (b) LIMITATIONS.—Except as provided in when executed alone are not an effective way evant federal law enforcement agencies and subsection (c)— to fight the phenomenon of illegal narcotics; State and local law enforcement agencies to (1) none of the funds made available to (2) the Government of Mexico has identi- address firearms trafficking in a comprehen- carry out title I may be available for the em- fied reduction of United States drug demand sive manner. ployment of any United States individual ci- as among the most important contributions (3) ADDITIONAL STAFF.—The Attorney Gen- vilian retained as a contractor in Mexico or the United States can make to a joint strat- eral may hire additional persons to be Bu- any foreign national retained as a contractor egy to combat illicit narcotics trafficking; reau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Ex- if that employment would cause the total and plosives agents for, and may use such other number of individual civilian contractors (3) the United States pledged in the United resources as may be necessary to adequately employed in Mexico in support of the Merida States-Mexico October 2007 Joint Statement support, the initiative.

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(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—To and Central America are in full consonance (G) Cross-utilization, if any, of equipment carry out this subsection, there are author- with the efforts of the Government of Mexico among the armed forces and law enforcement ized to be appropriated to the Attorney Gen- and the governments of Central America in entities. eral $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years implementing the Merida Initiative; (H) Increased school attendance rates. 2008 through 2010. (D) tracking all United States Government (I) Attendance in primary prevention pro- (c) ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERA- assistance which fulfills the goals of the grams TION.— Merida Initiative or is closely related to the (J) The level of cooperation among United (1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this sub- goals of the Merida Initiative, including in- States, Mexican, and Central American law section, the Attorney General, in coopera- formation required under section 620J of the enforcement agencies. tion with the Secretary of State, is author- Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. SEC. 503. REPORT. ized and encouraged, as appropriate, to— 2378d) with respect to Mexico and the coun- (a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall (A) assign agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, tries of Central America; transmit to the appropriate congressional Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to the (E) coordinating among agencies of the committees a report concerning the pro- United States mission in Mexico, specifically United States Government on all United grams and activities carried out under this in areas adjacent to the United States-Mex- States assistance to Mexico and the coun- Act during the preceding fiscal year. The ico border, to work with Mexican law en- tries of Central America, including assist- first report shall be transmitted not later forcement agencies in conducting investiga- ance from other relevant government agen- than 180 days after the date of the enactment tions relating to firearms trafficking and cies, which fulfills the goals of the Merida of this Act and subsequent reports shall be other criminal enterprises; Initiative to avoid duplication or conflict transmitted not later than October 31 of (B) provide the equipment and techno- among programs; and each year thereafter. logical resources necessary to support inves- (F) consulting with the Attorney General (b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The report tigations and to trace firearms recovered in with respect to the activities of Federal, required under subsection (a) shall include Mexico; and State, and local law enforcement authorities the following: (C) support the training of vetted Mexican in the United States related to the goals of (1) METRICS.—A general description of the law enforcement officers in serial number the Merida Initiative, particularly along the progress in stabilizing the security situation restoration techniques and canine explosive United States-Mexico border. in each recipient country as well as com- detection. (2) RANK AND STATUS OF THE COORDI- bating trafficking and building its capacity (2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—To NATOR.—The Coordinator shall have the rank based on the metrics developed under section carry out this subsection, there are author- and status of ambassador. 502. ized to be appropriated to the Attorney Gen- SEC. 502. METRICS AND OVERSIGHT MECHA- (2) COORDINATION.—Efforts of the United eral $9,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 NISMS. States Government to coordinate its activi- through 2010. (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ties pursuant to section 501, including— SEC. 403. REDUCTION OF SOUTHBOUND FLOW OF Congress that— (A) a description of all counternarcotics ILLEGAL PRECURSOR CHEMICALS (1) to successfully support building the ca- AND BULK-CASH TRANSFERS. and organized crime assistance provided to It is the sense of Congress that— pacity of recipient countries’ civilian secu- recipient countries in the previous fiscal (1) a significant quantity of precursor rity institutions, enhance the rule of law in year; chemicals used in the production of illegal recipient countries, and ensure the protec- (B) an assessment of how such assistance narcotics flows south from the United States tion of human rights, the President should was coordinated; and to Mexico; establish metrics and oversight mechanisms (C) recommendations for improving coordi- (2) the Government of Mexico has identi- to track the effectiveness of activities under- nation. fied reduction of southbound flows from the taken pursuant to this Act; (3) TRANSFER OF EQUIPMENT.—A description United States of precursor chemicals and (2) long-term solutions to Mexico and Cen- of the transfer of equipment, including— bulk-cash transfers as a critical component tral America’s security problems depend on (A) a description of the progress of each re- of its anti-narcotics strategy; and strengthening and holding accountable civil- cipient country toward the transfer of equip- (3) an effective strategy to combat these il- ian institutions; ment, if any, from its armed forces to law legal flows is a critical part of a United (3) it is difficult to assess the impact of enforcement agencies; States contribution to a jointly executed United States assistance towards these goals (B) a list of organizations that have used anti-narcotics strategy with Mexico. absent specific oversight and monitoring the air assets provided to the government of mechanisms; and each recipient country, and, to the extent SEC. 404. REPORT. (4) the President, in developing metrics, Not later than 180 days after the date of possible, a detailed description of those the enactment of this Act, the President should consult with Congress as well as the agencies that have utilized the air assets, in- shall transmit to the appropriate congres- Government of Mexico and the Central cluding a breakdown of the percentage of use sional committees a report on the measures American Integration System (SICA). by each agency; and taken to combat the southbound flow of ille- (b) REQUIREMENT.—The President shall de- (C) a description of training of law enforce- gal precursor chemicals and bulk cash trans- velop metrics to identify, track, and manage ment agencies to operate equipment, includ- fers into Mexico. the progress of activities authorized pursuing air assets. ant to this Act and use these metrics to de- (4) HUMAN RIGHTS.—Consistent with sec- TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS termine the allocation of resources for such tions 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assist- SEC. 501. COORDINATOR OF UNITED STATES GOV- activities. ance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) and ERNMENT ACTIVITIES TO IMPLE- MENT THE MERIDA INITIATIVE. (c) INITIAL REPORT.— 2304(b)) and section 504 of the Trade Act of (a) DECLARATION OF POLICY.—Congress de- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2464), an assessment of the clares that the Merida Initiative is a Depart- after the date of the enactment of this Act, human rights impact of the equipment and ment of State-led initiative which combines the President shall transmit to the appro- training provided under this Act, including— programs of numerous United States Govern- priate congressional committees a report (A) a list of accusations of serious human ment departments and agencies and there- that specifies metrics of achievement for rights abuses committed by the armed forces fore requires a single individual to coordi- each activity to be undertaken under this and law enforcement agencies of recipient nate and track all Merida-related efforts Act. countries from the date of enactment of this government-wide to help avoid duplication (2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The report shall Act; and and facilitate accountability to Congress. be divided into two sections, the first ad- (B) a description of efforts by the govern- (b) DESIGNATION OF HIGH-LEVEL COORDI- dressing those activities undertaken pursu- ment of recipient countries to investigate NATOR.— ant to subtitle A of title I and subtitle A of and prosecute allegations of abuses of human (1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall des- title II, and the second addressing those ac- rights committed by any agency of the re- ignate, within the Department of State, a tivities undertaken pursuant to subtitle B of cipient countries. Coordinator of United States Government title I and subtitle B of title II. Metrics may (5) EFFECTIVENESS OF EQUIPMENT.—An as- Activities to Implement the Merida Initia- include the following: sessment on the long-term effectiveness of tive (hereafter in this section referred to as (A) Indicators on long-term effectiveness the equipment and maintenance packages the ‘‘Coordinator’’) who shall be responsible of the equipment and training provided to and training provided to each recipient coun- for— Mexican and Central American security in- try’s security institutions. (A) designing an overall strategy to ad- stitutions. (6) MEXICO PUBLIC SECURITY STRATEGY.—A vance the purposes of this Act; (B) Statistics of counter narcotics-related description of Mexico’s development of a (B) ensuring program and policy coordina- arrests. public security strategy, including— tion among agencies of the United States (C) Number of interdictions of drug ship- (A) an update on the effectiveness of the Government in carrying out the policies in ments. Mexican federal Registry of Police Personnel Mexico and Central America set forth in this (D) Specific progress on police reform. to vet police recruiting at the National, Act; (E) Counternarcotics-related arrests. state, and municipal levels to prevent rehir- (C) ensuring that efforts of the United (F) Quantification of reduction of supply of ing from one force to the next after dismissal States Government under this Act in Mexico illicit narcotics into the United States. for corruption and other reasons; and

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They include assistance in legal arms. the security environment for our courts management, prison reform, (8) USE OF CONTRACTORS.—A detailed de- neighbors to the south, and the spill- money laundering capabilities, witness scription of contracts awarded to private over effects on our own soil are undeni- protection, and police companies to carry out provisions of this able. professionalization. The latter empha- Act, including— President Calderon of Mexico made a sizes human rights and use of force (A) a description of the number of United brave decision early in his presidency training, as well as forensics and poly- States and foreign national civilian contrac- to fight illegal narcotics in a way that graph capabilities. tors awarded contracts; (B) a list of the total dollar value of the no Mexican government had done be- In the realm of prevention, the bill contracts; and fore, and he and his countrymen have supports programs to increase school (C) the purposes of the contracts. paid a high price for it. Drug cartels attendance and expansion of interven- (9) CENTRAL AMERICAN REGIONAL SECURITY have been blamed for 6,000 deaths in tion programs. It also seeks to promote PLAN.—A description of implementation by two-and-a-half years in Mexico alone, development in areas where joblessness the countries of Central America of the Cen- 4,000 of them in the year-and-a-half feeds the narcotics problem, including tral American Regional Security Plan, in- since Mr. Calderon assumed the presi- alternative livelihood and rural devel- cluding an assessment of how the Merida Ini- dency. opment efforts. tiative complements and supports the Cen- It concentrates considerable funding tral American Regional Security Plan. A significant percentage of these (10) PHASE OUT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AC- deaths are law enforcement personnel, in the fragile Central America region, TIVITIES.—A description of the progress of outgunned and outspent from the pro- as well as in Haiti and the Dominican phasing out law enforcement activities of ceeds of illegal drugs. There seems to Republic, in programs tailored to that the armed forces of each recipient country. be no limit to the brazenness of the region’s specific needs. (11) DISPLACEMENT AND DIVERSION OF DRUG drug gangs. A month ago, the chief of The legislation contains significant TRAFFICKING PATTERNS.—A description of any Mexico’s Federal police was shot dead human rights safeguards as well as displacement effect and diversion of drug in his own home. end-use monitoring provisions for trafficking patterns from Mexico and the It is high time for the United States equipment and training. It provides no countries of Central America to other routes, including through potentially vulner- to do more than applaud President cash transfers. able Caribbean countries. Calderon’s courage. We must work to- It calls on the President to devise (12) IMPACT ON BORDER VIOLENCE AND SECU- gether to tackle this difficult problem. standards up front that will be used to RITY.—A description of the impact that ac- President Bush and President measure the success of the initiative, tivities authorized under this Act have had Calderon met in the Mexican city of and to regularly report to Congress on on violence against United States and Mexi- Merida last year to craft a new and in- progress made toward meeting these can border personnel and the extent to which novative proposal to confront this standards. these activities have increased the protec- scourge. That proposal is largely re- Significantly, because this was a spe- tion and security of the United States-Mex- cific request from our Mexican neigh- ico border. flected in the legislation we have be- bors, the legislation bolsters by $73.5 SEC. 504. SENSE OF CONGRESS. fore us today. million America’s efforts to stem the It is the sense of Congress that— The central tenet of this bill is that, (1) the United States Government requires while the violence must stop and secu- illegal flow of arms going south by sig- an effective public diplomacy strategy to ex- rity must be restored, the ultimate so- nificantly expanding ATF’s Project plain the purposes of the Merida Initiative; lution to this problem lies in respect Gun Runner. and for the rule of law and the strength of Finally, the bill establishes a coordi- (2) to the extent practicable, the Secretary institutions charged with upholding it. nator for the initiative to provide ac- of State, in coordination with other relevant countability and harmonize its wide- b 1145 heads of agencies, shall design and imple- ranging programs. ment a public diplomacy campaign region- H.R. 6028 represents the U.S. imple- Perhaps most importantly the legis- ally regarding the Merida Initiative. mentation of a new partnership with lation recognizes that the spread of il- SEC. 505. SUNSET. Mexico and Central American coun- licit drugs through Mexico and Central The authority of this Act shall expire after tries to face the immediate security September 30, 2010. America and into the United States, as threat of drug gangs, help these neigh- well as the violence that accompanies The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- bors build the capacity of their law en- it, cannot be halted without a com- ant to the rule, the gentleman from forcement agencies, and enhance the prehensive interdiction and security California (Mr. BERMAN) and the gen- rule of law in the region. strategy planned and executed jointly tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- As many of my colleagues know, the with our southern neighbors. Madam LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. supplemental appropriations bill in- Speaker, with this authorization of the The Chair recognizes the gentleman cludes funding for year one of the Merida Initiative we demonstrate our from California. Merida Initiative, but the legislation Nation’s commitment to work closely GENERAL LEAVE before us today authorizes the full 3 with our friends and neighbors to the Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask years of this plan in an exhaustive and south in a meaningful and long-term unanimous consent that all Members complete manner necessary to under- fashion to battle illegal narcotics. may have 5 legislative days to revise take this critical partnership with our I strongly urge all my colleagues to and extend their remarks and include southern neighbors. support this legislation. extraneous material on the bill under For example, this legislation author- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- consideration. izes $1.6 billion over 3 years in the ance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there areas of counter-narcotics, the fight Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- objection to the request of the gen- against organized crime, law enforce- er, I yield myself such time as I may tleman from California? ment modernization, institution build- consume. There was no objection. ing, and rule of law support. Madam Speaker, I rise as a proud co- Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise Mexico has requested that the U.S. sponsor of the Merida Initiative to in strong support of this bill and yield provide certain high-tech equipment. Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce myself as much time as I may con- And in this bill we authorize transport Organized Crime Authorization Act of sume. helicopters with night operating capa- 2008. Madam Speaker, the drug crisis fac- bilities, aerial and radar surveillance Based on co-responsibility and co- ing the United States remains a top na- equipment, land and maritime inter- operation, the Merida Initiative cre- tional security threat. The GAO states diction equipment, and secure commu- ates an invaluable partnership between that 90 percent of illegal drugs entering nication networks. the United States, Mexico, the rest of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:06 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.006 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5133 Central America, Haiti, and the Do- forwarding to helping to enhance our government assistance, which fulfills minican Republic to work together to Nation’s security by fighting and over- the goals of the Merida Initiative. fight illicit drugs and organized crime. coming these daily threats. Madam Speaker, the Merida Initia- It is a historic opportunity, an essen- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- tive is moving on two legislative tial collaboration between all of our ance of my time. tracks; this authorization bill, and the countries to present a united front Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I supplemental appropriations bill. I un- against the drug cartels and the gangs greatly appreciate the gentlelady’s derstand that the Mexican Government who callously threaten the safety and strong comments on this bill. has expressed concerns with certain future of our communities every day. I yield 4 minutes to the chairman of language in the Senate supplemental The growing operational and finan- the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on proposal. It is my hope that the final cial capabilities of these groups pose a Western Hemisphere Affairs, the gen- product will include important human clear and present threat to the lives tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL). rights provisions while respecting and well-being of our citizens. By sup- Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise Mexican sovereignty and the spirit of porting this authorization, we are sup- today in strong support of H.R. 6028. partnership in which the Merida Initia- porting the goals of the Merida Initia- And I would like to commend Chair- tive was designed. Our relationship tive to confront these dangers. Fur- man BERMAN for his leadership on this with our neighbors to the south is very thermore, we are supporting the goals important legislation that authorizes important, and we need to work with of our friends in Mexico, Central Amer- full funding for the Merida Initiative. them in a collaborative way and in a ica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic In my subcommittee, as Chair, we partnership. to combat these dangers as well. held three hearings on the Merida Ini- Mr. Chairman, I thank you again for The Merida Initiative, as considered tiative, so we’ve covered it really quite your leadership on this important leg- under this authorization, is a com- extensively. And I’m more convinced islation and your commitment to the prehensive program focused on than ever that this is such an impor- governments and people of Central strengthening democratic institutions, tant bill and such an important pro- America and Mexico. on bolstering law enforcement capa- posal. I urge my colleagues to support this bilities, on supporting local commu- Recent events in Mexico make the crucial legislation. And I want to again nities, and on promoting human rights Merida Initiative more crucial than say that it’s important not only to at all levels of the Initiative’s imple- ever. Just last month, the chief of the have funds in there and language in mentation. Mexican federal police was brutally there for Mexico, but for Central Amer- For years, drug traffickers and orga- murdered at his home. Shortly there- ica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic nized crime have used a regional strat- after, the deputy police chief of Ciudad as well. egy to carry out their illicit activities. Juarez, a city smack on the border It’s also important that we look at Now, under the Merida Initiative, we with the United States, was shot dead. the whole situation of guns. Guns that have a chance for our governments to The narcoviolence in Mexico is not are manufactured in the United States join forces and match this only undermining the safety and secu- are smuggled over the border, and 90 transnational approach. In Mexico, rity of our friends to the south, but it percent of the guns that are collected President Calderon has deployed nearly is fueling the drug trade and violence come from the United States. And they 30,000 soldiers and federal police to the here in the United States. fuel narcotrafficking, they fuel vio- country’s most dangerous drug traf- As Western Hemisphere Sub- lence, they fuel the drug trade, and we ficking hotspots. committee chairman, I worked with need to do something about that. So I In Guatemala, the government has Chairman BERMAN in developing this am pleased that my provision, the announced plans to send hundreds of legislation and was pleased to con- troops, elite presidential guards and Southwest Border Violence Reduction tribute two key parts. First, the Cen- Act, was incorporated into this lan- antidrug police to its northern border tral American piece of this legislation to stem the growing violence. guage to look at this problem, to deal authorizes a much greater amount of In the United States, our law en- with this problem, and understanding assistance for the subregion than the forcement agents have been met with that what we do in the United States increasing hostile actions while work- Bush administration proposed. The ini- goes hand in hand with what happens ing to preserve the security of our bor- tial $50 million for Central America south of our border as well. ders. was really a drop in the bucket when So again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you. The Merida Initiative enables us to you look at the whole thing and the I thank the ranking member, with combine all of these efforts to cap- needs that are necessary, especially whom I’ve collaborated on so many italize on all of our strength and con- considering that 90 percent of the co- things through the years. front narcotraffickers and organized caine shipped from the Andes to the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I crime with the same determination U.S. flows right through Central Amer- would like to yield 3 minutes to the that they so vigorously employ to ica. gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT). He wreak havoc on our communities. H.R. 6028 sets aside at least $15 mil- is an esteemed member of our Com- I was pleased to see that both the lion per year for youth gang prevention mittee on Foreign Affairs. House and Senate versions of the sup- programs. That was something that I Mr. CHABOT. I thank the gentlelady plemental included funding to support care very much about as well. With ap- for yielding. the Merida Initiative. I am hopeful proximately 70,000 gang members in Mr. Speaker, I’ll be brief. Let me just that the conferees will look at this bill Central America, and the transnational start by saying that I appreciate both for direction when determining the connections linking gang members the chairman’s and the ranking mem- final face of the Merida Initiative. I be- there to the United States, this is a ber’s work on this critical issue. Drugs lieve that it offers an effective guide vast improvement over the administra- and cartels and the violence and terror for ensuring U.S. interest, while re- tion’s proposal. I hope we have learned that they bring not only undermine specting our partners’ sovereignty. by now that failing to adequately in- public safety but threaten our security For too long, narcotraffickers and or- vest in prevention programs will only as a Nation. We need to work coopera- ganized crime have run free, plaguing hurt us in the future. tively with those nations that are on the prosperity of our region. By sup- I was also pleased to work with the the front lines of this drug war that porting the Merida Initiative, we are chairman on a provision in H.R. 6028 we’ve been involved in for such a long making the way for democracy and for which establishes a Merida coordinator time. development to take hold, and address- at the State Department. My staff and However, I want to mention one fact ing the precursor conditions that help I have too often been frustrated by the that I think is very important. Last breed instability in the region, and inability to obtain information on summer, news reports highlighted the that help create fertile territory even Merida activities or to figure out who unwillingness of the Mexican Govern- for Islamic extremist recruitment. was responsible for what, and what ment to work with the U.S. to resolve Madam Speaker, again I rise in full would fall under Merida. The Merida a mile and a half boundary dispute support of this initiative, and I look coordinator will keep track of all U.S. near Columbus, New Mexico. Because

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Although the U.S. gov- smash this trade in illicit narcotics. initiative will have a balance and rec- ernment promptly notified the Mexi- Whatever one’s concern is about a ognize that we have to look at many can Government of the error, the Mexi- particular aspect of the U.S.-Mexican options to secure the border. can Government demands that the mis- relationship, I would suggest from I want to also make mention of the take be corrected at a cost of $3 million America’s interest point of view that fact that I am a member of the Home- to the United States; this, despite the this issue, this initiative, is a compel- land Security Committee and will fact that the previously existing ling one and should be supported. hope, as this legislation moves forward, boundary had never been in dispute I am now pleased to yield 3 minutes that we will have a collaboration with prior to notification by the U.S., and to chairman of the Homeland Security the Department of Homeland Security the fact that the U.S. has provided Subcommittee on Transportation Se- with this effort. You cannot make this more than $270 million in aid to Mexico curity and Infrastructure Protection work unless DHS is involved. between 2004 and 2007, including more and a member of the Committee on And I was prepared to offer an than $140 million for counter-narcotics Foreign Affairs, Ms. SHEILA JACKSON- amendment that dealt with assessing and law enforcement. LEE of Texas. the role of the relevant United States Today, we are authorizing funding (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked Government departments and agencies, for an additional $1.6 billion over 3 and was given permission to revise and including the Department of Homeland years. Last July, I introduced House extend her remarks.) Security, in supporting the Merida Ini- Resolution 545, which states that it is Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me tiative, providing specific information the sense of this Congress that if Mex- associate myself with the words of our on what staff, equipment and other re- ico doesn’t work together to resolve chairman. This is in the interests of sources the relevant United States this boundary dispute, U.S. assistance the American people. I thank Chair- Government departments and agencies, to Mexico should be reduced in a cor- man BERMAN for introducing this legis- including the Department of Homeland responding amount; in other words, $3 lation and the ranking member, as Security would need to support this million. If it is costing the taxpayers of well, for the collaboration that our initiative, and assessing the impact of this country $3 million to do this, committee, the Foreign Affairs Com- the initiative on the border security which was previously an undisputed mittee, always engages in. operations of the relevant United border area, it seems like it ought to I think it is important to note that States Government departments and come out of their money and not ours, this is an initiative that was entered agencies. since we were the ones that brought it into by the United States and Mexico The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to their attention to begin with. that announced a multiyear, $1.4 bil- time of the gentlewoman has expired. lion plan to use U.S. assistance to com- Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentlelady b 1200 bat drug trafficking and other criminal 1 additional minute. Now, some people up here in Wash- organization activities. This has been Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank ington may think that $3 million isn’t labeled the ‘‘Merida Initiative,’’ and the chairman. a lot of money. Well I can tell you it is the administration has requested $500 Assessing the impact of the Merida a lot of money to the folks back in my million. Initiative on the border security oper- district and districts all over this coun- Some would ask why? Because we are ations of the relevant United States try, particularly when you figure that at a crisis. And I come from the State Government departments and agencies, we are spending approximately $4 a of Texas. There is bloodshed on the including the Department of Homeland gallon for gas nowadays. So it is a lot border. The violence is enormous. The Security, and identify additional re- of money and ought to be taken seri- wars between drug cartels have caused sources, if any, that the relevant ously. some 1,800 to 1,900 deaths to Mexicans United States Government depart- If the U.S. and Mexico are truly part- in the first 9 months of 2007. And it is ments and agencies, including the De- ners, and we claim to be, and they attributable to the cartel-related vio- partment of Homeland Security, need claim to be, we should be working to- lence. More than 60 American citizens to make available to carry out this ini- gether in all areas, including the con- have been kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo, tiative. struction of this fence. We ought to be a Mexican town directly across the bor- I recall specifically as a member of working cooperatively in this matter. der from the city of Laredo, a fine, the Subcommittee on Border Security And it plays a key role in our inter- wonderful city. And the mayors of writing legislation and the ranking national interdiction efforts, not to those cities have come and asked for member on the Immigration Sub- mention the border security. relief. But unfortunately, it hasn’t committee in our past Congresses on So this $3 million, if we are going to been listened to in the way that I be- providing more resources for our Bor- have to go back and rebuild this believe it could be. Recognizing that the der Patrol. It was interesting that the cause of this good faith error, I believe violence or the cause is not Laredo or administration was always voicing that ought to be taken out of the U.S. the border towns as much as it is the their leadership on the idea of border aid which is going in their direction, violence that is now spilling over. security, and our Border Patrol agents and not from the U.S. taxpayer. So I hope as we move forward in our were suffering. There were not enough. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield initiative it will have a number of ele- They didn’t have the kind of speed- myself 1 minute of time if I may. ments to it, and certainly one of the boats, night goggles and computers. The gentleman from Ohio raises an elements has to be the war against Now you see it is like night and day be- issue of controversy between the drugs here in the United States. It is cause of legislation carried by mem- United States and Mexico. What I urge important to note that Mexico is, in bers of the Democratic Caucus. the Members of this body to do is to fact, the main foreign supply of mari- And so it is important that as we go focus on the purpose of this initiative. juana and meth, and as well even forward we find a collaboration of the This is an initiative that is in Amer- though there is a small production of Department of Homeland Security be- ica’s deep national interest. The whole heroin, interestingly enough, they are cause human trafficking and drug traf- issue of illicit narcotics trade, the role a large producer of the heroin supply ficking are intertwined. The violation of the corridor between Central Amer- here in United States. of the borders is intertwined with all ica and Mexico in contributing and And for this reason, there needs to be we are doing here, and we need to have supplying these illicit narcotics, the a number of collaborations. I disagree, a collaboration with the Department of war going on in Mexico between the for example, with the Secretary of Homeland Security. I support this ini- drug cartels, and a president and a Homeland Security, who says that we tiative, and I know it can be expanded. leadership that is now taking this head can’t put the virtual fence at the bor- I rise today in cautious support of H.R. on serves our national interests. Our der because he realizes that we are 6028, the ‘‘Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit effort to stem illegal immigration is being conflicted by the questions of a Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Act of directly connected, and the effective- barrier fence, reasonably so, because 2008.’’ I would like to thank my colleague

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Congressman BERMAN for introducing this leg- to combat drug trafficking and other criminal Mr Speaker, it is essential that this Com- islation, as well as for his ongoing leadership organizations. As part of this plan, known as mittee stay engaged with this program after it as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Af- the Me´rida Initiative, the Administration has re- is implemented, particularly monitoring its ef- fairs. While I do support this bill, I am ex- quested $500 million for Mexico and $50 mil- fects on human rights. U.S. dollars absolutely tremely disappointed in the manner in which it lion for Central America in the FY 2008 Sup- should not be going to fund abuses; they was brought to the floor today. Like many plemental Appropriations. Since March 2007, should be used to build a culture of respect for Members, I have outstanding concerns about when Presidents George W. Bush and Felipe fundamental human rights. To this end, I am this legislation that have not yet been ad- Calderon met in Me´rida, officials of both gov- pleased that this legislation states that one of dressed, and I believe Members should have ernments, without the input of the legislative the purposes of this initiative is to ‘‘strengthen been given the opportunity to offer amend- branch of either country, have been working respect for internationally recognized human ments to this important and far-reaching bill. I on an initiative to expand bilateral and regional rights and the rule of law in efforts to stabilize remain concerned about human rights in the cooperation, in order to combat organized the security environment relating to the illicit region and I believe that the United States crime and criminal gangs in the region. narcotics production and trafficking and orga- must do far more to address the demand for Mexico has, in recent years, experienced an nized crime.’’ Further, this legislation restricts drugs in the United States, but I also believe increase in drug violence. Much of the recent funding to any units known to commit gross that this legislation represents a positive step violence has been attributed to turf wars be- violations of human rights, provides assistance toward partnering with our southern neighbors tween drug cartels, with between 1,800 and for human rights training in relevant law en- to combat a problem that we share. 1,900 deaths of Mexicans in the first nine forcement units, and, perhaps most crucially, Mr. Speaker, I had planned to introduce an months of 2007 alone being attributed to car- requires the President to report to Congress amendment to this legislation that will require tel-related violence. More than 60 American on the human rights impact of the equipment citizens have been kidnapped in Nuevo La- the President to submit a report and training provided in this bill. Mr. Speaker, (1) assessing the role of the relevant United redo, a Mexican town directly across the bor- this language is important, but alone it is not States Government departments and agen- der from the city of Laredo, in my own state enough, and I fully expect that this committee of Texas. Some of this violence is reportedly cies, including the Department of Homeland will remain engaged in this important issue fol- spilling over the border into the United States. lowing the implementation of this program. Security, in supporting the Merida Initiative; Spill-over violence and attacks on Ameri- (2) providing specific information on what Mr. Speaker, despite my outstanding con- cans are not the only reasons Mexico’s drug staffing, equipment, and other resources the cerns and my disappointment over the manner trade is of intimate interest to the United relevant United States Government depart- in which this legislation was brought before us States. Mexico is the main foreign supplier of today, I do believe that this legislation will ments and agencies, including the Department marijuana and a major supplier of meth- of Homeland Security, have provided for the strengthen the bonds of cooperation with our amphetamine to the United States, and, southern neighbors on an important issue in Merida Initiative; though it produces only a small share of glob- (3) assessing the impact of the Merida Ini- which we all share a stake. I urge my col- al heroin production, it produces a sizeable tiative on the border security operations of the leagues to join me in supporting this legisla- proportion of the heroin distributed in the relevant United States Government depart- tion. United States. In addition to production of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at ments and agencies, including the Department drugs, Mexico is also a major transit country. this time, I am pleased to yield 3 min- of Homeland Security; and According to State Department estimates, (4) identifying additional resources, if any, utes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 90% of the cocaine entering the United States MCCAUL) who is also an esteemed mem- that the relevant United States Government transits through Mexico. ber of the Committee on Foreign Af- departments and agencies, including the De- With the demise of powerful cartels in Co- fairs. partment of Homeland Security, need to make lombia, Mexican drug cartels have recently be- Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. I thank the available to carry out the Merida Initiative. come increasingly significant. According to the gentlelady from Florida. As a senior Member of the Committee on National Drug Intelligence Center, Mexican Mr. Speaker, let me say first that I Homeland Security, I am cognizant of the fact cartels now dominate the illicit U.S. drug mar- support a military strategy to deal that the Department of Homeland Security will ket, using ‘‘well-established overland transpor- with the drug cartels. Having come play a major role in the implementation of the tation networks to transport cocaine, mari- from Texas, having worked counterter- Merida Initiative. Among other things, Customs juana, methamphetamine, and heroin—Mexi- rorism with the Justice Department at and Border Patrol will be involved in the pro- can and increasingly South American—to drug the Mexican border, I know firsthand curement and training of non-intrusive inspec- markets throughout the country.’’ Though Co- what a direct threat to the security of tion equipment (scanners, x-ray vans) and res- lombian groups retain a significant share of this Nation these drug cartels present. cue and communications equipment, and Im- smuggling and distribution operations in the They export drugs. They poison our migration and Customs Enforcement will be in- United States, the operations of Mexican children. They export human traf- volved in modernizing Mexico’s immigration groups continue to account for an increasingly ficking. They bring special interest database and the training of vetted units fo- large percentage of the market. aliens into this country, some of whom cused on anti-gang and anti-money laun- Recent years have indicated that much are not caught. And in the post-9/11 dering. more needs to be done to address issues of world, they present a threat that we In short, Mr. Speaker, the Merida Initiative drug production and trafficking in Mexico. can no longer ignore. And they must be will not be complete or successful without the While I certainly agree that the Me´rida Initia- dealt with. That is why I have been cooperation of the Department of Homeland tive represents an important and much needed supportive of this initiative. Security and the dedication of its brave men effort, I am extremely disappointed that neither However, I believe that we need a and women. The report required by my members of the U.S. nor the Mexican con- strategy on this side of the border, as Amendment would have made sure Congress gress were included in the discussion process. well. I believe we need a two-pronged knows what resources DHS is contributing to In addition, I have significant concerns about approach, if you will, a comprehensive the Merida Initiative and whether more are the initiative itself, and I believe there are strategy that deals not only with the needed. It would also have let Congress know many outstanding issues that remain to be ad- Mexican side but with the U.S. side. how the Merida Initiative is affecting DHS’s dressed. And for too long, our border sheriffs ability to carry out its other missions, including Mr. Speaker, I do not believe we can ad- and our Border Patrol agents have been border security. As we continue to fight crimi- dress the problem of drug trafficking by com- outmanned and outgunned. And if we nal syndicates and terrorism organizations bating the supply side alone. This legislation are going to provide assistance to Mex- around the world, we must ensure that there does require the President to submit a report ico, it seems to me we ought to be pro- is accountability for our precious resources on efforts to reduce demand in the United viding assistance to our men and and that we are not losing focus of the needs States, and I believe that this language is ex- women on our side fighting this war at home. I am extremely disappointed that this tremely important, acknowledging that this is every day. legislation has been brought up under suspen- not just a foreign issue. I would like to see this I had a unique opportunity to meet sion, as I believe that my amendment would Congress take a more active role in reducing with President Calderon. He told me have improved the legislation. the prevalence of drug use and addiction in that he is at war with the drug cartels. On October 22, the United States and Mex- our own communities, in conjunction with He is at war with these drug cartels. ico, in a joint statement, announced a multi- working to eliminate the flow of drugs across And we need to fight this war against year, $1.4 billion plan to use U.S. assistance our borders. the drug cartels.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:06 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.013 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 And I believe the best way to do that In order to gain control of access cor- the director of the FBI had been assas- is provide the military assistance, but ridors in the United States, drug car- sinated by narcotraffickers, think also provide the resources necessary on tels are hiring hit men from an elite about it if the head of the Drug En- this side of our border, which is why I force in Mexico’s military. This group forcement Administration had been as- offered an amendment at the foreign is known as the ‘‘Zetas.’’ It has been sassinated by narcotraffickers, think affairs markup of this bill to provide reported that some of the Zetas are about it if dozens of police chiefs were $1.4 billion, an equal amount, if you military deserters that may have been shot down in the streets and murdered will, over 3 years for our Federal, State trained in the United States at the in their homes in front of their fami- and local law enforcement, including former School of the Americas in Fort lies, how would we as Americans react? the border sheriffs. And Chairman BER- Benning, Georgia. Reports claim that b 1215 MAN was supportive of this amendment. these forces were sent by the Mexican The chairman sits on the Judiciary Government to the United States-Mex- Would we ask for help and want Committee. It was my sincere hope ico border to combat drug trafficking. every resource we could put in place to that this amendment would have been Instead, some of them deserted and be- go after those who committed those taken up by the Judiciary Committee came assassins for the Mexican drug horrible crimes? when they marked up this bill, as well. cartels. Officials suspect that there are Ladies and gentlemen, in Mexico, our Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. more than 200 Zetas. Between January friend, our ally, our partner in so many And the Judiciary Committee decided and September of last year, nearly 5,000 ways, that has been occurring, where not to take up this bill. In addition, in- Mexican soldiers deserted. Many of the head of their counternarcotics pro- stead of having an open rule whereby it them went to work for the drug cartels gram was assassinated, where police could offer this amendment on the because they pay more money. chiefs are being shot down, where the floor, we have a closed rule, and this The bill before the House today narcotraffickers have been so brazen vote is now under suspension. I believe would authorize $1.5 billion in money, they have publicly posted signs listing this is a missed opportunity. I believe training and equipment over the next 5 police officers and police chiefs that it is a missed opportunity to have a years to Mexico. Most of that amount, they intend to target for assassination, really comprehensive bill that could more than $1 billion, would go, as I and at the same time, saying ‘‘come have had strong bipartisan support, said, to Mexico. And Mexico in its arro- join us. We will pay you better if you that had the approach and the strategy gance objects to any conditions we are in law enforcement today. Switch that I just outlined, a military strat- want to put on this money. The admin- sides. You will be paid more.’’ egy on the Mexican side of the border, istration can offer us no assurance that Well, today we have a President in and a beefed up law enforcement on our equipment and training won’t be Mexico, President Calderon, who de- this side of the border. That is how we used against us and neither can Mex- cided to take the fight to the narco- are going to achieve true border secu- ico. traffickers. He has deployed 30,000 rity in this Nation. So I just wanted to These forces are violent. They kill Mexican troops against narcotraffick- present that objection. people and are a danger to the enforce- ers throughout Mexico, for the first It is my sincere hope we can fix this ment of our border, especially to our time, and they have asked for our help. and add this amendment at some point sheriffs. We’ve tried to work with Mex- Both our friends in Mexico and our in the process to give our law enforce- ico in the past to stop drug trafficking. friends in Central America have asked ment on this side of the border the Every new president talks about how our help with this fight. tools that they need, also, to win this they are going to stop the drug trade, That is why this legislation is impor- war against the drug cartels. but it never has worked. Why should tant, because we have an obligation to Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve we send $1 billion to Mexico when we help our neighbors; because by stop- my time. have no idea whether the goods we send ping the flow of drugs it affects other Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I will end up in the hands of corrupt issues, policy concerns many of us have am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the Mexican officials and be used against talked about. Number one is the flow of gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE), an es- us? Rather than sending all this money drugs into our country. And if you care teemed member of the Foreign Affairs and equipment to Mexico and the law- about illegal immigration, if that has Committee. less Mexican officials at the border, we been a point you have debated on this Mr. POE. I thank the gentlelady for ought to be equipping United States floor, you argued we have got to do yielding. border sheriffs who can use this equip- something about illegal immigration, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work ment to protect our homeland. We need well, frankly, safe streets and commu- that the chairman and the ranking to keep our money on this side of the nities in Mexico and Central America member have done on this initiative. border where we need it and where we are vital to ensuring that families and However, I rise in opposition to this can keep up with it. their children feel safe in their own legislation before the House. As a And that’s just the way it is. communities, rather than having to former prosecutor and longtime judge Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve leave for the United States illegally for in Texas, I am concerned about drugs the balance of my time. a safe place to live. and violence on the border, but I am Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I And if you if you care about the argu- also concerned about corruption. am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gen- ments that many have made that nar- According to the DEA, 500 people tleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER), a cotraffickers are crossing our borders were murdered in Nuevo Laredo in 2005. member of the Committee on Ways and and the Mexicans need to do more, None of those cases was solved. Many Means. We will miss him greatly when well, they are. Again, 30,000 Mexican of those murdered were police officers. he retires. troops have been deployed against the There have been 400 kidnappings in Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in narcotraffickers. Unfortunately, in Nuevo Laredo. Forty-one of them were support of this important initiative, many cases narcotraffickers are equal- American citizens. None of them have the Merida Initiative, to combat illicit ly or better armed than the Mexican been solved. narcotics and reduce organized crime military. I doubt if anyone would be surprised authorization legislation. I commend That is why this legislation is need- to find out that the drug cartels are to Chairman BERMAN, Chairman ENGEL ed. That is why this legislation needs blame for most of the violence on the and Ranking Member ROS-LEHTINEN for bipartisan support. I urge bipartisan border. What you might be surprised to their work in putting together bipar- support. learn is that U.S.-trained Mexican tisan legislation that implements not Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I con- forces are behind some of the attacks. only a bipartisan agreement but also tinue to reserve the balance of my The Department of Homeland Security an international agreement with our time. has reported that in the last 10 years, neighbor and our neighbors to the Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I there have been over 250 incursions by south. am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the suspected Mexican military units into Ladies and gentlemen, think of it in gentleman from California (Mr. the United States. these terms, if in the last few months BILBRAY).

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:04 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.035 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5137 Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, FDR to send one dime to the Mexican Gov- ones who have to fight it. They are the made a statement about why he was ernment when they can afford to pay ones who have given up their lives. giving aid to England to fight Nazi for this equipment themselves. They are the ones who are helping us Germany, and that statement was, But even more importantly than fight the drug cartel. when your neighbor’s home is burning, that, our southern border not secure. I ask my colleagues to please join me only a fool would not let them borrow We should not send a dime to Mexico in supporting this important initiative. your hose to put out the fire. until our own American law enforce- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Well, Mr. Speaker, our border is ment officers have the resources they know we only have 1 minute remain- burning. Mexico is in flames with vio- need to secure the border once and for ing, so I would like to yield myself that lence. We are not taking on a war on all; not one dime to Mexico until the remaining minute to close on our side drugs down at the border; we are tak- American border is secure. on the Merida Initiative. ing on the battle against narco-ter- I am going to call for a record vote I would like to point to the testi- rorism. on this bill, because we need to defeat mony that was given by an official of Mr. Speaker, I have taken a lot of po- this legislation until our southern bor- the Department of Homeland Security sitions about the fact that the boarders der is secure. when he testified on the importance for are out of control, but now is the time Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the United States of the Merida Initia- the American people have to wake up minutes to the gentleman from Texas tive, because this is not a bill for Mex- and this Congress has to wake up and (Mr. HINOJOSA). ico. This is not a legislative bill for realize that the people in Mexico are Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise Central America. This is not for Haiti. fighting desperately for their republic. today in support of an issue of great This is not for the Dominican Republic. They are being murdered in the streets. importance to both the Nation and my This is for the United States citizens. Police chiefs on the day they do a press congressional district in south Texas. This is to protect our homeland from conference stating that they caught a As a life-long resident of the south- these vicious gangs and these drug cartel smuggling drugs into San Diego ern border region, America’s relation- dealers. County through a tunnel, the day that ship with Mexico is of great impor- As this gentleman said, rather than they do that press conference, that tance to me, to my constituents, our simply giving money to foreign govern- night that police chief is murdered by chambers of commerce and economic ments, the Merida Initiative has been the cartel. The head of their law en- development corporations. tailored to provide our foreign partners forcement, who is comparable to our For far too long, our Nation has fo- with the specific tools they each need FBI, was murdered in their capital. cused its attention upon far-away lands to fight transnational organized crime You may say, but is Mexico doing on the other side of the world while our and work cooperatively with us in the enough? I have a lot of disagreements relationship with our closest of neigh- United States. This is a bill that will with Mr. Calderon. The justification bors has languished. While current and help our communities, our country, our for ignoring the cartel when they past administrations shoulder much of national security and our children. smuggle aliens is one of them. But the the blame for our history of inatten- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance same cartel that is smuggling aliens tion to Mexico, Congress has been of my time. and drugs into the United States are complicit in this failure. Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I in- killing law enforcement and judges and When our Nation has needed to show quire how much time I have left. politicians in Mexico. compassion and understanding for the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- And do not think that this is a prob- Mexican people, this Congress has been tleman has 21⁄2 minutes remaining. lem far away from us. This problem is unable to agree on a comprehensive Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield in our front yard, in our backyard, in immigration plan befitting our Amer- such time as he may consume to the our lap right now. Washington can ig- ican heritage. When our Nation should gentleman from Texas (Mr. GENE nore it, but they are already starting be celebrating our partnership and GREEN), a member of the committee. to kidnap and kill people in San Diego common interests with a close geo- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. County in the south. We have an obli- graphic ally, this Congress has literally Speaker, I want to thank my chairman gation to make sure that we fight this built a wall between ourselves and of the Foreign Affairs Committee. This battle on Mexican soil before it be- Mexico. is my first term on the Foreign Affairs comes a battle in the main streets of This is no way to treat a friend and Committee. But I am not here nec- the United States. neighbor and actually our second larg- essarily as a committee member. I am I ask us to join now. The fact is if est trading partner. Although not a so- here as a Member of Congress from there is anything that we can do, we lution to all of the deficiencies in our Texas concerning the relationship need to defend our American freedom relationship with Mexico, the Merida Texas has had with Mexico for genera- and our security when and where we Initiative is a step in the right directions, if not centuries, and the rela- find the threat, and the threat today is tion. Border residents are keenly aware tionship that we need to continue. in Mexico. Calderon has been brave of the violence and dangers of the drug There is literally a battle going on in enough to export criminals to the trade and the criminal networks that Mexico, our closest neighbor, and there United States. He has judges being span our continent. While based within has been an effort to try and support killed right and left down there. Mex- Mexico, these criminal cartels are an them in their battle with narcotics and ico is willing to work with us on this affliction of the entire continent and narco-terrorism, and that is what this and desperately asking for our help, must be addressed through national bill is about. and only a fool would not give them partnerships and cooperation. Whatever Mexico has been doing in the help to fight the battle on Mexican We were there in Monterrey yester- their country is actually protecting soil before we are fighting it on U.S. day with a large delegation of Members those of us in Texas and California and soil. of Congress and the Senate and we all over the United States, because if Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve heard from and had a great dialogue they slow that situation down or win the balance of my time. with the congressmen and senators of that battle, it makes our citizens and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I that country. They are the ones who our people a lot safer. would like to yield 30 seconds to the are fighting this battle for us. We should help our local police even gentleman from Texas (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. more. We should do a lot of things. But CULBERSON). HOLDEN). The time of the gentleman that is a whole separate piece of legis- Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, at a from Texas has expired. lation. What we are talking about here time of record national debt and def- Mr. BERMAN. I yield the gentleman is stepping up to the plate and helping icit, at a time when gasoline prices are an additional 30 seconds. a neighbor who is our closest neighbor now well over $4, when oil is over $130 Mr. HINOJOSA. They are the ones and one who is in the middle of a war a barrel and Mexico is sitting on one of who are at the forefront as Colombia and losing police chiefs, law enforce- the largest oil reserves in the world, it and other countries are bringing their ment officers, the military. Whatever is inexcusable, it is intolerable for us drugs through Mexico, and they are the they do in their own country to take

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:07 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.037 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 care of thisi problem will make us Further, as to any House-Senate con- der, but this bill helps build the necessary safer in our own. ference on the bill, I understand that your foundation. I urge my colleagues to support There are some concerns about committee reserves the right to seek the ap- this bill and to help ensure further cooperation human rights, and I want to address pointment of conferees for consideration of portions of the bill that are within the Com- between the key departments involved in its that, but I would hope we would ad- mittee’s jurisdiction. implementation. dress it with members of Congress from I will ensure that our exchange of letters is Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise reluc- Mexico. When I met with those mem- included in the Congressional Record during tantly in opposition to this bill. bers from both the Senate and the the consideration of House debate on H.R. I applaud the Chairman of the House For- Chamber of Deputies in Mexico, they 6028, and I look forward to working with you eign Affairs Committee, my friend and col- were concerned about some of the on this important legislation. If you wish to league Congressman BERMAN, for asserting human rights violations in our coun- discuss this matter further, please contact the role of the Congress and making sure that try. We have to share that information me or have your staff contact my staff. Cordially, new initiatives such as the Merida Initiative are and work with each other. Again, we HOWARD L. BERMAN, authorized. It is the right thing to do, and I are not moving, Mexico is not moving, Chairman. look forward to working with him over the and we need to make sure we work as I urge very strongly, don’t make the coming weeks on a number of foreign policy a partnership with Mexico in their ef- best the enemy of the better. This is a matters pending before the Committee. forts to control their own country. very important proposal for the Amer- There is much to support in H.R. 6028, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. ican people, for our interests. Yes, there are also several troubling matters. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- more police here, more Border Patrol, Regarding the provisions of the bill that deal tleman from California has 30 seconds better technology, better employer with Central America—a region of Latin Amer- remaining. ica that is very close to my heart—I believe Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I include verification. But understand what is going on in Mexico. This is a compel- H.R. 6028 takes several important steps for- for the RECORD an exchange of letters ward, seriously investing in community-based between the distinguished chairman of ling initiative for our interests. I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote. solutions to youth and gang problems. H.R. the Committee on the Judiciary and Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. 6028 provides strong support to non-security myself. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6028, the programs that address the endemic conditions HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and giving rise to violence related to drugs, arms COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of and human trafficking. It provides support for Washington, DC, June 6, 2008. the U.N. International Commission Against Im- Hon. HOWARD L. BERMAN, 2008. H.R. 6028 creates a foundation for fu- Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House ture cooperation in assisting our neighbors to punity in Guatemala (CICIG), especially in the of Representatives, Washington, DC. the south in combating the rise of organized areas of witness and victim protection, an ini- DEAR CHAIRMAN BERMAN: This is to advise crime. tiative that merits the very strongest support you that, as a result of your working with us This legislation is a good starting point but by the United States and the international to make appropriate revisions to provisions much more work will need to be done, includ- community. The bill also seeks to promote in H.R. 6028, the Merida Initiative to Combat ing significant transnational and interagency transparency and an end to impunity through- Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008, that fall within cooperation, in order to ensure the success of out Central America by strengthening police the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Merida Initiative. I was disappointed that and judicial systems so that they may more ef- the Judiciary, we are able to agreed to dis- the House Homeland Security Committee was fectively and successfully carry out investiga- charging our committee from further consid- not included in the development of this bill, de- tions and prosecutions of those responsible for eration of the bill in order that it may pro- spite the fact that the Department of Home- human rights violations and other criminal ceed without delay to the House floor for land Security will play a large role in the Initia- acts. consideration. tive by coordinating its agencies that are al- This is all very good news, Mr. Speaker. The Judiciary Committee takes this action ready assisting Mexico and other foreign gov- I am very concerned that this authorizing bill with the understanding that by forgoing fur- fails, however, to reflect the thoughtful and ther consideration of H.R. 6028 at this time, ernments to address smuggling, trafficking and we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject violence on our borders. critically important human rights conditions matter contained in this similar legislation. Last week the Homeland Security Sub- contained in the Senate and House versions We also reserve the right to seek appoint- committee on Border, Maritime, and Global of the FY 2008 supplemental appropriations ment of an appropriate number of conferees Counterterrorism, which I have the privilege of on military and security-related aid to Mexico. to any House-Senate conference involving chairing, had a hearing entitled ‘‘The Merida I understand that those proposed conditions this important legislation, and request your Initiative: Examining U.S. Efforts to Combat are controversial in Mexico, in large measure support if such a request is made. Transnational Criminal Organizations.’’ This because of the history of the very problematic I would appreciate your including this letter in the Congressional Record during con- hearing highlighted the importance of the drug certification process that existed in the sideration of the bill on the House floor. Merida Initiative in stemming the growing past. I do not believe that the human rights Thank you for your attention to this re- transnational crime in the United States and conditions included in the supplemental appro- quest, and for the cooperative relationship on our borders. For example, in my home dis- priations bill bear any resemblance to the between our two committees. trict in Orange County, CA, gang violence is flawed drug certification process, and the Sincerely, on the rise as a result of the huge presence House and Senate Appropriations Committees JOHN CONYERS, JR., of the largest transnational gang in the United took great care not to mirror that flawed certifi- Chairman. States, Mara Salvatrucha, in Los Angeles cation process. By failing to include the conditions on aid HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, County. It is reported that there are over 900 COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, members of Mara Salvatrucha in Los Angeles provided for the Merida Initiative that are in- Washington, DC, June 6, 2008. County, and many of these gang members are cluded in the Senate and House supplemental Hon. JOHN CONYERS, Jr., in the United States illegally. The rise of this appropriations bills, passage of this author- Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House type of gang in the United States can be izing measure could be viewed as an effort to of Representatives, Washington, DC. linked to a practice by many of the drug car- weaken or eliminate those provisions from the DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your final conference report on the supplemental letter regarding H.R. 6028, the Merida Initia- tels of ‘‘contracting out’’ drug, ammunition, and tive to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce weapon smuggling activities to these gang that will soon be sent to the President for his Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008. members. The Homeland Security hearing signature. It is my sincere (hope that this is I appreciate your willingness to work coop- emphasized that many agencies, including the not the intention of bringing H.R. 6028 to the eratively on this legislation. I recognize that Department of Homeland Security will need to House floor at such a delicate moment. There the bill contains provisions that fall within work together closely to stop these growing was no reason to rush this bill before the the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Ju- transnational crime networks. House, since we know it has no counterpart diciary. I acknowledge that the Committee H.R. 6028 must ensure interagency co- on the Senate side. So its consideration today will not seek a sequential referral of the bill and agree that the inaction of your Com- operation within the United States in order to invites concern that its passage is indeed an mittee with respect to the bill does not succeed abroad with the foreign governments attempt to influence conference negotiations waive any jurisdiction of the Judiciary Com- we seek to assist. As I stated earlier, much on the supplemental and to send a message mittee over subject matter contained in this more needs to be done in order to help stem that human rights conditions are not welcome, bill or similar legislation. the violence along the U.S. and Mexican bor- and certainly not the stronger, more specific

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5139 conditionality included in the Senate version of Chair’s prior announcement, further Whereas approximately 8,400 British stu- the FY08 supplemental appropriations. proceedings on this motion will be dents are currently studying at universities Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that America postponed. in the United States, and 32,000 American students are studying at universities in the wants to be a good partner with Mexico on f fighting drugs and ending corruption and United Kingdom; and b 1230 Whereas the relationship between the human rights violations within Mexico’s judicial United States and the United Kingdom is one system and its military and police. Over the MARKING THE 225TH ANNIVER- of unity and strength, and has been proven past several weeks we have all seen the ef- SARY OF THE TREATY OF PARIS to be of mutual benefit: Now, therefore, be it fects of the bloody rampage carried out by the OF 1783 Resolved, That the House of Representa- drug cartels, especially those targeted at as- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to tives— sassinating key officers and members of the suspend the rules and agree to the reso- (1) marks the 225th anniversary of relations between the United States and the Mexican National Police. I hope in other legis- lution (H. Res. 1063) marking the 225th lation that may come before the House this Kingdom of Great Britain; anniversary of the Treaty of Paris of (2) recognizes that the Kingdom of Great year that we will pay special attention to in- 1783, which ended the Revolutionary Britain’s recognition of the United States vesting in drug education, prevention and War with the Kingdom of Great Britain was an important event in the history of the treatment programs, as well as our own law and recognized the independence of the Nation; enforcement agencies, so that U.S. demand United States of America, and ac- (3) reaffirms the value of the deep friend- for illegal drugs will also be forcefully and sub- knowledging the shared values and ship that has developed between our two stantially addressed. close friendship between the peoples Countries since the signing of the Treaty of But we cannot simply write blank checks and governments of the United States Paris; and and fail to ensure that our aid is not subject and the United Kingdom of Great Brit- (4) looks forward to a continued and to strong conditions on human rights, trans- strengthened relationship between the Brit- ain and Northern Ireland. ish and American people. parency, justice reform and promoting and The Clerk read the title of the resolu- protecting the rights of civil society. These tion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- concerns are very much at the forefront of the The text of the resolution is as fol- ant to the rule, the gentleman from strong Senate conditions in the FY08 appro- lows: New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) and the gen- priations bill, and are also reflected in the H. RES. 1063 tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- slightly less stringent House conditions. They Whereas the United States will celebrate LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. should have been included in H.R. 6028, the this year the 225th anniversary of its rela- The Chair recognizes the gentleman authorizing legislation, which is where human tionship with the United Kingdom of Great from New Jersey. rights conditionality appropriately belongs. Britain and Northern Ireland since the Sep- GENERAL LEAVE So, Mr. Speaker, these are my concerns tember 3, 1783 signing of the Treaty of Paris, Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask that and my hopes regarding H.R. 6028, and I will which formally ended the American Revolu- all Members have 5 legislative days to tionary War between the Kingdom of Great be following closely the consequences of au- Britain and the United States of America; revise and extend their remarks and to thorizing and appropriating these funds. Whereas both the United Kingdom and the include extraneous material on the res- Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. United States are free and democratic na- olution under consideration. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. tions with a common commitment to human The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 6028. rights and the rule of law; objection to the request of the gen- With our economy facing serious, mounting Whereas the United Kingdom is a major tleman from New Jersey? challenges, and Americans facing unprece- ally of the United States and 2008 marks the There was no objection. dented energy prices, I cannot support send- 50th anniversary of the US-UK Mutual De- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ing money to Mexico and Central America to fense Agreement that was signed in Wash- strong support of this resolution and ington, DC, on July 3, 1958, and renewed in take up the fight on drug trafficking. Washington, DC, on June 14, 2004; yield myself as much time as I may As Mexico currently profits from the sale of Whereas both the United Kingdom and the consume. oil on the world market as gas prices continue United States are founding members of the I am pleased to support this resolu- to skyrocket, I seriously question why we North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), tion that marks 225 years since the would send their government any aid to fight having been party to the North Atlantic Treaty of Paris concluded the Revolu- this battle. Think about it: gas is so much less Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on April 4, tionary War with Great Britain and expensive in Mexico that border area citizens 1949; that acknowledges the close friendship from this country are going there to fill up. Whereas the United Kingdom is a major enjoyed by our two countries ever partner in the worldwide fight against ter- Our own borders remain porous, illegal im- since. migration strains our economy, and Americans rorism, supporting the United States in many key armed struggles; I commend our distinguished col- are vulnerable to terrorists slipping into our Whereas the United Kingdom is the second league, Representative WU of Oregon, country: fighting Mexico’s war on drugs, and largest contributor to the multinational and Vice-Chair of the British-American essentially securing Mexico’s southern border, force in Iraq; Parliamentary Group, who introduced should not be at the top of our list of priorities Whereas the United Kingdom plays a sig- this measure. It is important that the right now. nificant role in the military effort to bring House marks this anniversary and cele- While sending aid to fight criminal behavior lasting stability to Afghanistan and is the brates such a vital bipartisan partner- and drug trafficking abroad is laudable in the- second largest contributor to NATO’s Inter- national Security Assistance Force; ship, bilateral partnership also. ory, given the current economic hardships The Treaty of Paris was signed on Americans face, I simply cannot support this Whereas the United Kingdom and the United States share a steadfast alliance and September 3, 1783, formally ending the bill. a long tradition of opposing extremism, Revolutionary War between the 13 Mr. BERMAN. I yield back the bal- which included fighting the forces of nazism original colonies and the Kingdom of ance of my time. and communism in the 20th century; Great Britain. The settlement of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas the United Kingdom is the sixth war and the recognition of our young question is on the motion offered by largest trading partner of the United States, Nation by Great Britain was a moment the gentleman from California (Mr. and the United States is the largest trading of great significance in the infancy of BERMAN) that the House suspend the partner of the United Kingdom; our Nation. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6028, as Whereas the United States and the United Two hundred twenty-five years later, amended. Kingdom share the world’s largest foreign di- The question was taken. rect investment partnership, with American the United Kingdom remains one of our The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the investment sustaining over a million jobs in closest allies by virtue of our shared the United Kingdom and British investment history and values. Both the United opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being sustaining over a million jobs in the United in the affirmative, the ayes have it. States and the UK have proud histories States; of representative democracy and re- Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, on that I de- Whereas approximately 675,000 British citi- mand the yeas and nays. zens reside in the United States, and 155,000 spect for the rule of law. The yeas and nays were ordered. Americans reside in the United Kingdom, They have also encouraged and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- with both communities contributing to the helped many people around the world ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the fabric of life in their host countries; secure the freedoms and rights their

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:07 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.008 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 own citizens enjoy. During World War United Kingdom as a special relation- nations share values, traditions and a I, the United States and the United ship. In a speech he delivered in 1946, common commitment to democracy, Kingdom fought together as a part of he was right to use that term. human rights and the rule of law. the allied forces against autocratic im- The American British relationship is, I introduced House Resolution 1063 to perialism. indeed, special, with its foundation mark the 225th anniversary of our dip- During World War II, again, against lying in the common values of freedom, lomatic relationship with the United the Axis, our countries stood together democracy and human rights. Our mu- Kingdom, which began with the signing against the scourge of Nazism and fas- tual commitments to those principles of the Treaty of Paris of 1783. This cism. Our brave troops helped to lib- have led the United States and Great treaty formalized the peace between erate European countries from Nazi oc- Britain to stand side by side on the the United States and Great Britain cupation, and innocent civilians from beaches of Normandy, at the Berlin following our Revolutionary War. the horrors of concentration camps. We wall, in the mountains of Afghanistan, In September of 1782, Benjamin talked about the greatest generation, and in those the parts of Iraq where the Franklin, along with fellow peace com- our World War II veterans, that we challenges today are greatest. missioners John Adams and John Jay, today still admire and respect. The murderous terrorist attacks on began formal negotiations for an end to Throughout the 20th century, the September 11, 2001, in America, and on hostilities between Great Britain and United Kingdom has stood side-by-side July 7, 2005, in Britain, have bound the de facto independent United States with the United States on critical America and Britain even closer to- of America. issues concerning liberty and human gether in our determination to defeat After 2 months of negotiation, Brit- rights. Most recently the United King- extremism. ain and France and the United States dom has strongly supported the United During his recent visit to the United reached a preliminary peace agree- States’ effort in South Asia and the States, British Prime Minister Gordon ment. The following September, the Middle East. British soldiers are the Brown reaffirmed our strong relation- parties met in Paris and signed what second largest contributors to NATO’s ship saying, ‘‘I continue to stand shoul- would become known as the Treaty of International Security Assistance der to shoulder [with the US] in the Paris of 1783. Since that time, Britain Force in Afghanistan and the multi- fight where freedom and justice are at and the United States have come to be national force in Iraq. risk.’’ friends, allies and economic partners, a The United States and the United By adopting the resolution before us, relationship that advances, enriches Kingdom share long histories of indus- we will again recognize the history of and inspires both sides of the Atlantic. As with all old sayings, it is the ex- trialization, being among the first na- our special relationship with Britain, a ception which proves the rule. For the tions to develop technologically. Both relationship that ironically began with old saying that great powers have only nations have a culture of intervention the revolution of one against the other, interests, not friends, the relationship and curiosity, as evidenced by the in- but that came into its full strength be- between the United States of America numerable number of scientific discov- cause of the values and the ideals that and the United Kingdom is the excep- eries and inventions. This work has en- our two people have continued to tion which proves the rule. hanced the frequent collaboration be- share. Recently I joined several of my col- tween American and British research- Now, 225 years after the treaty of leagues in Congress and with members ers. We have a tremendous bilateral peace, in which Britain recognized the of the British Parliament for extensive system going. independence of the United States of discussions. It was a productive and Indeed, such links are often devel- America, that alliance between our two thought-provoking exchange of ideas. I oped at an early stage as young people countries takes its guidance from the believe we can learn much from the ex- take advantage of educational opportu- speech in 1946 in which Mr. Churchill perience of our British counterparts. nities in each others’ countries. There noted our special relationship, and here One example would be dealing with the are currently 8,400 British students at- is what he said then: challenge of global climate change. tending American universities and If there is to be a fraternal associa- I also believe our own knowledge and 32,000 American youth staying in the tion . . . with all the extra strength expertise can be of continued value to UK. These young people know all too and security which both our countries our friends in the United Kingdom. One well the extensive cultural links be- can derive from it, let us make sure example of that would be their ex- tween our countries as British and that that great fact is known to the pressed interest in the Death with Dig- American arts, music, literature, cin- world, and that it plays its part in nity Law which we passed in the State ema, are enjoyed on both sides of the steadying and stabilizing the founda- of Oregon. Atlantic. tions of peace. There is the path of wis- After two centuries, we can still In recognition of the close bilateral dom. learn from each other, prosper to- relations shared by the United States I encourage my colleagues to join gether, and jointly promote a better and the United Kingdom, I strongly supporting this resolution which fol- world. support this resolution and urge my lows Mr. Churchill’s advice and lets the So it is fitting that we should mark colleagues to join me in supporting it. world know that the United States and with special approbation the 225th an- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the United Kingdom, indeed, have a niversary of the treaty that began our my time. strong and continuing relationship. I relations with the United Kingdom as Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure what Winston Churchill independent States. For over two cen- yield myself such time as I may con- would say about today’s high energy turies, our two nations have stood to- sume. costs, but I bet that he would have a gether in peace and war, in prosperity Mr. Speaker, while the positive rela- detailed plan to help us bring our costs and hardship. Together we have faced tionship enjoyed by the United States down. two world wars, the Great Depression, and Great Britain is certainly historic, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the Cold War, terrorism, and triumphs enduring and merits recognition, and it our time. and tragedies too numerous to recount. merits nurturing, we should also be fo- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as Please join me in marking the gen- cusing our time and debating policies much time as he may consume to the esis of our diplomatic relationship with to address the rising energy costs that author of this resolution, Mr. DAVID the United Kingdom by supporting are facing our Nation. WU of Oregon, chairman of the Sub- House Resolution 1063. I thank the Nevertheless, we have this resolution committee on Science and Technology. Speaker of the House for the House before us marking the 225th anniver- Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I thank the consideration of this resolution today, sary of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 be- chairman for his many kindnesses. and I urge swift passage of H.R. 1063. tween the United States and the Thomas Jefferson once said that ‘‘no Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in United Kingdom. The great British two countries upon Earth have so order to close, I would like to yield my- Prime Minister Winston Churchill was many points of common interest and self such time as I may consume. the first to refer to the alliance be- friendship’’ as the United States and Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would tween the United States and the the United Kingdom. Indeed, our two like to note that this 225th anniversary

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:07 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.043 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5141 of the signing of the Treaty of Paris, ing the previous question on House Bilbray Goodlatte Pence the declaration in that treaty of the in- Resolution 1253, on which the yeas and Bishop (UT) Granger Peterson (PA) Blackburn Graves Petri tention of both the U.S. and the United nays were ordered. Blunt Hall (TX) Pitts Kingdom to forget all past misunder- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Boehner Hastings (WA) Platts standings and differences and to secure tion. Bonner Hayes Poe Bono Mack Heller perpetual peace and harmony, over 200 Porter The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Boozman Hensarling Price (GA) years later these goals remain a cor- question is on ordering the previous Boustany Herger Pryce (OH) nerstone to our strong relationship. question. Brady (TX) Hill Putnam I encourage my colleagues to support Broun (GA) Hobson Radanovich The vote was taken by electronic de- Brown (SC) Hoekstra this resolution and reaffirm our close Ramstad vice, and there were—yeas 227, nays Brown-Waite, Hunter Regula ties to our dear ally, Great Britain. 185, not voting 21, as follows: Ginny Inglis (SC) Rehberg Buchanan Issa Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me, [Roll No. 391] Renzi once again, say what a great occasion Burgess Johnson, Sam Reynolds YEAS—227 Burton (IN) Jones (NC) Rogers (AL) it is marking the 225th anniversary of Buyer Jordan Abercrombie Gordon Obey Rogers (KY) Calvert Keller the Treaty of Paris of 1783. Ackerman Green, Gene Rogers (MI) Olver Camp (MI) King (IA) As has been indicated, we are close Allen Grijalva Rohrabacher Pallone Campbell (CA) King (NY) Altmire Gutierrez Roskam allies. Many of our organizations, as a Pascrell Cannon Kingston Andrews Hare Royce matter of fact, the YMCA, which was Pastor Cantor Kline (MN) Arcuri Harman Ryan (WI) Payne Capito Knollenberg founded in Great Britain in the late Baca Hastings (FL) Sali Perlmutter Carter Kuhl (NY) Baird Herseth Sandlin Saxton 1840s to take people who were coming Peterson (MN) Castle LaHood Baldwin Higgins Scalise into London because of the Industrial Pomeroy Chabot Lampson Barrow Hinchey Schmidt Price (NC) Coble Latham Revolution in London and England Bean Hinojosa Sensenbrenner Rahall Cole (OK) LaTourette found a place where they could have a Becerra Hirono Rangel Conaway Latta Sessions Berkley Hodes wholesome relationship. Twenty-five Reichert Crenshaw Lewis (CA) Shadegg Berman Holden years later, that organization was Reyes Culberson Lewis (KY) Shays Berry Honda Richardson Davis (KY) Linder Shimkus brought to the United States of Amer- Bilirakis Hooley Rodriguez Davis, David LoBiondo Shuster Bishop (GA) Hoyer ica. Still we have relations between Ros-Lehtinen Davis, Tom Lucas Simpson Bishop (NY) Inslee them, just another example of close Ross Deal (GA) Lungren, Daniel Smith (NE) Blumenauer Israel Rothman Dent E. Smith (NJ) ties between the United States and the Boren Jackson (IL) Roybal-Allard Doolittle Mack Smith (TX) United Kingdom. Boswell Jackson-Lee Ruppersberger Drake Manzullo Souder Boucher (TX) Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- Ryan (OH) Dreier Marchant Stearns Boyd (FL) Jefferson quests for time, and I yield back the Salazar Duncan McCarthy (CA) Sullivan Boyda (KS) Johnson (GA) Sa´ nchez, Linda Ehlers McCaul (TX) Terry balance of my time. Brady (PA) Johnson (IL) T. Emerson McCotter Thornberry The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Braley (IA) Johnson, E. B. Sanchez, Loretta English (PA) McHenry Tiahrt Brown, Corrine Jones (OH) question is on the motion offered by Sarbanes Everett McHugh Tiberi Butterfield Kagen the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Schakowsky Fallin McKeon Turner Capps Kanjorski Schiff Feeney McMorris Upton PAYNE) that the House suspend the Capuano Kaptur Schwartz Flake Rodgers Walberg Cardoza Kennedy rules and agree to the resolution, H. Scott (GA) Forbes Mica Walden (OR) Carnahan Kildee Res. 1063. Scott (VA) Fortenberry Miller (FL) Walsh (NY) Carney Kilpatrick The question was taken. Serrano Foxx Miller (MI) Wamp Carson Kind Sestak Franks (AZ) Miller, Gary Weldon (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Castor Kirk Shea-Porter Frelinghuysen Moran (KS) Weller Cazayoux Klein (FL) opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Sherman Gallegly Murphy, Tim Westmoreland Chandler Kucinich in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Shuler Garrett (NJ) Musgrave Whitfield (KY) Childers Langevin Sires Gerlach Myrick Wilson (NM) Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Clarke Larsen (WA) Skelton Gilchrest Neugebauer Wittman (VA) on that I demand the yeas and nays. Clay Larson (CT) Slaughter Gingrey Nunes Wolf The yeas and nays were ordered. Cleaver Lee Smith (WA) Gohmert Paul Young (AK) Clyburn Levin The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Snyder Goode Pearce Young (FL) Cohen Lewis (GA) ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Solis Conyers Lipinski NOT VOTING—21 Chair’s prior announcement, further Cooper Loebsack Space Costa Lofgren, Zoe Speier Cubin Gillibrand Meek (FL) proceedings on this motion will be Spratt Cummings Green, Al Miller, George postponed. Costello Lowey Courtney Lynch Stark Diaz-Balart, L. Hall (NY) Ortiz f Cramer Mahoney (FL) Stupak Diaz-Balart, M. Holt Pickering Crowley Maloney (NY) Sutton Dingell Hulshof Rush ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Cuellar Markey Tanner Ferguson Lamborn Tancredo PRO TEMPORE Davis (AL) Marshall Tauscher Fossella McCrery Wilson (SC) Davis (CA) Matheson Taylor The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Thompson (CA) Davis (IL) Matsui 1310 ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Davis, Lincoln McCarthy (NY) Thompson (MS) b will resume on questions previously DeFazio McCollum (MN) Tierney Mrs. DRAKE and Messrs. FRANKS of DeGette McDermott Towns postponed. Delahunt McGovern Tsongas Arizona, KINGSTON and DOOLITTLE Votes will be taken in the following DeLauro McIntyre Udall (CO) changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to order: ordering the previous question Dicks McNerney Udall (NM) ‘‘nay.’’ on House Resolution 1253; adopting Doggett McNulty Van Hollen So the previous question was ordered. Donnelly Meeks (NY) Vela´ zquez House Resolution 1253, if ordered; and Doyle Melancon Visclosky The result of the vote was announced suspending the rules and passing H.R. Edwards Michaud Walz (MN) as above recorded. 6028. Ellison Miller (NC) Wasserman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The first electronic vote will be con- Ellsworth Mitchell Schultz Emanuel Mollohan Waters question is on the resolution. ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Engel Moore (KS) Watson The question was taken; and the electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Eshoo Moore (WI) Watt Speaker pro tempore announced that minute votes. Etheridge Moran (VA) Waxman the ayes appeared to have it. Farr Murphy (CT) Weiner f Fattah Murphy, Patrick Welch (VT) Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. b 1245 Filner Murtha Wexler Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Foster Nadler Wilson (OH) and nays. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Frank (MA) Napolitano Woolsey Giffords Neal (MA) Wu The yeas and nays were ordered. OF H.R. 6003, PASSENGER RAIL Gonzalez Oberstar Yarmuth The SPEAKER pro tempore. This INVESTMENT AND IMPROVE- NAYS—185 will be a 5-minute vote. MENT ACT OF 2008 The vote was taken by electronic de- Aderholt Bachmann Bartlett (MD) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Akin Bachus Barton (TX) vice, and there were—yeas 227, nays finished business is the vote on order- Alexander Barrett (SC) Biggert 187, not voting 19, as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:07 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.044 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 [Roll No. 392] Emerson LaTourette Renzi MERIDA INITIATIVE TO COMBAT English (PA) Latta Reynolds ILLICIT NARCOTICS AND REDUCE YEAS—227 Everett Lewis (CA) Rogers (AL) Abercrombie Giffords Oberstar Fallin Lewis (KY) Rogers (KY) ORGANIZED CRIME AUTHORIZA- Ackerman Gonzalez Obey Feeney Linder Rogers (MI) TION ACT OF 2008 Allen Gordon Olver Flake LoBiondo Rohrabacher Altmire Green, Gene Pallone Forbes Lucas Ros-Lehtinen The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Andrews Grijalva Pascrell Fortenberry Lungren, Daniel Roskam finished business is the vote on the mo- Foxx E. Arcuri Gutierrez Pastor Royce tion to suspend the rules and pass the Franks (AZ) Mack Baca Hare Payne Ryan (WI) Frelinghuysen Manzullo bill, H.R. 6028, as amended, on which Baird Harman Perlmutter Sali Gallegly McCarthy (CA) the yeas and nays were ordered. Baldwin Hastings (FL) Peterson (MN) Saxton Barrow Herger Pomeroy Garrett (NJ) McCaul (TX) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Gerlach McCotter Scalise Bean Herseth Sandlin Price (NC) Gilchrest McHenry Schmidt The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Becerra Higgins Rahall Gingrey McHugh Sensenbrenner question is on the motion offered by Berkley Hinchey Rangel Gohmert McKeon Sessions Berman Hinojosa Reyes the gentleman from California (Mr. Goode McMorris Shadegg Berry Hirono Richardson ERMAN Goodlatte Rodgers Shays B ) that the House suspend the Bishop (GA) Hodes Rodriguez Granger Mica Shimkus rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6028, as Bishop (NY) Holden Ross Graves Miller (FL) Shuster Blumenauer Honda Rothman amended. Hall (TX) Miller (MI) Simpson Boren Hooley Roybal-Allard This will be a 5-minute vote. Hastings (WA) Miller, Gary Smith (NE) Boswell Hoyer Ruppersberger Hayes Moran (KS) Smith (NJ) The vote was taken by electronic de- Boucher Inslee Ryan (OH) Heller Murphy, Tim Smith (TX) vice, and there were—yeas 311, nays Boyd (FL) Israel Salazar Hensarling Musgrave Souder Boyda (KS) Jackson (IL) Sa´ nchez, Linda 106, not voting 16, as follows: Hill Myrick Stearns Brady (PA) Jackson-Lee T. [Roll No. 393] Braley (IA) (TX) Hobson Neugebauer Sullivan Sanchez, Loretta Hoekstra Nunes Brown, Corrine Jefferson Sarbanes Terry YEAS—311 Butterfield Johnson (GA) Hunter Paul Schakowsky Thornberry Abercrombie DeFazio Kagen Capps Johnson, E. B. Inglis (SC) Pearce Schiff Tiahrt Ackerman DeGette Kanjorski Capuano Jones (OH) Issa Pence Schwartz Tiberi Alexander Delahunt Kaptur Cardoza Kagen Johnson (IL) Peterson (PA) Scott (GA) Turner Allen DeLauro Keller Carnahan Kanjorski Johnson, Sam Petri Scott (VA) Upton Altmire Dent Kennedy Carney Kaptur Jones (NC) Pickering Serrano Walberg Andrews Diaz-Balart, L. Kildee Carson Kennedy Jordan Pitts Sestak Walden (OR) Arcuri Diaz-Balart, M. Kilpatrick Castle Kildee Keller Platts Shea-Porter Walsh (NY) Baca Dicks Kind Castor Kilpatrick King (IA) Poe Sherman Wamp Bachus Doggett King (NY) Cazayoux Kind King (NY) Porter Shuler Weldon (FL) Baird Donnelly Kirk Chandler Klein (FL) Kingston Price (GA) Sires Weller Barrow Doolittle Klein (FL) Childers Kucinich Kirk Pryce (OH) Skelton Westmoreland Bartlett (MD) Doyle Knollenberg Clarke Lampson Kline (MN) Putnam Slaughter Whitfield (KY) Barton (TX) Drake Kuhl (NY) Clay Langevin Knollenberg Radanovich Smith (WA) Bean Dreier LaHood Cleaver Larsen (WA) Kuhl (NY) Ramstad Wilson (NM) Snyder Becerra Edwards Lampson Clyburn Larson (CT) LaHood Regula Wittman (VA) Solis Berkley Ehlers Langevin Cohen Lee Lamborn Rehberg Wolf Berman Emanuel Larsen (WA) Conyers Levin Space Latham Reichert Young (FL) Berry Emerson Larson (CT) Cooper Lewis (GA) Speier NOT VOTING—19 Biggert Engel Latham Costa Lipinski Spratt Bilbray English (PA) LaTourette Costello Loebsack Stark Cubin Hall (NY) Miller, George Bishop (GA) Eshoo Levin Courtney Lofgren, Zoe Stupak Cummings Holt Ortiz Bishop (NY) Etheridge Lewis (CA) Cramer Lowey Sutton Dingell Hulshof Rush Blumenauer Fallin Lewis (KY) Crowley Lynch Tanner Ferguson Marchant Tancredo Blunt Farr Lipinski Cuellar Mahoney (FL) Tauscher Fossella McCrery Wilson (SC) Boehner Fattah LoBiondo Davis (AL) Maloney (NY) Taylor Gillibrand Meek (FL) Bono Mack Fortenberry Loebsack Davis (CA) Markey Thompson (CA) Green, Al Melancon Boozman Foster Lofgren, Zoe Davis (IL) Marshall Thompson (MS) Boren Frank (MA) Lowey Davis, Lincoln Matheson Tierney ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Boswell Frelinghuysen Lucas Davis, Tom Matsui Towns The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Boucher Gallegly Lungren, Daniel DeFazio McCarthy (NY) Tsongas the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Boustany Garrett (NJ) E. DeGette McCollum (MN) Udall (CO) Boyd (FL) Gerlach Lynch Delahunt McDermott Udall (NM) ing. Boyda (KS) Giffords Mack DeLauro McGovern Van Hollen Brady (PA) Gilchrest Mahoney (FL) Dent McIntyre Vela´ zquez b 1322 Braley (IA) Gonzalez Maloney (NY) Dicks McNerney Visclosky Brown (SC) Gordon Markey Doggett McNulty Walz (MN) So the resolution was agreed to. Brown, Corrine Green, Al Marshall Donnelly Meeks (NY) Wasserman The result of the vote was announced Buchanan Green, Gene Matheson Doyle Michaud Schultz Butterfield Grijalva Matsui Edwards Miller (NC) Waters as above recorded. Calvert Gutierrez McCarthy (CA) Ellison Mitchell Watson A motion to reconsider was laid on Camp (MI) Hall (NY) McCarthy (NY) Ellsworth Mollohan Watt the table. Cannon Hare McCollum (MN) Emanuel Moore (KS) Waxman Capito Harman McHugh Engel Moore (WI) Weiner Capps Hastings (FL) McKeon Eshoo Moran (VA) Welch (VT) f Capuano Hastings (WA) McMorris Etheridge Murphy (CT) Wexler Cardoza Hayes Rodgers Farr Murphy, Patrick Wilson (OH) Carnahan Herger McNerney Fattah Murtha Woolsey PERSONAL EXPLANATION Castle Herseth Sandlin McNulty Filner Nadler Wu Mr. HALL of New York. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Castor Higgins Meeks (NY) Foster Napolitano Yarmuth Cazayoux Hill Melancon Frank (MA) Neal (MA) Young (AK) call Nos. 391 and 392, I did not receive a page. Had I been present, I would have voted Chandler Hinchey Michaud Childers Hinojosa Miller (MI) NAYS—187 ‘‘yea’’ and ‘‘yea.’’ Clay Hirono Miller (NC) Aderholt Boozman Carter Cleaver Hobson Miller, George Akin Boustany Chabot f Clyburn Hodes Mitchell Alexander Brady (TX) Coble Cohen Holden Mollohan Bachmann Broun (GA) Cole (OK) Conaway Honda Moore (KS) Bachus Brown (SC) Conaway PERSONAL EXPLANATION Cooper Hooley Moran (KS) Barrett (SC) Brown-Waite, Crenshaw Costa Hoyer Moran (VA) Bartlett (MD) Ginny Culberson Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Courtney Inglis (SC) Murphy (CT) Barton (TX) Buchanan Davis (KY) today I was unavoidably delayed and missed Cramer Inslee Murphy, Patrick Biggert Burgess Davis, David the vote on Ordering the Previous Question Crenshaw Israel Murphy, Tim Bilbray Burton (IN) Deal (GA) Crowley Issa Murtha Bilirakis Buyer Diaz-Balart, L. (rollcall 391) and H. Res. 1253—Rule pro- Cuellar Jackson (IL) Myrick Bishop (UT) Calvert Diaz-Balart, M. viding for consideration of H.R. 6003—Pas- Davis (AL) Jackson-Lee Nadler Blackburn Camp (MI) Doolittle senger Rail Investment and Improvement Act Davis (CA) (TX) Napolitano Blunt Campbell (CA) Drake of 2008 (rollcall 392). Had I been present I Davis (IL) Jefferson Neal (MA) Boehner Cannon Dreier Davis (KY) Johnson (GA) Nunes Bonner Cantor Duncan would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall 391 and Davis, Lincoln Johnson (IL) Oberstar Bono Mack Capito Ehlers rollcall 392. Davis, Tom Johnson, E. B. Obey

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:07 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.011 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5143 Olver Salazar Taylor A motion to reconsider was laid on and are neither conferred by countries nor ´ Pallone Sanchez, Linda Terry the table. by governments, but rather are inalienable Pascrell T. Thompson (CA) rights and freedoms with which all human Pastor Sanchez, Loretta Thompson (MS) f persons are endowed by their very nature; Pearce Sarbanes Tiahrt Pence Saxton ELECTING CERTAIN MEMBERS TO Whereas, Eleanor Roosevelt, who led the Tiberi United States delegation to the first Com- Perlmutter Scalise Tierney CERTAIN STANDING COMMIT- mission on Human Rights, was responsible Peterson (MN) Schiff Towns Peterson (PA) Schmidt TEES OF THE HOUSE OF REP- Tsongas for drafting the Universal Declaration of Pickering Schwartz RESENTATIVES Turner Human Rights and in recognition of her un- Pitts Scott (GA) Udall (CO) Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, by di- paralleled humanitarian conviction, was Pomeroy Scott (VA) elected as Chairwoman of the Commission; Porter Sessions Udall (NM) rection of the Democratic Caucus, I Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her vision of a Price (NC) Sestak Upton offer a privileged resolution and ask Van Hollen declaration of true universality with endur- Pryce (OH) Shadegg for its immediate consideration. Radanovich Shays Vela´ zquez ing principles that would be perpetually rec- Rahall Shea-Porter Visclosky The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- ognized by all nations when she stated, as Ramstad Sherman Walden (OR) lows: she submitted the Universal Declaration of Rangel Shimkus Walsh (NY) H. RES. 1256 Human Rights for consideration by the Regula Shuler Walz (MN) United Nations General Assembly, ‘‘We Resolved, That the following named Mem- Rehberg Simpson Wasserman stand today at the threshold of a great event Reichert Sires bers be, and are hereby, elected to the fol- Schultz both in the life of the United Nations and in Renzi Skelton lowing standing committees of the House of Waters the life of mankind. This declaration may Reyes Slaughter Watson Representatives: Reynolds Smith (NE) well become the international Magna Carta Watt (1) COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE.—Mr. Richardson Smith (NJ) Waxman for all men everywhere.’’; and Rodriguez Childers. Smith (WA) Weiner Whereas United Nations Secretary-General Rogers (KY) Snyder (2) COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE.— Weller Ban Ki-moon noted on Human Rights Day Rogers (MI) Solis Ms. Matsui. Wexler 2007, that ‘‘[i]t is our duty to ensure that Ros-Lehtinen Souder (3) COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES.—Ms. these rights are a living reality—that they Roskam Space Wilson (NM) Speier, Mr. Cazayoux, Mr. Childers. Wilson (OH) are known, understood and enjoyed by every- Ross Spratt (4) COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECH- Rothman Stupak Wolf one, everywhere’’: Now, therefore, be it NOLOGY.—Mr. Carson. Roybal-Allard Sutton Wu Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Ruppersberger Tanner Yarmuth (5) COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS.—Mr. Senate concurring), That Congress— Ryan (OH) Tauscher Young (FL) Cazayoux. (1) recognizes on its 60th anniversary year NAYS—106 The resolution was agreed to. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights A motion to reconsider was laid on as a singular achievement of the community Aderholt Forbes Miller (FL) of nations; Akin Foxx Miller, Gary the table. (2) recognizes the contribution in the Dec- Bachmann Franks (AZ) Moore (WI) f Baldwin Gingrey Musgrave laration of Independence and the United Barrett (SC) Gohmert Neugebauer RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVER- States Constitution to the development of Bilirakis Goode Paul SARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DEC- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Bishop (UT) Goodlatte Payne and the role of the United States in pre- Blackburn Granger Petri LARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS serving the legacy of these foundational Bonner Graves Platts human rights precepts through its participa- Brady (TX) Hall (TX) Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to Poe suspend the rules and agree to the con- tion in the United Nations; Broun (GA) Heller Price (GA) Brown-Waite, Hensarling current resolution (H. Con. Res. 332) (3) urges all United Nations Member States Putnam to renew their commitment to uphold and Ginny Hoekstra Rogers (AL) recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Burgess Hunter Rohrabacher promote the transcendent principles of Burton (IN) Johnson, Sam Universal Declaration of Human Royce human dignity enshrined in the Universal Buyer Jones (NC) Rights, as amended. Ryan (WI) Declaration of Human Rights, especially on Campbell (CA) Jones (OH) Sali The Clerk read the title of the con- behalf of the world’s most vulnerable persons Cantor Jordan Schakowsky Carney King (IA) current resolution. and those who have no power to advocate on Sensenbrenner Carson Kingston The text of the concurrent resolution their own behalf; and Carter Kline (MN) Serrano is as follows: (4) joins with colleagues inspired by the Chabot Kucinich Shuster spirit of goodwill in parliaments throughout H. CON. RES. 332 Clarke Lamborn Smith (TX) the world in seeking to guide the United Na- Coble Latta Stark Whereas the United Nations Charter Stearns tions and its agencies to serve as effective Cole (OK) Lee sought to establish an international forum instruments of genuine and lasting justice Conyers Lewis (GA) Sullivan to ‘‘save succeeding generations from the Culberson Linder Thornberry and peace among nations. Walberg scourge of war . . ., reaffirm faith in funda- Davis, David Manzullo mental human rights, in the dignity and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Deal (GA) Marchant Wamp ant to the rule, the gentleman from Duncan McCaul (TX) Welch (VT) worth of the human person, in the equal Ellison McCotter Weldon (FL) rights of men and women and of nations New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) and the gen- Ellsworth McDermott Westmoreland large and small . . .’’; tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- Everett McGovern Whitfield (KY) Whereas, through manifold works of gen- LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. Feeney McHenry Wittman (VA) erosity, the people of the United States ex- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Filner McIntyre Woolsey emplify a noble conviction that the deepest from New Jersey. Flake Mica Young (AK) yearnings of the human heart for respect and GENERAL LEAVE NOT VOTING—16 dignity transcend political, ethnic, and reli- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Costello Gillibrand Rush gious differences; unanimous consent that all Members Whereas the people of the United States Cubin Holt Speier may have 5 legislative days to revise Cummings Hulshof Tancredo continue to inspire their leaders to prioritize Dingell McCrery Wilson (SC) endeavors which bring hope and healing to and extend their remarks and include Ferguson Meek (FL) those in need throughout the world; extraneous material on the resolution Fossella Ortiz Whereas the United Nations General As- under consideration. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE sembly proclaimed the Universal Declara- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The SPEAKER pro tempore (during tion of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, objection to the request of the gen- the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- as a ‘‘common standard of achievement for tleman from New Jersey? ing. all peoples and nations . . .’’; There was no objection. Whereas the preamble of the Universal Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in b 1331 Declaration of Human Rights states, ‘‘... strong support of this resolution and Messrs. WITTMAN of Virginia, recognition of the inherent dignity and of yield myself as much time as I may ADERHOLT, and FORBES changed the equal and inalienable rights of all mem- consume. bers of the human family is the foundation I want to congratulate our colleague their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ of freedom, justice, and peace in the world So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ...’’; Mr. FORTENBERRY for putting forth this tive) the rules were suspended and the Whereas the Universal Declaration of very important resolution. He’s a very bill, as amended, was passed. Human Rights sets forth a common under- valued member of our subcommittee, The result of the vote was announced standing of universal rights and freedoms and he has been a strong supporter of as above recorded. and the notion that these cannot be created issues of goodwill.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.012 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 This resolution celebrates the 60th violators such as Iran and Saudi Ara- The Council embraces some of the anniversary of the United Nations Uni- bia, we cannot help but think about world’s most notorious human rights versal Declaration of Human Rights, how these repressive governments ma- abusers as its members and has ignored the first international agreement on nipulate international oil flows to keep genuine human rights advocacy in the rights of humankind. The universal us at their mercy. favor of a relentless, single-minded at- declaration proclaims the inherent dig- We must reduce our reliance on these tack on the democratic, freedom-lov- nity and equal and inalienable rights of unstable foreign energy sources, and ing, multi-party State of Israel. In its all members of the human family. It is the way to do that, Mr. Speaker, is by session in March, the Council passed this universal quality of the declara- finding alternatives to oil dependence. more resolutions against Israel than tion that is its strength. The U.S. should lead the way; yet we’re against Burma, North Korea, and The core freedoms and guarantees stuck in the past as our global com- Sudan combined, and it failed to com- are entitlement of all people, not just petitors are indeed pursuing 21st cen- ment at all on abuses by Iran, Cuba or those from certain groups or cultures. tury technologies. We must commit Uzbekistan. As such, no government or Nation has ourselves to a comprehensive energy The Council recently elected Jean the power to confer these rights. They reform policy that will improve energy Ziegler, a man who has compared Israel are inalienable freedoms with which all efficiency and encourage investment in to Nazis, and approved a notorious people are endowed by their very na- ground-breaking research and advance Israel basher as the new Special ture. alternative and renewable energy tech- Rapporteur on Israel and the Pales- The notion of inalienable rights was nologies. tinian territories, Mr. Speaker. The not invented in 1948. Socrates wrote Much like the situation we’re facing Council approved this mandate in the about ethic laws that were higher than on human rights at the United Nations, very same session that it discontinued laws of kings over 2,500 years ago. we shouldn’t wait 60 years to address its observation of the Congo where rape Even a proclamation of such rights is the increasing problem of our foreign is used as a weapon against women and not new. The Magna Carta, the U.S. dependence on oil. children. Declaration of Independence, the Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago and with- In December 1948, Mr. Speaker, the United States Constitution, the Bill of out a dissenting voice in the United United Nations General Assembly pro- Rights and the French Declaration of Nations General Assembly, we recog- claimed the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Men all articulated spe- nized the fundamental human rights to Human Rights 1 year and 2 weeks after cific inalienable rights. life, to liberty, to freedom of religion, it adopted a resolution creating the The power of the declaration is that to freedom of expression, to self-gov- Jewish State that became Israel. It is it represents the first comprehensive ernment through free elections, to free- both tragic and offensive that extrem- agreement among Nations as to the dom from slavery and torture and so ists have been allowed to hijack the specific rights and freedoms belonging many other basic rights. The Universal U.N. human rights apparatus and turn to all human beings. It has become a Declaration of Human Rights was the the United Nations’ noblest intentions cornerstone of customary international product of remarkable international into a weapon against a democratic law, binding all governments to its consensus, and it captured the distilled country. principles. conscience of the world in one of the It is my hope that the United Nations In the 60 years that I have followed United Nations’ finest moments. can somehow recover its moral founda- the adoption of the universal Declara- It was not an international law or tion and credibly place the ideals of tion, expansion of the circle of human covenant, and it did not claim to be the Universal Declaration of Human dignity has come in fits and starts. Au- creating the rights that it included. Rights back at the center of its oper- thoritarian governments still attempt Rather, its purpose was to serve as a ations. to limit freedoms proclaimed by the common standard of achievement for declaration, including political and all peoples that is premised on faith in b 1345 economic pluralism, a free press, free- fundamental human rights and the dig- Human dignity and American values dom of association, freedom of religion, nity and worth of the human person. demand no less. free and fair elections, and the rule of We are fortunate and, indeed, truly I urge my colleagues to support this law. Nevertheless, the declaration al- blessed to live in a country whose con- resolution. lows humble citizens, be they monks in stitutional heritage has served to se- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Burma, political dissenters in Cuba, cure those aspirations for all of Amer- my time. journalists in Russia, lawyers in Paki- ica’s people. But for so many people in Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 stan or dispossessed in Zimbabwe, a the world, the ideals of the universal minutes to the gentlelady from Texas, standard by which to measure and Declaration are nothing more than an chairwoman of the Homeland Security challenge any government. As such, we unkept promise. Subcommittee on Transportation, Ms. see roots of freedom and democracy In Burma, in Cuba, North Korea and SHEILA JACKSON-LEE. growing in even the most repressed so- Zimbabwe, and many other Nations, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me cieties. people suffer at the hands of self-seek- thank the distinguished chairperson of Our duty is to support the efforts of ing tyrants and brutal dictatorships. the Africa Subcommittee on Foreign human rights defenders to expand the Millions of others endure the scourges Affairs and the full committee chair, circle of human freedoms so that the of human trafficking, of religious per- Mr. BERMAN, and the ranking member declaration will, in Eleanor Roosevelt’s secution, and other offenses against of the full committee, Ms. ILEANA ROS- vision, become the Magna Carta for all human dignity. LEHTINEN, and the ranking member of men everywhere. As she says, it’s bet- For those reasons, the universal dec- the subcommittee that Mr. PAYNE ter to light a candle than to curse the laration remains a valuable touch- chairs. darkness. stone, and the United States remains This is an important reiteration of I urge my colleagues to support this committed to promoting the values this Congress’ commitment to the important resolution. that it espouses. premises of the Universal Declaration Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of For this anniversary, however, it is of Human Rights. And I might read, in my time. also a sad opportunity to reflect on part, the language of this declaration Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I how far the United Nations and its that says, ‘‘The recognition of the in- yield myself such time as I may con- human rights bodies have fallen from herent dignity and of the equal and in- sume. the lofty aspirations of the original alienable rights of all members of the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong declaration. human family is the foundation of free- support of House Concurrent Resolu- The United Nations Human Rights dom, justice and peace in the world.’’ tion 332, recognizing the 60th anniver- Council, formed to replace the discred- I believe that there is no better time sary of the Universal Declaration of ited United Nations Human Rights than the time that we are engaged in Human Rights. Commission, has devolved into an of- today, the era of the world status, to As we reflect on the Universal Dec- fensive farce even worse than its prede- reemphasize the importance of the Uni- laration of Human Rights and the gross cessor. versal Declaration of Human Rights.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.056 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5145 The United Nations General Assem- nation, he is denied his human rights, reflection upon the foundations which bly proclaimed it on December 10, 1948, the foundation of freedom, justice and have guided this Nation through many and the language stated that it was de- peace in the world. We could give a roll turbulent times. clared as a ‘‘common standard of call along the way of the travesties of To draw attention to these important achievement for all peoples and na- justice. principles and the pivotal role of the tions.’’ Sadly, in the 21st century, when Might I compliment and announce United States in bringing the Universal we would hope to be celebrating the the change-around in Liberia with Declaration to fruition, I was pleased, foundation of freedom, justice and President Johnson, who recognized a along with Mr. DELAHUNT, to introduce peace to the world, the world is con- nation that had literally burned the this resolution to recognize the 60th flicted. It is conflicted in Iraq, where principles of human dignity and human anniversary of the Declaration of the different, distinctive ethnic groups rights; now, with her stellar leadership, Human Rights. It is my hope that this of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds are en- she is restoring the dignity to the Libe- effort will serve as a vivid reminder of gaged in violations, respectively, of rian people. the profound contributions of the each of them by the other. And so even It can be done. It can be done in United States throughout our short in a place of disruption in Iraq, in a Sudan. It can be done in Bangladesh. It history as a champion of human rights war that I oppose, we have concerns can be done in Burma. It can be done in around the world, of the work that is that are ignoring the Universal Dec- North Vietnam. It can be done in left to be done, and inspire thoughtful laration of Human Rights. We must places where oppression exists. But I reflection on the transcended prin- call for the protection of human rights rise today to recount the tragedies of ciples of human dignity. in Iraq. We must call for the protection denial of human rights, but also to ap- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I do be- of human rights in Iran. plaud those who have overcome. And I lieve that the Universal Declaration of Today, I had the chance to speak to believe it is our responsibility to not Human Rights is extremely important. a young woman in Iran long distance, only applaud them, but to encourage We have to work to have the United international conversation to Miriam, them. Nations. And we certainly celebrate a young woman of 22, who had a won- I ask my colleagues to support this this 60th anniversary. derful vision in front of us for freedom, legislation, and let us do it by words I urge support for this resolution. I’d and the ability to be the best interior and deeds. like to thank Mr. BERMAN, Ms. ROS- designer the world would know. To do Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I LEHTINEN and, of course, Mr. that, she must have freedom, justice yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from FORTENBERRY for this very timely reso- and peace in the world. The Universal Nebraska (Mr. FORTENBERRY), the au- lution. Declaration of Human Rights must thor of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance apply to Iran. MR. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I of my time. And as we look to the tragedy in am honored to pay tribute today to a Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the Burma, now some weeks old, to under- pre-eminent achievement of 20th cen- gentleman from New Jersey. stand that the junta continues to op- tury statesmanship, an example of U.S. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance press those who suffer from the terrible leadership in the quest for securing of my time. and horrific tragedy that occurred, fundamental dignity for all human per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that people sit along roadsides trying sons. question is on the motion offered by to find, if you will, the resources that I would also like to thank Ranking the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. will come to them through the inter- Member ROS-LEHTINEN and her staff, as PAYNE) that the House suspend the national aid organizations, and their well as Chairman BERMAN and Mr. rules and agree to the concurrent reso- oppressive regime is denying them that PAYNE, my subcommittee chairman, as lution, H. Con. Res. 332, as amended. The question was taken; and (two- right. well for their work in bringing this im- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The portant resolution before the House. thirds being in the affirmative) the time of the gentlewoman has expired. Mr. Speaker, it was on December 10, rules were suspended and the concur- Mr. PAYNE. I yield the gentlelady an 1948 that the memory of a brutal world rent resolution, as amended, was additional 2 minutes. war, which took over tens of millions agreed to. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Can of lives, scarred millions of survivors of A motion to reconsider was laid on you imagine that the human rights and an unimaginable holocaust, and un- the table. dignity of those who are already bru- leashed the full fury of atomic power f talized through a horrific tragedy of on the guilty as well as the innocent, SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND catastrophic proportions are now de- remained vividly etched in the world’s IDEALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL nied their human dignity because this collective consciousness that led to YEAR OF SANITATION oppressive regime in Burma refuses to this important moment. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to In view of this unprecedented devas- allow the international aid organiza- suspend the rules and agree to the con- tation, and in the hope of preventing tions to go forward? current resolution (H. Con. Res. 318) I hope by our reemphasizing this dec- future conflict, the United Nations supporting the goals and ideals of the laration, that we will stand in abhor- General Assembly proclaimed a Uni- International Year of Sanitation, as rence, in outrage over such undignified versal Declaration of Human Rights as amended. treatment. And then I would ask, as we ‘‘a common standard of achievement The Clerk read the title of the con- move forward, that we can no longer for all peoples and all nations.’’ And it current resolution. tolerate the genocide in Sudan, and the also recognized that ‘‘the inherent dig- The text of the concurrent resolution completely reckless response of the Su- nity and equal and inalienable rights of is as follows: danese Government in Khartoum to all members of the human family is the H. CON. RES. 318 the dignity and human rights of those foundation of freedom, justice and Whereas, in 2000, the United States, along in Darfur. peace in the world.’’ with other world leaders, at the 55th United We have a litany of those. Those Ti- As the memory of World War II fades Nations General Assembly, committed to betans who continue to fight every day and recedes into history, it becomes achieving the Millennium Development in Tibet simply to be acknowledged, ever clearer to me that our rapidly Goals which provide a framework for coun- simply to allow the Dalai Lama to re- changing world appears to be losing tries and international organizations to com- turn over religion reasons. And to sight of the guiding principles that bat such global social ills as poverty, hunger, think that he has to be denied the have accompanied the promotion of and disease; right to come back over religion rea- human dignity, peace and prosperity Whereas one target of the Millennium De- sons, Mr. Speaker. They allow him to since the earliest progression of civili- velopment Goals is to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without access to safe come on political reasons, on govern- zation. I also believe we are living in a drinking water and basic sanitation, the ment affirmation, on saluting the gov- day when the myriad of distractions of only target to be codified into United States ernment, but just to be able to engage modern life in the United States leave law in the Senator Paul Simon Water for the in his religious, if you will, expla- precious little time for philosophical Poor Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–121);

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.059 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Whereas the lack of access to safe water onstrate the importance of sanitation and Access to basic sanitation is some- and sanitation is one of the most pressing hygiene in achieving the Millennium Devel- thing so simple, yet so fundamental to environmental public health issues in the opment Goals, and to support developing everyday life. Well, simple, at least, for world; countries in their efforts to achieve the Mil- the majority of people who live in the Whereas over 1,000,000,000 people live with- lennium Development Goal target on basic out potable water and an estimated sanitation among populations at greatest developed world. An estimated 2.6 bil- 2,600,000,000 people do not have access to need. lion people live in an environment basic sanitation facilities, which includes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- where they do not have access to prop- 980,000,000 children; ant to the rule, the gentleman from er toilet facilities and human waste Whereas every 20 seconds a child dies as a New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) and the gen- cannot be properly disposed. And ap- direct result of a lack of access to basic sani- tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- proximately 1.1 billion people have no tation facilities; LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. access to any type of improved drink- Whereas only 36 percent of sub-Saharan Af- ing sources of water. As a direct con- rica and 37 percent of South Asia have access The Chair recognizes the gentleman to safe drinking water and sanitation, the from New Jersey. sequence, over 1.6 million people die lowest rates in the world; GENERAL LEAVE every year from easily preventable dis- Whereas at any one time almost half of the Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask eases attributable to lack of access to developing world’s people are suffering from unanimous consent that all Members safe drinking water and basic sanita- diseases associated with lack of water, sani- may have 5 legislative days to revise tion. Ninety percent of those are chil- tation, and hygiene; and extend their remarks and include dren under five, mostly in developing Whereas improved sanitation decreases the extraneous material on the resolution countries. incidences of debilitating and deadly mala- under consideration. This lack of access to basic sanita- dies such as cholera, intestinal worms, diar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tion affects everything from how food rhea, pneumonia, dysentery, and skin infec- is grown and prepared to the ability of tions; objection to the request of the gen- Whereas sanitation is the foundation of tleman from New Jersey? girls and young women to attend health, dignity, and development; There was no objection. school. Sanitation is an obvious issue Whereas increased sanitation is funda- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in of health, but also one of dignity, phys- mental for reaching all of the Millennium strong support of this resolution and ical safety and development. Development Goals; yield myself as much time as I may Halving the proportion of people Whereas access to basic sanitation helps consume. without access to basic sanitation is a economic and social development in coun- First of all, I’d like to thank my col- target of the seventh Millennium De- tries where poor sanitation is a major cause leagues on the Foreign Affairs Com- velopment Goal, which is to ensure en- of lost work and school days because of ill- mittee, Ranking Member CHRIS SMITH vironmental sustainability. In fact, it ness; and Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON- is vital to the success of other Millen- Whereas sanitation in schools enables chil- LEE as well as Representative CHRIS dren, particularly girls reaching puberty, to nium Development Goal targets in remain in the educational system; SHAYS for being lead sponsors on order for them to reach their goal. Whereas according to the World Health Or- H.Con.Res 318, which supports the Access to proper sanitation is essen- ganization, every dollar spent on proper United Nations Declaration of 2008 as tial to reducing childhood and mater- sanitation by governments generates an av- the International Year of Sanitation. nal mortality. It can help reduce the erage of $7 in economic benefit; Their bipartisan support has helped to symptoms associated with HIV and Whereas improved disposal of human waste bring this resolution to the floor for a AIDS. It can also improve the living protects the quality of water sources used vote. I also would like to thank Sen- conditions of 100 million-plus people for drinking, preparation of food, agri- ator RICHARD DURBIN, who introduced living in slums. culture, and bathing; the Senate companion to this concur- Whereas, in 2006, the United Nations, at b 1400 the 61st Session of the General Assembly, de- rent resolution. In September 2000, the United Na- The dividends that increased access clared 2008 as the International Year of Sani- to basic sanitation pay are multifold. tation to recognize the progress made in tions adopted the eight Millennium De- achieving the global sanitation target development Goals to challenge the glob- Depending on the region of the world, tailed in the Millennium Development Goals, al community to reduce poverty and economic benefits have been estimated as well as to call upon all Member States, increase the health and well-being of to range from $3 to $34 for each dollar United Nations agencies, regional and inter- all peoples. Two years later, in Sep- invested in access to basic sanitation national organizations, civil society organi- tember of 2002, at the World Summit on and safe water. According to the zations, and other relevant stakeholders to Sustainable Development in Johannes- United Nations, meeting this MDG tar- renew their commitment to attaining that burg, the United States and the rest of get will yield nearly $200 billion in an- target; the international community re- nual benefits. If we meet this goal, peo- Whereas the official launching of the Inter- ple and governments will save more national Year of Sanitation at the United affirmed these goals and added access Nations was on November 21, 2007; and to basic sanitation as a centerpiece of than $500 million in direct health treat- Whereas the thrust of the International the poverty eradication commitments. ment costs and get back more than 3 Year of Sanitation has three parts, includ- The target to halve the proportion of billion working days that are now lost ing— people without access to the basic sani- to sanitation-related illnesses. Reduc- (1) raising awareness of the importance of tation by 2015 was defined in the Jo- ing the incidences to sanitation-related sanitation and its impact on reaching other hannesburg Plan of Action. diseases will add nearly 200 million Millennium Development Goals; (2) encouraging governments and their In September of 2005, President Bush days of school attendance. partners to promote and implement policies addressed the United Nations General As we in Congress work to increase and actions for meeting the sanitation tar- Assembly, at which time, as I was the access to lifesaving medication and get; and U.S. delegate from the House to the strengthening health care infrastruc- (3) mobilizing communities, particularly United Nations, I was very pleased that tures, we must remember that the suc- women’s groups, towards changing sanita- President Bush recommitted the cess of such initiatives is, in part, de- tion and hygiene practices through sanitation health education campaigns: Now, United States to achieving the Millen- pendent upon individuals having access therefore, be it nium Development Goals. to basic sanitation. Let us use this Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Last year, the United Nations de- time to also refocus our efforts on Senate concurring), That the Congress— clared 2008 as the International Year of strengthening one of the basic pillars (1) supports the goals and ideals of the Sanitation in order to recognize the upon which global health must stand, International Year of Sanitation; great strides that have been made to- proper sanitation. (2) recognizes the importance of sanitation wards increasing access to sanitation I strongly support this resolution and on public health, poverty reduction, eco- for people around the world. However, ask that my colleagues back H. Con. nomic and social development, and the environment; and it is also a time to galvanize member Res. 318, which supports the ideals and (3) encourages the people of the United nations, U.N. agencies, regional and goals of the International Year of Sani- States to observe the International Year of international organizations, and other tation. Sanitation with appropriate recognition, relevant stakeholders to renew their I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. ceremonies, activities, and programs to dem- commitment. Speaker.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.025 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5147 Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I highlights the important issues of have sat down together as teenagers would like to yield myself such time as clean water, sanitation and hygiene. and said we want peace. It was founded I may consume. And I urge my colleagues to fully sup- by John Wallach. Seeds of Peace ini- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support port House Concurrent Resolution 318. tially brought 46 Israeli and Arab of House Concurrent Resolution 318, With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the youths together. It has spread now to authored by my good friend from New balance of my time. Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, the Balkans, Jersey (Mr. PAYNE). Mr. PAYNE. I yield 3 minutes to the India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These Lack of access to clean drinking gentlelady from Texas, Representative summer camps are enormously impor- water and sanitation are indeed some SHEILA JACKSON-LEE. tant. Again, the Congressional Chil- of the most pressing environmental (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked dren’s Caucus believes that children public health issues in the world. and was given permission to revise and are not only our tomorrows, they are Today, an estimated 2.6 billion people, extend her remarks.) our yesterdays and todays. including almost 1 billion children, live Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would And I want to thank the chairman of without access to basic sanitation fa- like to thank the distinguished gen- the subcommittee for his leadership in cilities. Every 20 seconds, a child dies tleman and the ranking member of the these areas. And with that I ask my as a direct result. subcommittee and the chairman and colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 318 In fact, it is estimated that nearly the ranking member of the full com- and as well the following bill H. Con. half the developing world suffers from mittee. I would like to thank Chairman Res. 337. And again, I thank Mr. PAYNE preventable diseases associated with PAYNE in particular for introducing for his leadership. the lack of access to clean water, sani- this important resolution. And I am I rise today in strong support of H. Con. tation and hygiene. Without sufficient very proud to cosponsor it because it is Res. 318, ‘‘supporting the goals and ideals of access to these services, countries, clearly a life-and-death matter. When the International Year of Sanitation.’’ I would communities and families become sus- you talk about sanitation and the re- like to thank my colleague Congressman ceptible to and are often defenseless moval of waste and the removal of sew- PAYNE for introducing this important resolution, against life-threatening diseases and age, you are talking about the lives of which I am proud to cosponsor, as well as the infections which perpetuate this hor- children. And as the cochair of the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, rible cycle of poverty. Congressional Children’s Caucus, let Congressman BERMAN, for his leadership in As this resolution notes, sanitation me acknowledge that the most vulner- bringing this resolution to the floor today. improves health. It saves lives. It pro- able to unsanitary conditions are chil- Mr. Speaker, In 2007, the United Nations tects the environment. It improves dren. In the disease that spreads, they declared 2008 to be the International Year of economies. And it contributes to are, in fact, the victims. Sanitation, to raise awareness of the impor- human dignity and social development. Global sanitation coverage has in- tance of sanitation and its impact on reaching It is imperative that the United States creased from 49 to 59 percent between other Millennium Development Goals and to and the international community work 1990 and 2004. And that is, in essence, recognize progress made in achieving the global sanitation target detailed in the Millen- together to achieve the goals of the allowing over 1 billion people through- nium Development Goals. In addition, the Millennium Development Account and out the world to gain improved sanita- International Year of Sanitation is intended to significantly reduce the number of peo- tion in the past 14 years. Pregnant call upon all Member States, United Nations ple suffering from a lack of sanitation women, nursing mothers and, of agencies, regional and international organiza- and clean water. course, young children are, in fact, the tions, civil society organizations, and other rel- Another pressing issue is one that bigger victims. evant stakeholders to renew their commitment underscores the potentially grave fu- I am particularly troubled that 90 percent of these deaths that I have to attaining the target. ture that we may face if we don’t im- As my colleagues are aware, in September mentioned of those who died because of mediately address rising energy costs 2000, the United Nations adopted the eight lack of access to safe drinking water and find alternative sources of energy Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that and basic sanitation are children under to carry out our daily tasks, some crit- challenged the global community to reduce 5, mostly in developing countries. As I ical tasks such as the energy required poverty and increase the health and well-being to filter our water supply. This resolu- mentioned, children are particularly of all peoples. Two years later, in September tion also reminds us, however, that ne- hard hit by poor sanitation, paying a 2002, at the World Summit on Sustainable De- cessity is the mother of invention, and high price through missed schooling, velopment in Johannesburg, the United States that human beings have the potential disease, malnutrition and even death. and the rest of the international community re- to achieve any task necessary to im- An estimated 1.5 million children die affirmed these goals and added access to prove living conditions. each year due to poor sanitation, hy- basic sanitation as a centerpiece of the pov- How does it remind us of this? In Af- giene and unsafe water. UNICEF re- erty eradication commitments. The target to rica, for example, where there are areas ports that girls are particularly vulner- halve the proportion of people without access that lack consistent and dependable able, missing out on schooling once to basic sanitation by 2015 was defined in the sources of oil to produce electricity, they hit puberty, due to the lack of Johannesburg Plan of Action. they must develop and rely on alter- clean and safe latrines. We have begun to make important native methods, sometimes primitive As the world’s only remaining super- progress. Over one billion people, throughout ones, such as fire for boiling water to power, I think it is important to avert the world, have gained access to improved avoid disease. Again, in the most re- this humanitarian crisis. Chairman sanitation in the past 14 years. Global sanita- mote region of the world, we are think- PAYNE, I believe that this is an impor- tion coverage has increased from 49 percent ing of alternative sources and alter- tant, constructive way of avoiding this to 59 percent between 1990 and 2004. These native methods. We here must also massive death. Simply put, the Millen- gains represent substantial improvements in think and seek alternative clean en- nium Development Goal on basic sani- the quality of life and basic health for count- ergy. Will we wait until circumstances tation would avert 470,000 deaths. And less people. are so dire that American will be it would continue to do so. According Mr. Speaker, despite the establishment of forced to boil their water in their back- to economic analysis, depending on the these goals, billions of people still lack access yards to conserve the little energy region of the world, economic benefits to safe drinking water and sanitation, and we available because we failed to develop have been estimated to range from $3 are not on target to meet the Millennium De- alternative sources today? to $34 for each dollar invested in it. velopment Goal to reduce by half the propor- Just as we seek to foster ingenuity in Let me just indicate that this is com- tion of people without access to basic sanita- the developing world to provide greater mon sense. It is, again, human dignity. tion by 2015. Today, over 2.4 billion people— access to clean drinking water and And as I close, let me also add my sup- half the developing world—lack access to basic sanitation in resource-poor set- port for H. Con. Res. 337 honoring the basic sanitation and 1.1 billion people have no tings, we must foster such ingenuity in Seeds of Peace. It is a program that I access to any type of improved drinking our own energy sector. am very much aware of, having partici- source of water. As a direct consequence, I thank Chairman PAYNE for intro- pated with the young people who have over 1.6 million people die every year from ducing this timely resolution which come from Israel and Palestine who easily preventable diseases attributable to lack

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Children are of Rights, which obviously enumerated versal Declaration of Human Rights. particularly hard hit by poor sanitation, paying a number of our fundamental freedoms Like the last, this is a century of vic- a high price through missed schooling, dis- that we love and enjoy as Americans. tims. ease, malnutrition, and even death. An esti- The Universal Declaration of Human And let me say before the West gets mated 1.5 million children under five die each Rights, 60 years after its adoption, con- too smug about how well we are doing, year due to poor sanitation, hygiene, and un- tinues to serve as a backdrop to judge we, too, have our problems. We see safe water. government policies and behaviors to- them every day. We have fallen short In addition to claiming too many young lives, ward its citizens. And that is especially of the standard. I respectfully submit poor sanitation reduces children’s ability to important as to how a government to my colleagues that we have failed to grow and develop, stunting the economic and treats the weak, its most vulnerable treat the defenseless unborn child with social development of the entire nation. and those who might otherwise be compassion and justice. We know now UNICEF reports that girls are particularly vul- disenfranchised. more than we have ever known before nerable, missing out on schooling once they The Universal Declaration of Human about the magnificent world of an un- hit puberty due to the lack of clean and safe Rights is a promissory note. It’s a born child. Ultrasound, 4–D ultrasound, latrines. paper promise that must be backed by the ability to do intrauterine blood As the world’s only remaining superpower, deeds. It has only, however, been real- transfusions and microsurgery have the United States has a moral obligation to ized in part over the last 60 years. It is shattered the myth that an unborn take the lead in averting humanitarian catas- a work in progress. The Declaration in- child is somehow not human or alive. trophe. Increased access to sanitation would spires people to realize that they, as Of course they are. We know that these have an enormous impact on the lives of peo- human beings, endowed by God, by our babies are society’s littlest patients, in ple throughout the world. Simply put, meeting Creator, with certain inalienable need of care and love, increasingly sur- the Millennium Development Goal on basic rights, ought to fight for those rights. viving at earlier, earlier times if born sanitation would avert 470,000 deaths. In ad- And this gives them a very useful tool prematurely. dition, achieving the target would bring enor- in that endeavor, a means to that end. Abortion needs to be looked at, in my mous economic gains. Meeting the Millennium The Universal Declaration of Human opinion, Mr. Speaker, as a serious vio- Development Goal would result in an extra Rights has emphasized a number of im- lation of human rights. Abortion is vio- 320 million productive working days every portant and hallowed rights, including lence against children. The dismember- year, and would bring considerable benefits to religious freedom, the right to life, ment or chemical poisoning of a baby investment. According to economic analysis, freedom from torture, equal protection, is antithetical to the Universal Dec- depending on the region of the world, eco- due process, labor nights and freedom laration of Human Rights. All abuse is nomic benefits have been estimated to range of assembly. Under it, no one should contrary to the Declaration and that from $3 to $34 for each dollar invested in ac- ever be left behind. And that means holds true no matter how old you are, cess to basic sanitation and safe water. that regardless of race, ethnicity, age, and that includes unborn children. We Mr. Speaker, even as our attention is con- disability, or condition of dependency, also know abortion hurts women psy- sumed by rising food and fuel prices, it is vital no one should be left behind. chologically and physically. And that that we do not lose focus of the equally vital We know in many countries of the evidence grows by the day. goal of basic sanitation. The resolution that we world, sadly that is not the case. In So I would hope that we would look are considering today recognizes the impor- places like the People’s Republic of at human rights as being for everyone, tance of sanitation on public health, poverty China, human rights are systemati- at all times, regardless of age, condi- reduction, economic and social development, cally and pervasively violated by Bei- tion of dependency, regardless of race, and the environment and encourages all jing, whether it be religious freedom or no matter where you live. The uni- Americans to observe the International Year of the outrages we recently saw in Tibet, versal declaration is for you. We need Sanitation with appropriate recognition, cere- where the government crackdown to speak out more boldly with better, monies, activities, and programs to dem- crushed dissent with an iron fist. China more focused appeals employing all the onstrate the importance of sanitation, hygiene, persecutes the Uighurs in the autono- tools at our disposal, linking sanctions and access to safe drinking water in achieving mous region and families, especally and withholding of certain aid if a the Millennium Development Goals. women as part of their draconian one- country doesn’t live up to the Uni- Mr. Speaker, the benefits of meeting the child-per-couple policy which has made versal Declaration of Human Rights. Millennium Development Goal on basic sanita- brothers and sisters illegal throughout Again, the Declaration is a backdrop. tion would be dramatic and global. We have China. That’s right. Brothers and sis- And I hope that we do even better than the opportunity to drastically improve the inter- ters are illegal in the People’s Republic we have in the past. The past has been national community’s ability to reduce global of China. A couple is required to get checkered. Certainly we have moved poverty, and to improve the health of people government permission to have a child. the ball down the court. Much more worldwide. I strongly urge my colleagues to And forced abortion and huge fines are needs to be done however to respect ev- join me in supporting this important resolution. imposed on women and men who do not eryone’s fundamental human rights. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at submit to the plan. In Burma and I thank my colleagues. this time, I would like to yield 5 min- North Korea, human rights are also Mr. PAYNE. I yield 4 minutes to the utes to the gentleman from New Jersey violated with grave impunity. And the gentleman from Oregon, the member of (Mr. SMITH), the ranking member of U.N. Human Rights Council and other the Budget Committee and one of the the Subcommittee on Africa and Glob- bodies of the U.N. need to do more to leading environmentalists in the al Health. I hope that he addresses not implement the intent of the Universal House, Mr. BLUMENAUER. just this resolution, but the one before Declaration of Human Rights. Sadly, 1415 us on human rights. they have largely failed. b Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank We have seen a very disturbing rise Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the my good friend, the ranking member, in anti-Semitism throughout Europe, gentleman’s courtesy, as I appreciate for yielding. certainly in the Middle East, and even his leadership on this, and look forward Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably de- in the United States and Canada. That to watching this legislation pass today. tained and didn’t get here in time to too has to be combated. We see a rise It was my pleasure to be in Johan- speak on the resolution lauding the in modern-day slavery, human traf- nesburg in 2002 when sanitation was Universal Declaration of Human ficking—sex trafficking or labor traf- added to the Millennium Challenge De- Rights. ficking. That needs to be combated and velopment Goal to create a comprehen- The Universal Declaration of Human eradicated and victims assisted. Every- sive framework for the needs of the Rights is among the most durable, en- one should be free of that kind of ter- world’s poorest. But I am saddened

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RES. 337 good friend from Florida’s comments a body else, but they have populations Whereas Seeds of Peace, founded by the moment ago, because I have been told that are desperately in need of clean late John Wallach, is a program that brings that a child dies needlessly every 15 water and sanitation. We need to reor- together young people and educators from seconds. But whether it is 20 seconds or der our priorities to be able to achieve regions of conflict to study and learn about 15 seconds, it is absolutely scandalous this goal. coexistence and conflict resolution; Whereas these young people study and that in this day and age, when we know Back in 2002 when we added sanita- learn primarily at an international conflict what to do, when for less than the price tion, 2015 seemed like a long way away. resolution summer camp operated by Seeds of a take-out pizza per year per family, Well, we are halfway there, in terms of of Peace in Otisfield, Maine, and also the United States alone could be trans- time, but we are not halfway there in through its regional programs such as the fa- formational on that. One reflects on terms of accomplishment. I hope that cilitation training course in the Middle East, what difference it would make, not just this resolution will be a little nudge to the homestay programs in South Asia, and those children that wouldn’t die need- us all to make sure that we do our international regional conferences; lessly. It would translate into over one- part. I appreciate the gentleman’s Whereas the first international conflict resolution camp welcomed Israeli, Pales- quarter billion additional days in courtesy and his leadership. tinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian youths in school. It would save over $7 billion in Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I the summer of 1993, and has since expanded unnecessary medical costs. It would have no further requests for time, so I to involve youths from other regions of con- allow one-third of a trillion working yield back the balance of my time. flict, including from Greece, Turkey and di- days for young people from age 15 to 39 Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would vided Cyprus, the Balkans, India, Pakistan, worldwide. And, make no mistake just like to say that I urge support of and Afghanistan; about it, it makes a difference for this resolution. As the previous speak- Whereas Seeds of Peace utilizes the sum- those of us in the United States. er indicated, we passed legislation mer camp to initiate dialogue between the First of all, pollution any place in youths of the United States and the youths called Water For the Poor, and in our from various conflict regions to dispel ha- the world finds its way into the water oversight hearing I was looking for tred and create religious and cultural under- supply and makes a difference for us. places like Burkina Faso in Niger that standing; Make no mistake, that at a time when had no water, but found that the Whereas Seeds of Peace regional programs virtually no one in the world is more money was allocated to Iraq and Af- have trained hundreds of educators to teach than 24 hours away from anybody else ghanistan. ‘‘Water for the Poor’’ was peaceful conflict resolutions techniques in watching disease break forth unneces- what it was called, not ‘‘Water for the their classrooms, positively influencing sarily, it is not just a tragedy in some War.’’ thousands of students; remote village or some southern hemi- So we need to be sure that when we Whereas Seeds of Peace works to dispel fear, mistrust, and prejudice, which among sphere megacity. It can make a dif- pass legislation, that it goes to the in- others are root causes of violence and conference for the health of Americans tended recipients and not for other pur- flict, and to build a new generation of lead- here and abroad. And when the CIA has poses. If other purposes must be done, ers who are committed to achieving peace; identified urban instability and decay put them in another budget. There is Whereas Seeds of Peace reveals the human as one of the seven greatest causes of plenty of money in other budgets and face of those whom youth may have been threats to our security, this com- no one ever opposes them. So put it taught to hate, by engaging campers in both pounds our problem with global unrest over there, and leave our Water for the guided coexistence sessions and ordinary and terrorism. Poor for the countries that are actu- summer camp activities such as living together in cabins, sharing meals, canoeing, I am pleased that we have been able ally and really poor. swimming, playing sports, and creative ex- to work together with Mr. PAYNE. In Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ploration through the arts and computers; my prior tenure on the Foreign Affairs of my time. Whereas long-term peace between Arabs Committee, we passed the Water for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and Israelis, Indians and Pakistanis, and Af- the Poor Act in 2005 and acknowledged SERRANO). The question is on the mo- ghans and Pakistanis can only be achieved the late Mr. Lantos and former col- tion offered by the gentleman from with the emergence of a new generation of leagues Leach, Hyde and Senator Frist. New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) that the House leaders who will choose dialogue, friendship, But we are not even fully imple- suspend the rules and agree to the con- and openness over violence and hatred; Whereas Seeds of Peace provides year- menting that legislation 3 years later. current resolution, H. Con. Res. 318, as round opportunities via regional program- I commend the gentleman for his over- amended. ming and innovative technology to enable sight hearing to help the Department The question was taken. former participants to build on the relation- of State to understand what is going to The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the ships forged at camp, so that the learning be necessary to fully implement this opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being processes begun at camp may continue sub- legislation. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. sequently in the participants’ home coun- Mr. Speaker, we are halfway through Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on that I tries; the International Year of Sanitation. demand the yeas and nays. Whereas youth graduates of the camp, It is time for us to reflect on what we The yeas and nays were ordered. known as Seeds, currently number over 4,000, with an additional 567 adult delegation lead- are going to do about this problem. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ers also having completed Seeds of Peace This isn’t some remote goal that is be- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the training; yond our capacity. Girl Scout troops, Chair’s prior announcement, further Whereas this graduate network receives churches, synagogues and Rotary Clubs proceedings on this motion will be continued support from Seeds of Peace in know what to do and in fact they are postponed. promoting professional cooperation; acting at a grassroots level to do some- f Whereas Seeds of Peace is strongly sup- thing about it. We in Congress need to ported by participating governments and HONORING SEEDS OF PEACE many world leaders; and do our job supporting Mr. PAYNE with Whereas continued partial Federal funding the accountability of the State Depart- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the con- for Seeds of Peace demonstrates its recog- ment. nized importance in promoting peaceful reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. current resolution (H. Con. Res. 337) lution of conflicts as a primary goal of SERRANO). The time of the gentleman honoring Seeds of Peace for its 15th an- United States policy: Now, therefore, be it niversary as an organization promoting has expired. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Mr. PAYNE. I yield an additional understanding, reconciliation, accept- Senate concurring), That Congress— minute to the gentleman from Oregon. ance, coexistence, and peace in the (1) reaffirms that youth should be involved Mr. BLUMENAUER. One of the most Middle East, South Asia, and other rein long-term, visionary solutions to violent important things we can do is to work gions of conflict. conflicts;

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Govern- for the cause of peace worldwide for the (3) views Seeds of Peace as a highly cre- ments negotiate agreements, but Seeds United States to stop our dependence ative and successful effort to achieve rec- of Peace has remained as the only peo- on foreign sources of energy. onciliation among peoples from areas of con- ple that can define a quality of peace. I thank my good friend and colleague flict, which inspires great hope that nations Every new seed, you may recall that from Maine (Mr. ALLEN) for intro- in conflict ultimately can learn to live to- is what they are called when they com- gether in peace, cooperation, and security. ducing this Seeds of Peace anniversary plete the course, whether he or she is resolution. I urge the House to adopt The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- in Kabul or Tel Aviv, Ramallah or it. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Islamabad, represents one more person Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) and the gen- who has the potential and the required my time. tlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- skills to see through mistrust and prej- LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes. udice and thereby to contribute to Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 The Chair recognizes the gentleman making and building peace. That is minutes to the gentlewoman from from New Jersey. why we seek to honor the terrific orga- Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON), GENERAL LEAVE nization Seeds of Peace. That is why I chairperson of the Transportation and Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water unanimous consent that Members may porting this measure. Resources and Environment. have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tend their remarks and include extra- my time. b 1430 neous material on the resolution under Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of consideration. would like to yield myself such time as Texas. Let me thank the Chair and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I may consume. subcommittee chairs of these commit- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong tees. tleman from New Jersey? support of House Concurrent Resolu- There was no objection. tion 337, which honors Seeds of Peace Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Rep- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in on its 15th anniversary. We in Congress resentative ALLEN in bringing forth strong support of this resolution and and all people of goodwill worldwide this House Concurrent Resolution 337 yield myself such time as I may con- want to see peace, stability and secu- honoring the Seeds of Peace for its 15th sume. rity prevail in the Middle East, and in- anniversary as an organization. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support deed in all regions of conflict. However, The importance of peace in the world of H. Con. Res. 337, a resolution hon- that goal remains illusive when leaders today is often overlooked due to the se- oring Seeds of Peace for its 15th anni- act in ways that distort, perpetuate verity of constant conflict. As a moth- versary as an organization promoting and aggravate otherwise resolvable dis- er and a lawmaker, the reality of war tolerance and peaceful coexistence in putes between nations and peoples. concerns me for the future of our Na- the Middle East and around the world. Such leaders make peace impossible tion and the world. While the peace process has had its by programming their citizens into Seeds of Peace is dedicated to em- ups and downs over the last 15 years, viewing other nations and other people powering young leaders from regions of Seeds of Peace has blossomed into a as wicked, inhumane and worthy of ha- conflict with the leadership skills re- widely recognized organization that tred and death. The most obvious ex- quired to advance reconciliation and has facilitated interaction among thou- ample of this phenomenon is the un- coexistence. I am proud to say that I sands of young people and young lead- ceasing dissemination by Arab coun- worked with them here in Washington ers and educators from all around the tries of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic and in Dallas, and I have partnered world. propaganda. Children in the Arab world with Congressman BARNEY FRANK at Seeds of Peace lays a foundation for and Iran are taught using textbooks times to host them. sustainable peace by promoting dia- and official media to hate Israel, to Due to its proven impact and success logue among young leaders before their hate the Jews and to forfeit their own in the Middle East, Seeds of Peace has fears, mistrust and inherited prejudices lives in order to kill as many Israelis earned international recognition as an have permanently shaped their vision and Jews as possible. effective model for resolving conflict of their enemy. We get them in time to Fortunately, Seeds of Peace has worldwide, and these are young people prevent that from happening. spent 15 years bringing together youth who have not been kept away from After a summer program in Maine, from the Middle East and other con- communication or a part of irritation which also includes many American flict-torn regions and encouraging of Israel. participants, these young seeds, as them to engage their peers as fellow they are known, and their teachers, human beings worthy of respect and I firmly support Seeds of Peace be- continue with regional and inter- tolerance. Programs like Seeds of cause I believe peace ultimately de- national programming that furthers Peace cultivate the young leaders who pends upon breaking down barriers and the dialogue among and across nation- can oppose violent extremism and mistrust among people from these re- alities and supports the development of hateful propaganda, who can promote a gions of conflict. Governments nego- future leaders. Seeds of Peace also ful- culture of life and seek peaceful, ra- tiate agreements, but only people can fills an important recommendation of tional and mutually beneficial solu- define the quality of peace. Innovative the 9/11 Commission, reaching out to tions to seemingly intractable con- people-to-people programs like Seeds of young people, particularly in Arab and flicts. Peace successfully accomplish this other Muslim countries, and offering Mr. Speaker, given that Seeds of goal on a rather modest budget. them hope and a positive vision of the Peace is devoted to promoting peaceful I am proud to support the passage of future. resolution of the world’s most dan- this resolution and urge my colleagues A decade and a half ago, Seeds of gerous conflicts, it is important to to support it. I thank Mr. PAYNE for al- Peace, founded by the late John Wal- note that the allocation of vital and lowing me to make these statements. lach, envisioned a handful of Israeli, scarce resources contributes to con- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian flicts around the globe. In the Middle I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. teenagers coming together in the East, oil and natural gas resources en- 337, ‘‘Honoring the Seeds of Peace for its woods of Maine and breaking down bar- able many authoritarian governments 15th Anniversary as an Organization.’’ I would riers of mistrust. Since its inaugural to resist reform and to finance desta- like to thank my colleague Congressman

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ALLEN for introducing this important resolution, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in to participate in the effort to honor the sac- which I am proud to cosponsor, as well as the supporting this resolution, honoring Seeds of rifices of America’s disabled veterans; and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Peace for its fifteen years of promoting rec- (4) supports the goals and ideals of Dis- abled American Veterans Week. Congressman BERMAN, for his leadership in onciliation, coexistence, and peace among bringing this resolution to the floor today. youth of the Middle East and other conflict The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. Speaker, fifteen years ago, in 1993, areas. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Seeds of Peace hosted its first international Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Florida (Ms. CORRINE BROWN) and the conflict resolution camp. In that first year, have no further requests for time, and gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. amidst regional conflict and fighting a history I yield back the balance of my time. SCALISE) each will control 20 minutes. of hatred, the organization brought together Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I have no The Chair recognizes the gentle- Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian further requests for time, and I yield woman from Florida. youth. Founded by journalist John Wallach, back the balance of my time. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Seeds of Peace initially brought together 46 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time Israeli and Arab youth. Since that time, Seeds question is on the motion offered by as I may consume. of Peace has offered summer camps for the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. With House Concurrent Resolution youths from conflict regions around the world PAYNE) that the House suspend the 336, we honor the sacrifices and con- and from the United States, involving young rules and agree to the concurrent reso- tributions made of our disabled vet- people from the initial countries as well as lution, H. Con. Res. 337. erans. The current wars in Iraq and Af- from Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, the Balkans, The question was taken; and (two- ghanistan have added well over 30,000 India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These sum- thirds being in the affirmative) the of our sons and daughters to the roles mer camps have made enormous strides to- rules were suspended and the concur- of veterans disabled in defense of our ward fostering cultural and religious under- rent resolution was agreed to. Nation, with the number continuing to standing. A motion to reconsider was laid on grow. Seeds of Peace empowers a new genera- the table. Collectively, there are approximately tion of leaders with the tools they need to f 2.8 million veterans receiving com- overcome prejudice and to communicate and HONORING THE SACRIFICES AND pensation for disability incurred in the negotiate effectively. The summer camps help CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY DIS- line of duty. This resolution calls for these youth to develop empathy, respect, and ABLED AMERICAN VETERANS the establishment of a single week dedicated annually to each and every confidence, while giving their ‘‘enemies’’ a Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. human face. The young people who attend one of our Nation’s disabled veterans. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the What better time would there be for these summer camps are the same people rules and agree to the resolution (H. who will grow up to build a future of peace groups large and small, national and Con. Res. 336) honoring the sacrifices local, private and public, to come to- and stability. There are now nearly 4,000 and contributions made by disabled young Seeds of Peace leaders who are work- gether and remember in their own way American veterans. the sacrifices of the Nation’s heroes? ing to make a positive difference in some of The Clerk read the title of the con- our world’s most troubled regions. Those great Americans gave the most current resolution. for the least. They have earned our As Chair of the Congressional Children’s The text of the concurrent resolution lasting remembrance and much more. Caucus, I strongly believe in investing in our is as follows: children. By doing so, we are investing in our It is far too easy for many to forget H. CON. RES. 336 future. Long-term peace between warring par- the true costs of war, to forget the Whereas the people of the United States ties, including Arabs and Israelis, Indians and deaths of our servicemen and to ignore have a sincere appreciation and respect for the wounds of those who return. It is Pakistanis, and Afghans and Pakistanis, is de- members of the Armed Forces who suffered pendent on the emergence of a new genera- disabling wounds while serving in the United too easy for too many of us to think tion of leaders able and willing to engage in States military; that the cost of war ends when the last constructive dialogue. Whereas there are approximately 2,800,000 soldier returns. By bringing young people from different veterans receiving benefits from the Depart- Our disabled veterans continue to backgrounds together in a recreational envi- ment of Veterans Affairs for disabilities in- serve our country in so many ways, ronment, Seeds of Peace lays a foundation for curred while defending our Nation; bearing their wounds as a reminder to sustainable peace by facilitating interaction Whereas the current wars in Iraq and Af- all that freedom and liberty are not ghanistan have resulted in 30,000 disabled free. The men and women who return among young leaders before their fears, mis- American veterans as a direct result of com- trust, and inherited prejudices have perma- bat operations, and even more so from condi- wounded and disabled from combat, nently shaped their vision of their ‘‘enemy.’’ tions simulating war, instrumentalities of and service to our Nation, remind us of After spending a summer at camp in Maine, war, and hazardous duty in combat-related the terrible price we pay, not only in participants and teachers continue to interact training; costs measured in dollars, but the costs through regional and international program- Whereas families throughout every State measured in lives lost and changed. ming, furthering the dialogue among and in America have been affected by loved ones It is therefore right and proper that across nationalities. Seeds of Peace supports returning disabled from their service to their we remember the service and sacrifice Nation; of our disabled veterans and pay trib- the development of future leaders. Whereas the American public supports the In addition to these summer camps for chil- brave men and women who have defended the ute and honor to them during this dren from conflict regions, Seeds of Peace freedom of all in America; week of Disabled American Veterans now operates a domestic program called Whereas America owes its very integrity Week. ‘‘Maine Seeds,’’ addressing ethnic and racial to her sons and daughters in uniform, who When called, they answered. When tensions between diverse communities in risk the most for the least, and who epito- needed, they served. All Americans owe Maine. Also, in 2004, Seeds of Peace mize the extraordinary meaning of service, them a debt of gratitude and a heart- launched its ‘‘Beyond Borders’’ initiative, bring- sacrifice, and, most importantly, freedom; felt remembrance for their sacrifice ing teens from additional Middle East coun- and and service. I am reminded of the Whereas Americans should remember and tries, such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, honor our men and women in uniform who words of the first President of the to participate in a cultural exchange program incurred disabilities while defending our Na- United States, George Washington, between American and Arab youth. tion with a Disabled American Veterans whose words are worth repeating at Mr. Speaker, while the Arab/Israeli peace Week: Now, therefore, be it this time. ‘‘The willingness with which process has moved forward haltingly since Resolved by the House of Representatives (the our people are likely to serve in any 1993, Seeds of Peace has grown into a major Senate concurring), That Congress— war, no matter how justified, shall be organization that continues to foster interaction (1) recognizes the great sacrifices made by directly proportioned as to how they disabled veterans and their families; perceive the veterans of earlier wars among thousands of young leaders and edu- (2) calls on the people of the United States cators from around the world. It continues to to honor all disabled American veterans and were treated and appreciated by their build upon the basic premise the prejudices the freedom for which they sacrificed; country.’’ dispelled during youth will be prejudices dis- (3) encourages local, State, and national It is part of my service and duties to pelled for life. organizations and governmental institutions visit the veterans’ hospitals and clinics

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.032 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 in the areas I travel to. I recently vis- struggles that America’s heroes face thousands of men and women who ited the medical center in Puerto Rico, every day and encourage more support served with honor and distinction that dedicated a new clinic in Orange City, for our brave wounded warriors. Congress will see that their memories Florida, and, before that, the Medical I ask my colleagues to join me today and deeds are never forgotten. Center in New Orleans. in recognizing the great sacrifices I thank my colleague, Mr. ALTMIRE, We have been funding the VA and made by disabled American veterans for introducing this resolution. I would veterans health care at record levels, and their families. These heroes epito- hope that all Members of this body can giving the VA the largest increase in mize the meaning of service and sac- support such a worthy passage for dis- funding in the history of the United rifice, and this is the very least we can abled veterans. States. It is our duty to oversee the VA do to honor our Nation’s disabled vet- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. to make sure that they are spending erans. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the the money properly in the best inter- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. ests of our brave men and women who minutes to the gentlelady from Florida LYNCH). defend the rights and freedom of our (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE), the ranking Mr. LYNCH. Firstly, I would like to great Nation. member of the Subcommittee on Over- thank Representative BROWN for gra- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of sight and Investigations. ciously yielding me time for speaking my time. Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- on this important resolution. Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ida. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support strong support of House Concurrent Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of of House Concurrent Resolution 336 a Resolution 336, a measure to honor the H. Con. Res. 336, a commonsense reso- resolution which honors the sacrifice sacrifices and contributions made by lution that expresses support for one of and contributions made by America’s America’s disabled veterans. Through- the greatest segments of the American disabled veterans. The brave men and out our Nation’s history, the men and population, the disabled American vet- women currently serving in our Armed women of our Armed Forces have gone eran. Forces, and the veterans who have put bravely into battle, risking their lives Back home in Florida, I represent on the uniform before them, deserve and livelihoods, sacrificing their safety nearly 110,000 veterans, the second our utmost appreciation for their con- to defend our freedom. highest number of any Member of Con- tinued commitment to the protection When their duty is done, many return gress. As you might guess, many of of this Nation. home to life as it was. these brave men and women are dis- Regrettably, millions of these vet- Sadly, for veterans seriously injured abled, either injured in battle or in the erans have been wounded and disabled in the line of duty, leaving the battle- course of their service in the United while defending the rights and free- field does not mark the end of conflict. States military. doms that uniquely define our country. These permanently disabled soldiers Disabled veterans are cared for by According to the latest statistics pro- often carry home life-changing disabil- military professionals at the VA. They vided by the Department of Veterans ities, harsh reminders of the price of also band together in veterans organi- Affairs, there are approximately 2.9 freedom. zations like the Disabled American million disabled veterans now receiv- By supporting H. Con. Res. 336, we Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of Amer- ing services from the VA. Of the 2.9 will recognize the great sacrifices made ica, or Blinded Veterans Association. million disabled veterans, a total of by disabled veterans and their families. However, there was no Federal rec- 30,000 have served in either Operation We will call upon the people of the ognition in place for Americans specifi- Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring United States to honor disabled Amer- cally to remember the deeds and her- Freedom in Afghanistan. ican veterans and the freedoms for oism of disabled veterans. The great sacrifice that these men which they sacrificed. We will encour- The concurrent resolution before us and women have made on behalf of the age local, State and national organiza- today calls for the establishment of a American people cannot go unnoticed. tions and governmental institutions to Disabled American Veterans Week and American veterans have earned our un- participate in the effort to honor the shows all disabled veterans that Con- dying gratitude and our continued sup- sacrifices of America’s disabled vet- gress does not forget their bravery and port. During last year’s appropriation erans, and we will support the goals actions in service to our great Nation. process, we began to head in the right and ideals of Disabled American Vet- You know, every weekend I returned direction, in my opinion, when Con- erans Week. home to Florida to meet with my congress allocated $87.59 billion to the De- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stituents and hear their needs and con- partment of Veterans Affairs, an $8 bil- support this bill and reserve the bal- cerns and what I can do to serve the lion increase from the previous year. ance of my time. men and women who live in the Fifth 1445 Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Congressional District. b Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the I often hear words of thanks for vot- Of this total, $37.2 billion was pro- gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. ing in support of drilling in ANWR and vided the Veterans Health Administra- ALTMIRE). in the Outer Continental Shelf, or get tion, with $3.6 billion allocated to post- Mr. ALTMIRE. I thank the gentle- asked what Congress is going to do to traumatic stress disorder funding, and woman. stop the outrageous increase in the $189.25 million for traumatic brain in- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong cost of gasoline that we have seen since jury funding, and $500 million for med- support of this resolution establishing our colleagues across the aisle took ical and prosthetic research. Our com- Disabled American Veterans Week. over the House and Senate. mitment to America’s disabled vet- I introduced this resolution to ex- However, the most poignant and erans is exemplified by honoring these press my gratitude and to allow the en- heart-wrenching stories I hear are of- men and women in the present and con- tire Nation to express our gratitude to tentimes from veterans. As you might tinuing to invest in their future. those brave men and women who have expect, I attend dozens of veterans I thank Mr. ALTMIRE for introducing given so much in the name of freedom. events throughout the eight counties this thoughtful resolution and urge my I would especially like to thank Con- in my district. It is, indeed, at these colleagues to join me in supporting gressmen BILIRAKIS, BOOZMAN, LYNCH events that I hear stories of courageous House Concurrent Resolution 336. and the over 100 other original cospon- deeds, heroic actions and lives forever Mr. SCALISE. I yield 3 minutes to sors who joined me in support of this changed by the ravages of war. the ranking member of the Sub- resolution. Disabled veterans have given so committee on Economic Opportunity, Over 2.8 million men and women who much to this Nation with their blood, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. fought for our country have sustained sweat and tears, lying on the battle- BOOZMAN). injuries that have forever changed fields from Germany, to Korea, to Viet- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, as a Na- their lives. It is my hope that by estab- nam, to Iraq and Afghanistan. tion we are blessed with many things. lishing Disabled American Veterans This resolution calling for a Disabled We have a Constitution that sets the Week we will increase awareness of the American Veterans Week shows the standard for freedom around the world.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.074 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5153 We have a land that provides us with taking money from one group of de- rants relief. Balancing the books on bountiful food and superb scenery. But serving veterans to fund benefits for the backs of the very patriots that pro- most importantly, America is blessed others. However, you should also know tected and defended this Nation is un- to have sons and daughters willing to that last month the Senate approved a conscionable. Don’t make a grave mis- put themselves in harm’s way to pro- bill that would cut $912 million in pen- take in the name of fairness, equality, tect the 99 percent of Americans who sion benefits for wartime elderly indi- or even fiscal responsibility. Do what is do not serve. gent severely disabled or housebound right.’’ Unfortunately, that feeling of patri- American veterans. A portion of the I wholeheartedly agree. Congress has otism and sacrifice way too often re- funding saved by this unprecedented an obligation to protect those veterans sults in disability that affects the vet- cut in veterans’ benefits would be used who are the most vulnerable. They eran for the rest of their life. Often, the to fund oversized pensions for noncit- have no voice; and, indeed, many of disability is small. But sometimes the izen, non-resident World War II Fili- them are so severely disabled they are injury, whether physical or mental, has pino veterans and for other veterans’ housebound and require aid and attend- a significant impact on the veteran’s programs. ants. I personally find appalling the no- quality of life and their ability to sup- Mr. Speaker, I believe the country is tion of taking benefits from these dis- port their families. In such situations, probably shocked hearing me say some- abled veterans to create a new benefit the disability has affected more than thing like this. But, Mr. Speaker, we for other veterans, especially those of a just the veteran. As a part of our debt are here on the floor to ask for a des- foreign nation. to these men and women, taxpayers ignation that the country support the There are better ways to fund new compensate them for their injuries and ideals for which men and women fought entitlements than to cut benefits from provide a range of benefits unmatched for and are now disabled, while in the aging veterans who need us most, vio- in any other country. But we can and same stroke this very Congress wants lating the principle of honor that de- should do something more symbolic of to cut veterans’ benefits from those fined their service and our obligation disabled veterans’ service to the Na- very same people when they are asking to both them and the Nation they tion, and that is to designate a week the country to celebrate their ideals. served. I believe that our veterans are our that will remind Americans that dis- The bill that was in the Senate is country’s most precious asset. I also abled veterans are with them every Senate 1315. There was a bill here in believe that those are the ideals for day. the House, H.R. 760. That bill was voted By giving disabled American vet- out of the House Veterans’ Affairs which you seek to recognize in the bill that is before us. I would remind every erans the recognition of a week named Committee on a party-line vote. That Member who votes in support of this in their honor, we demonstrate to the hardly ever happens. A party-line vote bill, please recognize that when you American people the importance of the hardly ever happens in the Veterans’ come to the floor and there is pre- sacrifices made by disabled veterans Affairs Committee. sented to you a Senate amended bill and their families. This is a way to They voted to eliminate a special that would repeal the special monthly honor our disabled veterans, and I cer- monthly pension for severely disabled pension for the Nation’s most vulner- tainly urge all of my colleagues to sup- veterans over 65 who are receiving pen- able veterans, those of whom are war- port this resolution. sions for wartime services. The special time elderly, indigent, disabled and Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. monthly pension provides an additional homebound, that you remember the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of payment of up to $2,200 per year to the vote you cast this day. Because if you my time. most severely disabled veterans. In embrace to defend these disabled vet- Mr. SCALISE. I yield such time as he 2006, the United States Court of Ap- erans who sacrificed for the ideals and may consume to the gentleman from peals for Veterans Claims overturned the heritage of this country, do not cut Indiana (Mr. BUYER), the ranking mem- the Department of Veterans Affairs de- their veterans’ benefits. ber of the committee. cision that denied the special monthly It was done in committee. It was Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentleman pension to an 86-year-old legally blind done in the Senate. We have to defend for yielding. World War II veteran, Robert A. the most vulnerable and those who do As the ranking member of the House Hartness, who was also receiving a VA not have a voice. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I have pension granted to low-income, dis- I support what is in front of us, but I an obligation to help ensure that vet- abled veterans. do not support the rationale of inocula- erans and their families have access to The court reversed the VA’s denial of tion before you bring a bill to this floor the benefits and services they so richly benefits to Mr. Hartness and required that will cut a billion dollars from deserve. More importantly, I have been them to begin paying this special these wartime elderly, disabled indian advocate for military members and monthly pension. The court held that gent veterans. veterans almost my entire life. I have the United States law requires an Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. been in uniform for 28 years while I award of a special monthly pension to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of served the last 16 years in Congress. It a veteran eligible for VA nonservice- my time. is a great part of who I am. connected disability pension if, in addi- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, for thou- We have before us this House resolution to being at least 65 years old, the sands of our Nation’s soldiers, sailors, tion to create a disabled veterans veteran has a disability rating of at airmen and marines, the sacrifices of week. Now we should pause for a mo- least 60 percent or is permanently war far outlast the war itself. There ment and say why is Congress bringing housebound. are more than 2 million veterans with this bill to the floor at this time? You The Senate bill, S. 1315, would over- service-connected injuries or illnesses, see, I view this bill on the floor at this ride the court decision legislatively, including thousands who have returned time as an inoculation. It is an inocu- and it is also what H.R. 760 sought to from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. lation because the Democrats who con- do. According to the VA, more than Thanks to advances in medical science, trol this Congress want to bring a bill 20,200 veterans could be affected by this the vast majority of American service- to the floor where it will cut a monthly unprecedented cut in veterans’ bene- members wounded in combat survive pension to wartime elderly disabled fits. traumatic events that would have and indigent veterans in the amount of This cut in veterans’ benefits that proven deadly in previous wars. a billion dollars. So before the Demo- goes to the disabled is opposed by the Previous generations of veterans crats take a billion dollars away from American Legion, AMVETS, the Na- have come home wounded from battle- disabled veterans, they want to stand tional Association of Uniformed Serv- fields in Europe, the Korean peninsula, and say I put my arms around disabled ices, and other veterans’ service orga- and the jungles of Vietnam. They have veterans, and we are going to create a nizations. The following excerpt is returned to America with permanent week for America to celebrate them. from an April 25, 2008, letter to all damage to limb or spirit. I am going to blow the whistle on Members of Congress from the Amer- Today’s veterans of Operation Endur- you. I believe that it is a matter of ican Legion: ‘‘The American Legion being Freedom and Operation Iraqi Free- principle that the Nation should not be lieves the sacrifice of these heroes war- dom are suffering tragic injuries from

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.076 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 IED attacks and other hazards that are Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in rules and agree to the resolution (H. filling our military hospitals with vic- strong support of H. Con. Res. 332, which rec- Res. 1235) expressing support for the tims who have lost limbs, with severe ognizes the 60th anniversary of the Universal designation of National D-Day Remem- burns, and with head injuries. Declaration of Human Rights. On December brance Day, and recognizing the spirit, We owe a debt of gratitude to all of 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assem- courage, and sacrifice of the men and these veterans whose physical or psy- bly came together to pass the Universal Dec- women who fought and won World War chological well-being was permanently laration of Human Rights, which serves as a II. damaged in service to their country. set of standards for all people and all nations The Clerk read the title of the resolu- In my own district, disabled veterans of the world to strive toward. tion. have also had to endure the closing of Drawing upon principles from both the U.S. The text of the resolution is as fol- the Southeast Louisiana VA Hospital Constitution and the Declaration of Independ- lows: due to damage from Hurricane Katrina. ence, the Universal Declaration of Human H. RES. 1235 As a result, approximately 212,000 vet- Rights recognizes the fundamental human Whereas June 6, 2008, marks the 64th anni- erans in a 23-parish area in southeast rights bestowed to each person on this Earth versary of D-Day, the day of the beginning of Louisiana have to travel up to 4 hours regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Ron- the Allied assault against the Axis forces at to go to other VA hospitals just to re- Normandy, France, during World War II; ald Reagan once described the U.S. Constitu- Whereas the D-Day assault, codenamed Op- ceive basic care. And as we all know, tion as ‘‘a kind of covenant. It is a covenant eration Overlord, was the most extensive gas prices are now topping $4 a gallon, we’ve made not only with ourselves but with amphibious invasion ever to occur, and in- which further adds to the cost our dis- all of mankind.’’ The Universal Declaration of volved 5,000 ships, over 11,000 sorties of Allied abled veterans are facing when they Human Rights shines light in the darkest cor- aircraft, and 150,000 American, British, and travel to and from VA facilities for ners of the world and reminds those in the Canadian troops on the first day of the oper- their health care. most desperate of situations that every person ation; I want to express as well how gravely is entitled to respect and dignity. Whereas the D-Day assault was among the concerned I am at the high cost of fuel It has been my distinct privilege to serve as most important events of World War II, as the success of the Allied landings in Nor- and how it is affecting their ability to co-chair of the Congressional Human Rights mandy provided the foothold for the libera- stretch their limited pension and com- Caucus for the past 7 years. The Caucus was tion of France and the eventual Allied ad- pensation dollars. I call on the Demo- founded in 1983 by the late Congressman vancement into Germany, leading ulti- cratic leadership in Congress to step Tom Lantos and former Congressman John mately to the Allied victory in Europe; forward and join us to help these dis- Porter for Members of Congress to work to Whereas the brave men and women of our abled veterans by addressing this prob- defend the rights of individuals worldwide as armed services who participated in the D- lem and enacting a strong national en- defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Day assault forever changed the course of ergy policy that increases supply to Rights. history by starting the liberation of occupied Europe from Nazi Germany; lower gas prices. With the passage of this important resolu- Whereas 5 separate beaches were assaulted, I want to thank my colleagues in the tion, I reaffirm my commitment to serve as a with American forces under the command of House for passing the VA Medical Fa- voice for the voiceless and continue to ensure Lieutenant General Omar Bradley attacking cility Authorization and Lease Act au- that human rights remains a priority in the Omaha and Utah beaches, and British and thorizing $625 million for Southeast U.S. Congress. Canadian forces under the command of Gen- Louisiana VA Hospital that was closed GENERAL LEAVE eral Miles Dempsey attacking Gold, Juno, down due to damage caused by Hurri- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. and Sword beaches; cane Katrina. And I want to specifi- Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Whereas according to General Dwight D. cally recognize the leadership of Chair- Eisenhower, American troops would ‘‘accept that all Members may have 5 legisla- nothing less than full victory’’; man BOB FILNER and Ranking Member tive days in which to revise and extend Whereas American troops displayed tre- STEVE BUYER in passing this critical their remarks and include extraneous mendous heroism, dedication, and strength legislation. material on H. Con. Res. 336. in storming the beaches of Normandy Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there against a heavily fortified enemy; abled veterans for their sacrifice and objection to the request of the gentle- Whereas American troops suffered signifi- contributions to the cause of freedom. woman from Florida? cant losses during the assault, including over The intent of this bill is to express There was no objection. 6,500 casualties; America’s eternal gratitude to these Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Whereas June 6, 1944, is one of the most Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests significant dates in the history of the United courageous heroes, and I urge all of my States; colleagues to support it. America’s dis- for time, and I yield back the balance Whereas the National D-Day Museum was abled veterans have honored us with of my time. dedicated on June 6, 2000, in New Orleans, their service and selfless duty. We The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Louisiana; should honor them by passing this res- question is on the motion offered by Whereas Congress designated the museum olution. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. as ‘‘America’s National World War II Mu- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance CORRINE BROWN) that the House sus- seum’’ in 2003; of my time. pend the rules and agree to the concur- Whereas the museum has welcomed Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 336. 1,800,000 visitors since its opening, and cur- The question was taken. rently sees an average of 17,000 visitors a want to be clear, Mr. Speaker and month; Members of the House, House Concur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Whereas the National World War II Mu- rent Resolution 336 honors the sac- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being seum is the only museum in the United rifices of the disabled veterans, and I in the affirmative, the ayes have it. States that exists for the exclusive purpose urge all Members to support it. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. of interpreting the American experience dur- I am very proud of the fact that we Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas ing World War II on both the homefront and have just passed the largest VA budget and nays. battlefront and, in doing so, covers all the in the history of the United States of The yeas and nays were ordered. branches of the Armed Forces and the Mer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- chant Marines; America. Now a lot of times people Whereas the museum interprets the Amer- talk the talk, but we as Members of ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair’s prior announcement, further ican experience during World War II, cele- this body need to walk the walk for the brates the American spirit, recognizes the veterans. And when I said that I have proceedings on this motion will be teamwork, optimism, courage, and sacrifice visited the facilities in Puerto Rico postponed. of the men and women who won World War and St. Thomas, I have also visited the f II, and promotes the exploration and expression of these values by future generations; facilities in Louisiana, and I made sure b 1500 that we put the money into the budget and Whereas it would be appropriate to des- so we could rebuild that facility for NATIONAL D-DAY REMEMBRANCE DAY ignate June 6, 2008, as National D-Day Re- veterans in that area. membrance Day: Now, therefore, be it I urge my colleagues to unanimously Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Resolved, That the House of Representa- support H. Con. Res. 336. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the tives supports the designation of National D-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.078 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5155 Day Remembrance Day, recognizes and hon- across the globe. It is fitting that we States that exists for the exclusive ors the veterans who served on D-Day, and recall these accomplishments, and this purpose of interpreting the American thanks them for their spirit, courage, and day, and the service and sacrifice that experience during World War II. It cele- sacrifice. hastened the end of World War II. brates the American spirit, recognizes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The world still looks to us for leader- the teamwork, optimism, courage and ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from ship for leadership and to be a beacon sacrifices of the men and women who Florida (Ms. CORRINE BROWN) and the to illustrate the path ahead. Let us al- won World War II, and promotes the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. ways strive to provide this light, this exploration and expression of these val- SCALISE) each will control 20 minutes. leadership and this wisdom to do what ues by future generations. The Chair now recognizes the gentle- is right. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to woman from Florida. Last August I had the honor and support this resolution, and I reserve Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. privilege to visit the Normandy Amer- the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time ican Cemetery and Memorial in Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. I as I may consume. France. While there I laid a wreath of yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, last week, on June 6, we flowers in honor of the soldiers that Wisconsin (Mr. OBEY). celebrated the anniversary of one of fought and died at Normandy and vis- Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, no one can our greatest military accomplishments ited the graves of Floridians who gave visit the American cemetery at Nor- and an historic event that changed the their life fighting the Nazis. mandy without gaining a profound ap- face of our Nation and the world. Tori Robinson, an American gospel preciation for the courage and the On June 6, 1944, the largest seaboard singer based in Paris, also a con- sense of self-sacrifice demonstrated by invasion in history began the 2-month stituent of mine, sung at the cere- every one of our soldiers who fought to Battle of Normandy. The D-day inva- mony. Her version of God bless Amer- take that beach and begin the libera- sion began during the night, and con- ica brought people from all over the tion of Europe. tinued with air and naval attacks and memorial. There this honor was shared For years, families who went to that an amphibious attack in the early by all visitors in this holy place. cemetery to think about their loved morning hours. I want to take a special note to ones, think about their loss and, at the The D-day operation of June 6, 1944 honor Chairman OBEY and Chairman same time, think about their pride, had brought together the land, air and sea MURTHA for their hard work in getting a totally inadequate place in which to forces of the Allied armies in what be- funds for this new Normandy Visitors sit and think or perhaps retreat from come known as the largest invading Center appropriated. My visit to this the rest of the people around them for force in human history. Operation center followed theirs, which was just a few precious moments. And I am so Overlord landed five naval assault divi- dedicated on June 6, 2007, the 63rd anni- pleased that I was able to work with sions to the beaches of Normandy, versary of D-day. Congressman MURTHA, with Congress- code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno This visitors center truly paid trib- man WALSH, with Congressman HOB- and Sword. ute to the soldiers who stormed those SON, in order to provide the funding for The invasion force included 7,000 beaches and gave visitors a true sense the new visitors center which is now at ships and landing craft manned by of what these men and their loved ones that location. It is a spectacularly 195,000 Navy personnel from eight Al- was going through during the war that beautiful, and yet subtle tribute to lied countries. Almost 133,000 troops led up to the D-day invasion. each and every American who fought I encourage all Americans to visit from England, Canada and the United there. this hallowed site. Most of the visitors For years, that visitors center did States landed on D-day. Casualties dur- are from Europe and come to honor the not tell an adequate story of the sense ing the landing was over 10,000. sacrifice of the young Americans made of self-sacrifice that was exhibited in New Orleans is the home of a wonder- for their freedom. those days. Now it finally does, and I ful museum, the National World War II Many brave men and women died on think it will serve as an inspiration, Museum. This museum opened its this day, 64 years ago, to restore the not just to every American who visits doors on June 6, 2000, and paid tribute freedom we enjoy today. Here rests in that site, but also to every person from not only to the D-day but all of the ef- honored glory a comrade in arms only any part of the world who values free- forts in World War II. One of the rea- God knows, reads just one of the 9,387 dom and values sacrifice. sons it is located in New Orleans is it grave markers at the American ceme- I know of no monument that is more was the home of Andrew Jackson Hig- tery in Normandy, France. We honor eloquent in paying tribute to both than gins. them by remembering and this resolu- that monument, and I think it’s fitting The historian, Steven Ambrose, re- tion calls us to remember. that we pass a resolution, again, prais- ported that General Eisenhower once Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ing the courage and the dedication of told them that Higgins was the man my time. the Americans who fought to make the who won the war for us. Eisenhower ex- Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in entire world free. plained to him that if Higgins had not support of House Resolution 1235, a Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I am designated and built the LCVPs, we measure expressing support for the des- going to yield 3 minutes to the ranking never could have landed over the open ignation of National D-Day Remem- member of the Subcommittee on Eco- beach. The whole strategy of the war brance Day, and recognizing the spirit, nomic Opportunity, Mr. BOOZMAN from would have been different. courage and sacrifice of the men and Arkansas. According to the National World War women who fought and won World War Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want II Museum, the Higgins work force was II. D-day is one of the most significant to thank Mr. SCALISE for bringing this the first in New Orleans to be racially days in our Nation’s history, and we forward. It’s important for us periodi- integrated. This work force shattered should never forget the bravery and de- cally to pause and think about the tre- production records, turning out more termination displayed on the beaches mendous sacrifice, especially while the than 200,000 boats, including 12,500 of Northern France. men and women that made all of this LCVPs, or Landing Craft, Vehicle, Per- This resolution also recognizes the possible are still with us, that we can sonnel, by the end of the war. National World War II Museum in New pause and just think of the sacrifice General Eisenhower’s D-day message Orleans. The museum was dedicated in that they did on this day. read: You are about to embark upon 2000 as the National D-Day Museum, I also want to welcome Mr. SCALISE the greatest crusade, toward which we and later in 2003, Congress designated to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee have strived these many months. The the museum as America’s National again, that he has volunteered to be- eyes of the world are upon you, and World War II Museum. The museum come a part of that committee and to hopes and praise of liberty-loving peo- has welcomed 1.8 million visitors since work in a very bipartisan way so that ple everywhere march with you. its opening, and currently sees an aver- we can do our best for veterans. The world still recalls D-day, and the age of 17,000 visitors a month. On June 6, 1944, the United States efforts of the United States and our Al- The National World War II Museum participated in the largest seaboard in- lies to end fascism in Europe and is the only museum in the United vasion in history. Countless men and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.031 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 women served their country that day, for the Louisiana Honor Air Program, States. Rather, he is depicted as the and I stand before you to ask for your which helps our World War II veterans, Supreme Allied Commander, the first support for the designation of National many themselves D-day survivors, visit leader of combined forces in the his- D-Day Remembrance Day. the World War II memorial for the first tory of warfare. And he’s standing Preparations for D-day began long time. there with a gesture that commemo- before June 6, 1944. In fact, discussions The D-day assault was the most ex- rates a photograph that was taken at about an allied invasion began in 1942. tensive amphibious invasion in history. the time that he went to go see the The Germans expected an invasion Its success was a shining example of paratroopers he was sending off to war. along the north coast of France and the strength and professionalism of our You have to understand. He realized built up forces along the narrowest armed services. that maybe as many as six or eight out portion of the channel. However, the As our thoughts and prayers go out of every ten that he looked at were Allies planned to land just south of the to our young men and women who fight going to die, and they were going to die German build-up. In order to execute a for us in Iraq and Afghanistan, we pay because he was sending them into bat- successful campaign, our men and tribute to their predecessors by sup- tle. But he had the courage as a leader women, along with Allied forces in porting this resolution to designate a to look them in the face, to talk to other countries, not only had to plan National D-Day Remembrance Day. them before they went off to war and an attack, but also to contend with Louisiana played a huge part in the to give them the best that he could. many of the same issues we ourselves Allies’ success at D-day. Indeed the And then, remarkably, after he had are faced with today. amphibious Higgins boat itself was de- addressed them, he got back into his War planners projected 5,000 tons of veloped in Louisiana and based on military automobile and turned to his gasoline would be needed daily for the boats built to navigate our swamps and aide and gave him a piece of paper. And first 20 days after the initial invasion. marshes. For this reason, New Orleans on that piece of paper, General Eisen- 3,489 tons of soap would be needed in is home to the National D-Day Museum hower had written out a statement; the first four months after the inva- and is designated by Congress as Amer- and he said, If this fails, I want this sion. Approximately 300 planes would ica’s National World War II museum. statement to be read. And what was drop bombs along the coast of Nor- I support the resolution, and strongly the statement? It gave all support and mandy. Six parachute regiments, in- encourage this House to designate June all honor to the men who served under cluding 13,000 men, needed to be trans- 6, 2008, as National D-Day Remem- him, and he took all blame and respon- ported. 5,000 vessels would transport brance Day. sibility for its failure. What a remark- men and 30,000 vehicles across the b 1515 able example of leadership at that English channel. time. It’s clear that the efforts that led to Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 Today, when we hear the first re- D-day and the many days afterward minutes to the gentleman from Cali- sponse from many people, I don’t care were that of dedicated men and women fornia (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN). whether they’re in professional sports who sacrificed their jobs, their families (Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- or whether they’re in politics or wheth- and in many cases their own lives to fornia asked and was given permission er they’re in business, when something ensure that the United States of Amer- to revise and extend his remarks.) goes wrong, almost the first instinct is ica and the Allied forces would be suc- Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- to point the finger at somebody else to cessful. fornia. Mr. Speaker, about 6 months say, It wasn’t my job. It wasn’t my re- Words cannot express our gratitude ago I got an unexpected call in my of- sponsibility. for their courage and spirit. However, fice from a fellow named Carlo But Dwight Eisenhower was not that by designating a National D-Day Re- DiVirgilio from Upstate New York. I kind of person. He is the definition of a membrance Day, we can continue to re- had never met the man, and when I got leader. He is one who made the tough member the sacrifice unwavering com- on the phone, he said, I just learned decision to go on June 6, 64 years ago, mitment to our country, and deter- that you were in Congress. I just want- not being guaranteed a success but mination of the men and women who ed to ask you a question. Was your fa- knowing that the risk was worth it. fought and won World War II. I urge ther Dr. Lungren? And I said, Yes, he There was nothing else he could do. my colleagues to remember and honor was. And he said, I served with him in And then saying, If this fails, it is all these men and women by supporting Normandy 60 years ago. on me. this resolution. And he recounted to me some of the Ladies and gentlemen, as we remem- I also want to comment on Mr. OBEY, battles they went through: the Battle ber today that great day, the great sac- what he said in regard to the actual of Senlo, the Battle of Mortain. And he rifice of all, including my father, let us monument. And I’ve had the oppor- talked about the fear that young men remember the example of a great lead- tunity to be there. My daughter, while had at that time as they got up to the er, Dwight Eisenhower, who told us she was vacationing in Europe, in her front lines how they feared death. One what it is to lead: Not for vain glory, early twenties, she and her friends en- of the great things he said to me was, but rather for great purpose. joyed it so much that they actually When we were around your father, we Thank you very much. were just going and planning on spend- felt safe. We felt that we were not Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. ing an afternoon, wound up spending going to die. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the night, and were so impressed with These were young men who were sent my time. the way that everything’s portrayed into battle not knowing whether they Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, last Fri- that, again they did a good job. were going to win but knowing that day, June 6, 2008, marked the 64th anni- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. they had to fight. Had the outcome versary of D-day, one of the most sig- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the been different, history would have nificant days in our Nation’s history. gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. changed. We would not have liberated June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of CAZAYOUX). Europe. D-day is such an important the Allied assault against the Axis Mr. CAZAYOUX. Mr. Speaker, I rise date that we need to commemorate it forces in Normandy, France, and the in support of House Resolution 1235, by as this resolution does. beginning of the end of World War II; my fellow delegation member, Con- It is a date that gives us pause be- and it started the liberation of occu- gressman SCALISE. This resolution cause we understand that when Dwight pied Europe from Nazi Germany. thoughtfully commemorates the sac- D. Eisenhower made the decision to go, The D-day invasion was the largest rifices of our armed services on that it was not certain that it would suc- amphibious assault the world had ever fateful day, 64 years ago on the beach ceed. As a matter of fact, those who seen with more than 5,000 ships and of Normandy. come here to our Nation’s Capitol and over 150,000 American, British, and Ca- I was reminded of that sacrifice when go into the Rotunda, they see a statue nadian troops involved on that single I visited veterans over Memorial Day of Dwight Eisenhower, President of the day. at a ceremony at the USS Kidd in United States. But he is not there de- Mr. Speaker, as a Member who is Baton Rouge. I also attended an event picted as President of the United honored to represent the people of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.083 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5157 Southeast Louisiana, I am proud of the join me in paying tribute to the Na- The question was taken. role that my State played on D-day. In tional World War II Museum in New The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the New Orleans, Andrew Jackson Higgins Orleans for sharing their stories with opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being designed the LCVPs, or the Higgins future generations. For so many years, in the affirmative, the ayes have it. boats, that were used extensively in the Greatest Generation was reluctant Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. World War II for amphibious landings. to share their stories, and fortunately Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Higgins and the 30,000 Louisiana work- for all of us, as time went on, more and and nays. ers of Higgins Industries built and test- more have been willing to open up and The yeas and nays were ordered. ed the Higgins boats in Southeast Lou- give that testimony; and we are so hon- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- isiana during the war. ored to have much of that testimony ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the The Higgins boat was crucial to the collected at the National World War II Chair’s prior announcement, further success of D-day. According to General Museum for future generations to proceedings on this motion will be Eisenhower, the Allies would not have share. postponed. By passing House Resolution 1235, we been able to land on an open beach f without the Higgins boat. General Ei- honor D-day. More importantly, we senhower claimed that Higgins was the honor the men and women of the PROCEDURE FOR CONSIDERATION man who won the war for us. Greatest Generation who made June 6, OF RESOLUTION RAISING A Louisiana is also home to many of 1944, one of the most important days in QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES the brave men and women who fought our Nation’s history, a day that all OF THE HOUSE IF OFFERED and won in World War II. J.J. men can be proud of, a day that all TODAY Witmeyer, who lives in the New Orle- Americans should never forget. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. ans suburb of Hanrahan, participated Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent in the D-day invasion. Mr. Witmeyer of my time. that if the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. served as an infantry soldier and land- GENERAL LEAVE KUCINICH) offers a resolution as a ques- ed on Utah Beach. Mr. Witmeyer de- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. tion of the privileges of the House at scribes his experience of landing at Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent any time on the legislative day of June Normandy on Higgins boats like this: that all Members have 5 legislative 10, 2008— ‘‘When the ramp went down, you were days in which to revise and extend (1) the previous question shall be con- going through the gates of hell . . . you their remarks and include any extra- sidered as ordered thereon without in- didn’t know how deep the water was, neous material on House Resolution tervening motion except one motion to where the beach was and they were fir- 1235. refer; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing at you.’’ (2) the Speaker may postpone further objection to the request of the gentle- Mr. Witmeyer escaped injury that proceedings on such a vote on a motion day but was later wounded twice. He woman from Florida? There was no objection. to refer as though under clause won a battlefield commission as a cap- Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX. tain, served as an acting military gov- support of H. Res. 1235, a resolution to des- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ernor in Dortmund, Germany, and as a ignate National D-Day Remembrance Day and objection to the request of the gentle- commandant of two camps for dis- recognize the spirit, courage, and sacrifice of woman from Florida? placed war victims in Czechoslovakia. the men and women who fought and won There was no objection. It is because of the courage and sac- World War II. One of modern history’s defining f rifice of soldiers like J.J. Witmeyer events, D-day was the climactic engagement and the ingenuity and dedication of in- TO AWARD POSTHUMOUSLY A of the Second World War. On June 6, 1944, dividuals like Andrew Higgins that we CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL an Allied Expeditionary Force representing were successful on June 6, 1944, and TO CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI twelve nations launched more than 5,000 went on to win the war. boats and ships, 11,000 aircraft, 28,000 aerial Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I The brave men and women of our Na- sorties, and landed 150,000 ground troops. move to suspend the rules and pass the tion’s Greatest Generation displayed Among those troops were more than 30 sol- Senate bill (S. 254) to award post- tremendous heroism, dedication, and diers from Bedford, Virginia, a small, rural humously a Congressional gold medal strength and forever changed the community which experienced the highest per to Constantino Brumidi. course of history. General Dwight D. capita loss rate of any community in the The Clerk read the title of the Senate Eisenhower said we would ‘‘accept United States on D-day. For this reason, Bed- bill. nothing less than full victory,’’ and our ford is the home to the National D-Day Memo- The text of the Senate bill is as fol- troops did just that. rial, which was dedicated by President Bush lows: Our success did not come without on June 6, 2001. The National D-Day Memo- S. 254 significant losses, however. American rial exists in tribute to the valor, fidelity, and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- forces suffered over 3,300 soldiers killed sacrifice of the Allied Forces on D-day. The resentatives of the United States of America in in action and an additional 3,000 sol- Memorial preserves the lessons and legacy of Congress assembled, diers suffered injury. that fateful day and reminds all who enter it of SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Mr. Speaker, the courage and sac- the heavy price that heartland communities Congress finds the following: rifice displayed by the Allied forces on have paid, and still pay, for freedom. (1) On July 26, 1805, Constantino Brumidi June 6, 1944, should never be forgotten, I urge all members to support H. Res. 1235 was born in Rome, Italy of an Italian mother and we should always remember D-day and honor the great sacrifice of our veterans and a Greek father who inspired him with a and honor the men and women who love of liberty. who served on D-day and in all the other con- (2) While Constantino Brumidi’s Greek an- fought and persevered for the price of flicts that preserved American freedom freedom. D-day will forever be an im- cestry stirred his passion for liberty and citi- throughout our history. zenship, his Italian heritage provided the art portant part of U.S. history, and the Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. styles of the Renaissance and the Baroque day deserves to be recognized. The Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to which influenced the artwork of the United Members of the Armed Forces who par- unanimously support House Resolution States Capitol. ticipated in the invasion are true 1235. (3) Constantino Brumidi became a citizen American heroes. That is why I intro- I have no further requests for time, of the United States as soon as he was able, duced House Resolution 1235 calling on and I yield back the balance of my embracing its history, values, and ideals. Congress to support the designation of time. (4) Beginning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi a national D-day Remembrance Day. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The designed and decorated 1 House and 5 Senate Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to question is on the motion offered by committee rooms in the Capitol, as well as the Senate Reception Room, the Office of the recognize and honor the veterans who the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Vice President, and, most notably, the Presi- served on D-day and join me in thank- CORRINE BROWN) that the House sus- dent’s Room, which represents Brumidi’s suing them for their spirit, courage, and pend the rules and agree to the resolu- preme effort ‘‘to make beautiful the Capitol’’ sacrifice. I also urge my colleagues to tion, H. Res. 1235. of the United States.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.084 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 (5) In 1865, Constantino Brumidi completed The Chair recognizes the gentleman b 1530 in just 11 months his masterpiece, ‘‘The from New York. There is no work in the Capitol more Apotheosis of Washington’’, in the eye of the GENERAL LEAVE impressive or more renowned than Capitol dome. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask (6) In 1871, Constantino Brumidi created ‘‘The Apotheosis of Washington.’’ the first tribute to an African American in unanimous consent that all Members Brumidi completed the fresco in 11 the Capitol when he placed the figure of have 5 legislative days within which to months at the end of the Civil War, Crispus Attucks at the center of his fresco of revise and extend their remarks on this soon after the new dome was com- the Boston Massacre. legislation and to insert extraneous pleted. This absolutely stunning work (7) In 1878, Constantino Brumidi, at the age material thereon. soars 180 feet above the Rotunda floor. of 72 and in poor health, began work on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there To compensate for the distance from Rotunda frieze, which chronicles the history objection to the request of the gen- the floor to the ceiling, Brumidi, who of America. tleman from New York? spent years mastering depth and scale, (8) On February 19, 1880, Constantino There was no objection. Brumidi died at the age of 74, four and a half painted 15-foot tall figures so that the Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I work could be appreciated from the Ro- months after slipping and nearly falling from yield myself such time as I may con- a scaffold while working on the Rotunda tunda floor. frieze. sume. Another Brumidi masterpiece, ‘‘The (9) Constantino Brumidi, proud of his artis- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Frieze of American History,’’ appears tic accomplishments and devoted to his of S. 254 which would posthumously just underneath the dome and spans adopted country, said, ‘‘My one ambition and award the Congressional Gold Medal to the entire 360 degrees of the Capitol my daily prayer is that I may live long Constantino Brumidi and would au- Rotunda. The frieze, which initially enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the thorize the striking of duplicate med- one country on earth in which there is lib- looks to be carved or sculpted, as all als for sale to the public. who view it believe it to be three di- erty.’’. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who mensional, was, in actuality, meticu- (10) Constantino Brumidi’s life and work work here in the Capitol, we are very lously painted with the use of scaf- exemplify the lives of millions of immigrants fortunate to be surrounded by who came to pursue the American dream. folding. While Brumidi first sketched a Constantino Brumidi’s genius every SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. design of the frieze in 1859, Congress day. Brumidi’s awesome, inspiring mu- (a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZED.— did not authorize work to begin on this (1) IN GENERAL.—The Speaker of the House rals and frescos are remarkable as they are ubiquitous. Constantino Brumidi’s piece until 18 years later, in 1877. of Representatives and the President Pro The work masterfully displays Amer- works can be found in three Senate Ap- Tempore of the Senate shall make appro- ica’s history, beginning with the land- priate arrangements for the posthumous propriations Committee rooms, the ing of Christopher Columbus and con- presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold House Appropriations Committee tinuing to the discovery of gold in Cali- medal of appropriate design to Constantino room, the Senate Democratic Policy fornia. While many visitors to the Cap- Brumidi, in recognition of his contributions Committee room, the Brumidi cor- to the Nation. itol have seen Brumidi’s genius in the ridors, the Senate reception area, the (2) DISPLAY OF MEDAL IN CAPITOL VISITOR frieze over the years, they may not re- Office of the Vice President and, of CENTER.—The Architect of the Capitol shall alize that he nearly lost his life while arrange for the gold medal presented under course, the Rotunda. Like his master- ful works throughout the Capitol, painting it. While working on a figure this subsection to be displayed in the Capitol of William Penn, 76-year-old Brumidi Visitor Center, as part of an exhibit hon- Constantino Brumidi’s story is unique- oring Constantino Brumidi. ly American. fell from the scaffolding, but saved (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For purposes of Brumidi was born in Rome in 1805 to himself by clinging to the rung of a the presentation referred to in subsection an Italian mother and a Greek father. ladder for 15 long minutes before he (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred His artistic ability was cultivated at was rescued. While he subsequently as- to in this Act as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall an early age. In his early years, he was cended the scaffolding once more to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, continue his work, he died a few devices, and inscriptions to be determined by commissioned to paint frescos and mu- the Secretary. rals in various Roman palaces. And months later in 1880. It took two addi- SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. then in 1849, as did so many of our an- tional artists and 73 years to finish the The Secretary may strike and sell dupli- cestors, Brumidi, who was already an masterpiece that Constantino Brumidi cates in bronze of the gold medal struck pur- established artist in Italy and who first began. suant to section 2 under such regulations as spent 3 years working for Pope Gregory Mr. Speaker, Constantino Brumidi’s the Secretary may prescribe, at a price suffi- XVI in the Vatican, migrated to the service to the Capitol, and our country, cient to cover the cost thereof, including United States and began a new life in span the administration of six, six labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and New York City. There he proudly be- Presidents: Franklin Pierce, James Bu- overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold chanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew medal. came a naturalized American citizen in Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford SEC. 4. STATUS OF MEDALS. 1852. (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—The medals struck It was on a return trip from Mexico B. Hayes. On and on, Brumidi worked. under this Act are national medals for pur- that Constantino Brumidi first saw the All of us here in the Capitol that have poses of chapter 51 of title 31, United States U.S. Capitol. It was a fortuitous twist the privilege of working in this living Code. of fate: at a time when Congress and museum, as well as the millions of visi- (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of President Franklin Pierce were pre- tors that tour our building each year, section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, who admire and relish Brumidi’s all medals struck under this Act shall be paring to expand the Capitol, a word- considered to be numismatic items. class Italian American artist, who just works, but precious few know the story SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; happened to be passing through Wash- of the artist of the Capitol. PROCEEDS OF SALE. ington, inspired by both the freedoms In addition to awarding Constantino (a) AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS.— and liberties represented by the seat of Brumidi with the Congressional Gold There is authorized to be charged against the Congress and the vast open spaces in Medal, S. 254 directs the Architect of United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, the Capitol that seemed to invite the Capitol to display the gold medal such amounts as may be necessary to pay for frescos and murals, offered his services as an exhibition in the new visitor’s the costs of the medals struck pursuant to center dedicated to Brumidi’s life and this Act. to Quartermaster General Montgomery (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received C. Meigs. Wisely, Meigs commissioned work. I believe such an exhibit is long from the sale of duplicate bronze medals au- Brumidi to become the artist of the past due and would be to the benefit of thorized under section 3 shall be deposited Capitol. future generations of Americans who into the United States Mint Public Enter- Brumidi’s first work was in the Agri- come to see the Capitol and admire the prise Fund. cultural Committee room. This mas- brilliant works of Constantino The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- terpiece received such favorable atten- Brumidi, reminding us yet again that ant to the rule, the gentleman from tion that he was given a raise and we are a Nation built by immigrants. New York (Mr. ACKERMAN) and the gen- tasked with painting other larger Mr. Speaker, Constantino Brumidi tlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. works culminating with the works in was a great son of Italy and a great CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. the Capitol Rotunda. American. His achievements are a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.033 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5159 great source of pride for Italian Ameri- On February 19, 1880, at the age of 74, edifice of freedom that everyone knows cans, and S. 254 would bestow Brumidi, Constantino Brumidi died four-and-a- all over the world. and the Italian American community, half months after falling from a scaf- In 25 years, from 1854 to 1879, he deco- with the recognition the artist’s great folding while working on the Rotunda rated the Capitol with murals and contributions so rightly deserve. frieze that chronicles the history of frescos. His frescos in this Capitol were Special thanks are due to Represent- America. He spent his entire time in probably the first true frescos to be ative BILL PASCRELL from New Jersey, this country contributing and attempt- painted in the United States of Amer- the main sponsor of this bill that we ing to fulfill his life’s goal. He said, ica. have before us in the House today. ‘‘My one ambition and my daily prayer Brumidi believed that the classical And I’d like to acknowledge the hard is that I may live long enough to make architecture of the Capitol Building re- work and dedication of somebody who beautiful the Capitol of the one coun- quired real fresco, like the palaces of visits us here in the gallery today, Mr. try on Earth in which there is liberty.’’ Augustus and Nero, and the baths of Speaker, Joseph Grano, who’s the As we stand here today and walk Titus and Livia at Rome, and the ad- president of the Constantino Brumidi these halls, it is clear to all that mired relics of the painting at Society, for his long and tireless efforts Constantino Brumidi accomplished his Herculaneium and Pompei. on this behalf. goal. His art drew heavily on his training Mr. Speaker, this is a great day for This bill awards Constantino Brumidi and experience in Rome, incorporating those who love fine art, creativity, the Congressional Gold Medal for his the history and symbols of the United American history, and who appreciate contribution. The medal will be dis- States into his classical repertoire. His the contributions of Italian American played in the Capitol Visitor’s Center most significant influences included immigrants and all immigrants for the as part of a display honoring his work. ancient Greek and Roman wall paint- culture and history of our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge the bill’s imme- ings and Raphael’s classical decoration I reserve the balance of my time. diate passage. in the Vatican. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in I reserve the balance of my time. Although he’s often called the Mi- support of S. 254, a bill to award a Con- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I chelangelo of the Capitol, this immi- gressional Gold Medal honoring the yield 6 minutes to the sponsor of the grant who came here and gave every- great artistic work of Constantino bill, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey. thing to this country, Brumidi perhaps Brumidi on this great Capitol building. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I am should be called the Raphael of the The bill was introduced by Senator very proud to stand in strong support Capitol, since it was Raphael who was ENZI and has 99 cosponsors in the Sen- of S. 254, or H.R. 1609 in the House, to his greatest inspiration. ate, and in the House, a companion bill award this posthumous Congressional Brumidi’s creations in the Capitol was introduced by our colleague, Mr. Gold Medal to Constantino Brumidi Building include his masterpiece, the PASCRELL, which has 307 cosponsors. As we’ve heard much of Mr. which would be displayed in the Cap- allegorical fresco, ‘‘The Apotheosis of Brumidi’s history, he created artworks itol Visitor’s Center. This American Washington,’’ in the 4,664-square foot in the House of Representatives Cham- immigrant was the creator of some of canopy over the eye of the dome, 180 ber, many committee rooms, the Presi- the most beautiful works of art in the feet above the floor of the Rotunda. He dent’s Room, the Senate Chamber, and United States Capitol Building. also painted the extensive frescos in throughout the corridors of the Cap- As the sponsor of the House version the Brumidi corridors throughout this itol. His most famous work within of this bill and as cochair of the Con- Capitol. these halls is ‘‘The Apotheosis of gressional Italian American delega- His last years were spent painting George Washington,’’ which appears on tion, this is an issue very close to me, the historic scenes in the Rotunda the Capitol dome in the Rotunda. Mr. Mr. Speaker. frieze, even carrying out his own his- Brumidi painted these hallowed halls, Now, these things don’t happen in a toric research for his work. and in so doing, he depicted the nar- vacuum. I want to express my sincere Outside of his work in this Capitol, rative that is the vivid history of these gratitude to Senator ENZI and Senator he also was well-connected in the United States. CLINTON, to Congresswoman CAROLYN Catholic church. His commissions in- Born in Italy in 1805, Constantino MALONEY, to Congressman JOHN MICA, cluded altar pieces and murals in im- Brumidi studied at the Italian Acad- to Congressman ZACK SPACE and GUS portant cathedrals in Mexico City, New emy of the Arts. In 1852, at the age of BILIRAKIS, and my very close friend York City, Washington, Baltimore, and 47, he emigrated to America and de- GARY ACKERMAN, JOHN SARBANES, MI- Philadelphia. voted the rest of his years completing CHAEL BURGESS, and RICK RENZI for The consummate American, Brumidi frescoes, sculptures, and paintings in their tireless work in garnering sup- is reported to have remarked: ‘‘My one the Capitol Building. port for this worthy initiative. ambition and my daily prayer is that I The story of Constantino Brumidi is If it were not for the diligent advo- may live long enough to make beau- important not only because he was the cacy efforts of the Constantino tiful the Capitol of the one country on artist who gave life to these walls, but Brumidi Society, the American Hel- Earth which there is liberty.’’ because his story is the American lenic Educational Progressive Associa- Sadly, at the time of his death in story. He was an immigrant to this tion, and the National Italian Amer- 1880, as I said, he was penniless. Fol- country, and he used the skill that he ican Foundation, we would not be lowing his death, his work was roundly had to contribute what he could. In the standing here today. It’s as simple as criticized by the artistic establishment process, he, like millions of others, that. of his day. However, the 1970s, not that built this country into what it is Born in Rome of Italian and Greek far long ago, brought a renewed appre- today. Immigrants built this Nation’s heritage in 1805, Constantino Brumidi ciation for Victorian architecture and building, constructed its factories, fed trained in drawing, painting and sculp- decoration and the growth of the his- its people, and when called upon, de- ture at Rome’s prestigious Accademia toric preservation, and work was done fended its sovereignty. Men and women di San Luca. to restore Brumidi’s art to its former from this great Nation’s inception con- In 1840, this rigorous artistic training glory. Today’s scholars are able to tributed whatever they could to make was put on display when Brumidi and fully comprehend the full extent of his this Nation better. several other artists were commis- talent. Constantino Brumidi contributed his sioned to restore the richly decorated Even though he is long gone, it is im- talents as an artist. And now, because frescos in the Vatican Palace. perative that we fully recognize the of his efforts, we and all who walk He immigrated to the United States transcendental beauty, the intricate through the Capitol may see not only in 1852, with nothing in his pocket, and grace he brought to the building that his talent but this country’s history when he died, he had nothing in his we stand in and that we work in every and be filled with the same sense of pocket. His only objective was to come day. awe and hope that filled those who here and become an American citizen, There is widespread bipartisan sup- walked these halls before us. That, la- and he did that in 5 years. He gave it port for this initiative. You heard how dies and gentlemen, is a wonderful gift. all, as you walk through this beautiful many cosponsors in the Senate, as my

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.088 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 good friend from West Virginia pointed We were led so well by our colleague The Clerk read the title of the resolu- out how many, 307, right here in the and good friend, Representative tion. House of Representatives. What great PASCRELL. And we acknowledge the The text of the resolution is as fol- testimony. hard work of Congressman PASCRELL lows: I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to and also the Hellenic Caucus and the H. RES. 1010 support this legislation and to remem- Italian-American Caucus in getting the Whereas manufactured housing plays a ber the background of this individual, necessary cosponsors. vital role in meeting the housing needs of his Italian and his Greek heritage, and Brumidi was the son of a Greek fa- the people of the United States and is an im- think of all the immigrants when we ther and an Italian mother. He fled portant source of quality, affordable hous- think of Brumidi and his contributions. Rome and immigrated to the United ing, including both homeownership and rent- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield as States in 1852. From 1868 to 1879, he was al housing; much time as he would consume to the a resident in my congressional district Whereas the manufactured housing indus- gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILI- of New York City. And while he was try in the United States has approximately $6,000,000,000 annually in sales and employs RAKIS). there, he painted 43 murals at St. Ste- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you very approximately 70,000 people in factories and phen’s Church, which is in my district, retail centers alone; much. and scholars come from around the Whereas 18,000,000 people in the United Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great world to study his work there, and here States, representing all segments of the pop- pride in support of Senate bill 254 to in the Capitol. ulation, including emerging demographics, posthumously award Constantino He is most famous, however, for his live in manufactured homes; Brumidi the Congressional Gold Medal. artistic achievement here in our great Whereas because it is an important source We have just heard from the previous Capitol. ‘‘The Apotheosis of George of affordable housing, manufactured housing is a critical part of the solution to the ongo- speakers the life and times of this in- Washington’’ on the dome in the Ro- spired artist with whom I’m very proud ing crisis in the housing market in this Na- tunda is one of the highlights of his tion; to share the same Greek heritage. brilliant work. He was called the Mi- Many walk through the halls of Con- Whereas the factory production process chelangelo of the Capitol. provides manufactured housing with techno- gress, but do not know much about the He worked flat on his back on wood- logical advantages, value, and customization man who dedicated most of his profes- en scaffolding through the intense options for consumers seeking quality hous- sional life to beautifying it. summer temperatures, and he created ing and sustainable homeownership; Constantino Brumidi, a Greek and masterpieces throughout our Capitol. Whereas manufactured homes are built to Italian immigrant, came to America in a national standard under the National Man- His artwork can be found in the Cham- search of freedom and opportunity. ufactured Housing Construction and Safety ber, the House of Representatives What he accomplished rivals most any Standards Act of 1974, which governs con- Chamber, several committee rooms, immigrant success story. Constantino struction, engineering, quality, safety, and the President’s Room, the Senate Re- Brumidi’s life and work exemplify the systems performance; ception Room, and truly throughout Whereas that Act supports innovation, lives of millions of immigrants who the corridors of our Capitol. I am consumer safety, efficiency, and quality came to pursue the American dream. thrilled that we are recognizing such while preserving the affordability and b 1545 an outstanding artist and an important customization of manufactured housing; Whereas creating affordable homeowner- Soon after becoming an American contributor to the history of art and ship opportunities helps build communities citizen, Brumidi was commissioned to the history of our Nation. and requires the cooperation of the private decorate the structure which houses The Capitol building is special be- and public sectors, including the Federal the greatest democratic institution in cause of its beautiful architecture and Government and State and local govern- world history. This feat is a testament priceless artistic treasures. Without ments; both to Brumidi’s resolve, and our Brumidi’s influence, tours of the Cap- Whereas the laws of the United States, great Nation’s willingness to embrace itol simply would not be certainly as such as the Manufactured Housing Improve- beautiful or interesting to Americans. ment Act of 2000, encourage manufactured those who want to share in the Amer- housing homeownership and should continue ican dream. He is truly deserving of the honor we to do so in the future; I would also love this award to be ac- are bestowing upon him. Like many Whereas June is designated as National companied with a statue that would immigrants, he has brought many Homeownership Month; and adorn the Capitol Visitors Center. treasures to our country. Whereas the third week of June is recog- That’s why I have introduced H.R. 1313. I thank all my colleagues on both nized as Manufactured Housing Week: Now, A statue of Brumidi, along with a Con- sides of the aisle for their important therefore, be it gressional Gold Medal, will serve as a work in bringing this legislation to the Resolved, That the House of Representa- shining example of American ideals floor. tives— Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield (1) recognizes the importance of manufac- and inspire people everywhere who tured housing in providing decent, sustain- wish to embrace freedom. back the balance of my time. able, and affordable housing; While it has taken over 130 years, it Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I (2) recognizes the importance of manufac- is never too late for the installment of yield back the balance of my time. tured housing in contributing to homeowner- this Gold Medal in recognition of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ship in the United States; contributions of Constantino Brumidi question is on the motion offered by (3) recognizes the importance of home- to the Nation. Congratulations, and I the gentleman from New York (Mr. ownership, including homeownership of man- urge all my colleagues to support this ACKERMAN) that the House suspend the ufactured homes, in building strong commu- bill. rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 254. nities and families; and Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at The question was taken; and (two- (4) recognizes and fully supports the goals and ideals of Manufactured Housing Week this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- thirds being in the affirmative) the and National Homeownership Month. tlewoman from New York (Mrs. rules were suspended and the Senate The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- MALONEY). bill was passed. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I A motion to reconsider was laid on ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- thank my good friend and colleague the table. diana (Mr. DONNELLY) and the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. from the great State of New York for f his hard work on this and so many en- CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. deavors. And I rise today, as the co- RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE The Chair recognizes the gentleman chair and cofounder on the Congres- OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING IN from Indiana. sional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, in THE UNITED STATES GENERAL LEAVE strong support of S. 254, to award post- Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask humously a Congressional Gold Medal move to suspend the rules and agree to unanimous consent that all Members to Constantino Brumidi. the resolution (H. Res. 1010) recog- may have 5 legislative days within I’m so pleased to join 307 of my col- nizing the importance of manufactured which to revise and extend their re- leagues here in this legislative body. housing in the United States. marks on this legislation.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.089 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5161 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there for more than one-quarter of all new build, offering a wide array of designs objection to the request of the gen- housing starts. that can fit the needs of more families. tleman from Indiana? Despite the country’s overall drop in In addition, Congress has passed leg- There was no objection. home prices, the need for quality, af- islation that provides tax credits for Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield fordable housing has never been great- the builders of these homes to meet en- myself as much time as I may con- er. Because it is an important source of ergy efficiency standards. These En- sume. affordable housing, manufactured hous- ergy Star labeled homes are more en- Today, I rise in strong support of ing should be viewed as a critical part ergy efficient and can provide savings House Resolution 1010, a resolution of the solution to the ongoing troubles in the face of rising energy costs. honoring the importance of manufac- in our housing market. Manufactured housing can be a crit- tured housing to our country. Today’s manufactured homes can de- ical component in achieving two of As we celebrate homeownership dur- liver quality dwellings and at prices HUD’s most important priorities, pro- ing the month of June, we also honor ranging from 10 to 35 percent less per viding increased affordable housing, the third week of this month as Manu- square foot than conventional site- and reducing dependencies on sub- factured Housing Month, recognizing built homes. These savings allow more sidized housing. that manufactured homes offer hard- and more Americans to own their own In addition, as a member of the working American families the option home or access affordable rental hous- Homeland Security Committee, I also to purchase quality homes at an afford- ing units. recognize the importance that manu- able price. The manufactured housing industry factured housing can play in the wake This $8 billion a year industry pro- has evolved in the last decade to de- of a natural disaster. Manufactured vides jobs for people not only in the liver a better quality, more affordable housing can provide a quick, safe, and Second District of Indiana, but product. The affordability of manufac- efficient way to house these victims throughout our country. More than 18 tured housing is mainly attributable to and provide families with shelters as million people live in over 10.5 million the efficiency of the factory process. they put their lives back together. homes. I have seen firsthand in my dis- The controlled environment and assem- Owning a home is a large part of the trict how these homes have continued bly-line techniques remove many of American Dream. I support this resolu- a tradition of quality and safe con- the problems of the site-built sector, tion as well as the goals and ideals of struction over the years. They present such as poor weather, theft, vandalism, Manufactured Housing Week. I urge my a high-quality, affordable housing op- and damage to building products and colleagues to vote for the passage of tion for all families. materials stored onsite. Also, factory H.R. 1010. Mr. Speaker, manufactured housing employees are trained, scheduled, and Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would has come a long way over the years, managed by one employer as opposed like to yield such time as he may con- and often people cannot tell the dif- to the system of contracted labor on a sume to my colleague from Indiana ference between a modular home and a site-built sector. (Mr. SOUDER). site-built home. Manufactured homes As a Congress, we must do all we can Mr. SOUDER. I thank the gentlelady. have a factory production process do encourage affordable rental and I rise in support of H. Res. 1010. As a which provides technological advan- homeownership opportunities for all cosponsor of my neighbor and col- tages, value, and customization options Americans. Today’s manufactured league Mr. DONNELLY’s resolution, I ap- for consumers seeking quality housing housing industry helps build commu- preciate his leadership. and sustainable homeownership. nities and supports innovation, con- I very much appreciate Chairman Additionally, manufactured homes sumer safety, efficiency, and quality FRANK’s backing this and Congressman are built to a national standard under while preserving the affordability and CAPITO, and others, because this is an the HUD Code, which governs the con- customization of its housing units. important resolution to recognize the struction, the engineering, the quality, The legislation before us recognizes importance of manufactured housing, safety, and systems performance. The and fully supports the goals and ideals particularly in the third week of June HUD Code supports innovation, con- of Manufactured Housing Week, and I as the Manufactured Housing Week. sumer safety, efficiency, and quality urge my colleagues to support the reso- As you’ve already heard, manufac- while preserving manufactured lution. tured housing is a largely underappre- housing’s affordability and its Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ciated segment of our Nation’s housing customization. my time. industry, even though it uniquely pro- We have all witnessed the ongoing Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield vides both high-quality and affordable turmoil in the housing market, and I as much time as he may need to the co- housing for millions of Americans. believe it is essential that we look to chair of the Manufactured Housing Companies in my district are numer- affordable manufactured housing as a Caucus, Mr. ETHERIDGE of North Caro- ous across northern—and particularly viable solution to this problem. lina. north central—Indiana—the center of Creating affordable homeownership Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank my friend, the recreational vehicles industry, as is one of the fundamental building Congressman DONNELLY, for yielding to well as manufactured housing. Fair- blocks of our society, and it plays a me. mont in Nappanee, Four Seasons in fundamental role in achieving the Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support Middlebury, Patriot in Elkhart, as well American Dream. It helps to provide H. Res. 1010, recognizing the impor- as Liberty in Goshen. Forest River has families with economic security and tance of manufactured housing in the the Hart Homes. We have Coachman. build strong communities. United States. Fleetwood has a huge facility just I urge my colleagues to support this Unfortunately, far too many home- south of Fort Wayne in Decatur, resolution today and pass House Reso- owners are facing difficulties during Schulte Homes. And I could go on with lution 1010. this current National Homeownership a list. Up to 4,000 jobs in the Third Con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Month. Housing prices are dropping, gressional District in Indiana are re- my time. home sales are stagnating, and thou- lated to manufactured housing di- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise sands of families are facing the pros- rectly. today in support of H. Res. 1010, which pect of foreclosure. Most Americans do not understand recognizes the importance of manufac- Manufactured housing can provide a how far this housing industry has de- tured housing in the United States. sustainable and affordable housing al- veloped, and the industry suffers from Manufactured housing plays an im- ternative. Instead of being trapped in many unfair stereotypes. No longer is portant role in meeting this country’s exotic mortgages with high interest manufactured housing the domain of housing needs and is an important rates, many Americans can choose so-called trailer parks on the outskirts source of quality, affordable housing, cost-effective manufactured housing. of town. In fact, many Americans, even including both homeownership and This sector of the housing market has in the typical leafy subdivisions, share rental housing. In recent years, manu- also experienced an evolution in the a fence with a manufactured home and factured housing placements accounted types and quality of homes that they they don’t even know it. For example,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.092 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 this one from Liberty Homes shows the Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I would tion of his unprecedented and enduring island kitchen. You see them with like to yield as much time as he may service to our Nation. vaulted ceilings, four- and five-bed- consume to the gentleman from Flor- The Clerk read the title of the Senate room homes only for 20, 30, $40,000 less ida (Mr. FEENEY). bill. than a site-built home. Mr. FEENEY. I thank the gentlelady. The text of the Senate bill is as follows: b 1600 I thank my good friend, Mr. DONNELLY, and Chairman FRANK. S. 682 For example, a beautiful two-story Manufactured housing, as has been Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- deluxe 2,000-square-foot multisectional said, plays a vital role in meeting the resentatives of the United States of America in home in my district can sell for just needs of families to get affordable, at- Congress assembled, over $100,000, as I said, 10 to 35 percent tractive and safe housing throughout SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Edward Wil- less than a site-built home. They also our country. There are some 18 million gain in energy efficiency. The quality liam Brooke III Congressional Gold Medal Americans that live in manufactured Act’’. of manufactured homes was shown by housing in America. And as the gen- the fact that on the gulf coast, among SEC. 2. FINDINGS. tleman from Indiana just said, the The Congress finds as follows: those that best withstood the high quality and the attractions just get (1) Edward William Brooke III was the first winds of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita better every day. It is an important African American elected by popular vote to were manufactured homes. Indeed, in source of quality affordable housing, the United States Senate and served with some neighborhoods, manufactured distinction for 2 terms from January 3, 1967, and it helps new entry-level buyers as homes were the only ones left standing to January 3, 1979. well as retirees trying to downsize on after the storms blew through. (2) In 1960, Senator Brooke began his public Given manufactured housing’s dual both ends of the housing spectrum, career when Governor John Volpe appointed strength in both superior price and whether getting in for the first time or him chairman of the Boston Finance Com- mission, where the young lawyer established quality, we need to recognize and sa- they’re living perhaps in the last home that they will own. an outstanding record of confronting and lute this industry. It is a frustrating eliminating graft and corruption and pro- time in housing as we look at the those It is a responsible means of homeownership that can play a major role in posed groundbreaking legislation for con- who took advantage in the financing sumer protection and against housing dis- end of people’s ability to repay or over- the solution to America’s affordable crimination and air pollution. valued the homes. But we need to make housing problem. The average price of (3) At a time when few African Americans sure that low- and middle-income peo- today’s manufactured housing hovers held State or Federal office, Senator Brooke ple who are striving for better housing somewhere around $48,000, and in a became an exceptional pioneer, beginning in challenging mortgage market where 1962, when he made national and State his- can still have access to affordable tory by being elected Attorney General of housing, and manufactured housing is fewer and fewer people have access to credit, this is one way to solve the Massachusetts, the first African American in a critical part of that. the Nation to serve as a State Attorney Gen- We have also seen much alarm in problem that many homeowners have. eral, the second highest office in the State, nonscientific facts relating to form- There are lots of homeowners today and the only Republican to win statewide in aldehyde. Formaldehyde is in the wood. throughout America that are losing the election that year, at a time when there It is not in any particular kind of hous- their homes in foreclosure. And yet be- were fewer than 1,000 African American offi- ing. It’s on this House floor. It’s in cause of the affordable nature of manu- cials in our nation. these seats. It’s in the Speaker’s po- factured housing, they have not seen a (4) He won office as a Republican in a state dramatic rise in most places as we have that was strongly Democratic. dium. The question is the size and scale (5) As Massachusetts Attorney General, of the unit because formaldehyde is a in some communities in the rate of Senator Brooke became known for his fear- repellant and an adhesive. And we need foreclosure throughout the country. less and honest execution of the laws of his to have scientific facts. The fact is that Manufactured housing is an important State and for his vigorous prosecution of or- all homes contain wood. It has nothing component of the solution for afford- ganized crime. to do with any particular category. ability and access to the American (6) The pioneering accomplishments of Ed- And many thousands of people can Dream for every American. ward William Brooke III in public service have their jobs endangered because of June is designated as the National were achieved although he was raised in Home Ownership Month. One of the Washington, DC at a time when the Nation’s nonscientific political bashing of par- capital was a city where schools, public ac- ticular categories. Manufactured hous- great choices Americans have is for commodations, and other institutions were ing, in fact, has the same characteris- quality manufactured housing. Again, I segregated, and when the District of Colum- tics in this regard as traditional site- thank the sponsor of the bill. bia did not have its own self-governing insti- built housing. Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield tutions or elected officials. We also need to make sure that as we back the balance of my time. (7) Senator Brooke graduated from Paul look at down payment requirements, Mrs. CAPITO. I yield back the bal- Laurence Dunbar High School and went on and how we deal with very difficult ance of my time and urge passage of to graduate from Howard University in 1941. the bill. (8) Senator Brooke’s enduring advocacy for subjects as we go into the housing mar- self-government and congressional voting ket, that we understand that manufac- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. rights for the citizens of Washington, DC has tured homes, in fact, have the same ap- CAPUANO). The question is on the mo- roots in his life and personal experience as a preciation as site-built homes. It is tion offered by the gentleman from In- native Washingtonian. just often because they are more af- diana (Mr. DONNELLY) that the House (9) Senator Brooke served for 5 years in the fordable, the individuals may not have suspend the rules and agree to the reso- United States Army in the segregated 366th the same income mix. And we need to lution, H. Res. 1010. Infantry Regiment during World War II in figure out a way to make sure that The question was taken; and (two- the European theater of operations, attain- thirds being in the affirmative) the ing the rank of captain and receiving a people have access to good quality Bronze Star Medal for ‘‘heroic or meritorious housing, and that is the American rules were suspended and the resolu- achievement or service’’ and the Distin- Dream. tion, as amended, was agreed to. guished Service Award. I thank the thousands of workers in A motion to reconsider was laid on (10) After the war, Senator Brooke at- my district, Mr. DONNELLY’s district the table. tended Boston University School of Law, and across this entire Nation who are f where he served as editor of the school’s Law providing affordable housing so people Review, graduating with an LL.B. in 1948 and EDWARD WILLIAM BROOKE III can live the American Dream. an LL.M. in 1949, and made Massachusetts Mr. DONNELLY. I want to thank my CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL his home. ACT (11) During his career in Congress, Senator good friend, Mr. SOUDER, from the dis- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Brooke was a leader on some of the most trict right next to me. We work to- critical issues of his time, including the war gether on so many issues. I also thank Speaker, I move to suspend the rules in Vietnam, the struggle for civil rights, the Mrs. CAPITO. and pass the Senate bill (S. 682) to shameful system of apartheid in South Afri- I continue to reserve the balance of award a congressional gold medal to ca, the Cold War, and United States’ rela- my time. Edward William Brooke III in recognitions with the People’s Republic of China.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.093 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5163 (12) President Lyndon B. Johnson ap- (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received That gives you the flavor of the degree pointed Senator Brooke to the President’s from the sale of duplicate bronze medals au- of respect former Senator Brooke en- Commission on Civil Disorders in 1967, where thorized under section 4 shall be deposited joys. his work on discrimination in housing would into the United States Mint Public Enter- Now, I must say for the RECORD that serve as the basis for the 1968 Civil Rights prise Fund. Senator Brooke is a man who is known Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for his modesty. He never expected the (13) Senator Brooke continued to champion ant to the rule the, gentleman from open housing when he left the Senate and be- Congressional Gold Medal. When I ap- came the head of the National Low-Income Massachusetts (Mr. FRANK) and the proached him to tell him I thought he Housing Coalition. gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. deserved it, he warned me away from (14) Senator Brooke has been recognized CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes this effort. But he should have ex- with many high honors, among them the The Chair recognizes the gentleman pected it. President Bush, 4 years ago, Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, an from Massachusetts. awarded Senator Brooke the Nation’s honor that recognizes ‘‘an especially meri- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. highest medal, the Presidential Medal torious contribution to the security or na- Speaker, this bill was sponsored in the of Freedom Award. But after all, Sen- tional interests of the United States, world Senate by our very cherished col- peace, cultural or other significant public or ator Brooke was a Member of the private endeavors’’; the Grand Cross of the league, Senator KENNEDY, who served United States Congress. Order of Merit from the Government of Italy; with former Senator Brooke for many We noted last week the first African a State courthouse dedicated in his honor by years. It has been carried in the House American was nominated for the presi- the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, mak- with great vigor and care by our col- dency by a major party. The country ing him the first African American to have a league from the District of Columbia deserves the self-congratulations it State courthouse named in his honor; the (Ms. NORTON) and I yield her such time took for the distance it has come and NAACP Spingarn Medal; and the Charles as she may consume. that Senator Obama’s nomination sig- Evans Hughes award from the National Con- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank ference of Christians and Jews. naled. (15) Senator Brooke’s biography, Bridging my good friend, the dean of the Massa- We must remember, however, that The Divide: My Life, was published in 2006, chusetts delegation, not only for his Senator Brooke was elected to the Sen- and he is the author of The Challenge of assistance but for his generosity in ate from the State of Massachusetts as Change: Crisis in Our Two-Party System, yielding to me first on this bill that I a Republican. In 1967 our country was published in 1966. sponsored along with him and the en- just starting down the road we are (16) Senator Brooke became a racial pio- tire Massachusetts delegation. traveling and towards the landmark we neer, but race was never at the center of his I have to begin by thanking the saw last week. After all, the 1964 Civil political campaigns. many, many Republicans and Demo- Rights Act had just been passed. The (17) He demonstrated to all that with com- crats who are part of the two-thirds mitment, determination, and strength of 1965 Voting Rights Act had just been character, even the barriers once thought in- that are necessary to award the Con- passed. We are talking 1967, when Sen- surmountable can be overcome. gressional Gold Medal. As you are ator Brooks was first elected. (18) He has devoted his life to the service of aware, it is a pretty arduous process. In 1967 was the beginning of the urban others, and made enormous contributions to this case, it was not because of the un- disturbances known as ‘‘the riots,’’ our society today. derlying substance of the bill, but be- which swept the country even before (19) The life and accomplishments of Sen- cause when Members sign on to a bill Martin Luther King’s assassination, ator Brooke is inspiring proof, as he says, they obviously have to know some- and even before Senator Robert Ken- that ‘‘people can be elected on the basis of thing about it. And you have to go their qualifications and not their race’’. nedy’s assassination. There was an SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. from Member to Member. openly hostile climate to issues affect- (a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZED.—The I am pleased to say that many, in- ing race. And racial attitudes were Speaker of the House of Representatives and deed most, remembered Senator often retrograde. the President pro tempore of the Senate Brooke, who is alive, and I would say Mr. Speaker, I began this effort and shall make appropriate arrangements for the alive and well, if you could talk with began to think about Senator Brooke presentation, on behalf of the Congress, of a him. He has had some illness. I will during the struggle for the D.C. Voting gold medal of appropriate design to Edward speak of it in a moment. Of course, it William Brooke III in recognition of his un- Rights Act because the analogies to precedented and enduring service to our Na- was necessary to remind others of Sen- our struggle and to his seem to me in- tion. ator Edward Brooke who became the escapable. Senator Brooke is a native (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For purposes of first African American elected to the Washingtonian. He spent his entire life the presentation referred to in subsection United States Senate in 1967 pre- in this city. He never left the city until (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter sciently ahead of his time. He was the he went to the Armed Forces of the in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) first popularly elected Black Senator. shall strike a gold medal with suitable em- United States of America. The Senator blems, devices, and inscriptions, to be deter- I thank Members because I never en- grew up in this city when there was no mined by the Secretary. countered a Member who didn’t see example of democracy, much less a SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS. Senator Brooke as a historic figure public official to emulate. There was The Secretary may strike and sell dupli- worthy of the highest award the Con- no vote for President when he grew up cates in bronze of the gold medal struck pur- gress can give, the Congressional Gold in the District of Columbia. There was suant to section 3 under such regulations as Medal. no self-government at all. The city was the Secretary may prescribe, at a price suffi- Senator EDWARD KENNEDY, of whom run by three commissioners from the cient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and the gentleman from Massachusetts Congress of the United States. It had overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold spoke, quickly gathered his two-thirds. been kept a segregated city by the Con- medal. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. gress of the United States. So the SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS. The thoughts and prayers of the Amer- medal for Senator has a double sym- (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—The medals struck ican people have been with him since bolic quality for those of us who live in pursuant to this Act are national medals for his illness was discovered. He quickly the District of Columbia. purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United gathered his two-thirds and passed this What is most amazing about Senator States Code. bill in the Senate. His colleagues un- Brooke is he seemed undaunted by any (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, derstood Senator Brooke’s accomplish- of the so-called barriers he encoun- all medals struck under this Act shall be ments in that ‘‘club,’’ after all. He was tered. The city was as segregated as considered to be numismatic items. able to get not only his colleagues to any southern city in the United States. SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; sign on quickly but to get the bipar- He went to public schools that will be PROCEEDS OF SALE. tisan leadership. The majority leader, familiar to D.C. residents—Shaw Jun- (a) AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS.— Mr. REID, the assistant leader, Mr. ior High School and Dunbar High There is authorized to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, DURBIN were cosponsors. The minority School were still segregated when I was such amounts as may be necessary to pay for leader, Mr. MCCONNELL, was a cospon- graduating. He went to Howard Univer- the costs of the medals struck pursuant to sor. Senators TED STEVENS, JOHN WAR- sity for his college education and then this Act. NER and JOHN KERRY were cosponsors. stayed right here to go to Howard Law

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.035 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 School. How could Senator Brooke by Republicans would mean more to I am grateful for your work and attention have thought of himself as a Senator? me than any honor that I could achieve to voting rights for all Americans. He probably, at the time he was at as an individual.’’ Sincerely yours, Dunbar and at Howard, did not think EDWARD W. BROOKE, I said he was modest. He means it. I U.S. Senator, Retired. about the fact that he would be the think he means that sentiment. I ask first African American attorney gen- that Senator Brooke be awarded the MARCH 21, 2007. eral in the United States and the first Congressional Gold Medal. DEAR FELLOW REPUBLICAN: As a proud life- African American popularly elected to MARCH 21, 2007. long Republican, an African American, and a the Senate. He could hardly have DEAR DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS: I have written native Washingtonian, I was not destined to thought as a Republican who attained to Republican Members of the House as a become a United States Senator when I was life-long Republican and a native Washing- elected in 1966. Yet, I served with some of these offices in a heavily Democratic you as a senator from Massachusetts (1967– State then and now—that that would tonian, who was privileged to serve as the first African American elected by popular 1979). It is the Republican Party that gave be his fate. But he had no fate. He obvi- vote to the U.S. Senate (Massachusetts from me the opportunity not only to run, but also ously had only his own sense of aspira- 1967–1979). I am writing to Democrats as well to serve statewide in offices that even now tion of who he was. to thank you for your long support of voting are still rare for African Americans to During his time in the Senate from rights and home rule for my hometown, and achieve. The Republican Party allowed me not only to represent others. The Republican 1967 to 1979, Senator Brooke was a to ask you to cast your vote for H.R. 1433, Party allowed me to be represented in the the District of Columbia House Voting strong advocate for the rights of D.C. Congress of the United States. I am asking Rights Act of 2007. I grew up in the District residents who had nobody, had got you to do the same for the tax paying citi- when it was as segregated as other Southern home rule only during his time, strong zens of my home town and to vote for pas- cities, including the city’s public schools, advocate for home rule, got a delegate sage of the District of Columbia Voting and I was educated at Howard University. We Rights Act of 2007. during his term, pressed hard for that. had no local or federal rights, even to govern And he has been a major advocate for Last year, I was especially proud to watch ourselves or to vote for President, and no my party lead the passage of the reauthor- the pending D.C. Voting Rights Act, one to represent our concerns in the Con- ization of the historic 1965 Voting Rights Act which again I thank this House for gress. A Democratic Congress changed all of and to see a member of my party, Represent- passing in 2007. He made calls to Sen- that when Democrats and a Republican ative Tom Davis of Virginia, initiate a simi- ators urging passage. And during his president granted the citizens of the nation’s lar bill for the District of Columbia. Now you book tour last year he spoke of the im- capital home rule and a delegate to the have before you another historic voting House. Now you have another historic oppor- portance of passage of the D.C. Voting rights bill. At 87 years of age, I have had rare tunity to grant these tax-paying citizens the privileges and honors as an American, in- Rights Act. His book tour concerned full representation in the ‘‘People’s House’’ cluding the nation’s highest honor gener- the publication of his autobiography, that they deserve. ously given to me two years ago by Presi- ‘‘Bridging The Divide: My Life.’’ At 87 years of age, I have had rare privi- dent George Bush. At a recent press con- b 1615 leges and honors as an American citizen that ference at the Capitol held by senators to few Americans, particularly residents of the celebrate my recently published autobiog- Senator Brooke has breast cancer. District have never enjoyed. At a recent raphy, I learned that members of my con- Speaking of obstacles, he has regarded press conference at the Capitol held by sen- gressional delegation and others were seek- his recovery from this disease as an im- ators to celebrate my recently published ing for me the highest congressional honor, portant obligation to educate men autobiography, I learned that members of the Congressional Gold Medal. I could not about the disease. He obviously has had my congressional delegation and others were help but be overwhelmed, but I had to say that as much as I would appreciate such a some of the illnesses associated with seeking for me the highest congressional honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. I could high honor from my peers, I would place being 88 years old, but I must say his not help but be overwhelmed, but I had to even greater priority on a full House seat for robust mind leads me to believe that he say that as much as I would appreciate such the American citizens who live in my home will attend the ceremony in the Capitol a high honor from my peers, I would place town. This right for citizens of the city Rotunda if we award him this medal. It even greater priority on a full House seat for where I was born and raised was not achieved is an amazing accomplishment that the citizens of my hometown. when I was a member of Congress. Wit- with all these strikes against him, he I was elected as the nation’s first Black at- nessing the District of Columbia obtain the right to be represented in the House with didn’t even seem to notice. torney general and then as the first African American elected by popular vote to the votes cast by many Republicans would mean So 208 years since the framers of our more to me than any honor I could achieve Constitution expected Congress to United States Senate when Black Americans running for state wide office seemed the stuff as an individual. grant DC voting rights once it became of fantasy. However, I had to leave my home- I will always be grateful to the Republican the capital under its jurisdiction, in town to become a Member of Congress or be party that pressed and strongly supported this very year when we expect in fact represented at all. Nothing would mean more my candidacies, as the nation’s first Black to get that right, I ask this House to do to me, particularly at this stage in my life, attorney general and then as the first Afri- can American elected by popular vote to the than witnessing Democrats and Republicans what it has already done for voting United States Senate. Republicans were first voting together to afford voting rights to the rights and to award the Congressional in their willingness to break ancient bar- citizens of the District of Columbia. Gold Medal to our native son. We are riers, in the 1960’s, when Black Americans I believe that Voting Rights Reauthoriza- close to voting rights. It was filibus- running for statewide office seemed the stuff tion in 2006 and the D.C. House Voting tered, but we believe we can break that of fantasy. I was able to run and win because Rights Act of 2007 are equivalent in their his- the Republican Party never wavered because now. toric purposes and deep meaning. Both bills I want to leave you with the Sen- of my race in a state where only two percent are the same in extending long-denied con- of the residents were Black. I hope you will ator’s own words when we told him gressional voting rights, and in the District’s not hesitate now in granting my hometown a that we were seeking the medal for case, to an African American city as well. I vote in the House of Representatives for the him. He wrote this letter, which I ask lived in the District until I joined the Army first time in the two centuries of the city’s to be entered into the RECORD, to his and was proud to serve as a combat infantry existence as our nation’s capital. Republican colleagues, and he wrote a officer in [captain during] WWII. The experi- The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and ence of living in a segregated city and of Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reau- similar letter to his Democratic col- serving in our segregated Armed forces helps leagues or former colleagues here, and thorization and Amendments Act of 2006 and explain why the pending D.C. House Voting the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2007 are I am quoting the Senator: ‘‘As much as Rights Act is so important to me personally. equivalent in their purposes and their deep I would appreciate such a high honor I have been heartened by the strong sup- meaning. Both bills are the same in extend- from my peers, I would place even port of the Democratic leadership and coming long-denied congressional voting rights, greater priority on a full House vote mittee chairs and members who are swiftly and in the District’s case, to a majority for the American citizens who live in bringing this bill to the floor early in the Black city as well. I grew up in the District my hometown. The right for citizens of session. The bill has passed twice by over- when it was as segregated as other Southern the city where I was born and raised whelming majorities in the Oversight and cities, including the city’s public schools, Government Reform Committee and this and was educated at Howard University. We was not achieved when I was a Member year by a two-to-one vote by the Judiciary had no local or federal rights, even to govern of Congress. Witnessing the District of Committee. I ask that you join the large ma- ourselves or to vote for President, and no Columbia obtain the right to be rep- jorities in those committees and vote for one to represent our concerns in the Con- resented in the House with votes cast H.R. 1433. gress. I did not live elsewhere until I joined

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.101 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5165 the Army and was proud to serve as a com- adopted son of Massachusetts. Senator elected Massachusetts Attorney Gen- bat infantry officer during WWII. The experi- Brooke’s family, the District of Columbia Public eral and then on to the United States ence of living in a segregated city and of Schools, Howard University, and the proud Af- Senate, where he served two terms. serving in our segregated Armed forces perhaps helps explain why my party’s work on rican American community both sheltered and Mr. Speaker, this bill was sponsored the Voting Rights Act reauthorization last prepared him for his remarkable life and serv- by our colleague in the Senate, Senator year and on the pending D.C. House Voting ice to the people of Massachusetts and the TED KENNEDY, also of Massachusetts, Rights Act has been so important to me per- Nation. with 67 cosponsors, and he assured its sonally. The irony, of course, is that I had to We are especially grateful for the Senator’s passage before his unfortunate illness. leave my hometown to get representation in devotion to H.R. 328, the District of Columbia We hope for him and his family the Congress and to become a Member. Nothing Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of very best. Our prayers are with them. would mean more to me, particularly at this 2007. Senator Brooke has worked devotedly Here in the House a companion bill, stage in my life, than witnessing Repub- for passage of the pending legislation. While licans and Democrats voting together to af- H.R. 1000, was sponsored by our col- ford voting rights to the citizens of the Dis- in the Senate, he never forgot that his home- league Ms. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, trict of Columbia. town had no Senator and needed him, too. and she has collected 290 cosponsors. H.R. 1433 has been passed twice by over- Speaking on the Senate floor for passage of Mr. Speaker, this bill honors a man, whelming majorities by the Oversight and the Voting Rights Amendment in 1978, Sen- Senator Ed Brooke, but it also honors Government Reform Committee and once by ator Brooke made it clear, as he does today, an idea and an achievement, that we a two-to-one vote by the Judiciary Com- that this matter also was personal for him. He are all equal, and that election to the mittee. I ask that you join those Repub- said, in part, ‘‘[M]y enthusiastic endorsement licans and Democrats in voting for H.R. 1433 United States Senate is open to any of House Joint Resolution 554 is based pri- on the House floor. American who can prove to the voters marily on fundamental concepts of liberty and I am deeply grateful to you for your work that his or her ideas and character are and attention to voting rights for all Ameri- justice, but my support and interest are also appropriate and best represent their cans. intensely personal, for my roots are in Wash- State, regardless of race, creed or reli- Sincerely yours, ington, DC. I was born and raised here. I at- gion. We should take this opportunity EDWARD W. BROOKE, tended and graduated from Shaw Junior High to celebrate that notion. U.S. Senator, Retired. School, Dunbar High School, and Howard Uni- Senator EDWARD KENNEDY, the Massachu- versity. For as long as I can remember, I have I urge immediate passage. setts delegation, Congressional Black Caucus fought, along with family and friends and col- I reserve the balance of my time. Chair CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK, and I are proud leagues, to attain the goal of providing for the to introduce the Edward William Brooke III Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. How citizens of the District of Columbia the same much time remains, Mr. Speaker? Congressional Gold Medal Act. Senator Ed- rights and privileges that other citizens ward Brooke has been much honored as an The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- throughout the Nation have enjoyed.’’ Because tleman has 8 minutes left. outstanding two-term senator (1967–1979) the Congressional Gold Medal is the highest who is still remembered for his courage and honor that Congress can bestow, it is nec- Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield independence on the difficult issues of his essary that at least 290 Representatives and myself 4 minutes. time—from the Vietnam War to his leading 67 Senators sign on as cosponsors. I urge I consider it a great honor to be able work in the passage of the Fair Housing Act every Member of the House and Senate to be- to stand on the floor of this House and of 1968. President Bush awarded Senator come cosponsors before the end of Black His- as the Chair of the committee bring Brooke the Presidential Medal of Freedom in tory Month on February 28th. out the bill that would honor Ed 2004. At 87, his autobiography, Bridging the Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, rarely, Brooke. As a citizen of Massachusetts Divide: My Life tells the Senator’s remarkable and rightly it is rare, do we honor one in 1972 and again in 1978, and as a fairly story. That story began here in the District of of our own with the highest civilian partisan Democrat, I was proud pub- Columbia, where Senator Brooke was born honor we can bestow, the Congres- licly to endorse him for reelection both and raised, and graduated from Dunbar High sional Gold Medal. But rules are made times to the Senate. School and Howard University. Senator to be broken, and just as Ed Brooke The gentlewoman from the District Brooke rose to the rank of captain in the seg- broke an unwritten rule and became of Columbia made the point he was the regated 366th Infantry Regiment in the U.S. the first African American popularly first African American elected attor- Army, and won a Bronze Star Medal and the elected to the Senate since Reconstruc- ney general and then to the Senate Distinguished Service Award. His autobiog- tion, we should break another and only shortly after this country offi- raphy reads like a personal and political ad- honor his courage and achievements. cially said segregation was morally and venture of a man born in the segregated cap- Just as it may be hard for college legally wrong. 1954 was the Brown v. ital, a city with no local elected officials or students of today to imagine seg- Board of Education decision, not made Members of Congress, who went on to be- regated bathrooms and drinking foun- final until 1955 in its decree. Seven come the first African American official elected tains, it is hard for all of us to imagine years later Ed Brooke is elected attor- statewide, when he won election as Attorney a Congress without African Americans ney general. And as we look back now, General, the second highest office in the state, and others of color. So it is especially it is probably difficult for some people and the only Republican to win statewide elec- important to think back to the historic to understand what an important action that year. In 1966, Senator Brooke be- day when this humble man took the complishment that was. But he is not a came the first African American elected by oath of office in the Senate 41 years man who should be honored simply for popular vote to the Senate of the United ago on January 3, 1967. The America of having broken those barriers, because States. ‘‘Trailblazer’’ does not aptly describe that time, as my colleague has noted, having gotten the opportunity, he used the courage it took for an African American to was not far past the struggles that led it. run, much less win state-wide office as a Re- to the passage of the Civil Rights Act, The committee I chair has jurisdic- publican in a predominately Democratic state, which this Chamber voted a couple of tion over housing. As I work in the where 2 percent of the population was African months ago to honor with a commemo- housing area, I find myself frequently American. rative coin. I take special pride and pleasure in intro- Mr. Speaker, many of us know the trying to preserve some of the pio- ducing this bill in the House, along with the general outline of Ed Brooke’s life: a neering efforts on behalf of affordable Massachusetts delegation and the chair of the soldier in the Second World War, a law- housing that Ed Brooke created. I was Congressional Black Caucus. My Massachu- yer whose 1966 book ‘‘The Challenge of very proud about a month or so ago setts colleagues justifiably claim Senator Change’’ focused on African Americans when he called to say that he liked Brooke as a son of Massachusetts. We in the in the United States and on politics. I what we were doing. District concede that Massachusetts voters doubt that many Members know I was just reminded, Mr. Speaker, also deserve credit in refusing to allow racial though that he was actually a native of when I was up in our State of Massa- barriers, that still remain formidable in most the District of Columbia, as the gentle- chusetts over the weekend, that it was States, overwhelm Senator Brooke’s qualifica- woman noted. in 1978, in his last year in the Senate, tions for high office. However, I hope that Born here October 26, 1919, he was a that Ed Brooke began the policy of Massachusetts citizens will forgive the resi- graduate of both Harvard and Boston saying that when housing had been dents of the Senator’s hometown if we insist University and followed in his father’s built with Federal help with a certain that Edward William Brooke III be counted the footsteps as a lawyer before being restriction that set it aside for lower

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.037 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 income people and those restrictions ing for all. And I thank my good friend Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance expire, it shouldn’t be simply sold to from the District of Columbia. of my time. the highest bidder, but that public pol- Ed Brooke, as Ms. NORTON has made Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. icy ought to make some efforts to pre- clear, grew up in D.C., graduated from Speaker, I yield back the balance of serve it for people who were in need of Dunbar, Harvard University, and then, my time. housing. We are still fighting that fight of course, went on to be the editor of First I ask that all Members have 5 today. the Law Review at Boston University legislative days in which to submit We have something known as the and got a Bronze Medal for his service their comments and material on this Brooke amendment, one of the greatest in the military. matter. acts of compassion ever to pass this But I got to know Ed Brooke from a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there body. It said originally that the poor- different perspective. In fact, Terry objection to the request of the gen- est of the poor who get housing Lierman, who is now the chief of staff tleman from Massachusetts? through various public programs to our majority leader, and I were on There was no objection. shouldn’t be expected to pay more than the Appropriations staff when Ed The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 25 percent of their income for housing, Brooke was the ranking Republican. question is on the motion offered by precisely because they have so little. And what he did is incalculable in the gentleman from Massachusetts That was changed, regrettably, in the terms of school busing, in terms of (Mr. FRANK) that the House suspend eighties. I voted against it, but it was women’s reproductive rights, in the the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. changed to 30 percent. But it is still area of opening up federally-subsidized 682. there. It is still the Brooke amend- housing particularly, but housing The question was taken; and (two- ment. It is still a major barrier to a throughout the Nation to all. thirds being in the affirmative) the degradation in the quality of life of Ed Brooke was a temple of justice. rules were suspended and the Senate lower income people, because there are His intellect was unparalleled. But bill was passed. those who would make them pay 40 and what he exuded was a certain class, a A motion to reconsider was laid on 50 and 60 percent of their income, de- dignity that just transcended partisan- the table. priving them and their children of the ship. He was able to work with some of f necessities of life. So it is with great the, frankly, most narrow-minded RECOGNIZING THE 100 YEAR ANNI- pride that we fight and have fought to Members of the Senate to get them to VERSARY OF THE ESTABLISH- continue the Brooke amendment. take votes that were the right thing to MENT OF ST. MARY’S COOPERA- Senator Brooke was a leader in a do. And he took very little credit for it. TIVE CREDIT ASSOCIATION number of areas. Yes, he broke the bar- That is why this is so appropriate, to rier of racism and became the first Af- give him credit now, because he made a Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to rican American to win statewide office profound difference in the course our suspend the rules and agree to the reso- in Massachusetts and then to come to country took 30 years ago. lution (H. Res. 1145) recognizing the 100 the Senate at a time when racism was He would sit there in his calm, meas- year anniversary of the establishment even more virulent than it is today. We ured tone. He would explain why it is of St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit Asso- have made strides in diminishing it. right to open up all of society and all ciation, the ‘‘Bank of the People,’’ and But, as I said, he didn’t just do that. of our economy to everyone who was the birth of the American credit union. He was a leader in a number of areas, willing to work hard and obey the law. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- and particularly in the housing area. I Ed Brooke was a model that all of us tion. don’t believe anybody who has ever should look to for leadership. He was The text of the resolution is as fol- served in the Congress of the United an extraordinary person. This is an ex- lows: States has a record that exceeds his. traordinary action we are taking H. RES. 1145 So I am delighted to join under the today, but it is for someone who fully Whereas America’s first credit union was leadership of our colleague Senator deserves it. established in 1908, in Manchester, New KENNEDY and the gentlewoman from Again, I thank my colleagues here, Hampshire, in order to afford hard-working American textile workers access to credit the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) and I thank the Congress for making this happen today. and savings; in voting for this medal, the second Whereas the St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit medal, the third medal that Brooke I will yield the remainder of my time Association, later to be named the ‘‘Bank of will have gotten, because he got the to Mr. FRANK. the People’’, would lay the foundation for Presidential Medal of Freedom and he Mrs. CAPITO. I continue to reserve. the creation of over 8,500 credit unions in earned the Bronze Medal in World War Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. America today, which serve over 90,000,000 II, fighting in a segregated outfit, put- Speaker, I am about to yield back. members; ting patriotism ahead of the indignities Ed Brooke, in addition to being a su- Whereas on June 26, 1934, President Frank- to which he submitted in the fight perb United States Senator who fought lin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Federal Credit Union Act, thus enabling credit against that terrible tyranny. very hard and very effectively for economic fairness and obviously against unions to be organized throughout the This is a medal well earned by a man United States under the charters approved who exemplified the commitment to racial prejudice, but he also was the by the Federal Government; the public welfare that we could well chief law enforcement officer of the Whereas St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit As- remember today. Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 4 sociation and other credit unions created as Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that be- years. a result of the passage of the Federal Credit cause of the energy of a number of peo- Just to give people a flavor of that, I Union Act played an instrumental role in ple, we are going to be awarding this will mention one accomplishment. It helping hard-working Americans recover gold medal to a man who so richly de- was under his attorney generalship after the Great Depression; that the Boston Strangler was pros- Whereas credit unions have consistently serves it. carried on the traditions set by St. Mary’s I reserve the balance of my time. ecuted and imprisoned. So people who and exemplified the American values of Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I have no may not otherwise be able to relate thrift, self-help, and volunteers, carving out further speakers, so I will continue to should know. And if you saw him in the a special place for themselves among the Na- reserve the balance of my time. movie, I think he was played by Ray- tion’s financial institutions; Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. I yield mond St. Jacques, but if you go see Whereas America’s Credit Union Museum, my remaining time to the gentleman again the movie of the Boston Stran- located on the site of America’s first credit from Virginia (Mr. MORAN). gler, you will see a part of that book. union, maintains a mission of ‘‘educating Mr. MORAN of Virginia. I thank my We are here to talk about a number of present and future generations on the bene- good friend, the chairman of our Finan- fits of cooperative self-help efforts to pro- other parts, including a superb legisla- mote thrift and sensible use of credit’’ and cial Services Committee, for the words tive record on behalf of social fairness. preserves the history and tradition of Amer- that he said about Ed Brooke. He I am prepared to yield back if the ica’s credit unions; would be one to know, another great gentlewoman is. Whereas credit unions operate with the leader in the area of opening up hous- Mrs. CAPITO. Yes. credo, ‘‘Not for profit, not for charity-but for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.097 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5167 service’’ and have consistently reflected this nancial hardships on New Hampshire’s ernment. Today there are over 8,500 philosophical tradition and the cooperative working families. credit unions nationwide, and I think spirit of ‘‘people helping people’’ that gave Today’s resolution honors our Na- it’s fair to say that St. Mary’s truly birth to the Federal Credit Union Act; and tion’s first credit union from New laid the foundation for the success of Whereas 2008 will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of St. Mary’s Coop- Hampshire, but the excellent work and credit unions nationwide. erative Credit Association in Manchester, important contributions to New Hamp- This credit union model has with- New Hampshire, America’s first credit union: shire of St. Mary’s stand as a fine ex- stood the test of time. From the Great Now, therefore, be it ample of the work of credit unions all Depression to modern-day Resolved, That the House of Representa- across this Nation, which provide globalization, the emphasis on local tives recognizes the 100th anniversary of the working families access to financial communities that is embodied in the founding of St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit services they must have to prosper. concept of the credit union has earned Association, the ‘‘Bank of the People’’, and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of these institutions a special place the birth of the American credit union. my time. among our Nation’s financial institu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tions. ant to the rule, the gentleman from recognize the 100-year anniversary of St. Mary’s even stayed open during New Hampshire (Mr. HODES) and the the birth of the American credit union, the bank holiday of 1933, providing re- gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. the important role that credit unions assurance and help to its worried com- CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. have come to play in this country, and munity. This commitment to commu- The Chair recognizes the gentleman I urge support of H. Res. 1145. nity and access to credit and savings from New Hampshire. Today more than 90 million Ameri- services is easy to see. b 1630 cans are members of a credit union. For example, in 1908, the cost of be- These millions of Americans are the coming a member of the St. Mary’s Co- GENERAL LEAVE beneficiaries of an experiment that operative Credit Association was $5. Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- began a century ago with the establish- Today, after 100 years, the cost of sign- imous consent that all Members may ment of St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit ing up for anyone who lives or works in have 5 legislative days within which to Association. From these humble begin- New Hampshire is $5. revise and extend their remarks on this nings in Manchester, New Hampshire, That is pretty remarkable. legislation and to insert extraneous more than 8,000 credit unions have So, Mr. Chairman, I am proud to material thereon. sprouted up that provide financial serv- honor St. Mary’s 100th anniversary, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ices to credit union members all across and I urge my colleagues to join me in objection to the request of the gen- this Nation. support of H. Res. 1145. tleman from New Hampshire? I would like to recognize credit Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield There was no objection. unions for the important role they play back the balance of my time. Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to in many distressed urban and rural Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I have no myself so much time as I may con- areas. Many constituents have told me further requests for time and yield sume. that they would not have been able to back the balance of my time. House Resolution 1145 recognizes the afford their own homes, start new busi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 100-year anniversary of the establish- ness or even attend college without the question is on the motion offered by ment of St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit help of their credit unions. I am also the gentleman from New Hampshire Association, the Bank of the People, impressed by credit unions’ commit- (Mr. HODES) that the House suspend the and the birth of the American credit ment to financial literacy, which has rules and agree to the resolution, H. union. helped credit union members become Res. 1145. I want to thank Financial Services better educated consumers of financial The question was taken; and (two- Chairman BARNEY FRANK for his sup- services. thirds being in the affirmative) the port in bringing this legislation to the For these reasons, I support H. Res. rules were suspended and the resolu- House floor. 1145, celebrating the 100th anniversary tion was agreed to. St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union is the of the American credit union. A motion to reconsider was laid on oldest credit union in the United Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the table. States. It was founded in 1908. Its mis- my time. f sion was and continues to be to help Mr. HODES. I thank Mrs. CAPITO for NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM New Hampshire residents with a wide her support of this bill, and I also AND SOLDIER CENTER COM- range of affordable products and serv- thank my colleague, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, MEMORATIVE COIN ACT ices, including checking accounts, per- for introducing the resolution. sonal loans, real estate loans, business Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield as Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. banking and savvy financial planning. much time as she may consume to the Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the In 1917, the New Hampshire State leg- distinguished Congresswoman from rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3229) to re- islature approved a bill changing the New Hampshire, CAROL SHEA-PORTER. quire the Secretary of the Treasury to name from St. Mary’s Cooperative Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I mint coins in commemoration of the Credit Association to La Caisse want to thank my friend and colleague legacy of the United States Army In- Populaire, Ste-Marie, The People’s for his support on this resolution. fantry and the establishment of the Bank. In 1925, an amended charter al- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to National Infantry Museum and Soldier lowed the institution to be called ei- rise today to recognize the 100th anni- Center, as amended. ther La Caisse Populaire, Ste-Marie, or versary of our Nation’s first credit The Clerk read the title of the bill. St. Mary’s Bank. union. In 1908, St. Mary’s Cooperative The text of the bill is as follows: There are 24 credit unions in the Credit Association, later to be renamed H.R. 3229 State of New Hampshire with 403,000 the Bank of the People, was established Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- members statewide. That’s almost one- in Manchester, New Hampshire. Man- resentatives of the United States of America in third of New Hampshire’s population. chester had textile mills then. The mill Congress assembled, New Hampshire credit unions alone workers’ resources were pooled to cre- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. have more than $3.7 billion in assets. ate credit and savings opportunities for This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National In- Credit unions provide an avenue for workers, many of whom were immi- fantry Museum and Soldier Center Com- families struggling during the credit grants. memorative Coin Act’’. crunch in these tough financial times In 1934, 26 years after the establish- SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. to get critical services and low-interest ment of St. Mary’s, President Franklin (a) $1 SILVER COINS.—The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as loans. In these tough times we must do D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue not everything we can to help working Union Act into law, allowing for the more than 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration families drowning in debt, and credit organization of credit unions under of the legacy of the United State Army In- unions are important to easing the fi- charters approved by the Federal Gov- fantry and the establishment of the National

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.041 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, each of fantry Museum and Soldier Center following hunted the enemy in the Shau Valley, which shall— its completion. parachuted into Panama, and currently (1) weigh 26.73 grams; (c) AUDITS.—The Comptroller General of subdue our enemies on cold mountain- (2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and the United States shall have the right to ex- side and hot desert sands in both Iraq (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent amine such books, records, documents, and copper. other data of the National Infantry Founda- and Afghanistan. When policymakers (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted tion as may be related to the expenditures of finished talking, when debate has under this Act shall be legal tender, as pro- amounts paid under subsection (b). ceased, when negotiations have failed vided in section 5103 of title 31, United States (d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- and orders are given, it becomes the Code. section (a), no surcharge may be included mission of the United States infantry (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of with respect to the issuance under this Act to execute our national policy. sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United of any coin during a calendar year if, as of Their courage, pride and sense of States Code, all coins minted under this Act the time of such issuance, the issuance of beauty to country and each other stood shall be considered to be numismatic items. such coin would result in the number of com- tall above any fear they faced. But the memorative coin programs issued during SEC. 3. DESIGN OF COINS. battle for our freedom has been costly. (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.— such year to exceed the annual 2 commemo- As many as 80 percent of all the serv- (1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins rative coin program issuance limitation minted under this Act shall be emblematic under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United icemen and women who have died serv- of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, States Code (as in effect on the date of the ing their country were part of the in- and history of the United States Infantry. enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the fantry. (2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On Treasury may issue guidance to carry out To honor the infantry’s decorated each coin minted under this Act, there shall this subsection. history, the National Infantry Founda- be— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion, in coordination with the United (A) a designation of the value of the coin; ant to the rule, the gentleman from States Army, have broken ground on a (B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2012’’; and Tennessee (Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS) and the new world-class museum honoring (C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, them. Located on a 200-acre site of ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of Amer- gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. ica’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. Fort Benning, Georgia, the National (b) SELECTION.—The design for the coins The Chair recognizes the gentleman Infantry Museum will serve as a trib- minted under this Act shall be— from Tennessee. ute to the infantry’s legacy of valor (1) selected by the Secretary, after con- GENERAL LEAVE and sacrifice. This museum will honor sultation with the National Infantry Foun- Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. these soldiers for their selfless service dation and the Commission of Fine Arts; and Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to our country, while also preserving (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advi- for all time the artifacts so poignantly sory Committee. that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to advise and telling their stories. SEC. 4. ISSUANCE OF COINS. It will tell the story of our ground (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material soldiers, from the colonial period to this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lessons of proof qualities. thereon. (b) MINT FACILITY.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the past will be retold to help lead us (1) IN GENERAL.—Only 1 facility of the objection to the request of the gen- in the future. Our children must learn and know United States Mint may be used to strike tleman from Tennessee? that there are values and beliefs worth any particular quality of the coins minted There was no objection. under this Act. Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. living for and worth dying for, that the (2) USE OF THE UNITED STATES MINT AT WEST Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time freedom and liberty we enjoy today has POINT, NEW YORK.—It is the sense of the Con- come at a high price, and that the gress that the coins minted under this Act as I may consume. The oldest and largest branch of the American values of patriotism, duty, should be struck at the United States Mint courage and leadership are the hall- at West Point, New York, to the greatest ex- U.S. Army, the U.S. Army infantry, marks of the infantry and must be pre- tent possible. was established on June 14, 1775, when served. (c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary the Continental Congress ordered the With 290 cosponsors, this bipartisan may issue coins under this Act only during formation of 10 companies of riflemen. the calendar year beginning on January 1, legislation honors the legacy of the The riflemen comprised the first armed 2012. United States infantry with the mint- force of a new Nation, a Nation des- SEC. 5. SALE OF COINS. ing of the infantry coin. Money raised tined to become the greatest democ- (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under from the sale of the coins will go to- this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a racy the world has ever known. Since wards maintaining the National Infan- price equal to the sum of— that time, the infantry has gone where try Museum. (1) the face value of the coins; other forces could not go and accom- I applaud the efforts of the National (2) the surcharge provided in section 6 with plished missions others could not at- Infantry Foundation, its rich history respect to such coins; and tempt. (3) the cost of designing and issuing the deserves to be kept alive for all who The story of the Queen of Battle has follow. These heroes are perhaps too coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of been written by individual infantrymen machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, humble to tell their own story, so we and shipping). who have done their duty with pride, will have to do it for them. (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall courage and honor. Their suffering and I thank the gentleman from Georgia make bulk sales of the coins issued under sacrifices won our freedom, preserved for authoring this legislation, and I this Act at a reasonable discount. that freedom for over two centuries urge my colleagues to support it. (c) PREPAID ORDERS.— and will guarantee it in the future. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ac- Some were called heroes, some were my time. cept prepaid orders for the coins minted not, but they were all members of a Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise under this Act before the issuance of such coins. band of brothers who fought for their today in support of H.R. 3229, the Na- (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to country in the cause of freedom. tional Infantry Museum and Soldier prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be For more than two centuries the Center Commemorative Coin Act spon- at a reasonable discount. United States infantry has fought sored by our colleague from Georgia, SEC. 6. SURCHARGES. alongside other armed forces to protect Representative WESTMORELAND, and (a) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins issued their freedom. Their missions have urge its immediate passage. under this Act shall include a surcharge of sent them around the world and lit- This legislation, as we have heard, $10 per coin. erally brought them face-to-face with authorizes the minting and sale of up (b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section the enemy. to 350,000 silver $1 coins in the year 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all sur- From the Siege of Boston of 1775 to 2012, with surcharges on the sale of the charges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be San Juan Hill, to the Battle of New Or- coin going to fund work on the Na- paid to the National Infantry Foundation for leans, to the Argonne Forest, where tional Infantry Museum and Soldier the purpose of establishing an endowment to Sergeant York distinguished himself, Center being built in Patriot Park at support the maintenance of the National In- to the beaches of Normandy, they Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.054 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5169 The new National Infantry Museum Due to the very nature of an infantry BISHOP, for his hard work and helping will honor the legacy of the United position of work with arms, bombs, and me get the required number of signa- States infantry on a 200-acre site that physical stress, casualties occur in tures to get this commemorative coin, links Columbus, Georgia, with Fort both war and peacetime situations. The and anybody who has ever done that Benning, the home of the infantry. The infantry is the main combatant in war. knows what a challenge it is to get the museum’s galleries will trace infantry It fights the battle at the root and cuts number of signatures required. I want history from colonial times to the off the enemy at the knee. It is at once to thank him and his staff; and also present and be designed to attract and the most fearless, courageous, noble, Edward Jones from my staff for all of educate all segments of the population intelligent and selfless branch of the their hard work and dedication that we with interactive learning, opportuni- military. have had over the months trying to get ties, high-tech classrooms, theatres the requisite number of signatures. b 1645 and dramatic venues for sacred cere- For more than 200 years the United monies. From crossing the ice-filled Delaware States Infantry has sought to protect An active education program will River to walking the streets of Bagh- our freedom. H.R. 3229 will honor the make the venue a must-see attraction dad, it is the infantryman who is will- legacy of the United States Infantry for school groups and students of all ing to pay the ultimate price to protect with the minting of a commemorative ages. The focus of the educational ef- American freedoms. coin. Eighty percent, as has been men- fort will be to teach history, as the his- I am proud to represent ‘‘The Home tioned before here today, of American tory of the United States Army Infan- of the Infantry,’’ Fort Benning, here in casualties are young men and women try parallels the history and growth of Congress, and I am humbled and hon- who have lost their life in battle were our country. Additional instruction ored to be a cosponsor of this legisla- members of the infantry. will focus on leadership skills and the tion. A great nation is measured in The Infantry Museum Foundation, in Army values of loyalty, duty, selfless part by how it remembers those who coordination with the United States service, respect, honor, integrity and defended, preserved, and contributed to Army, have already broken ground on personal courage. Research done by an its heritage. The United States Army this new National Infantry Museum. It internationally known museum plan- Infantry has contributed greatly over has been my honor to visit it, and with ning firm estimates annual visitation the years at a tremendous human cost, General White walk through the street, of up to 400,000, which will make it one and it is incumbent upon those of us the World War II street, to see the of Georgia’s top tourist attractions. serving in Congress to pay tribute to buildings that will afford our young In addition to the museum, there will their sacrifices. men and women an opportunity to see be a 7-acre parade field for infantry and The minting of the infantry coin will what Army life was like during World basic training graduations and change- not cost the taxpayers any money and War II. It also has the parade field of-command ceremonies. A Walk of the sale of the coins will completely which is now under construction, and Honor flanked by gardens and memo- cover the cost of the minting. The mint will be a place where many ceremonies rials will lead visitors to the museum will actually receive a small profit in the future will be held. Also, this and a recreated World War II-era Com- from every coin that is sold. Money building is going to be a green building. pany Street, featuring the head- raised from the sale of the coins will It is high tech. There is geothermal quarters and sleeping quarters used by help make sure that the National In- heating and cooling in the building. General George S. Patton in 1941 will fantry Museum located at Fort And as Mrs. CAPITO mentioned, a pro- take visitors back to the scenes of our Benning will always be the keeper of fessional museum planner has worked country’s largest wartime buildup. The the history, artifacts, and memories of very hard on this. facility will include a 3–D IMAX the- our brave Army Infantry. I would like to tell one story General ater restaurant and museum store. The National Infantry Museum sits White told me. In doing some of the ex- Visitors to this museum that is on a 200-acre site that will serve as a hibits, they have one exhibit where scheduled to open in just over a year tribute to the infantry’s legacy of valor paratroopers are flying on a plane to will meet the infantryman face-to-face and sacrifice, and will also serve as a jump out, and the architect of this one and join him on his journey. They will functional area for basic training grad- ride told General White, ‘‘I don’t know come to understand why an infantry- uations and other special and commu- how we are doing on this. A lot of the man does what he does, why he puts nity events. The museum will honor in- people who are testing it are getting himself in harm’s way in defense of an fantry soldiers for their selfless service motion sickness, almost to a point of losing their lunch.’’ idea. Surcharges on the sale of these to our country while also preserving And General White said, ‘‘Then coins will raise funds for a long-term for all time the history that so poign- endowment to ensure the maintenance you’re almost there.’’ antly tells their stories. This museum is going to be a place of this important facility. I want to thank Major General (Re- The infantryman is historic, and it is where people can go in and feel the tired) Jerry White and Colonel (Re- a heroic idea to build this museum to sense of battle that these young men tired) Greg Camp for their years of the infantry. I urge passage of this leg- and women feel. hard work and dedication in making islation, commend my colleague for of- And as you know, Fort Benning is the National Infantry Museum a re- fering it, and reserve the balance of my the place where about 80 percent of our time. ality. In addition, I would like to young men and women go that are Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. thank Congressman LYNN WESTMORE- going into harm’s way in Iraq and Af- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman LAND as well as Edward Jones from ghanistan and other places that we from Georgia (Mr. BISHOP) such time as Congressman WESTMORELAND’s office, may send them, and it will give a great he may consume. and Jonathan Halpern and Ed Larkin opportunity for them to go and see Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the from my staff for their steadfast efforts some of the legacy that has come be- gentleman for yielding. on this project. fore them and also give their families a Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my I urge my colleagues to please join chance to visit this great facility. colleague from Georgia (Mr. WEST- me in supporting this legislation and in So it is with great honor that I intro- MORELAND) and 288 other bipartisan co- supporting our proud Army Infantry. duce this bill, and I want to thank all sponsors in support of H.R. 3229, the I urge the adoption of this legisla- of the cosponsors of this bill. It was National Infantry Museum and Soldier tion. amazing the number of people that I Center Commemorative Coin Act. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield would go up to and ask to sign this leg- In the history of organized military such time as he may consume to the islation that said, you know, I spent 3 operations, the infantry occupies a sponsor of this resolution, the gen- months of my life at Fort Benning unique place of honor. Life as an infan- tleman from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORE- going through my military boot camp; tryman is a constant barrage of exer- LAND). and so I hope that when this thing is cise and training often in brutal situa- Mr. WESTMORELAND. It is my open next year, that these Members tions that simulate combat zone oper- honor to be here today, and I do want that have gone through there and expe- ations. to thank my colleague, SANFORD rienced that type of military life will

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.107 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 come down and join us in a grand open- Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative A motion to reconsider was laid on ing. Coin Act.’’ the table. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my col- f leagues to please support this resolu- Means maintains jurisdiction over bills that tion. raise revenue. H.R. 3229 contains a provision MOTHER’S DAY CENTENNIAL that establishes a surcharge for the sale of COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemorative coins that are minted under strong support of H.R. 3229, and would like to the bill, and thus falls within the jurisdic- Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. commend my good friend from Georgia, Con- tion of the Committee on Ways and Means. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules gressman LYNN WESTMORELAND, for offering it. However, as part of our ongoing under- and pass the bill (H.R. 2268) to require The bill before us today will allow coins to standing regarding commemorative coin the Secretary of the Treasury to mint be issued in support of the National Infantry bills and in order to expedite this bill for coins in commemoration of the centen- Museum and Soldier Center during the year Floor consideration, the Committee will nial of the establishment of Mother’s 2012. The coins will be emblematic of the forgo action. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prej- Day, as amended. courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and The Clerk read the title of the bill. history of the infantry, and the proceeds re- udice the Committee with respect to the appointment of Conferees or its jurisdictional The text of the bill is as follows: ceived from issuance of the coin will be used prerogatives on this bill or similar legisla- H.R. 2268 to establish an endowment to support the tion in the future. maintenance of the National Infantry Museum Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- I would appreciate your response to this resentatives of the United States of America in and Soldier Center. letter, confirming this understanding with Congress assembled, Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House respect to H.R. 3229, and would ask that a SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Armed Services Committee who previously copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the record. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Mother’s had Ft. Benning—the Home of the Infantry— Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act’’. in my district, I have long supported the efforts Sincerely, SEC. 2. FINDINGS. of the National Infantry Foundation to establish CHARLES B. RANGEL, Chairman. The Congress hereby finds as follows: the new National Infantry Museum and whole- (1) Anna Jarvis, who is considered to be the heartedly support the issuance of this coin in HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, founder of the modern Mother’s Day, was support of the museum. COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, born in Webster, West Virginia on May 1, The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Washington, DC, May 21, 2008. 1864. Center at Patriot Park will honor the 233-year Hon. CHARLES B. RANGEL, (2) A resident of Grafton, West Virginia, heritage of the Army’s largest branch, the in- Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Anna Jarvis dedicated much of her adult life fantry. This museum will be instrumental in House of Representatives, Washington, DC. to honoring her mother, Anna Reeves Jarvis, helping to educate future generations about DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am writing in re- who passed on May 9, 1905. the vital role of the infantry in the history of sponse to your letter regarding H.R. 3229, the (3) In 1908, the Andrews Methodist Epis- copal Church of Grafton, West Virginia, offi- our Nation. Furthermore, this building will ‘‘National Infantry Museum and Soldier Cen- ter Commemorative Coin Act,’’ which was cially proclaimed the third anniversary of honor the men and women who serve in and introduced in the House and referred to the Anna Reeves Jarvis’ death to be Mother’s support the infantry, and preserve the infan- Committee on Financial Services on July 30, Day. try’s legacy of service. 2007. It is my understanding that this bill (4) In 1910, West Virginia Governor, Wil- This legacy of service is indeed quite re- will be scheduled for Floor consideration liam Glasscock, issued the first Mother’s markable, Mr. Speaker. The first successful shortly. Day Proclamation encouraging all West Vir- and systematic training of the U.S. infantry I wish to confirm our mutual under- ginians to attend church and wear white car- can be tracked back to Valley Forge, Pennsyl- standing on this bill. As you know, section 7 nations. vania, in 1778. It was not until 1826 that a for- of the bill establishes a surcharge for the (5) On May 8, 1914, the Sixty-Third Con- mal post for infantry training was established, sale of commemorative coins that are mint- gress approved H. J. Res. 263 designating the second Sunday in May to be observed as and over the course of history, the Infantry ed under the bill. I acknowledge your Com- mittee’s jurisdictional interest in such sur- Mother’s Day and encouraging all Americans School has existed at the Jefferson Barracks charges as revenue matters. However, I ap- to display the American flag at their homes in Missouri, Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas, in preciate your willingness to forego Com- as a public expression of the love and rev- Monterrey, California, at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma, mittee action on H.R. 3229 in order to allow erence for the mothers of our Nation. and at Fort Benning—the ‘‘Home of the Infan- the bill to come to the Floor expeditiously. (6) On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wil- try’’—since 1918. Through the years the Infan- I agree that your decision to forego further son issued a Presidential Proclamation di- try School at Ft. Benning has gradually action on this bill will not prejudice the recting government officials to display the emerged as the most influential infantry center Committee on Ways and Means with respect American flag on all government buildings in the modern world. The school has either to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or and inviting the American people to display the flag at their homes on the second Sunday trained in its officer courses or honed in its similar legislation. I would support your request for conferees on those provisions with- of May as a public expression of the love and command structure some of the Nation’s most in your jurisdiction should this bill be the reverence for the mothers of our nation. prominent military figures, including five-star subject of a House-Senate conference. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. generals Omar Bradley, Dwight Eisenhower, I will include this exchange of letters in (a) DENOMINATIONS.—The Secretary of the and George Marshall, as well as George Pat- the Congressional Record when this bill is Treasury (hereinafter in this Act referred to ton and Colin Powell. And, Mr. Speaker, over considered by the House. Thank you again as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue not the course of American history, nearly 80 per- for your assistance. more than 400,000 $1 coins each of which cent of all servicemen and women who have BARNEY FRANK, shall— died serving our Nation were part of the infan- Chairman. (1) weigh 26.73 grams; try. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I have no (2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and This museum has one mission, Mr. Speak- further speakers. I urge passage of the (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. er: to honor the infantryman and his more than resolution, and I yield back the balance (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted two centuries of proud service to our great Na- of my time. under this Act shall be legal tender, as pro- tion. This coin will support this mission. Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. vided in section 5103 of title 31, United States I ask all of my colleagues to join me in sup- Mr. Speaker, I encourage passage of Code. port of this bill. the bill, and I yield back the balance of (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. my time. section 5136 of title 31, United States Code, Speaker, I submit the following correspond- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The all coins minted under this Act shall be con- ence: question is on the motion offered by sidered to be numismatic items. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, LINCOLN DAVIS) that the House suspend (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.—The design of Washington, DC, May 22, 2008. the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3229, as the coins minted under this Act shall be em- Hon. BARNEY FRANK, amended. blematic of the 100th anniversary of Presi- dent Wilson’s proclamation designating the Chairman, Financial Services Committee, Ray- The question was taken; and (two- burn House Office Building, Washington, second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. DC. thirds being in the affirmative) the (b) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On DEAR CHAIRMAN FRANK: I am writing re- rules were suspended and the bill, as each coin minted under this Act there shall garding H.R. 3229, the ‘‘National Infantry amended, was passed. be—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.108 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5171 (1) a designation of the value of the coin; The Chair recognizes the gentle- ton, West Virginia, to sponsor a moth- (2) an inscription of the year ‘‘2014’’; and woman from New York. er’s friendship day. The purpose was to (3) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In GENERAL LEAVE reunite families that had been divided God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of America’’, during the Civil War. However, Anna and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. (c) SELECTION.—The design for the coins Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Reeves Jarvis’ dream of an annual me- minted under this Act shall be— all Members may have 5 legislative morial Mother’s Day commemorating (1) selected by the Secretary after con- days within which to revise and extend each mother for the service she renders sultation with the Commission of Fine Arts; their remarks on this legislation and to humanity had not gained wide- and to insert extraneous materials therein. spread support during her lifetime. (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there However, her daughter, Anna M. Jar- sory Committee established under section objection to the request of the gentle- vis, took on her mother’s cause. On 5135 of title 31, United States Code. May 9, 1907, the second anniversary of SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. woman from New York? (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under There was no objection. her mother’s death, Anna invited this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. friends to her home and outlined her proof qualities. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I plan to make her mother’s dream of a (b) COMMENCEMENT OF ISSUANCE.—The Sec- may consume. nationwide day in honor of mothers a retary may issue coins minted under this Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. reality. Act beginning January 1, 2014, except that 2268, a bill introduced by the gentle- Within a year, working with Andrews the Secretary may initiate sales of such woman from West Virginia (Mrs. Methodist Episcopal Church, progress coins, without issuance, before such date. (c) TERMINATION OF MINTING AUTHORITY.— CAPITO) to create a commemorative was made and on Sunday, May 10, 1908, No coins shall be minted under this Act after coin honoring the 100th anniversary of church services were held in which December 31, 2014. Mother’s Day. The 297 bipartisan co- mothers were honored. They were held SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. sponsors of this bill made clear that in Grafton, West Virginia, and in (a) SALE PRICE.—Notwithstanding any the Congress strongly supports recog- Philadelphia. other provision of law, the coins issued under nizing the importance of Mother’s Day This initial celebration was only the this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a in this way, and I am delighted to add beginning. Jarvis worked for years to price equal to the sum of the face value of my voice to this chorus. popularize her idea. She wrote letters the coins, the surcharge required under sec- Mother’s Day was first proclaimed in to churches and business leaders, to tion 7(a) for the coins, and the cost of designing and issuing such coins (including labor, 1908 by the Matthews Methodist Epis- newspaper editors and to Members of materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead copal Church of Grafton, West Vir- Congress. She was even able to bring expenses, and marketing). ginia, in honor of one mother, Anna the drive for a Mother’s Day observ- (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall Reeves Jarvis. ance to the attention of the President make bulk sales of the coins issued under Congress designated the second Sun- of the United States. this Act at a reasonable discount. day in May to be observed as Mother’s Her efforts were rewarded. In 1910, (c) PREPAID ORDERS AT A DISCOUNT.— Day, and it was recognized as a na- the governor of West Virginia, William (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted tional day to honor all mothers by Glassock, issued a Mother’s Day proc- under this Act before the issuance of such President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, lamation. By the next year, Mother’s coins. 1914. Day services were held in all States of (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to The bill calls for a silver dollar to be the Union. In 1914, President Woodrow prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be minted in 2014 with a design commemo- Wilson, responding to a joint resolu- at a reasonable discount. rating President Wilson’s proclamation in Congress, issued a proclamation SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. tion. The $10 surcharge proceeds from setting aside the second Sunday every (a) SURCHARGE REQUIRED.—All sales shall their sale is to go to the Susan G. May for ‘‘displaying the American flag include a surcharge of $10 per coin. (b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section Komen Foundation, a household word as a public expression of our love and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all sur- and organization in combating breast reverence for the mothers of our coun- charges which are received by the Secretary cancer, and to the National try.’’ from the sale of coins issued under this Act Osteoporosis Foundation for research Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated shall be promptly paid by the Secretary as purposes. throughout the world. In the United follows: I urge my colleagues to support this States, the President and governors (1) 1⁄2 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure bill honoring Mother’s Day and our Na- issue proclamations recognizing moth- for the purpose of furthering research funded tion’s mothers, and I reserve the bal- ers, churches perform services in honor by the organization. ance of my time. of mothers everywhere, and the hearts (2) 1⁄2 to the National Osteoporosis Founda- tion for the purpose of furthering research Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I want to of all are filled with all of our love for funded by the Foundation. thank my colleague from New York our mothers. (c) AUDITS.—The Susan G. Komen for the (Mrs. MALONEY) for her support of this This bill would authorize the minting Cure and the National Osteoporosis Founda- bill, and I am very excited it is before of silver $1 coins in honor of the women tion shall be subject to the audit require- the House today. who have sacrificed so much for their ments of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United There is a very special bond that ex- children. It is a small token of our love States Code, with regard to the amounts re- ists between mothers and their chil- and admiration, but one that will hope- ceived by the respective organizations under subsection (b). dren that words cannot describe. For fully express the love we hold for our (d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- the lucky ones among us, a mother— mothers. Surcharges of the sale of the section (a), no surcharge may be included our, someone else’s, or a mother figure coins, as my colleague mentioned, will with respect to the issuance under this Act such as a grandmother—has made all of go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the difference in our lives. The tender and the National Osteoporosis Founda- the time of such issuance, the issuance of care, unending support, and the uncon- tion for research. such coin would result in the number of com- ditional love of a mother truly are I chose both of these foundations be- memorative coin programs issued during life’s greatest blessing for a child. cause I have great admiration for the such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation Every year on the second Sunday in work they do for men and women, but under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United May this Nation honors its mothers. particularly for women as we battle States Code (as in effect on the date of the We seek to acknowledge their tireless the difficult tragedies of breast cancer enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the support and their enduring love. My and the growing difficulties associated Treasury may issue guidance to carry out colleague has spoken about how this with osteoporosis which over 80 percent this subsection. tradition began, but I would like to go of the people it strikes are women. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- over it because it is a proud history of Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from tradition for our State of West Vir- resolution, but I would like to take New York (Mrs. MALONEY) and the gen- ginia. this opportunity to thank my mother. tlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. In 1868, Anna Reeves Jarvis organized She has made a difference in my life. I CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. a committee in her home town of Graf- appreciate her unconditional love and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.057 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 support, her willingness to help me forgo action. This is being done with the un- The first electronic vote will be con- when I fell, and to push me forward derstanding that it does not in any way prej- ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining when I could not find the strength my- udice the Committee with respect to the ap- votes in this series will be conducted as self. pointment of Conferees or its jurisdictional 5-minute votes. prerogatives on this bill or similar legisla- I love you, Mom, and thanks. tion in the future. f With that, being from West Virginia, I would appreciate your response to this I would like to say, too, that our sense letter, confirming this understanding with MARKING THE 225TH ANNIVER- of community and family is very respect to H.R. 2268, and would ask that a SARY OF THE TREATY OF PARIS strong. We are so very proud of Anna copy of our exchange of letters on this mat- OF 1783 Jarvis’ vision, her idea and her dedica- ter be included in the record. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Sincerely, tion to celebrate her own mother, and finished business is the vote on the mo- we are proud to be known as the birth- CHARLES B. RANGEL, Chairman. tion to suspend the rules and agree to place of Mother’s Day. the resolution, H. Res. 1063, on which Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, the yeas and nays were ordered. bill, and I yield back the balance of my COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, The Clerk read the title of the resolu- time. Washington, DC, May 21, 2008. tion. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Hon. CHARLES B. RANGEL, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Speaker, I have no further requests for Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, question is on the motion offered by time, but would also like to recognize House of Representatives, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am writing in re- the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. my own mother, as I am sure all of us PAYNE) that the House suspend the in this body appreciate our mothers. sponse to your letter regarding H.R. 2268, the ‘‘Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative rules and agree to the resolution, H. This is an important resolution, and I Coin Act,’’ which was introduced in the Res. 1063. am proud to be the Democratic sponsor House and referred to the Committee on Fi- The vote was taken by electronic de- with my good friend from West Vir- nancial Services on May 10, 2007. It is my un- vice, and there were—yeas 414, nays 0, ginia, and I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. derstanding that this bill will be scheduled not voting 19, as follows: for Floor consideration shortly. Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in [Roll No. 394] strong support of H.R. 2268, the Mother’s Day I wish to confirm our mutual under- YEAS—414 Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. First, I standing on this bill. As you know, section 7 of the bill establishes a surcharge for the would like to thank Representative CAPITO for Abercrombie Carson Farr sale of commemorative coins that are mint- Ackerman Carter Fattah authoring this legislation before us today. ed under the bill. I acknowledge your Com- Aderholt Castle Feeney H.R. 2268 would instruct the Secretary of mittee’s jurisdictional interest in such sur- Akin Castor Filner the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins in rec- charges as revenue matters. However, I ap- Alexander Cazayoux Flake Allen Chabot Forbes ognition of the 100th anniversary of President preciate your willingness to forego com- Altmire Chandler Fortenberry Wilson’s proclamation designating the second mittee action on H.R. 2268 in order to allow Andrews Childers Fossella Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. the bill to come to the Floor expeditiously. Arcuri Clarke Foster As an original cosponsor of this bill, I would I agree that your decision to forego further Baca Clay Foxx Bachmann Cleaver Frank (MA) like to take this opportunity to thank mothers action on this bill will not prejudice the Committee on Ways and Means with respect Bachus Clyburn Franks (AZ) across this nation for what they have done, to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or Baird Coble Frelinghuysen do, and will do to keep our families and our Baldwin Cohen Gallegly similar legislation. I would support your re- Barrett (SC) Cole (OK) Garrett (NJ) country, strong. quest for conferees on those provisions with- Barrow Conaway Gerlach Mr. Speaker, I also want to take the per- in your jurisdiction should this bill be the Bartlett (MD) Conyers Giffords sonal privilege of recognizing my mother, Mrs. subject of a House-Senate conference. Barton (TX) Cooper Gilchrest Helen Gingrey. Ninety years young, my moth- I will include this exchange of letters in Bean Costa Gingrey Becerra Costello Gohmert er instilled in me the very values and work the Congressional Record when this bill is considered by the House. Thank you again Berkley Courtney Gonzalez ethic that prepared me to serve in these hal- Berman Cramer Goode for your assistance. lowed halls. Berry Crenshaw Goodlatte BARNEY FRANK, Biggert Crowley Gordon Her example testifies to the fact that we Chairman. Bilbray Cubin Granger owe so very much to our mothers, to our fa- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Bilirakis Cuellar Graves Bishop (GA) Culberson Green, Al thers, to all those who cleared the way and of my time. smoothed the paths for us to succeed and re- Bishop (NY) Cummings Green, Gene The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bishop (UT) Davis (AL) Grijalva alize our potential. We should honor their work question is on the motion offered by Blackburn Davis (CA) Gutierrez not just in word but in deed—by ensuring a the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Blumenauer Davis (IL) Hall (NY) smoother, clearer path for the next genera- Blunt Davis (KY) Hall (TX) MALONEY) that the House suspend the tion—for our children and our grandchildren. Boehner Davis, David Hare rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2268, as Bonner Davis, Lincoln Harman And so, I call upon my colleagues to dem- amended. Bono Mack Davis, Tom Hastings (FL) Boozman Deal (GA) Hastings (WA) onstrate their appreciation for mothers every- The question was taken; and (two- where by supporting this legislation. Boren DeFazio Hayes thirds being in the affirmative) the Boswell DeGette Heller Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. rules were suspended and the bill, as Boucher Delahunt Hensarling Speaker, I submit the following cor- amended, was passed. Boustany DeLauro Herger respondence: Boyd (FL) Dent Herseth Sandlin A motion to reconsider was laid on HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Boyda (KS) Diaz-Balart, L. Higgins Brady (PA) Diaz-Balart, M. Hill COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, the table. Brady (TX) Dicks Hinojosa Washington, DC, May 22, 2008. f Broun (GA) Dingell Hirono Hon. BARNEY FRANK, b 1700 Brown (SC) Doggett Hobson Chairman, Financial Services Committee, Brown, Corrine Donnelly Hodes Washington, DC. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Brown-Waite, Doolittle Hoekstra DEAR CHAIRMAN FRANK: I am writing re- PRO TEMPORE Ginny Doyle Holden garding H.R. 2268, the ‘‘Mother’s Day Centen- Buchanan Drake Honda nial Commemorative Coin Act.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Burton (IN) Dreier Hooley ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Butterfield Duncan Hoyer As you know, the Committee on Ways and Buyer Edwards Hunter Means maintains jurisdiction over bills that will resume on motions to suspend the Calvert Ehlers Inglis (SC) raise revenue. H.R. 2268 contains a provision rules previously postponed. Camp (MI) Ellison Inslee that establishes a surcharge for the sale of Votes will be taken in the following Campbell (CA) Ellsworth Israel commemorative coins that are minted under Cannon Emanuel Issa order: Cantor Emerson Jackson (IL) the bill, and thus falls within the jurisdic- H. Res. 1063, by the yeas and nays; tion of the Committee on Ways and Means. Capito Engel Jackson-Lee Capps English (PA) (TX) However, as part of our ongoing under- H. Con. Res. 318, by the yeas and nays; Capuano Eshoo Jefferson standing regarding commemorative coin Cardoza Etheridge Johnson (GA) bills and in order to expedite this bill for H. Con. Res. 336, by the yeas and Carnahan Everett Johnson (IL) Floor consideration, the Committee will nays. Carney Fallin Johnson, E. B.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.110 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5173 Johnson, Sam Miller, Gary Scott (GA) SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND King (NY) Murphy, Patrick Sestak Jones (NC) Miller, George Scott (VA) Kingston Murphy, Tim Shadegg Jones (OH) Mitchell Sensenbrenner IDEALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL Kirk Murtha Shays Jordan Mollohan Serrano YEAR OF SANITATION Klein (FL) Musgrave Shea-Porter Kagen Moore (KS) Sessions Kline (MN) Myrick Sherman Kanjorski Moore (WI) Sestak The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Knollenberg Nadler Shimkus Kaptur Moran (KS) Shadegg finished business is the vote on the mo- Kucinich Napolitano Shuler Keller Moran (VA) Shays tion to suspend the rules and agree to Kuhl (NY) Neal (MA) Shuster Kennedy Murphy (CT) Shea-Porter LaHood Neugebauer Simpson Kildee Murphy, Patrick Sherman the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. Lamborn Nunes Sires Kilpatrick Murphy, Tim Shimkus 318, as amended, on which the yeas and Lampson Oberstar Skelton Kind Murtha Shuler nays were ordered. Langevin Obey Slaughter King (IA) Musgrave Shuster The Clerk read the title of the con- Larsen (WA) Olver Smith (NE) King (NY) Myrick Simpson Larson (CT) Pallone Smith (NJ) Kingston Nadler Sires current resolution. Latham Pascrell Smith (TX) Kirk Napolitano Skelton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LaTourette Pastor Smith (WA) Klein (FL) Neal (MA) Slaughter question is on the motion offered by Latta Paul Snyder Kline (MN) Neugebauer Smith (NE) Lee Pearce Solis Knollenberg Nunes Smith (NJ) the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Levin Perlmutter Souder Kucinich Oberstar Smith (TX) PAYNE) that the House suspend the Lewis (CA) Peterson (MN) Space Kuhl (NY) Obey Smith (WA) rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Lewis (GA) Peterson (PA) Speier LaHood Olver Snyder Lewis (KY) Petri Spratt Lamborn Pallone Solis lution, H. Con. Res. 318, as amended. Linder Pitts Stark Lampson Pascrell Souder This will be a 5-minute vote. Lipinski Platts Stearns Langevin Pastor Space The vote was taken by electronic de- LoBiondo Poe Stupak Larsen (WA) Paul Speier Loebsack Pomeroy Sullivan Larson (CT) Pearce Spratt vice, and there were—yeas 411, nays 0, Lofgren, Zoe Porter Sutton Latham Perlmutter Stark answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 21, as Lowey Price (GA) Tanner LaTourette Peterson (MN) Stearns follows: Lucas Price (NC) Tauscher Latta Peterson (PA) Stupak Lungren, Daniel Pryce (OH) Taylor Lee Petri Sullivan [Roll No. 395] E. Putnam Terry Levin Pitts Sutton YEAS—411 Lynch Radanovich Thompson (CA) Lewis (CA) Poe Tanner Mack Rahall Thompson (MS) Lewis (GA) Pomeroy Tauscher Abercrombie Cazayoux Franks (AZ) Mahoney (FL) Ramstad Thornberry Lewis (KY) Porter Taylor Ackerman Chabot Frelinghuysen Maloney (NY) Rangel Tiahrt Linder Price (GA) Terry Aderholt Chandler Gallegly Manzullo Regula Tiberi Lipinski Price (NC) Thompson (CA) Akin Childers Garrett (NJ) Marchant Rehberg Tierney LoBiondo Pryce (OH) Thompson (MS) Alexander Clarke Gerlach Markey Reichert Towns Loebsack Putnam Thornberry Allen Clay Giffords Marshall Renzi Tsongas Lofgren, Zoe Radanovich Tiahrt Altmire Cleaver Gilchrest Matheson Reyes Turner Lowey Rahall Tiberi Andrews Clyburn Gingrey Matsui Reynolds Udall (CO) Lucas Ramstad Tierney Arcuri Coble Gohmert McCarthy (CA) Richardson Udall (NM) Lungren, Daniel Rangel Towns Bachmann Cohen Gonzalez McCarthy (NY) Rodriguez Upton E. Regula Tsongas Bachus Cole (OK) Goode McCaul (TX) Rogers (AL) Van Hollen Lynch Rehberg Turner Baird Conaway Goodlatte McCollum (MN) Rogers (KY) Vela´ zquez Mack Reichert Udall (CO) Baldwin Conyers Gordon McCotter Rogers (MI) Visclosky Mahoney (FL) Renzi Udall (NM) Barrett (SC) Cooper Granger McDermott Rohrabacher Walberg Maloney (NY) Reyes Upton Barrow Costa Graves McGovern Ros-Lehtinen Walden (OR) Manzullo Reynolds Van Hollen Bartlett (MD) Costello Green, Al McHenry Roskam Walsh (NY) Marchant Richardson Vela´ zquez Barton (TX) Courtney Green, Gene McHugh Ross Walz (MN) Markey Rodriguez Visclosky Bean Cramer Grijalva McIntyre Rothman Wasserman Marshall Rogers (AL) Walberg Becerra Crenshaw Gutierrez McKeon Roybal-Allard Schultz Matheson Rogers (KY) Walden (OR) Berkley Crowley Hall (NY) McMorris Royce Waters Matsui Rogers (MI) Walsh (NY) Berman Cubin Hall (TX) Rodgers Ruppersberger Watson McCarthy (CA) Rohrabacher Walz (MN) Berry Cuellar Hare McNerney Ryan (WI) Watt McCarthy (NY) Ros-Lehtinen Wasserman Biggert Cummings Harman McNulty Salazar Waxman McCaul (TX) Roskam Schultz Bilbray Davis (AL) Hastings (FL) Meeks (NY) Sali Weiner McCollum (MN) Ross Waters Bilirakis Davis (CA) Hastings (WA) Melancon Sa´ nchez, Linda Welch (VT) McCotter Rothman Watson Bishop (GA) Davis (IL) Hayes Mica T. Weldon (FL) McDermott Roybal-Allard Watt Bishop (NY) Davis (KY) Heller Michaud Sanchez, Loretta Weller McGovern Royce Waxman Bishop (UT) Davis, David Hensarling Miller (FL) Sarbanes Westmoreland McHenry Ruppersberger Weiner Blackburn Davis, Lincoln Herger Miller (MI) Saxton Wexler McHugh Ryan (OH) Welch (VT) Blumenauer Davis, Tom Herseth Sandlin Miller (NC) Scalise Whitfield (KY) McIntyre Ryan (WI) Weldon (FL) Blunt Deal (GA) Higgins Miller, Gary Schakowsky Wilson (NM) McKeon Salazar Weller Boehner DeFazio Hill Miller, George Schiff Wilson (OH) McMorris Sali Westmoreland Bonner DeGette Hinchey Mitchell Schmidt Wittman (VA) Rodgers Sa´ nchez, Linda Wexler Bono Mack Delahunt Hinojosa Mollohan Schwartz Wolf McNerney T. Whitfield (KY) Boozman DeLauro Hirono Moore (KS) Scott (GA) Woolsey McNulty Sanchez, Loretta Wilson (NM) Boren Dent Hobson Moore (WI) Scott (VA) Wu Meeks (NY) Sarbanes Wilson (OH) Boswell Diaz-Balart, L. Hodes Moran (KS) Sensenbrenner Yarmuth Melancon Saxton Wittman (VA) Boucher Diaz-Balart, M. Hoekstra Moran (VA) Serrano Young (AK) Mica Scalise Wolf Boustany Dicks Holden Murphy (CT) Sessions Young (FL) Michaud Schakowsky Woolsey Boyd (FL) Dingell Honda Miller (FL) Schiff Wu Boyda (KS) Doggett Hooley ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Miller (MI) Schmidt Yarmuth Brady (PA) Doolittle Hoyer Culberson Miller (NC) Schwartz Young (FL) Brady (TX) Doyle Hunter Broun (GA) Drake Inglis (SC) NOT VOTING—19 Brown (SC) Dreier Inslee NOT VOTING—21 Braley (IA) McCrery Rush Brown, Corrine Duncan Israel Baca Gillibrand Pence Burgess Meek (FL) Tancredo Brown-Waite, Edwards Issa Braley (IA) Holt Pickering Ginny Ehlers Jackson (IL) Ferguson Ortiz Wamp Butterfield Hulshof Rush Buchanan Ellsworth Jackson-Lee Gillibrand Payne Wilson (SC) Donnelly McCrery Ryan (OH) Burgess Emanuel (TX) Hinchey Pence Young (AK) Ellison Meek (FL) Tancredo Holt Pickering Burton (IN) Emerson Jefferson Ferguson Ortiz Wamp Hulshof Platts Buyer Engel Johnson (GA) Foster Payne Wilson (SC) Calvert English (PA) Johnson (IL) b 1724 Camp (MI) Eshoo Johnson, E. B. Campbell (CA) Etheridge Johnson, Sam b 1731 Messrs. GOHMERT and DELAHUNT Cannon Everett Jones (NC) changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Cantor Fallin Jones (OH) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ‘‘yea.’’ Capito Farr Jordan tive) the rules were suspended and the So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Capps Fattah Kagen Capuano Feeney Kanjorski concurrent resolution, as amended, was tive) the rules were suspended and the Cardoza Filner Kaptur agreed to. resolution was agreed to. Carnahan Flake Keller The result of the vote was announced Carney Forbes Kennedy The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Carson Fortenberry Kildee as above recorded. Carter Fossella Kilpatrick A motion to reconsider was laid on Castle Foxx Kind A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Castor Frank (MA) King (IA) the table.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:23 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.039 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 HONORING THE SACRIFICES AND Kirk Murtha Sestak nication from the Chief Administrative Klein (FL) Musgrave Shadegg CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY DIS- Kline (MN) Myrick Shays Officer of the House of Representatives: ABLED AMERICAN VETERANS Knollenberg Nadler Shea-Porter OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRA- Kucinich Napolitano Sherman TIVE OFFICER, U.S. HOUSE OF REP- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kuhl (NY) Neal (MA) Shimkus finished business is the vote on the mo- RESENTATIVES, LaHood Neugebauer Shuler Washington, DC, June 5, 2008. Lamborn Nunes Shuster tion to suspend the rules and agree to Hon. NANCY PELOSI, the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. Lampson Oberstar Simpson Langevin Obey Sires Speaker, House of Representatives, 336, on which the yeas and nays were Larsen (WA) Olver Skelton Washington, DC ordered. Larson (CT) Pallone Slaughter DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to The Clerk read the title of the con- Latham Pascrell Smith (NE) § 20702(b) of H.J. Res. 20, P.L. 110–5, I am noti- current resolution. LaTourette Pastor Smith (NJ) fying the House that I am designating Ali Latta Paul Smith (TX) Qureshi, Deputy Chief Administrative Offi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Lee Pearce Smith (WA) cer for Operations and Walter Edwards, Dep- question is on the motion offered by Levin Perlmutter Snyder uty CAO for Customer Solutions to act in the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lewis (CA) Peterson (MN) Solis Lewis (GA) Peterson (PA) Souder my stead in the event of my death, resigna- CORRINE BROWN) that the House sus- Lewis (KY) Petri Space tion, separation from office or disability pend the rules and agree to the concur- Linder Pickering Speier until a Chief Administrative Officer is ap- rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 336. Lipinski Pitts Spratt pointed pursuant to 2 U.S.C. § 75a–1. LoBiondo Platts Stark Sincerely, This will be a 5-minute vote. Loebsack Poe Stearns The vote was taken by electronic de- Lofgren, Zoe Pomeroy Stupak DANIEL P. BEARD. vice, and there were—yeas 417, nays 0, Lowey Porter Sullivan f not voting 16, as follows: Lucas Price (GA) Sutton Lungren, Daniel Price (NC) Tanner REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- [Roll No. 396] E. Pryce (OH) Tauscher YEAS—417 Lynch Putnam Taylor VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF Mack Radanovich Terry H.R. 6063, NATIONAL AERO- Abercrombie Chabot Franks (AZ) Mahoney (FL) Rahall Thompson (CA) NAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINIS- Ackerman Chandler Frelinghuysen Maloney (NY) Ramstad Thompson (MS) Aderholt Childers Gallegly Manzullo Rangel Thornberry TRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT Akin Clarke Garrett (NJ) Marchant Regula Tiahrt OF 2008 Alexander Clay Gerlach Markey Rehberg Tiberi Allen Cleaver Giffords Marshall Reichert Tierney Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, from the Altmire Clyburn Gilchrest Matheson Renzi Towns Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- Andrews Coble Gingrey Matsui Reyes Tsongas ileged report (Rept. No. 110–707) on the Arcuri Cohen Gohmert McCarthy (CA) Reynolds Turner resolution (H. Res. 1257) providing for Baca Cole (OK) Gonzalez McCarthy (NY) Richardson Udall (CO) Bachmann Conaway Goode McCaul (TX) Rodriguez Udall (NM) consideration of the bill (H.R. 6063) to Bachus Conyers Goodlatte McCollum (MN) Rogers (AL) Upton authorize the programs of the National Baldwin Costa Gordon McCotter Rogers (KY) Van Hollen Aeronautics and Space Administration, Barrett (SC) Costello Granger McDermott Rogers (MI) Vela´ zquez Barrow Courtney Graves McGovern Rohrabacher Visclosky and for other purposes, which was re- Bartlett (MD) Cramer Green, Al McHenry Ros-Lehtinen Walberg ferred to the House Calendar and or- Barton (TX) Crenshaw Green, Gene McHugh Roskam Walden (OR) dered to be printed. Bean Crowley Grijalva McIntyre Ross Walsh (NY) Becerra Cubin Gutierrez McKeon Rothman Walz (MN) f Berkley Cuellar Hall (NY) McMorris Roybal-Allard Wasserman Berman Culberson Hall (TX) Rodgers Royce Schultz b 1745 Berry Cummings Hare McNerney Ruppersberger Waters Biggert Davis (AL) Harman McNulty Ryan (OH) Watson ENERGY PRICES Bilbray Davis (CA) Hastings (FL) Meeks (NY) Ryan (WI) Watt Bilirakis Davis (IL) Hastings (WA) Melancon Salazar Waxman (Mr. SCALISE asked and was given Bishop (GA) Davis (KY) Hayes Mica Sali Weiner permission to address the House for 1 Bishop (NY) Davis, David Heller Michaud Sa´ nchez, Linda Welch (VT) Bishop (UT) Davis, Lincoln Hensarling Miller (FL) T. Weldon (FL) minute and to revise and extend his re- Blackburn Davis, Tom Herger Miller (MI) Sanchez, Loretta Weller marks.) Blumenauer Deal (GA) Herseth Sandlin Miller (NC) Sarbanes Westmoreland Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, this Blunt DeFazio Higgins Miller, Gary Saxton Wexler weekend, the national average of a gal- Boehner DeGette Hill Miller, George Scalise Whitfield (KY) Bonner Delahunt Hinchey Mitchell Schakowsky Wilson (NM) lon of gasoline broke the $4 mark. This Bono Mack DeLauro Hinojosa Mollohan Schiff Wilson (OH) is an all-time high, and our citizens de- Boozman Dent Hirono Moore (KS) Schmidt Wittman (VA) serve action from Congress. Boren Diaz-Balart, L. Hobson Moore (WI) Schwartz Wolf Boswell Diaz-Balart, M. Hodes Moran (KS) Scott (GA) Woolsey The Democratic leadership needs to Boucher Dicks Hoekstra Moran (VA) Scott (VA) Wu pull their heads out of the sand and Boustany Dingell Holden Murphy (CT) Sensenbrenner Yarmuth join us in developing a strong national Boyd (FL) Doggett Honda Murphy, Patrick Serrano Young (AK) energy policy. The Republican plan Boyda (KS) Donnelly Hooley Murphy, Tim Sessions Young (FL) Brady (PA) Doolittle Hoyer proposed will develop and increase our Brady (TX) Doyle Hunter NOT VOTING—16 domestic supply of oil, which will drive Broun (GA) Drake Inglis (SC) Baird Hulshof Rush down the cost of gasoline at the pump. Brown (SC) Dreier Inslee Braley (IA) McCrery Tancredo Brown, Corrine Duncan Israel In Louisiana, we take great pride in Cooper Meek (FL) Wamp Brown-Waite, Edwards Issa Ferguson Ortiz Wilson (SC) our offshore drilling, and we drill in an Ginny Ehlers Jackson (IL) Gillibrand Payne environmentally safe way. Everyone in Buchanan Ellison Jackson-Lee Holt Pence Burgess Ellsworth (TX) Louisiana knows that the best place to Burton (IN) Emanuel Jefferson b 1739 fish is right next to an oil rig in the Butterfield Emerson Johnson (GA) Gulf. Buyer Engel Johnson (IL) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ELOSI Calvert English (PA) Johnson, E. B. tive) the rules were suspended and the I call on Speaker P and the Camp (MI) Eshoo Johnson, Sam concurrent resolution was agreed to. Democrats in Congress to stop locking Campbell (CA) Etheridge Jones (NC) The result of the vote was announced relief at the pump and finally join us in Cannon Everett Jones (OH) passing legislation that will remove Cantor Fallin Jordan as above recorded. Capito Farr Kagen A motion to reconsider was laid on the obstacles that limit our refining Capps Fattah Kanjorski the table. capacity, explore alternative sources of Capuano Feeney Kaptur f energy, and increase the supply of do- Cardoza Filner Keller mestic oil and gas to reduce our de- Carnahan Flake Kennedy COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHIEF Carney Forbes Kildee pendence on foreign oil. Carson Fortenberry Kilpatrick ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF These are all policies which will Carter Fossella Kind THE HOUSE lower gas prices. This energy crisis is Castle Foster King (IA) Castor Foxx King (NY) The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- real. The time for Congress to act is Cazayoux Frank (MA) Kingston fore the House the following commu- now.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.116 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5175 WE’VE GOT TO WAKE UP AND THE DRILL-NOTHING CONGRESS spilled. More than 7 billion barrels have been DRILL (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- pumped from these wells over the past quarter-century, yet only one thousandth of one (Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given mission to address the House for 1 percent has been spilled. permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her re- A study by Louisiana’s Sea Grant college minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) shows that there’s 50 times more marine life marks.) Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise around oil platforms that act as artificial Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I today to speak about the drill-nothing reefs than in the surrounding mud bottoms. was privileged enough to go with a Congress. I wish I had thought of that Some 85% of Louisiana fishing trips involve number of Congressmen two weeks ago phrase, but it’s the headline in Inves- fishing around these offshore rigs. to the Middle East and went to Saudi tor’s Business Daily, Monday, June 9. The Flower Garden coral reefs lie off the Louisiana-Texas border. They are sur- Arabia. We had some great meetings The average price for regular gas at rounded by oil platforms that have been over there. We met with the Minister $4 a gallon over the weekend. Gas pumping for 50 years. of Petroleum and many of the other prices have risen 75 percent since According to federal biologist G.P. people who are directly involved with NANCY PELOSI took over. Where is the Schmahl, ‘‘The Flower Gardens are much the oil situation, and here is their re- energy independence Democrats prom- healthier, more pristine than anything in sponse to us as we complained to them ised 2 years ago? That’s the subhead- the Florida Keys. It was a surprise to me. about the high price of gasoline. Now, line. And I think it’s a surprise to most people.’’ We would suggest that John McCain revisit keep in mind America imports 60 per- Now I am going to quote from the article. In November, 2006, House Speak- his reservations about ANWR and run cent of its oil. This is what these guys against the drill-nothing Congress. Energy said to us: ‘‘You have the nerve and the er-Elect NANCY PELOSI issued a press development and the environment are not audacity to come here, all the way to release touting the Democrats ‘‘com- mutually exclusive. Saudi Arabia, to complain about your mon-sense plan to help bring down sky- In fact, we would suggest that the first oil prices when you won’t even drill rocketing gas prices.’’ She accused the joint town hall meeting with Barack Obama yourself, when you won’t even build re- oil companies of price gouging. The proposed by McCain be held on one of those fineries.’’ price of gasoline, when the Democrats offshore Louisiana rigs. President Bush was there a month took control of Congress, was around f earlier, and they increased the capac- $2.25 per gallon. The average price of ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ity to 300 million barrels a day. And we regular gas crept over the $4 per gallon PRO TEMPORE can’t even buy it because we don’t have barrier over the weekend, as measured The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. the refineries. We’ve got to get our by AAA and the Oil Price Information BERKLEY). The Chair will recognize head out of the sand. Service. Members for Special Order speeches China right now, with Cuba, is drill- This represents a more than 75 per- without prejudice to the resumption of ing 45 miles off the coast of Florida. cent increase in the retail price of a legislative business. We’ve got to wake up and drill and use gallon of gasoline on Pelosi’s watch. our own resources. Call it the Pelosi premium we are all f f now paying. SPECIAL ORDERS Madam Speaker, I submit for the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under HONORING THE PEOPLE OF HUGO, RECORD the rest of the June 9, 2008, ar- MINNESOTA ticle of Investor’s Business Daily. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- (Mrs. BACHMANN asked and was A Gallup poll released in May showed that uary 18, 2007, and under a previous given permission to address the House 57% of the American people wanted the U.S. order of the House, the following Mem- for 1 minute and to revise and extend to drill in coastal and wilderness areas. The bers will be recognized for 5 minutes her remarks.) percentage of Americans who bought Pelosi’s each. line about price gouging fell from 34% in f Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I May 2007 to 20% in May 2008. It could be a rise today to honor the people of Hugo, winning issue for the Republicans and John The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Minnesota. McCain. previous order of the House, the gen- It was just several weeks ago that More than 15 billion barrels of oil have tleman from Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) the people of Hugo encountered a ter- been sent down the Alaskan pipeline from is recognized for 5 minutes. rible tragedy; it occurred at 5 o’clock Prudhoe Bay, some 60 miles to the west of (Mr. CUMMINGS addressed the on a quiet Sunday afternoon. A tor- ANWR, over the past three decades, much House. His remarks will appear here- nado touched down in Hugo, and within more than the six months’ supply expected after in the Extensions of Remarks.) in the beginning by those who predicted a 30 seconds over 50 to 60 homes were similar environmental disaster there. f completely flattened, between 150 and The local caribou and other critters have RETURN SOVEREIGNTY TO IRAQ 200 homes were uninhabitable. But the thrived. Yet, Pelosi and the Democrats want wonderful spirit, Madam Speaker, to keep ANWR’s estimated 10.6 billion bar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a among the people of Hugo, the fire de- rels of oil off the market and out of our gas previous order of the House, the gentle- partment, the police department, the tanks. woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) State Patrol, almost instantaneously Buried in a Department of Interior Appro- is recognized for 5 minutes. priations bill passed in December 2007 was an had a wonderful textbook outpouring Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I amendment proposed by Rep. Mark Udall, D– have believed for a long time now that of rebuilding. Colo., passed by a 219–215 vote in June, that Within one week, the community of prevented the establishment of regulations the best way to bring peace to Iraq is Hugo had so many volunteers they had for leasing lands to drill for oil shale. to launch a diplomatic surge to encour- to turn them away. They completely The Western U.S. is estimated to have re- age regional and international partners removed all the debris from the city serves of a trillion barrels (yes, that’s the to get involved in addressing Iraq’s within one week, and now they’re on real number) trapped in porous shale rock, problems. the road to rebuilding. an amount three times the oil reserves of The first step in this process would I congratulate Mayor Fran Miron. I Saudi Arabia. On May 15, 2008, the Senate be to withdraw all of our troops and Appropriations Committee in a 15–14 party congratulate City Administrator Mike line vote rejected an amendment by Sen. military contracts, which would create Ericsson. And I congratulate all the Wayne Allard, R–Colo., to allow oil shale a positive climate, a climate that people of Hugo who have exuded the drilling and overturn the Udall moratorium. would allow diplomatic efforts to actu- spirit of Minnesota, the loving experi- The U.S. Congress has voted consistently ally begin. But today, the administra- ence of loving a neighbor. And that’s to keep 85% of America’s offshore oil and gas tion is taking our country in quite the what people in Hugo do best, they love off-limits, while China and Cuba drill 60 opposite direction. It is negotiating each other. miles from Key West, Fla. The U.S. Minerals long-term security arrangements with Management Service says that the restricted So congratulations to the people of areas contain 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 the Iraqi Government, arrangements Hugo. You will rebuild. You will be trillion cubic feet of natural gas. that could actually keep us bogged back. And I’m so honored to represent There are 3,200 oil rigs off the coast of Lou- down in Iraq for decades and destroy you here in this great House. isiana. During Katrina, not a single drop was Iraq’s sovereignty.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.120 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 It is hard to know exactly what the back to Iraq, and we must stop acting War II and Korea to defend our borders administration is demanding in the ne- like an arrogant occupying power. from this stealth invasion? It is the gotiations because it has refused to After more than 5 years of bloody occu- duty of government to protect the citi- share the information with Congress. pation, this is no time to talk about zens of this Nation and the States. Reports, however, and whatever we can staying in Iraq forever. Instead, it is I will read from the Constitution, find out, indicates that the administra- time to give the Iraq people back their something we probably ought to do tion is asking for unilateral authority independence. And it is time to bring more of in this Congress. Article IV over all U.S. military operations in our brave troops home. section 4 of the United States Constitu- tion says, ‘‘The United States shall Iraq, the right to arrest and detain f Iraqi citizens, legal immunity for guarantee to every State in this union American military contractors, control b 1800 a Republican Form of Government and over Iraqi borders and air space, and MAGINOT LINE OF INDIFFERENCE shall protect each of them against in- perhaps permanent bases, making Iraq vasion.’’ Invasion means intrusion or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a a virtual American colony. encroachment. Why doesn’t the Gov- All this has brought a wave of protest previous order of the House, the gen- ernment just simply follow the Con- from Iraqis of all political and reli- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- stitution and prevent invasion into the gious stripes. It seems that we have fi- nized for 5 minutes. United States? nally succeeded in uniting the Iraqis Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the United Now some Chamberlain appeasers against us. An Iraqi Government States has gone to war numerous times want to just tell the illegals they can spokesman actually has said, ‘‘The to protect the sovereignty of nations. stay. After all, we can use the cheap Iraqi Government’s vision differs from Sixty-four years ago on June 6, thou- plantation labor, the appeasers say. that of the Americans, who think the sands of GIs went ashore in France be- Never mind the crimes some of them agreements will give them almost to- cause its borders were invaded by the commit, never mind how they take tally a free hand in Iraq, and that, as a Nazis. In fact, most of the European some social services without paying for military force, they must have abso- countries and north Africa had their them, never mind how some live off lute powers.’’ sovereign borders overrun by the Nazis. Americans and lawful immigrants. In addition, members of the Iraqi In the Pacific, the United States Never mind it is illegal to be in the Parliament representing the majority fought the Japanese because they had United States without permission. of parties in that body wrote a letter to invaded the borders of our territories So why, Madam Speaker, do we de- the Congress which was released just and the borders of China and Indo- fend the borders of other nations but last week by my colleague on the For- china. Americans died. Over 400,000 not our own? The Feds say they are eign Relations Committee, Representa- died protecting all of those borders trying. But the proof, or the lack of it, is in the results. The border with Mex- tive DELAHUNT, the chairman on the during World War II. Subcommittee on International Orga- After World War II, the United States ico is violent. The border is porous, and nizations, Human Rights and Over- defended the borders of Western Europe the border is being invaded. The most powerful nation in the history of the sight. This letter includes a demand for nations against that ‘‘evil empire’’ of world can stop the secret invasion if it the withdrawal of American troops. It the Soviet Union and Soviet Com- first had the moral resolve to do so, said, in part, that ‘‘the majority of munism. In fact, we still have troops in and second, the courage to do whatever Iraqi representatives strongly reject Western Europe. Sixty years later, we is necessary to stop the onslaught of any military security, economic, com- still defend those borders. And that is a long time. Then there was the Korean invaders. mercial, agricultural investment or po- Maybe we should even use the Na- litical agreement with the United War. In its aftermath with 50,000 Amer- icans killed, we fulfilled our commit- tional Guard or returning troops from States that is not linked to clear mech- Iraq on our southern border. But doing anisms that obligate the occupying ment to defend South Korea, and we still have 30,000 troops on that border so would take leadership that is com- American military forces to fully with- mitted in word and deed to protecting draw from Iraq in accordance with the with North Korea, 50 years plus defending someone else’s border. We defend the sovereignty of this Nation. declared timetable, and without leav- The United States is worth it, the borders of Iraq and part of the Bal- ing any military bases, soldiers, or Madam Speaker, even if the amnesty kans even to this day. hired fighters.’’ crowd and Mexican President Calderon But Madam Speaker, I wonder why Madam Speaker, by moving for a per- doesn’t like it. manent military presence in Iraq, the we don’t have the same commitment to And that’s just the way it is. administration is sending the wrong America’s borders? Doesn’t that bother f message to the Iraqi people. The Amer- anyone? Having been to the southern ican people are also getting that mes- border of the United States numerous CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVER- sage, along with the rest of the world. times and seeing the ‘‘Maginot Line of SARY OF THE ROBERT J. DOLE It says to the Iraqi people that they Indifference,’’ I am puzzled why we VA MEDICAL CENTER IN WICH- will continue to live under foreign seem to ignore the thousands of tres- ITA, KANSAS military occupation with no end in passers, or invaders, if I can use that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a sight. It tells the American people that term, that come from all nations and previous order of the House, the gen- the occupation will continue to drain cross our border without permission. tleman from Kansas (Mr. MORAN) is our resources at a time when our citi- When Mexico invaded the United recognized for 5 minutes. zens are facing dire economic problems States at Brownsville, Texas, in 1846, Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam at home. And it proves to the world we went to war to defend the southern Speaker, I rise this evening to con- that the administration is determined border. When the outlaw, now folk gratulate and to pay tribute to the to tie the next President to the failed hero, General Pancho Villa and his Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans policies of the past. bandits came into the United States Affairs Medical Center in my home The best course for America is to from Mexico to commit crimes in New State in Wichita, Kansas, for 75 years begin the immediate, responsible rede- Mexico, the United States sent General providing outstanding services and ployment of our troops and military Blackjack Pershing to go after him, care to our Nation’s heroes, our vet- contractors out of Iraq, as this House even if it meant going to Mexico. erans. has mandated. But since the adminis- That was during a time when our sov- Caring for those who have borne the tration is clearly unwilling to do that, ereignty was important to the Nation battle is our Nation’s utmost responsi- the next best thing is for Congress to and to the Federal Government. But bility. And for 75 years, the Dole VA demand full knowledge of the negotia- the invasion now is much worse. Some Hospital has helped our Nation honor tions, with the right to approve any estimates put the number of illegals in this commitment. Let us take time agreements. the United States between 15 and 35 today to pay tribute to the work of the Madam Speaker, the United States million people. Why don’t we have the Dole VA leadership staff and volun- must give full national sovereignty same moral resolve we had in World teers and the Kansas veterans they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.124 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5177 serve each day. Veterans are the people A RED HERRING other countries, like Canada, Sweden I hold in highest regard only to be ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and Germany, in which fewer people ceeded by those individuals who serve previous order of the House, the gentle- favor such measures, are scared that a those veterans. woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- new trade model would bring about what he calls a trade war. Yeah, you Under the skillful leadership of the ognized for 5 minutes. scare them, right? Try to scare the VA Network 15 Director Dr. Peter Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, the New York Times CBS spring poll has American people. Almenoff and hospital director Tom What Mr. Porter does not understand Sanders, the Dole VA Hospital has reported that 68 percent of Americans favor putting restrictions on what is is that America’s hostility is not to worked to fulfill its mission: ‘‘To im- international trade, but to trade agree- prove the health and wellbeing of vet- called free trade to protect our domestic industries. That is the highest level ments and deficits that cause job erans we are honored to serve.’’ In fact, outsourcing, job losses and cuts to mid- the Dole VA has received national ac- of concern since the poll began asking the question in the 1980s, and a 12 per- dle-class benefits and health coverage. claim in its service to veterans. On a cent rise just since 2000. Americans support trade that wins for recent rating of VA hospitals for qual- Only 14 percent of Americans sur- them and that brings prosperity to ity of veterans’ care, the Dole VA hos- veyed last year by the Pew Global Atti- America again. They want trade that pital ranked third in the Nation. Our tudes Project said increase in trade builds a middle class here at home and country is fortunate to have these indi- was very good for our country. And the abroad. They are tired of being jerked viduals who made the commitment to American people, by a healthy major- around by the multinational companies serve these veterans. What we do in ity, view NAFTA and NAFTA-like that trade them for $1 an hour worker Washington, D.C., pales in comparison trade agreements as flawed and costing in China who has no hope of a better to what these individuals do each and our people more job washout every day. life. They want that worker to get a every day for our veterans. In other words, a majority of people in fair deal too. They support trade that On November 16, 1933, the first pa- our country not only believe something creates jobs, America used to do that tient, a veteran of the Spanish-Amer- is wrong with current U.S. trade pol- before we fell into deficit, and exports ican War, was admitted to the hospital. icy, enough of them have now been American products again to customers At that time, there were 150 beds. By hurt directly by unfair trade that they around the world. They broadly oppose the end of 1933, all beds had been filled. now know personally what a bad trade the failed NAFTA model that has In 2008 over 2,000 admissions were re- deal can yield. When you are almost $1 sucked jobs and money away from corded at the hospital. The Center now trillion in trade deficit, something is America to corrupt and closed markets provides a full range of primary, acute fundamentally wrong. that keep their boot on the necks of and extended care services to veterans So what does one of America’s pre- workers around the world who have no from 59 counties in Kansas. Many of mier newspapers place on its editorial rights. Porter claims trade hawks want these counties make up the First Con- page this week in response? Do they to disengage from the world. Wrong gressional District that I represent. look inside the gaping job loss and again. Nothing could be further from And despite covering more than 57,000 trade deficits our Nation is experi- the truth. Americans wants to engage. square miles, the First District is with- encing and attempt to reshape the pol- They want reciprocal trade, balanced out a VA hospital of its own. Veterans icy to again produce a better yield in trade and free trade that builds a mid- in central and western Kansas rely on jobs for our people and Nation? No. dle class, not shatters it. the care and services provided by the They put their head in the sand. And That is why a number of us intro- Dole VA. We are blessed to have such they do so in the form of an editorial duced a bill he mentions offhand, the an outstanding facility in Kansas that is nothing more than a red her- trade act, H.R. 6180 which currently available to those who have given so ring. Actually, this looks like a herring has over 50 sponsors and sets guidelines much on our behalf. to me. A red herring. You’ve heard that for responsible trade that encourages old expression which means someone free trade among free people. Porter Last month, I had the opportunity to distracts attention from the real issue. says that Europe and Germany don’t participate in the 75th anniversary ju- They state a half-truth and then wage share our point of view and we should bilee in Wichita attended by the hos- a fierce argument against that false- be more like them. I will agree with pital’s namesake, former United States hood as if the falsehood were true. It is him on one account. We should be more Senator Bob Dole, a member of the an old trick. like them because they have trade bal- country’s greatest generation and an The New York Times article written ances, not trade deficits. They are sit- unending advocate for veterans. Also by Eduardo Porter, is a complete red ting pretty compared to ours. We have attending the celebration was the Vet- herring. He said that people who worry a $711.6 trade deficit in 2007, and they, erans Department Secretary James about job loss in America related to in fact, have surpluses. So Mr. Porter Peake, Kansas Senators PAT ROBERTS trade want to stop trade. He said that ought to be fighting for a strong Amer- and SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas Congress- those people are isolationists. Nothing ica. And that means free trade among man TODD TIAHRT, and Wichita Mayor could be more untrue. free people. Carl Brewer. I say to Mr. Porter the vast majority Indeed, the latest monthly trade figures from We listened to Dole speak of his own of the American people want to fix April show our nation has just gone further in military service and recovery from what is wrong with these trade deals. the hole at $60.9 billion deficit. More red ink wounds he received in World War II in And there is plenty wrong. If he fails to = more lost jobs and more workers falling out a VA hospital, as well as his leadership grasp that, he might, as the old expres- of the middle class. Yet Canada and Sweden in building the World War II Memorial, sion goes, ‘‘fail to see the wall in front both managed surpluses of about $30 billion as co-chair of the President’s Commis- of his face and run right into it.’’ Mr. in U.S. dollars. Their trade numbers are mov- sion on Care for America’s Returning Porter alleges that the majority of ing in the right direction. Germany com- Wounded Warriors. With his legacy of Americans who favor putting restric- manded a trade surplus of more than $185 bil- tions on free trade to protect domestic service and sacrifice to our country lion. I ask Mr. Porter, why shouldn’t America industries will push the new President move its accounts to balance and surplus? and its veterans, Senator DOLE is an to be undiplomatic and unreasonable appropriate namesake and inspiration Why does he favor more job washout? More when it comes to what Porter calls eco- for the hard work and dedication of the loss of income for our people? More red ink? nomic protectionism. Furthermore, workers in those countries need leadership, staff and volunteers at the Mr. Porter, reciprocity is not protec- not worry about losing their healthcare since Dole VA. tionism. With nearly $1 trillion net the government provides assistance. Those Again, I wish to congratulate the trade deficit sucking more and more countries trade in order to make money, but Dole VA Medical Center for 75 years of jobs out of this country, he should be our trade policies have resulted in a hemor- care to our country’s veterans. On be- championing balancing our trade rhage of our resources. half of veterans in Kansas, I thank agreement and creating jobs here in The New York Times and Mr. Porter ought them for their service. America again. But he opines that to be fighting for a strong America—and that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.126 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 means a strong economy evidenced by bal- most every other rich nation. America’s b 1815 anced trade accounts, not deficits. A strong meager social safety net and its winner-take- America means keeping and creating good all distribution of riches means workers have And if he were here tonight, I would less to gain from trade’s benefits and more jobs, with living wages and benefits like say, ‘‘Sean, we are doing it. We are to lose from any disruption. screaming from the top of this Capitol healthcare. And a strong America means trade Most economists agree that trade plays a relationships that bring strength to our econ- small role in the deteriorating fortunes of that we ought to drill in the ANWR, we omy and our trading partners’, not a race to less educated American workers. But as ought to drill off the Continental Shelf. the bottom or human rights violations. their wages have sagged, their pensions have We have a 500 year supply of natural America ought to be fighting for opening the shrunk and their health insurance has dis- gas. But the Democrats on the other closed markets of the world, like Japan’s and appeared, trade has become the scapegoat. side will not listen to the American China’s, not putting our heads in the sand Politicians, especially but not solely from people, and the price of gasoline goes the Democratic Party, have been eager to while our competitors levy non-tariff barriers capitalize on those anxieties. up and up and up and the price of en- against America’s goods and services. If we Just this week, Democrats in the House ergy goes up and up and up.’’ are not trading with a free country with a free and Senate proposed a bill that would re- I understand that my colleagues on market and free people, we are not trading quire the president to submit plans to re- the other side of the aisle want to go to freely at all. We are paying these countries to negotiate all current trade agreements—before Congress considered any pending agree- new forms of energy that are environ- continue unfair economic and political prac- mentally safe, and I think everybody in tices at the cost of our own prosperity and ments and before the president negotiated any new ones. In April, House Speaker this body wants that. standard of living. Nancy Pelosi decided to change the rules But while we are transitioning to the We ought to be fighting for America’s middle guiding approval of free trade agreements to class, not outsourcing their jobs to China, stall the approval of one with Colombia. new technologies, we still have to live. India, and Mexico. We should not oppose free The United States has an enormous stake We still have to have heating oil. We trade; we should support free trade among in maintaining an open global economy. still have to have gasoline. We still free people. Trade means export markets for American have to have energy. And the way we [From the New York Times, June 7, 2008] products, as well as cheap imports for Amer- can get it and not depend on foreign re- ican companies and consumers. Foreign com- sources is by drilling in the ANWR, EUROPE FEARS A POST-BUSH UNILATERALISM, petition helps spur productivity, which has THIS TIME ON TRADE driven the spectacular increase in American drilling off the Continental Shelf, (By Eduardo Porter) living standards since World War II. using coal shale and using natural gas. The Democrats’ vocal hostility to trade is Before this country stumbles into a trade But the environmentalist lobby, and starting to scare many of America’s best war, all political leaders would benefit from my colleagues will never admit to this friends. As Barack Obama and Hillary Clin- a careful examination of how other wealthy on the other side of the aisle, but the ton have bashed China and a variety of free democracies have found ways to cushion eco- environmentalist lobby has them by nomic blows on the most vulnerable and trade agreements, allies who have been throat, and as a result they will not yearning for an end to President Bush’s in- make trade more palatable to their workers. your-face unilateralism are worried that a More generous social policies are a far bet- yield to the America people’s will that Democratic president may be just as ter choice than protectionism. we drill here in this country to reduce undiplomatic, and unreasonable, when it f the price of energy. comes to economic protectionism. Now, I believe this will be an issue in ‘‘It is very irresponsible, in my view, to THE PRICE OF GASOLINE pretend to people that we can disengage from The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the fall campaign. I know everybody is international trade,’’ Peter Mandelstam, the previous order of the House, the gen- talking about OBAMA and MCCAIN and European trade commissioner, warned in a tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is the presidential race. But the people May interview with the BBC. who are in this country are really con- It would be a mistake to brush all this off recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam cerned about getting to and from work as mere campaign posturing. The United and paying their bills. I would just like States remains as open to trade as its Euro- Speaker, if you went out to a gas sta- pean allies, and in some areas it has even tion this morning or tomorrow morn- to say to my colleagues on the other fewer restrictions. But the question is, for ing and you asked anybody pumping side of the aisle, go to any gas station how long? gasoline what the number one issue is, tonight, go to any gas station tomor- Despite economists’ assurances about they would tell you without a doubt it row, and ask anybody pumping gas this trade’s many benefits, American workers in- is the price of gasoline because it is question: Do you think we ought to creasingly view globalization as a losing bat- having an impact on their food and on drill for our own oil? Do you think we tle against China’s cheap labor and a very should depend less on foreign resources personal threat to their wages and jobs. Ac- every other commodity that they deal cording to a poll this spring by The New with. like Saudi Arabia or Venezuela? And 80 York Times and CBS News, 68 percent of The American people want gasoline percent of them will look you right in Americans favor putting restrictions on free prices and energy prices to come down. the eye and say, you bet. I want the trade to protect domestic industries. That is And the thing that really amazes me price of gasoline to go down. the highest share since they began asking about my colleagues on the other side My Democrat colleagues, I want you the question in the 1980s, and 12 percentage of the aisle, Madam Speaker, is they to listen to them, because they are points more than in 2000. won’t listen to the American people. Workers in other rich nations feel less going to get more and more angry with threatened. Only 14 percent of Americans Eighty percent of the American people, you because you will not listen. We surveyed last year by the Pew Global Atti- according to recent polls say that if we could bring the price of gasoline down tudes Project said increasing trade was have the resources here in America, we immediately if we say we are going to ‘‘very good’’ for the country. That’s less than should drill for them right here. Obvi- drill in ANWR, drill off the Continental half the share in Canada, Germany or Swe- ously, everybody is concerned about Shelf, because our competitors around den. Even among the French, who tend to see the environment, but we can drill for capitalism as gauche and occasionally drive the world are going to say, ‘‘oh, my oil in the ANWR and off the conti- gosh, there is going to be competi- tractors into their local McDonalds, 22 per- nental shelf and use coal shale to cre- cent said more trade was very good. tion,’’ and you will see the price of gas- ate a tremendous amount of gasoline The issue isn’t the amount of trade. Euro- oline and oil per barrel go down. pean countries actually trade much more and energy in this country without than the United States. But their citizens even relying on the foreign sources. So, tonight, once again I will just say appear to be more comfortable with the idea The problem is that my colleagues on to my colleagues on the other side of because their governments provide a strong- the other side of the aisle will not lis- the aisle, please, please listen to the er safety net to catch workers undercut by ten to the American people. American people. They want to drill in foreign competition and redistribute the Now I was watching Sean Hannity on the ANWR. They want an environ- gains from trade more equitably. Hannity and Colmes the other night, mentally safe way to drill in the In the United States, public spending on social programs, from unemployment insur- and Mr. Hannity said he couldn’t figure ANWR, and we have it. They want to ance to health care, amounts to about 17 per- out why the Republicans weren’t talk- drill off the Continental Shelf. They cent of the overall economy. This is about ing about this and making this a big want us to drill for our own oil and our half the level in Germany and less than al- issue. own natural resources, and they don’t

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.055 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5179 want to depend on Saudi Arabia, Ven- Iraq and Afghanistan and places erals are committed and dedicated. ezuela, Mexico or anyplace else. And around the world to defend the honor, Give them the opportunity to finance we should listen to them. We should but yet the need for freedom and de- their own bases, to finance the mili- listen to them. mocracy. But this is a war that the tary. But enough is enough. I believe So if Sean Hannity were here to- American people over and over again, the American people have spoken. night, I would say, ‘‘Sean, we are lis- 60 to 70 percent have said we must So I say to the administration, we tening to you. We have heard you. We bring our troops home. The American will not tolerate permanent bases on are screaming from the top this Cap- people have said enough is enough. the soil. And I want to thank the Pro- itol, but our colleagues on the other We honor those who have fallen. We gressive Caucus with the leadership of side of the aisle aren’t listening right honored them in this memorial week. I Congresswoman WOOLSEY and Con- now.’’ was in Aviano, Italy, and celebrated gresswoman LEE, the Out of Iraq Cau- But if we keep this up and the Amer- there at the Air Force base with the cus with Congresswoman WATERS, both ican people listen, and I think they young men and women, the fallen, who of which I am a member of. We have will, they are going to hold my col- fell on foreign soil. It was my honor worked on this. We have heard from leagues on the other side of the aisle, and my privilege to be there, and I will the American people. We have heard the Democrats, they are going to hold do so wherever there is the opportunity testimony. them responsible for the cost of energy. to say thank you to those that live in- Frankly, this is an insult to the So I would just like to say to you, jured, for those who gave the ultimate Members of the United States Con- the election is coming up and every- sacrifice. We will never dishonor their gress, when we know that there are al- thing looks pretty good for your side of service. ternatives to ensuring the safety and the aisle, but you better do something So I claim that today we can call the security of the region, and we also about energy, because the American actions in Iraq, albeit my opposition to know that the American people have people want something done and they the offense or the invasion of Iraq by spoken. want it done quickly. this country, we can call it a military I stand with the American people. success. We can call it a military suc- The needs are great. We must use this f cess and bring our soldiers home. money for other reasons, bringing our The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a What disturbs me, Madam Speaker, soldiers home, training them, creating previous order of the House, the gen- is that this Nation, this administra- a green economy, making sure that we tleman from New York (Mr. WEINER) is tion, is negotiating for foreign bases on have the education we should and the recognized for 5 minutes. Iraq soil, U.S. bases on the soil of Iraq, health care that we should. It is time (Mr. WEINER addressed the House. when over and over again this Congress now to bring our troops home, and cer- His remarks will appear hereafter in has voted against maintaining long- tainly it is time now to end this frivo- the Extensions of Remarks.) term bases, U.S. bases, in Iraq. We have lous debate about permanent bases in f said it clearly. We have said it over and Iraq. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a over again. f previous order of the House, the gen- So I raise the question as to why is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tleman from Georgia (Mr. BROUN) is the administration engaging in nego- previous order of the House, the gen- recognized for 5 minutes. tiations for permanent military bases tleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) is (Mr. BROUN of Georgia addressed the without the engagement and the affir- recognized for 5 minutes. House. His remarks will appear here- mation of this Congress that has said (Mr. BURGESS addressed the House. after in the Extensions of Remarks.) to the administration that we do not His remarks will appear hereafter in want permanent military bases and f the Extensions of Remarks.) neither do the people of the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a f States? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gen- Now, I recognize that we have the re- tleman from California (Mr. GEORGE previous order of the House, the gen- sponsibility of transition as the new tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is MILLER) is recognized for 5 minutes. administration comes in. I am believ- (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California recognized for 5 minutes. ing that the new administration that (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. addressed the House. His remarks will will come in to be President of the appear hereafter in the Extensions of His remarks will appear hereafter in United States will be the administra- the Extensions of Remarks.) Remarks.) tion that will oppose this war and that f f will begin to bring our troops home. But if, for example, we were con- SUNSET MEMORIAL DON’T ALLOW PERMANENT BASES cerned about transition, let me simply IN IRAQ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a say, we are aware that we have a Cen- previous order of the House, the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tral Command in the region. It is an tleman from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS) is previous order of the House, the gentle- active Central Command. It will be recognized for 5 minutes. woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) headed by General Petraeus for the Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Madam is recognized for 5 minutes. next couple of months. Speaker, as many times before, I stand Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank There is no reason why when that re- before this House with yet another the distinguished Speaker, and I thank gion is in need that under the Central Sunset Memorial. her for her leadership. Command the appropriate military op- Madam Speaker, it is now June 10, We will in just a few minutes begin eration can be dispatched, if necessary, 2008, in the land of the free and the to talk about a very serious issue on to the region, to Iraq and to other home of the brave, but before the sun universal access to health care, so I places around. It seems to be a smack set today in America, almost 4,000 rise today to remind my colleagues in the face of Congress that has over more children, defenseless unborn, that we are still in a very troubling and over again said that it is time to were killed by abortion on demand. conflict in Iraq. We are still spending bring our troops home, that we cannot And that is just today, Madam Speak- billions and billions and billions of dol- spend millions and millions and bil- er. That is more than the number of in- lars. Even in the last few days I have lions more of dollars in Iraq. nocent lives that this Nation lost on seen the loss of young sons, young It is time for Iraq to secure its own September 11, only it happens every brothers, young men in my own com- security, to defend itself, to build its day. munity. We have buried a number of own military bases. And, yes, we are It has now been exactly 12,923 days our fallen soldiers in the Houston, Har- quite happy to continue to train those since the tragedy called Roe v. Wade ris County and South Texas metroplex. Iraqi soldiers, which I visited with in was first handed down. Since then, the We recognize that we are a nation the last couple of months. I was there. very foundation of this Nation has been that is willing to send her very best, I saw them. They are committed and stained by the blood of almost 50 mil- her very brightest, to the front lines of dedicated, the Iraqi soldiers. Their gen- lion of its own children. Some of them,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.129 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Madam Speaker, cried and screamed as these doors for the very last time. And of the American people to identify they died, but because it was amniotic if it should be that Congress is allowed what that is so that future generations fluid going over the vocal cords instead to convene on yet another day to come, won’t be reliant on fossil fuel. But of air, we couldn’t hear them. may that be the day when we finally right now, it’s imperative that we work All of them had at least four things hear the cries of the innocent unborn to increase supply. in common, Madam Speaker. First, in our Nation. May that be the day This problem isn’t new. This distinc- they were each just little babies who when we find the humanity, the cour- tion between folks on the Democrat had done nothing wrong to anyone; and age and the will to embrace together side of the aisle and the Republican each one of them died a nameless and our human and our constitutional duty party on this side of the aisle isn’t new. lonely death; and each one of their to protect these, the least of our tiny We have had vote after vote after vote mothers, whether she realized it imme- little brothers and sisters in America over the past 10 or 15 years on increas- diately or not, will never quite be the from this murderous scourge upon our ing the supply of oil in this Nation, and same; and all the gifts that these chil- Nation called abortion on demand. time after time after time our friends dren might have brought to humanity Madam Speaker, it is June 10, 2008, on the other side of the aisle have not are now lost forever. 12,923 days since Roe v. Wade first risen to the occasion. You talk about And yet even in the glare of such stained the foundation of this Nation Alaska exploration, ANWR explo- tragedy, this generation still clings to with the blood of its own children. This ration, House Republicans have sup- a blind, invisible ignorance, while his- in the land of the free and the home of ported that 91 percent of the time, 91 tory repeats itself and our own silent the brave. percent of House Republicans have sup- genocide mercilessly annihilates the ported Alaska exploration; Democrats, f most helpless of all victims, those yet 86 percent have opposed it. unborn. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Jay Leno, I don’t know if you heard, Madam Speaker, perhaps it is time previous order of the House, the gen- Jay Leno said Democrats right now say for those of us in this Chamber to re- tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER) is that it will take 10 years if we explore mind ourselves of why we are really all recognized for 5 minutes. in Alaska to realize any new gasoline, here. Thomas Jefferson said, ‘‘The care (Mr. HUNTER addressed the House. and then he said, that’s exactly what of human life and its happiness and not His remarks will appear hereafter in they said 10 years ago. its destruction is the chief and only ob- the Extensions of Remarks.) It goes on and on. Coal-to-liquid jective of good government.’’ f technology, 97 percent of Republicans The phrase in the 14th Amendment have supported coal-to-liquid tech- SOLVING THE CHALLENGE WITH capsulizes our entire Constitution. It nology, 78 percent of Democrats have REGARD TO GAS PRICES says, ‘‘No State shall deprive any per- opposed coal-to-liquid technology. Oil- son of life, liberty or property without The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a shale exploration, every time it has due process of law.’’ previous order of the House, the gen- come up 97 percent of Republicans have Madam Speaker, protecting the lives tleman from Georgia (Mr. PRICE) is rec- supported it; House Democrats, 86 per- of our innocent citizens and their con- ognized for 5 minutes. cent have opposed it. Deep-sea explo- stitutional rights is why we are all Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam ration, House Republican support, 81 here. The bedrock foundation of this Speaker, I go home, as most Members percent; House Democrats, 83 percent Republic is that clarion declaration of of Congress do, every weekend and talk opposed. What about increasing refining ca- the self-evident truth that all human with constituents and try to get a pacity? House Republicans, 97 percent beings are created equal and endowed sense of what their concerns are and support; House Democrats, 96 percent by their creator with the inalienable make certain that we are representing opposed. So 91 percent, in summary, of rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of them responsibly here, and upon my House Republicans, have historically happiness. Every conflict and battle last visits home on the weekends over voted to increase the production of our Nation has ever faced can be traced the past 3 or 4 months, their concerns American-made oil and gas and 86 per- to our core commitment to this self- are the concerns of Americans all cent of House Democrats have histori- across this country, and that is the evident truth. It has made us the bea- cally voted against increasing the pro- concern of energy prices, of gas prices. con of hope for the entire world, duction of American-made oil and gas. Madam Speaker. It is truly who we are. They aren’t just concerned, Madam It has been said that every other Na- And yet today another day has Speaker; they are mad. They are mad tion on Earth views their natural re- passed, and we in this body have failed because they see absolute and utter in- sources as an economic asset. House again to honor that commitment. We action here in the United States Con- Democrats, this majority, believes that have failed our sworn oath and our gress. American values and American natural resources in this land are an God-given responsibility as we broke vision dictates that we do all we can to environmental hazard. faith with nearly 4,000 more innocent solve the challenge that we have before What do we do? Well, I want to com- American babies who died today with- us as it relates to gas prices. mend Representative TIM WALBERG of out the protection we should have b 1830 Michigan, who is leading the fight to given them. decrease gas prices. He has filed a dis- Madam Speaker, let me conclude in Four dollars a gallon, we hit that charge petition on House Resolution the hope that perhaps someone new mark over this past weekend. 3089, which will increase refining con- who hears this Sunset Memorial will fi- I wonder what price per gallon it will struction and capacity, boost alter- nally tonight embrace the truth that take to get this Democrat majority to native energy development, provide in- abortion really does kill little babies, act, to work to increase supply. Is it $5 centives to increase nuclear energy and that it hurts mothers in ways that we a gallon, $6 a gallon, is it $10 a gallon? allow for environmentally friendly do- can never express, and that 12,923 days Will it happen then that this Democrat mestic oil production. spent killing nearly 50 million children majority will then allow this Congress I call on the Speaker, and I call on in America is enough; and that the to vote on increasing supply? the leadership of this House to bring America that rejected human slavery Now, there are all sorts of things this commonsense bill to the floor. and marched into Europe to arrest the that ought to be done. The kinds of These are real solutions for the Amer- Nazi Holocaust is still courageous and things that have been described by my ican people, American energy for compassionate enough to find a better friend on the other side of the aisle are Americans. It’s the American vision, way for mothers and their unborn ba- appropriate, and we ought to do them. it’s the American values that are bies than abortion on demand. I support, strongly, conservation. We across this land. So tonight, Madam Speaker, may we can do a lot more in the area of con- The American people understand and each remind ourselves that our own servation and should incentivize con- appreciate the challenges we face. days in this Chamber and in this sun- servation. They just can’t understand and appre- shine of life are also numbered, and all I support, strongly, finding that al- ciate why this majority won’t act to too soon each one of us will walk from ternative fuel and incentivizing genius increase supply.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.136 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5181 UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE So I want to speak today on some Anglo white population are overweight. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. issues and share some stories of indi- That bodes for an unfortunate health COHEN). Under the Speaker’s an- viduals who are suffering in the State situation. nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the of Texas. Maybe those who are within H.R. 676 would cover health care gentlewoman from California (Ms. the sound of our voices will understand costs and would decrease for both fami- WATSON) is recognized for 60 minutes as that we do not take your plight light- lies and for businesses. Currently the the designee of the majority leader. ly. We have heard Members come on average family of four covered under Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, this will the floor of the House and talk about an employee plan spends $4,225 on be the first of a special order pin- the spiraling gasoline prices, we have health care, $2,713 on premiums and pointing and focusing on the need for heard them talk about the crisis in the $1,522 on medical services. universal health care insurance. housing market. I would say to you that under H.R. There will be speakers today that I was in my district, and we had an 676 a family of four making the me- will point up various areas of need. But hour-long program, and we really dium income of $56,200 would pay about in opening this hour, I would like to couldn’t end the program. It was a tele- $2,700 for all health care costs, includ- say that over the past 15 years there vision program, and all of the ques- ing the current Medicare. has been incremental reforms that tions were on the foreclosure market. Is that not a reformation of this sys- have expanded health care coverage to The producer came out and said, they tem? Is that not a light at the end of limited populations and have crowded don’t want to ask any other questions. the tunnel? Businesses would benefit as out an increasing number of Americans They just want to ask about the fore- well. They would pay a 4.75 percent from the private insurance market. closures. payroll tax for all health care costs, in- Preventable and mismanaged chronic People are hurting, and if you jux- cluding the current Medicare tax. For disease, such as asthma, cancer, diabe- tapose the high food gasoline prices an employee making a median annual tes and heart disease, are the leading high food prices and your mortgage family income of $56,000, the employee causes of death and disability in the being foreclosed on, or no place to live, would pay about $2,700 per year. That is United States and account for the vast can you imagine what it is like? You the answer that we are giving tonight majority of health care spending. They can imagine, with no health insurance, and why we are here on floor of the have affected the quality of life for 133 catastrophic conditions, with the back- House. We want you to know, our colleague, million Americans and are responsible drop of the spiraling unemployment, that there is relief. We can move H.R. for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the then I would say that we have a human 676, which is based on the traditional United States, killing more than 1.7 crisis, an American crisis where people Medicare model and provide health million Americans every year. Chronic are falling on the spear. care coverage for a family of four that diseases are also the primary driver of Yesterday, I introduced the Medicare is drastically different from the crisis health care costs, accounting for more Efficiency and Development of Im- that they are facing today, because than 75 cents of every dollar we spend provement of Care and Services Act, today they are facing a crisis such that on health care in this country. MEDICS Act, of 2008. It is a com- As reported by the Centers for Dis- if they are in any catastrophic illness plement to universal access to ease Control, in 2005, this amounted to you can be assured that they will have healthcare. But if we had universal ac- $1.5 trillion of the trillions spent on no relief. cess to health care, many of these health. Despite worldwide problems, Let me close by sharing with you two issues would not have to be, if you will, the issue of chronic disease does not very painful stories, and you can un- remedied piece by piece. register with large segments of the derstand why, might I say to you, there Just to give you a very brief over- public. As policymakers, we must raise are pages and pages of stories of those view, the bill that I introduced has an the awareness of the health care crisis who are suffering in this dilemma of elimination of discriminatory copay- on this issue of the uninsured and having to pay for all of these expenses ment rates of Medicare outpatient underinsured as a primary concern in and short-changing their families on mental health services. It also pro- Congress. health care. Now, there is legislation to ensure hibits and limits certain sales and mar- The lack of health care leads to that all Americans will have access keting activities under Medicare Ad- death. Impossibly high gas prices can guaranteed by law through the highest vantage, and it has exemptions from lead you to public transportation, it quality and most cost-effective health income and resources for determina- may lead you to walking. It may lead care services, regardless of their em- tion of eligibility for low-income sub- you not to going to places where you ployment, income or health status. sidy. have not often gone, but you are still The following Members will be speak- One of the key elements is if you are alive and might even be healthy. The ing on this issue, and I call up as the on Medicaid and you die, this elimi- lack of food may mean that you have a first speaker the young lady from nates the ability of States to collect little less on the table, and it may Texas, Representative Sheila Jackson- from your estate, you don’t have any- mean your health, but it actually will Lee. thing. It may be that you are leaving not kill you directly. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank minimal resources to your children, Certainly we know that we want bet- the distinguished gentlelady from Cali- and lo and behold, they want to grab ter education and our troops home. But fornia for yielding, and let me add my that up to pay for the long-term care if you do not have good health care, it appreciation for the vast knowledge that you needed while you were in the can lead to your death. Whether it’s that she brings, particularly as it re- hospital under Medicaid, more insult to preventive health care, whether it’s lates to the comparisons of our health your dignity. mental health services, it can actually care, to the international system of So very quickly let me say that I rise lead to the death of your loved one. health care, having been an ambas- to support H.R. 676, the United States Poor health care can lead to the death sador and knowing, really, some of the National Health Insurance Act, that is of your loved one. stark contrasts between nations that sponsored and introduced by my col- We are speaking of life and death. are developing and have a better health league, Chairman CONYERS, of which I This story is from Mike. ‘‘I lost my job care system than we have here in the am an original cosponsor. I would just as an RN for advocating for better United States. simply say in the State of Texas when staffing ratios and patient safety.’’ I want to add my appreciation as well you look at HIV and STDs, for exam- That means here is a registered nurse to Chairman JOHN CONYERS, who has ple, there are 22,948 total AIDS cases in who is trying to fight for better quality single-handedly led the cause and the Harris County, this was in 2005. These of health care, got fired. ‘‘With that job fight for universal access to health are people who may have health issues loss, I lost my medical insurance. On care, particularly as it relates to the we have to address. New Year’s Day I had an ocular stroke. legislation that all of us are looking According to the Texas Department I was having symptoms for a couple of forward to seeing passed, because this of State Health Services, 72.9 percent days prior, but without medical insur- is legislation that clearly is enor- of African Americans in Texas are ance, decisions are made in a different mously important. overweight, while 60.3 percent of the manner.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:32 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.140 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 b 1845 combat the childhood obesity crisis facing this income or health care status. You, the Amer- ‘‘I put off the treatment because I Nation, and provide health insurance coverage ican people called for universal health care, as didn’t have money to pay. In the proc- for all Americans. Most of all, I strongly be- it was one of the most prominent issues for ess I delayed treatment, and now I am lieve that quality healthcare should be afford- Americans in the 2006 elections. blind in that eye. If I had insurance, I able and accessible to all. The need for a high-quality, accessible and would have sought treatment sooner. I Yesterday, I introduced the Medicare Effi- affordable health care system has never been am a health care professional who de- ciency and Development of Improvement of more urgent. There are currently 47 million un- layed treatment decisions because of Care and Services Act (MEDICS Act) of 2008. insured Americans, 8 million of whom are chil- the cost and lack of insurance.’’ For decades, Democrats have been fighting to dren. Another 50 million are underinsured. Al- This person could have died. Now fix the broken America’s healthcare system though the U.S. spends twice as much on they are blind which limits I imagine and this initiative is an important tool to make health care per capita as countries with uni- some of their occupational opportuni- sure that our most vulnerable get the versal coverage, the World Health Organiza- ties. They are blind because America healthcare they need. tion, ranks us 37th in overall health system allowed them to live without health in- As a long supporter of Universal Health performance. Major American corporations surance. Care, I happy to announce that this legislation such as General Motors bear the brunt of an This is my final testament to the cri- puts our healthcare system on the correct path outdated health care system because they are sis we are in. This is from Robin: ‘‘My of providing access to health care for our Na- at a competitive disadvantage relative to their daughter has a developmental disorder, tion’s low income, minority and elderly popu- international counterparts who pay less for something in the autism spectrum, her lations. On Friday June 6, 2008, my colleague health care. A Harvard study found that almost pediatrician has guessed. I am not cer- Senator MAX BAUCUS introduced a health care half of all bankruptcies are partially or fully retain of the extent of the diagnosis of reform bill that addresses these key problem- lated to health care bills. her disorder due to the lack of my atic issues continuing to plague our health Universal health care would not cause a fi- funds, being a single mother, and lack care system. I am happy to announce that nancial burden on American families. Accord- of quality health insurance. I can The MEDICS Act is the companion bill to Sen- ing to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), ‘‘If the U.S. were to shift to a system scrape together money to take her to ator BAUCUS’ legislation, uniting Congress on the doctor if she has any routine sick- one accord to push for crucial healthcare re- of universal coverage and a single payer, as in Canada, the savings in administrative costs ness, and I push my budget the best I form. In 2007, there was an estimated 47 mil- [10 percent of health spending] would be more can to pay for 30 minutes of private lion people uninsured in our Nation. This is than enough to offset the expense of universal speech therapy a week to complement un-American and unacceptable. Now is the coverage.’’ what the school system provides. But time to ensure that every citizen has access to Under H.R. 676, health care costs would there is so much more she needs. She the proper health care benefits they need. decrease for both families and for businesses. In my house companion I have added a could do so much better with medica- Currently, the average family of four covered section requiring that within one year of enact- tion that could possibly help her lead a under an employee health plan spends a total decent life. If I could afford to get the ment the Secretary, in coordination with the of $4,225 on health care annually—$2,713 on extensive tests and evaluations, and Association of American Medical Colleges, premiums and another $1,522 on medical even then, who knows if I could afford shall submit to Congress an effective plan to services, drugs and supplies. This figure does the medicine. She cannot qualify for increase the number of primary care physi- not include the additional 1.45 percent Medi- SSI or Medicaid; they say I make too cians particularly those practicing in counties, care payroll tax levied on employees. Under much money. That is an outrage. She cities, or towns ‘‘underserved’’ or with a dis- H.R. 676, a family of four making the median cannot qualify for CHIPs; again, they proportionate number of Medicare-eligible and/ family income of $56,200 per year would pay say I make too much money. But I or Medicare recipients. Without our primary about $2,700 for all health care costs, includ- don’t. Once I pay for day care, speech care physicians, which act as the gateway to ing the current Medicare tax. therapy, clothing, car insurance, food care we can never move towards an effective Businesses will also save money under uni- and shelter, transportation, the rising universal healthcare plan. versal health care, as set forth by H.R. 676. In cost of gasoline, $38,000 gross without According to the Texas Department of State 2006, health insurers charged employers an child support is not enough money. Can Health Services, Texas HIV/STD Surveillance average of $11,500 for a health plan for a you imagine that they say $38,000 kicks Report, there were 22,948 total AIDS cases in family of four. On average, the employer paid her out of Medicaid and the CHIP pro- Harris County in 2005; a figure which almost 74 percent of this premium, or $8,510 per gram, especially when all your daugh- doubled the next closest county in Texas. year. This figure does not include the addi- ter can qualify for is a super-expensive According to the Texas Department of State tional 1.45 percent payroll tax levied on em- health insurance risk pool. What can I Health Services, 72.9 percent of African Amer- ployers for Medicare. Under H.R. 676, employ- do? I want the American dream, but I icans in Texas are overweight or obese while ers would pay a 4.75 percent payroll tax for all cannot have it. I am stuck in this old, 60.3 percent of White residents are obese. health care costs, including the current Medi- falling-apart apartment with an old car The need for a high-quality, accessible and care tax. For an employee making the median and inadequate health coverage with affordable health care system has never been annual family income of $56,200, the em- my sweet, 7-year-old daughter. God more urgent. There are currently 47 million un- ployer would pay about $2,700 per year. help us, she deserves better.’’ insured Americans, 8 million of whom are chil- Our plan, H.R. 676, ‘‘The United States Na- God help America. America deserves dren. Another 50 million are underinsured. Al- tional Health Insurance Act,’’ guarantees every better. This universal access to health though the U.S. spends twice as much on resident of the United States access to a full care is what we all should believe is the health care per capita as countries with uni- range of medically necessary services, includ- American dream. versal coverage, the World Health Organiza- ing primary care, prescription drugs, mental I close by simply saying what our tion ranks us 37th in overall health system health care and long term care. There are no Founding Fathers said: We all are cre- performance. co-pays or deductibles under this program. ated equal with certain inalienable This Congress, I am an original cosponsor The role of the government would be limited to rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of of H.R. 676, ‘‘The United States National collecting revenues and disbursing payments; happiness. I will just simply say that Health Insurance Act,’’ introduced by my col- care would continue to be delivered privately. God has to help us come to our senses league Congressman CONYERS. This act Patients could continue to use the same hos- and pass this legislation, H.R. 676, au- would allow for every American to receive pital, physician or health clinic from which they thored by my dear friend, John Con- heath Insurance. currently receive services. H.R. 676 is sup- yers, and cosponsored by so many of us, H.R. 676 would create a publicly financed, ported by over 210 labor unions and more otherwise God help us. privately delivered health care system that im- than 100 grassroots groups across the coun- I thank the gentlelady for her great proves and expands the already existing Medi- try. The former editor of the New England leadership on this issue. care program to all U.S. residents, and all Journal of Medicine, two former Surgeons I regard health care as one of the most residents living in U.S. territories. The goal of General and 14,000 physicians support na- pressing issues facing this country and the the legislation is to ensure that all Americans tional health insurance. world. I have been a staunch supporter of leg- will have access, guaranteed by law, to the H.R. 676 is based on the traditional Medi- islation that aims to eliminate health disparities highest quality and most cost effective health care model, in which the government nego- in this country, fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, care services regardless of their employment, tiates and pays service fees for private and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.141 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5183 public providers and mails its enrollees a card sion. Imagine when the United States care reform. Thanks to his efforts and that gives them access to the doctors and is spending over $338 million a day in that of so many others, I believe we are hospitals of their choice. This system does not Iraq, we can’t find $35 million over 5 on the brink of accomplishing this divert profits to insurance companies. This leg- years. So divide that, 5 into 35 is 7, so long-awaited goal, and that this time islation is focused, first and foremost, on serv- that would be $7 million a year to pro- we will be successful in providing af- ing the American people, not on generating vide an additional 4 million children fordable, guaranteed health coverage profits for big companies. with health insurance. for all Americans. Lack of health-care is no longer just a con- What are these priorities? When I first ran for office in 1990 for cern of those living in poverty. According to re- No child should be denied quality the State legislature, I proclaimed that cent reports, more than one-third of the nearly care because his or her parent cannot as my goal in public service, that one 47 million uninsured Americans coming from afford to purchase health insurance. No day to be able to contribute to the vic- households with family incomes of $40,000 or parent should have to choose between tory of allowing all Americans to re- more, lack of health insurance has become a medicine for his or her child and food ceive health coverage. I have always worry of the middle class. on the table. felt that this richest nation in the There is no reason why this country should Mr. Speaker, even if we are able to world, that it is a shame and really an continue down a dreadfully deleterious road of insure every child, that still leaves embarrassment that Americans, unlike denying healthcare to any citizen of this coun- nearly 40 million Americans without citizens and residents of every other in- try who needs it. Many of the health condi- health insurance. We hear stories every dustrialized nation in the world, that tions, such as diabetes, obesity, kidney failure, day about people who lack medical we don’t make health care accessible cancer, hypertension and HIV/AIDS, the prev- care and whose only option is to go to to all of our citizens. It is unacceptable alence of which plagues our community the our already overcrowded emergency and in many ways un-American. It is most, could be curtailed or even prevented if rooms to seek care. Our Nation’s not in the tradition of our country, everyone had access to health insurance. I health centers, hospitals and emer- which is to take care of each other. There are lots of people across the will continue to fight hard for the most effective gency rooms are doing everything they country who are ready to make this policy measures that aim to narrow the racial can to provide medical care to the un- fight. Another one of the heroes I health disparity gap. insured and underinsured, but they Ms. WATSON. I thank you, and call cannot fill the need. wanted to highlight tonight is my on the distinguished gentlewoman from Actually, when an emergency room is friend and until recently when he retired from active practice my physi- California (Ms. WOOLSEY). the care center, the underinsured and Ms. WOOLSEY. Thank you, Con- uninsured do not get access to impor- cian, my personal physician, Dr. Quen- tin Young of Chicago. Quentin Young gresswoman WATSON. And I want to tant preventive care and they do not was the chairman of medicine at Cook thank Chairman CONYERS for orga- get access to screenings to prevent dis- nizing this special order and for his ease or catch and treat them early. The County Hospital. He was the president leadership on universal health care. shame is that we can detect and treat of the American Public Health Associa- I am glad to join with my colleague, diseases when caught and treated tion. He is a founder of Health and Medicine Policy Research Group in DIANE WATSON, and JAN SCHAKOWSKY is early. So many uninsured, for example, Chicago, and a co-founder of the Physi- here, and we just heard from SHEILA who are surviving cancer and other se- cians For a National Health Program. JACKSON-LEE, to highlight the need for rious diseases could have been treated And in each of his roles, expanding ac- health care for not just some Ameri- with access to screenings and treat- cess to quality health care has been his cans but all Americans. ment. top priority. He is one of the most ar- Mr. Speaker, more than 47 million No one should have to put off impor- ticulate and passionate and consistent Americans are uninsured, an increase tant medical screenings like a mammo- long-term spokespeople for single of 6 million since this administration gram because she cannot afford the payer health care in our country, for took office. Nearly 10 million of those cost and doesn’t have the time for a providing affordable, comprehensive uninsured are children, children under wait list for free screenings. If a and quality health care for all. the age of 18. It is unforgivable that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, And as Dr. Young frequently says, country as wealthy as the United she should not have to choose between ‘‘We feel universal health care is no States of America cannot find a way to food on the table or rent. What an longer the best answer, it is the only provide health insurance to its entire awful choice to be asked to make, par- answer. There was a time when there population. ticularly if you have a family to sup- were alternatives that might have Actually, when there is a will, there port. No one should be denied nec- worked, but that day is passed.’’ is said to be a way. So the United essary medical care because they can- He goes on to say, ‘‘I certainly think States must not have the will to pro- not afford it. We must refocus our pri- it is attainable. It has been attained in vide health coverage to every single orities. We must use the money that certain countries that aren’t very dif- American. we are spending on Iraq to invest in ferent from us. I totally come down on Medicaid and the Children’s Health our Nation’s health care system. The 47 the side of health care being a human Insurance Program, CHIP, are impor- million Americans without health in- right. It is very hard for me to see a co- tant safety nets for children whose surance deserve no less. herent let alone a moral or decent ar- families cannot afford to purchase I look forward to working with my gument against it because illness health insurance. However, even with colleagues to find the best possible so- doesn’t distribute itself according to these programs, 10 million children lution to address this crisis, and I the ability to care for yourself and be still lack health insurance. Currently, thank you again, Congresswoman WAT- cared for. It strikes children. It strikes Healthy Families, which is what CHIP SON, for holding this special order. the poor. It strikes the most needy, is called in the State of California, Ms. WATSON. We thank you for your and the most ill-protected dispropor- Healthy Families serves 1.2 million depth of understanding of the issue. tionately. That is the correlation.’’ children, more than 10,000 children in Now I yield to the distinguished gen- Cardinal Bernardin, also from Chi- my district. And last year we, the Con- tlewoman from Illinois (Ms. cago, a hero on health care, said it gress, had the opportunity to expand SCHAKOWSKY). best. He said, ‘‘Health care is so impor- CHIP to provide services to nearly 4 Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Thank you, Con- tant to human life and dignity that it million more children. This legislation gresswoman WATSON, for organizing is the responsibility of society to offer would have provided health care to an this and allowing me to participate to- access to decent health care to every additional 607,000 children in Cali- night. I also want to thank our col- person.’’ fornia, and would have provided CHIP league, Representative CONYERS, for And I was pleased that he didn’t say coverage to many of the 5,000 children his long-time passionate leadership on every citizen. He said every person. So without health insurance in my dis- universal health care. I don’t know if the answer is that it should be consid- trict. he is going to get here tonight, but he ered a right guaranteed by society, Unfortunately, however, the adminis- certainly has been a steady and con- which means it must be a responsi- tration recklessly vetoed this expan- sistent voice for health care and health bility of government.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:54 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.059 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 And as we enter this new round of er’s 6-month waiting period for cov- me—how much time do we have left on discussions, more and more people and erage to expire. this hour? organizations have come to agree with Or Susan, who can’t afford the tests The SPEAKER pro tempore. Thirty Dr. Young and JOHN CONYERS’ conclu- her doctor wants her to have to deal minutes. sions. New coalitions have formed, in- with her high blood pressure; or Con- cluding small and big businesses, con- stance, who moved back to Illinois to Ms. WATSON. I would just like to sumer and labor groups, providers and care for a family member and can’t read some of the 51 stories of Ameri- the faith community, and organiza- find a job that provides affordable ben- cans with cancer who suddenly find tions representing people with disabil- efits. themselves overburdened with medical ities and living with chronic diseases. I want to close by saying that win- bills, and they have gaps in their cov- The time has come for action. ning the fight for guaranteed health erage. These are real people, Mr. In 2002, the Institutes of Medicine es- care for all is not just the right thing Speaker. These are real Americans who timated that 18,000 people a year died to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Too are calling out to us. because they were uninsured. They many potential entrepreneurs are As you know, we’ve had two very fine were unable to afford preventive serv- locked into jobs that provide health proposals coming from Senator HIL- ices, screenings that would have pro- care, unable to leave and create new LARY CLINTON and Senator BARACK vided early warnings, prescription businesses that keep our economy OBAMA that would address access to drugs or medical care. Today the Urban strong and provide new jobs. health care. Institute estimates that annual death Too many businesses that are providing coverage for their workers are Over on our side, in our House, we from uninsurance are up to 22,000 peo- competitively disadvantaged because have the valiant efforts over the years ple every year. That is 432 people each their foreign competitors operate in of Congressman JOHN CONYERS, JR. He week, 60 people each and every day who countries with national health care. would have been here today, but there die because the United States of Amer- They too want us to get it together and was a conflict. But he will continue the ica alone in the industrialized world adopt universal health care. drum beat and the call for us to get does not guarantee affordable health So, again, I want to thank Congress- down to business so we can have acces- care to our people. It is a horrendous woman WATSON and again, I want to sible health care. statistic. thank Congressman CONYERS for his I’d like to take some time to read But it is only a partial description of leadership. you the plight of real Americans. This the catastrophes we face. Our health Ms. WATSON. We would like to one is Susan M. She said, ‘‘My hus- care system is becoming completely thank you, the Honorable JAN band, Tom, was diagnosed with dysfunctional for patients and for SCHAKOWSKY, for a thorough analysis of lymphoma in 1996, just 4 months after those who care for them. what the problem in access to health our daughter was born. He underwent Even being covered by insurance is care really is. Thank you. three series of chemotherapy before no guarantee. The Commonwealth The Representative from Kansas, dying of encephalitis in 2001. At that Fund has just released a new study NANCY BOYDA, Dr. Representative time the entire family was insured that concludes between 2003 and 1997, CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSEN, Mr. Speaker, through his employer. the number of uninsured Americans you were on our list to make a presen- grew by 60 percent. There are now 25 tation in this hour. Would you like to ‘‘The monthly premiums went to $900 million insured people who could face do it? And I don’t know what’s proper month, and since I had left my job financial catastrophe if they become tocol. Mr. Speaker, Representative to care for him, I didn’t have many options. I was able to get the kids cov- sick or injured. SCHAKOWSKY will take your place tem- Consider this: One in five Americans porarily so you can make your presen- ered by Medicaid, and I signed up for under the age of 65, many of them in- tation if you choose. Ingram Health, which only covers doc- sured, live with medical debt. I say The SPEAKER pro tempore. I tors visits and prescriptions, not hos- under 65 because many people are wait- couldn’t have a better substitute. pitalization or long-term treatment. ing for that birthday, can’t wait to get Ms. WATSON. I just want to say that This carried us along until a mammo- there because then finally Medicare, a Members in this first hour have struck gram showed I had breast cancer in national health insurance for people a chord with the American people and 2006, then I was put in to the breast and over 65 and those with disabilities who the needs. And when we talk about cervical cancer program. I received ex- qualify, do get health care. homeland security, it is not the land, cellent care and am currently cancer- it’s the people on the land. And I am free. b 1900 very disturbed that we’re losing too ‘‘Earlier this year I took a contract Medical bills are the leading cause of many of our people who help defend position for 6 months at 20 to 30 hours about half of all personal bankruptcies. this land to all kinds of diseases and per week. Working again helped my at- High deductibles and co-pays, limits on health problems that need not be. With titude tremendously. The depression I payments, denials of needed care, all of the proper kind of access to health had struggled with for 10 years started these shift burdens to individuals and care, we wouldn’t be seeing so many of to lift, and I was feeling positive about families who are already struggling. our viable citizens perish. We could do my future prospects. These numbers are staggering, and it’s something about it. ‘‘But, of course, the extra income a national shame that while spending So we intend, Mr. Speaker, to have a meant that my kids were no longer eli- 50 percent more than any other coun- series of these discussions with Amer- gible for Medicaid. So I had the added try in the world on health care, we fall ica. And we do hope that maybe we can stress of finding insurance for them. I so dismally short in providing a health pull in CNN, Nightline, that’s ABC, was afraid that my eligibility in the care guarantee. Channel 7, to hold a periodic series of breast and cervical cancer program was But it’s also important to remember these discussions about access to that behind each number is a person, health care. also in jeopardy, so I never told my our friends, our neighbors, our family, We do hope that you’re able to make case manager about working. our colleagues, ourselves; people like your presentation at this time, Mr. ‘‘Now, the contract has run out and the Wells family from Illinois, who ac- Speaker. I’m looking for work again. I’m afraid cumulated over $175,000 in medical ex- All right. I understand that you that my coverage under the breast and penses while waiting for their employ- won’t be speaking at this time, so let cancer program will end before I can

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:54 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.143 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5185 get a job with benefits. And the bill for in this country to cover the health health care. So together we can con- the children’s insurance will be due in needs of all Americans, rather than quer. a few weeks. And I worry about what pour billions of dollars into a conflict We should not lose another person to impact a pre-existing condition will 10,000 miles away, that I see never end- cancer. We should not in this country have on my job prospects. ing, and I see us involving ourselves in because we should have done the kind ‘‘It doesn’t seem fair that my health sectorial problems that we don’t even of in-depth research and tests so that should be tied so punitively to a job. It understand. We don’t even understand we could come up with various pre- just adds to the emotional stress, the language the people speak. How in scriptions and remedies to save the which is already too high. the world could we understand their lives of so many worthy people. ‘‘Thank you for reading and thank customs and their conflicts with each Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker, for you for caring.’’ other? this time. We will be back again an- That was from Susan M. If we could take that money out of other night. Jennifer G says, ‘‘My mother suffered the gopher hole it’s in and put it into Mr. COHEN. Thank you, Madam and died with ovarian cancer. It was research in this country to stop this Speaker. terrible. And as with many ovarian deadly epidemic of cancer throughout It is indeed an honor to join with the cancers, hers was not detected until it our land, wouldn’t this make our coun- previous speakers and you, Madam was way too late for successful treat- try stronger? Speaker, to speak on this subject that ment. We’re losing 4,000, we have lost 4,090 you and Chairman CONYERS and others I am 36 years old now. My husband people, and countless innocent Iraqis have brought to this fight. and I are finished having children. My and others. I hear it could be as much It has been a long fight. Chairman doctor recommended that I have a as 300,000. CONYERS and Mr. DINGELL and Mr. DIN- hysterectomy because my risk of get- But no, we stupidly, stupidly and in- GELL’s father I think have had sponsor- ting ovarian cancer is much higher correctly continue to dump monies, ship of issues such as this since the now. and we don’t even take care of our own 1940s, 60-some-odd years of efforts and I am lucky enough to have health in- domestic priorities. introduction of legislation and debate surance. Unfortunately, an accountant We argued over health care for chil- and discussion, but no bill yet. But working for the insurance company is dren? Every child in this country, we’ve come a long way. We’ve come a able to override what my doctor rec- whether that child is here with legal long way since the 1940s. ommends because they don’t want to papers or not, not only deserves an Madam Speaker talked about the in- pay for it. They would rather take the education, but deserves health care. dividuals who suffer from cancer and gamble that I may or may not get the What kind of country are we that let should not have lost their lives because cancer. I, of course, would rather not its own people die because insurance we didn’t have adequate research. I gamble with my life. companies are saying oh, no, that’s too have penned a letter to the Speaker ‘‘I am all for everyone having health much? and to Chairman OBEY, who I know are insurance and having access to what- And we never see their actuarial concerned about this issue, asking that ever health care they need. However, data, by the way, Mr. Speaker. That we increase NIH funding in the Presi- being covered by health insurance does actuarial data could go into invest- dent’s 2009 budget for research on cannot guarantee that you will get the ments that fail. We don’t know it. cer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS, Par- treatment you need or any treatment They just up the premium. kinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease so that your doctor might recommend. And when you have a catastrophic that we double the amount that we had ‘‘It is not enough to demand coverage illness or a long-term illness, it could in the budget as requested by Congress. for all people. Insurance companies bankrupt you. Look at Ed McMahon, In the President’s fiscal year 2009 would still have the power to say no Tonight Show host, along with Johnny budget, the request for research at the any time they want to save some Carson, for decades. And now he’s on National Institute of Health for cancer, money. CNN on the Larry King Show, talking diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, Alz- ‘‘And I don’t have the solutions. I can about his broken neck and his injuries, heimer’s, and Parkinson’s, this could just recommend that this is a problem and now his Malibu home is in fore- be doubled, and only a day or so’s on two levels. Getting some kind of closure. worth of money that we use for our war universal health care coverage will just efforts would have to be transferred to be the first step. Getting insurance b 1915 make this available. companies to cooperate with doctors That’s an American of prominence You know, I think about what the decisions will be the next step. This is who was worth at one time $100 mil- Speaker was talking about, the loss of where much of the reform will need to lion. But a catastrophic illness could lives, and I had to think about Senator happen. run you into bankruptcy. And that KENNEDY. Not that one life is greater ‘‘Plus, I know several people who are story is told many, many times. than another life. But Senator KEN- fighting cancer and recovering from I will not take the time now, Mr. NEDY is a colleague who has been in cancer. All of them have health insur- Speaker, but these are actual people this hall and is fighting cancer. We ance. Most of them are being denied with actual stories. And we are the pol- hope he will have a successful fight. coverage for medicine to fight their icymakers, and we’re going to continue But when we see him struck with can- cancer. It is pathetic to have health in- to tell their stories night after night cer, and others—and we know there are surance and not be able to count on it until we, as a body, until we, as the people dying every day of cancer—it to help you when you need it the Congress, can come together and set just seems to me that it’s a shame that most.’’ our priorities on what is really nec- we don’t put more and more money And Mr. Speaker, just this morning, essary to keep America strong. And it into saving lives and we don’t use the I was called to be told that one of our might take a new administration. great wealth of this Nation, the intel- dear friends and PR persons died of So we’re going to lay the groundwork ligence of this Nation, the great sci- cancer at 2 a.m. this morning. Her for the next President and Commander entific powers of this country to invest name was Pat Tobin. She came from in Chief of these United States to in medical research in saving lives Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Los An- choose prosperity, to choose health rather than weapons of mass destruc- geles a couple of decades ago. She has care, to choose education, to choose so- tion often brought to us by people who a daughter, a sister. cial services over profiteering by your benefit from them and have brought And we went to her bedside on Fri- best buddies in the oil industry. You the military industrial complex that day, and I could see at that point that can read between those lines. And we President Eisenhower warned us about, she possibly would not make it through hope that the next President of the even President Nixon had concerns the night. But she did. She made it United States will set, as its higher about; and that helped take us from 9/ until 2:00 a.m. this morning. goal, to keep America healthy and be 11 into an escalating budget expense of And I tell about that particular ac- sure that every single American and military weapons that caused this count because if we could set priorities persons here can get that kind of country’s budget to be spent so much

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.144 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 and its great talent and abilities in a Speaker NANCY PELOSI, And just to make sure that my con- scientific way to be used on weapons of H–232, U.S. Capitol, stituents know that I have not changed mass destruction and other arms of the Washington, DC. States, it’s Michigan. It starts with an military industrial complex rather Chairman DAVID OBEY, ‘‘M,’’ it’s up north, it’s cold, generally. Committee on Appropriations, H–218, U.S. Cap- than science and research to save lives itol, Washington, DC. I can understand that. But I’m sure and save humanity. DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND CHAIRMAN OBEY: proud to represent Michigan, and more Who knows which person, which I am writing to request that NIH funding in importantly, the Seventh District of young person or older person, could do the President’s FY09 budget for the research Michigan in this great House of Rep- something to save other people’s lives of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS, Par- resentatives. let alone give love and hope to fami- kinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease be Tonight I am committed to talking doubled in the final FY09 budget set forth by about an issue that is of extreme im- lies? Congress. And so with national health care in- The following are the estimates included portance to my constituents, and in surance, we could cover people, we in the President’s FY09 Budget request at fact from what we read, constituents of could save lives because if we had in- the National Institutes of Health (NIH): Can- all of our districts all over this great surance for the people, you could scope cer: $5.654B; Diabetes: $1.033B; Heart Disease: United States because we are in a time $2.111B; Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Ma- out illnesses earlier whether you’re and place and setting right now that, laria, and Tuberculosis under National Insti- frankly, we aren’t used to. wealthy or poor. You would have the tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: same opportunity to have preventative And may I submit tonight to all who $300M; Alzheimer’s Disease: $644M; Parkin- would listen that, frankly, I don’t care, early treatment, and diagnosis of son’s Disease: $186M. illnesses that can cause loss of life. These debilitating diseases affect millions think we should ever get used to it for And that early detection can save of people each year across the globe. Fami- America is too great of a Nation and lives. lies are torn apart, emotionally and finan- has been the ambassador of great bless- cially, by the effects of their contraction. ing to the rest of the world in many Right now if you’re poor, you don’t Congress has a serious responsibility to pro- cases. It has set the course, has charted have the opportunity to have that vide adequate funding for research that the way toward greater economic early detection and your life is taken. could not only find promising treatments, achievement, standard of living, ad- And that’s an inequity that this coun- but permanent cures. I cannot imagine a more pressing issue vances in technology, business, industry should not allow to continue and try, education, medicine, and transpor- shouldn’t have permitted for all of than ensuring the healthy future of those we are here to represent. The disparity between tation. these years. the amounts of funding requested for the war I happen to come from the district There are so many accomplishments in Iraq and that requested to treat deadly where Henry Ford had his home, made that we have seen in this country, par- diseases is incomprehensible. The successful homes and schools for his employees in ticularly in this year. We’ve seen our findings of research programs made possible a great part of my district, used the re- Nation become a more perfect union in through increased funding will not only aid sources from that district, including people in the United States, but the rest of so many ways. But the fundamental during some wartimes some Sassafras right to health care is one that we have the world, as well. It is my hope that, by taking full advantage of the scientific re- trees just three miles from my house not recognized yet and we must. sources we have here at home, we can better that were used to make a light but We’re all here because of the grace of our relationships with research teams across strong frame for his motor cars with God, and it seems like we should all the globe to reach our common goals: finding the absence of steel at that point in have the—at our access and at our dis- a cure and establishing peace. time because of the war effort. posal what God’s creatures have been As always, I remain, I come from the State that has been Most Sincerely, able to discover, refine, produce, in the known as the Motor Capital of the STEVE COHEN, way of medical care to keep people Member of Congress. World, Michigan. Detroit has set the alive. That just seems like a minimum standard that the rest of the world has thing. Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I would followed, emulated, copied, and some- And this country is the only great in- just like to close out this hour by say- times even expanded upon, and yet still dustrialized country on the face of the ing all those who came forward this America, Michigan, the Motor Capital, earth without some national health evening we appreciate so much because charts the way. care policy. It seems like in this area, you represent different areas of the Just the other day—I tell this story we are not the first in the Nation, in country, and we hope this word can get for a purpose, but just the other day I the world, but we’re last in the world. out across the country that we’re ready had something of an experience happen And that’s terrible. to move forward. to me that has never happened before, There are doctors that serve in this And I do hope that we can follow nor did I expect it to happen. I filled body, and they’re to be admired for giv- through on our plans to go over the the tank of my Harley Davidson motor- ing their time. And I’m sure—I have media to present the case. So I’m going cycle, which has a 5-gallon tank, and it many friends who are doctors who give to request that all Members who have cost me over $20. Now, for those of you a lot of charity care. But it shouldn’t stories such as the ones I read, submit that have ridden motorcycles, it is al- have to be doctors providing charity them to Congressman CONYER’s office most unbelievable to think that a vehi- care to treat people that otherwise so we can compile these and be sure cle that gets great gas mileage, that wouldn’t be treated. It should be some- that we’ve referenced them as we move has a small tank like that would ever thing that we all give. And I think that closer to accessible health care for all cost double digits, let alone over $20 to that’s the real social need in this coun- Americans. fill. But that’s the place we’re in right try. And when people talk about values And with that, I would like to close now with gas today on average across and social consciousness and really re- out this hour, reserve the balance of the United States at $4.04 a gallon. My ligious thought and caring about oth- our time for another evening. Harley happens to take premium. So I ers, it really begins with caring about Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker, for paid $4.27 a gallon for that 5-gallon people’s health and sacrificing maybe the time. tank fill. some of our own resources to have a f b 1930 government system that can help oth- ENERGY INDEPENDENCE Less than 2 years ago, very seldom, if ers with their health care. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ever, would I double-digit fill my tank, So I’m pleased, Madam Speaker, to the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- even if it were on empty. Now, I don’t speak as I have. You have inspired me uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Min- ride my Harley Davidson for transpor- with your remarks, the letters you nesota (Mr. WALBERG) is recognized for tation anymore. read; and I’m just pleased that Chair- 60 minutes as the designee of the mi- It’s primarily for recreation, but 38 man CONYERS has this issue before us. nority leader. years ago when I started riding my Madam Speaker, I enter the fol- Mr. WALBERG. Thank you, Mr. first motorcycle it was for transpor- lowing for the RECORD. Speaker. tation, to get to and from my work.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.146 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5187 Over the course of successive years, I Congress refuses to increase American have signed on, moving toward the 218 would use my motorcycle in the better energy production. Instead, Speaker that are necessary. seasons of the year, the warmer time, PELOSI and leading House Democrats This petition, if effective with 218 to ride to work and enjoy that experi- would rather increase taxes on domes- signatures, will force a vote on Con- ence but also as commuting. I don’t do tic energy production and increase our gressman Mac Thornberry’s No More that anymore, but we’re paying gas reliance on OPEC or, as suggested last Excuses Energy Act, an Act suitably prices now that should not be part and week, sue OPEC for what all that’s entitled, legislation to increase U.S. parcel of what America is. worth. energy production and invest in alter- We talk a lot about energy independ- On a related note, the United States native sources of energy as well. ence and being willing to compete and Department of Commerce recently an- This appropriately named legislation make sure that the rest of the world nounced the U.S. trade deficit reached would impact the price at the pump has to compete with us, as opposed to its highest level in 13 months in April. and lower electric bills. It would en- the other way around. And yet, up to Our trade deficit also increased by $4.1 courage the construction of new refin- this very day, in the outcome of what billion between February 2007 and Feb- eries, boost alternative energy, supple- has gone on in Congress, it has been ruary 2008. mental energy development by extend- just talk and no action. This is why our country is facing a ing the wind production tax credit for Last week, I heard the governor of rising trade deficit, even though Amer- 10 years, giving some certainty that if our great State of Michigan announce ican-made exports grew by 12 percent I were to invest in wind energy produc- on a major radio talk show that she in 2007. The issue related to energy and tion, I would have a reasonable amount was now riding a bicycle to the Capitol the cost of energy has a direct influ- of time to see a return on my invest- from her governor’s residence each day, ence on this. This is why we need to ment. and when the host expressed concern provide incentives to increase Amer- It would increase American oil pro- about her safety, she said, oh, no prob- ica’s investment in alternative energy duction by allowing environmentally lem, my security detail are following and overall production of energy. sound drilling in Alaska, the Outer me on their bicycles as well. The United States imports around 12 Continental Shelf and the Gulf of Mex- Now, that’s a nice story. I don’t give million barrels of oil a day, and a bar- ico, and it would help increase our sup- any negatives toward our governor for rel of oil has gone from $70 to $140 over ply of electricity by encouraging the being efficient in her use of energy re- the last year, dramatically increasing construction of new nuclear power sources, but you’ve got to understand our trade deficit. Our reliance on im- plants. Even leaders, in fact, one of the that, when I heard that, it shocked me. ported oil and increased oil prices founders of Greenpeace, have come out And in fact, if not angered, it frus- means we are sending even more strongly encouraging the use of nu- trated me to think that the governor of money to foreign countries and some clear power as being clean, green en- the motor capital of the world was that don’t like us very much at all and ergy, not given over to continuing pro- riding a bicycle to work, even though certainly don’t share our interests. duction of greenhouse gases. she has an energy efficient, flex-fuel Rather than increase taxes on domes- For both economic and national secu- vehicle that I’ve seen her use and seen tic energy production, as some in Con- rity purposes, and again, I want to reit- her actually fill the gas tank with fuel. gress have proposed, I’m working to erate that, national security purposes, Right now, more importantly, get- pass sound legislation that will bring Congress needs to finally get serious ting to the real world of real people, down the price of gas and reduce our about an energy plan that truly lowers people who pay those gas prices each dependence on Middle East oil. Legisla- prices at the pump, reduces our depend- day, people who pay their taxes, that tion like the No More Excuses Energy ence on foreign oil, and makes real includes supporting this Congress in Act of MAC THORNBERRY would increase progress towards energy independence. what we do, right now most Michigan the supply of American energy and in- families that I know of, as I go back to Instead of increasing our dependence crease the number of good paying jobs my district each weekend, are giving on OPEC, America needs to return en- in this country and in my district, the up things like nights out eating at res- ergy production to the United States. Seventh District of Michigan. taurants or family vacations or trav- Doing so will create American jobs and Policies such as a 23-year morato- eling to family events in order to cover provide needed economic stability and rium on exploring and developing off- the rising cost of gasoline. If Congress transportation that’s efficient and usa- shore production of clean and green does not take action soon, families will ble to our American taxpayer. natural gas need to be lifted in order to be giving up much more than that. The answer to our current energy cri- lower prices and reduce our dependence They will be giving up very specific sis must be multi-pronged, and I have on foreign gas. Natural gas provides 23 needs, necessities in their life. And in cosponsored legislation to provide in- percent of our Nation’s energy. It fact, what I’ve heard in many town hall centives along those lines for solar, should be more. And America is the meetings, some are already giving up wind, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and only developed Nation that prohibits even necessities of their life in order to other green alternatives. We must in- offshore production and exploration of pay for the gasoline to get to their crease domestic energy production this clean, green, clean burning re- workplace the next day in order to through carbon-free nuclear power and source, and Americans are paying high- sometime hopefully pay for some of clean coal technology as well. I’m also er electricity and heating bills as a re- these necessities. cosponsoring legislation that would en- sult of this. Just this past weekend, AAA an- courage conservation with tax credits Like all of you, I’m tired of paying nounced that the nationwide average for green buildings and legislation that these high prices. Whether it’s for my gas price finally reached over $4 per would spark a revolution in clean hy- motorcycle, whether it’s for my car or gallon. It’s been much higher in Michi- drogen technology. whether it’s for my pick-up truck, I’m gan for several weeks. High gas prices There are many sources where we can tired of paying this because it’s unnec- are affecting families, truckers, farm- move toward if we’re willing to dig essary, as we’ve done nothing to ers, small business owners. I met a down deep and do what’s necessary and change that except talk, and it’s time small business owner in my office walk away from those unnecessarily to put action into place. today who said the cost of transporting strong, critical, excessive environ- I know high prices are affecting all of copy machines, office equipment to and mental forces that don’t speak to the us. This is unacceptable. It is unaccept- from her client is getting almost pro- welfare of this great country. able for America to put up with this. hibitive. Emergency services, public Today, I introduced a discharge peti- The good people of south central safety, and numerous other entities in tion, something that isn’t done regu- Michigan, the good people of Michigan, Michigan’s Seventh District and all larly in Congress, something that isn’t the good people of the rest of the over this U.S. are being negatively af- successful regularly but has been. I States in this wonderful country who fected by the high cost, and I say the trust that this discharge motion will depend on gasoline or diesel to get to unnecessarily high cost, of fuel. be. As of this point in time, with just a work, drive their kids to baseball prac- Despite fuel costs at levels previously few hours with that discharge motion tice and visit family members deserve only seen in Europe, leadership in this being on the floor, 93 of my colleagues better.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.148 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 The volunteers who offer to drive selling it as the answer to America’s its own natural resources. Right now, veterans to VA hospitals in my district energy needs. The 2007 lack of energy America is drilling for ice on Mars, but and other districts in other States de- bill has already proven that the Demo- we cannot drill for oil in America. This serve better. cratic solution is wrong. Mandating makes no sense. It’s crazy. It’s idiotic. The volunteers who offer to drive the production of renewable fuels has We must drill on our own lands, and we Meals on Wheels to needy senior citi- only led to an increase in world food must drill now. We must streamline zens deserve better than this. prices. the permitting process and the refinery Our churches and synagogues, our b 1945 processes to get new refineries online, places of worship all across this great and we must end our dependence on It is, at best, disingenuous, and at country that will be looking at loom- Middle Eastern oil. worst, an outright lie to say that re- ing fuel bills that many will be unable Mr. WALBERG, I greatly appreciate to pay this coming heating season de- newable fuels can meet America’s needs in the near future. As a good your doing this tonight; it is abso- serve better than this because America lutely critical. I’m a medical doctor, as doesn’t need to be in this situation. southerner, I love my corn bread and grits. It makes no sense to put corn in you know. I have patients who have to So I’m delighted that tonight I’m decide whether they can go to the doc- joined by a number of my colleagues the tank of my truck. The Department of the Interior esti- tor or not because gasoline prices are who will add to what has been stated mates that there are 112 billion par- so high. I have patients who have to de- already, probably more eloquently, ticles of recoverable oil beneath U.S. cide whether they can put a tank of gas with points of experience that come Federal lands and coastal waters, in their car or they can go buy medica- from all over this country. I appreciate enough oil to fuel 60 million cars for 60 tions. This has to end. And we can do their commitment to doing something years. The United States is the only something about it. We can do some- more than talking about energy inde- nation in the world that forbids any thing about it now if we have a respon- pendence, doing something more than production on its Outer Continental sible energy policy. talking about resuming America’s posi- Shelf. Despite a decades-long record of tion of leading the world in all areas, Our conference, as you know, has put environmentally responsible offshore forth a plan, a reasonable plan, an eco- including the area of energy production production, over 80 percent of Amer- and usage. nomically viable plan, an environ- ica’s oil and natural gas resources on mentally sensitive plan, a plan that We have blessed the world with our the Outer Continental Shelf are com- standard of living, with our technology will end this dependence upon Middle pletely off limits to exploration and Eastern oil. It’s a plan where we can and with our energy, and it is time to production. get about that project again. provide the energy sources, not only The OCS, Outer Continental Shelf, is our oil resources, but provide electric So at this time, I would like to ask estimated to hold at least 419 trillion my good friend and colleague from resources by permitting nuclear en- cubic feet of recoverable natural gas ergy. Georgia, Dr. PAUL BROUN, to add to resources and 86 billion barrels of oil. what has been said. I appreciate you To put it in simple terms, this is We have not built a new refinery in taking the time to be with us this enough natural gas to heat 100 million America for 30 years. We have not built evening. homes for 60 years, and enough oil to a new nuclear reactor in 25 years. This Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I thank my drive 85 million cars for 35 years, and is nuts, it’s absolutely crazy. And we’ve colleague. enough oil to completely replace cur- got to end this idiocy of this current According to AAA, the average rent Middle Eastern oil imports for 59 policy. American is paying over $4.04 per gal- years. I applaud what you’re doing here to- lon of gasoline today. Meanwhile, Com- We’ve heard time and time again night. I look forward to further discus- munist China and Fidel Castro’s Com- about how drilling off the OCS will sion from our other colleagues. I know munist Cuba are moving forward with harm the environment. This is hog- that we have colleagues that want to drilling for oil and gas just 45 miles off wash. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita de- ask questions and want to engage in a of the coast of Florida and Key West. stroyed or damaged hundreds of drill- colloquy, if that’s agreeable with you. We cannot even drill for oil or gas 200 ing rigs without causing a single drop Mr. WALBERG. Well, Congressman miles off our own shores; yet congres- to be spilled, yet congressional Demo- sional Democrats continue to refuse to BROUN, I think we want to do that. And crats continue to pander to far left en- I think you’ve brought up some points allow access to American gas and oil vironmentalists instead of mending the supplies. The average price of gasoline that are interesting to think about. pains of hardworking Americans. Not only do we have a governor riding has gone up $1.71 per gallon since Liberals also prevent any access to a bicycle to the Capitol, we are explor- Speaker PELOSI’s promise, promise, to billions of barrels of oil located in ing for ice on Mars, but not doing ex- lower energy prices at the beginning of ANWR. The entire area of ANWR is ploration for oil—that we know is the 110th Congress, this Congress. larger than the combined areas of five there—— What have the Democrats done to try States—Massachusetts, Connecticut, to help hardworking Americans? Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware— Mr. BROUN of Georgia. That’s right, They’re simply seeking political gain yet the proposed drilling area is equal it’s just nuts. from America’s pain. Democratic Pres- to one-sixth the size of Dulles Airport Mr. WALBERG. In Alaska, in ANWR. idential candidate Barack Obama said here in Washington, D.C. Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Anywhere. he wants to impose more taxes on U.S. Energy prices are soaring. And the fi- We’ve got oil under South Dakota, oil companies. Is that really a smart nancial pain that families are feeling North Dakota and Montana. Those solution? This will only drive up prices at the pump is forcing them to decide three States evidently are just floating on Americans, not just for gasoline but what they can and cannot spend. Con- on a sea of oil. There is supposed to be for every product or service purchased. gressional Democrats act as if they more oil, from what I understand, than Even worse is that foreign oil compa- have been living under a rock by con- is in the Middle East. nies will not be subject to this joke of tinuing to ignore the demands of the a solution. American people and refusing to do We can end our dependence on these The liberals propose raising the Fed- anything to lower these burdensome foreign nations that want to destroy eral tax on gasoline and diesel by 50 prices. us, that want to destroy America. They cents per gallon. This is on top of the Skyrocketing gas prices and a risky hate us. And we’re fueling the insur- already existing Federal tax of 18.4 dependence on fuel supply by volatile gency in Iraq. We’re fueling these peo- cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 foreign nations highlight our need for ple who hate us. They hate our free- cents per gallon for diesel. Under this an American energy policy that em- dom, they hate America, they hate ev- proposal, you will be paying at today’s phasizes production and decreases our erything that we stand for. prices $4.54 a gallon for gas. reliance on Middle Eastern oil. Mr. WALBERG. And for those na- Liberals also suggest mandating eth- The United States is the only nation tions that love America and appreciate anol and renewable fuel production and on Earth that forbids development of America, we’re not standing in a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.149 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5189 strengthened position that we can af- when we’re on the floor for votes, be- land. No, I’m not talking about Yellow- ford to them the assurance that Amer- cause you have to do that, of course— stone Park and our national parks, but ica will be there when necessary be- as any student knows of this Cham- in BLM land. And yet, on a vote that cause we can take care of ourselves, ber—you have to sign the discharge pe- we had in this House last summer, by we’re independent. And I think those tition in the well of the House. And six votes we failed to allow the Depart- are issues you bring up. when I was available to do that, the ment of the Interior to allow the first I’m delighted that we have the Dean line was way too long. So hopefully to- permits to be approved to allow the of the Michigan delegation here, Con- morrow I will put you over 100 and get private sector to go out and explore for gressman FRED UPTON, who has been closer to the 218. this oil shale—which we could develop, here through a lot and I’m sure has I want to say just a couple of things I would like to think, within a couple taken a lot of grief on this issue. that perhaps haven’t been said yet and years, four to six, something along And Congressman UPTON, before I enter into a dialogue with my good that line. But, in fact, a trillion and a turn to you, let me just, for the record, friend, Dr. GINGREY. half barrels are available. state, as you and some of my longer First of all, when we talk about Alas- We have to do more on conservation. serving Republican colleagues are ka, I did support drilling in Alaska I was one, coming from Michigan, a chastised for not getting this done in multiple times over the last couple of tough vote was increasing CAFE. You the House, you have attempted to get years. It was adopted, actually, in the know that. We have to have the R&D, it done on numerous occasions. If we House and in the Senate with some bi- the research and development to help look back at the last decade, by the partisan votes, and sadly, President our auto companies develop the tech- numbers, votes on ANWR exploration: Clinton vetoed that bill 10 years ago nologies that we, the consumers, want. House Republicans, 91 percent support saying it’s 10 years away. Well, here we And JOE KNOLLENBERG from our State it; House Democrats, 86 percent op- are today. has a great bill that does that that he posed. We had a couple of very good provi- unveiled just a couple weeks ago. Coal-to-liquid: House Republicans, 97 sions in that bill that were important; We have to do more on conservation, percent support it; House Democrats, that all of the oil drilled in Alaska had and a number of different steps that I 78 percent opposed. Oil shale explo- to stay in the United States. It know can be taken along that front. ration: House Republicans, 90 percent couldn’t go to China, couldn’t go to But the bottom line is this: If we supported every vote on that in the Korea or Japan, it had to come here. Of want the price to come down, we have House; House Democrats, 86 percent op- course that meant we would have to to increase the supply. That means we posed. have the refining capability to do it as have to get away from where we’re Moving to the Outer Continental well. We also made it so that we lim- drilling today. We have to look at new Shelf exploration, where right now for- ited it to no more than a couple thou- sites, new techniques, and in fact we eign countries like Japan, China and sand acres. And as the gentleman from can do something, I think, about that Mexico are within 44–50 miles of our Georgia indicated, that’s about the $4 plus gasoline that all of us are shores, and they are drilling and tak- size—for me, it’s the size of Western pained to pay. ing out natural gas and oil. On these Michigan University, not Dulles Air- And if I could, I would like to yield votes, House Republicans, 81 percent port—in an area that’s the size of the to the gentleman from Georgia to talk support it; House Democrats, 83 per- State of South Carolina. So that’s pret- a little bit about an issue that I know cent opposed. ty small. a little something about as well, and And then finally, refinery increased And of course what we know, too, is that is Section 526 up in Canada. capacity, and now that we’re offering that if that oil can be drilled success- Mr. GINGREY. And I appreciate my the ‘‘no-more-excuses’’ Energy Act, the fully, we can just build that tangent a colleague from Michigan—both of my opportunity to put them on abandoned little bit to the spine—you know, those colleagues from Michigan—and my col- military facilities, government lands, of us from Michigan, you put your league from Georgia. We’ve got a num- House Republicans, 97 percent support hand up like this. I can’t quite do that ber of other Members here as well to- it; House Democrats, 96 percent op- with Alaska. But if this was Alaska, night. posed. you only have to drill that pipeline to But this issue that Mr. UPTON is talk- Who is willing to take action? Who the spine, and then it comes down, and ing about is Section 526, Section 526 of has evidenced that by their votes in it’s economical to do that. So that’s the Energy Independence and Security this great body, this House of Rep- number one. Act of 2007. Now, this is the bill, Mr. resentatives? Republicans, 91 percent, Number two, you know, right now Speaker, that the Democratic majority when you put it all together, of House President Bush and other world leaders passed back in February of 2007 that Republicans have historically voted to are talking to a number of the nations had in it this Section 526. It basically increase the production of American- in Arab lands talking about what they said this, my colleagues—and I hope made oil and gas while 86 percent of can do to increase production. Because that you all will listen very carefully House Democrats have historically we all believe in supply and demand. to this because it’s so crucial. Section voted against increasing the produc- And as the demand continues to rise, 526 will not allow, it prohibits any tion of American-made oil and gas. because the supply has stayed rel- agency of the Federal Government, our And so why do we see an ‘‘energy- atively stable, the price has only gone Federal Government, including our De- less’’ energy bill that you talked about up over $4 in my district and yours, and partment of Defense and including that gives incentives for bicycle riding now across the country. NASA, from utilizing any fuel source and not energy? I think we have to say Well, how can we ask the Arabs to in- other than conventional fuel if it reit’s a leadership problem. So I thank crease their production and we won’t sults in one nanogram increase in car- you for bringing up those points. do it ourselves? We’ve said no to Alas- bon footprint. Congressman UPTON, from my home ka. We’ve said no to the offshore drill- State of Michigan, I want to turn it ing off our west and east coasts and b 2000 over to you as well for a little perspec- even parts of the Gulf of Mexico. I am not talking about tonnage of tive. Eighty-five percent of our coastline is CO2. I am talking about any increase. Mr. UPTON. Well, I thank my good off limits, and yet we know oil is there. So what my good friend from Michigan friend from my neighboring district. Let’s look at different alternatives. was talking about in regard to shale, s- And I am pleased to join you tonight One of the alternatives, of course, is h-a-l-e, shale is a solid product. It is a and my colleagues from Georgia here the development of oil shale out west, granular product. And we have, as and Texas now as well. I’d like to just where it’s anticipated that there could FRED UPTON pointed out, Mr. Speaker, make a couple of points. be as much as 1.5 trillion barrels; don’t an abundance of that product out in First of all, I’m not on your list of 93 quite have the procedures down right, the West. There are about five States. that signed that discharge petition, but it’s a couple years away, but you’ve got And I think Mr. UPTON said that it is that’s because the line was too long. I to begin that process, to begin the per- estimated that you can get something hope that I can be there tomorrow mit process. Much of it is on Federal like one and a half trillion, with a T,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.150 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 one and a half trillion barrels of petro- Mr. GINGREY. Reclaiming your here to make this great country run on leum from that source. time. I am sure the pages don’t remem- its own fuel as opposed to buying from But this section 526 that the Demo- ber the movie ‘‘Giant,’’ but we all do, someplace else. cratic majority put in their ‘‘no energy and how that oil just came bubbling up Mr. GINGREY. If my colleague from bill’’ back in February of 2007 means out of the ground. I believe that was in Michigan will yield, the whole issue that we can’t utilize that. We can’t get Texas. It may have been Oklahoma. here is when the Democrats passed this that source increase of supply so that In any regard, what the gentleman Energy Independence and Security Act the prices will go down. And the reason from Michigan (Mr. UPTON) is saying is some 17 months ago, the price of reg- I am so outraged about that, Mr. that these tar sands and shale, shale ular gasoline, as all my colleagues Speaker, is that tomorrow, on the has to be mined. And then you have to know, was about $2.60 a gallon. Now, if floor, we will be doing the rule on the go through a process, as he is saying, Speaker PELOSI, at that particular NASA reauthorization bill of 2008, the and you have to extract. And it is a lit- time, or Leader HOYER felt that the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- tle bit more difficult. price of gasoline at the pump was going ministration. Well their price of fuel in Again, we’re about to reauthorize to drop $1.50, then maybe I could un- the last 5 years, my colleagues, has NASA in the next day or two. They are derstand their emphasis on protecting gone up 400 percent from something doing research on that very process the environment from any iota in- like $4.5 million to $18.3 million. That now where they can get that petro- crease in carbon dioxide footprint or is what NASA is having to pay on an leum, and I said to you 1.5 trillion bar- greenhouse gases. annual basis for jet fuel. rels probably from the shale in our But what has happened with their And yet they are the very agency of West, western part of the United ‘‘no energy plan,’’ unfortunately the the Federal Government that is doing States, and Mr. UPTON pointed out that price of gasoline has gone up about research. A lot of the research that these tar sands in Canada, it is esti- $1.55 a gallon, and here we are looking NASA has done, we all know, we have mated that it is probably another 1.5 at $4, $4 and a nickel now, and so we utilized in the private sector. There are trillion barrels of petroleum that we have to ask ourselves, what is the cri- many things. I can name several. But can get from that. And they are pro- sis? Is the crisis global warming? Or is they are doing research on shale. They ducing it in Canada. And they are sell- the crisis bankruptcy of our country are doing research on tar sands. They ing it to somebody. And yet we can’t because of the price of energy? And are doing research on coal to liquid and utilize it. It absolutely makes no sense. people can’t afford to buy gasoline. carbon sequestration and sharing that As my colleague from Georgia said ear- They can’t afford to buy food. We are information with the Department of lier, I think he used the word ‘‘idiotic,’’ losing jobs to other countries. I think Defense and the Department of the Air ‘‘insanity’’ or ‘‘crazy.’’ He is right on it is time to say to our majority party, Force, which could save us a tremen- all three points. But I will yield back for goodness’ sakes, at least make in dous amount of money. to my colleague. order the Gingrey amendment which So I yield back to my colleague for a Mr. UPTON. If the gentleman would would allow the administrator of colloquy on this issue because it is so yield just briefly. The Canadians have NASA to have a waiver of section 526 important and so timely. said that they are going to increase and utilize some of these sources that Mr. UPTON. Well the gentleman is production up in Alberta. They want to Mr. UPTON and Mr. BROUN and others exactly correct. And let me just say go to four to five million barrels a day. are talking about, getting that shale one quick thing. When you look at oil And they have the buyers. Let’s face it. oil product from Canada. It just flows shale and you look at tar sands, it Wouldn’t we rather have that pipeline right down the pipeline. It is an easy takes a little bit of energy to then de- come down to the Midwest and have us flow, easy obtaining it. There is not a rive that oil from those bodies, the refine it here and be able to sell a lot of hard work. It is the same thing shale, the tar or the sand. Basically cheaper product to Americans than with tar sands. And let NASA continue you have to heat it up. And for tar have it come from overseas some place to do their research. Share it with the sands, the Canadians are producing lit- else? And if we’re not going to buy it Department of Defense. erally one million barrels a day up in And I will make this one point to the from them, and the Canadians told me Alberta. And they are going to make gentleman from Michigan who is con- this, they are going to build a pipeline that whether we are the buyer or not. trolling the time, and then I will yield out to the Pacific. They are going to To use the analogy of the Clampetts, back so that others can weigh in, but put it on one of those big freighters. and maybe they still have that tech- do you know that in the year 2008 the They’re going to spend a lot of carbon nique back in Oklahoma and Texas, I Department of Defense is going to going up into the air shipping it to see some of my colleagues, and I’ll be spend an additional, a delta, of $9 bil- careful, but the Clampetts, they put someplace else, China, Korea, Japan or lion on fuel because of price of gasoline that pipe down and the oil came up. some place else. Let’s have it come right now? And I yield back. And it didn’t take any energy to get it here. We’ll actually save energy. We Mr. WALBERG. I thank you for that out of the ground. will help pollution wise in terms of re- and the points you make so clear. Well it is different today. That easy ducing greenhouse gases from where it I would like to yield back for a mo- energy is gone for the most part. So we otherwise would have gone. And our ment to my good friend from Georgia, have to do a lot of things. We have to consumers will be a lot better off. since we have two Michiganders here inject carbon to bring it up. But in es- And with that, I yield now to the and two Georgians now speaking, Dr. sence in Canada they have to have the gentleman from Georgia. PAUL Broun, for some additional com- heat to separate the oil from the sand, Mr. WALBERG. If my colleague ments, I know you have a point to and then you have to refine it. And could yield just a moment here on one make, before I go on to my good friend that takes a little bit more energy point that ties into that. We heard yes- from Oklahoma. than the Clampetts, just to use that terday from one of our Senate col- Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Thank you, analogy. leagues from a northern State, a north- my friend, Mr. WALBERG. I just wanted Mr. GINGREY. This is just the kind eastern State, say that what we ought to ask Mr. UPTON something before he of research, and the colleague is abso- to do is buy one million barrels a day left. You were mentioning that it takes lutely right, we all remember the from Saudi Arabia. That would reduce some energy to produce this energy. movie, most of us have seen the movie. the cost at the pump by about 50 cents. And the people on the other side, the Mr. UPTON. I am looking at the Well 50 cents right now would be great. leadership on the other side has been pages. I don’t know if they know about But why not take that from ANWR? We promoting these alternative sources of the Clampetts or not. Do you know can get one million barrels per day fuel. Ethanol has been one. And you about the Clampetts? Have you heard? from ANWR right now, we are told, at are on the Energy Committee I think, Mr. WALBERG. As long as my col- least that, if we are to take it from isn’t that correct? leagues don’t yield and sing them the there, and not have to buy it from any Mr. UPTON. Yes. The gentleman is theme song. other foreign country, have it shipped correct. Mr. UPTON. I am glad I didn’t date to us from any other foreign country, Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Well tell me myself. and use it exactly like you said down if it is true. I understand that to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.152 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5191 produce ethanol today, particularly sorts of energy sources. And we ought prices.’’ I would love to ‘‘struggle’’ to corn-based ethanol, it actually takes to be using them and developing them. pay $2.08 a gallon. It would be a nice more energy to produce that corn- I want to move to a good friend, col- fight to have. based ethanol than the ethanol itself league and leader in our conference Our good friend and distinguished produces. Is that correct? from Oklahoma. Congressman COLE, I whip of the majority party, JIM CLY- Mr. UPTON. Well, there have been appreciate your joining us tonight. I BURN, said, ‘‘House Democrats have a different studies showing different know you have taken some ribbing al- plan to help curb rising prices.’’ That is things in terms of what to count. One ready about Oklahoma. I know you can on the 26th of July, 2006. If this is the of the bills that I have cosponsored, it handle it, but certainly I know our peo- plan, we want them to go back to the is actually a bipartisan bill, is to look ple would like to hear what you have drawing board and reconsider where at increasing ethanol from nonfood to say about this issue. they are at. source, or noncorn, and there are a Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. I thank my Four times since they have taken the couple of bills to do that using switch good friend from Michigan for yielding. majority they have voted to increase grass and a number of different things. And I thank him even more for con- energy taxes; to increase energy taxes. We are not quite there in the tech- ducting what is an important and en- Now, even people that don’t like the nology, but we are not too far away, lightening educational experience for energy industry can usually say, well, within a couple of years. And I think the people of our country about the re- gosh, if you increase the tax, won’t we ought to be investing more on that ality of high fuel prices and what is be- they pass that along to us in the price? type of technology so that we can take hind it. You do take a little ribbing oc- It is an incredible record. some of the pressure off these rising casionally if you’re from Oklahoma. Now, every single energy bill the ma- food prices. I represent Kellogg’s as But we think that is generally jeal- jority wants to reach the floor has well, as does the gentleman in the well, ousy, except from our friends from reached the floor. Most of them have Mr. WALBERG. Texas, who have a very similar view of passed this body. Some of them have Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I am talking the world to us. gone all the way to the President and about corn-based ethanol because I am But let me talk a little if I can about been signed. As I recall, I don’t remem- excited about switch grass and other what the current state of play is in en- ber anybody who actually vetoed any sources of potential, and I believe we ergy prices. Today as you have had up energy legislation that has actually need to investigate any source of en- on your sign, the national average reached the President’s desk. So what ergy anywhere. price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.04. we are seeing really is the product of Mr. UPTON. Now that the price of oil That is something I never thought I the majority’s legislative agenda. has gotten up to $135 a barrel, there is would live to see, and frankly, no What haven’t they let come to the a lot of things that 1 month ago American should have ever lived to see. floor? What commonsense solutions weren’t economical to do. And that is You can now buy a barrel of light that most Americans support haven’t why by putting more alternative fuels sweet crude for July delivery at $131.31, come to the floor? I am just going to in the mix, we can have some down- a nice round number, nice even alliter- list a few of them, because, as my col- ward pressure on the overall price of ative number. Currently in my State, league knows, there are many of them. gasoline. And obviously ethanol is part Oklahoma’s price at the pump, and we Our colleague from Texas, MAC of that mix, whether it be corn-based are producers, in some ways we will we THORNBERRY, has a wonderful bill, the or nonfood items, and we need to ex- feel it even worse because we have been No More Excuses Energy Act, H.R. 3089, plore those and see what we can do to producing for over 100 years much more that literally covers the gambit of put downward pressure on the overall than we consume and exporting it to things we ought to be doing. Not just price of gasoline. the rest of the country. And we are de- oil and gas, but nuclear, solar and Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I agree with lighted to do that. But it is pretty wind. It incentivizes production. That that totally. The other thing is pro- tough when people in Oklahoma, a pro- is the lesson that our friends on the pane is a byproduct of the refinery ducing State that sacrificed, that other side have forgotten, that supply process of gasoline as well as natural frankly are delighted to have explo- is really important to cost. They sim- gas. And we already know that propane ration and production, but they are ply seem to have no conception of that. is an environmentally protective paying $3.83 a gallon. There is a wonderful bill by Mr. agent. And we have had, in the past, In January of 2007 when this major- PITTS of Pennsylvania, H.R. 2279, that fleets of cars fueled by propane. I know ity, this Democrat majority took of- will expedite the construction of new at my hunting camp down in rural fice, the price per gallon was $2.08 a refining capacity on closed military in- southwest Georgia, I have fueled my gallon. That is a rise of $1.75, an installations in the United States. These house down there in my hunting camp crease of over 80 percent. are installations that have been set with propane. And I know a lot of peo- aside. They are safe. They are secure. ple heat their homes with it. And most b 2015 Why in the world wouldn’t we want to propane, from what I understand, is The country as a whole has experi- refine the product? If we have to im- produced here in America and sold here enced very much the same thing. The port it, we at least ought to get the in America. average price since the Democratic ma- value-added portion of refining it. It is So tapping into our oil sources would jority has come into power has gone up a crime that we should ever import a give us an additional source of energy $1.67, an increase of 71 percent. refined product. that we are not getting today if my un- Now, that is not what our friends on Our good friend Mr. BLUNT, H.R. 2493, derstanding is correct, and so we can the other side of the aisle expected to has legislation that removes the fuel further protect the environment by happen at all. As a matter of fact, let blend requirements and government having more propane utilized in our me read you a few quotes of what they mandates that contribute to own energy, as well as stop the produc- told America as they came into the unaffordable gas prices. We shouldn’t tion of carbon in the atmosphere that majority our energy future would be. have dozens and dozens of blends of the environmentalists are so bent that Our distinguished Speaker, Speaker gasoline. A few is enough. it is causing global warming. And I am PELOSI, said on April 18, 2006, ‘‘Demo- Our good friend Mrs. MYRICK has H.R. not so certain about that. I don’t really crats have a commonsense plan to help 6108, Outer Continental Shelf Explo- think that is so. bring down the skyrocketing gas ration, which grants coastal states the Mr. UPTON. The gentleman makes a prices.’’ She said a few days later, ‘‘The authority to grant exploration up to very good point. And I know there are Democrats have a plan to lower gas 100 miles from their coastlines and al- other Members waiting patiently to prices.’’ lows States to share in that revenue. A speak. So I am going yield whatever Our distinguished Majority Leader commonsense solution. time I have left to the gentleman from STENY HOYER said on the 4th of April, None of this legislation, and dozens the great State of Michigan. 2005, ‘‘Democrats believe that we can more, have been allowed to come to the Mr. WALBERG. Congressman BROUN, do more for the American people who floor. My friends on the other side love you point out the fact that we have all are struggling to deal with high gas to blame Republicans, President Bush

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.153 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 and the energy industry for these kinds But when those people respond, they drive three times a week 30 miles each of problems. say, ‘‘If you would just do the things way to get dialysis so that I can be I just want to conclude quickly with we have asked you to do year after treated for diabetes.’’ He said, ‘‘Con- a story. I do represent a district that is year after year, we could solve this gressman, I am down to the point now one of the top 20 energy producers in problem.’’ of having to choose whether I can af- the United States, so we are more than So I am sorry I went on. You have ford dialysis, afford gasoline, or afford doing our part. I convened about a year been very generous with your time, and food.’’ ago, actually before this extraordinary I appreciate that very much. But it is Madam Speaker, it is time to say rise in prices, a group of independent a frustrating problem when the solu- yes. We have heard you say no; no to energy people that have spent a life- tions are sitting here waiting to be new drilling, no to building additional time trying to provide energy to this acted upon by this House and none of power plants in this country; no to new country. them are being dealt with at all. refineries. America is wanting you to I asked them, ‘‘Give me your sugges- Mr. WALBERG. I thank you for shar- say yes, because America is tired of tions. What can we do to increase the ing that history. It is a good point to writing checks to Hugo Chavez for $160 supply and stabilize and hopefully know what has been attempted and million every day. lower the price of a gallon of gasoline what hasn’t been accomplished. But it I thank my friend from Michigan to- or heating fuel or electricity?’’ They would also give the opportunity for our night for hosting this hour. I hope that thought, and they had a lot of great so- constituents to voice their concerns somehow the American people realize lutions. now with factual information to say that there is a willingness on behalf of They said, ‘‘Let’s go drill in ANWR, there are things you can do. Now get it many Members of Congress to say yes in Alaska. That would be a wonderful done. and to move forward and to do something.’’ By the way, my good friend Mr. In the time remaining, I would like thing proactive, instead of doing some- YOUNG has a superb piece of legislation to turn a portion of that over to my thing that is called nothing. on that, H.R. 6107, that would actually good friend and colleague from Texas, Mr. WALBERG. I thank my good allow us to drill there and invest some bringing the southern States in now, friend and colleague from Texas for of the severance revenue in alternative Congressman RANDY NEUGEBAUER. ending it on a point that is poignant, energy supplies so we could both meet Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Well, I thank the that reminds us what this really costs. an immediate need and start looking gentleman from Michigan. I also want I wish we could go on and on tonight to for alternatives. to thank the gentleman from Okla- bring out more points like this. This is But they suggested that. I said, homa, because he makes a very good critical. It is a security issue, as well ‘‘Well, you know, I am for that. I voted point. And when he says we are import- as a point of life, and you made it very for that. The Republican majority ing thousands of dollars, actually it is clear. I don’t want to write a check for passed it four times in the House and billions of dollars. Every day America $170 million to Hugo Chavez. Let’s get couldn’t get it through the Senate be- gets up and writes a check for $1 bil- it done. cause of Democratic obstruction, so we lion-plus to buy enough energy to run probably can’t get it done.’’ this country for 1 day. f Then they said, ‘‘Let’s do more explo- What does that mean? That means RESOLUTION RAISING A QUESTION ration and production offshore. We that it takes $365 billion currently for OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE have seen Katrina. That has worked America to buy enough energy just to HOUSE well in terms of no spillage. We know run our country on an annual basis, $1 Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I we had 25 percent of our supply in the billion every day. And do you know rise to a question of the privileges of Gulf of Mexico. We could do more.’’ I what? Unfortunately, some of that the House and offer the impeachment said, ‘‘Well, I am for that, but we can’t money is going to some folks that resolution noticed last evening. do that either.’’ aren’t all that friendly to the Amer- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Then they asked about additional re- ican people. One of those people is RICHARDSON). The Clerk will report the fining capacity, and they asked about Hugo Chavez. resolution. expedited permitting on non-park Fed- I want to read you what Hugo Chavez The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- eral lands. They just went through a thinks about America. He said, ‘‘What lows: litany of things. Alternative energy. we do regarding the imperialist power Each one I would say yes, I am for of the United States, we have no choice H. RES. 1258 that, but we can’t get that through, but to unite. We use oil in our war Resolved, That President George W. Bush particularly a Democratic Congress. against neo-liberalism.’’ He also said, be impeached for high crimes and mis- Finally at the end of this in frustra- ‘‘We have invaded the United States, demeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United tion, one of my good friends said, but with our oil.’’ States Senate: ‘‘Well, why don’t you go back and ask So every day as the American people Articles of impeachment exhibited by the those other Members of Congress who go to the pumps all across America, House of Representatives of the United are opposing these measures just how what I want them to visualize is that States of America in the name of itself and rich they want foreign countries to be? every day we write Hugo Chavez, who of the people of the United States of Amer- Just how much they want to pay the calls us imperialists, a $170 million ica, in maintenance and support of its im- people overseas that we are importing check. That is $62 billion a year. What peachment against President George W. this petroleum from, or this gas, when would happen if we could invest $1 bil- Bush for high crimes and misdemeanors. In his conduct while President of the we could actually do the production lion a day in America developing United States, George W. Bush, in violation here? Because they are exporting thou- America’s energy resources, creating of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- sands of jobs, billions of dollars, and jobs for Americans? Think about it. In- cute the office of President of the United they are jeopardizing our security.’’ stead of writing Hugo Chavez a check States and, to the best of his ability, pre- Then the guy added in fairness, he for $172 million, that we write America serve, protect, and defend the Constitution said, ‘‘By the way, we are all here giv- a check for $172 million? of the United States, and in violation of his ing you suggestions about how to lower I think of the people I know in the constitutional duty to take care that the the price of the product that we 19th Congressional District of Texas, laws be faithfully executed, has committed the following abuses of power. produce.’’ which is a big district, 29,000 square We have had a shameful exercise, in miles, 27 counties, teachers having to ARTICLE I.—CREATING A SECRET PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN TO MANUFACTURE A FALSE CASE my opinion, in the last several days, drive 60, 70 miles a day to go and teach FOR WAR AGAINST IRAQ particularly on the Senate side, where our young people, that now are looking people that work to solve America’s In his conduct while President of the at doubling the cost of making that United States, George W. Bush, in violation energy problems are brought in and in- commute across the district. of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- terrogated as if they are the source of I think about the man last night that cute the office of President of the United the problems, and the only frankly jus- I was talking to in my district. He said, States and, to the best of his ability, pre- tification for that is the high prices. ‘‘Congressman,’’ he said, ‘‘I have to serve, protect, and defend the Constitution

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.154 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5193 of the United States, and in violation of his rogates’’ who would deliver administration contrary to his trust as President and Com- constitutional duty under Article II, Section ‘‘themes and messages’’ to millions of Amer- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the icans ‘‘in the form of their own opinions.’’ In tional government, to the prejudice of the laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- fact, they did deliver the themes and the cause of law and justice and to the manifest sonally and acting through his agents and messages but did not reveal that the Pen- injury of the people of the United States. subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- tagon had provided them with their talking Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by dent, illegally spent public dollars on a se- points. Robert S. Bevelacqua, a retired Green such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- cret propaganda program to manufacture a Beret and Fox News military analyst defense warranting removal from office. false cause for war against Iraq. scribed this as follows: ‘‘It was them saying, ARTICLE II.—FALSELY, SYSTEMATICALLY, AND The Department of Defense (DOD) has en- ‘We need to stick our hands up your back WITH CRIMINAL INTENT CONFLATING THE AT- gaged in a years-long secret domestic propa- and move your mouth for you.’’’ TACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 WITH MISREPRE- ganda campaign to promote the invasion and Congress has restricted annual appropria- SENTATION OF IRAQ AS AN IMMINENT SECU- occupation of Iraq. This secret program was tions bills since 1951 with this language: ‘‘No RITY THREAT AS PART OF A FRAUDULENT JUS- defended by the White House Press Secretary part of any appropriation contained in this TIFICATION FOR A WAR OF AGGRESSION. following its exposure. This program follows or any other Act shall be used for publicity In his conduct while President of the the pattern of crimes detailed in Article I, II, or propaganda purposes within the United United States, George W. Bush, in violation IV and VIII.. The mission of this program States not heretofore authorized by the Con- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- placed it within the field controlled by the gress.’’ cute the office of President of the United White House Iraq Group (WHIG), a White A March 21, 2005, report by the Congres- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- House task-force formed in August 2002 to sional Research Service states that ‘‘pub- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution market an invasion of Iraq to the American licity or propaganda’’ is defined by the U.S. of the United States, and in violation of his people. The group included Karl Rove, I. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to constitutional duty under Article II, Section Lewis Libby, Condoleezza Rice, Karen mean either (1) self-aggrandizement by pub- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the Hughes, Mary Matalin, Stephen Hadley, lic officials, (2) purely partisan activity, or laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- Nicholas E. Calio, and James R. Wilkinson. (3) ‘‘covert propaganda.’’ The WHIG produced white papers detailing These concerns about ‘‘covert propaganda’’ sonally and acting through his agents and so-called intelligence of Iraq’s nuclear threat were also the basis for the GAO’s standard subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- that later proved to be false. This supposed for determining when government-funded dent, executed a calculated and wide-ranging intelligence included the claim that Iraq had video news releases are illegal: strategy to deceive the citizens and Congress sought uranium from Niger as well as the ‘‘The failure of an agency to identify itself of the United States into believing that claim that the high strength aluminum as the source of a prepackaged news story there was and is a connection between Iraq tubes Iraq purchased from China were to be misleads the viewing public by encouraging and Saddam Hussein on the one hand, and used for the sole purpose of building cen- the viewing audience to believe that the the attacks of September 11, 2001 and al trifuges to enrich uranium. Unlike the Na- broadcasting news organization developed Qaeda, on the other hand, so as to falsely tional Intelligence Estimate of 2002, the the information. The prepackaged news sto- justify the use of the United States Armed WHIG’s white papers provided ‘‘gripping im- ries are purposefully designed to be indistin- Forces against the nation of Iraq in a manages and stories’’ and used ‘‘literary license’’ guishable from news segments broadcast to ner that is damaging to the national secu- with intelligence. The WHIG’s white papers the public. When the television viewing pub- rity interests of the United States, as well as were written at the same time and by the lic does not know that the stories they to fraudulently obtain and maintain congres- same people as speeches and talking points watched on television news programs about sional authorization and funding for the use prepared for President Bush and some of his the government were in fact prepared by the of such military force against Iraq, thereby top officials. government, the stories are, in this sense, no interfering with and obstructing Congress’s The WHIG also organized a media blitz in longer purely factual—the essential fact of lawful functions of overseeing foreign affairs which, between September 7–8, 2002, Presi- attribution is missing.’’ and declaring war. dent Bush and his top advisers appeared on The White House’s own Office of Legal The means used to implement this decep- numerous interviews and all provided simi- Council stated in a memorandum written in tion were and continue to be, first, allowing, larly gripping images about the possibility of 2005 following the controversy over the Arm- authorizing and sanctioning the manipula- nuclear attack by Iraq. The timing was no strong Williams scandal: tion of intelligence analysis by those under coincidence, as Andrew Card explained in an ‘‘Over the years, GAO has interpreted ‘pub- his direction and control, including the Vice interview regarding waiting until after licity or propaganda’ restrictions to preclude President and the Vice President’s agents, Labor Day to try to sell the American people use of appropriated funds for, among other and second, personally making, or causing, on military action against Iraq, ‘‘From a things, so-called ‘covert propaganda.’ ... authorizing and allowing to be made through marketing point of view, you don’t introduce Consistent with that view, the OLC deter- highly- placed subordinates, including the new products in August.’’ mined in 1988 that a statutory prohibition on President’s Chief of Staff, the White House September 7–8, 2002: using appropriated funds for ‘publicity or Press Secretary and other White House NBC’s ‘‘Meet the Press: Vice President propaganda’ precluded undisclosed agency spokespersons, the Secretaries of State and Cheney accused Saddam of moving aggres- funding of advocacy by third-party groups. Defense, the National Security Advisor, and sively to develop nuclear weapons over the We stated that ‘covert attempts to mold their deputies and spokespersons, false and past 14 months to add to his stockpile of opinion through the undisclosed use of third fraudulent representations to the citizens of chemical and biological arms. parties’ would run afoul of restrictions on the United States and Congress regarding an CNN: Then-National Security Adviser Rice using appropriated funds for ‘propaganda.’’’ alleged connection between Saddam Hussein said, regarding the likelihood of Iraq obtain- Asked about the Pentagon’s propaganda and Iraq, on the one hand, and the Sep- ing a nuclear weapon, ‘‘We don’t want the program at White House press briefing in tember 11th attacks and al Qaeda, on the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud.’’ April 2008, White House Press Secretary other hand, that were half-true, literally CBS: President Bush declared that Saddam Dana Perino defended it, not by arguing that true but misleading, and/or made without a was ‘‘six months away from developing a it was legal but by suggesting that it reasonable basis and with reckless indiffer- weapon,’’ and cited satellite photos of con- ‘‘should’’ be: ‘‘Look, I didn’t know look, I ence to their truth, as well as omitting to struction in Iraq where weapons inspectors think that you guys should take a step back state facts necessary to present an accurate once visited as evidence that Saddam was and look at this look, DOD has made a deci- picture of the truth as follows: trying to develop nuclear arms. sion, they’ve decided to stop this program. (A) On or about September 12, 2001, former The Pentagon military analyst propaganda But I would say that one of the things that terrorism advisor Richard Clarke personally program was revealed in an April 20, 2002, we try to do in the administration is get in- informed the President that neither Saddam New York Times article. The program ille- formation out to a variety of people so that Hussein nor Iraq was responsible for the Sep- gally involved ‘‘covert attempts to mold everybody else can call them and ask their tember 11th attacks. On September 18, opinion through the undisclosed use of third opinion about something. And I don’t think Clarke submitted to the President’s National parties.’’ Secretary of Defense Donald Rums- that that should be against the law. And I Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice a memo feld recruited 75 retired military officers and think that it’s absolutely appropriate to pro- he had written in response to George W. gave them talking points to deliver on Fox, vide information to people who are seeking Bush’s specific request that stated: (1) the CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and MSNBC, and ac- it and are going to be providing their opin- case for linking Hussein to the September cording to the New York Times report, ions on it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that 11th attacks was weak; (2) only anecdotal which has not been disputed by the Pentagon all of those military analysts ever agreed evidence linked Hussein to al Qaeda; (3) or the White House, ‘‘Participants were in- with the administration. I think you can go Osama Bin Laden resented the secularism of structed not to quote their briefers directly back and look and think that a lot of their Saddam Hussein; and (4) there was no con- or otherwise describe their contacts with the analysis was pretty tough on the administra- firmed reporting of Saddam Hussein cooper- Pentagon.’’ tion. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t ating with Bin Laden on unconventional According to the Pentagon’s own internal talk to people.’’ weapons. documents, the military analysts were con- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- (B) Ten days after the September 11th at- sidered ‘‘message force multipliers’’ or ‘‘sur- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner tacks the President received a President’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.050 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Daily Briefing which indicated that the U.S. emboldened regime were to supply these tion of Iraq . . . removed an ally of al intelligence community had no evidence weapons to terrorist allies, then the attacks Qaeda.’’ May 1, 2003, Speech of President linking Saddam Hussein to the September of September 11th would be a prelude to far Bush on U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. 11th attacks and that there was ‘‘scant cred- greater horrors.’’ March 6, 2003, Statement of (H) The Senate Select Committee on Intel- ible evidence that Iraq had any significant President Bush in National Press Con- ligence Report on Whether Public State- collaborative ties with Al Qaeda.’’ ference. ments Regarding Iraq By U.S. Government (C) In Defense Intelligence Terrorism Sum- (3) ‘‘The battle of Iraq is one victory in a Officials Were Substantiated By Intelligence mary No. 044–02, issued in February 2002, the war on terror that began on September the Information, which was released on June 5, United States Defense Intelligence Agency 11, 2001—and still goes on. That terrible 2008, concluded that: cast significant doubt on the possibility of a morning, 19 evil men—the shock troops of a (1) ‘‘Statements and implications by the Saddam Hussein-Al Qaeda conspiracy: hateful ideology—gave America and the civ- President and Secretary of State suggesting ‘‘Saddam’s regime is intensely secular and is ilized world a glimpse of their ambitions. that Iraq and al-Qaeda had a partnership, or wary of Islamic revolutionary movements. They imagined, in the words of one terrorist, that Iraq had provided al-Qaeda with weap- Moreover, Baghdad is unlikely to provide as- that September the 11th would be the ‘begin- ons training, were not substantiated by the sistance to a group it cannot control.’’ ning of the end of America.’ By seeking to intelligence.’’ (D) The October 2002 National Intelligence turn our cities into killing fields, terrorists (2) ‘‘The Intelligence Community did not Estimate gave a ‘‘Low Confidence’’ rating to and their allies believed that they could de- confirm that Muhammad Atta met an Iraqi the notion of whether ‘‘in desperation Sad- stroy this nation’s resolve, and force our re- intelligence officer in Prague in 2001 as the dam would share chemical or biological treat from the world. They have failed.’’ May Vice President repeatedly claimed.’’ Through his participation and instance in weapons with Al Qaeda.’’ The CIA never in- 1, 2003, Speech of President Bush on U.S.S. the breathtaking scope of this deception, the formed the President that there was an oper- Abraham Lincoln. ational relationship between Al Qaeda and (4) ‘‘Now we’re in a new and unprecedented President has used the highest office of trust to wage of campaign of deception of such so- Saddam Hussein; on the contrary, its most war against violent Islamic extremists. This phistication as to deliberately subvert the ‘‘aggressive’’ analysis contained in Iraq and is an ideological conflict we face against national security interests of the United al-Qaeda-Interpreting a ‘‘Murky Relation- murderers and killers who try to impose States. His dishonesty set the stage for the ship’’ dated June 21, 2002 was that Iraq had their will. These are the people that at- loss of more than 4000 United States service had ‘‘sporadic, wary contacts with al Qaeda tacked us on September the 11th and killed members; injuries to tens of thousands of since the mid-1990s rather than a relation- nearly 3,000 people. The stakes are high, and soldiers, the loss of more than 1,000,000 inno- ship with al Qaeda that has developed over once again, we have had to change our stra- cent Iraqi citizens since the United States time.’’ tegic thinking. The major battleground in invasion; the loss of approximately $527 bil- (E) Notwithstanding his knowledge that this war is Iraq.’’ June 28, 2007, Speech of lion in war costs which has increased our neither Saddam Hussein nor Iraq was in any President Bush at the Naval War College in way connected to the September 11th at- Federal debt and the ultimate expenditure of Newport, Rhode Island. three to five trillion dollars for all costs cov- tacks, the President allowed and authorized (G) Notwithstanding his knowledge that ering the war; the loss of military readiness those acting under his direction and control, there was no credible evidence of a working within the United States Armed Services due including Vice President Richard B. Cheney relationship between Saddam Hussein and Al to overextension, the lack of training and and Lewis Libby, who reported directly to Qaeda and that the intelligence community lack of equipment; the loss of United States both the President and the Vice President, had specifically assessed that there was no and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, credibility in world affairs; and the decades such operational relationship, the President, of likely blowback created by the invasion of among others, to pressure intelligence ana- both personally and through his subordi- lysts to alter their assessments and to create Iraq. nates and agents, has repeatedly falsely rep- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- special units outside of, and unknown to, the resented, both explicitly and implicitly, and dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner intelligence community in order to secretly through the misleading use of selectively- contrary to his trust as President and Com- obtain unreliable information, to manufac- chosen facts, to the citizens of the United mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- ture intelligence or reinterpret raw data in States and to the Congress that there was tional government, to the prejudice of the ways that would further the Bush adminis- and is such an ongoing operational relation- cause of law and justice and to the manifest tration’s goal of fraudulently establishing a ship, to wit: injury of the people of the United States. relationship not only between Iraq and al (1) ‘‘We know that Iraq and al Qaeda have Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by Qaeda, but between Iraq and the attacks of had high-level contacts that go back a dec- such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- September 11th. ade. Some al Qaeda leaders who fled Afghani- fense warranting removal from office. (F) Further, despite his full awareness that stan went to Iraq. These include one very ARTICLE III.—MISLEADING THE AMERICAN PEO- Iraq and Saddam Hussein had no relationship senior al Qaeda leader who received medical PLE AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO BELIEVE to the September 11th attacks, the Presi- treatment in Baghdad this year, and who has IRAQ POSSESSED WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUC- dent, and those acting under his direction been associated with planning for chemical TION, SO AS TO MANUFACTURE A FALSE CASE and control have, since at least 2002 and con- and biological attacks. We’ve learned that FOR WAR tinuing to the present, repeatedly issued Iraq has trained al Qaeda members in bomb- public statements deliberately worded to making and poisons and deadly gases.’’ Sep- In his conduct while President of the mislead, words calculated in their implica- tember 28, 2002, Weekly Radio Address of United States, George W. Bush, in violation tion to bring unrelated actors and cir- President Bush to the Nation. of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- cumstances into an artificially contrived re- (2) ‘‘[W]e we need to think about Saddam cute the office of President of the United ality thereby facilitating the systematic de- Hussein using al Qaeda to do his dirty work, States and, to the best of his ability, pre- ception of Congress and the American peo- to not leave fingerprints behind.’’ October 14, serve, protect, and defend the Constitution ple. Thus the public and some members of 2002, Remarks by President Bush in Michi- of the United States, and in violation of his Congress, came to believe, falsely, that there gan. constitutional duty under Article II, Section was a connection between Iraq and the at- (3) ‘‘We know he’s got ties with al Qaeda.’’ 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the tacks of 9/11. This was accomplished through November 1, 2002, Speech of President Bush laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- well-publicized statements by the Bush Ad- in New Hampshire. sonally and acting through his agents and ministration which contrived to continually (4) ‘‘Evidence from intelligence sources, se- subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- tie Iraq and 9/11 in the same statements of cret communications, and statements by dent, executed instead a calculated and wide- grave concern without making an explicit people now in custody reveal that Saddam ranging strategy to deceive the citizens and charge: Hussein aids and protects terrorists, includ- Congress of the United States into believing (1) ‘‘[If] Iraq regimes [sic] continues to defy ing members of al Qaeda. Secretly, and with- that the nation of Iraq possessed weapons of us, and the world, we will move deliberately, out fingerprints, he could provide one of his mass destruction in order to justify the use yet decisively, to hold Iraq to account . . . hidden weapons to terrorists, or help them of the United States Armed Forces against It’s a new world we’re in. We used to think develop their own.’’ January 28, 2003, Presi- the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to two oceans could separate us from an enemy. dent Bush’s State of the Union Address. our national security interests, thereby On that tragic day, September the 11th, 2001, (5) ‘‘[W]hat I want to bring to your atten- interfering with and obstructing Congress’s we found out that’s not the case. We found tion today is the potentially much more sin- lawful functions of overseeing foreign affairs out this great land of liberty and of freedom ister nexus between Iraq and the al Qaeda and declaring war. and of justice is vulnerable. And therefore we terrorist network, a nexus that combines The means used to implement this decep- must do everything we can—everything we classic terrorist organizations and modern tion were and continue to be personally can—to secure the homeland, to make us methods of murder. Iraq today harbors a making, or causing, authorizing and allow- safe.’’ Speech of President Bush in Iowa on deadly terrorist network . . .’’ February 5, ing to be made through highly-placed subor- September 16, 2002. 2003, Speech of Former Secretary of State dinates, including the President’s Chief of (2) ‘‘With every step the Iraqi regime takes Colin Powell to the United Nations. Staff, the White House Press Secretary and toward gaining and deploying the most ter- (6) ‘‘The battle of Iraq is one victory in a other White House spokespersons, the Secre- rible weapons, our own options to confront war on terror that began on September the taries of State and Defense, the National Se- that regime will narrow. And if an 11, 2001—and still goes on. . . . [T]he libera- curity Advisor, and their deputies and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.050 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5195 spokespersons, false and fraudulent represen- President Bush to Vice President Cheney and substantiated by available intelligence infor- tations to the citizens of the United States the Senate, January 20, 2003. mation.’’ and Congress regarding Iraq’s alleged posses- (3) ‘‘The British Government has learned (3) Chairman of the Senate Intelligence sion of biological, chemical and nuclear that Saddam Hussein recently sought signifi- Committee Jay Rockefeller concluded: ‘‘In weapons that were half-true, literally true cant quantities of uranium from Africa.’’ making the case for war, the Administration but misleading, and/or made without a rea- President Bush Delivers State of the Union repeatedly presented intelligence as fact sonable basis and with reckless indifference Address, January 28, 2003. when in reality it was unsubstantiated, con- to their truth, as well as omitting to state (C) Despite overwhelming evidence in the tradicted, or even non-existent. As a result, facts necessary to present an accurate pic- form of reports by nuclear weapons experts the American people were led to believe that ture of the truth as follows: from the Energy, the Defense and State De- the threat from Iraq was much greater than (A) Long before the March 19, 2003 invasion partments, as well from outside and inter- actually existed.’’ of Iraq, a wealth of intelligence informed the national agencies which assessed that alu- The President has subverted the national President and those under his direction and minum tubes the Iraqis were purchasing security interests of the United States by control that Iraq’s stockpiles of chemical were not suitable for nuclear centrifuge use setting the stage for the loss of more than and biological weapons had been destroyed and were, on the contrary, identical to ones 4000 United States service members and the well before 1998 and that there was little, if used in rockets already being manufactured injury to tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers; any, credible intelligence that showed other- by the Iraqis, the President, and those under the loss of more than 1,000,000 innocent Iraqi wise. As reported in the Washington Post in his direction and control, persisted in mak- citizens since the United States invasion; the March of 2003, in 1995, Saddam Hussein’s son- ing numerous false and fraudulent represen- loss of approximately $500 billion in war in-law Hussein Kamel had informed U.S. and tations implying and stating explicitly that costs which has increased our Federal debt British intelligence officers that ‘‘all weap- the Iraqis were purchasing the tubes for use with a long term financial cost of between ons—biological, chemical, missile, nuclear in a nuclear weapons program, to wit: three and five trillion dollars; the loss of were destroyed.’’ In September 2002, the De- (1) ‘‘We do know that there have been ship- military readiness within the United States fense Intelligence Agency issued a report ments going . . . into Iraq . . . of aluminum Armed Services due to overextension, the that concluded: ‘‘A substantial amount of tubes that really are only suited to—high- lack of training and lack of equipment; the Iraq’s chemical warfare agents, precursors, quality aluminum tools [sic] that are only loss of United States credibility in world af- munitions and production equipment were really suited for nuclear weapons programs, fairs; and the decades of likely blowback cre- destroyed between 1991 and 1998 as a result of centrifuge programs.’’ Statement of then Na- ated by the invasion of Iraq. In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- Operation Desert Storm and UNSCOM ac- tional Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice on dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner tions . . . [T]here is no reliable information CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, Sep- contrary to his trust as President and Com- on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling tember 8, 2002. mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- chemical weapons or whether Iraq has—or (2) ‘‘Our intelligence sources tell us that he tional government, to the prejudice of the will—establish its chemical warfare agent has attempted to purchase high-strength cause of law and justice and to the manifest production facilities.’’ Notwithstanding the aluminum tubes suitable for nuclear weap- injury of the people of the United States. absence of evidence proving that such stock- ons production.’’ President Bush’s State of Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by piles existed and in direct contradiction to the Union Address, January 28, 2003. (3) ‘‘[H]e has made repeated covert at- such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- substantial evidence that showed they did fense warranting removal from office. not exist, the President and his subordinates tempts to acquire high-specification alu- and agents made numerous false representa- minum tubes from 11 different countries, ARTICLE IV.—MISLEADING THE AMERICAN PEO- tions claiming with certainty that Iraq pos- even after inspections resumed. . . . By now, PLE AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO BELIEVE sessed chemical and biological weapons that just about everyone has heard of these tubes IRAQ POSED AN IMMINENT THREAT TO THE it was developing to use to attack the United and we all know that there are differences of UNITED STATES States, to wit: opinion. There is controversy about what In his conduct while President of the (1) ‘‘[T]he notion of a Saddam Hussein with these tubes are for. Most U.S. experts think United States, George W. Bush, in violation his great oil wealth, with his inventory that they are intended to serve as rotors in cen- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- he already has of biological and chemical trifuges used to enrich uranium.’’ Speech of cute the office of President of the United weapons . . . is, I think, a frightening propo- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell to States and, to the best of his ability, pre- sition for anybody who thinks about it.’’ the United Nations, February 5, 2003. serve, protect, and defend the Constitution Statement of Vice President Cheney on (D) The President, both personally and act- of the United States, and in violation of his CBS’s Face the Nation, March 24, 2002. ing through those under his direction and constitutional duty under Article II, Section (2) ‘‘In defiance of the United Nations, Iraq control, suppressed material information, se- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the has stockpiled biological and chemical weap- lectively declassified information for the im- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- ons, and is rebuilding the facilities used to proper purposes of retaliating against a sonally and acting through his agents and make more of those weapons.’’ Speech of whistleblower and presenting a misleading subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- President Bush, October 5, 2002. picture of the alleged threat from Iraq, fa- dent, executed a calculated and wide-ranging (3) ‘‘All the world has now seen the footage cilitated the exposure of the identity of a strategy to deceive the citizens and Congress of an Iraqi Mirage aircraft with a fuel tank covert CIA operative and thereafter not only of the United States into believing that the modified to spray biological agents over wide failed to investigate the improper leaks of nation of Iraq posed an imminent threat to areas. Iraq has developed spray devices that classified information from within his ad- the United States in order to justify the use could be used on unmanned aerial vehicles ministration, but also failed to cooperate of the United States Armed Forces against with ranges far beyond what is permitted by with an investigation into possible federal the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to the Security Council. A UAV launched from violations resulting from this activity and, our national security interests, thereby a vessel off the American coast could reach finally, entirely undermined the prosecution interfering with and obstructing Congress’s hundreds of miles inland.’’ Statement by by commuting the sentence of Lewis Libby lawful functions of overseeing foreign affairs President Bush from the White House, Feb- citing false and insubstantial grounds, all in and declaring war. ruary 6, 2003. an effort to prevent Congress and the citi- The means used to implement this decep- (B) Despite overwhelming intelligence in zens of the United States from discovering tion were and continue to be, first, allowing, the form of statements and reports filed by the fraudulent nature of the President’s authorizing and sanctioning the manipula- and on behalf of the CIA, the State Depart- claimed justifications for the invasion of tion of intelligence analysis by those under ment and the IAEA, among others, which in- Iraq. his direction and control, including the Vice dicated that the claim was untrue, the Presi- (E) The Senate Select Committee on Intel- President and the Vice President’s agents, dent, and those under his direction and con- ligence Report on Whether Public State- and second, personally making, or causing, trol, made numerous representations claim- ments Regarding Iraq By U.S. Government authorizing and allowing to be made through ing and implying through misleading lan- Officials Were Substantiated By Intelligence highly-placed subordinates, including the guage that Iraq was attempting to purchase Information, which was released on June 5, President’s Chief of Staff, the White House uranium from Niger in order to falsely but- 2008, concluded that: Press Secretary and other White House tress its argument that Iraq was reconsti- (1) ‘‘Statements by the President and Vice spokespersons, the Secretaries of State and tuting its nuclear weapons program, includ- President prior to the October 2002 National Defense, the National Security Advisor, and ing: Intelligence Estimate regarding Iraq’s chem- their deputies and spokespersons, false and (1) ‘‘The regime has the scientists and fa- ical weapons production capability and ac- fraudulent representations to the citizens of cilities to build nuclear weapons, and is tivities did not reflect the intelligence com- the United States and Congress regarding an seeking the materials needed to do so.’’ munity’s uncertainties as to whether such alleged urgent threat posed by Iraq, state- Statement of President Bush from White production was ongoing.’’ ments that were half-true, literally true but House, October 2, 2002. (2) ‘‘The Secretary of Defense’s statement misleading, and/or made without a reason- (2) ‘‘The [Iraqi] report also failed to deal that the Iraqi government operated under- able basis and with reckless indifference to with issues which have arisen since 1998, in- ground WMD facilities that were not vulner- their truth, as well as omitting to state facts cluding: . . . attempts to acquire uranium able to conventional airstrikes because they necessary to present an accurate picture of and the means to enrich it.’’ Letter from were underground and deeply buried was not the truth as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.050 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 (A) Notwithstanding the complete absence United States into believing that Iraq and tions for the invasion of Iraq. This con- of intelligence analysis to support a claim Saddam Hussein posed an imminent threat stituted a violation of Article I, Section 9 of that Iraq posed an imminent or urgent to the United States, the President allowed the U.S. Constitution, as well as a violation threat to the United States and the intel- and authorized those acting under his direc- of the War Powers Act of 1973. ligence community’s assessment that Iraq tion and control, including Vice President In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- was in fact not likely to attack the United Richard B. Cheney, former Secretary of De- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner States unless it was itself attacked, Presi- fense Donald Rumsfeld, and Lewis Libby, contrary to his trust as President and Com- dent Bush, both personally and through his who reported directly to both the President mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- agents and subordinates, made, allowed and and the Vice President, among others, to tional government, to the prejudice of the caused to be made repeated false representa- pressure intelligence analysts to tailor their cause of law and justice and to the manifest tions to the citizens and Congress of the assessments and to create special units out- injury of the people of the United States. United States implying and explicitly stat- side of, and unknown to, the intelligence Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by ing that such a dire threat existed, including community in order to secretly obtain unre- such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- the following: liable information, to manufacture intel- fense warranting removal from office. (1) ‘‘States such as these [Iraq, Iran and ligence, or to reinterpret raw data in ways ARTICLE VI.—INVADING IRAQ IN VIOLATION OF North Korea] and their terrorist allies con- that would support the Bush administra- THE REQUIREMENTS OF H.J. RES. 114. stitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten tion’s plan to invade Iraq based on a false In his conduct while President of the the peace of the world. By seeking weapons claim of urgency despite the lack of jus- United States, George W. Bush, in violation of mass destruction, these regimes pose a tification for such a preemptive action. of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- grave and growing danger. They could pro- (C) The Senate Select Committee on Intel- cute the office of President of the United vide these arms to terrorists, giving them ligence Report on Whether Public State- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- the means to match their hatred. They could ments Regarding Iraq By U.S. Government serve, protect, and defend the Constitution attack our allies or attempt to blackmail Officials Were Substantiated By Intelligence of the United States, and in violation of his the United States. In any of these cases, the Information, which was released on June 5, constitutional duty under Article II, Section price of indifference would be catastrophic.’’ 2008, concluded that: 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the President Bush’s State of the Union Address, (1) ‘‘Statements by the President and the laws be faithfully executed’’, exceeded his January 29, 2002. Vice President indicating that Saddam Hus- Constitutional authority to wage war by in- (2) ‘‘Simply stated, there is no doubt that sein was prepared to give weapons of mass Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass de- vading Iraq in 2003 without meeting the re- destruction to terrorist groups for attacks quirements of H.J. Res. 114, the ‘‘Authoriza- struction. He is amassing them to use against the United States were contradicted against our friends, our enemies and against tion for Use of Military Force Against Iraq by available intelligence information.’’ us.’’ Speech of Vice President Cheney at Resolution of 2002’’ to wit: Thus the President willfully and falsely (1) H.J. Res. 114 contains several Whereas VFW 103rd National Convention, August 26, misrepresented Iraq as an urgent threat re- 2002. clauses consistent with statements being quiring immediate action thereby subverting (3) ‘‘The history, the logic, and the facts made by the White House at the time regard- the national security interests of the United lead to one conclusion: Saddam Hussein’s re- ing the threat from Iraq as evidenced by the gime is a grave and gathering danger. To States by setting the stage for the loss of following: suggest otherwise is to hope against the evi- more than 4,000 United States service mem- (A) H.J. Res. 114 states ‘‘Whereas Iraq both dence. To assume this regime’s good faith is bers; the injuries to tens of thousands of U.S. poses a continuing threat to the national se- to bet the lives of millions and the peace of soldiers; the deaths of more than 1,000,000 curity of the United States and international the world in a reckless gamble. And this is a Iraqi citizens since the United States inva- peace and security in the Persian Gulf region risk we must not take.’’ Address of President sion; the loss of approximately $527 billion in and remains in material and unacceptable Bush to the United Nations General Assem- war costs which has increased our Federal breach of its international obligations by, bly, September 12, 2002. debt and the ultimate costs of the war be- among other things, continuing to possess (4) ‘‘[N]o terrorist state poses a greater or tween three trillion and five trillion dollars; and develop a significant chemical and bio- more immediate threat to the security of our the loss of military readiness within the logical weapons capability, actively seeking people than the regime of Saddam Hussein United States Armed Services due to over- a nuclear weapons capability, and supporting and Iraq.’’ Statement of Former Defense Sec- extension, the lack of training and lack of and harboring terrorist organizations;’’; and retary Donald Rumsfeld to Congress, Sep- equipment; the loss of United States credi- (B) H.J. Res. 114 states ‘‘Whereas members tember 19, 2002. bility in world affairs; and the decades of of Al Qaeda, an organization bearing respon- (5) ‘‘On its present course, the Iraqi regime likely blowback created by the invasion of sibility for attacks on the United States, its is a threat of unique urgency . . . it has de- Iraq. citizens, and interests, including the attacks veloped weapons of mass death.’’ Statement In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- that occurred on September 11, 2001, are of President Bush at White House, October 2, dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner known to be in Iraq;’’. 2002. contrary to his trust as President and Com- (2) H.J. Res. 114 states that the President (6) ‘‘But the President also believes that mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- must provide a determination, the truthful- this problem has to be dealt with, and if the tional government, to the prejudice of the ness of which is implied, that military force United Nations won’t deal with it, then the cause of law and justice and to the manifest is necessary in order to use the authoriza- United States, with other likeminded na- injury of the people of the United States. tion, as evidenced by the following: tions, may have to deal with it. We would Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by (A) Section 3 of H.J. Res. 114 states: prefer not to go that route, but the danger is such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- ‘‘(b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION.—In so great, with respect to Saddam Hussein fense warranting removal from office. connection with the exercise of the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the having weapons of mass destruction, and per- ARTICLE V.—ILLEGALLY MISSPENDING FUNDS TO President shall, prior to such exercise or as haps even terrorists getting hold of such SECRETLY BEGIN A WAR OF AGGRESSION weapons, that it is time for the international soon thereafter as may be feasible, but no community to act, and if it doesn’t act, the In his conduct while President of the later than 48 hours after exercising such au- President is prepared to act with likeminded United States, George W. Bush, in violation thority, make available to the Speaker of nations.’’ Statement of Former Secretary of of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- the House of Representatives and the Presi- State Colin Powell in interview with Ellen cute the office of President of the United dent pro tempore of the Senate his deter- Ratner of Talk Radio News, October 30, 2002. States and, to the best of his ability, pre- mination that— (7) ‘‘Today the world is also uniting to an- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution (1) reliance by the United States on further swer the unique and urgent threat posed by of the United States, and in violation of his diplomatic or other peaceful means alone ei- Iraq. A dictator who has used weapons of constitutional duty under Article II, Section ther (A) will not adequately protect the na- mass destruction on his own people must not 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the tional security of the United States against be allowed to produce or possess those weap- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- the continuing threat posed by Iraq nor (B) ons. We will not permit Saddam Hussein to sonally and acting through his agents and likely lead to enforcement of all relevant blackmail and/or terrorize nations which subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- United Nations Security Council resolutions love freedom.’’ Speech by President Bush to dent, illegally misspent funds to begin a war regarding Iraq; and Prague Atlantic Student Summit, November in secret prior to any Congressional author- (2) acting pursuant to the Constitution and 20, 2002. ization. Public Law 107–243 is consistent with the (8) ‘‘But the risk of doing nothing, the risk The president used over $2 billion in the United States and other countries con- of the security of this country being jeopard- summer of 2002 to prepare for the invasion of tinuing to take the necessary actions ized at the hands of a madman with weapons Iraq. First reported in Bob Woodward’s book, against international terrorists and terrorist of mass destruction far exceeds the risk of Plan of Attack, and later confirmed by the organizations, including those nations, orga- any action we may be forced to take.’’ Presi- Congressional Research Service, Bush took nizations, or persons who planned, author- dent Bush Meets with National Economic money appropriated by Congress for Afghani- ized, committed, or aided the terrorist at- Council at White House, February 25, 2003. stan and other programs and—with no Con- tacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. (B) In furtherance of his fraudulent effort gressional notification—used it to build air- (4) President George Bush knew that these to deceive Congress and the citizens of the fields in Qatar and to make other prepara- statements were false as evidenced by:

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(A) INFORMATION PROVIDED WITH ARTICLE I, to delegate to the President the decision of (A) A letter from President Bush to Con- II, III, IV AND V. whether or not to initiate a war against Iraq, gress dated March 21st, 2003 stating ‘‘I di- (B) A statement by President George Bush based on whether he deemed it ‘‘necessary rected U.S. Armed Forces, operating with in an interview with Tony Blair on January and appropriate.’’ The Constitution does not other coalition forces, to commence combat 31st 2003: [WH] allow Congress to delegate this exclusive operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.’’ Reporter: ‘‘One question for you both. Do power to the President, nor does it allow the [WH] you believe that there is a link between Sad- President to seize this power. (B) On September 16, 2004 Kofi Annan, the dam Hussein, a direct link, and the men who In March 2003, the President launched a Secretary General of the United Nations, attacked on September the 11th?’’ war against Iraq without any constitutional speaking on the invasion, said, ‘‘I have indi- President Bush: ‘‘I can’t make that claim’’ authority. cated it was not in conformity with the UN (C) An article on February 19th by Ter- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- charter. From our point of view, from the rorism expert Rohan Gunaratna states ‘‘I dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner charter point of view, it was illegal.’’ [BBC] could find no evidence of links between Iraq contrary to his trust as President and Com- (C) The consequence of the instant and di- and Al Qaeda. The documentation and inter- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- rection of President George W. Bush, in ordering an attack upon Iraq, a sovereign na- views indicated that Al Qaeda regarded Sad- tional government, to the prejudice of the tion is in direct violation of United States dam, a secular leader, as an infidel.’’ cause of law and justice and to the manifest Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 118, Section [InternationalHeraldTribune] injury of the people of the United States. 2441, governing the offense of war crimes. (D) According to a February 2nd, 2003 arti- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by (6) In the course of invading and occupying cle in the New York Times: [NYT] such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- Iraq, the President, as Commander in Chief, At the Federal Bureau of Investigation, fense warranting removal from office. has taken responsibility for the targeting of some investigators said they were baffled by ARTICLE VIII.—INVADING IRAQ, A SOVEREIGN civilians, journalists, hospitals, and ambu- the Bush administration’s insistence on a NATION, IN VIOLATION OF THE UN CHARTER lances, use of antipersonnel weapons includ- solid link between Iraq and Osama bin AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW ing cluster bombs in densely settled urban Laden’s network. ‘‘We’ve been looking at In his conduct while President of the areas, the use of white phosphorous as a this hard for more than a year and you know United States, George W. Bush, in violation weapon, depleted uranium weapons, and the what, we just don’t think it’s there,’’ a gov- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- use of a new version of napalm found in ernment official said. cute the office of President of the United Mark 77 firebombs. Under the direction of (5) Section 3C of HJRes 114 states that States and, to the best of his ability, pre- President George Bush the United States has ‘‘Nothing in this joint resolution supersedes serve, protect, and defend the Constitution engaged in collective punishment of Iraqi ci- any requirement of the War Powers Resolu- of the United States, and in violation of his vilian populations, including but not limited tion.’’ constitutional duty under Article II, Section to blocking roads, cutting electricity and (6) The War Powers Resolution Section 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the water, destroying fuel stations, planting 9(d)(1) states: laws be faithfully executed’’, violated United bombs in farm fields, demolishing houses, (d) Nothing in this joint resolution— States law by invading the sovereign coun- and plowing over orchards. (1) is intended to alter the constitutional try of Iraq in violation of the United Nations (A) Under the principle of ‘‘command re- authority of the Congress or of the Presi- Charter to wit: sponsibility’’, i.e., that a de jure command dent, or the provision of existing treaties; or (1) International Laws ratified by Congress can be civilian as well as military, and can (7) The United Nations Charter was an ex- are part of United States Law and must be apply to the policy command of heads of isting treaty and, as shown in Article VIII, followed as evidenced by the following: state, said command brings President George the invasion of Iraq violated that treaty. (A) Article VI of the United States Con- Bush within the reach of international (8) President George Bush knowingly failed stitution, which states ‘‘This Constitution, criminal law under the Additional Protocol I to meet the requirements of HJRes 114 and and the Laws of the United States which of June 8, 1977 to the Geneva Conventions of violated the requirement of the War Powers shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all August 12, 1949, and Relating to the Protec- Resolution and, thereby, invaded Iraq with- Treaties made, or which shall be made, under tion of Victims of International Armed Con- out the authority of Congress. the Authority of the United States, shall be flicts, Article 86(2). The United States is a In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- the supreme Law of the Land;’’ state signatory to Additional Protocol I, on dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner (2) The UN Charter, which entered into December 12, 1977. contrary to his trust as President and Com- force following ratification by the United (B) Furthermore, Article 85(3) of said Pro- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- States in 1945, requires Security Council ap- tocol I defines as a grave breach making a ci- tional government, to the prejudice of the proval for the use of force except for self-de- vilian population or individual civilians the cause of law and justice and to the manifest fense against an armed attack as evidenced object of attacks. This offense, together with injury of the people of the United States. by the following: the principle of command responsibility, Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by (A) Chapter 1, Article 2 of the United Na- places President George Bush’s conduct such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- tions Charter states: under the reach of the same law and prin- fense warranting removal from office. ‘‘3. All Members shall settle their inter- ciples described as the basis for war crimes ARTICLE VII.—INVADING IRAQ ABSENT A national disputes by peaceful means in such prosecution at Nuremburg, under Article 6 of DECLARATION OF WAR a manner that international peace and secu- the Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunals: in- In his conduct while President of the rity, and justice, are not endangered. cluding crimes against peace, violations of United States, George W. Bush, in violation ‘‘4. All Members shall refrain in their the laws and customs of war and crimes of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- international relations from the threat or against humanity, similarly codified in the cute the office of President of the United use of force against the territorial integrity Rome Statute of the International Criminal States and, to the best of his ability, pre- or political independence of any state, or in Court, Articles 5 through 8. serve, protect, and defend the Constitution any other manner inconsistent with the Pur- (C) The Lancet Report has established of the United States, and in violation of his poses of the United Nations.’’ massive civilian casualties in Iraq as a result constitutional duty under Article II, Section (B) Chapter 7, Article 51 of the United Na- of the United States’ invasion and occupa- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the tions Charter states: tion of that country. laws be faithfully executed’’, has launched a ‘‘51. Nothing in the present Charter shall (D) International laws governing wars of war against Iraq absent any congressional impair the inherent right of individual or aggression are completely prohibited under declaration of war or equivalent action. collective self-defense if an armed attack oc- the legal principle of jus cogens, whether or Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 (the War curs against a Member of the United Na- not a nation has signed or ratified a par- Powers Clause) makes clear that the United tions, until the Security Council has taken ticular international agreement. States Congress holds the exclusive power to measures necessary to maintain inter- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- decide whether or not to send the nation into national peace and security.’’ dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner war. ‘‘The Congress,’’ the War Powers Clause (3) There was no armed attack upon the contrary to his trust as President and Com- states, ‘‘shall have power . . . To declare war United States by Iraq. mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- . . .’’ (4) The Security Council did not vote to ap- tional government, to the prejudice of the The October 2002 congressional resolution prove the use of force against Iraq as evi- cause of law and justice and to the manifest on Iraq did not constitute a declaration of denced by: injury of the people of the United States. war or equivalent action. The resolution (A) A United Nation Press release which Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by stated: ‘‘The President is authorized to use states that the United States had failed to such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- the Armed Forces of the United States as he convince the Security Council to approve the fense warranting removal from office deems necessary and appropriate in order to use of military force against Iraq. [UN] ARTICLE IX.—FAILING TO PROVIDE TROOPS WITH 1) defend the national security of the United (5) President Bush directed the United BODY ARMOR AND VEHICLE ARMOR States against the continuing threat posed States military to invade Iraq on March In his conduct while President of the by Iraq; and 2) enforce all relevant United 19th, 2003 in violation of the UN Charter and, United States, George W. Bush, in violation Nations Security Council resolutions regard- therefore, in violation of United States Law of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- ing Iraq.’’ The resolution unlawfully sought as evidenced by the following: cute the office of President of the United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.051 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 States and, to the best of his ability, pre- been dramatically rescued. On April 2, 2003, Section 1222 clearly prohibits the expendi- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution the DOD released a video of the rescue and ture of money for the purpose of establishing of the United States, and in violation of his claimed that Lynch had stab and bullet permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. The constitutional duty under Article II, Section wounds, and that she had been slapped about construction of over $1 billion in U.S. mili- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the on her hospital bed and interrogated. Iraqi tary bases in Iraq, including runways for air- laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- doctors and nurses later interviewed, includ- craft, continues despite congressional intent, sonally and acting through his agents and ing Dr. Harith Al-Houssona, a doctor in the as the Administration intends to force upon subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- Nasirya hospital, described Lynch’s injuries the Iraqi government such terms which will dent, has been responsible for the deaths of as ‘‘a broken arm, a broken thigh, and a dis- assure the bases remain in Iraq. members of the U.S. military and serious in- located ankle.’’ According to Al-Houssona, Iraqi officials have informed Members of jury and trauma to other soldiers, by failing there was no sign of gunshot or stab wounds, Congress in May 2008 of the strong opposi- to provide available body armor and vehicle and Lynch’s injuries were consistent with tion within the Iraqi parliament and armor. those that would be suffered in a car acci- throughout Iraq to the agreement that the While engaging in an invasion and occupa- dent. Al-Houssona’s claims were later con- administration is trying to negotiate with tion of choice, not fought in self-defense, and firmed in a U.S. Army report leaked on July Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The not launched in accordance with any time- 10, 2003. agreement seeks to assure a long-term U.S. table other than the President’s choosing, Lynch denied that she fought or was presence in Iraq of which military bases are President Bush sent U.S. troops into danger wounded fighting, telling Diane Sawyer that the most obvious, sufficient and necessary without providing them with armor. This the Pentagon ‘‘used me to symbolize all this construct, thus clearly defying Congres- shortcoming has been known for years, dur- stuff. It’s wrong. I don’t know why they sional intent as to the matter and meaning ing which time, the President has chosen to filmed [my rescue] or why they say these of ‘‘permanency.’’ allow soldiers and marines to continue to things.... I did not shoot, not a round, In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- face unnecessary risk to life and limb rather nothing. I went down praying to my knees. dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner then providing them with armor. And that’s the last I remember.’’ She re- contrary to his trust as President and Com- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- ported excellent treatment in Iraq, and that mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner one person in the hospital even sang to her tional government, to the prejudice of the contrary to his trust as President and Com- to help her feel at home. cause of law and justice and to the manifest mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- On April 24, 2007 Lynch testified before the injury of the people of the United States. House Committee on Oversight and Govern- tional government, to the prejudice of the Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by ment Reform: cause of law and justice and to the manifest such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- ‘‘[Right after my capture], tales of great injury of the people of the United States. heroism were being told. My parent’s home fense warranting removal from office. Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by in Wirt County was under siege of the media ARTICLE XII.—INITIATING A WAR AGAINST IRAQ such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- all repeating the story of the little girl FOR CONTROL OF THAT NATION’S NATURAL RE- fense warranting removal from office. Rambo from the hills who went down fight- SOURCES ARTICLE X.—FALSIFYING ACCOUNTS OF U.S. ing. It was not true. . . . I am still confused In his conduct while President of the TROOP DEATHS AND INJURIES FOR POLITICAL as to why they chose to lie.’’ United States, George W. Bush, in violation PURPOSES The White House had heavily promoted the of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- In his conduct while President of the false story of Lynch’s rescue, including in a cute the office of President of the United United States, George W. Bush, in violation speech by President Bush on April 28, 2003. States and, to the best of his ability, pre- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- After the fiction was exposed, the President serve, protect, and defend the Constitution cute the office of President of the United awarded Lynch the Bronze Star. of the United States, and in violation of his States and, to the best of his ability, pre- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- constitutional duty under Article II, Section serve, protect, and defend the Constitution dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the of the United States, and in violation of his contrary to his trust as President and Com- laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- constitutional duty under Article II, Section mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- sonally and acting through his agents and 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the tional government, to the prejudice of the subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- cause of law and justice and to the manifest dent, invaded and occupied a foreign nation sonally and acting through his agents and injury of the people of the United States. for the purpose, among other purposes, of subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by seizing control of that nation’s oil. dent, promoted false propaganda stories such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- The White House and its representatives in about members of the United States mili- fense warranting removal from office. Iraq have, since the occupation of Baghdad tary, including individuals both dead and in- ARTICLE XI.—ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT began, attempted to gain control of Iraqi oil. jured. U.S. MILITARY BASES IN IRAQ This effort has included pressuring the new The White House and the Department of In his conduct while President of the Iraqi government to pass a hydrocarbon law. Defense (DOD) in 2004 promoted a false ac- United States, George W. Bush, in violation Within weeks of the fall of Saddam Hussein count of the death of Specialist Pat Tillman, of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- in 2003, the U.S. Agency for International reporting that he had died in a hostile ex- cute the office of President of the United Development (USAid) awarded a $240 million change, delaying release of the information States and, to the best of his ability, pre- contract to Bearing Point, a private U.S. that he had died from friendly fire, shot in serve, protect, and defend the Constitution company. A Bearing Point employee, based the forehead three times in a manner that of the United States, and in violation of his in the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, was hired to led investigating doctors to believe he had constitutional duty under Article II, Section advise the Iraqi Ministry of Oil on drawing been shot at close range. 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the up the new hydrocarbon law. The draft law A 2005 report by Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones laws be faithfully executed,’’ has violated an places executives of foreign oil companies on reported that in the days immediately fol- act of Congress that he himself signed into a council with the task of approving their lowing Specialist Tillman’s death, U.S. law by using public funds to construct per- own contracts with Iraq; it denies the Iraqi Army investigators were aware that Spe- manent U.S. military bases in Iraq. National Oil Company exclusive rights for cialist Tillman was killed by friendly fire, On January 28, 2008, President George W. the exploration, development, production, shot three times to the head, and that senior Bush signed into law the National Defense transportation, and marketing of Iraqi oil, Army commanders, including Gen. John Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008 (H.R. and allows foreign companies to control Abizaid, knew of this fact within days of the 4986). Noting that the Act ‘‘authorizes fund- Iraqi oil fields containing 80 percent of Iraqi shooting but nevertheless approved the ing for the defense of the United States and oil for up to 35 years through contracts that awarding of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, its interests abroad, for military construc- can remain secret for up to 2 months. The and a posthumous promotion. tion, and for national security-related en- draft law itself contains secret appendices. On April 24, 2007, Spc. Bryan O’Neal, the ergy programs,’’ the president added the fol- President Bush provided unrelated reasons last soldier to see Specialist Pat Tillman lowing ‘‘signing statement’’: for the invasion of Iraq to the public and alive, testified before the House Oversight ‘‘Provisions of the Act, including sections Congress, but those reasons have been estab- and Government Reform Committee that he 841, 846, 1079, and 1222, purport to impose re- lished to have been categorically fraudulent, was warned by superiors not to divulge infor- quirements that could inhibit the Presi- as evidenced by the herein mentioned Arti- mation that a fellow soldier killed Specialist dent’s ability to carry out his constitutional cles of Impeachment I, II, III, IV, VI, and Tillman, especially to the Tillman family. obligations to take care that the laws be VII. The White House refused to provide re- faithfully executed, to protect national secu- Parallel to the development of plans for quested documents to the committee, citing rity, to supervise the executive branch, and war against Iraq, the U.S. State Depart- ‘‘executive branch confidentiality interests.’’ to execute his authority as Commander in ment’s Future of Iraq project, begun as early The White House and DOD in 2003 pro- Chief. The executive branch shall construe as April 2002, involved meetings in Wash- moted a false account of the injury of Jes- such provisions in a manner consistent with ington and London of 17 working groups, sica Dawn Lynch, reporting that she had the constitutional authority of the Presi- each composed of 10 to 20 Iraqi exiles and been captured in a hostile exchange and had dent.’’ international experts selected by the State

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.051 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5199 Department. The Oil and Energy working agement and Budget, the Assistant to the Iraq’s oil out of the exclusive hands of the group met four times between December 2002 President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Pol- Iraqi Government and open it to inter- and April 2003. Ibrahim Bahr al-Uloum, later icy, the Assistant to the President for Eco- national oil companies for a generation or the Iraqi Oil Minister, was a member of the nomic Policy, and the Deputy Assistant to more. The Bush administration hired Bear- group, which concluded that Iraq ‘‘should be the President for Intergovernmental Affairs. ing Point, a U.S. company, to help write the opened to international oil companies as The GAO report found that: ‘‘In developing law in 2004. It was submitted to the Iraqi quickly as possible after the war,’’ and that, the National Energy Policy report, the Council of Representatives in May 2007. ‘‘the country should establish a conducive NEPDG Principals, Support Group, and par- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- business environment to attract investment ticipating agency officials and staff met dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner of oil and gas resources.’’ The same group with, solicited input from, or received infor- contrary to his trust as President and Com- recommended production-sharing agree- mation and advice from nonfederal energy mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- ments with foreign oil companies, the same stakeholders, principally petroleum, coal, tional government, to the prejudice of the approach found in the draft hydrocarbon law, nuclear, natural gas, and electricity industry cause of law and justice and to the manifest and control over Iraq’s oil resources remains representatives and lobbyists. The extent to injury of the people of the United States. a prime objective of the Bush Administra- which submissions from any of these stake- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by tion. holders were solicited, influenced policy de- such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- Prior to his election as Vice President, liberations, or were incorporated into the fense warranting removal from office. Dick Cheney, then-CEO of Halliburton, in a final report cannot be determined based on ARTICLE XIV.—MISPRISION OF A FELONY, MIS- speech at the Institute of Petroleum in 1999 the limited information made available to USE AND EXPOSURE OF CLASSIFIED INFORMA- demonstrated a keen awareness of the sen- GAO. NEPDG met and conducted its work in TION AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE IN THE sitive economic and geopolitical role of Mid- two distinct phases: the first phase cul- MATTER OF VALERIE PLAME WILSON, CLAN- dle East oil resources saying: ‘‘By 2010, we minated in a March 19, 2001, briefing to the DESTINE AGENT OF THE CENTRAL INTEL- will need on the order of an additional 50 President on challenges relating to energy LIGENCE AGENCY million barrels a day. So where is the oil supply and the resulting economic impact; In his conduct while President of the going to come from? Governments and na- the second phase ended with the May 16, 2001, United States, George W. Bush, in violation tional oil companies are obviously control- presentation of the final report to the Presi- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- ling about 90 percent of the assets. Oil re- dent. The Office of the Vice President’s cute the office of President of the United mains fundamentally a government business. (OVP) unwillingness to provide the NEPDG States and, to the best of his ability, pre- While many regions of the world offer great records or other related information preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution oil opportunities, the Middle East, with two- cluded GAO from fully achieving its objec- of the United States, and in violation of his thirds of the world’s oil and lowest cost, is tives and substantially limited GAO’s ability constitutional duty under Article II, Section still where the prize ultimately lies. Even to comprehensively analyze the NEPDG 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the though companies are anxious for greater ac- process. associated with that process. laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- cess there, progress continues to be slow.’’ ‘‘None of the key federal entities involved sonally and acting through his agents and The Vice President led the work of a secret in the NEPDG effort provided GAO with a subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- energy task force, as described in Article complete accounting of the costs that they dent, XXXII below, a task force that focused on, incurred during the development of the Na- (1) suppressed material information; among other things, the acquisition of Iraqi tional Energy Policy report. The two federal (2) selectively declassified information for oil through developing a controlling private entities responsible for funding the NEPDG the improper purposes of retaliating against corporate interest in said oil. effort—OVP and the Department of Energy a whistleblower and presenting a misleading In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- (DOE)—did not provide the comprehensive picture of the alleged threat from Iraq; dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner cost information that GAO requested. OVP (3) facilitated the exposure of the identity contrary to his trust as President and Com- provided GAO with 77 pages of information, of Valerie Plame Wilson who had theretofore mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- two-thirds of which contained no cost infor- been employed as a covert CIA operative; (4) failed to investigate the improper leaks tional government, to the prejudice of the mation while the remaining one-third con- of classified information from within his ad- cause of law and justice and to the manifest tained some miscellaneous information of little to no usefulness. OVP stated that it ministration; injury of the people of the United States. (5) failed to cooperate with an investiga- would not provide any additional informa- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by tion into possible federal violations resulting tion. DOE, the Department of the Interior, such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- from this activity; and fense warranting removal from office. and the Environmental Protection Agency (6) finally, entirely undermined the pros- ARTICLE XIII.—CREATING A SECRET TASK FORCE (EPA) provided GAO with estimates of cer- ecution by commuting the sentence of Lewis TO DEVELOP ENERGY AND MILITARY POLICIES tain costs and salaries associated with the Libby citing false and insubstantial grounds, WITH RESPECT TO IRAQ AND OTHER COUNTRIES NEPDG effort, but these estimates, all cal- all in an effort to prevent Congress and the culated in different ways, were not com- In his conduct while President of the citizens of the United States from discov- prehensive.’’ ering the deceitful nature of the President’s United States, George W. Bush, in violation In 2003, the Commerce Department dis- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- claimed justifications for the invasion of closed a partial collection of materials from Iraq. cute the office of President of the United the NEPDG, including documents, maps, and States and, to the best of his ability, pre- In facilitating this exposure of classified charts, dated March 2001, of Iraq’s, Saudi information and the subsequent cover-up, in serve, protect, and defend the Constitution Arabia’s and the United Arab Emirates’ oil of the United States, and in violation of his all of these actions and decisions, President fields, pipelines, refineries, tanker terminals, George W. Bush has acted in a manner con- constitutional duty to take care that the and development projects. laws be faithfully executed, has both person- trary to his trust as President, and subver- On November 16, 2005, the Washington Post sive of constitutional government, to the ally and acting through his agents and sub- reported on a White House document show- ordinates, together with the Vice President, prejudice of the cause of law and justice and ing that oil company executives had met to the manifest injury of the people of the created a secret task force to guide our na- with the NEPDG, something that some of tion’s energy policy and military policy, and United States. Wherefore, President George those same executives had just that week de- W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- undermined Congress’ ability to legislate by nied in Congressional testimony. The Bush thwarting attempts to investigate the na- peachable offense warranting removal from Administration had not corrected the inac- office. ture of that policy. curate testimony. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) On July 18, 2007, the Washington Post re- ARTICLE XV.—PROVIDING IMMUNITY FROM PROS- Report on the Cheney Energy Task Force, in ported the full list of names of those who had ECUTION FOR CRIMINAL CONTRACTORS IN IRAQ August 2003, described the creation of this met with the NEPDG. In his conduct while President of the task force as follows: In 1998 Kenneth Derr, then chief executive United States, George W. Bush, in violation ‘‘In a January 29, 2001, memorandum, the of Chevron, told a San Francisco audience, of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- President established NEPDG [the National ‘‘Iraq possesses huge reserves of oil and gas, cute the office of President of the United Energy Policy Development Group]—com- reserves I’d love Chevron to have access to.’’ States and, to the best of his ability, pre- prised of the Vice President, nine cabinet- According to the GAO report, Chevron pro- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution level officials, and four other senior adminis- vided detailed advice to the NEPDG. of the United States, and in violation of his tration officials—to gather information, de- In March, 2001, the NEPDG recommended constitutional duty under Article II, Section liberate, and make recommendations to the that the United States Government support 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the President by the end of fiscal year 2001. The initiatives by Middle Eastern countries ‘‘to laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- President called on the Vice President to open up areas of their energy sectors to for- sonally and acting through his agents and chair the group, direct its work and, as nec- eign investment.’’ Following the invasion of subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- essary, establish subordinate working groups Iraq, the United States has pressured the dent, established policies granting United to assist NEPDG.’’ new Iraqi parliament to pass a hydrocarbon States government contractors and their em- The four ‘‘other senior administration offi- law that would do exactly that. The draft ployees in Iraq immunity from Iraqi law, cials were the Director of the Office of Man- law, if passed, would take the majority of U.S. law, and international law.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.051 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Lewis Paul Bremer III, then-Director of for its costs and then received an additional tion by Halliburton officials in meetings Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assist- fee, which was a percentage of its costs. This where bidding requirements were discussed, ance for post-war Iraq, on June 27, 2004, created an incentive for Halliburton to run and a lack of competition. She stated that issued Coalition Provisional Authority Order up its costs in order to increase its potential the Halliburton contracts represented ‘‘the Number 17, which granted members of the profit. most blatant and improper contract abuse I U.S. military, U.S. mercenaries, and other ‘‘Even after the Administration claimed it have witnessed during the course of my pro- U.S. contractor employees immunity from was awarding Iraq contracts competitively fessional career.’’ Days before the hearing, Iraqi law. in early 2004, real price competition was the acting general counsel of the Army Corps The Bush Administration has chosen not missing. Iraq was divided geographically and of Engineers paid Ms. Greenhouse a visit and to apply the Uniform Code of Military Jus- by economic sector into a handful of reportedly let it be known that it would not tice or United States law to mercenaries and fiefdoms. Individual contractors were then be in her best interest to appear voluntarily. other contractors employed by the United awarded monopoly contracts for all of the ‘‘On August 27, 2005, the Army demoted Ms. States government in Iraq. work within given fiefdoms. Because these Greenhouse, removing her from the elite Operating free of Iraqi or U.S. law, merce- monopoly contracts were awarded before Senior Executive Service and transferring naries have killed many Iraqi civilians in a specific projects were identified, there was her to a lesser job in the corps’ civil works manner that observers have described as ag- no actual price competition for more than division. As Frank Rich of The New York gression and not as self-defense. Many U.S. 2,000 projects. Times described the situation, ’[H]er crime contractors have also alleged that they have ‘‘In the absence of price competition, rig- was not obstructing justice but pursuing it been the victims of aggression (in several orous government oversight becomes essen- by vehemently questioning irregularities in cases of rape) by their fellow contract em- tial for accountability. Yet the Administra- the awarding of some $7 billion worth of no- ployees in Iraq. These charges have not been tion turned much of the contract oversight bid contracts in Iraq to the Halliburton sub- brought to trial, and in several cases the work over to private companies with blatant sidiary Kellogg Brown Root.’ The demotion contracting companies and the U.S. State conflicts of interest. Oversight contractors was in apparent retaliation for her speaking Department have worked together in at- oversaw their business partners and, in some out against the abuses, even though she pre- tempting to cover them up. cases, were placed in a position to assist viously had stellar reviews and over 20 years Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to their own construction work under separate of experience in military procurement.’’ which the United States is party, and which monopoly construction contracts.... The House Committee on Oversight and under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution is ‘‘Under Halliburton’s two largest Iraq con- Government Reform reports on domestic contracting: therefore the supreme law of the United tracts, Pentagon auditors found $1 billion in ‘‘The Administration’s domestic con- States, it is the responsibility of an occu- ‘questioned’ costs and over $400 million in ’unsupported’ costs. Former Halliburton em- tracting record is no better than its record pying force to ensure the protection and on Iraq. Waste, fraud, and abuse appear to be human rights of the civilian population. The ployees testified that the company charged $45 for cases of soda, billed $100 to clean 15- the rule rather than the exception.... efforts of President Bush and his subordi- ‘‘A Transportation Security Administra- pound bags of laundry, and insisted on hous- nates to attempt to establish a lawless zone tion (TSA) cost-plus contract with NCS ing its staff at the five-star Kempinski hotel in Iraq are in violation of the law. Pearson, Inc., to hire federal airport screen- in Kuwait. Halliburton truck drivers testi- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- ers was plagued by poor management and fied that the company ‘torched’ brand new dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner egregious waste. Pentagon auditors chal- $85,000 trucks rather than perform relatively contrary to his trust as President and sub- lenged $303 million (over 40%) of the $741 mil- versive of constitutional government, to the minor repairs and regular maintenance. Hal- lion spent by Pearson under the contract. prejudice of the cause of law and justice and liburton procurement officials described the The auditors detailed numerous concerns to the manifest injury of the people of the company’s informal motto in Iraq as ’Don’t with the charges of Pearson and its sub- United States. Wherefore, President George worry about price. It’s cost-plus.’ A Halli- contractors, such as ‘$20-an-hour temporary W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- burton manager was indicted for ‘major workers billed to the government at $48 per peachable offense warranting removal from fraud against the United States’ for alleg- hour, subcontractors who signed out $5,000 in office. edly billing more than $5.5 billion for work cash at a time with no supporting docu- that should have cost only $685,000 in ex- ARTICLE XVI.—RECKLESS MISSPENDING AND ments, $377,273.75 in unsubstantiated long change for a $1 million kickback from a Ku- WASTE OF U.S. TAX DOLLARS IN CONNECTION distance phone calls, $514,201 to rent tents waiti subcontractor.... WITH IRAQ CONTRACTORS that flooded in a rainstorm, [and] $4.4 mil- ‘‘The Air Force found that another U.S. lion in ‘‘no show’’ fees for job candidates who In his conduct while President of the government contractor, Custer Battles, set United States, George W. Bush, in violation did not appear for tests.’ A Pearson em- up shell subcontractors to inflate prices. ployee who supervised Pearson’s hiring ef- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- Those overcharges were passed along to the cute the office of President of the United forts at 43 sites in the U.S. described the con- U.S. government under the company’s cost- tract as ‘a waste a taxpayer’s money.’ The States and, to the best of his ability, pre- plus contract to provide security for Bagh- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution CEO of one Pearson subcontractor paid her- dad International Airport. In one case, the self $5.4 million for nine months work and of the United States, and in violation of his company allegedly took Iraqi-owned fork- constitutional duty under Article II, Section provided herself with a $270,000 pension.... lifts, re-painted them, and leased them to ‘‘The Administration is spending $239 mil- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the the U.S. government. lion on the Integrated Surveillance and In- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- ‘‘Despite the spending of billions of tax- telligence System, a no-bid contract to pro- sonally and acting through his agents and payer dollars, U.S. reconstruction efforts in vide thousands of cameras and sensors to subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- keys sectors of the Iraqi economy are failing. monitor activity on the Mexican and Cana- dent, recklessly wasted public funds on con- Over two years after the U.S.-led invasion of dian borders. Auditors found that the contracts awarded to close associates, including Iraq, oil and electricity production has fallen tractor, International Microwave Corp., companies guilty of defrauding the govern- below pre-war levels. The Administration billed for work it never did and charged for ment in the past, contracts awarded without has failed to even measure how many Iraqis equipment it never provided, ’creat[ing] a competitive bidding, ‘‘cost-plus’’ contracts lack access to drinkable water.’’ potential for overpayments of almost $13 designed to encourage cost overruns, and ‘‘Constitution in Crisis,’’ a book by Con- million.’ Moreover, the border monitoring contracts not requiring satisfactory comple- gressman John Conyers, details the Bush Ad- system reportedly does not work.... tion of the work. These failures have been ministration’s response when contract abuse ‘‘After spending more than $4.5 billion on the rule, not the exception, in the awarding is made public: screening equipment for the nation’s entry of contracts for work in the United States ‘‘Bunnatine Greenhouse was the chief con- points, the Department of Homeland Secu- and abroad over the past seven years. Re- tracting officer at the Army Corps of Engi- rity is now ‘moving to replace or alter much peated exposure of fraud and waste has not neers, the agency that has managed much of of’ it because ‘it is ineffective, unreliable or been met by the president with correction of the reconstruction work in Iraq. In October too expensive to operate.’ For example, radi- systemic problems, but rather with retribu- 2004, Ms. Greenhouse came forward and re- ation monitors at ports and borders report- tion against whistleblowers. vealed that top Pentagon officials showed edly could not ‘differentiate between radi- The House Committee on Oversight and improper favoritism to Halliburton when ation emitted by a nuclear bomb and natu- Government Reform reported on Iraq recon- awarding military contracts to Halliburton rally occurring radiation from everyday ma- struction contracting: subsidiary Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR). terial like cat litter or ceramic tile.’ ... ‘‘From the beginning, the Administration Greenhouse stated that when the Pentagon ‘‘The TSA awarded Boeing a cost-plus con- adopted a flawed contracting approach in awarded Halliburton a five-year $7 billion tract to install over 1,000 explosive detection Iraq. Instead of maximizing competition, the contract, it pressured her to withdraw her systems for airline passenger luggage. After Administration opted to award no-bid, cost- objections, actions which she claimed were installation, the machines ‘began to register plus contracts to politically connected con- unprecedented in her experience. false alarms’ and ‘[s]creeners were forced to tractors. Halliburton’s secret $7 billion con- ‘‘On June 27, 2005, Ms. Greenhouse testified open and hand-check bags.’ To reduce the tract to restore Iraq’s oil infrastructure is before Congress, detailing that the contract number of false alarms, the sensitivity of the the prime example. Under this no-bid, cost- award process was compromised by improper machines was lowered, which reduced the ef- plus contract, Halliburton was reimbursed influence by political appointees, participa- fectiveness of the detectors. Despite these

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.051 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5201 serious problems, Boeing received an $82 mil- Many of these detainees have been sub- treme heat, prolonged enforcement of pain- lion profit that the Inspector General deter- jected to systematic abuse, including beat- ful stress positions, sleep deprivation, sexual mined to be ‘excessive.’ ... ings, which have been subsequently docu- humiliation, and the defiling of religious ar- ‘‘The FBI spent $170 million on a ‘Virtual mented by news reports, photographic evi- ticles have been practiced and exposed as Case File’ system that does not operate as dence, testimony in Congress, lawsuits, and routine at Guantanamo, at Abu Ghraib Pris- required. After three years of work under a in the case of detainees in the U.S., by an in- on and other U.S. detention sites in Iraq, and cost-plus contract failed to produce a func- vestigation conducted by the Justice Depart- at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The tional system, the FBI scrapped the program ment’s Office of the Inspector General. president, besides bearing responsibility for and began work on the new ‘Sentinel’ Case In violation of U.S. law and the Geneva authorizing the use of torture, also as Com- File System.... Conventions, the Bush Administration in- mander in Chief, bears ultimate responsi- ‘‘The Department of Homeland Security structed the Department of Justice and the bility for the failure to halt these practices Inspector General found that taxpayer dol- U.S. Department of Defense to refuse to pro- and to punish those responsible once they lars were being lavished on perks for agency vide the identities or locations of these de- were exposed. officials. One IG report found that TSA spent tainees, despite requests from Congress and The administration has sought to claim over $400,000 on its first leader’s executive of- from attorneys for the detainees. The presi- the abuse of captives is not torture, by rede- fice suite. Another found that TSA spent dent even declared the right to detain U.S. fining torture. An August 1, 2002 memo- $350,000 on a gold-plated gym.... citizens indefinitely, without charge and randum from the Administration’s Office of ‘‘According to news reports, Pentagon without providing them access to counsel or Legal Counsel Jay S. Bybee addressed to auditors . . . examined a contract between the courts, thus depriving them of their con- White House Counsel Alberto R. Gonzales the Transportation Security Administration stitutional and basic human rights. Several concluded that to constitute torture, any (TSA) and Unisys, a technology and con- of those U.S. citizens were held in military pain inflicted must be akin to that accom- sulting company, for the upgrade of airport brigs in solitary confinement for as long as panying ‘‘serious physical injury, such as computer networks. Among other irregular- three years before being either released or organ failure, impairment of bodily function, ities, government auditors found that Unisys transferred to civilian detention. or even death.’’ The memorandum went on may have overbilled for as much as 171,000 Detainees in U.S. custody in Iraq and to state that even should an act constitute hours of labor and overtime by charging for Guantanamo have, in violation of the Gene- torture under that minimal definition, it employees at up to twice their actual rate of va Conventions, been hidden from and denied might still be permissible if applied to ‘‘in- compensation. While the cost ceiling for the visits by the International Red Cross organi- terrogations undertaken pursuant to the contract was set at $1 billion, Unisys has re- zation, while thousands of others in Iraq, President’s Commander-in-Chief powers.’’ portedly billed the government $940 million Guantanamo, Afghanistan, ships in foreign The memorandum further asserted that ‘‘ne- with more than half of the seven-year con- off-shore sites, and an unknown number of cessity or self-defense could provide jus- tract remaining and more than half of the so-called ‘‘black sites’’ around the world tifications that would eliminate any crimi- TSA-monitored airports still lacking up- have been denied any opportunity to chal- nal liability.’’ graded networks.’’ lenge their detentions. The president, acting This effort to redefine torture by calling In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- on his own claimed authority, has declared certain practices simply ‘‘enhanced interro- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner the hundreds of detainees at Guantanamo gation techniques’’ flies in the face of the contrary to his trust as President and Com- Bay to be ‘‘enemy combatants’’ not subject Third Geneva Convention Relating to the mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- to U.S. law and not even subject to military Treatment of Prisoners of War, which states tional government, to the prejudice of the law, but nonetheless potentially liable to the that ‘‘No physical or mental torture, nor any cause of law and justice and to the manifest death penalty. other form of coercion, may be inflicted on injury of the people of the United States. The detention of individuals without due prisoners of war to secure from them infor- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by process violates the 5th Amendment. While mation of any kind whatever. Prisoners of such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- the Bush administration has been rebuked in war who refuse to answer may not be threat- fense warranting removal from office. several court cases, most recently that of Ali ened, insulted, or exposed to any unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kind.’’ ARTICLE XVII.—ILLEGAL DETENTION: DETAINING al-Marri, it continues to attempt to exceed Torture is further prohibited by the Uni- INDEFINITELY AND WITHOUT CHARGE PERSONS constitutional limits. versal Declaration of Human Rights, the BOTH U.S. CITIZENS AND FOREIGN CAPTIVES In all of these actions violating U.S. and paramount international human rights In his conduct while President of the International law, President George W. Bush has acted in a manner contrary to his trust statement adopted unanimously by the United States, George W. Bush, in violation United Nations General Assembly, including of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- as President and Commander in Chief, and subversive of constitutional government, to the United States, in 1948. Torture and other cute the office of President of the United cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or States and, to the best of his ability, pre- the prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of punishment is also prohibited by inter- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution national treaties ratified by the United of the United States, and in violation of his the United States. Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of States: the International Covenant on Civil constitutional duty under Article II, Section and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Con- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the an impeachable offense warranting removal from office. vention Against Torture and Other Cruel In- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- human or Degrading Treatment or Punish- ARTICLE XVIII.—TORTURE: SECRETLY AUTHOR- sonally and acting through his agents and ment (CAT). subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- IZING, AND ENCOURAGING THE USE OF TOR- When the Congress, in the Defense Author- dent, violated United States and Inter- TURE AGAINST CAPTIVES IN AFGHANISTAN, ization Act of 2006, overwhelmingly passed a national Law and the U.S. Constitution by IRAQ, AND OTHER PLACES, AS A MATTER OF measure banning torture and sent it to the illegally detaining indefinitely and without OFFICIAL POLICY President’s desk for signature, the President, charge persons both U.S. citizens and foreign In his conduct while President of the who together with his vice president, had captives. United States, George W. Bush, in violation fought hard to block passage of the amend- In a statement on Feb. 7, 2002, President of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- ment, signed it, but then quietly appended a Bush declared that in the U.S. fight against cute the office of President of the United signing statement in which he pointedly as- Al Qaeda, ‘‘none of the provisions of Geneva States and, to the best of his ability, pre- serted that as Commander-in-Chief, he was apply,’’ thus rejecting the Geneva Conven- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution not bound to obey its strictures. tions that protect captives in wars and other of the United States, and in violation of his The administration’s encouragement of conflicts. By that time, the administration constitutional duty under Article II, Section and failure to prevent torture of American was already transporting captives from the 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the captives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, war in Afghanistan, both alleged Al Qaeda laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- and in the battle against terrorism, has un- members and supporters, and also Afghans sonally and acting through his agents and dermined the rule of law in the U.S. and in accused of being fighters in the army of the subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- the US military, and has seriously damaged Taliban government, to U.S.-run prisons in dent, violated United States and Inter- both the effort to combat global terrorism, Afghanistan and to the detention facility at national Law and the U.S. Constitution by and more broadly, America’s image abroad. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The round-up and secretly authorizing and encouraging the use In his effort to hide torture by U.S. military detention without charge of Muslim non- of torture against captives in Afghanistan, forces and the CIA, the president has defied citizens inside the U.S. began almost imme- Iraq in connection with the so-called ‘‘war’’ Congress and has lied to the American peo- diately after the September 11, 2001 attacks on terror. ple, repeatedly claiming that the U.S. ‘‘does on the World Trade Center and the Pen- In violation of the Constitution, U.S. law, not torture.’’ tagon, with some being held as long as nine the Geneva Conventions (to which the U.S. is In all of these actions and decisions in vio- months. The U.S., on orders of the president, a signatory), and in violation of basic human lation of U.S. and International law, Presi- began capturing and detaining without rights, torture has been authorized by the dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner charge alleged terror suspects in other coun- President and his administration as official contrary to his trust as President and Com- tries and detaining them abroad and at the policy. Water-boarding, beatings, faked exe- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- U.S. Naval base in Guantanamo. cutions, confinement in extreme cold or ex- tional government, to the prejudice of the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.051 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 cause of law and justice and to the manifest born in Syria, was picked up in September Americans—especially those who may travel injury of the people of the United States. 2002 while transiting through New York’s or live abroad—at risk of similar treatment. Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by JFK airport on his way home to Canada. Im- Furthermore, in the eyes of the rest of the such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- migration and FBI officials detained and in- world, the President has made the U.S., once fense warranting removal from office. terrogated him for nearly two weeks, ille- a model of respect for Human Rights and re- ARTICLE XIX.—RENDITION: KIDNAPPING PEOPLE gally denying him his rights to access coun- spect for the rule of law, into a state where AND TAKING THEM AGAINST THEIR WILL TO sel, the Canadian consulate, and the courts. international law is neither respected nor ‘‘BLACK SITES’’ LOCATED IN OTHER NATIONS, Executive branch officials asked him if he upheld. INCLUDING NATIONS KNOWN TO PRACTICE TOR- would volunteer to go to Syria, where he In all of these actions and decisions in vio- TURE hadn’t been in 15 years, and Maher refused lation of United States and International Maher was put on a private jet plane oper- In his conduct while President of the law, President George W. Bush has acted in ated by the CIA and sent to Jordan, where he United States, George W. Bush, in violation a manner contrary to his trust as President was beaten for 8 hours, and then delivered to of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- and Commander in Chief, and subversive of Syria, where he was beaten and interrogated cute the office of President of the United constitutional government, to the prejudice for 18 hours a day for a couple of weeks. He States and, to the best of his ability, pre- of the cause of law and justice and to the serve, protect, and defend the Constitution was whipped on his back and hands with a 2 manifest injury of the people of the United of the United States, and in violation of his inch thick electric cable and asked questions States. Wherefore, President George W. constitutional duty under Article II, Section similar to those he had been asked in the Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the United States. For over ten months Maher peachable offense warranting removal from laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- was held in an underground grave-like cell— office. 3 × 6 × 7 feet—which was damp and cold, and sonally and acting through his agents and ARTICLE XX.—IMPRISONING CHILDREN in which the only light came in through a subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- In his conduct while President of the dent, violated United States and Inter- hole in the ceiling. After a year of this, Maher was released without any charges. He United States, George W. Bush, in violation national Law and the U.S. Constitution by of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- kidnapping people and renditioning them to is now back home in Canada with his family. Upon his release, the Syrian Government an- cute the office of President of the United ‘‘black sites’’ located in other nations, in- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- cluding nations known to practice torture. nounced he had no links to Al Qaeda, and the Canadian Government has also said they’ve serve, protect, and defend the Constitution The president has publicly admitted that of the United States, and in violation of his since the 9–11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. has found no links to Al Qaeda. The Canadian constitutional duty under Article II, Section been kidnapping and transporting against Government launched a Commission of In- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the the will of the subject (renditioning) in its quiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- so-called ‘‘war’’ on terror—even people cap- in Relation to Maher Arar, to investigate the sonally and acting through his agents and tured by U.S. personnel in friendly nations role of Canadian officials, but the Bush Ad- subordinates, authorized or permitted the ar- like Sweden, Germany, Macedonia and ministration has refused to cooperate with rest and detention of at least 2500 children Italy—and ferrying them to places like the Inquiry. under the age of 18 as ‘‘enemy combatants’’ Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, and to pris- Hundreds of flights of CIA-chartered planes in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at Guantanamo ons operated in Eastern European countries, have been documented as having passed Bay Naval Station in violation of the Fourth African Countries and Middle Eastern coun- through European countries on extraor- tries where security forces are known to dinary rendition missions like that involving Geneva Convention relating to the treat- practice torture. Maher Arar, but the administration refuses ment of ‘‘protected persons’’ and the Op- These people are captured and held indefi- to state how many people have been subjects tional Protocol to the Geneva Convention on nitely, without any charges being filed, and of this illegal program. the Rights of the Child on the Involvement are held without being identified to the Red The same U.S. laws prohibiting aiding and of Children in Armed Conflict, signed by the Cross, or to their families. Many are clearly abetting torture also prohibit sending some- U.S. in 2002. To wit: innocent, and several cases, including one in one to a country where there is a substantial In May 2008, the U.S. government reported Canada and one in Germany, have demon- likelihood they may be tortured. Article 3 of to the United Nations that it has been hold- strably been shown subsequently to have CAT prohibits forced return where there is a ing upwards of 2,500 children under the age of been in error, because of a similarity of ‘‘substantial likelihood’’ that an individual 18 as ‘‘enemy combatants’’ at detention cen- names or because of misinformation pro- ‘‘may be in danger of’’ torture, and has been ters in Iraq, Afghanistan and at Guantanamo vided to U.S. authorities. implemented by federal statute. Article 7 of Bay (where there was a special center, Camp Such a policy is in clear violation of U.S. the ICCPR prohibits return to country of ori- Iguana, established just for holding chil- and International Law, and has placed the gin where individuals may be ‘‘at risk’’ of ei- dren). The length of these detentions has fre- United States in the position of a pariah ther torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading quently exceeded a year, and in some cases state. The CIA has no law enforcement au- treatment. has stretched to five years. Some of these de- thority, and cannot legally arrest or detain Under international Human Rights law, tainees have reached adulthood in detention anyone. The program of ‘‘extraordinary ren- transferring a POW to any nation where he and are now not being reported as child de- dition’’ authorized by the president is the or she is likely to be tortured or inhumanely tainees because they are no longer children. substantial equivalent of the policies of ‘‘dis- treated violates Article 12 of the Third Gene- In addition to detaining children as appearing’’ people, practices widely prac- va Convention, and transferring any civilian ‘‘enemy combatants,’’ it has been widely re- ticed and universally condemned in the mili- who is a protected person under the Fourth ported in media reports that the U.S. military dictatorships of Latin America during Geneva Convention is a grave breach and a tary in Iraq has, based upon Pentagon rules the late 20th Century. criminal act. of engagement, been treating boys as young The administration has claimed that prior In situations of armed conflict, both inter- as 14 years of age as ‘‘potential combatants,’’ administrations have practiced extraor- national human rights law and humanitarian subject to arrest and even to being killed. In dinary rendition, but, while this is tech- law apply. A person captured in the zone of Fallujah, in the days ahead of the November nically true, earlier renditions were used military hostilities ‘‘must have some status 2004 all-out assault, Marines ringing the city only to capture people with outstanding ar- under international law; he is either a pris- were reported to be turning back into the rest warrants or convictions who were out- oner of war and, as such, covered by the city men and boys ‘‘of combat age’’ who were side in order to deliver them to stand trial or Third Convention, [or] a civilian covered by trying to flee the impending scene of battle— serve their sentences in the U.S. The presi- the Fourth Convention. . . . There is no in- an act which in itself is a violation of the dent has refused to divulge how many people termediate status; nobody in enemy hands Geneva Conventions, which require combat- have been subject to extraordinary rendition can be outside the law.’’ Although the state ants to permit anyone, combatants as well since September, 2001. It is possible that is obligated to repatriate Prisoners of War as as civilians, to surrender, and to leave the some have died in captivity. As one U.S. offi- soon as hostilities cease, the ICRC’s com- scene of battle. cial has stated off the record, regarding the mentary on the 1949 Conventions states that Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to program, Some of those who were prisoners should not be repatriated where which the United States has been a signa- renditioned were later delivered to Guanta- there are serious reasons for fearing that re- tory since 1949, children under the age of 15 namo, while others were sent there directly. patriating the individual would be contrary captured in conflicts, even if they have been An example of this is the case of six Algerian to general principles of established inter- fighting, are to be considered victims, not Bosnians who, immediately after being national law for the protection of human prisoners. In 2002, the United States signed cleared by the Supreme Court of Bosnia beings Thus, all of the Guantanamo detain- the Optional Protocol to the Geneva Conven- Herzegovina in January 2002 of allegedly ees as well as renditioned captives are pro- tion on the Rights of the Child on the In- plotting to attack the U.S. and UK embas- tected by international human rights protec- volvement of children in Armed Conflict, sies, were captured, bound and gagged by tions and humanitarian law. which raised this age for this category of U.S. special forces and renditioned to Guan- By his actions as outlined above, the Presi- ‘‘protected person’’ to under 18. tanamo. dent has abused his power, broken the law, The continued detention of such children, In perhaps the most egregious proven case deceived the American people, and placed some as young as 10, by the U.S. military is of rendition, Maher Arar, a Canadian citizen American military personnel, and indeed all a violation of both convention and protocol,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.052 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5203 and as such constitutes a war crime for friend in the Pentagon in November 2001 that from Lebanon to Afghanistan, and purports which the president, as commander in chief, the list of governments that Rumsfeld and to sanction actions up to and including the bears full responsibility. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz funding of organizations like the MEK and In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- planned to overthrow included Iraq, Iran, the assassination of public officials. dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. Clark All of these actions by the President and contrary to his trust as President and Com- writes that the list also included Lebanon. his agents and subordinates exhibit a dis- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- Journalist Gareth Porter reported in May regard for the truth and a recklessness with tional government, to the prejudice of the 2008 asking Feith at a public event which of regard to national security, nuclear pro- cause of law and justice and to the manifest the six regimes on the Clark list were in- liferation and the global role of the United injury of the people of the United States. cluded in the Rumsfeld paper, to which Feith States military that is not merely unaccept- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by replied ‘‘All of them.’’ able but dangerous in a commander-in- chief. such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- Rumsfeld’s aides also drafted a second In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- fense warranting removal from office. version of the paper, as instructions to all dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner ARTICLE XXI.—MISLEADING CONGRESS AND THE military commanders in the development of contrary to his trust as President and Com- AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOUT THREATS FROM ‘‘campaign plans against terrorism’’. The mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- IRAN, AND SUPPORTING TERRORIST ORGANIZA- paper called for military commanders to as- tional government, to the prejudice of the TIONS WITHIN IRAN, WITH THE GOAL OF OVER- sist other government agencies ‘‘as directed’’ cause of law and justice and to the manifest THROWING THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT to ‘‘encourage populations dominated by ter- injury of the people of the United States. In his conduct while President of the rorist organizations or their supporters to Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by United States, George W. Bush, in violation overthrow that domination.’’ such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- In January 2005, Seymour Hersh reported fense warranting removal from office. in the New Yorker Magazine that the Bush cute the office of President of the United ARTICLE XXII—CREATING SECRET LAWS Administration had been conducting secret States and, to the best of his ability, pre- In his conduct while President of the serve, protect, and defend the Constitution reconnaissance missions inside Iran at least since the summer of 2004. United States, George W. Bush, in violation of the United States, and in violation of his of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- constitutional duty to take care that the In June 2005 former United Nations weapons inspector Scott Ritter reported that cute the office of President of the United laws be faithfully executed, has both person- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- ally and acting through his agents and sub- United States security forces had been sending members of the Mujahedeen-e Khalq serve, protect, and defend the Constitution ordinates misled the Congress and the citi- of the United States, and in violation of his zens of the United States about a threat of (MEK) into Iranian territory. The MEK has been designated a terrorist organization by constitutional duty under Article II, Section nuclear attack from the nation of Iran. 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the The National Intelligence Estimate re- the United States, the European Union, Can- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- leased to Congress and the public on Decem- ada, Iraq, and Iran. Ritter reported that the sonally and acting through his agents and ber 4, 2007, which confirmed that the govern- United States Central Intelligence Agency ment of the nation of Iran had ceased any ef- (CIA) had used the MEK to carry out remote subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- forts to develop nuclear weapons, was com- bombings in Iran. dent, established a body of secret laws pleted in 2006. Yet, the president and his In April 2006, Hersh reported in the New through the issuance of legal opinions by the aides continued to suggest during 2007 that Yorker Magazine that U.S. combat troops Department of Justice’s Office of Legal such a nuclear threat was developing and had entered and were operating in Iran, Counsel (OLC). The OLC’s March 14, 2003, interrogation might already exist. National Security Ad- where they were working with minority memorandum (‘‘Yoo Memorandum’’) was de- viser Stephen Hadley stated at the time the groups including the Azeris, Baluchis, and classified years after it served as law for the National Intelligence Estimate regarding Kurds. executive branch. On April 29, 2008, House Iran was released that the president had Also in April 2006, Larisa Alexandrovna re- Judiciary Committee Chairman John Con- been briefed on its findings ‘‘in the last few ported on Raw Story that the U.S. Depart- yers and Subcommittee on the Constitution, months.’’ Hadley’s statement establishes a ment of Defense (DOD) was working with and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Chairman timeline that shows the president knowingly training the MEK, or former members of the Jerrold Nadler wrote in a letter to Attorney sought to deceive Congress and the American MEK, sending them to commit acts of vio- General Michael Mukasey: people about a nuclear threat that did not lence in southern Iran in areas where recent ‘‘It appears to us that there was never any exist. attacks had left many dead. Raw Story re- Hadley has stated that the president ‘‘was ported that the Pentagon had adopted the legitimate basis for the purely legal analysis basically told: stand down’’ and, yet, the policy of supporting MEK shortly after the contained in this document to be classified president and his aides continued to make 2003 invasion of Iraq, and in response to the in the first place. The Yoo Memorandum false claims about the prospect that Iran was influence of Vice President Richard B. Che- does not describe sources and methods of in- trying to ‘‘build a nuclear weapon’’ that ney’s office. Raw Story subsequently re- telligence gathering, or any specific facts re- could lead to ‘‘World War III.’’ ported that no Presidential finding, and no garding any interrogation activities. In- This evidence establishes that the presi- Congressional oversight, existed on MEK op- stead, it consists almost entirely of the De- dent actively engaged in and had full knowl- erations. partment’s legal views, which are not prop- edge of a campaign by his administration to In March 2007, Hersh reported in the New erly kept secret from Congress and the make a false ‘‘case’’ for an attack on Iran, Yorker Magazine that the Bush administra- American people. J. William Leonard, the thus warping the national security debate at tion was attempting to stem the growth of Director of the National Archive’s Office of a critical juncture and creating the prospect Shiite influence in the Middle East (specifi- Information Security Oversight Office, and a of an illegal and unnecessary attack on a cally the Iranian government and Hezbollah top expert in this field concurs, commenting sovereign nation. in Lebanon) by funding violent Sunni organi- that ‘[t]he document in question is purely a Even after the National Intelligence Esti- zations, without any Congressional author- legal analysis’ that contains ‘nothing which mate was released to Congress and the Amer- ization or oversight. Hersh said funds had would justify classification.’ In addition, the ican people, the president stated that he did been given to ‘‘three Sunni jihadist groups Yoo Memorandum suggests an extraordinary not believe anything had changed and sug- . . . connected to al Qaeda’’ that ‘‘want to breadth and aggressiveness of OLC’s secret gested that he and members of his adminis- take on Hezbollah.’’ legal opinion-making. Much attention has tration would continue to argue that Iran In April 2008, the Los Angeles Times re- rightly been given to the statement in foot- should be seen as posing a threat to the ported that conflicts with insurgent groups note 10 in the March 14, 2003, memorandum United States. He did this despite the fact along Iran’s borders were understood by the that, in an October 23, 2001, opinion, OLC that United States intelligence agencies had Iranian government as a proxy war with the concluded ‘that the Fourth Amendment had clearly and officially stated that this was United States and were leading Iran to sup- no application to domestic military oper- not the case. port its allies against the United States’ oc- ations.’ As you know, we have requested a Evidence suggests that the Bush Adminis- cupation force in Iraq. Among the groups the copy of that memorandum on no less than tration’s attempts to portray Iran as a U.S. DOD is supporting, according to this re- four prior occasions and we continue to de- threat are part of a broader U.S. policy to- port, is the Party for Free Life in Kurdistan, mand access to this important document. ward Iran. On September 30, 2001, then-Sec- known by its Kurdish acronym, PEJAK. The ‘‘In addition to this opinion, however, the retary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld estab- United States has provided ‘‘foodstuffs, eco- Yoo Memorandum references at least 10 lished an official military objective of over- nomic assistance, medical supplies and Rus- other OLC opinions on weighty matters of turning the regime in Iran, as well as those sian military equipment, some of it funneled great interest to the American people that in Iraq, Syria, and four other countries in through nonprofit groups.’’ also do not appear to have been released. the Middle East, according to a document In May 2008, Andrew Cockburn reported on These appear to cover matters such as the quoted in then- Undersecretary of Defense Counter Punch that President Bush, six power of Congress to regulate the conduct of for Policy Douglas Feith’s book, ‘‘War and weeks earlier had signed a secret finding au- military commissions, legal constraints on Decision.’’ thorizing a covert offensive against the Ira- the ‘military detention of United States citi- General Wesley Clark, reports in his book nian regime. President Bush’s secret direc- zens,’ legal rules applicable to the boarding ‘‘Winning Modern Wars’’ being told by a tive covers actions across an area stretching and searching foreign ships, the President’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.052 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 authority to render U.S. detainees to the nouncements, such as Executive Orders, that shared by Mexico with Arizona, Texas, and custody of foreign governments, and the carry the force of law. Through the diligent California. This deployment, which by 2007 President’s authority to breach or suspend efforts of my colleague Senator Whitehouse, reached a maximum of 6,000 troops, had or- U.S. treaty obligations. Furthermore, it has we have learned that OLC has taken the po- ders to ‘‘conduct surveillance and operate de- been more than five years since the Yoo sition that a President can ‘waive’ or ‘mod- tection equipment, work with border entry Memorandum was authored, raising the ify’ a published Executive Order without any identification teams, analyze information, question how many other such memoranda notice to the public or Congress simply by assist with communications and give admin- and letters have been secretly authored and not following it.’’ istrative support to the Border Patrol’’ and utilized by the Administration. In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- concerned ‘‘. . . providing intelligence, in- ‘‘Indeed, a recent court filing by the De- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner specting cargo, and conducting surveil- partment in FOIA litigation involving the contrary to his trust as President and Com- lance.’’ Central Intelligence Agency identifies 8 addi- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- The Air Force’s ‘‘Eagle Eyes’’ program en- tional secret OLC opinions, dating from Au- tional government, to the prejudice of the courages Air Force military staff to gather gust 6, 2004, to February 18, 2007. Given that cause of law and justice and to the manifest evidence on American citizens. Eagle Eyes these reflect only OLC memoranda identified injury of the people of the United States. instructs Air Force personnel to engage in in the files of the CIA, and based on the sam- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by surveillance and then advises them to ‘‘alert pling procedures under which that listing such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- local authorities,’’ asking military staff to was generated, it appears that these rep- fense warranting removal from office. surveil and gather evidence on public citi- resent only a small portion of the secret OLC In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- zens. This contravenes DoD Directive 5525.5 memoranda generated during this time, with dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner ‘‘SUBJECT: DoD Cooperation with Civilian the true number almost certainly much contrary to his trust as President, and sub- Law Enforcement’’ which limits such activi- higher.’’ versive of constitutional government, to the ties. Senator Russ Feingold, in a statement dur- prejudice of the cause of law and justice and President Bush has implemented a pro- ing an April 30, 2008, senate hearing stated: to the manifest injury of the people of the gram to use imagery from military satellites ‘‘It is a basic tenet of democracy that the United States. Wherefore, President George for domestic law enforcement through the people have a right to know the law. In keep- W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- National Applications Office. ing with this principle, the laws passed by peachable offense warranting removal from President Bush has assigned numerous ac- Congress and the case law of our courts have office. tive duty military personnel to civilian in- historically been matters of public record. ARTICLE XXIII—VIOLATION OF THE POSSE stitutions such as the CIA and the Depart- And when it became apparent in the middle COMITATUS ACT ment of Homeland Security, both of which of the 20th century that federal agencies In his conduct while President of the have responsibilities for law enforcement were increasingly creating a body of non- and intelligence. public administrative law, Congress passed United States, George W. Bush, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- In addition, on May 9, 2007, President Bush several statutes requiring this law to be released ‘‘National Security Presidential Di- made public, for the express purpose of pre- cute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, pre- rective/NSPD 51,’’ which effectively gives the venting a regime of ‘secret law.’ That pur- president unchecked power to control the en- pose today is being thwarted. Congressional serve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his tire government and to define that govern- enactments and agency regulations are for ment in time of an emergency, as well as the the most part still public. But the law that constitutional duty under Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the power to determine whether there is an applies in this country is determined not emergency. The document also contains only by statutes and regulations, but also by laws be faithfully executed’’, has both personally and acting through his agents and ‘‘classified Continuity Annexes.’’ In July 2007 the controlling interpretations of courts and, and again in August 2007 Rep. Peter DeFazio, in some cases, the executive branch. More subordinates, repeatedly and illegally established programs to appropriate the power of a senior member of the House Homeland Se- and more, this body of executive and judicial curity Committee, sought access to the clas- law is being kept secret from the public, and the military for use in law enforcement. Spe- cifically, he has contravened U.S.C. Title 18, sified annexes. DeFazio and other leaders of too often from Congress as well. . . . the Homeland Security Committee, includ- ‘‘A legal interpretation by the Justice De- Section 1385, originally enacted in 1878, subsequently amended as ‘‘Use of Army and Air ing Chairman Bennie Thompson, have been partment’s Office of Legal Counsel . . . binds denied a review of the Continuity of Govern- the entire executive branch, just like a regu- Force as Posse Comitatus’’ and commonly known as the Posse Comitatus Act. ment classified annexes. lation or the ruling of a court. In the words In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- of former OLC head Jack Goldsmith, ‘These The Act states: ‘‘Whoever, except in cases and under cir- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner executive branch precedents are ‘‘law’’ for cumstances expressly authorized by the Con- contrary to his trust as President and Com- the executive branch.’ The Yoo memo- stitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- randum was, for a nine-month period in 2003 any part of the Army or the Air Force as a tional government, to the prejudice of the until it was withdrawn by Mr. Goldsmith, posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the cause of law and justice and to the manifest the law that this Administration followed laws shall be fined under this title or impris- injury of the people of the United States. when it came to matters of torture. And of oned not more than two years, or both.’’ Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by course, that law was essentially a declara- The Posse Comitatus Act is designed to such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- tion that few if any laws applied . . . prevent the military from becoming a na- fense warranting removal from office. ‘‘Another body of secret law is the control- tional police force. ling interpretations of the Fo reign Intel- ARTICLE XXIV.—SPYING ON AMERICAN CITIZENS, The Declaration of Independence states as WITHOUT A COURT-ORDERED WARRANT, IN VIO- ligence Surveillance Act that are issued by a specific grievance against the British that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. LATION OF THE LAW AND THE FOURTH AMEND- the King had ‘‘kept among us, in times of MENT FISA, of course, is the law that governs the peace, Standing Armies without the consent In his conduct while President of the government’s ability in intelligence inves- of our legislatures,’’ had ‘‘affected to render United States, George W. Bush, in violation tigations to conduct wiretaps and search the the Military independent of and superior to of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- homes of people in the United States. Under the civil power,’’ and had ‘‘quarter[ed] large cute the office of President of the United that statute, the FISA Court is directed to bodies of armed troops among us . . . pro- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- evaluate wiretap and search warrant applica- tecting them, by a mock trial, from punish- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution tions and decide whether the standard for ment for any murders which they should of the United States, and in violation of his issuing a warrant has been met—a largely commit on the inhabitants of these States’’ factual evaluation that is properly done be- Despite the Posse Comitatus Act’s intent, constitutional duty under Article II, Section hind closed doors. But with the evolution of and in contravention of the law, President 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the technology and with this Administration’s Bush: laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- efforts to get the Court’s blessing for its ille- (a) has used military forces for law en- sonally and acting through his agents and gal wiretapping activities, we now know that forcement purposes on U.S. border patrol; subordinates, knowingly violated the fourth the Court’s role is broader, and that it is (b) has established a program to use mili- Amendment to the Constitution and the For- very much engaged in substantive interpre- tary personnel for surveillance and informa- eign Intelligence Service Act of 1978 (FISA) tations of the governing statute. These in- tion on criminal activities; by authorizing warrantless electronic sur- terpretations are as much a part of this (c) is using military espionage equipment veillance of American citizens to wit: country’s surveillance law as the statute to collect intelligence information for law (1) The President was aware of the FISA itself. Without access to them, it is impos- enforcement use on civilians within the Law requiring a court order for any wiretap sible for Congress or the public to have an United States; and as evidenced by the following: informed debate on matters that deeply af- (d) employs active duty military personnel (A) ‘‘Now, by the way, any time you hear fect the privacy and civil liberties of all in surveillance agencies, including the Cen- the United States government talking about Americans . . . tral Intelligence Agency (CIA). wiretap, it requires—a wiretap requires a ‘‘The Administration’s shroud of secrecy In June 2006, President Bush ordered Na- court order. Nothing has changed, by the extends to agency rules and executive pro- tional Guard troops deployed to the border way. When we’re talking about chasing down

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.052 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5205 terrorists, we’re talking about getting a ated by the NSA in the San Francisco office thority as I can recall ever having studied.’’ court order before we do so.’’ White House of AT&T. He heard from a co-worker that Letter from Harvard Law Professor Law- Press conference on April 20, 2004. [White similar rooms were being constructed in rence Tribe to John Conyers on 1/6/06. House Transcript] other cities, including Seattle, San Jose, Los (H) On August 17, 2006 Judge Anna Diggs (B) ‘‘Law enforcement officers need a fed- Angeles and San Diego. From ‘‘Whistle- Taylor of the United States District Court in eral judge’s permission to wiretap a foreign Blower Outs NSA Spy Room,’’ Wired News, 4/ Detroit, in ACLU v. NSA, ruled that the terrorist’s phone, or to track his calls, or to 7/06 [Wired] [EFF Case] ‘‘NSA program to wiretap the international search his property. Officers must meet (4) The President asserted an inherent au- communications of some Americans without strict standards to use any of the tools we’re thority to conduct electronic surveillance a court warrant violated the Constitution. talking about.’’ President Bush’s speech in based on the Constitution and the ‘‘Author- . . . Judge Taylor ruled that the program Baltimore Maryland on July 20th 2005. ization to use Military Force in Iraq’’ violated both the Fourth Amendment and a [White House Transcript] (AUMF) that was not legally valid as evi- 1978 law that requires warrants from a secret (2) The President repeatedly ordered the denced by the following: court for intelligence wiretaps involving peo- NSA to place wiretaps on American citizens (A) In a December 19th, 2005 Press Briefing ple in the United States. She rejected the ad- without requesting a warrant from FISA as General Alberto Gonzales admitted that the ministration’s repeated assertions that a evidenced by the following: surveillance authorized by the President was 2001 Congressional authorization and the (A) ‘‘Months after the Sept. 11 attacks, not only done without FISA warrants, but president’s constitutional authority allowed President Bush secretly authorized the Na- that the nature of the surveillance was so far the program.’’ From a New York Times arti- tional Security Agency to eavesdrop on removed from what FISA can approve that cle ‘‘Judge Finds Wiretap Actions Violate Americans and others inside the United FISA could not even be amended to allow it. the Law’’ 8/18/06 and the Memorandum Opin- States to search for evidence of terrorist ac- Gonzales stated ‘‘We have had discussions ion. tivity without the court-approved warrants with Congress in the past—certain members (I) In July 2007, the Sixth Circuit Court of ordinarily required for domestic spying, ac- of Congress—as to whether or not FISA Appeals dismissed the case, ruling the plain- cording to government officials.’’ New York could be amended to allow us to adequately tiffs had no standing to sue because, given Times article by James Risen and Eric deal with this kind of threat, and we were the secretive nature of the surveillance, they Lichtblau on December 12, 2005. [NYTimes] advised that that would be difficult, if not could not state with certainty that they (B) The President admits to authorizing impossible.’’. have been wiretapped by the NSA. This rul- the program by stating ‘‘I have reauthorized (B) The fourth amendment to the United ing did not address the legality of the sur- this program more than 30 times since the States Constitution states ‘‘The right of the veillance so Judge Taylor’s decision is the September the 11th attacks, and I intend to people to be secure in their persons, houses, only ruling on that issue. [ACLU Legal Doc- do so for as long as our nation faces a con- papers, and effects, against unreasonable uments] tinuing threat from al Qaeda and related searches and seizures, shall not be violated, In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- groups. The NSA’s activities under this au- and no Warrants shall issue, but upon prob- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner thorization are thoroughly reviewed by the able cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, contrary to his trust as President and Com- Justice Department and NSA’s top legal offi- and particularly describing the place to be mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- cials, including NSA’s general counsel and searched, and the persons or things to be tional government, to the prejudice of the inspector general. Leaders in Congress have seized.’’ cause of law and justice and to the manifest been briefed more than a dozen times on this (C) ‘‘The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance injury of the people of the United States. authorization and the activities conducted Act of 1978 unambiguously limits war- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by under it.’’ Radio Address from the White rantless domestic electronic surveillance, such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- House on December 17, 2005. [White House even in a congressionally declared war, to fense warranting removal from office. Transcript] the first 15 days of that war; criminalizes ARTICLE XXV.—DIRECTING TELECOMMUNI- (C) In a December 19th 2005 press con- any such electronic surveillance not author- CATIONS COMPANIES TO CREATE AN ILLEGAL ference the President publicly admitted to ized by statute; and expressly establishes AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL DATABASE OF THE using a combination of surveillance tech- FISA and two chapters of the federal crimi- PRIVATE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND EMAILS niques including some with permission from nal code, governing wiretaps for intelligence OF AMERICAN CITIZENS the FISA courts and some without permis- purposes and for criminal investigation, re- sion from FISA. spectively, as the ‘‘exclusive means by which In his conduct while President of the Reporter: It was, why did you skip the electronic surveillance . . . and the intercep- United States, George W. Bush, in violation basic safeguards of asking courts for permis- tion of domestic wire, oral, and electronic of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- sion for the intercepts? communications may be conducted.’’ 50 cute the office of President of the United The President: . . . We use FISA still— U.S.C. 1811, 1809, 18 U.S.C. 2511(2)(f).’’ Letter States and, to the best of his ability, pre- you’re referring to the FISA court in your from Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Tribe serve, protect, and defend the Constitution question—of course, we use FISAs. But FISA to John Conyers on 1/6/06. of the United States, and in violation of his is for long-term monitoring. What is needed (D) In a December 19th, 2005 Press Briefing constitutional duty under Article II, Section in order to protect the American people is Attorney General Alberto Gonzales stated 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the the ability to move quickly to detect. Now, ‘‘Our position is, is that the authorization to laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- having suggested this idea, I then, obviously, use force, which was passed by the Congress sonally and acting through his agents and went to the question, is it legal to do so? I in the days following September 11th, con- subordinates, violated the Stored Commu- am—I swore to uphold the laws. Do I have stitutes that other authorization, that other nications Act of 1986 and the Telecommuni- the legal authority to do this? And the an- statute by Congress, to engage in this kind cations Act of 1996 by creating of a very swer is, absolutely. As I mentioned in my re- of signals intelligence.’’ large database containing information remarks, the legal authority is derived from (E) The ‘‘Authorization to use Military lated to the private telephone calls and the Constitution, as well as the authoriza- Force in Iraq’’ does not give any explicit au- emails of American citizens, to wit: tion of force by the United States Congress.’’ thorization related to electronic surveil- The President requested that tele- [White House Transcript] lance. [HJRes114] communication companies release customer (D) Mike McConnel, the Director of Na- (F) ‘‘From the foregoing analysis, it ap- phone records to the government illegally as tional Intelligence, in a letter to to Senator pears unlikely that a court would hold that evidenced by the following: Arlen Specter, acknowledged that Bush’s Ex- Congress has expressly or impliedly author- ‘‘The Stored Communications Act of 1986 ecutive Order in 2001 authorized a series of ized the NSA electronic surveillance oper- (SCA) prohibits the knowing disclosure of secret surveillance activities and included ations here under discussion, and it would customer telephone records to the govern- undisclosed activities beyond the war- likewise appear that, to the extent that ment unless pursuant to subpoena, warrant rantless surveillance of e-mails and phone those surveillances fall within the definition or a National Security Letter (or other Ad- calls that Bush confirmed in December 2005. of ‘‘electronic surveillance’’ within the ministrative subpoena); with the customers ‘‘NSA Spying Part of Broader Effort’’ by Dan meaning of FISA or any activity regulated lawful consent; or there is a business neces- Eggen, Washington Post, 8/1/07. under Title III, Congress intended to cover sity; or an emergency involving the danger (3) The President ordered the surveillance the entire field with these statutes.’’ From of death or serious physical injury. None of to be conducted in a way that would spy the ‘‘Presidential Authority to Conduct these exceptions apply to the circumstance upon private communications between Warrantless Electronic Surveillance to described in the USA Today story.’’ From American citizens located within the United Gather Foreign Intelligence Information’’ by page 169, ‘‘George W Bush versus the US Con- States borders as evidenced by the following: the Congressional Research Service on Janu- stitution.’’ Compiled at the direction of Rep- (A) Mark Klein, a retired AT&T commu- ary 5, 2006. resentative John Conyers. nications technician, submitted an affidavit (G) ‘‘The inescapable conclusion is that the According to a May 11, 2006 article in USA in support of the Electronic Frontier Foun- AUMF did not implicitly authorize what the Today by Lesley Cauley ‘‘The National Secu- dation’s FF’s lawsuit against AT&T. He tes- FISA expressly prohibited. It follows that rity Agency has been secretly collecting the tified that in 2003 he connected a ‘‘splitter’’ the presidential program of surveillance at phone call records of tens of millions of that sent a copy of Internet traffic and issue here is a violation of the separation of Americans, using data provided by AT&T, phone calls to a secure room that was oper- powers—as grave an abuse of executive au- Verizon and BellSouth.’’ An unidentified

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.052 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 source said ‘The agency’s goal is to create a Political Director Sara Taylor, issued June and elected officials allied with the George database of every call ever made within the 13, 2007 (Taylor appeared but refused to an- W. Bush administration, in order that public nation’s borders.’’ swer questions); confidence in the suitability of such Repub- In early 2001, Qwest CEO Joseph Nacchio A Senate Judiciary Committee subpoena lican Party leaders, candidates and elected rejected a request from the NSA to turn over for documents and testimony of White House officials be bolstered or restored; customers records of phone calls, emails and Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, issued June Threaten to terminate the employment of other Internet activity. Nacchio believed 26, 2007; the following United States Attorneys who that complying with the request would vio- A Senate Judiciary Committee subpoena refused to comply with such directives and late the Telecommunications Act of 1996. for documents and testimony of White House purposes; From National Journal, November 2, 2007. Deputy Political Director J. Scott Jennings, David C. Iglesias as U.S. Attorney for the In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- issued June 26, 2007 (Jennings appeared but District of New Mexico; dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner refused to answer questions); Kevin V. Ryan as U.S. Attorney for the contrary to his trust as President and Com- A Senate Judiciary Committee subpoena Northern District of California; mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- for legal analysis and other documents con- John L. McKay as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington; tional government, to the prejudice of the cerning the NSA warrantless wiretapping Paul K. Charlton as U.S. Attorney for the cause of law and justice and to the manifest program from the White House, Vice Presi- District of Arizona; injury of the people of the United States. dent Richard Cheney, The Department of Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by Carol C. Lam as U.S. Attorney for the Justice, and the National Security Council. Southern District of California; such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- If the documents are not produced, the sub- fense warranting removal from office. Daniel G. Bogden as U.S. Attorney for the poena requires the testimony of White House District of Nevada; ARTICLE XXVI.—ANNOUNCING THE INTENT TO chief of staff Josh Bolten, Attorney General Margaret M. Chiara as U.S. Attorney for VIOLATE LAWS WITH SIGNING STATEMENTS, Alberto Gonzales, Cheney chief of staff David the Western District of Michigan; AND VIOLATING THOSE LAWS Addington, National Security Council execu- Todd Graves as U.S. Attorney for the West- In his conduct while President of the tive director V. Philip Lago, issued June 27, ern District of Missouri; United States, George W. Bush, in violation 2007; Harry E. ‘‘Bud’’ Cummins, III as U.S. At- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- A House Oversight and Government Re- torney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; cute the office of President of the United form Committee subpoena for Lt. General Thomas M. DiBiagio as U.S. Attorney for States and, to the best of his ability, pre- Kensinger. the District of Maryland, and; serve, protect, and defend the Constitution In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- Kasey Warner as U.S. Attorney for the of the United States, and in violation of his dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner Southern District of West Virginia. constitutional duty under Article II, Section contrary to his trust as President and Com- Further, George W. Bush has both person- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- ally and acting through his agents and sub- laws be faithfully executed,’’ has used sign- tional government, to the prejudice of the ordinates, together with the Vice President ing statements to claim the right to violate cause of law and justice and to the manifest conspired to obstruct the lawful Congres- sional investigation of these dismissals of acts of Congress even as he signs them into injury of the people of the United States. United States Attorneys and the related law. Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by scheme to undermine and tamper with the In June 2007, the Government Account- such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- conduct of free and fair elections, and to cor- ability Office reported that in a sample of fense warranting removal from office. Bush signing statements the office had stud- rupt the administration of justice. ARTICLE XXVIII.—TAMPERING WITH FREE AND ied, for 30 percent of them the Bush adminis- Contrary to his oath faithfully to execute FAIR ELECTIONS, CORRUPTION OF THE ADMIN- tration had already proceeded to violate the the office of President of the United States ISTRATION OF JUSTICE laws the statements claimed the right to vio- and, to the best of his ability, preserve, pro- late. In his conduct while President of the tect, and defend the Constitution of the In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- United States, George W. Bush, in violation United States, and in violation of his con- dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- stitutional duty to take care that the laws contrary to his trust as President and Com- cute the office of President of the United be faithfully executed, George W. Bush has mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- without lawful cause or excuse directed not tional government, to the prejudice of the serve, protect, and defend the Constitution to appear before the Committee on the Judi- cause of law and justice and to the manifest of the United States, and in violation of his ciary of the House of Representatives certain injury of the people of the United States. constitutional duty under Article II, Section witnesses summoned by duly authorized sub- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the poenas issued by that Committee on June 13, such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- 2007. fense warranting removal from office. sonally and acting through his agents and In refusing to permit the testimony of subordinates, conspired to undermine and these witnesses George W. Bush, substituting ARTICLE XXVII.—FAILING TO COMPLY WITH CON- tamper with the conduct of free and fair his judgment as to what testimony was nec- GRESSIONAL SUBPOENAS AND INSTRUCTING elections, and to corrupt the administration essary for the inquiry, interposed the powers FORMER EMPLOYEES NOT TO COMPLY of justice by United States Attorneys and of the Presidency against the lawful sub- In his conduct while President of the other employees of the Department of Jus- poenas of the House of Representatives, United States, George W. Bush, in violation tice, through abuse of the appointment thereby assuming to himself functions and of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- power. judgments necessary to the exercise of the cute the office of President of the United Toward this end, the President and Vice checking and balancing power of oversight States and, to the best of his ability, pre- President, both personally and through their vested in the House of Representatives. serve, protect, and defend the Constitution agents, did: Further, the President has both personally of the United States, and in violation of his Engage in a program of manufacturing and acting through his agents and subordi- constitutional duty under Article II, Section false allegations of voting fraud in targeted nates, together with the Vice President di- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the jurisdictions where the Democratic Party rected the United States Attorney for the laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- enjoyed an advantage in electoral perform- District of Columbia to decline to prosecute sonally and acting through his agents and ance or otherwise was problematic for the for contempt of Congress the aforementioned subordinates, refused to comply with Con- President’s Republican Party, in order that witnesses, Joshua B. Bolten and Harriet E. gressional subpoenas, and instructed former public confidence in election results favor- Miers, despite the obligation to do so as es- employees not to comply with subpoenas. able to the Democratic Party be undermined; tablished by statute (2 U.S.C. § 194) and pur- Subpoenas not complied with include: Direct United States Attorneys to launch suant to the direction of the United States A House Judiciary Committee subpoena for House of Representatives as embodied in its Justice Department papers and Emails, and announce investigations of certain leaders, candidates and elected officials affiliated resolution (H. Res. 982) of February 14, 2008. issued April 10, 2007; In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- A House Oversight and Government Re- with the Democratic Party at times calculated to cause the most political damage dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner form Committee subpoena for the testimony contrary to his trust as President and Com- of the Secretary of State, issued April 25, and confusion, most often in the weeks immediately preceding an election, in order mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- 2007; tional government, to the prejudice of the A House Judiciary Committee subpoena for that public confidence in the suitability for cause of law and justice and to the manifest the testimony of former White House Coun- office of Democratic Party leaders, can- injury of the people of the United States. sel Harriet Miers and documents, issued didates and elected officials be undermined; Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by June 13, 2007; Direct United States Attorneys to termi- A Senate Judiciary Committee subpoena nate or scale back existing investigations of such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- for documents and testimony of White House certain Republican Party leaders, candidates fense warranting removal from office. Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, issued June 13, and elected officials allied with the George ARTICLE XXIX.—CONSPIRACY TO VIOLATE THE 2007; W. Bush administration, and to refuse to VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 A Senate Judiciary Committee subpoena pursue new or proposed investigations of cer- In his conduct while President of the for documents and testimony of White House tain Republican Party leaders, candidates United States, George W. Bush, in violation

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.052 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5207 of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- c. African-American voters in the city of d. Statewide, the provisional ballot rejec- cute the office of President of the United Columbus were forced to wait three to seven tion rate was 9% as compared to the greater States and, to the best of his ability, pre- hours to vote in the 2004 presidential elec- figures in the urban areas. serve, protect, and defend the Constitution tion. D. The Department of Justice, charged of the United States, and in violation of his (ii) Willfully issuing unclear and con- with enforcing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, constitutional duty under Article II, Section flicting rules regarding the methods and the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the manner of becoming a legally registered Clause, and other voting rights laws in the laws be faithfully executed,’’ has both per- voter in the State of Ohio, and willfully United States of America, under the direc- sonally and acting through his agents and issuing unclear and unnecessary edicts re- tion and Administration of George W. Bush subordinates, has willfully corrupted and garding the weight of paper registration did willfully and purposely obstruct and manipulated the electoral process of the forms legally acceptable to the State of stonewall legitimate criminal investigations United States for his personal gain and the Ohio, thereby creating confusion for both into myriad cases of reported electoral fraud personal gain of his co-conspirators and al- voters and voting officials and thus impeding and suppression in the state of Ohio. Such lies; has violated the United States Constitu- the right of an unknown number of United activities, carried out by the department on tion and law by failing to protect the civil States citizens to register and vote. behalf of George W. Bush in counties such as rights of African-American voters and others a. Ohio Secretary of State John Kenneth Franklin and Knox by persons such as John in the 2004 Election, and has impeded the Blackwell directed through Advisory 2004–31 K. Tanner and others, were meant to con- right of the people to vote and have their that voter registration forms, which were found and whitewash legitimate legal crimi- greatest in urban minority areas, should not vote properly and accurately counted, in nal investigations into the suppression of be accepted and should be returned unless that: massive numbers of legally registered voters submitted on 80 bond paper weight. A. On November 5, 2002, and prior thereto, and the removal of their right to cast a bal- Blackwell’s own office was found to be using James Tobin, while serving as the regional lot fairly and freely in the state of Ohio, 60 bond paper weight. director of the National Republican Senato- which was crucial to the certified electoral rial Campaign Committee and as the New (iii) Willfully permitted and encouraged election officials in Cleveland, Cincinnati victory of George W. Bush in 2004. England Chairman of Bush-Cheney ’04 Inc., E. On or about November 1, 2006, members did, at the direction of the White House and Toledo to conduct a massive partisan purge of registered voter rolls, eventually of the United States Department of Justice, under the administration of George W. Bush, under the control and direction of the Ad- along with other agents both known and un- expunging more than 300,000 voters, many of whom were duly registered voters, and who ministration of George W. Bush, brought in- known, commit unlawful acts by aiding and dictments for voter registration fraud within abetting a scheme to use computerized hang- were thus deprived of their constitutional right to vote; days of an election, in order to directly ef- up calls to jam phone lines set up by the New fect the outcome of that election for par- Hampshire Democratic Party and the Man- a. Between the 2000 and 2004 Ohio presidential elections, 24.93% of the voters in the tisan purposes, and in doing so, thereby vio- chester firefighters’ union on Election Day; lated the Justice Department’s own rules B. An investigation by the Democratic city of Cleveland, a city with a majority of against filing election-related indictments staff of the House Judiciary Committee into African American citizens, were purged from close to an election; the voting procedures in Ohio during the 2004 the voting rolls. b. In that same period, the Ohio county of F. Emails have been obtained showing that election found ‘‘widespread instances of in- Miami, with census data indicating a 98% the Republican National Committee and timidation and misinformation in violation Caucasian population, refused to purge any members of Bush-Cheney ’04 Inc., did, at the of the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights voters from its rolls. Miami County direction of the White House under the ad- Act of 1968, Equal Protection, Due Process ‘‘merged’’ voters from other surrounding ministration of George W. Bush, engage in and the Ohio right to vote;’’ counties into its voting rolls and even al- C. The 14th Amendment Equal Protection voter suppression in five states by a method lowed voters from other states to vote. know as ‘‘vote caging,’’ an illegal voter sup- Clause guarantees that no minority group c. In Toledo, Ohio, an urban city with a will suffer disparate treatment in a federal, pression technique; high African-American concentration, 28,000 G. Agents of George W. Bush, including state, or local election in stating that: ‘‘No voters were purged from the voting rolls in Mark F. ‘‘Thor’’ Hearne, the national gen- State shall make or enforce any law which August of 2004, just prior to the presidential eral counsel of Bush/Cheney ’04, Inc., did, at shall abridge the privileges or immunities of election. This purge was conducted under the citizens of the United States; nor shall any the behest of George W. Bush, as members of control and direction of George W. Bush’s a criminal front group, distribute known State deprive any person of life, liberty, or agent, Ohio Secretary of State John Kenneth property, without due process of law; nor false information and propaganda in the Blackwell outside of the regularly estab- hopes of forwarding legislation and other ac- deny to any person within its jurisdiction lished cycle of purging voters in odd-num- the equal protection of the laws.’’ However, tions that would result in the disenfranchise- bered years. ment of Democratic voters for partisan pur- during and at various times of the year 2004, (iv) Willfully allowing Ohio Secretary of John Kenneth Blackwell, then serving as the poses. The scheme, run under the auspices of State John Kenneth Blackwell, acting under an organization known as ‘‘The American Secretary of State for the State of Ohio and color of law and as an agent of George W. Center for Voting Rights’’ (ACVR), was fund- also serving simultaneously as Co-Chairman Bush, to issue a directive that no votes ed by agents of George W. Bush in violation of the Committee to Re-Elect George W. would be counted unless cast in the right of laws governing tax exempt 501(c)3 organi- Bush in the State of Ohio, did, at the direc- precinct, reversing Ohio’s long-standing zations and in violation of federal laws for- tion of the White House under the adminis- practice of counting votes for president if bidding the distribution of such propaganda tration of George W. Bush, along with other cast in the right county. agents both known and unknown, commit (v) Willfully allowing his agent, Ohio Sec- by the federal government and agents work- unlawful acts in violation of the Equal Pro- retary of State John Kenneth Blackwell, the ing on its behalf. H. Members of the United States Depart- tection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Co-Chair of the Bush-Cheney Re- election ment of Justice, under the control and direc- United States Constitution by failing to pro- Campaign, to do nothing to assure the voting tion of the Administration of George W. tect the voting rights of African-American rights of 10,000 people in the city of Cleve- citizens in Ohio and further, John Kenneth land when a computer error by the private Bush, did, for partisan reasons, illegally and Blackwell did disenfranchise African-Amer- vendor Diebold Election Systems, Inc. incor- with malice aforethought block career attor- ican voters under color of law, by rectly disenfranchised 10,000 voters neys and other officials in the Department of (i) Willfully denying certain neighborhoods (vi) Willfully allowing his agent, Ohio Sec- Justice from filing three lawsuits charging in the cities of Cleveland, Ohio and Colum- retary of State John Kenneth Blackwell, the local and county governments with violating bus, Ohio, along with other urban areas in Co-Chair of the Bush- Cheney Re-election the voting rights of African-Americans and the State of Ohio, an adequate number of Campaign, to ensure that uncounted and pro- other minorities, according to seven former electronic voting machines and provisional visional ballots in Ohio’s 2004 presidential senior United States Justice Department paper ballots, thereby unlawfully impeding election would be disproportionately con- employees. duly registered voters from the act of voting centrated in urban African-American dis- I. Members of the United States Depart- and thus violating the civil rights of an un- tricts. ment of Justice, under the control and direc- known number of United States citizens. a. In Ohio’s Lucas County, which includes tion of the Administration of George W. a. In Franklin County, George W. Bush and Toledo, 3,122 or 41.13% of the provisional bal- Bush, did illegally and with malice his agent, Ohio Secretary of State John Ken- lots went uncounted under the direction of aforethought derail at least two investiga- neth Blackwell, Co-Chair of the Bush-Cheney George W. Bush’s agent, the Secretary of tions into possible voter discrimination, ac- Re-election Campaign, failed to protect the State of Ohio, John Kenneth Blackwell, Co- cording to a letter sent to the Senate Rules rights of African-American voters by not Chair of the Committee to Re-Elect Bush/ and Administration Committee and written properly investigating the withholding of 125 Cheney in Ohio. by former employees of the United States electronic voting machines assigned to the b. In Ohio’s Cuyahoga County, which in- Department of Justice, Voting Rights Sec- city of Columbus. cludes Cleveland, 8,559 or 32.82% of the provi- tion. b. Forty-two African-American precincts sional ballots went uncounted. J. Members of the United States Election in Columbus were each missing one voting c. In Ohio’s Hamilton County, which in- Assistance Commission (EAC), under the machine that had been present in the 2004 cludes Cincinnati, 3,529 or 24.23% of the pro- control and direction of the Administration primary. visional ballots went uncounted. of George W. Bush, have purposefully and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 willfully misled the public, in violation of care Part D benefit without cost controls by scientists for years, and yet the Bush Ad- several laws, by; which allowed pharmaceutical companies to ministration has denied this science and re- (i) Withholding from the public and then gouge the American taxpayers for the price stricted such information from official re- altering a legally mandated report on the of prescription drugs. ports, publications, and the National Oceanic true measure and threat of Voter Fraud, as The President created, manipulated, and and Atmospheric Agency’s website. Donald commissioned by the EAC and completed in disseminated information given to the citi- Kennedy, editor-in-chief of Science, wrote in June 2006, prior to the 2006 mid-term elec- zens and Congress of the United States in 2006 that ‘‘hurricane intensity has increased tion, but withheld from release prior to that support of his prescription drug plan for with oceanic surface temperatures over the election when its information would have Medicare that enriched drug companies past 30 years. The physics of hurricane inten- been useful in the administration of elec- while failing to save beneficiaries sufficient sity growth . . . has clarified and explained tions across the country, because the results money on their prescription drugs. He misled the thermodynamic basis for these observa- of the statutorily required and tax-payer Congress and the American people into tions. [Kerry] Emanuel has tested this rela- funded report did not conform with the ille- thinking the cost of the benefit was $400 bil- tionship and presented convincing evidence.’’ gal, partisan propaganda efforts and politi- lion. It was widely understood that if the FEMA’s 2001 list of the top three most cized agenda of the Bush Administration; cost exceeded that amount, the bill would likely and most devastating disasters were a (ii) Withholding from the public a legally not pass due to concerns about fiscal irre- San Francisco earthquake, a terrorist attack mandated report on the disenfranchising ef- sponsibility. on New York, and a Category 4 hurricane fect of Photo Identification laws at the poll- A Medicare Actuary who possessed infor- hitting New Orleans, with New Orleans being the number one item on that list. FEMA ing place, shown to disproportionately dis- mation regarding the true cost of the plan, conducted a five-day hurricane simulation enfranchise voters not of George W. Bush’s $539 billion, was instructed by the Medicare exercise in 2004, ‘‘Hurricane Pam,’’ mim- political party. The report was commis- Administrator to deny Congressional re- icking a Katrina-like event. This exercise sioned by the EAC and completed in June quests for it. The Actuary was threatened with sanctions if the information was dis- combined the National Weather Service, the 2006, prior to the 2006 mid-term election, but U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the LSU Hur- withheld from release prior to that election closed to Congress, which, unaware of the information, approved the bill. Despite the fact ricane Center and other state and federal when its information would have been useful agencies, resulting in the development of in the administration of elections across the that official cost estimates far exceeded $400 billion, President Bush offered assurances to emergency response plans. The exercise dem- country onstrated, among other things, that thou- (iii) Withholding from the public a legally Congress that the cost was $400 billion, when his office had information to the contrary. In sands of mainly indigent New Orleans resi- mandated report on the effectiveness of Pro- dents would be unable to evacuate on their visional Voting as commissioned by the EAC the House of Representatives, the bill passed by a single vote and the Conference Report own. They would need substantial govern- and completed in June 2006, prior to the 2006 ment assistance. These plans, however, were mid-term election, but withheld from release passed by only 5 votes. The White House knew the actual cost of the drug benefit was not implemented in part due to the Presi- prior to that election when its information dent’s slashing of funds for protection. In the would have been useful in the administration high enough to prevent its passage. Yet the White House concealed the truth and im- year before Hurricane Katrina hit, the Presi- of elections across the country, and keeping peded an investigation into its culpability. dent continued to cut budgets and deny that report unreleased for more than a year In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- grants to the Gulf Coast. In June of 2004 the until it was revealed by independent media dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner Army Corps of Engineers levee budget for outlets. contrary to his trust as President and Com- New Orleans was cut, and it was cut again in For directly harming the rights and man- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- June of 2005, this time by $71.2 million or a ner of suffrage, for suffering to make them tional government, to the prejudice of the whopping 44% of the budget. As a result, secret and unknowable, for overseeing and cause of law and justice and to the manifest ACE was forced to suspend any repair work participating in the disenfranchisement of injury of the people of the United States. on the levees. In 2004 FEMA denied a Lou- legal voters, for instituting debates and Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by isiana disaster mitigation grant request. doubts about the true nature of elections, all such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- The President was given multiple warnings against the will and consent of local voters fense warranting removal from office. that Hurricane Katrina had a high likelihood affected, and forced through threats of liti- of causing serious damage to New Orleans ARTICLE XXXI.—KATRINA: FAILURE TO PLAN gation by agents and agencies overseen by and the Gulf Coast. At 10 AM on Sunday 28 FOR THE PREDICTED DISASTER OF HURRICANE George W. Bush, the actions of Mr. Bush to August 2005, the day before the storm hit, KATRINA, FAILURE TO RESPOND TO A CIVIL do the opposite of securing and guaranteeing the National Weather Service published an EMERGENCY the right of the people to alter or abolish alert titled ‘‘DEVASTATING DAMAGE EX- their government via the electoral process, In his conduct while President of the PECTED.’’ Printed in all capital letters, the being a violation of an inalienable right, and United States, George W. Bush, in violation alert stated that ‘‘MOST OF THE AREA an immediate threat to Liberty. of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- cute the office of President of the United . . . PERHAPS LONGER. AT LEAST ONE dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner States and, to the best of his ability, pre- HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES contrary to his trust as President and Com- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL FAILURE. mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- of the United States, and in violation of his . . . POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR tional government, to the prejudice of the constitutional duty under Article II, Section WEEKS. . . . WATER SHORTAGES WILL cause of law and justice and to the manifest 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING INCREDIBLE injury of the people of the United States. laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- BY MODERN STANDARDS.’’ Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by sonally and acting through his agents and The Homeland Security Department also such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- subordinates, failed to take sufficient action briefed the President on the scenario, warn- fense warranting removal from office. to protect life and property prior to and in ing of levee breaches and severe flooding. Ac- the face of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, given cording to the New York Times, ‘‘a Home- ARTICLE XXX.—MISLEADING CONGRESS AND THE decades of foreknowledge of the dangers of land Security Department report submitted AMERICAN PEOPLE IN AN ATTEMPT TO DE- storms to New Orleans and specific fore- to the White House at 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 29, STROY MEDICARE warning in the days prior to the storm. The hours before the storm hit, said, ‘Any storm In his conduct while President of the President failed to prepare for predictable rated Category 4 or greater will likely lead United States, George W. Bush, in violation and predicted disasters, failed to respond to to severe flooding and/or levee breaching.’’’ of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- an immediate need of which he was in- These warnings clearly contradict the state- cute the office of President of the United formed, and has subsequently failed to re- ments made by President Bush immediately States and, to the best of his ability, pre- build the section of our nation that was de- after the storm that such devastation could serve, protect, and defend the Constitution stroyed. not have been predicted. On 1 September 2005 of the United States, and in violation of his Hurricane Katrina killed at least 1,282 peo- the President said ‘‘I don’t think anyone an- constitutional duty under Article II, Section ple, with 2 million more displaced. 302,000 ticipated the breach of the levees.’’ 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the housing units were destroyed or damaged by The President’s response to Katrina via laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- the hurricane, 71% of these were low-income FEMA and DHS was criminally delayed, in- sonally and acting through his agents and units. More than 500 sewage plants were de- different, and inept. The only FEMA em- subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- stroyed, more than 170 point-source leakages ployee posted in New Orleans in the imme- dent, pursued policies which deliberately of gasoline, oil, or natural gas, more than diate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Marty drained the fiscal resources of Medicare by 2000 gas stations submerged, several chem- Bahamonde, emailed head of FEMA Michael forcing it to compete with subsidized private ical plants, 8 oil refineries, and a superfund Brown from his Blackberry device on August insurance plans which are allowed to arbi- site was submerged. 8 million gallons of oil 31, 2005 regarding the conditions. The email trarily select or not select those they will were spilled. Toxic materials seeped into was urgent and detailed and indicated that cover; failing to provide reasonable levels of floodwaters and spread through much of the ‘‘The situation is past critical . . . Estimates reimbursements to Medicare providers, city and surrounding areas. are many will die within hours.’’ Brown’s thereby discouraging providers from partici- The predictable increased strength of hur- reply was emblematic of the administra- pating in the program, and designing a Medi- ricanes such as Katrina has been identified tion’s entire response to the catastrophe:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5209 ‘‘Thanks for the update. Anything specific I ages due to decreases in net global agricul- reelection of Dr. Robert Watson as the IPCC need to do or tweak?’’ The Secretary of tural production 2) Decreased availability Chair. The White House then supported an Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, did and quality of fresh water in key regions due opposition candidate, who was subsequently not declare an emergency, did not mobilize to shifted precipitation patters, causing elected to replace Dr. Watson. the federal resources, and seemed to not even more frequent floods and droughts 3) Dis- 2. The New York Times on January 29, 2006, know what was happening on the ground rupted access to energy supplies due to ex- reported that James Hansen, NASA’s senior until reporters told him. tensive sea ice and storminess.’’ climate scientist was warned of ‘‘dire con- On Friday August 26, 2005, Governor Kath- 4. A December 2004 paper in Science re- sequences’’ if he continued to speak out leen Blanco declared a State of Emergency viewed 928 studies published in peer reviewed about global climate change and the need for in Louisiana and Governor Haley Barbour of journals to determine the number providing reducing emissions of associated gasses. The Mississippi followed suit the next day. Also evidence against the existence of a link be- Times also reported that: ‘‘At climate lab- on that Saturday, Governor Blanco asked tween anthropogenic emissions of carbon di- oratories of the National Oceanic and At- the President to declare a Federal State of oxide and climate change. ‘‘Remarkably, mospheric Administration, for example, Emergency, and on 28 August 2005, the Sun- none of the papers disagreed with the con- many scientists who routinely took calls day before the storm hit, Mayor Nagin de- sensus position.’’ from reporters five years ago can now do so clared a State of Emergency in New Orleans. 5. The November 2007 Inter-Governmental only if the interview is approved by adminis- This shows that the local authorities, re- Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth As- tration officials in Washington, and then sponding to federal warnings, knew how bad sessment Report showed that global anthro- only if a public affairs officer is present or on the destruction was going to be and antici- pogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses have the phone.’’ pated being overwhelmed. Failure to act increased 70% between 1970 and 2004, and an- 3. In December of 2007, the House Com- under these circumstances demonstrates thropogenic emissions are very likely the mittee on Oversight and Government Reform gross negligence. cause of global climate change. The report issued a report based on 16 months of inves- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- concluded that global climate change could tigation and 27,000 pages of documentation. dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner cause the extinction of 20 to 30 percent of According to the summary: ‘‘The evidence contrary to his trust as President and Com- species in unique ecosystems such as the before the Committee leads to one inescap- mander in Chief, and subversive of constitu- polar areas and biodiversity hotspots, in- able conclusion: the Bush Administration tional government, to the prejudice of the crease extreme weather events especially in has engaged in a systematic effort to manip- cause of law and justice and to the manifest the developing world, and have adverse ef- ulate climate change science and mislead policy makers and the public about the dan- injury of the people of the United States. fects on food production and fresh water gers of global warming.’’ The report de- Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by availability. scribed how the White House appointed such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable of- The President has done little to address former petroleum industry lobbyist Phil fense warranting removal from office. this most serious of problems, thus constituting an abuse of power and criminal ne- Cooney as head of the Council on Environ- ARTICLE XXXII.—MISLEADING CONGRESS AND glect. He has also actively endeavored to un- mental Quality. The report states ‘‘There THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, SYSTEMATICALLY UN- dermine efforts by the federal government, was a systematic White House effort to mini- DERMINING EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL CLI- states, and other nations to take action on mize the significance of climate change by MATE CHANGE their own. editing climate change reports. CEQ Chief of In his conduct while President of the 1. In March 2001, President Bush announced Staff Phil Cooney and other CEQ officials United States, George W. Bush, in violation the U.S. would not be pursuing ratification made at least 294 edits to the Administra- of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- of the Kyoto Protocol, an international ef- tion’s Strategic Plan of the Climate Change cute the office of President of the United fort to reduce greenhouse gasses. The United Science Program to exaggerate or emphasize States and, to the best of his ability, pre- States is the only industrialized nation that scientific uncertainties or to de-emphasize serve, protect, and defend the Constitution has failed to ratify the accord. or diminish the importance of the human of the United States, and in violation of his 2. In March of 2008, Representative Henry role in global warming.’’ constitutional duty under Article II, Section Waxman wrote to EPA Administrator Ste- 4. On April 23, 2008, Representative Henry 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the phen Johnson: ‘‘In August 2003, the Bush Ad- Waxman wrote a letter to EPA Adminis- laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- ministration denied a petition to regulate trator Stephen L Johnson. In it he reported: sonally and acting through his agents and CO emissions from motor vehicles by decid- ‘‘Almost 1,600 EPA scientists completed the 2 Union of Concerned Scientists survey ques- subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- ing that CO2 was not a pollutant under the dent, ignored the peril to life and property Clean Air Act. In April 2007, the U.S. Su- tionnaire. Over 22 percent of these scientists posed by global climate change, manipulated preme Court overruled that determination in reported that ‘selective or incomplete use of scientific information and mishandled pro- Massachusetts v. EPA. The Supreme Court data to justify a specific regulatory out- tective policy, constituting nonfeasance and wrote that ‘If EPA makes a finding of come’ occurred ‘frequently’ or ‘occasionally’ malfeasance in office, abuse of power, dere- endangerment, the Clean Air Act requires at EPA. Ninety-four EPA scientists reported being frequently or occasionally directed to liction of duty, and deception of Congress the agency to regulate emissions of the dele- inappropriately exclude or alter technical in- and the American people. terious pollutant from new motor vehicles.’ formation from an EPA scientific document. President Bush knew the expected effects The EPA then conducted an extensive inves- Nearly 200 EPA scientists said that they of climate change and the role of human ac- tigation involving 60–70 staff who concluded have frequently or occasionally been in situ- tivities in driving climate change. This that ‘CO emissions endanger both human 2 ations in which scientists have actively ob- knowledge preceded his first Presidential health and welfare.’ These findings were sub- jected to, resigned from or removed them- term. mitted to the White House, after which work selves from a project because of pressure to 1. During his 2000 Presidential campaign, on the findings and the required regulations change scientific findings.’’ he promised to regulate carbon dioxide emis- was halted.’’ In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- sions. 3. A Memo to Members of the Committee dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner 2. In 2001, the Intergovernmental Panel on on Oversight and Government Reform on contrary to his trust as President and sub- Climate Change, a global body of hundreds of May 19, 2008 stated ‘‘The record before the versive of constitutional government, to the the world’s foremost experts on climate Committee shows: (1) the career staff at EPA prejudice of the cause of law and justice and change, concluded that ‘‘most of observed unanimously supported granting California’s to the manifest injury of the people of the warming over last 50 years (is) likely due to petition (to be allowed to regulate green- United States. Wherefore, President George increases in greenhouse gas concentrations house gas emissions from cars and trucks, W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- due to human activities.’’ The Third Assess- consistent with California state law); (2) Ste- peachable offense warranting removal from ment Report projected several effects of cli- phen Johnson, the Administrator of EPA, office. mate change such as continued ‘‘widespread also supported granting California’s petition retreat’’ of glaciers, an ‘‘increase threats to at least in part; and (3) Administrator John- ARTICLE XXXIII.—REPEATEDLY IGNORED AND human health, particularly in lower income son reversed his position after communica- FAILED TO RESPOND TO HIGH LEVEL INTEL- populations, predominantly within tropical/ tions with officials in the White House.’’ LIGENCE WARNINGS OF PLANNED TERRORIST subtropical countries,’’ and ‘‘water short- The President has suppressed the release of ATTACKS IN THE US, PRIOR TO 911 ages.’’ scientific information related to global cli- In his conduct while President of the 3. The grave danger to national security mate change, an action which undermines United States, George W. Bush, in violation posed by global climate change was recog- Congress’ ability to legislate and provide of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- nized by the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced oversight, and which has thwarted efforts to cute the office of President of the United Planning Research Projects Agency in Octo- prevent global climate change despite the se- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- ber of 2003. An agency-commissioned report rious threat that it poses. serve, protect, and defend the Constitution ‘‘explores how such an abrupt climate 1. In February, 2001, ExxonMobil wrote a of the United States, and in violation of his change scenario could potentially de-sta- memo to the White House outlining ways to constitutional duty under Article II, Section bilize the geo-political environment, leading influence the outcome of the Third Assess- 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the to skirmishes, battles, and even war due to ment report by the Intergovernmental Panel laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- resource constraints such as: 1) Food short- on Climate Change. The memo opposed the sonally and acting through his agents and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- ment, the intelligence briefing delivered to Testifying before the 9/11 Commission on dent, failed in his Constitutional duties to President Bush in August 2001 spells out the April 14, 2004, Tenet answered a question take proper steps to protect the nation prior who, hints at the what and points towards from Commission member Timothy Roemer to September 11, 2001. the where of the terrorist attacks on New by referring to the president’s vacation (July The White House’s top counter-terrorism York and Washington that followed 36 days 29–August 30) in Crawford and insisting that adviser, Richard A. Clarke, has testified that later.’’ he did not see the president at all in August from the beginning of George W. Bush’s pres- Eleanor Hill, Executive Director of the 2001. ‘‘You never talked with him?’’ Roemer idency until September 11, 2001, Clarke at- joint congressional committee investigating asked. ‘‘No,’’ Tenet replied, explaining that tempted unsuccessfully to persuade Presi- the performance of the U.S. intelligence for much of August he too was ‘‘on leave.’’ dent Bush to take steps to protect the nation community before September 11, 2001, re- An Agency spokesman called reporters that against terrorism. Clarke sent a memo- ported in mid-September 2002 that intel- same evening to say Tenet had misspoken, randum to then-National Security Advisor ligence reports a year earlier ‘‘reiterated a and that Tenet had briefed Bush on August Condoleezza Rice on January 24, 2001, ‘‘ur- consistent and constant theme: Osama bin 17 and 31. The spokesman explained that the gently’’ but unsuccessfully requesting ‘‘a Laden’s intent to launch terrorist attacks second briefing took place after the presi- Cabinet-level meeting to deal with the im- inside the United States.’’ dent had returned to Washington, and played pending al Qaeda attack.’’ That joint inquiry revealed that just two down the first one, in Crawford, as unevent- In April 2001, Clarke was finally granted a months before September 11, an intelligence ful. meeting, but only with second-in-command briefing for ‘‘senior government officials’’ In his book, At the Center of the Storm, (2007) Tenet refers to what is almost cer- department representatives, including Dep- predicted a terrorist attack with these tainly his August 17 visit to Crawford as a uty Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, words: ‘‘The attack will be spectacular and follow-up to the ‘‘Bin Laden Determined to who made light of Clarke’s concerns. designed to inflict mass casualties against Clarke confirms that in June, July, and Strike in the U.S.’’ article in the CIA-pre- U.S. facilities or interests. Attack prepara- August 2001, the Central Intelligence Agency pared President’s Daily Brief of August 6. tions have been made. Attack will occur (CIA) warned the president in daily briefings That briefing was immortalized in a Time with little or no warning.’’ of unprecedented indications that a major al Magazine photo capturing Harriet Myers Given the White House’s insistence on se- Qaeda attack was going to happen against holding the PDB open for the president, as crecy with regard to what intelligence was the United States somewhere in the world in two CIA officers sit by. It is the same brief- given to President Bush, the joint-inquiry the weeks and months ahead. Yet, Clarke ing to which the president reportedly reacted report does not divulge whether he took part was still unable to convene a cabinet-level by telling the CIA briefer, ‘‘All right, you’ve in that briefing. Even if he did not, it strains meeting to address the issue. covered your ass now.’’ (Ron Suskind, The Condoleezza Rice has testified that George credulity to suppose that those ‘‘senior gov- One-Percent Doctrine, p. 2, 2006). In At the Tenet met with the president 40 times to ernment officials’’ would have kept its Center of the Storm, Tenet writes: ‘‘A few warn him that a major al-Qaeda attack was alarming substance from the president. weeks after the August 6 PDB was delivered, going to take place, and that in response the Again, there is no evidence that the presi- I followed it to Crawford to make sure that president did not convene any meetings of dent held any meetings or took any action to the president stayed current on events.’’ top officials. At such meetings, the FBI deal with the threats of such attacks. A White House press release suggests could have shared information on possible In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- Tenet was also there a week later, on August terrorists enrolled at flight schools. Among dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner 24. According to the August 25, 2001, release, the many preventive steps that could have contrary to his trust as President, and sub- President Bush, addressing a group of visi- been taken, the Federal Aviation Adminis- versive of constitutional government, to the tors to Crawford on August 25, told them: tration, airlines, and airports might have prejudice of the cause of law and justice and ‘‘George Tenet and I, yesterday, we piled in been put on full alert. to the manifest injury of the people of the the new nominees for the Chairman of the According to Condoleezza Rice, the first United States. Wherefore, President George Joint Chiefs, the Vice Chairman and their and only cabinet-level meeting prior to 9/11 W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- wives and went right up the canyon.’’ to discuss the threat of terrorist attacks peachable offense warranting removal from In early February 2002, Vice President took place on September 4, 2001, one week office. Dick Cheney warned then-Senate Majority before the attacks in New York and Wash- ARTICLE XXXIV.—OBSTRUCTION OF INVESTIGA- Leader Tom Daschle that if Congress went ington. TION INTO THE ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 ahead with an investigation, administration On August 6, 2001, President Bush was pre- In his conduct while President of the officials might not show up to testify. As sented a President’s Daily Brief (PDB) arti- United States, George W. Bush, in violation pressure grew for an investigation, the presi- cle titled ‘‘Bin Laden Determined to Strike of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- dent and vice president agreed to the estab- in U.S.’’ The lead sentence of that PDB arti- cute the office of President of the United lishment of a congressional joint committee cle indicated that Bin Laden and his fol- States and, to the best of his ability, pre- to conduct a ‘‘Joint Inquiry.’’ Eleanor Hill, lowers wanted to ‘‘follow the example of serve, protect, and defend the Constitution Executive Director of the Inquiry, opened World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef the Joint Inquiry’s final public hearing in of the United States, and in violation of his and ‘bring the fighting to America.’’’ The ar- mid-September 2002 with the following dis- constitutional duty under Article II, Section ticle warned: ‘‘Al-Qa’ida members—including claimer: ‘‘I need to report that, according to 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the some who are U.S. citizens—have resided in the White House and the Director of Central laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- or traveled to the US for years, and the Intelligence, the president’s knowledge of in- sonally and acting through his agents and group apparently maintains a support struc- telligence information relevant to this in- subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- ture that could aid attacks.’’ quiry remains classified, even when the sub- dent, obstructed investigations into the at- The article cited a ‘‘more sensational stance of the intelligence information has tacks on the World Trade Center and Pen- threat reporting that Bin Laden wanted to been declassified.’’ hijack a US aircraft,’’ but indicated that the tagon on September 11, 2001. The National Commission on Terrorist At- CIA had not been able to corroborate such Following September 11, 2001, President tacks, also known as the 9/11 Commission, reporting. The PDB item included informa- Bush and Vice President Cheney took strong was created on November 27, 2002, following tion from the FBI indicating ‘‘patterns of steps to thwart any and all proposals that the passage of congressional legislation suspicious activity in this country con- the circumstances of the attack be ad- signed into law by President Bush. The sistent with preparations for hijackings or dressed. Then-Secretary of State Colin Pow- President was asked to testify before the other types of attacks, including recent sur- ell was forced to renege on his public prom- Commission. He refused to testify except for veillance of federal buildings in New York.’’ ise on September 23 that a ‘‘White Paper’’ one hour in private with only two Commis- The article also noted that the CIA and FBI would be issued to explain the cir- sion members, with no oath administered, were investigating ‘‘a call to our embassy in cumstances. Less than two weeks after that with no recording or note taking, and with the UAE in May saying that a group of Bin promise, Powell apologized for his ‘‘unfortu- the Vice President at his side. Commission Laden supporters was in the US planning at- nate choice of words,’’ and explained that Co-Chair Lee Hamilton has written that he tacks with explosives.’’ Americans would have to rely on ‘‘informa- believes the commission was set up to fail, The president spent the rest of August 6, tion coming out in the press and in other was underfunded, was rushed, and did not re- and almost all the rest of August 2001 on va- ways.’’ ceive proper cooperation and access to infor- cation. There is no evidence that he called On Sept. 26, 2001, President Bush drove to mation. any meetings of his advisers to discuss this Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) head- A December 2007 review of classified docu- alarming report. When the title and sub- quarters in Langley, Virginia, stood with Di- ments by former members of the Commis- stance of this PDB article were later re- rector of Central Intelligence George Tenet sion found that the commission had made reported in the press, then-National Security and said: ‘‘My report to the nation is, we’ve peated and detailed requests to the CIA in Adviser Condoleezza Rice began a sustained got the best intelligence we can possibly 2003 and 2004 for documents and other infor- campaign to play down its significance, until have thanks to the men and women of the mation about the interrogation of operatives the actual text was eventually released by C.I.A.’’ George Tenet subsequently and false- of Al Qaeda, and had been told falsely by a the White House. ly claimed not to have visited the president top C.I.A. official that the agency had ‘‘pro- New York Times writer Douglas Jehl, put personally between the start of Bush’s long duced or made available for review’’ every- it this way: ‘‘In a single 17-sentence docu- Crawford vacation and September 11, 2001. thing that had been requested.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:10 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5211 In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- In the cleanup of the Pentagon following will be postponed as though under dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner September 11, 2001, Occupational Safety and clause 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX. contrary to his trust as President, and sub- Health Administration laws were enforced, versive of constitutional government, to the and no workers became ill. At the World f prejudice of the cause of law and justice and Trade Center site, the same laws were not LEAVE OF ABSENCE to the manifest injury of the people of the enforced. United States. Wherefore, President George In the years since the release of the EPA By unanimous consent, leave of ab- W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- Inspector General’s above-cited report, the sence was granted to: peachable offense warranting removal from Bush Administration has still not effected a Mr. BRALEY of Iowa (at the request of office. clean-up of the indoor air in apartments and Mr. HOYER) for today after 2 p.m. on ARTICLE XXXV.—ENDANGERING THE HEALTH OF workspaces near the site. account of flooding in district. Screenings conducted at the Mount Sinai 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS Mr. CUMMINGS (at the request of Mr. Medical Center and released in the Sep- In his conduct while President of the tember 10, 2004, Morbidity and Mortality HOYER) for today until 2 p.m. United States, George W. Bush, in violation Weekly Report (MMWR) of the federal Cen- Mr. MEEK of Florida (at the request of his constitutional oath to faithfully exe- ters For Disease Control and Prevention of Mr. HOYER) for today. cute the office of President of the United (CDC), produced the following results: f States and, to the best of his ability, pre- ‘‘Both upper and lower respiratory prob- serve, protect, and defend the Constitution lems and mental health difficulties are wide- SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED of the United States, and in violation of his spread among rescue and recovery workers By unanimous consent, permission to constitutional duty under Article II, Section who dug through the ruins of the World 3 of the Constitution ‘‘to take care that the address the House, following the legis- Trade Center in the days following its de- lative program and any special orders laws be faithfully executed’’, has both per- struction in the attack of September 11, 2001. sonally and acting through his agents and ‘‘An analysis of the screenings of 1,138 heretofore entered, was granted to: subordinates, together with the Vice Presi- workers and volunteers who responded to the (The following Members (at the re- dent, recklessly endangered the health of World Trade Center disaster found that near- quest of Ms. WOOLSEY) to revise and ex- first responders, residents, and workers at ly three-quarters of them experienced new or tend their remarks and include extra- and near the former location of the World worsened upper respiratory problems at neous material:) Trade Center in New York City. some point while working at Ground Zero. Mr. CUMMINGS, for 5 minutes, today. The Inspector General of the Environ- And half of those examined had upper and/or Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. mental Protection Agency (EPA) August 21, lower respiratory symptoms that persisted 2003, report numbered 2003–P–00012 and enti- up to the time of their examinations, an av- Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. tled ‘‘EPA’s Response to the World Trade erage of eight months after their WTC ef- Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Center Collapse: Challenges, Successes, and forts ended.’’ Mr. WEINER, for 5 minutes, today. Areas for Improvement,’’ includes the fol- A larger study released in 2006 found that Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, for lowing findings: roughly 70 percent of nearly 10,000 workers 5 minutes, today. ‘‘[W] hen EPA made a September 18 an- tested at Mount Sinai from 2002 to 2004 re- (The following Members (at the re- nouncement that the air was ‘safe’ to ported that they had new or substantially quest of Mr. MORAN of Kansas) to re- breathe, it did not have sufficient data and worsened respiratory problems while or after analyses to make such a blanket statement. working at ground zero. This study showed vise and extend their remarks and in- At that time, air monitoring data was lack- that many of the respiratory ailments, include extraneous material:) ing for several pollutants of concern, includ- cluding sinusitis and asthma, and gastro- Mr. BROUN of Georgia, for 5 minutes, ing particulate matter and polychlorinated intestinal problems related to them, ini- today. biphenyls (PCBs). Furthermore, The White tially reported by ground zero workers per- Mr. POE, for 5 minutes, June 17. House Council on Environmental Quality sisted or grew worse over time. Most of the Mr. JONES of North Carolina, for 5 (CEQ) influenced, through the collaboration ground zero workers in the study who re- minutes, June 17. process, the information that EPA commu- ported trouble breathing while working Mr. BURTON of Indiana, for 5 minutes, nicated to the public through its early press there were still having those problems two releases when it convinced EPA to add reas- and a half years later, an indication of today, June 11 and 12. suring statements and delete cautionary chronic illness unlikely to improve over Ms. FOXX, for 5 minutes, today and ones. time. June 11. ‘‘As a result of the White House CEQ’s in- In all of these actions and decisions, Presi- Mr. MCCOTTER, for 5 minutes, June fluence, guidance for cleaning indoor spaces dent George W. Bush has acted in a manner 11. and information about the potential health contrary to his trust as President, and sub- Mr. BURGESS, for 5 minutes, today. effects from WTC debris were not included in versive of constitutional government, to the Mr. HUNTER, for 5 minutes, today. EPA-issued press releases. In addition, based prejudice of the cause of law and justice and Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, for 5 minutes, on CEQ’s influence, reassuring information to the manifest injury of the people of the was added to at least one press release and United States. Wherefore, President George today, June 11 and 12. cautionary information was deleted from W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an im- Mr. PRICE of Georgia, for 5 minutes, EPA’s draft version of that press release . . . peachable offense warranting removal from today. The White House’s role in EPA’s public com- office. (The following Member (at her re- munications about WTC environmental con- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. SUT- quest) to revise and extend her re- ditions was described in a September 12, 2001, TON). The resolution qualifies. marks and include extraneous mate- e-mail from the EPA Deputy Administrator’s Under the previous order of the Chief of Staff to senior EPA officials: rial:) ‘‘ ‘All statements to the media should be House of June 10, the previous question Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- cleared through the NSC [National Security is ordered without intervening motion utes, today. Council] before they are released.’ except one motion to refer. f ‘‘According to the EPA Chief of Staff, one MOTION TO REFER OFFERED BY MR. KUCINICH particular CEQ official was designated to Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I ADJOURNMENT work with EPA to ensure that clearance was move that the House refer the im- Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I obtained through NSC. The Associate Ad- peachment resolution to the Com- move that the House do now adjourn. ministrator for the EPA Office of Commu- nications, Education, and Media Relations mittee on the Judiciary. The motion was agreed to; accord- (OCEMR) said that no press release could be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ingly (at 12 o’clock and 12 minutes issued for a 3- to 4-week period after Sep- question is on the motion to refer. a.m.), the House adjourned until today, tember 11 without approval from the CEQ The question was taken. Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 10 a.m. contact.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the f Acting EPA Administrator Marianne opinion of the Chair, the noes have it. Horinko, who sat in on EPA meetings with Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, the White House, has said in an interview object to the vote on the ground that a ETC. that the White House played a coordinating quorum is not present and make the Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive role. The National Security Council played the key role, filtering incoming data on point of order that a quorum is not communications were taken from the ground zero air and water, Horinko said: ‘‘I present. Speaker’s table and referred as follows: think that the thinking was, these are ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under 7042. A letter from the Chairman, Farm perts in WMD (weapons of mass destruction), the previous order of the House of June Credit Administration, transmitting the Ad- so they should have the coordinating role.’’ 10, further proceedings on this question ministration’s final rule — Eligibility and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.053 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 Scope of Financing; Processing and Mar- 7055. A letter from the Secretary, Securi- 0612242903-7445-03 and 0612242886-7464-03] (RINs keting (RIN: 3052-AC33) received June 3, 2008, ties and Exchange Commission, transmitting 0648-AU48 and 0648-AU68) received June 3, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- the Commission’s final rule — Definition of 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the mittee on Agriculture. Eligible Portfolio Company under the Invest- Committee on Natural Resources. 7043. A letter from the OSD Federal Liai- ment Company Act of 1940 [Release No. IC- 7065. A letter from the Acting Director Of- son Officer, DoD, Department of Defense, 28266; File No. S7-37-04] (RIN: 3235-AJ31) re- fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- transmitting the Department’s final rule — ceived May 20, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- TRICARE; Certain Survivors of Deceased Ac- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and tion, transmitting the Administration’s final tive Duty Members; and Adoption Inter- Commerce. rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic mediaries [DOD-2006-HA-0194] (RIN: 0720- 7056. A letter from the Associate Director, Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch for AB07) received June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 PP&I, Department of the Treasury, trans- Vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Is- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on mitting the Department’s final rule — Rough lands Trawl Limited Access Fishery in the Armed Services. Diamonds Control Regulations — received Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea 7044. A letter from the OSD Federal Reg- May 20, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and Aleutian Islands Management Area ister Liaison Officer, DoD, Department of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- [Docket No. 071106673-8011-02] (RIN: 0648- Defense, transmitting the Department’s final fairs. XH84) received June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 rule — User Fees [DoD-2006-OS-0005] (RIN: 7057. A letter from the Acting Chief Acqui- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Nat- 0790-AH93) received June 3, 2008, pursuant to sition Officer & Senior Procurement Execu- ural Resources. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on tive, GSA, Department of Defense, transmit- 7066. A letter from the Acting Director Of- Armed Services. ting the Department’s final rule — Federal fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- 7045. A letter from the Chief Counsel, Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005-040, tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, Electronic Subcontracting Reporting Sys- tion, transmitting the Administration’s final transmitting the Department’s final rule — tem (eSRS) [FAC 2005-25; FAR Case 2005-040; rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Changes in Flood Elevation Determinations Item II; Docket 2008-0001, Sequence 01] (RIN: Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Ves- — received June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 9000-AK95) received June 3, 2008, pursuant to sels Less Than 60 ft (18.3 m) LOA Using Pot 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Financial 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on or Hook-and-Line Gear in the Bering Sea and Services. Oversight and Government Reform. Aleutian Islands Management Area [Docket 7046. A letter from the Counsel for Legisla- 7058. A letter from the Acting Chief Acqui- No. 071106673-8011-02] (RIN: 0648-XH78) re- tion and Regulations, Department of Hous- sition Officer and Senior Procurement Exec- ceived June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ing and Urban Development, transmitting utive, GSA, Department of Defense, trans- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural the Department’s final rule — Project Design mitting the Department’s final rule — Fed- Resources. and Cost Standards for the Section 202 and eral Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005- 7067. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Section 811 Programs [Docket No. FR-5097-F- 040, Electronic Subcontracting Reporting Administrator for Operations, NMFS, Na- 02] (RIN: 2502-AI48) received June 3, 2008, pur- System (eSRS) [FAC 2005-25; FAR Case 2005- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 040; Item II; Docket 2008-0001, Sequence 01] tion, transmitting the Administration’s final mittee on Financial Services. 7047. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- (RIN: 9000-AK95) received June 3, 2008, pursu- rule — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting a ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific report on transactions involving U.S. exports on Oversight and Government Reform. Coast Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Speci- to Luxembourg pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of 7059. A letter from the Director, Office of fications and Management Measures [Docket the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as Personnel Management, transmitting the Of- No. 080408542-8615-01] (RIN: 0648-AW63) re- amended; to the Committee on Financial fice’s final rule — REPRESENTATIVE ceived June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Services. RATE; ORDER OF RELEASE FROM COM- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural 7048. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- PETITIVE LEVEL; ASSIGNMENT RIGHTS Resources. dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting a (RIN: 3206-AL19) received May 20, 2008, pursu- 7068. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- report on transactions involving U.S. exports ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee ment of Health and Human Services, trans- to Brazil pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of the on Oversight and Government Reform. mitting the Department’s determination on Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; 7060. A letter from the Chief, Branch of a petition on behalf of a class of workers to the Committee on Financial Services. Listing, Endangered Species, Department of from the Nuclear Materials and Equipment 7049. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- the Interior, transmitting the Department’s Corporation (NUMEC) facility in Parks dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting a final rule — Endangered and Threatened Township, Pennsylvania, to be added to the report on transactions involving U.S. exports Wildlife and Plants; Special Rule for the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC), pursuant to to Mexico pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of the Polar Bear [[FWS-R7-ES-2008-0027] [1111 FY07 the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; MO-B2] (RIN: 1018-AV79) received May 29, Compensation Program Act of 2000 to the Committee on Financial Services. 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the (EEOICPA); to the Committee on the Judici- 7050. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- Committee on Natural Resources. ary. dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting a 7061. A letter from the Director, Office of 7069. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- report on transactions involving U.S. exports Congressional & Legal Affairs — Indian Af- ment of Health and Human Services, trans- to Mexico pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of the fairs, Department of the Interior, transmit- mitting the Department’s determination on Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; ting the Department’s final rule — Gaming a petition on behalf of a class of workers to the Committee on Financial Services. on Trust Lands Acquired After October 17, from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in 7051. A letter from the President, Federal 1988 (RIN: 1076-AE81) received May 20, 2008, Richland, Washington, to be added to the Reserve Bank of Dallas, transmitting the pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Special Exposure Cohort (SEC), pursuant to Bank’s 2007 Annual Report; to the Com- mittee on Natural Resources. the Energy Employees Occupational Illness mittee on Financial Services. 7062. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Compensation Program Act of 2000 7052. A letter from the Assistant General for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department (EEOICPA); to the Committee on the Judici- Counsel for Regulatory Services, Depart- of the Interior, transmitting a copy of a ary. ment of Education, transmitting the Depart- draft bill entitled, ‘‘Duck Stamp Improve- 7070. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ment’s final rule — Demands for Testimony ment Act of 2008’’; to the Committee on Nat- ment of Health and Human Services, trans- or Records in Legal Proceedings [Docket ID ural Resources. mitting the Department’s determination on ED-2007-OS-0138] received June 3, 2008, pursu- 7063. A letter from the Deputy Assistant a petition on behalf of a class of workers ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee Administrator For Regulatory Programs, from the Horizons, Inc. facility in Cleveland, on Education and Labor. NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ohio, to be added to the Special Exposure 7053. A letter from the Deputy Director, Administration, transmitting the Adminis- Cohort (SEC), pursuant to the Energy Em- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, tration’s final rule — Atlantic Coastal Fish- ployees Occupational Illness Compensation transmitting the Corporation’s final rule — eries Cooperative Management Act Provi- Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA); to the Com- Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Em- sions; Weakfish Fishery [Docket No. mittee on the Judiciary. ployer Plans; Allocation of Assets in Single- 070717344-8150-01; I.D. 041907A] (RIN: 0648- 7071. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for AV44) received June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 ment of Health and Human Services, trans- Valuing and Paying Benefits — received U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Nat- mitting the Department’s determination on June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ural Resources. a petition on behalf of a class of workers to the Committee on Education and Labor. 7064. A letter from the Acting Assistant from the SAM Laboratories to be added to 7054. A letter from the Executive Director, Administrator For Fisheries, NMFS, Na- the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC), pursuant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- to the Energy Employees Occupational Ill- transmitting the Commission’s final rule — tion, transmitting the Administration’s final ness Compensation Program Act of 2000 Annual Update of Filing Fees [Docket No. rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic (EEOICPA); to the Committee on the Judici- RM08-9-000] received May 29, 2008, pursuant Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea/Aleu- ary. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on tian Islands Fishery Resources; American 7072. A letter from the Acting Chief, Regu- Energy and Commerce. Fisheries Act Sideboards [Docket No. latory Management Division, Office of the

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A letter from the General Counsel, By Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Mr. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Judici- Department of Defense, transmitting a copy BARTON of Texas, Mr. BROUN of Geor- ary. of legislative proposals as part of the Na- gia, Mr. MACK, Mr. LUCAS, Mrs. 7073. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, tional Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal MUSGRAVE, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. ROGERS Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Year 2009; jointly to the Committees on of Michigan, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and the MCCOTTER, Mr. UPTON, Mr. SESSIONS, partment’s comments on H.R. 4080, a bill to Budget. Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. PITTS, Mr. amend the Immigration and Nationality Act 7084. A letter from the General Counsel, GINGREY, Ms. FALLIN, Mrs. EMERSON, to establish a separate nonimmigrant classi- Department of Defense, transmitting the De- Mr. PEARCE, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mrs. fication for fashion models; to the Com- partment’s requested legislative proposals as MYRICK, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. TERRY, Mr. mittee on the Judiciary. part of the National Defense Authorization CONAWAY, Mr. BUYER, and Mr. BUR- 7074. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Bill for Fiscal Year 2009; jointly to the Com- TON of Indiana): ment of Homeland Security, transmitting mittees on Armed Services, Energy and Com- H.R. 6219. A bill to authorize appropria- the Department’s determination on a peti- merce, Transportation and Infrastructure, tions for the Department of Commerce and tion on behalf of a class of workers from the Oversight and Government Reform, the Judi- to prohibit Federal economic development Kellex/Pierpont facility in Jersey City, New ciary, Veterans’ Affairs, Ways and Means, funds to States that carry out public takings Jersey, to be added to the Special Exposure Small Business, Intelligence (Permanent Se- for private purposes; to the Committee on Cohort (SEC), pursuant to the Energy Em- lect), Foreign Affairs, and Financial Serv- Energy and Commerce, and in addition to ployees Occupational Illness Compensation ices. the Committees on Transportation and In- Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA); to the Com- frastructure, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the mittee on the Judiciary. f 7075. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Speaker, in each case for consideration of Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON tion of the committee concerned. partment’s comments on S. 2829, a bill to PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS By Mr. KLINE of Minnesota (for him- make technical corrections to Section 1244 of Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of self, Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. the National Defense Authorization Act for committees were delivered to the Clerk Fiscal Year 2008 (NDAA 2008); to the Com- WALBERG, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. mittee on the Judiciary. for printing and reference to the proper SESSIONS, Mr. BARRETT of South 7076. A letter from the Principal Deputy calendar, as follows: Carolina, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. Assistant Attorney General, Department of Mr. RAHALL: Committee on Natural Re- HENSARLING, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. CAMP- Justice, transmitting the report of the Di- sources. H.R. 5541. A bill to provide a supple- BELL of California, Mr. PENCE, Mrs. rector of the Executive Office for United mental funding source for catastrophic MYRICK, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, States Trustees on the evaluation of instruc- emergency wildland fire suppression activi- Mr. GOODE, Mr. PITTS, Mr. tional classes in personal financial manage- ties on Department of the Interior and Na- MARCHANT, Mr. GINGREY, Mr. BART- ment for consumer bankruptcy debtors, pur- tional Forest System lands, to require the LETT of Maryland, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. suant to Public Law 109-8, section 105; to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mrs. Committee on the Judiciary. of Agriculture to develop a cohesive wildland BACHMANN, Mr. BOUSTANY, Ms. GINNY 7077. A letter from the Director, National fire management strategy, and for other pur- BROWN-WAITE of Florida, Mr. DANIEL Legislative Commission, American Legion, poses; with an amendment (Rept. 110–704 Pt. E. LUNGREN of California, Mr. transmitting a copy of the Legion’s financial 1). Ordered to be printed. SOUDER, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. FEENEY, statements as of December 31, 2007, pursuant Mr. DINGELL: Committee on Energy and and Mr. SHADEGG): to 36 U.S.C. 1101(4) and 1103; to the Com- Commerce. H.R. 3754. A bill to authorize the H.R. 6220. A bill to amend the Workforce mittee on the Judiciary. Administrator of the Environmental Protec- Investment Act of 1998 to make non-union 7078. A letter from the Director, Office of tion Agency to accept, as part of a settle- training programs eligible for Federal fund- Science and Technology Policy, Executive ment, diesel emission reduction Supple- ing under the ‘‘Green Jobs’’ program; to the Office of the President, transmitting the Of- mental Environmental Projects, and for Committee on Education and Labor. fice’s Revised Research Plan for the U.S. Cli- other purposes (Rept. 110–705). Referred to By Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself and Ms. mate Change Science Program and the Sci- the Committee of the Whole House on the HERSETH SANDLIN): entific Assessment of the Effects of Global State of the Union. H.R. 6221. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Vet- Change on the United States; to the Com- Mr. DINGELL: Committee on Energy and erans Affairs to include in each contract the mittee on Science and Technology. Commerce. H.R. 1553. A bill to amend the Secretary enters for the acquisition of goods 7079. A letter from the Associate Adminis- Public Health Service Act to advance med- and services a provision that requires the trator for Aeronautics, National Aeronautics ical research and treatments into pediatric and Space Administration, transmitting the contractee to comply with the contracting cancers, ensure patients and families have goals and preferences for small business con- Administration’s final rule — Development access to the current treatments and infor- Work for Industry in NASA Wind Tunnels cerns owned or controlled by veterans, and mation regarding pediatric cancers, estab- for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- [Notice: (08-045)] (RIN: 2700-AC81) received lish a population-based national childhood June 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); erans’ Affairs. cancer database, and promote public aware- By Mr. HASTINGS of Florida (for him- to the Committee on Science and Tech- ness of pediatric cancers; with an amend- nology. self and Mr. HINCHEY): ment (Rept. 110–706). Referred to the Com- H.R. 6222. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- 7080. A letter from the Chief, Regulations mittee of the Whole House on the State of enue Code of 1986 to allow a nonrefundable and Administrative Law, Department of the Union. credit against income tax liability for gaso- Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida: Committee on line and diesel fuel used in highway vehicles partment’s final rule — Transportation Rules. House Resolution 1257. Resolution for nonbusiness purposes; to the Committee Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Im- providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. on Ways and Means. plementation in the Maritime Sector; Haz- 6063) to authorize the programs of the Na- By Mr. HELLER: ardous Materials Endorsement for a Com- tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- H.R. 6223. A bill to provide for the convey- mercial Driver’s License [Docket Nos. TSA- tion, and for other purposes (Rept. 110–707). ance of certain Bureau of Land Management 2006-24191; USCG-2006-24196] (RIN: 1652-AA41) Referred to the House Calendar. land in the State of Nevada to the Las Vegas received May 29, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Motor Speedway, and for other purposes; to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Homeland f the Committee on Natural Resources. Security. By Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN: 7081. A letter from the General Counsel, H.R. 6224. A bill to direct the Secretary of Department of Defense, transmitting a copy TIME LIMITATION OF REFERRED Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot of legislative proposals as part of the Na- BILL project to test the feasibility and advis- tional Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the ability of expanding the scope of certain Year 2009; jointly to the Committees on following action was taken by the qualifying work-study activities under title Armed Services and Oversight and Govern- 38, United States Code; to the Committee on ment Reform. Speaker: Veterans’ Affairs. 7082. A letter from the Assistant Secretary H.R. 5541. Referred to the Committees on By Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN: for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department Agriculture and the Budget extended for a H.R. 6225. A bill to amend title 38, United of the Interior, transmitting a copy of a period ending not later than June 27, 2008. States Code, relating to equitable relief with

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respect to a State or private employer; to of North Carolina, Ms. LEE, Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. ROSS, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. MCGOVERN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. BRADY Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, By Mr. HIGGINS (for himself, Mr. HIN- of Pennsylvania, Mr. CARSON, Mr. Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, CHEY, Mr. ISRAEL, Mrs. MALONEY of CLEAVER, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. SARBANES, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. New York, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. WALSH of Mr. EVERETT, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. SCHWARTZ, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. New York, Mr. REYNOLDS, Mr. ENGEL, MEEKS of New York, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. SESTAK, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. Ms. CLARKE, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. KING WATT, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mrs. SHIMKUS, Mr. SIRES, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. of New York, Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. MALONEY of New York, Mr. CRAMER, SPACE, Mr. SPRATT, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. HALL of New York, Mrs. Mr. COOPER, Mr. BERRY, Ms. SLAUGH- TOWNS, Mr. UPTON, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, GILLIBRAND, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. ACK- TER, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. MOLLOHAN, Ms. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. WAT- ERMAN, Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, WATSON, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. SON, Mr. WATT, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Ms. WELCH of Vermont, and Mr. WOLF): WEINER, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. MCNUL- MOORE of Wisconsin, and Mr. JACK- H. Res. 1260. A resolution supporting the TY, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. BISHOP of New SON of Illinois): goals and ideals of ‘‘National Internet Safety York, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. H. Con. Res. 370. Concurrent resolution ex- Month’’; to the Committee on Energy and NADLER, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. pressing support for designation of Sep- Commerce. COBLE, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, tember 2008 as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage By Ms. DEGETTE: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. WOLF, Mr. Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its H. Res. 1261. A resolution congratulating STARK, Mr. PETRI, and Mr. DINGELL): valuable and longstanding contributions to East High School in Denver, Colorado, on H.R. 6226. A bill to designate the facility of the culture of the United States; to the Com- winning the 2008 ‘‘We the People: The Citizen the United States Postal Service located at mittee on Oversight and Government Re- and the Constitution’’ national competition; 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, New York, form. to the Committee on Education and Labor. By Mr. COLE of Oklahoma: as the ‘‘Stan Lundine Post Office Building’’; f to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- H. Res. 1255. A resolution honoring Toby ment Reform. Keith’s commitment to members of the MEMORIALS By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia (for himself, Armed Forces; to the Committee on Armed Services. Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials Mr. RAMSTAD, and Mr. THOMPSON of were presented and referred as follows: California): By Mr. EMANUEL: H.R. 6227. A bill to exempt longstanding H. Res. 1256. A resolution electing certain 291. The SPEAKER presented a memorial nonfunctionally-integrated supporting orga- Members to certain standing committees of of the House of Representatives of the State nizations from certain provisions of the Pen- the House of Representatives; considered and of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. sion Protection Act of 2006; to the Com- agreed to. 85 approving and authorizing the establish- mittee on Ways and Means. By Mr. ARCURI (for himself, Mr. AN- ment of a state-province affiliation between By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. DREWS, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. the State of Hawaii of the United States of GRIJALVA): WELCH of Vermont, Mr. DONNELLY, America and the Province of Negros Oriental H.R. 6228. A bill to ban the use of bisphenol Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. SIRES, Mr. PAYNE, of the Republic of the Philippines; to the A in food and beverage containers; to the Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, Mr. Committee on Foreign Affairs. Committee on Energy and Commerce. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. 292. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- By Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota (for ACKERMAN, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative herself, Mr. WALZ of Minnesota, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. to House Resolution No. 53 urging the Presi- OBERSTAR, Mr. PETERSON of Min- COURTNEY, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. BISHOP dent of the United States to agree to an nesota, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. RAMSTAD, of New York, Mr. SPACE, Mr. economy-wide reduction in its greenhouse Mrs. BACHMANN, and Mr. KLINE of PERLMUTTER, Mr. LAMPSON, Mr. gas emissions and to commit the United Minnesota): MCGOVERN, Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of States to a binding international treaty that H.R. 6229. A bill to designate the facility of Pennsylvania, Mr. HALL of New York, would result in a significant and rapid global the United States Postal Service located at Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gas 2523 7th Avenue East in North Saint Paul, COOPER, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. MITCHELL, concentration; to the Committee on Foreign Minnesota, as the ‘‘Mayor William ‘Bill’ and Mr. CARDOZA): Affairs. Sandberg Post Office Building’’; to the Com- H. Res. 1259. A resolution congratulating 293. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of mittee on Oversight and Government Re- the Hamilton College Continentals on win- the State of Hawaii, relative to House Con- form. ning the NCAA Division III women’s lacrosse current Resolution No. 16 requesting that By Mr. MCHENRY: championship; to the Committee on Edu- the Congress of the United States ratify the H.R. 6230. A bill to amend the Securities cation and Labor. United Nations Convention on the elimi- Exchange Act of 1934 to require nationally By Ms. BEAN (for herself, Mr. nation of all forms of discrimination against registered statistical rating organizations to ALTMIRE, Mr. ARCURI, Mr. BARROW, women; to the Committee on Foreign Af- provide additional disclosures with respect Ms. BERKLEY, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. fairs. to the rating of certain structured securities, BISHOP of New York, Mrs. 294. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- and for other purposes; to the Committee on BLACKBURN, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative Financial Services. BOYD of Florida, Mrs. BOYDA of Kan- to House Resolution No. 230 urging the pre- By Mr. TANCREDO: sas, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. vention of the sale of oil and gas leases and H.R. 6231. A bill to amend title 49, United BUCHANAN, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, of drilling in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea States Code, to require that any automobile Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CALVERT, Mrs. Regions of Alaska; to the Committee on Nat- manufactured by a manufacturer after model CAPPS, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. CHABOT, ural Resources. year 2018 be an alternative fueled auto- Mr. CHANDLER, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. COO- 295. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- mobile; to the Committee on Energy and PER, Mr. COSTA, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative Commerce. CROWLEY, Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Ten- to House Resolution No. 71 urging the Presi- By Mr. SOUDER (for himself and Mr. nessee, Mrs. DAVIS of California, Ms. dent of the United States and the Congress RUPPERSBERGER): DEGETTE, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. MARIO of the United States to enact legislation to H. Con. Res. 369. Concurrent resolution DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. DON- confer priority status to children born to De- honoring the men and women of the Drug NELLY, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. ELLSWORTH, partment of Defense personnel and foreign Enforcement Administration on the occasion Mrs. EMERSON, Mr. FERGUSON, Mr. women during and up to to nine months after of its 35th anniversary; to the Committee on FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. GOOD- deployment in order to facilitate and the Judiciary. LATTE, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. expediate the immigration of these children By Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas (for HIGGINS, Mr. HILL, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. and women to the United States; to the Com- herself, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. CLY- HINOJOSA, Ms. HOOLEY, Ms. JACKSON- mittee on the Judiciary. BURN, Mr. HOYER, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. LEE of Texas, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE 296. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. KILPATRICK, JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. KAGEN, Mr. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. KELLER, Mr. KIRK, Mr. KLEIN of Flor- to House Resolution No. 86 urging the Presi- BUTTERFIELD, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, ida, Mr. KUHL of New York, Mr. dent of the United States, the Secretary of Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. LINCOLN LAMPSON, Mr. LEWIS of California, State and the Secretary of Homeland Secu- DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. ROSS, Mr. Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MATHESON, Ms. rity to include the Republic of Korea in the SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. TOWNS, Ms. MATSUI, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New Visa Waiver Program; to the Committee on VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. AL York, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. the Judiciary. GREEN of Texas, Mr. BRADY of Texas, MCNERNEY, Mr. MEEKS of New York, 297. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. CLAY, Mr. Mr. MELANCON, Mr. GEORGE MILLER resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. of California, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, to House Resolution No. 154 urging the Con- FATTAH, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. gress of the United States to amend the defi- HINOJOSA, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. JONES PERLMUTTER, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. nition of ‘‘Amerasians’’ in the Amerasians

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Immigration Act of 1982; to the Committee H.R. 2343: Mr. INSLEE, Mr. RENZI, Mr. H.R. 5797: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. on the Judiciary. LOEBSACK, and Ms. HIRONO. H.R. 5814: Mr. SHADEGG. 298. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- H.R. 2353: Mr. BOREN. H.R. 5821: Ms. FALLIN. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative H.R. 2357: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. H.R. 5835: Mrs. LOWEY. to House Resolution No. 19 urging the Con- H.R. 2493: Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. H.R. 5873: Mr. BISHOP of New York. gress of the United States to enact legisla- BOEHNER, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. H.R. 5881: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. tion to exempt children of Filipino World BOUSTANY, Mr. BONNER, and Mr. CAMP of H.R. 5882: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mrs. War II Veterans from immigrant visa limits; Michigan. NAPOLITANO, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- to the Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 2832: Mr. GOODE. fornia, and Mr. PASTOR. 299. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- H.R. 2833: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 5886: Mr. SHADEGG. resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative H.R. 2914: Mr. LANGEVIN. H.R. 5892: Mr. GORDON, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. to House Resolution No. 91 requesting that H.R. 2923: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, the Congress of the United States and the H.R. 2926: Mr. STARK, Mr. CARSON, and Mrs. Mr. ELLISON, and Mr. GERLACH. President of the United States enact the Fil- NAPOLITANO. H.R. 5914: Mr. HODES. ipino American Veterans Equity Act of 2007; H.R. 2991: Mr. HINOJOSA. H.R. 5921: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mrs. to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 3089: Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. PASTOR. 300. Also, a memorial of the House of Rep- BONNER, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. H.R. 5932: Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. MELANCON, resentatives of the State of Hawaii, relative CARTER, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. FORBES, Mr. KLINE Mr. CAZAYOUX, Mr. BOUSTANY, and Mr. to House Resolution No. 110 supporting as- of Minnesota, Mr. HALL of Texas, Mr. MCCRERY. sistance for persons present in the United ROSKAM, Mr. CAMP of Michigan, and Mr. H.R. 5933: Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. MELANCON, States under the Compacts of Free Associa- GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. CAZAYOUX, Mr. BOUSTANY, and Mr. tion; jointly to the Committees on Ways and H.R. 3112: Mr. WELCH of Vermont. MCCRERY. H.R. 3144: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Means, Energy and Commerce, and Agri- H.R. 5935: Mr. MURTHA. ida and Mr. SOUDER. culture. H.R. 5954: Mr. COSTELLO. H.R. 3157: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. H.R. 5971: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia and Mr. f H.R. 3232: Ms. NORTON, Mr. JOHNSON of GALLEGLY. Georgia, and Mr. BURGESS. H.R. 5976: Mr. SIRES. PRIVATE BILLS AND H.R. 3234: Mr. THORNBERRY. H.R. 5984: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. GALLEGLY, and RESOLUTIONS H.R. 3267: Mr. WEXLER, Mrs. LOWEY, and Mr. MANZULLO. Under clause 3 of rule XII, Mr. RODRIGUEZ. H.R. 6020: Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. LINDA T. H.R. 3289: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mr. PASTOR. Mrs. MALONEY of New York introduced a ROS-LEHTINEN, and Mr. MCDERMOTT. H.R. 6039: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mrs. bill (H.R. 6232) for the relief of Richard M. H.R. 3334: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California NAPOLITANO, and Mr. PASTOR. Barlow of Bozeman, Montana; which was re- and Mr. GOODLATTE. H.R. 6045: Ms. DEGETTE. ferred to the Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 3404: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. H.R. 6053: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. f H.R. 3423: Mr. CARSON. H.R. 6057: Mr. CARNAHAN and Mr. SESTAK. H.R. 3457: Mr. WHITFIELD of Kentucky. H.R. 6076: Mr. RANGEL, Mr. MCGOVERN, and ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3544: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. PASTOR. H.R. 3642: Mr. DAVIS of Illinois and Ms. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 6088: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. CLARKE. H.R. 6101: Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 3652: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. tions as follows: H.R. 6104: Mr. WU, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of H.R. 3797: Mr. ROTHMAN. Texas, Mr. GERLACH, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. H.R. 4007: Mr. CONYERS. H.R. 17: Mr. CARSON. WOOLSEY, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 4014: Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 154: Mr. WEXLER, Mr. WELCH of BACA, and Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 4015: Mr. HIGGINS. Vermont, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. H.R. 6107: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- H.R. 4016: Mr. HIGGINS. ORTIZ, and Mr. REGULA. ida, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. BONNER, Mr. H.R. 4026: Mr. HONDA. H.R. 367: Mr. SOUDER. EVERETT, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. H.R. 4065: Mr. CALVERT. H.R. 503: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. CAMP of Michigan, and Mr. FORBES. H.R. 4091: Mr. SNYDER. H.R. 670: Mr. KIRK. H.R. 6108: Mr. GINGREY, Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. H.R. 4093: Mrs. NAPOLITANO and Ms. LEE. H.R. 769: Mr. BURGESS. BOUSTANY, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, and Mr. H.R. 4113: Mr. MCDERMOTT. H.R. 780: Mr. CARSON. CAMP of Michigan. H.R. 4116: Mr. MCCOTTER. H.R. 821: Mr. WEXLER, Ms. SUTTON, and Mr. H.R. 6120: Mr. SESTAK. H.R. 4141: Ms. FALLIN and Mr. WITTMAN of DEFAZIO. Virginia. H.R. 6126: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 897: Mr. CARSON. H.R. 6136: Mr. BROUN of Georgia. H.R. 4229: Mr. CARSON. H.R. 898: Mr. SHAYS. H.R. 6140: Mr. GONZALEZ, Ms. KILPATRICK, H.R. 4231: Mr. CARSON. H.R. 971: Mr. REYNOLDS. and Mr. WOLF. H.R. 4264: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. H.R. 997: Mr. GALLEGLY. ERGER H.R. 4544: Mr. AKIN, Mr. COOPER, and Mr. H.R. 6146: Mr. H . H.R. 1014: Mr. RAMSTAD. H.R. 6189: Mrs. MUSGRAVE. CULBERSON. H.R. 1190: Mr. SERRANO. LUNT H.R. 4775: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. LOWEY, H.R. 6207: Mr. B . H.R. 1280: Ms. LEE. H.R. 6208: Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. CAPUANO, H.R. 1283: Ms. SPEIER. H.R. 6214: Mr. WALSH of New York and Mr. Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. MOORE of Kansas, and Mr. H.R. 1420: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. REYNOLDS. SESTAK. H.R. 1532: Ms. DEGETTE. H.J. Res. 39: Mr. ROSKAM. H.R. 4934: Mr. GUTIERREZ and Mr. CARSON. H.R. 1645: Ms. WATERS. ITTMAN H.R. 4935: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. H.J. Res. 89: Mr. W of Virginia, Mr. H.R. 1691: Ms. LEE. H.R. 4987: Mr. BROWN of South Carolina and DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. H.R. 1732: Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. LUCAS, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, H.R. 1738: Mr. HOLDEN. H.R. 5057: Mr. MCCOTTER. Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. DUNCAN, and Mr. LEWIS H.R. 1820: Mr. WEXLER. H.R. 5229: Mr. GOODLATTE. of Kentucky. H.R. 1841: Mr. ABERCROMBIE. H.R. 5466: Ms. HIRONO. H. Con. Res. 244: Mrs. BACHMANN. H.R. 1845: Mr. SESTAK. H.R. 5496: Mr. WAXMAN. H. Con. Res. 267: Mrs. BIGGERT. H.R. 1846: Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. H.R. 5575: Mr. HONDA. H. Con. Res. 332: Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- H.R. 1869: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. H.R. 5580: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. nesota and Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. H.R. 1932: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. H.R. 5590: Mr. MANZULLO and Mr. HONDA. H. Con. Res. 336: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. H.R. 1952: Mr. KUHL of New York. H.R. 5606: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H. Con. Res. 360: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. H.R. 2032: Mr. LIPINSKI. fornia. WOOLSEY, and Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. H.R. 2045: Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. H.R. 5646: Mr. DUNCAN. H. Con. Res. 361: Ms. LEE, Mr. KIRK, Ms. H.R. 2122: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut and H.R. 5705: Mr. SESTAK. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Ms. JACKSON-LEE Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. H.R. 5723: Mr. HODES. of Texas, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. H.R. 2205: Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of H.R. 5733: Mr. WALSH of New York. GENE GREEN of Texas, and Mr. BISHOP of New Florida. H.R. 5734: Mr. MCINTYRE, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN York. H.R. 2275: Mr. MANZULLO and Ms. WATSON. of California, and Mr. BERRY. H. Con. Res. 362: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan, H.R. 2279: Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. KUHL of New H.R. 5748: Mr. BURGESS. Mr. CANNON, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of York, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SMITH H.R. 5774: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. Florida, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. LAMBORN, of Nebraska, Mr. BONNER, Mr. COLE of Okla- SESTAK, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. Mr. DREIER, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. MCCOTTER, homa, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. BOUCHER. Mr. REICHERT, Mr. MEEK of Florida, Mr. MCHENRY, and Mr. CAMP of Michigan. H.R. 5782: Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. RAMSTAD, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. MILLER of North H.R. 2289: Mr. VAN HOLLEN and Mr. NEAL of H.R. 5793: Mr. HIGGINS and Mr. FRANKS of Carolina, Mr. BOREN, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. Massachusetts. Arizona. COHEN, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr.

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WESTMORELAND, Mr. BONNER, Mr. MICHAUD, H. Res. 1080: Mr. BACHUS. Florida, Mr. WEXLER, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mrs. Mr. SESTAK, Mr. DICKS, Mr. SMITH of New H. Res. 1159: Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. BARROW, JONES of Ohio, Mr. CLYBURN, Ms. CORRINE Jersey, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. GARY Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, and Mr. BROWN of Florida, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- G. MILLER of California, Mr. SMITH of Ne- COURTNEY. sissippi, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. braska, Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia, Mr. H. Res. 1191: Mr. KENNEDY. CASTOR, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. FARR, Mr. COSTA, LANGEVIN, Mr. RADANOVICH, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. H. Res. 1202: Mr. WU. Mr. CARSON, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. CONAWAY, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. REYNOLDS, H. Res. 1204: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. LAMPSON, and H. Res. 1230: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. Mr. MATHESON. fornia, Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, and Mr. CHABOT, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. WAX- H. Con. Res. 364: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. ALLEN. MAN, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Ms. JACKSON- H. Res. 1231: Ms. SUTTON, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. SESTAK. LEE of Texas, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. ISRAEL, Ms. ALTMIRE, and Mr. DONNELLY. H. Con. Res. 365: Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. POM- DELAURO, and Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. EROY, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. H. Res. 1232: Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. CAMP of Michigan, Mr. KIND, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. JEFFER- f MCDERMOTT, Mr. INSLEE, Ms. HOOLEY, Mrs. SON, and Mr. SHAYS. NAPOLITANO, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. H. Res. 1235: Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia and HINCHEY, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. Mr. JEFFERSON. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- H. Res. 1239: Mr. SAXTON and Mr. LINCOLN TANNER, Mr. CLAY, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- DIAZ-BALART of Florida. ARCURI, and Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H. Con. Res. 367: Mr. BURTON of Indiana, H. Res. 1242: Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. JEFFER- LEE, and Mr. HINCHEY. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or H. Res. 1245: Mr. HOLT, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of SON, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. statements on congressional earmarks, Texas, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Ms. MCCOLLUM ROSKAM, Mr. GORDON, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff of Minnesota, and Ms. WOOLSEY. Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. MILLER of H. Res. 1246: Mr. FARR, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, benefits were submitted as follows: North Carolina, Mr. BOUCHER, Mr. BARTLETT Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. BRADY of The amendment to be offered by Rep- of Maryland, and Mr. DICKS. resentative BART GORDON or a designee to H. Res. 333: Mr. WEXLER. Pennsylvania, and Mr. PAYNE. H. Res. 758: Mr. SHADEGG. H. Res. 1248: Mr. HERGER. H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and H. Res. 881: Mr. COHEN, Mr. GOODE, Ms. H. Res. 1249: Mr. NADLER, Ms. ROS- Space Administration Authorization Act of FALLIN, and Mr. JONES of North Carolina. LEHTINEN, Mr. KAGEN, Mr. BOREN, Mr. 2008, does not contain any congressional ear- H. Res. 937: Mr. MCCOTTER. CARNAHAN, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. marks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff H. Res. 1008: Mr. SHAYS and Ms. BORDALLO. OLVER, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) H. Res. 1078: Mrs. Davis of California. ROTHMAN, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. MAHONEY of of rule XXI.

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Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008 No. 95 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was ator from the State of Montana, to perform have done that on a number of occa- called to order by the Honorable JON the duties of the Chair. sions recently—and the need for the TESTER, a Senator from the State of ROBERT C. BYRD, Senate to pass the Consumer-First En- President pro tempore. Montana. ergy Act. That will be the first vote we Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the will have. PRAYER chair as Acting President pro tempore. When I came to the Senate floor Fri- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f day, we had already had a very difficult fered the following prayer: RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY day. We got up and saw in the news- Let us pray. LEADER ‘‘God of our fathers, whose almighty paper that day that the market had The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- crashed and gas prices were spiraling hand leads forth in beauty, all the star- pore. The majority leader is recog- up to $132 a barrel. There were other ry band of shining worlds and splendor nized. through the skies, our grateful songs things that were not good from an eco- f before Your throne arise.’’ nomic perspective. I did not have any Lord, give the Members of this body SCHEDULE idea that the price of oil would go up to Your special grace. The responsibility Mr. REID. Mr. President, following almost $140 a barrel. Actually, it did they face is difficult and daunting. Let my remarks and those of Senator that during the remarks I was making. Your light and truth infuse this place MCCONNELL, if he chooses to make The massive spike in oil prices we today, and may our lawmakers depend some, the Senate will resume consider- saw on Friday and the corresponding completely upon Your transcendent ation of the motion to proceed to S. wisdom. Use them as children of light 3044, the Consumer-First Energy Act. 400-point drop in the Dow only com- and heirs of Your everlasting inherit- There will then be 1 hour for debate pounded the crisis that has been grow- ance. May their lives ever praise Your prior to a series of 5 rollcall votes. The ing for months and even years. When wonderful and Holy Name. In the Name first vote in the series will be a cloture President Bush took office, a barrel of of Him who is perfect justice and un- vote on the motion to proceed to the oil cost $32 and a gallon of gasoline limited compassion. Amen. Consumer-First Energy Act. If cloture cost less than $1.50. Of course, now, the f is not invoked on the motion to pro- average price in our country is more ceed, the Senate will proceed to a clo- than $4 a gallon, for the first time in PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ture vote on the motion to proceed to the history of our country. H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and The Honorable JON TESTER led the The President took us to war—a war Job Creation Act. Following that vote, Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: of choice—and Vice President CHENEY I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the or votes, there will be up to 10 minutes for debate under the control of Sen- invited oil executives to the White United States of America, and to the Repub- House to secretly write our national lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ators LEAHY and SPECTER prior to a se- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ries of up to three rollcall votes on the energy legislation. It was secret, so confirmation of three district court people went to court—it went all the f judges. way to the Supreme Court—to try to APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ORDER OF PROCEDURE find out whom he met with, what he PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- talked about, and what arrangements The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sent that the time Senator MCCONNELL he made with the big oil companies. He clerk will please read a communication and I use not be charged against the 1 was able to keep it secret. It is still se- to the Senate from the President pro hour precloture time so that there will cret. All we know is that the oil com- tempore (Mr. BYRD). be a full hour of debate on the issue re- panies made $250 billion in net profit The legislative clerk read the fol- lating to gas prices. last year. So we have a pretty good The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- lowing letter: idea what went on in the White House. pore. Without objection, it is so or- U.S. SENATE, They never asked the oil executives, dered. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, obviously, to build new refineries or to Washington, DC, June 10, 2008. f invest in clean, renewable alternative To the Senate: CONSUMER-FIRST ENERGY ACT Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, fuels. They apparently failed to con- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby Mr. REID. Mr. President, last Friday, sider the national security implica- appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- I spoke of the high energy prices—I tions of our addiction to oil and never

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

S5397

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.000 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 asked the oil companies to invest in tinue to feed our addiction to oil. Some This legislation, I acknowledge, is clean energy. Republicans propose drilling in ANWR, not a silver bullet that will solve the You can take all the oil in the but experts agree that we cannot drill energy crisis, but it will take a nip out world—100 percent of it—and you can our way out of this crisis. The ANWR of it. After 71⁄2 years of the Bush-Che- add in ANWR and all of the offshore we thing won’t pass. It has been decided ney energy policy, there are no quick have in America today, and we have that is not something we need to do. fixes. The road ahead won’t be easy. less than 3 percent of the oil in the Last week, Republicans took to the This is a start to help lower prices and world. We cannot produce our way out floor and talked about high gas prices. to help working families make ends of the problems we have. Can we do We got their memo saying they want meet. It is one small step on a long and more with production? Of course. That this global warming thing to be ‘‘global uphill road to a cleaner, more afford- is the reason Democrats led the charge warming and gas prices.’’ When they able energy future and to restoring the last year to bring into fruition more had the chance to vote on that, they affordability of the American dream to drilling off the coast of Louisiana and walked away from it. Mr. President, families all over our country. Mississippi. they have the opportunity today to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- We know we have to do something to vote to bring us to the point where we pore. The Republican leader is recog- wean ourselves from the 21 million bar- can start legislating on gas prices. I nized. hope their rhetoric last week is an in- rels of oil we use every day—and 65 per- f cent of that we import. But the Bush dication that they are going to allow administration has failed to address us to proceed. WINDFALL PROFITS TAX these concerns. Sadly, the Republican This morning, we will vote to invoke Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, Members of Congress stood by his side cloture so we can move to pass the over the weekend, as we all know, the cheering him on and cheering on the Consumer-First Energy Act. They have average U.S. gas prices hit an alltime oil companies to make more money. blocked this responsible legislation, or high of more than $4 a gallon. I only The American people are suffering something similar to it, in the past. point this out because it seems our the consequences of the Bush adminis- Maybe this time it will be different. friends on the other side aren’t aware tration’s recklessness. As we speak, Observers have said that now that of it. In the middle of what some are our airlines are on the verge of bank- gas is over $4 per gallon, it might be a calling the biggest energy shock in a ruptcy. What they have made a deci- tipping point for the American people. generation, they seem baffled. Faced sion on last week—even though the air- I hope it will be a tipping point for the with a national outrage over gas planes were filled with passengers—is Republicans in the Senate. We have prices, they propose as a solution, of SUVs that are now not being bought, they have cut 20 percent of the flights all things, a windfall profits tax. If the which are manufactured by our manu- around the country. Why? Because idea had any merit at all, Republicans facturers. We have hybrids coming into with every airplane load of passengers would consider it. But, of course, it being, and that is good. Some people they haul, they lose money. They want doesn’t. are abandoning their SUVs and cars— to have airplanes that use less fuel, so We know from experience that because they have no alternative—for even though the airlines are filled with Jimmy Carter tried a tax hike in 1980, public transportation. In States such passengers, they are saying they are as Montana or Nevada, where you have and it was a miserable failure. The Congressional Research Service losing more money at that airline that large areas of rural roads, people have says its only effect—its only effect— is going to Missoula, MT, or Kansas to drive. There is no public transpor- was to depress domestic production, City, and therefore they are going to tation available. So public transpor- stop the flight—even though it is full— tation is not an option for everybody, thus significantly increasing our reli- because that airline used more fuel especially Americans living in rural ance on foreign oil and, in the end, less than one taking somebody the same areas and commuting long distances— domestic production led to signifi- distance to someplace else. That areas not served by public transpor- cantly less revenue from the tax that sounds pretty crazy, but the airline in- tation. No matter where we live or was expected. The same thing, of dustry is on the verge of not being able what our transportation options are, course, would happen again. to continue. We cannot compete at this we all deserve a cleaner, safer, more af- The biggest hit would not be to the stage with the European airline indus- fordable future. energy companies, it would be to the try. Here, we pay $1.40 for a gallon of Following the lead of the American American consumer who now dreads aviation fuel; they pay 75 to 80 cents people, perhaps Republican Senators pulling his or her car into the gas sta- there. We cannot compete. The cost of have reached their own tipping point tion. Hitting the gas companies might fuel is exceeding half of the cost of an and are now ready to embrace change make for good campaign literature or airline, and they simply cannot make with us. We hope so. The choice today evening news clips, but it will not ad- it. is simple: They can continue to stand dress the problem. This bill is not a se- It wasn’t until Democrats won the with the Bush-Cheney administration rious response to high gas prices. It is majority that we finally were able to and the modern-day oil barons or they just a gimmick. Don’t take my word pass an energy bill last year that did can join us on the side of the strug- for it. The Democrats themselves said some things. For the first time in 30 gling American families who deserve as much when their leadership pro- years, we increased the fuel economy better. posed this sham solution last month. standards and did a little bit to pro- I urge all of my colleagues—Demo- Americans have lost patience with mote clean, American-made alter- crats and Republicans—to support al- Democratic inaction on gas prices. native fuels. We continued offering re- lowing us to proceed on this legisla- Americans understand supply and de- sponsible solutions to reverse the en- tion. This is responsible legislation. We mand. They know the only way to ergy crisis—and there is an energy will end billions of dollars of tax drive prices down is to drive production cries. breaks for these huge oil companies up at home by reducing demand All this time, out there every day, we and executives who have been hauling through the kind of sensible action we have the Sun shining, the wind blow- in record salaries while the profits of took last year on fuel efficiency and re- ing, and steam coming from the Earth, the companies are skyrocketing. Sec- newable fuels. With gas now at $4 a gal- and we are doing nothing to capture ond, we force the oil companies in this lon, recent polls show that an increas- that—virtually nothing. Why? Because legislation to do their part by investing number of Americans are calling on we cannot get our Republican col- ing some of their profits in clean, af- us to exercise the option of exploring leagues to join us in passing tax incen- fordable alternative energy. We protect for energy at home. tives to allow the great entrepreneurial the American people from price What is the Democratic response to spirit of America to invest in renew- gouging. We stand up to OPEC and all this? Last week, the majority pro- able fuels. We want to reverse the en- countries that are colluding together posed a climate change tax that would ergy cries. Yet our Republican col- to keep oil prices high. We look at have raised gas prices $1.40 a gallon leagues inexplicably are refusing to these margins. Many people believe the higher than they already are. They are work with us and prefer to simply con- high cost of oil is sheer speculation. hoping the idea of going after energy

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.001 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5399 companies will create the illusion of Just last month, 48 Democrats Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, will action, after a week in which they blocked consideration of our energy the Senator yield? themselves fought for a bill that would supply bill. Last week, they blocked Mr. SCHUMER. I will be happy to make the problem worse. What a polit- consideration of an amendment I spon- yield to the Senator from New Mexico. ical charade. sored that would have prevented the Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask This bill is not a serious approach to increase in gas taxes that the Boxer unanimous consent that Senator lowering gas prices. Our friends pro- climate tax bill would have caused. HUTCHISON be the leadoff speaker and posed the same one last month. It went Now, 2 days after we have seen the she be allowed 7 minutes, and that I nowhere. They didn’t even bring it up highest recorded gas price in history, follow her with 15 minutes, and then because their own committee chairman they are proposing an idea that has al- we will see where it goes from there. opposed it. The Democratic chairman ready failed once and which will do The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of the Energy and Natural Resources nothing to ease the pain Americans are pore. Without objection, it is so or- Committee, the junior Senator from feeling at the pump. dered. Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, we all New Mexico, called the windfall profits Our friends on the other side have no know that gas prices and the high price tax ‘‘arbitrary.’’ The senior Senator serious plan to address gas prices. They of oil and all oil products is the No. 1 from New York cautioned that another have demonstrated this in the past, issue in America. Everywhere we go— key provision of the bill would drive and they are demonstrating it today. Legion halls, parades, weddings—this is jobs overseas. Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal all people bring up, and they demand If the Democrats themselves don’t highlighted the kind of situation that like the bill and oppose its provisions, action. has become typical over the past sev- Today, we in the Democratic major- why are they reviving it? eral months. In a story about high gas ity are stepping to the plate with two Democrats will claim this bill will prices, the Journal quoted a self-em- comprehensive bills—one dealing im- bring gas prices down, but in doing so ployed handy man in Dallas who is mediately with the issue of gas prices they are counting on Americans to for- paying twice as much money to fill his and the oil companies and the specula- get a basic law of economics: raising tank than he did a few years ago. This tion in the market and the second deal- taxes on those who produce something is what he had to say: ing with changing our tax policies so leads to an increase in the price of I feel like I am being held at knifepoint. If that we encourage alternative fuels. products they sell. This was true in they charge $10 a gallon, I’m going to pay it. We are stepping to the plate because Adam Smith’s pin factory. It is true for It is time we got serious about help- we know the problem America faces: energy companies today. More taxes ing guys such as this. It is time we did $4-a-gallon gasoline. That is 267 percent mean higher prices. something about supply to go along higher than it was when President The rational response to high gas with our previous efforts to affect de- Bush took office in 2001. And we cannot prices is to propose a policy that would mand. But as long as our friends on the pass any legislation? actually lower them, and that is what other side refuse, we will get nowhere We want to debate this legislation Republicans have done. Last month, we in this debate, and that is why gas now. We have our ideas. The other side proposed a bill that would allow us to prices have gone up $1.71 since the has its ideas. But we wish to move for- access the 14 billion barrels of known Democrats took over Congress. ward and debate the issue and finally recoverable oil on the Outer Conti- I will vote against proceeding to this get something done, and the other side, nental Shelf in an environmentally totally irresponsible bill and advise my the minority leader said vote no. He is sensitive way. We have also tried to colleagues to do the same. telling the American people that he open the Arctic National Wildlife Ref- Mr. President, I yield the floor. and his party want to do nothing. They uge for very limited and safe explo- don’t even want to debate it. That is an ration. We have been blocked by our f incredible statement at a time when friends on the other side at every turn. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME America is crying out for action. When Bill Clinton first vetoed the The bottom line is, we have had a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- idea in 1995, the price at the pump was White House, we have had a Republican pore. Under the previous order, the $1.06 a gallon. Gas costs nearly four minority that has taken zero proactive leadership time is reserved. times as much as it did then. How high steps to reduce our dependence on for- does it have to go before our friends on f eign oil for 7 years. If it wasn’t for this the other side allow limited and envi- CONSUMER-FIRST ENERGY ACT OF new Democratic Congress to pass along ronmentally sensitive exploration of an overdue small increase in fuel effi- 2008—MOTION TO PROCEED these giant U.S. reserves? Evidently, $4 ciency standards, President Bush a gallon isn’t high enough for them. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- would leave the White House with a So, Mr. President, we have a better pore. Under the previous order, the record he would consider spotless, com- plan for addressing gas prices, one that Senate will resume the motion to pro- mitting no sins against big oil or respects the laws of supply and de- ceed to S. 3044, which the clerk will re- against OPEC. mand. In addition to the two provisions port. We on this side are not afraid to go I already mentioned, our bill mandates The assistant legislative clerk read after big oil when they are not doing that billions of coal-derived fuels be as follows: the right thing, and we are not afraid produced through clean coal tech- Motion to proceed to S. 3044, a bill to pro- to go after OPEC because they are a nologies as a way of further reducing vide energy price relief and hold oil compa- cartel that squeezes us. We are not our dependence on foreign sources of nies and other entities accountable for their afraid to do some strong, tough things oil. actions with regard to high energy prices, that will, some in the short run and Our bill repeals the 1-year morato- and for other purposes. some in the longer run, bring down the rium on oil shale production in Colo- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- price, the all-too-high price of gasoline. rado, Wyoming, and Utah, and it would pore. The Senator from New York. We are hurting as a country. We are accelerate the construction of refin- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, as I hurting individually as Americans. We eries in the United States, as well as understand it, there is 1 hour divided are hurting as an economy, as people development of advanced batteries for equally. do not have the ability to spend on plug-in hybrid vehicles. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- other things. We are hurting in our for- Republicans are determined to lower pore. There is 40 minutes divided equal- eign policy as every day we send over gas prices the only way we can and ly. $1 billion to people we do not like, such strengthen our energy security for the Mr. SCHUMER. And the addition of as leaders of Iran, Venezuela, and other long term—by increasing supply. We leader time. I ask that I be given 71⁄2 places. And we are hurting as a globe have tried to do so repeatedly, and minutes of our time. as we continue to send carbon dioxide every time we have tried we have been The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- into the air. And the other side says: blocked by our friends on the other pore. Without objection, it is so or- Do nothing. Don’t even debate the side. dered. issue.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.003 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 I have heard some people talk about native energy. That is not too much to Our plan also creates a State option, some things on that side. What about ask of ExxonMobil or of Chevron, Tex- so States will have the ability to ex- ANWR, Alaskan oil, which was de- aco, or any of these newly merged oil plore off their Outer Continental Shelf feated in a bipartisan way a while ago? firms. It will not do all the things my and get a reward for it, get a royalty. We will debate ANWR. Nobody thinks colleague from Kentucky said but in- That could produce as much as we im- it is going to do anything for 7 years. I, stead will force the oil companies that port from Venezuela, and that is a for one, and many of us on this side are not sacrosanct to start doing some- modest suggestion of what we might be supported drilling in the east gulf. It is thing to help get us out of this mess in- able to get. It could be much more. beginning to happen because it would stead of just profiting from it. ANWR. Senator REID said: Forget produce more oil and gas more quickly I yield the floor. ANWR, we are not going to do that. It and do something about the price. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- is not going to pass here. Well, no, it is So we are not against any domestic pore. The Senator from Texas. not going to pass. As long as we have oil production or exploration or gas Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, the no leadership from the majority in the production or exploration if it is going bill before us is, pure and simple, a pa- Senate, it would not pass. But it did to make some sense. But we cannot thetic attempt to even call itself an en- pass. It did pass in 1995. If President drill our way out of the problem. If we ergy plan. The American people are Clinton hadn’t vetoed it, we would be do not do conservation, if we do not do looking for leadership from the Con- pumping almost the same amount of alternative energy, and if we do not gress. They are looking for something oil that we import from Saudi Arabia tell the big oil companies they can no that will help small businesses not be every day, and we would not have $4-a- longer run energy policy in America, eaten up with energy costs, the Amer- gallon gasoline at the pump for hard- ican family not be eaten up with the we will not succeed; plain and simple. working Americans. So it can pass cost of gasoline at the pump, and what We are finally telling them. with leadership. There are many provisions in this do they get in response? They get a bill We are talking about ANWR. In an bill, but there are four major provi- that does not produce one ounce of en- area the size of the State of South ergy. Not one ounce. sions. One goes after OPEC, one goes Carolina, the area that would be drilled This bill does three things: It enacts after speculation, but the one that I is 2,000 acres, the size of Washington a windfall profits tax, it suggests that National Airport. It is a grassy plain. helped write, along with the chairman we sue OPEC, and it forms a commis- It gets to 70 degrees below zero in the of the Finance Committee, goes after sion to investigate price gouging. What wintertime. It is not part of the beau- the windfall profits of oil companies. the American people are looking for is tiful, pristine wilderness of ANWR. Yet They are making record profits, and we lower gasoline prices at the pump and it could bring gasoline prices down at say take some of those record profits lower electricity costs in their small the pump. Oil shale in Colorado and and require them to be placed into al- businesses. ternative energy. The Republican plan that was put Wyoming. We have a balanced ap- When the head of ExxonMobil came forward so well by Senator DOMENICI, proach that will produce energy. before the Judiciary Committee a cou- the ranking member of the Energy What does the bill before us do ple of years ago, he said he didn’t be- Committee, is a balanced plan that will today? Well, let us talk about the lieve in alternative energy. Well, most produce results. What it does is what windfall profits tax. In 1980, Congress Americans do. And unlike my col- we have done in America for the last passed one. What happened? It in- leagues on the other side of the aisle, 200 years when we had a problem and creased imports, it increased our reli- we don’t believe ExxonMobil should that is use our ingenuity, use our nat- ance on foreign oil for our energy dictate our energy policy. They are ural resources, use our creativity, and needs, and it made America more reli- doing great, but we, the American peo- come together to meet and beat our ant on foreign sources of energy for our ple, are not. problems. That is what the Domenici country. That is wrong for our national If you want to get immediate produc- plan does. security, and it is wrong for our econ- tion, do something about Saudi Arabia. We have passed legislation that gives omy. It exported jobs overseas. It was They could in a minute increase supply incentives for renewable energy—wind such an abject failure that Congress re- by 1 million, 2 million barrels a day. energy and solar power—and those are pealed it. Why would we be going back- This is not Alaska. A lot of people on great things. They are small, but they ward to something that has been prov- the far right are saying: How can Schu- are great things. We wish to continue en to take jobs from America and in- mer say increase Saudi production that. We wish to promote conservation, crease our dependence on foreign when he is not for Alaska production? which we have done in past Energy sources? Hello. One would pump oil into the sys- bills. We wish to also expand nuclear OPEC. They say OPEC should be in- tem immediately and do something im- power. We haven’t had a nuclear power- creasing its output. This is ludicrous. mediately if we could force the Saudis plant open in this country in 25 years. First, it ignores that OPEC could re- to do it. Some of us advocate not giv- So the Energy bill we passed under taliate; that they are not going to ing them arms until they do. One Senator DOMENICI’s leadership does abide by American law. At the same would take 7 years and, by many esti- have incentives for investment in nu- time the Democrats are saying we mates, not do much to change the price clear power because we know it can be should sue OPEC for not producing because it is so long into the future. done clean, it can be done efficiently, more, they do not pass anything that It is appalling. I am profoundly sur- and it will bring down the cost of elec- would produce more of our own energy prised by the other side seeking to tricity. in our own country. Does anyone think block this bill. I ask my colleagues to We have expansion of refineries in OPEC is going to think that is a cred- support it. the bill that was passed 2 years ago, ible position for the Congress to take? Might I ask the Chair how much time again under the leadership of Senator Yet that is the position that is in the I have? DOMENICI. We have to have expanded bill before us today. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- refineries because the problem in this It is almost laughable that every pro- pore. The Senator has 10 seconds. country today is we don’t have enough posal we put forward that would in- Mr. SCHUMER. I ask unanimous con- supply. Our refineries are running at crease our output is defeated by Con- sent for 30 additional seconds. full capacity, but we have not had ex- gress. Yet they want to sue OPEC for The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pansion of our refineries because the not increasing their supply. You can- pore. Without objection, it is so or- regulatory environment has kept any not have it both ways. We don’t want dered. sound management and business plan to drill here, but we want to drill Mr. SCHUMER. The windfall profits from being operative for an expanded there. It is the old ‘‘you do it, we will tax part of this bill, which I helped facility. But we did pass legislation to talk about it’’ mentality that will not write, is a different windfall profits expand facilities, again with environ- work. tax. It says when the level of profit- mental safeguards to do it right and What about forming another commis- ability is very high, take that money expand the amount of energy we would sion to investigate price gouging? We and require that it be used for alter- have in our country. have had commissions on price

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.004 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5401 gouging, and they have turned up noth- profit, but they should not be allowed doesn’t produce one ounce of energy. ing. This is a bad bill. We should reject to rip off the American people at the Clearly, the American people are look- it, and we should look for leadership, gas pump, and that is why we need to ing to us to see how we can suggest bipartisan leadership, to solve this pass a windfall profits tax, which is in- that the price of oil might be stabilized problem with our ingenuity. cluded in this legislation. or brought down. I yield floor. We should understand that a windfall We are told by most experts we are The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- profits tax alone is not going to solve going to be using crude oil for 30 or 40 pore. The Senator from Vermont. all our problems. Since 1988, the oil and years to come, and we call that the Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask gas industry has spent over $616 mil- bridge, the bridge between now and the unanimous consent for 5 minutes from lion on lobbying, and since 1990, they future, where we are going to have to the Democratic side. have made over $213 million in cam- use crude oil. If we are going to have to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- paign contributions. In other words, if use crude oil, then America should pore. The Senator is recognized. this Congress is going to stand up to look to itself and see where and how Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, do we the oil companies, it is going to take a can we produce oil that belongs to us need a windfall profits tax? You bet we lot of courage. These people have enor- so this bridge, this 30 or 40 years when do. The American people are sick and mous power, and they have spent an we are going to have to use crude oil to tired of paying $4 for a gallon of gas. In enormous amount of money on lob- get by, that we will have as much of the Northeast, we are worried about bying and campaign contributions. But ours as possible. how people are going to stay warm in I think we owe it to the American peo- It is a shame the majority party in the Senate is not looking to American the winter, while at the same time ple to represent their interests rather resources, does not have a bill, will not ExxonMobil has made more profits than just the interests of big money. than any company in the history of the Imposing a windfall profits tax is not let us vote on a bill, will not let us world for the past 2 consecutive years, the only thing we should be doing. We amend a bill that would produce more energy from the coastal waters off the making $42 billion last year alone. must address the growing reality that shores of the United States, upon But ExxonMobil is not alone. In the Wall Street investment banks, such as which we have put a moratorium. That first quarter of this year, BP an- Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and moratorium says we cannot drill. Ev- nounced a 63-percent increase in their JPMorgan Chase, and many hedge fund erybody knows there are literally bil- profits. Shell’s first-quarter profits companies as well, are driving up the lions of barrels of oil that belong to us. jumped by 25 percent, to over $9 billion, price of oil in the unregulated energy We could do whatever we would like. and ConocoPhillips’ profits increased futures market. There are estimates We could say 50 miles out is where we by over 16 percent in the first quarter, that 25 to 50 percent of the $134-a-bar- start, so it will harm no one, but let’s to over $4 billion. As a matter of fact, rel cost of oil is attributable not to open it and explore for American oil the five largest oil companies in this supply and demand, not to the cost of where there is an abundance. country have made over $600 billion in production, not to the decline in the profits since George W. Bush has been In addition, let’s go ahead and con- dollar but to the unregulated specula- vert coal to crude oil, coal to diesel. President. Do we need a windfall prof- tion which is currently taking place on its tax? You bet we do. We know how to do that. Let’s get on oil futures. That is an issue we must with it so we can send the right signal Let me say a word about what some address as well, and this legislation be- of these oil companies are doing with to the world. gins to do that. Let’s take the moratorium off oil these outrageous profits. In 2005, Lee Mr. President, I yield the floor. Raymond, the former CEO of shale and get on with a 5- or 10-year The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- program to produce oil from those ExxonMobil, received a total retire- pore. Who yields time? properties that belong to Americans ment package of at least $398 million. Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, Par- that are laden with oil and are in the Yes, you heard that right, $398 million liamentary inquiry: How much time re- States of Colorado, Utah, and Wyo- in a retirement package for the former mains and who has time before the ming. CEO of ExxonMobil. But he is not vote? That is what we are looking for, not alone. Let us not just pick on The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- a bill that attempts to levy a windfall ExxonMobil. In 2006, Ray Irani, the pore. The Senator has secured 15 min- profits tax which everybody associated CEO of Occidental Petroleum, received utes for his own use, which would con- with that tax—including those who over $400 million in total compensa- sume all the minority’s time at this helped put it on during the regime of tion. Oh, yes, we don’t need to do a point, except for the leader’s balance of President Carter—now comes over and windfall profits tax. These guys are that time. joins us, saying: Don’t do that. It will just investing their money ever so sig- Mr. DOMENICI. So that means I do nothing but raise the price of crude nificantly. would use the remaining time, and oil. The situation is so absurd and the there would be no time for anyone else Why do we want to pass a tax in- greed is so outrageous that oil com- before the first vote? creasing the cost of crude oil when the pany executives are not only giving The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- American people are asking us to do themselves huge compensation pack- pore. The majority still has 7 minutes. the opposite? The majority here in the ages in their lifetimes, but they have Mr. DOMENICI. That was my ques- Senate believes the major oil compa- created a situation, if you can believe tion. I didn’t pose it right. nies—there are not very many left that it, where they have carved out huge The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- are American oil companies. There are corporate payouts to their heirs if they pore. Plus, the majority leader or his just a few of them left, and all the rest die in office. I am not making this up. designee’s time. of the oil is owned by countries—not According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I companies, by countries. They own it. the family of Ray Irani, the CEO of Oc- yield myself 10 minutes and see how it We have five or six American compa- cidental Petroleum, will get over $115 works out. The Senator from Pennsyl- nies. We ought to be grateful we have million if he dies while he is the CEO. vania wanted some of my time. I don’t them. They are the only ones out there The family of the CEO of Neighbors In- know if I have enough to give him, but capable of competing with these coun- dustries, another oil company, will re- I will try, and I thank him for coming tries to get oil and produce more. Yet ceive $288 million if he dies while he is down so early in the morning. the Democrats would like to make life the CEO. First of all, let me say to my fellow onerous for those companies, would If this were not so pathetic, if so Senators but most of all to the Amer- like to make it harder for them to many people all over our country were ican people that the Senate has a bill produce oil, and try to let the Amer- not hurting, it would be funny. But it before us today we will call the Reid ican people think that if we tax them is not funny, it is tragic, and we have bill, named after the majority leader, enough, somehow or another that will to deal with this reality. Let me be and I think it deserves a simple little produce more oil. clear, however. I believe oil companies nickname. It should be the Democratic From my standpoint, this is a very should be allowed to make a reasonable Party’s ‘‘No Energy Energy bill.’’ It simple debate. The Democrats have no

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.005 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 energy bill before us, in terms of pro- trust exemption for the OPEC coun- that I will soon discuss, but consumers ducing energy. So they have a ‘‘no en- tries, it is atrocious. A few of these need immediate help, and the Con- ergy’’ bill. We ought to say we don’t countries get together in a room, they sumer-First Energy Act will provide want to debate that because it doesn’t lower production, and that increases that relief. amount to anything. Then the House prices. That bill was passed by the Sen- The first thing the Democratic bill sent us a bill that imposes taxes. That ate with 70 votes. It has been passed by will do is make sure that our commod- is all it is. They impose taxes in order the House of Representatives. We ities markets are functioning fairly. to put on a kind of energy stimulus for ought to be taking that up separately. The supply and demand equation is wind and the like. They want to tax in If we took up these measures sepa- roughly the same as it was 2 years ago order to pay for it. We have never paid rately, we would have an opportunity and yet we have seen prices go through for it before. We have imposed those to give some relief to the American the roof. various incentives. They are good. We people. We all remember the damage Enron passed them 88 to 8 one time. We are Candidly, it is incomprehensible to did to our Nation’s economy by manip- for doing that again, but we are not for me why we are not taking up the cost ulating unregulated electricity mar- doing that in the manner suggested by of oil and the cost of gas at the pump, kets. The Consumer-First Energy Act the legislation from the House which to try to alleviate the pressure on the will make sure that oil is traded on came over here. It is our second vote. American people—and for that matter, well-regulated, transparent markets We ought to just say no to that and say worldwide. If we were to eliminate the which are free from manipulation. It we are ready to extend those tax cred- OPEC antitrust exemption—to which requires Commodities Futures Trading its and we are ready to do that in ex- they are not entitled; it is not a sov- Commission oversight, sensible margin actly the way we have done it before, ereign immunity issue, it is a commer- requirements, and standard participant with no taxes added to the American cial transaction—we have the author- disclosures. people or to anyone—just go ahead and ity to do that. One Federal judge has By making the oil futures market do those tax extenders, which we des- already upheld that approach. If we conform to usual standards and prac- perately need. worked on the approach, if we worked tices, we can combat excessive specula- Let me repeat. One of the most im- on what the traders are doing on specu- tion and insure that the markets are portant things we need is an extension lation, we would have some real effect. free from manipulation. of those tax extenders. We do not need We are not too busy to take up this The Consumer-First Energy Act also a tax bill that will pay for those ex- issue, aside from a few minutes on the makes sure that oil companies are not tenders because we have already done Senate floor. There is no reason it has taking advantage of American con- it without taxes. We ought to do that to be joined with what is obviously a sumers. The Bush energy policy was again, nice and clean and quick. That poison pill, where you talk about act- written by energy companies for en- would be a very good start toward an ing against the oil and gas industry to ergy companies. And while it has alternative energy policy or a continu- discourage exploration. We know ex- worked well for energy companies, it ation of one. ploration is vitally necessary, so I can- has completely failed the American Mr. President, I wish to yield 3 min- not support this legislation in its public. The major oil companies made utes to the distinguished Senator from present form, but it ought to be di- $124 billion in profits last year and will Pennsylvania at this point. vided. We ought to take up the anti- earn even higher profits this year. Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I trust exemption separately. Are the oil companies using these thank the distinguished Senator from We ought to move ahead on a matter enormous profits to give consumers a New Mexico. of pressing importance. There is noth- break at the pump? No. Are they using I have sought recognition to state ing more important for the American those profits to invest in new refineries my reasons for opposing the motion to people, for the people of the world. I or develop alternative fuels? No. De- proceed to cloture because this bill has urge the majority leader, who sets the spite what my friends on the other side too many facets. It was my hope that schedule, to reconsider and separate of the aisle might claim, big oil is not the majority leader would have sepa- these bill so we can act in a meaningful looking out for the American driver. rated this bill into the component and important way. Big oil is looking out for itself. Our Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I parts. I cannot support legislation colleagues on the other side offer more yield the floor at this time. which would impede exploration for The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of the same. oil, which is what part of this bill is. pore. The Senator from New Jersey is Yet, despite the fact that big oil is But there are parts of this bill which recognized. doing all it can to reap record profits are very important, and they ought to Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, at the expense of our economy, big oil be taken up separately—for example, every day Americans are watching the is in line to receive over $17 billion in the legislation that defines and estab- price of oil and gas shoot up higher and tax breaks. lishes penalties for price gouging by higher, and are watching as it gets The Consumer-First Energy Act will the oil and gas industry. It increases harder and harder to make ends meet. fix this problem and make sure that regulation of oil futures markets, and This week, the national average price big oil is paying its fair share of taxes, it includes the provision to eliminate of gasoline broke the $4 per gallon and isn’t profiteering at the expense of the antitrust exemption for OPEC mark. When George Bush took office, American consumers. It includes a countries. gas cost just $1.46 a gallon. This dra- windfall profits tax which would raise It does not have to be said on the matic increase in oil prices has brought revenue to invest in sustainable, do- floor of the Senate that enormously se- prices for food up along with it, and mestic sources of energy and to provide rious problems exist today with the American families are faced with a relief to consumers suffering under price of oil and with the price of gaso- painful financial choice when it comes high energy prices. line at the pump. The newspapers are time to fill-up—do they fill up their gas We must act now to provide imme- full of it. It is an atrocious situation tank or do they forgo a gallon of gas to diate relief to American families. But that is happening, and we desperately buy a gallon of milk? in addition to relief and protections in- need relief. Businesses are cutting jobs. Families cluded in the Consumer-First Energy There are very substantial indicators have already eliminated nonessentials Act, we also need to think about what that a good bit of this problem is and are now cutting back on meals. we can do to reduce consumption and caused by price gouging. The legisla- Some Americans are even contem- rein in costs in the long term. tion ought to be separated out so that plating quitting their jobs because My friends on the other side of the we act on that. There are significant they can’t afford the gas to get there. aisle do not want to address this oil indicators that the oil futures market It has become painfully clear: We are crisis. Indeed, they want to exploit it is causing speculators to jack up the in an oil crisis. And we had better start to try to provide even more Govern- price of oil. There ought to be regula- taking action to get out of this mess. ment help for their big oil supporters. tion on that. We ought to take it up Fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, and They tell their constituents that the separately. When it comes to the anti- mass transit are the long-term answers answer to our oil addiction is to drill,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.007 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5403 drill, drill. But feeding the addiction seek more exploration and production The PRESIDING OFFICER. Yes. by tapping another vein just drills us of oil and gas in this country. Mr. DOMENICI. I want to try to raise into a deeper hole. Today, according to a recent Gallup a concept and see if we can get this The fact is that the world’s largest poll, 57 percent of Americans are seek- where more people would begin to dis- remaining oil reserves are in the hands ing more exploration and production of cuss this idea. In a hearing about 8 of foreign governments. That means it oil and gas here at home. I do not know days ago, a crude oil expert made the is difficult if not impossible for us to what percentage of Americans would statement that we would be using oil control our supply of oil. But the one like to see higher taxes, increased as a bridge to the future for more than thing we can control is our demand. In prices, and greater imports, but I sus- 30 years. Let me repeat. We will be the long term, we need to invest in al- pect it would be very low. But accord- using crude oil as a bridge to the future ternative energy, mass transit, and in- ing to the independent Congressional for more than 30 years, this expert creasing fuel efficiency. Research Service, that is what the peo- said, perhaps 40 years or more. While we work to make alternative ple will get if the Reid tax increase is That is kind of common sense. Crude fuel technologies more affordable we enacted into law. They will get exactly oil is used to make gasoline and things need to drastically improve fuel econ- what they do not want, because the bill such as gasoline, and those are used in omy. If we had increased fuel economy will raise taxes, increase imports, and the importation industry. We cannot a modest 2 percent per year since 1981, contribute to a pattern of sending more get rid of that quickly. our fleet would now average 34 miles than half a trillion dollars overseas to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- per gallon. This alone would have cut hostile regions. ator is now using leadership time. our demand for oil by 30 percent while I will oppose the motion to proceed Mr. DOMENICI. I will use 1 minute saving over 30 billion barrels of oil. 30 this morning. I wish to start by look- and then I will sit down. Let me repeat billion barrels of oil. According to the ing at the windfall profits tax con- so everybody will get this. For some- Energy Information Agency that is tained in this bill. The nonpartisan thing like 40 years, we will be using more than the proven oil reserves re- Congressional Research Service found crude oil, our own or others, because maining in the United States. It is a windfall profits tax could have sev- we cannot get rid of the current mode commendable that we finally raised eral adverse effects and could be ex- of transportation any quicker. Cars CAFE standards this year, but we are pected to reduce domestic oil produc- will be cars, and we will be using them going to have to make our vehicles a tion and increase the level of imports. because we cannot wean them off the lot more efficient to make up for lost This group is not alone in their esti- scene. As we move to a better era of a time. mate. The Wall Street Journal predicts better life where we do not have to use We also need tax incentives for hy- a windfall profit tax is a sure formula crude oil in our daily lives so much, we brids and plug-in hybrids, and need to ‘‘to keep the future price of gas high- will have to use the bridge which will support advanced battery research. er.’’ be crude oil. Once our transportation infrastructure It is not simply these two views that Now, why do I talk about this? I do can run on alternative fuels like elec- warn against a windfall profits tax. because it is important we understand tricity or cellulosic ethanol, consumers Former officials from both the Carter that if we have any cards, playing will finally have a choice. We will be and Clinton administrations have spo- poker, if we have any aces in our able to choose not to buy oil, and that ken. The Under Secretary of Commerce hands, we better go ahead and play will force gas prices back to Earth. in the Clinton administration recently them, and the aces are crude oil we The last, but perhaps most impor- said: might produce some way that is ours. tant, long-term solution to our current A new windfall profits tax, however emo- We ought to go ahead and play the oil crisis is an immediate and substan- tionally satisfying it may seem, also harms card. I submit that we do have a lot of most people saving for their retirement or tial investment in mass transit. More living on retirement savings. More than 40 aces. We have got a huge amount of people are taking commuter trains, percent of that cost would fall on tens of crude oil that is in the Outer Conti- buses, and even ferries now than in the millions of seniors and retirees who own oil nental Shelf that we ought to be ex- past 50 years. stock directly or indirectly through their ploring for forthwith. We ought to take For millions, having the option to pension plans and retirement accounts. the moratoria off and start at 50 miles use alternative transportation modes An individual named Phil Verleger, out across this land. If we did that and has been essential to getting to work the individual responsible for imple- sent that message for starters, it would affordably. It is time we finally fully menting the tax during the Carter be received in a terrific way. Take the funded mass transit at the level it de- years, recently called a windfall profits moratoria that were put in the bill serves. tax ‘‘a terrible idea today.’’ that has been referred to as the It is time for a real cure, not the There seems to be a consensus every- Domenici bill for production, and be- tired old policies of the past. This bill where that the windfall profits tax is a lieve it or not, we would send a signal gives the American people what they bad idea, except in the halls of Con- that America is coming back to life, need right now, to get through the im- gress and within the Chavez adminis- and during that bridge time we are mediate problem and start us down the tration in Venezuela. It is not only going to produce more oil on our own. path to real, sustainable, long-term so- conjecture that leads us to the conclu- Nothing will help us more in reduc- lutions to our energy crisis. sion that this is a bad idea but, rather, ing the price and cost to our consumers I hope our colleagues seize the mo- an understanding of history. Between than that idea we implemented. We ment, vote for the motion, and move us 1980 and 1986 when the last windfall must try to do it even if the Democrats to the type of relief Americans are profits tax was in place, domestic oil do not want us to. We have got to try looking for. production was reduced by as much as to force a vote so that people under- I yield the floor. 8 percent and our imports rose from 32 stand what we are trying to do. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. percent to 38 percent. Revenues for the I reserve the remainder of my time SANDERS). Who yields time? tax came in well below what was origi- and I yield the floor. The Senator from New Mexico. nally estimated, and the tax came to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is the Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, am I be called an administrative nightmare Senator seeking to preserve the lead- correct in assuming that I have 2 min- that stunted economic growth. It was a er’s time? utes, plus the leader’s time? bad idea then and it is a bad idea now, Mr. DOMENICI. Yes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and it should be rejected. About that I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ator is correct. am certain. objection? Mr. DOMENICI. I yield myself 5 min- How much time remains? Mrs. MCCASKILL. I object. utes and will reserve the remainder. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Mr. President, the American people ator has 1 minute 10 seconds remain- tion is heard. are clamoring for relief at the pump. In ing. Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I as- 1 year we have seen a 16-point increase Mr. DOMENICI. On the time I yielded sume the Chair is telling me that I can- in the percentage of Americans who to myself? not reserve any of the leader’s time, so

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.002 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5404 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 I can sit down and take it at a later That bill ought to be defeated, no ministration’s misguided program to time? question about it, because we ought to keep on filling the SPR despite record- The PRESIDING OFFICER. That re- pass it. We need the incentives, but we high prices—but more can and should quires consent. Consent was not grant- do not need the tax increases. We have be done. That is why I support enacted. The Senator has 4 minutes remain- done it without tax increases twice be- ment of the Consumer-First Energy ing. fore, and somehow or other the House Act now before us and will be voting Mr. DOMENICI. All right. I will use keeps getting it put in their head if for cloture on this bill. it now. they send it over here with other tax Last week the price of crude oil Now, Senators today should have increases, different ones, we will go for reached a record high price of about been—under anyone’s understanding of it. I think it is pretty clear we will not. $139 per barrel. Sky-high crude oil the dilemma we are in with the price of So it is an interesting day. Instead of prices have led to record highs in the oil scaring the American people to being here with some positive things price of other fuels produced from death, the amount of money we are we are going to do, we will be here de- crude oil, including gasoline, heating sending out of our country to meet our fending some old ideas that are not oil, diesel fuel, and jet fuel. The na- energy needs, it is going to reach $600 going to help one bit, and we are say- tional average price of gasoline is at a billion a year. With the escalating ing, let’s try them anyway. record high of just over $4 per gallon. price of crude oil, that is what it looks I yield the floor. The price of diesel fuel, which is nor- like next year. It will be what a full Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, day after mally less expensive than gasoline, has year will cost us, $600 billion. I would day record-high oil and gasoline prices soared to a record high of nearly $4.60 think with that in mind, there would are causing immense harm to millions per gallon. be on the floor of the Senate some real of American consumers and businesses. Rising energy prices increase the proposals by the Democratic leadership Unless something is done to make en- cost of getting to work and taking our children to school, traveling by car, and the majority party. ergy more affordable, these record-high truck, air and rail, and growing the Instead, what do we get? We get what prices will continue to damage our I call a ‘‘no-energy energy bill.’’ It is a food we eat and transporting it to mar- economy, increasing the prices of no-energy energy bill because it does ket. Rising energy prices increase the transportation, food, manufacturing, not produce an ounce of energy; it cost of producing the medicines we and everything in between. Sky- raises the cost instead of lowering the need for our health, heating our homes rocketing energy prices are a threat to cost of crude oil; it produces less rather and offices, generating electricity, and our economic and national security, than more crude oil. That is why there manufacturing countless industrial and and the time is long past for action. is nothing going on on the floor, be- consumer products. The relentless in- My Senate Permanent Subcommittee cause there is nothing exciting. The crease in jet fuel prices, which have on Investigations has conducted four Democrats have offered nothing. added nearly $75 billion to our airlines’ We are begging them to try some- separate investigations into how our annual fuel costs, has contributed to thing. We are begging them to try energy markets can be made to work airline bankruptcies, mergers, fare in- something that would produce more better. Most recently, last December, creases, and service cuts. ‘‘If fuel con- American oil or oil substitutes. We we had a joint hearing with the Senate tinues to go up, this industry cannot know what they are. The distinguished Energy Subcommittee on the role of survive in current form,’’ the president Senator from Colorado knows what speculation in rising energy prices. As of the Air Transport Association said they are. We know that offshore, deep- a result of these investigations and recently. Rising diesel prices have water exploration around the shores of hearings, I have been advocating a va- placed a crushing burden upon our Na- America could be put in effect by rais- riety of measures to address the ramp- tion’s truckers, farmers, manufacturing the moratorium, and we would ant speculation and lack of regulation ers, and other industries. To make have literally billions of reserves of oil of energy markets which have contrib- matters worse, our energy costs are and trillions of cubic feet of natural uted to sky high energy prices: rising much more quickly than energy gas readily made available. First, put a cop—a regulatory agen- costs in other countries, directly We need to take off the moratorium cy—back on the beat in the energy threatening our global competitive- that we put on ourselves, take it off markets to prevent excessive specula- ness. and say to the people: Let’s produce it. tion and manipulation. That includes In January 2001, when President Bush It would take a few years. But the sig- closing the Enron loophole and the took office, the price of oil was about nal would be positive. We would have London loophole and taking other $30 per barrel. The average price for a the oil shale in your State and Utah, steps to strengthen market oversight. gallon of gasoline was about $1.50. your sister State, if we said we are Second, develop alternatives to fossil Since President Bush took office, crude ready to set the final guidelines so the fuels to reduce our dependence on oil. oil prices have more than quadrupled, oil companies can invest. Someone Third, impose a windfall profits tax natural gas prices to heat our homes down here prior to my speech said the on oil companies that have profited have almost doubled, gasoline prices oil companies will not do anything to from the massive price runup and use have nearly tripled, and diesel fuel help. Yes, indeed they will. One of the money to help consumers, boost do- prices have more than tripled. them is investing $8.5 billion in oil mestic energy supplies, improve energy It doesn’t have to be this way. Just 7 shale and tar sands up in our neigh- technologies, and strengthen our en- years ago, at the end of the Clinton Ad- boring country of Canada. Some people ergy markets. ministration, energy supplies were think that is terrible, because they did One of the major causes of our energy plentiful, and gasoline and other forms not want them to produce that kind of crisis is the failed policies of the cur- of energy were affordable. Once the oil. But I do not think it is terrible, be- rent administration. The chickens have Bush administration took office, how- cause it eliminates the potential for come home to roost on 7 years of a ever, it didn’t take them long to elimi- gouging, for prices being too high. Be- business-as-usual energy policy, paired nate the budget surplus by cutting cause if you have these great inven- with fiscal and foreign policies that taxes mainly for the wealthiest among tories of resources and they are yours have pushed our growing energy prob- us, creating a huge annual budget def- and you can use them, you ameliorate lem close to a breaking point. Because icit, and driving up the national debt. the increasing price of oil, and we the administration has proved itself This fiscal mismanagement has con- ought to be doing that. unable and unwilling to take the nec- tributed significantly to a steep de- Instead of that, we are down here essary steps to provide affordable en- cline in the value of the dollar and talking about a second bill. The second ergy supplies to the American people, soaring commodity prices. Because bill is a bill passed by the House, sent it is up to the Congress to try to jump- American currency is worth less, it over here to us that is full of tax in- start a comprehensive solution to sky- takes more of them to buy the same creases to pay for a series of tax incen- rocketing energy prices. Congress al- barrel of oil. American consumers and tives that we should pass without the ready has taken two important steps businesses are forced to spend more tax increases. We have done it before, this year—we have closed the Enron and more of their hard-earned dollars we ought to do it. loophole and we have stopped the ad- to buy the same amount of energy.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.008 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5405 During the last years of the Clinton prices. The number of futures and op- taken as part of a comprehensive plan, administration, the United States ran tions contracts held by speculators has can combat rising energy prices. a budget surplus, totaling nearly $560 gone from around 100,000 contracts in As to reining in speculation, the first billion. But over the past 6 years of the 2001, which was 20 percent of the total step to take is to put a cop back on the Bush administration the annual defi- number of outstanding contracts, to 1.2 beat in all our energy markets to pre- cits have totaled nearly $1.7 trillion, million contracts currently held by vent excessive speculation, price ma- not counting the amount by which the speculators, which represents almost 40 nipulation, and trading abuses. In 2001, Bush administration has been draining percent of the outstanding futures and my Senate Permanent Subcommittee the Social Security and Medicare trust options contracts in oil on NYMEX . on Investigations began investigating funds. When this is counted, under this There are now 12 times as many spec- our energy markets. At the time, the administration the total outstanding ulative holdings as there was in 2001, price of a gallon of gasoline had spiked debt has increased by a whopping $3.2 while holdings of nonspeculative fu- upwards by about 25 cents over the trillion. tures and options are up but 3 times. course of the Memorial Day holiday. When President Clinton left office, Not surprisingly, this massive specu- We subpoenaed records from major oil the dollar was worth more than the lation that the price of oil will increase companies and interviewed oil industry Euro. In January 2001, it took only has, in fact, helped fuel the actual in- experts, gas station dealers, antitrust about 90 cents to buy one Euro. Today, crease in the price of oil to a level far experts, gasoline wholesalers and dis- it takes about $1.60 to buy one Euro— above the price that is justified by the tributors, and oil company executives. a record low for the dollar. The fall in traditional forces of supply and de- We examined thousands of prices at gas the value of the dollar is a result of a mand. stations in Michigan, Ohio, California, weakened U.S. economy, a high trade The president and CEO of Marathon and other States. In the spring of 2002, deficit and a worldwide lack of con- Oil recently said, ‘‘$100 oil isn’t justi- I released a 400-page report and held 2 fidence in the Bush administration’s fied by the physical demand in the days of hearings on the results of the ability to manage our Nation’s econ- market. It has to be speculation on the investigation. omy and foreign policy. futures market that is fueling this.’’ The investigation found that increas- As long as this administration con- Mr. Fadel Gheit, oil analyst for ing concentration in the gasoline refin- tinues to insist on irresponsible fiscal Oppenheimer and Company, describes ing industry, due to a large number of practices—including tax cuts for people the oil market as ‘‘a farce.’’ ‘‘The spec- recent mergers and acquisitions, was with the highest income and an open- ulators have seized control and it’s ba- one of the causes of the increasing ended conflict in Iraq that is costing sically a free-for-all, a global gambling number of gasoline price spikes. An- $12 billion a month—the dollar will hall, and it won’t shut down unless and other factor causing price spikes was likely continue to decline in value. The until responsible governments step in.’’ the increasing tendency of refiners to marketplace has rendered a clear ‘‘no In January of this year, as oil hit $100 keep lower inventories of gasoline. We confidence’’ in this administration’s barrel, Mr. Tim Evans, oil analyst for also found a number of instances in fiscal competence. Citigroup, wrote ‘‘the larger supply and which the increasing concentration in Besides the weak dollar, there are demand fundamentals do not support a the refining industry was also leading other factors at work that account for further rise and are, in fact, more con- to higher prices in general. Limitations soaring energy prices. Some are beyond sistent with lower price levels.’’ At the on the pipeline that brings gasoline our control; others we can do some- joint hearing on the effects of specula- into my home State of Michigan were thing about. In global markets, for ex- tion held by my subcommittee last De- another cause of price increases and ample, the combination of increasing cember, Dr. Edward Krapels, a finan- spikes in Michigan. The report rec- demand from developing countries, cial market analyst, testified, ‘‘Of ommended that the Federal Trade coupled with a variety of political course financial trading, speculation Commission carefully investigate pro- problems in supplier countries, has affects the price of oil because it af- posed mergers, particularly with re- contributed to price increases. Growing fects the price of everything we trade. spect to the effect of mergers on inven- demand for oil and gas in China, India, . . . It would be amazing if oil somehow tories of gasoline. and other developing countries is con- escaped this effect.’’ Dr. Krapels added The investigation discovered one in- tributing to an overall increase in glob- that as a result of this speculation, stance in which a major oil company al demand for crude oil. On the supply ‘‘There is a bubble in oil prices.’’ was considering ways to prevent other side, many oil producing countries are A fair price for a commodity is a refiners from supplying gasoline to the politically unstable and have not been price that accurately reflects the Midwest so that supply would be con- fully reliable suppliers. For example, in forces of supply and demand for the stricted and prices would increase. Nigeria, which is a major oil-producing commodity, not the trading strategies In March 2003, my subcommittee re- country, for several years tribal gangs of speculators who only are in the mar- leased a second report detailing how have been sabotaging production and ket to make a profit by the buying and the operation of crude oil markets af- pipelines. selling of paper contracts with no in- fects the price of not only gasoline but While we can’t do much about grow- tent to actually purchase, deliver, or also key commodities like home heating demand in China and India, other transfer the commodity. As we have all ing oil, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. The re- causes of high prices can be addressed. too often seen in recent years, when port warned that U.S. energy markets For example, one key factor in energy speculation grows so large that it has a were vulnerable to price manipulation price spikes is rampant speculation in major impact on the market, prices get due to a lack of comprehensive regula- the energy markets. Traders are trad- distorted and stop reflecting true sup- tion and market oversight. ing contracts for future delivery of oil ply and demand. Following this report, I worked with in record amounts, creating a paper de- Last month, Senator JACK REED and Senator FEINSTEIN on legislation to put mand that is driving up prices and in- I wrote a letter asking President Bush the cop back on the beat in those en- creasing price volatility solely to take to appoint a high-level task force to ergy markets that had been exempted a profit. Overall, the amount of trading evaluate how speculators are driving from regulation pursuant to an ‘‘Enron of futures and options in oil on the New up prices through manipulative or de- loophole’’ that was snuck into other York Mercantile Exchange has risen ceptive devices. The task force should legislation in December 2000. For 2 sixfold in recent years, from 500,000 also evaluate whether there are ade- years we attempted to close the Enron outstanding contracts in 2001, to about quate regulatory tools to control mar- loophole, but efforts to put the cop 3 million contracts now. ket speculation and prevent manipula- back on the beat in these markets were Much of this increase in trading of tion. Hopefully the President will act unsuccessful, due to opposition from futures has been due to speculation. quickly to convene this task force. the Bush administration, large energy Speculators in the oil market do not Excessive market speculation is a companies, and large financial institu- intend to use crude oil; instead they factor that we can and should do a bet- tions that trade energy commodities. buy and sell contracts for crude oil just ter job of controlling. There are other In June 2006, I released another Sub- to make a profit from the changing long overdue actions as well that, if committee report, ‘‘The Role of Market

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.022 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5406 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 Speculation in Rising Oil and Gas oversight. Once that process is com- in the United States. Specifically, the Prices: A Need to Put a Cop on the plete, the cop will be back on the beat CFTC, working with the United King- Beat.’’ This report found that the train those markets for the first time dom Financial Services Authority and ditional forces of supply and demand since 2000. the ICE Futures Europe exchange, an- no longer accounted for sustained price Closing the Enron loophole is vitally nounced that it will now obtain the fol- increases and price volatility in the oil important for energy market oversight lowing information about the trading and gasoline markets. The report de- as a whole, and for our natural gas of U.S. crude oil contracts on the Lon- termined that, in 2006, that a growing markets in particular, but it is not don exchange: number of energy trades occurred with- enough. Because over the last 2 years, Daily large trader reports on positions in out regulatory oversight and that mar- energy traders have moved a signifi- West Texas Intermediate or WTI contracts ket speculation had contributed to ris- cant amount of U.S. crude oil and gaso- traded on the London exchange; information ing oil and gasoline prices, perhaps ac- line trading to the United Kingdom, be- on those large trader positions for all futures counting for $20 out of a then-priced $70 yond the direct reach of U.S. regu- contracts, not just a limited set of contracts barrel of oil. lators, we have to address that second due to expire in the near future; enhanced The subcommittee report I released trader information to permit more detailed loophole too. I call it closing the Lon- identification of end users; improved data in June 2006 again recommended new don loophole. formatting to facilitate integration of the laws to increase market oversight and There are currently two key energy data with other CFTC data systems; and no- stop market manipulation and exces- commodity markets for U.S. crude oil tification to the CFTC of when a trader on sive speculation. I again coauthored and gasoline trading. The first is the ICE Futures Europe exceeds the position ac- legislation with Senator FEINSTEIN to New York Mercantile Exchange or countability levels established by NYMEX improve oversight of the unregulated NYMEX, located in New York City. for the trading of WTI crude oil contracts. energy markets. Once again, opposition The second is the ICE Futures Europe These new steps will strengthen the from the Bush administration, large exchange, located in London and regu- CFTC’s ability to detect and prevent energy traders, and the financial indus- lated by the British agency called the manipulation and excessive specula- try prevented the full Senate from con- Financial Services Authority. tion in the oil and gasoline markets. It sidering this legislation. The British regulators, however, do will ensure that the CFTC has the In 2007, my Permanent Sub- not oversee their energy markets the same type of information it receives committee on Investigations addressed same way we do; they don’t place lim- from U.S. exchanges in order to detect the sharp rise in natural gas prices its on speculation like we do, and they and prevent manipulation and exces- over the previous year and released a don’t make public the same type of sive speculation. fourth report, entitled ‘‘Excessive trading data that we do. That means However, in order to fully close the Speculation in the Natural Gas Mar- that traders can avoid the limits on London loophole, better information is ket.’’ Our investigation showed that speculation in crude oil imposed on the not enough. The CFTC must also have speculation by a single hedge fund New York exchange by trading on the clear authority to act upon this infor- named Amaranth had distorted natural London exchange. It also makes the mation to stop manipulation and ex- gas prices during the summer of 2006 London exchange less transparent than cessive speculation. and drove up prices for average con- the New York exchange. My original That is why I have been working with sumers. The report also demonstrated legislation to close the Enron loophole the sponsors of the Consumer-First En- how Amaranth had traded in unregu- would have required U.S. traders on ergy Act to include additional lan- lated markets to avoid the restrictions the London exchange to provide U.S. guage to ensure that the CFTC has the and oversight in the regulated markets regulators with the same type of trad- authority to act upon the information and how the price increases caused by ing information that they are already it will obtain from the London ex- Amaranth could have been prevented if required to provide when they trade on change, in order to prevent price ma- there had been the same type of over- the New York Mercantile Exchange. nipulation and excessive speculation. sight in the unregulated markets as in Unfortunately, this provision was This new provision, which I helped au- the regulated markets. dropped from the close-the-Enron-loop- thor, would make it clear that the Following this investigation, I intro- hole legislation in the farm bill. CFTC has the authority to prosecute duced a new bill, S. 2058, to close the The Consumer-First Energy Act, S. and punish manipulation of the price of Enron loophole and regulate the un- 3044, which the majority leader and a commodity, regardless of whether the regulated electronic energy markets. others introduced recently to address trader within the United States is trad- Working again with Senators FEIN- high prices and reduce speculation, in- ing on a U.S. or on a foreign exchange. STEIN and SNOWE and with the members cludes at my request a provision to It would also make it clear that the of the Agriculture Committee in a bi- curb rampant speculation, increase our CFTC has the authority to require partisan effort, we finally managed to access to foreign exchange trading traders in the United States to reduce include an amendment to close the data, and strengthen oversight of the their positions, no matter where the Enron loophole in the farm bill that trading of U.S. energy commodities no trading occurs—on a U.S. or foreign ex- was then being considered by the Sen- matter where that trading occurs. This change—to prevent price manipulation ate. The Senate unanimously passed provision would require the Com- or excessive speculation. Finally, it this amendment to close the Enron modity Futures Trading Commission, would clarify that the CFTC has the loophole last December. The final farm CFTC, prior to allowing a foreign ex- authority to require all U.S. traders to bill that was passed by the House and change to establish direct trading ter- keep records of their trades, regardless Senate last month included language minals located in this country, to ob- of which exchange the trader is using. nearly identical to what the Senate tain an agreement from the that for- It is my understanding that this new had passed. Although President Bush eign exchange, such as the London ex- provision will be included in a sub- vetoed the entire farm bill, both the change, to impose speculative limits stitute amendment that will be offered House and Senate have overridden his and reporting requirements on traders today or in a future debate on this bill, veto. Our 5-year quest to close the of U.S. energy commodities that are if cloture is not invoked today. I thank Enron Loophole has finally been suc- comparable to the requirements im- the bill sponsors for accepting this lan- cessful. posed by the CFTC on U.S. exchanges. guage to ensure that the CFTC has full The CFTC is now in the process of I believe this issue is so important that enforcement authority over traders implementing the close-the-Enron- I have introduced this section of the within the United States who are trad- loophole law. Among other steps, it is package as a separate bill, which is ing on a foreign exchange, just as the charged with reviewing the contracts numbered S. 2995. Senator FEINSTEIN is CFTC has over traders who are trading on previously unregulated energy mar- a cosponsor of that bill. on a U.S. exchange. This clarification kets, like the Intercontinental Ex- Following the introduction of our of the CFTC’s enforcement authority change or ICE, to determine which con- legislation, the CFTC finally moved to over traders in the United States, to- tracts have a significant effect on en- address some of the gaps in its ability gether with the earlier provision set- ergy prices and must undergo daily to oversee foreign exchanges operating ting standards for foreign boards of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.023 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5407 trade wishing to place trading termi- tions. DOE continued to fill the SPR suggested that allowing for delivery at nals in the United States, will fully regardless of the market effects of buy- other locations could reduce the vola- close the London loophole. ing oil, thereby taking oil off the mar- tility of the contract. It is truly dis- There is another problem with our ket and reducing supply by placing it appointing that since our report was energy markets that Congress has fi- into the SPR. In the past year, no mat- issued no progress has been made for nally acted on. In 2003, a report issued ter what the price of oil or market con- allowing for delivery at other places by my Subcommittee staff found that ditions, DOE consistently found that than Cushing, OK. As the price of oil the Bush administration’s large depos- the market effects are negligible and has increased, the distortions and im- its of oil into the Strategic Petroleum no reason to delay filling the SPR. balances caused by the atypical nature Reserve, SPR, were increasing crude Most recently, at the same time the of the standard contract have gotten oil prices without improving overall President was urging OPEC to put worse. It is essential NYMEX repair its U.S. energy security. We found that in more oil on the market to reduce sup- crude oil contract. 2002, the Bush administration, over the plies, the administration was con- Putting the cop on the beat in our repeated objections of its own experts tinuing to take oil off the market and energy markets, strengthening over- in the Department of Energy, had place it into the SPR. Until recently, sight of U.S. energy commodities trad- changed its policy and decided to put the DOE was depositing about 70,000 ed on foreign exchanges, stopping the oil into the SPR regardless of the price barrels of crude oil per day into the SPR fill, and fixing the NYMEX crude of oil or market conditions. By placing SPR, much of it high-quality crude oil oil contract all focus on problems oil into the SPR while oil prices were ideal for refining into gasoline. It de- caused by rising energy prices. These high and oil supplies were tight, the fies common sense for the U.S. Govern- consistently rising gas prices also un- administration’s deposits into the SPR ment to be acquiring oil at $120 or $130 derscore the need to develop advanced were reducing market supplies and per barrel, in a time of tight supply, vehicle technologies and alternative boosting prices, with almost no benefit taking that oil off the market, and put- energy sources that will significantly to national security, given the fact ting it in the SPR. That is why I co- reduce our dependence on foreign oil. that the SPR is more than 95 percent sponsored Senator DORGAN’s bill to sus- I have long advocated advanced auto- filled. The DOE experts believed that pend the SPR fill, as well as a similar motive technologies such as hybrid in a tight market, we are better off provision in the Consumer-First En- electric, advanced batteries, hydrogen with keeping the oil on the market ergy Act. and fuel cells and promoted develop- rather than putting it into the ground Finally, Congress had had enough of ment of these technologies through where it cannot be used. this senseless policy. The provision to Federal research and development and Following the issuance of this report, stop the continuous filing of the SPR through joint government-industry in early 2003, I asked the Department was pulled from the Consumer-First partnerships. We need a significant in- of Energy to suspend its filling of the Energy Act and offered in the House fusion of Federal dollars into these ef- SPR until prices had abated and sup- and Senate as a stand alone bill. Con- forts to make revolutionary break- plies were more plentiful. DOE refused throughs in automotive technologies. gress enacted into law by an over- to change course and continued the Such an investment will make tech- whelming vote. In response, the Presi- SPR fill without regard to market sup- nologies such as plug-in hybrid vehicles dent finally called a halt to his policy plies or prices. affordable to the American public and and stopped filling the SPR. It is about After DOE denied my request, I of- reduce our dependence on oil and re- fered a bipartisan amendment with time. duce prices at the pump. The SPR fill policy, by the way, ex- Senator COLLINS to the Interior appro- We need an equally strong invest- acerbated yet another problem in our priations bill, which provides funding ment in development of alternative oil markets—the fact that the standard for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve fuels that can replace gasoline. I have program, to require DOE to minimize NYMEX futures contract that sets the strongly supported efforts to increase the costs to the taxpayers and market benchmark price for U.S. crude oil re- our production of renewable fuels and impacts when placing oil into the SPR. quires a particular type of high quality to do that in a way that will also re- The Senate unanimously adopted our crude oil known as West Texas Inter- duce our greenhouse gas emissions. We amendment, but it was dropped from mediate, WTI, to be delivered at a par- need a strong push toward biofuels pro- the conference report due to the Bush ticular location, Cushing, OK. The duced from cellulosic materials, which Administration’s continued opposition. standard NYMEX contract price, in requires a significantly greater Federal The next spring, I offered another turn, has a major influence on the investment in biofuels technologies. amendment, also with Senator COL- price of fuels refined from crude oil Cellulosic ethanol has enormous poten- LINS, to the budget resolution, express- such as gasoline, heating oil, and die- tial for significant reductions in green- ing the sense of the Senate that the ad- sel. house gas emissions, but additional ministration should postpone deliv- Because the price of the standard Federal support is required to make eries into the SPR and use the savings contract depends upon the supply of this technology financially viable. We from the postponement to increase WTI at Cushing, OK, the supply and de- need expanded Federal research and de- funding for national security programs. mand conditions in Oklahoma have a velopment grants as well as increased The amendment passed the Senate by a disproportionate influence on the price tax incentives and Federal loan guar- vote of 52 to 43. That fall, we attempted of NYMEX futures contracts. That antees to make cellulosic ethanol a to attach a similar amendment to the means when the WTI price is no longer viable replacement for gasoline. The homeland security appropriations bill representative of the price of U.S. Federal Government must do its part that would have postponed the SPR fill crude oil in general, the prices of other first to develop these technologies so and used the savings for homeland se- energy commodities are also thrown that they will then in turn be within curity programs, but the amendment out of whack. In other words, we have reach of the American public. was defeated by a procedural vote, even an oil futures market that reflects the One more point. The burden of higher though the majority of Senators voted supply and demand conditions in Cush- energy prices is not being shared equal- in favor of the amendment, 48 to 47. ing, OK, but not necessarily the overall ly. To the contrary, it is falling hard- The next year, the Senate passed the supply and demand situation in the est upon those who can least afford it. Levin-Collins amendment to the En- United States as a whole. Large oil companies are reaping record ergy Policy Act of 2005 to require the I have long called for reform of this profits at the expense of the average DOE to consider price impacts and outdated feature of the standard American who ultimately bears the full minimize the costs to the taxpayers NYMEX crude oil contract. In 2003, the burden of these price increases. At the and market impacts when placing oil PSI report recommended the CFTC and same time that average Americans are into the SPR. The Levin-Collins NYMEX to work together to revise the having to devote a greater and greater amendment was agreed to by the con- standard NYMEX crude oil futures con- portion of their income to pay for basic ferees and is now law. tract to reduce its susceptibility to necessities, such as gasoline, household Unfortunately, passage of this provi- local imbalances in the market for WTI utilities, and food, the major oil com- sion has had no effect upon DOE’s ac- crude oil. The subcommittee report panies are reporting record profits and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.024 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5408 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 their executives are taking home an- the U.S. dollar, including by elimi- walking around in the United States of nual paychecks of hundreds of millions nating tax cuts for the wealthiest America to not feel incredible pressure of dollars. Many of these profits have among us, reducing the $12 billion a at this moment. I feel so lucky to be in been generated without any additional month spending bill in Iraq, and clos- the Senate, and I feel such a responsi- investments into energy production. ing outrageous tax loopholes than en- bility to communicate the pressure we Rather, these companies have seen able tax dodgers to use offshore tax ha- are all feeling from people who are their profits rise with the flood of spec- vens to avoid payment of taxes in the hurting. ulation. What is a high tide of profits range of $100 billion each year. Let me run through a few facts. for the oil companies, though, is a tsu- We can fight back against exorbi- Since 2002, profits for the five largest nami that is overwhelming millions of tantly high energy prices. But it will oil companies have quadrupled. Let me Americans. take all our energy—and determina- say that again. Since 2002, profits have And what are these oil companies tion—to do it. quadrupled. Last year, ExxonMobil doing with these record profits? Are Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I am made $83,000 a minute in profit—$83,000 they investing in new technologies? very disappointed that a minority of a minute. The answer is that the oil companies Senators blocked the Consumer-First Now, are they using all this profit to are not increasing their exploration Energy Act of 2008, which puts Amer- invest in alternative fuels? How about and development investments by near- ican consumers ahead of big oil compa- increasing refinery capacity? Oh, no, ly as much as their profits are increas- nies and other corporate interests. no. They have their hand out to us. ing. Instead, they are devoting large This bill would prevent price gouging This is the nerve. Insanity is doing the amounts of their profits to acquiring and market manipulation from driving same thing over and over and thinking other companies and buying back their up the price of gas. The anti-price you are going to get a different result. own shares. On May 1 of this year, the gouging language, based on Senator We are paying oil companies right Wall Street Journal reported that in CANTWELL’s bill that I cosponsored, now. This is the largest package of cor- the first quarter of 2008 ExxonMobil would protect consumers from price porate welfare this country has ever spent $8 billion to buy back company gouging by sellers and distributors of delivered. What nerve does it take for shares, which ‘‘boosted per-share earn- oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates us to give oil companies $17 billion in ings to stratospheric levels,’’ whereas during natural disasters and abnormal taxpayer money with those kinds of it spent less on exploration and actu- market disruptions. As a cosponsor of profits? This is like the ‘‘twilight zone.’’ This ally reduced oil production. the Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act, For these reasons, we need to insti- I also strongly support closing loop- cannot be real. We cannot honestly be tute a windfall profits tax on the oil holes that allow traders using overseas standing here and saying to the Amer- companies. We should incentivize big markets to secretively bid up the price ican people: It is a great idea for us to oil companies to invest their windfall of oil and saddle Americans with the keep giving them your money when profits into things that will increase price at the gas pump. they are making $83,000 a minute. I was reading the paper this morning, our own domestic energy production by Today’s vote on the Consumer-First and nothing is more expensive than ads reducing the amount of the tax for Energy Act of 2008 was an opportunity to stand up to the OPEC cartel and in the New York Times. I ask unani- such investments. If they don’t make force big oil to pay their fair share. I mous consent to show an ad in the New these investments, a portion of that have long supported the efforts of the York Times this morning. profit should be recouped by the public senior Senator from Wisconsin to make The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to help offset the outrageous prices oil-producing and exporting cartels il- objection, it is so ordered. they are facing at the pump. Mrs. MCCASKILL. OK. This is it: a I have supported a windfall profits legal and make colluding oil-producing nations liable in U.S. court for viola- two-page spread. Do you know what tax numerous times when we have this costs you? A half a million dollars. voted on it in the Senate. The Con- tions of antitrust law. Our oil companies can also be part of the solution. A half a million dollars Exxon spent sumer-First Energy Act, imposes a 25 This bill would have encouraged them this morning. And guess what. They percent tax on windfall profits of the to invest in clean, affordable, and do- spent it yesterday morning, and they major oil companies. Windfall profits mestically produced renewable alter- are going to spend it tomorrow morn- invested to boost domestic energy sup- native fuels, expanded refinery capac- ing. It is a series—all about what a plies would be exempt from the tax, ity and utilization, and renewable elec- great job they are doing for the Amer- which would encourage investments in tricity production. ican people. renewable facilities and the production Last year’s Renewable Fuels, Con- They are spending $2.5 million in the of renewable fuels such as ethanol and sumer Protection, and Energy Effi- New York Times this week, while Mis- biodiesel. It would also encourage oil ciency Act of 2007 put our Nation’s en- sourians in rural Missouri are scared companies to increase their domestic ergy policy on a new path: one that en- they cannot go to work anymore. They refinery capacity. Proceeds from the courages renewable energy, conserva- have no bus they can take. They have tax would be put toward measures to tion of the resources we have, and no metro they can take. They are try- reduce the burdens of rising energy American innovation. But we have ing to figure out how they can drive to costs and increase our energy inde- more work to do, and today’s vote is a and from work, how they can put food pendence and security. step back in those efforts. on the table, and these guys are spend- Sky-high energy prices are causing I will continue to support both short- ing $2.5 million on PR. It is unbeliev- immense financial pain to working and long-term solutions to our Na- able. families and businesses throughout tion’s energy needs that protect Amer- We have given big oil, in 2004 and this country and tying our already ican consumers while working to in- 2005, tax breaks worth over $17 billion weak economy in knots. Congress can- vest in renewable and alternative ener- over the next decade. What does the not just stand by; we must act now to gies and break our addiction to oil. other side say? We need to give them stop the pain. Immediate steps include The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- more. We have to pay them to increase putting the cop on the beat in all of ator from Missouri. refinery capacity. Excuse me? We have our energy markets to prevent price Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, to pay them—the taxpayers of this manipulation and excessive specula- how much time is remaining on our country? I do not know how out of tion, strengthening oversight of U.S. side? touch we could be. We are not asking energy commodities traded in London, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for a lot. Just take away the taxpayer fixing the key NYMEX crude oil con- ator has 10 minutes. money. We do not begrudge people tract, investing in advanced vehicle Mrs. MCCASKILL. I will speak for 5 profit. technologies and alternative energy minutes. I would appreciate it if you Now, here is what is unbelievable. I sources, and imposing a windfall prof- would let me know when I have 1 do not know how this bill would turn its tax on the oil companies. Longer minute. out if we debated it—— range steps include fixing the fiscal Mr. President, you know this is not The PRESIDING OFFICER. That policies undermining the strength of complicated. You would have to not be Senator has used 4 minutes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.025 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5409 Mrs. MCCASKILL. Thank you, Mr. take food to the grocery stores hit $4 CLOTURE MOTION President. back in April. It is closing in on $5. Under the previous order, pursuant to I do not know how this bill would Every working family and small busi- rule XXII, the Chair lays before the turn out if we debated it honestly, but ness and farmer and trucker is taking Senate the pending cloture motion, I do know one thing. We have a choice a hit—a big hit—on these fuel prices. which the clerk will state. in about 5 minutes. We can do nothing That is why I am supporting these The legislative clerk read as follows: or we can work as hard as we know how two packages today that go to the root CLOTURE MOTION to do something. If the choice—if the of the problems of high gas costs. They We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- choice—is to do nothing, then I hope offer some solutions. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the the people of this country rise up and The Consumer-First Energy Act will Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move scream like they have never screamed go after commodity speculators who to bring to a close debate on the motion to before. How dare us do nothing. are manipulating the market. It needs proceed to S. 3044, the Consumer-First En- That is what they are about getting to be done. It will let the Justice De- ergy Act of 2008. ready to vote on. They are going to partment go after the illegal OPEC oil Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, Charles E. say: We are not going to even let you cartel in court. It needs to be done. It Schumer, Sheldon Whitehouse, Robert proceed to try to do something about will put a stop to the big tax giveaways P. Casey, Jr., Patty Murray, Debbie Stabenow, Benjamin L. Cardin, Daniel this problem. It takes a lot of nerve. It the last Congress gave to big oil, which K. Akaka, Jack Reed, Claire McCaskill, takes a lot of nerve. needs to be done. It will protect con- Christopher J. Dodd, Amy Klobuchar, Mr. President, I yield the remainder sumers from price colluders and price Patrick J. Leahy, Barbara A. Mikulski, of the time. gougers. This needs to be done. Frank R. Lautenberg, Carl Levin. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- This bill will immediately put a stop The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- ator from Montana. to the financial gimmicks that have imous consent, the mandatory quorum Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I thank driven up the cost of oil past the laws call is waived. you. of supply and demand. If you do not The question is, Is it the sense of the I thank the Senator from Missouri think speculators are playing with the Senate that debate on the motion to for her comments. They were right on. markets, and they are having a big im- proceed to S. 3044, the Consumer-First I rise today to call for action by the pact, let me remind you of the Enron Energy Act of 2008, shall be brought to Senate on an urgent problem facing collapse, the dot-com bust, and the de- a close? this country, facing the State of Mon- mise of the housing market. It is all The yeas and nays are mandatory tana: gas prices. happening in oil right now. under the rule. The national average now, we just When Wall Street investment banks The clerk will call the roll. found out last weekend, is $4 a gallon. faced trouble a couple months ago, the The bill clerk called the roll. I remember when gas was $1.46. It was Bush administration swiftly took ac- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the not that long ago. It was before the tion. But when American consumers Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Bush administration took over. That have to tap into their savings or run up BYRD), the Senator from New York was before the war in Iraq, before spec- their credit card debt just to pay the (Mrs. CLINTON), the Senator from Mas- ulators and market manipulators spi- price at the pump, the administration sachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) and the Sen- raled out of control, before that $17 bil- is nowhere to be seen. ator from Illinois (Mr. OBAMA) are nec- lion Bush tax cut for our Nation’s big- The Consumer-First Energy Act is essarily absent. gest oil companies. about solutions. They are solutions we Mr. KYL. The following Senators are These gas prices hurt. They espe- need to invest in right now. We have necessarily absent: the Senator from cially hurt hard-working people in the opportunity in the United States to South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and the Montana and across rural America. In drill for oil in places that make sense— Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). my State, nearly everybody has to eastern Montana, the western Dakotas, drive to work. There are not other op- the Bakken field. And wouldn’t you The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tions. We do not have a subway system. know, it is the smaller companies—not pore. Are there any other Senators in We do not have other means of mass the big companies—that are going after the Chamber desiring to vote? transit. Whether it is on a tractor or those reserves. It is the smaller compa- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 51, behind the wheel of a truck, a lot of nies innovating, investing in the fu- nays 43, as follows: folks rely on horsepower and the fuel ture, boosting domestic oil production [Rollcall Vote No. 146 Leg.] to supply that horsepower to get their right now, working with the folks in YEAS—51 work done. those regions, boosting rural econo- Akaka Feingold Murray Of course, high gas prices means high mies. Baucus Feinstein Nelson (FL) Bayh Grassley Nelson (NE) prices for consumer goods. It means AUCUS My colleague, Senator B , has Biden Harkin Pryor fewer jobs. Middle-class families are again brought forward an energy tax Bingaman Inouye Reed getting pinched hard by these high gas package that will help extend some of Boxer Johnson Rockefeller prices. For low-income folks, high gas the most successful and effective tax Brown Kerry Salazar Cantwell Klobuchar Sanders prices are unbearable. They do not credits that are driving alternative en- Cardin Kohl Schumer need to see headlines like in Newsweek ergy development. He brought a simi- Carper Lautenberg Smith this week to know our economy is in lar package forward last year, only to Casey Leahy Snowe trouble. People are already feeling it. Coleman Levin Stabenow have it narrowly defeated. Collins Lieberman Tester Yet we have seen no solutions from I hope we have a different outcome Conrad Lincoln Warner this administration. this time because our future energy Dodd McCaskill Webb I am not even convinced this admin- system depends on new solutions, not Dorgan Menendez Whitehouse istration considers rising gas prices a old solutions. We have the ideas and Durbin Mikulski Wyden problem. Earlier this year, a reporter the ambition, but we need to get on NAYS—43 asked President Bush what advice he with new innovations in the market- Alexander DeMint McConnell had to consumers facing $4 a gallon place. Allard Dole Murkowski gas. He was visibly surprised and asked Barrasso Domenici Reid It is time to resolve these energy Bennett Ensign the reporter where he had heard that. Roberts costs and take a step toward solving Bond Enzi Sessions Well, working folks and small busi- our energy problems. We have to work Brownback Gregg Shelby nesses have felt the pain for some time together, and I am confident we can Bunning Hagel Specter Burr Hatch Stevens now. Our farmers all over rural Amer- work together to find solutions to Chambliss Hutchison Sununu ica have known it for quite a while. bring the costs back down. Coburn Inhofe Thune Cochran Isakson Our trucking and transportation indus- Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the Vitter try has felt it hard for a long time. The floor. Corker Kyl Cornyn Landrieu Voinovich cost of diesel fuel that powers our trac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time Craig Lugar Wicker tors, our combines, and our trucks that is yielded back. Crapo Martinez

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:22 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.011 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5410 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 NOT VOTING—6 er expense deduction and the tuition South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and the Byrd Graham McCain deduction. Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Clinton Kennedy Obama And the bill pays for itself with pro- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- visions that are not tax increases. With pore. Are there any other Senators in pore. On this vote, the yeas are 51, the gasoline topping $4 per gallon, the the Chamber desiring to vote? nays are 43. Three-fifths of the Sen- American people do not want us to The result was announced—yeas 50, ators duly chosen and sworn not having delay. nays 44, as follows: voted in the affirmative, the motion is Is the bill perfect? No. [Rollcall Vote No. 147 Leg.] rejected. Will the Senate change it? Yes. YEAS—50 Let’s get on with making those Mr. REID. Mr. President, I enter a Akaka Feinstein Nelson (FL) motion to reconsider the vote by which changes. I urge my colleagues to sup- Baucus Harkin Nelson (NE) cloture was not invoked on the motion port the motion to begin debate on this Bayh Inouye Pryor to proceed to S. 3044. bill. Biden Johnson Reed Bingaman Kerry Reid The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Boxer Klobuchar pore. The motion is pending. pore. The Senator from Iowa is recog- Rockefeller Brown Kohl Salazar Mr. REID. Mr. President, because the nized. Cantwell Landrieu Sanders Cardin Lautenberg subway was broken, it made it difficult Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask Schumer Carper Leahy Smith for some Senators to make it here in unanimous consent to speak for 1 Casey Levin Snowe time. We had to extend the vote for minute. Conrad Lieberman quite a long period of time. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Corker Lincoln Stabenow Tester I have spoken to the Republican lead- pore. Without objection, it is so or- Dodd McCaskill Dorgan Menendez Webb er. I think we would be well served by dered. Durbin Mikulski Whitehouse having the vote on the next cloture Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask Feingold Murray Wyden motion. We will vote only on one of the my colleagues not to give consent to NAYS—44 judges now. We will come back after cloture at this time because there are a Alexander Crapo Martinez lunch and do the others. I will work lot of matters in this bill that ought Allard DeMint McConnell the time out with the Republican lead- not be in here. We have matters in here Barrasso Dole Murkowski er. Hopefully, the first business we will for trial attorneys, and we have mat- Bennett Domenici Roberts conduct will be the votes on the other Bond Ensign Sessions ters in here for Davis-Bacon. Brownback Enzi two district court judges. We won’t We are talking about solving a hous- Shelby Bunning Grassley Specter have time to do them this morning. I ing crisis. This is not the way to do it. Burr Gregg Stevens Chambliss Hagel will work with the Republican leader We ought to give more consideration to Sununu Coburn Hatch Thune and we will come up with a time and it, and not granting cloture is one way Cochran Hutchison Vitter give everybody ample notice about of giving greater consideration to what Coleman Inhofe Collins Isakson Voinovich when the next vote will occur. we are going to do. Warner I ask unanimous consent that we Cornyn Kyl CLOTURE MOTION Craig Lugar Wicker have the vote on the first judge, the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- NOT VOTING—6 judge from Virginia, now, and that we pore. Under the previous order, pursu- then have the vote on the two subse- ant to rule XXII, the clerk will report Byrd Graham McCain Clinton Kennedy Obama quent judges at a time to be deter- the motion to invoke cloture. mined by the majority leader in con- The bill clerk read as follows: The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sultation with the Republican leader. pore. On this vote, the yeas are 50, the CLOTURE MOTION The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- nays are 44. Three-fifths of the Sen- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- pore. Is there objection? ators duly chosen and sworn not having Without objection, it is so ordered. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move voted in the affirmative, the motion is f to bring to a close debate on the motion to rejected. RENEWABLE ENERGY AND JOB proceed to Calendar No. 767, H.R. 6049, the Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I CREATION ACT OF 2008—MOTION Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of move to reconsider the vote. 2008. TO PROCEED Mr. LEVIN. I move to lay that mo- Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, Sherrod tion on the table. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Brown, Robert Menendez, Kent Conrad, The motion to lay on the table was pore. The Senator from Montana is rec- Daniel K. Inouye, Byron L. Dorgan, Jon Tester, Richard Durbin, Patty agreed to. ognized. Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise to Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask Murray, Max Baucus, John D. Rocke- urge my colleagues to join me in vot- unanimous consent to speak for 1 feller, IV, Maria Cantwell, Frank R. Lautenberg, John F. Kerry, Blanche L. ing to proceed to the tax extenders leg- minute to explain the next vote. Lincoln, E. Benjamin Nelson. islation on the floor. This legislation The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- represents a fiscally responsible and pore. Without objection, it is so or- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- balanced approach to ensure that nec- dered. pore. By unanimous consent, the man- Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, this datory quorum call is waived. essary tax provisions for hardworking vote is about jobs, energy, and paying The question is, Is it the sense of the American families and indispensable our Nation’s bills. There may be times Senate that debate on the motion to small businesses do not expire. when delay does not have a significant proceed to Calendar No. 767, H.R. 6049, At a time when our economy teeters adverse impact. Today is not one of the Renewable Energy and Job Cre- on the brink of recession—when unem- those days. ation Act of 2008, shall be brought to a ployment increased 5.5 percent last The bill before us is a good bill. It ex- close? month—the biggest monthly jump in 12 tends tax cuts that expired last Decem- The yeas and nays are mandatory years—when gasoline at the pump is ber. under the rule. more than $4 a gallon and climbing, Companies across America are decid- The clerk will call the roll. when the cost of a dozen eggs has risen ing whether to renew research con- The legislative clerk called the roll. 38 percent in the last year alone, when tracts. Energy companies are deciding Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the oil costs are set to reach $140 per barrel whether to buy and build wind tur- Senator from West Virginia (Mr. and analysts are predicting a rise to bines. These decisions support jobs. BYRD), the Senator from New York $150 by July 4th, and when foreclosures This bill encourages the search for (Mrs. CLINTON), the Senator from Mas- have hit historic levels—is there any new and clean energy sources. Har- sachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY), and the Sen- question that the American people ex- nessing power from ocean waves. Cap- ator from Illinois (Mr. OBAMA) are nec- pect—even demand, not just action but turing carbon emissions. essarily absent. action leading to results. We must This bill also extends expiring indi- Mr. KYL. The following Senators are forge together the results that address vidual provisions, including the teach- necessarily absent: the Senator from these central issues facing the U.S.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.003 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5411 economy and the millions of Ameri- situation is simply untenable. Two viding a tax rebate. Another measure cans who are anxiously awaiting action weeks ago, Katahdin Paper Company that Senator LINCOLN and I have long from leaders. And while Congress will announced that the cost of oil used to championed would enable more hard- be forced to make difficult choices on run its boilers has caused the company working, low-income families to re- some of these issues in the coming to consider closing the mill’s doors. ceive the refundable child credit by re- months, this issue—whether to extend Now, talks are under way to find alter- ducing the income threshold for the re- critical tax incentives right now should native solutions to preserve the mill’s fundable credit to $10,000 and be, frankly, a straightforward decision. operations and its accompanying jobs, deindexing it from inflation just as it And now before us is legislation that but make no mistake; we are at the originally passed the Senate in 2001. would extend critical energy tax cred- tipping point where our economy could The consequences of inaction are se- its—including the catalyst that caused well be in ruins directly as a result of rious for low-income Americans living a 45-percent growth in wind energy last high energy costs. paycheck-to-paycheck, and our pro- year and energy efficiency tax credits With jobs being lost because of high posal will ensure that those low-in- that creates an incentive to reduce en- energy costs, it is crucial that we income, hard-working families that ben- ergy demand. And we are really debat- vest in renewable energy jobs—that efit from this credit the most receive ing this question when we saw oil rise will put our economy back to work and it. And, I am very pleased that the by $11 per barrel in a single day to $139? invest in secure energy future. Indeed House included a version of our pro- To be blunt, this country must wake up over one hundred thousand Americans posal, one in which, I might add, would and recognize the ramifications of an could be put to work in 2008 if clean en- already be putting money in people’s energy crisis that we have not ad- ergy production tax credits were ex- pockets had it already been enacted dressed for 30 years—and counting. Dr. tended. However, because the incen- into law providing further economic Cooper of the Consumer Federation of tives are set to expire this year, renew- stimulus during these challenging America has estimated that from 2002 able energy companies are already re- times. to 2008 annual household expenditures porting a precipitous decrease in in- To ensure that much needed capital on energy increased from about $2,600 vestment due to uncertainty. Projects investment reaches all corners of the to an astonishing $5,300. The impact in currently underway may soon be country, the extenders package rightly Maine, where 80 percent of households mothballed. Clean energy incentives includes an extension of the new mar- use heating oil to get through a winter, for energy efficient buildings, appli- kets tax credit. This program has prov- is even worse. Last year at this time, ances and other technologies, as well en extremely successful in encouraging prices were at a challenging $2.70 a gal- as additional funding for weatherizing investment and spurring growth in im- lon—for the average Mainer who goes homes, would similarly serve to stimu- poverished areas all across the coun- through 1,000 gallons of oil that is late 2008 economic consumption, lower try, both rural and urban. Senator $2,700. The price now is $4.70 meaning residential energy costs, and generate ROCKEFELLER and I have championed that it will cost a Mainer $4,700 just to new manufacturing and construction extending this vital incentive with the stay warm not even considering gaso- jobs. It is irresponsible to allow a New Markets Tax Credit Extension line costs. That is the difference be- bright spot in our economy, the renew- Act, S. 1239, a bill that enjoys the bi- tween a burden and a crisis. Indeed, the energy efficiency tax in- able energy industry and energy effi- partisan support of 27 cosponsors. To provide relief and equity to our centives and the renewable production ciency industries, to falter, when the Nation’s 1.5 million retail establish- tax credit—critical vehicles for moving product of these industries are so es- ments, most of which have less than our country to self sufficiency—are set sential to the future of this country. Failing to act on these crucial incen- five employees, I have introduced with to expire at the end of this year and tives could choke off promising busi- Senators LINCOLN, KERRY, and some have already expired at the be- HUTCHISON. This provision would re- ginning of this year. This is the antith- ness investment in 2008 and miss an op- esis of the energy policy that our na- portunity to address high energy costs, duce from 39 to 15 years the depreciable tion must be employing to address ris- a critical contributor to sinking con- life of improvements that are made to ing energy costs. sumer confidence and our Nation’s retail stores that are owned by the re- Energy efficiency is singlehandedly long-term economic challenges. Ex- tailer. If the motion to proceed passes, the most effective investment that our tending these expiring clean energy tax I believe that we will have an oppor- country can make to address the ca- credits will help ensure a stronger, tunity to address this inequity given lamity of our energy policy. It is dere- more stable environment for new in- the support for this provision expressed lict that we would allow energy effi- vestments and ensure continued robust by the chairman of the Finance Com- ciency tax credits to expire. In fact, growth in a bright spot in an otherwise mittee. some tax credits have already expired, slowing economy. This bill presents an- In 2004, I fought for the inclusion of and as a result, there are currently no other opportunity to raise the bar for incentives to stop the flow of film pro- incentives to purchase efficient fur- our future domestic energy systems ductions offshore into the FSC–ETI naces. At a time when Americans are and energy efficiencies, benefitting our bill. Consequently, I was very pleased worried about heating bills in June, we economy, our health, our environment, to see the House include an extension must provide the assistance to allow and our national security. of this vital incentive for film produc- Americans to invest in energy efficient Not only does the legislation address tion companies planning whether and products that will reduce our collective these critical energy tax provisions, where to film. The House also included demand for energy, and save Americans but also extends relief for lower and a critical modification to the incen- money. middle-income Americans, as well as tive. Specifically, it would remove the For example, included in this pack- small businesses. In particular, there $15 million cap on film productions eli- age is a $300 tax credit to purchase a are a number of provisions that I have gible for the incentive and instead lim- high efficiency oil furnace, which championed that have been included by iting the deduction to the first $15 mil- would save over $180 in annual savings the House legislation and Chairman lion as the provision was originally for an average home—according to cal- BAUCUS’ amendment. passed in the Senate before being culations based on Department of En- Fed Chairman Bernanke testified be- amended in conference. This is an issue ergy data and recent home heating fore the House Budget Committee ear- that I have also worked on with my prices. In addition, this includes an ex- lier this year that, ‘‘a fiscal stimulus good friend, the senior Senator from tension of a tax credit for highly effi- package should be implemented quick- Arkansas, and am so pleased with this cient natural gas furnaces that saves ly and structured so that its effects on provisions inclusion. an individual $100 per year. However, aggregate spending are felt as much as So as we can see, this bill provides this tax credit ended at the beginning possible within the next twelve months the Senate an opportunity to consider of this year—right when oil prices or so.’’ Without a doubt, one way to af- a number of provisions that are vital in began their historic climb. fect spending and help working Ameri- helping our economy weather the re- For businesses that are competing cans meet the challenges ahead of us cent downturn it is experiencing. The against countries that subsidize oil the and provide for the families is pro- provisions that I have just outlined

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.069 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 will unleash renewable energy projects hurdle and proceed to the bill. My side each and every one of us will return to creating jobs, provided targeted tax re- of the aisle will still have another 60 our homes and when the clock strikes lief to low-income working families vote threshold to ensure that their midnight on December 31, that we all struggling to pay for the high cost of concerns are heard. make a New Years resolution to make food and fuel, encourage an infusion of The Senate is based on consensus. It the next Congress a more productive capital into rural and urban commu- is based on compromise. It is based on session with Members reaching across nities, provide tax incentives for retail conciliation. It is based on the fact the aisle looking for consensus. If we businesses looking to grow their busi- that you have to develop cooperation do not, there is one thing that is for ness, and help keep the jobs associated in order to get anything done. It is not certain; the American public is watch- with film production within our bor- unusual. If historically we took the po- ing. ders. Not to mention, the tax extenders sition: You missed your chance because f bill also includes provisions such as the there are disparate views, so that there EXECUTIVE SESSION R&D tax credit, the tuition deduction would be no opportunity to further dis- and the teachers classroom expenses cuss or negotiate—we missed our deduction that are widely supported on chance? Are we talking about scoring NOMINATION OF MARK STEVEN both sides of the aisle. political points? Are we talking about DAVIS TO BE UNITED STATES Clearly, this tax extenders package is what is the best tax policy for this DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EAST- critical to Congress’s ongoing efforts to country? ERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA reverse the economic slowdown that I am concerned we are taking a polit- our Nation is facing. For the fifth ical U-turn away from the message in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- month this year, U.S. employers have the last election. I was in that last pore. Under the previous order, the cut jobs including 49,000 in the month election. I heard loudly and clearly. I Senate will proceed to executive ses- of May alone. The number of Ameri- don’t blame the people of Maine or sion to consider the following nomina- cans filing first-time claims for unem- across this country for their deep-seat- tion, which the clerk will report. The legislative clerk read the nomi- ployment benefits is at its highest ed frustration. They are right. There nation of Mark Steven Davis, of Vir- level since October of 2004 and the in- was too much partisanship and too ginia, to be United States district crease in the rate was the largest since much polarization. judge for the Eastern District of Vir- 1986. What’s required now is leadership. The Senate should move forward on We need leadership for this country. ginia. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- extending expiring tax relief. There are They are thirsting for a strong leader- pore. We now have 10 minutes of debate some aspects of the House bill that I ship, an honorable leadership that equally divided between the chairman believe should be improved upon, such leads us to a common goal. No one ex- and the ranking member. Who yields as providing an AMT patch to stop the pected unanimity in the Senate but we time? would give integrity to this process to expansion of this mass tax. Some on If no one yields time, time will be allow it to work and not cynically say the other side of the aisle believe we charged equally to both sides. should at least attempt to pay for tax who is winning and who is losing today The Senator from Missouri. relief, a position I happen to agree politically. We are not shedding the po- Mr. BOND. Mr. President, may I ask with. Others on my side of the aisle be- litical past. We have made a political for 1 minute from the ranking member. lieve that shouldn’t continue to be a U-turn. We are returning to it. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- maintenance Congress, continually This isn’t about party labels. This pore. Without objection, it is so or- passing short-term temporary tax re- isn’t whether it is good for Republicans dered. lief, a position that I also happen to or good for Democrats. It is what is Mr. BOND. Mr. President, my thanks agree with. good for America. It is not about red to the committee leaders for bringing There are differences of opinion, but States and blue States. It is about the forward the nominations to the Senate what is the Senate afraid of? What are red, white, and blue. Fact is that with of Judge Greg Kays and Stephen we afraid of? To debate and to vote on every day that we delay, there are mil- Limbaugh to be Federal district court various positions? Some of those issues lions of taxpayers in all 50 States who judges for the Western and Eastern and positions I would disagree with. literally will pay the price for our inac- District Courts of Missouri. Both Judge But does that mean to say the Senate tion. Kays and Judge Limbaugh are out- cannot withstand the conflicting views I hope we can find a way. What could standing nominees for the Federal of various Members of the Senate? It is be of higher priority than to be able to bench. They share bipartisan support, not unheard of, that both sides of the debate and to vote on our respective have fine legal minds, long records of political aisle will have differing views. positions, to give a vote on AMT relief public service, and represent the values So, I would urge my colleagues to join and expiring tax provisions that is so and character of my Missouri constitu- me in supporting the motion to pro- important that a majority of Senators ents. ceed. If the motion succeeds, I am support? Is there anyone in this Cham- Both men’s modesty matches the hopeful that we can do what the Senate ber who does not think we should ex- modest size of their Midwestern home- ought to do—that is find some common tend expiring tax relief?? I know we towns. But as we have seen so many ground on an amendment process and a can build the threshold for the 60. It is times in our history, great men, men of way forward to finally dispose of the imperative we do it. It is inexcusable, learning, men of intellect and excel- legislation and enact this legislation frankly, that on the process for debat- lence, come from modest places. sooner rather than later. ing, we cannot reach an agreement. We One should not doubt this to be the I came to this discussion to work on are failing the American people on a case. Values of fairness, service, kind- this issue, to debate, which is con- colossal scale. We are held up by ar- ness, community, learning, self-reli- sistent with the traditions and prin- cane procedural measures that could be ance, and personal responsibility are ciples of this institution, which has worked out, if only we reached across those that we value in our constitu- been its hallmark. That is why it has the political aisle. ents, in our small-town communities, been considered the greatest delibera- If my remarks sound familiar, then and we should value in our judges. I tive body in the world. Unfortunately, well they should because regrettably I think this confirmation process has it is not living up to that expectation said much the same thing in February succeeded in producing two such men. or characterization, regrettably. of last year at the start of this Con- I thank the Chair, I thank my rank- Let’s have an open and unfettered de- gress on another pressing issue of our ing member, and I yield the floor. bate, which is consistent with this in- time. Sadly as we now approach the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- stitution that is predicated on our end of the first session of the 110th pore. The majority leader. Founding Fathers’ vision of an institu- Congress, things seemed to have not Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have spo- tion based on accommodation and con- changed very much. I would hope when ken to the chairman of the Judiciary sensus. You have to get 60 votes. So we finally adjourn after hopefully ex- Committee and to the Republican lead- let’s work it out. Let’s clear this first tending this critical tax relief that er. We will enter a formal unanimous

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.070 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5413 consent for the RECORD at a subsequent Public Defender, Office of the Special Public I have had the privilege of knowing time, but it appears at this time we Defender, 8/1989–12/1989. Prosecutor, Laclede Mark Davis for more than two decades. will have a vote on one of the remain- County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: As- He worked as an intern in my office sistant Prosecuting Attorney, 1988–1989; ing two judges at 3:30, and the Judici- Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 1989– while attending the University of Vir- ary Committee chair, Senator LEAHY, 1991; Prosecuting Attorney, 1991–1995. City ginia, and then later, in 1984, he began has agreed we will not have to vote on Attorney, Lebanon, Missouri, 1992–1994. his professional career as a staff assist- the second one. So there will be one Judge, State of Missouri: Associate Circuit ant in my office before he went to law vote on or about 3:30 this afternoon. Judge, Laclede County Circuit Court, 1995– school. After earning his J. D. from the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, will the 2004; Presiding Circuit Court Judge, 26th Ju- Washington & Lee University School of Senator yield on the leader’s time? dicial District, 2005–present. Law in 1988, he served as a law clerk I wanted to have a rollcall on this Selected Activities: Board Chairman, First Christian Church, 2007–present; Member, for the Honorable John MacKenzie on one, and do the other two at whatever Missouri Task Force on Alternative Sen- the U.S. District Court for the Eastern time the leader prefers by voice vote. tencing, 2006–2007; Certificate Recipient, Na- District of Virginia. Mr. REID. I thank the Senator very tional Judicial College, 2007; Recipient, Su- Subsequent to his clerkship, he en- much. That is wonderful. We can do preme Court of Missouri Permancy Awards, tered private legal practice, as a litiga- those before lunch, then. 2006 and 2007; Adjunct Instructor, Drury Uni- tion attorney on cases before both Fed- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- versity, 1992–2004; Member, Laclede County eral and State courts in several areas, pore. The Senator from Pennsylvania. Bar Association: President, 1992; Member, including tort, maritime, and munic- Missouri Bar Association. Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I ask ABA Rating: Substantial majority ipal and employment law. In 2003, the unanimous consent to have printed in ‘‘Qualified’’/ Minority ‘‘Not Qualified.’’ Virginia General Assembly unani- the RECORD the resumes of these three STEPHEN NATHANIEL LIMBAUGH, JR. mously confirmed him to serve as a candidates. They were voted out unani- UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE judge on the Third Judicial Circuit of mously by voice vote of the committee, EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI Virginia in Portsmouth, VA; today, he and I think their confirmation is as- Birth: 1952; Cape Girardeau, Missouri. serves as chief judge of this five-judge sured. Legal Residence: Cape Girardeau, Missouri. circuit. There being no objection, the mate- Education: B.A., Southern Methodist Uni- In my view, Judge Davis is eminently rial was ordered to be printed in the versity, December 1973; J.D., Southern Meth- qualified to serve on the U.S. District odist University School of Law, December RECORD, as follows: 1976; Masters of Law in the Judicial Process, Court for the Eastern District of Vir- MARK STEVEN DAVIS University of Virginia School of Law, May ginia. In addition to having the support UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE 1998. of his home state Senators, he also re- EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA Primary Employment: Associate, ceived the highest recommendation of Birth: 1962, Portsmouth, Virginia. Limbaugh, Limbaugh & Russell, 1977–1978; the Virginia State bar and the Amer- Legal Residence: Portsmouth, Virginia. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Office of ican Bar Association. Education: Longwood University, 1980–1982; Prosecuting Attorney, Jackson, Missouri, I thank the Judiciary Committee for 1978; Prosecuting Attorney, Office of Pros- no degree; University of Virginia, 1982–1984; favorably reporting this exemplary B.A., May 1984; Washington and Lee Univer- ecuting Attorney, Jackson, Missouri, 1979– sity School of Law; J.D., May 1988. 1982; Shareholder/Partner, Limbaugh, nominee to the full Senate, and I urge Primary Employment: Limbaugh, Russell & Syler, P.C., 1983–1987; my colleagues to vote to confirm him. Staff Assistant, U.S. Senator John W. War- Circuit Judge, 32nd Judicial Circuit of Mis- Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, today it is ner, 1984–1985. souri, 1987–1992; Supreme Court Judge, Su- my distinct pleasure to offer my sup- Law Clerk to Hon. John A. MacKenzie, preme Court of Missouri, 1992–Present: Chief port along with my colleague Senator U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Vir- Justice, 2001–2003. WARNER for the nomination of Judge ginia, 1988–1989. Selected Activities: Missouri Bar, 1977– Mark Davis to be a judge on the U.S. Law Firm of McGuire Woods LLP: Asso- Present: Fellow, Missouri Bar Foundation, ciate, 1989–1996; Partner, 1996–1998. 1997–Present (Board member, 2001–2003). District Court for the Eastern District Partner, Law Firm of Carr & Porter LLC American Bar Association, 1977–Present: Life of Virginia. (no longer in existence), 1998–2003. Fellow, American Bar Foundation; Litiga- The career of this nominee is impres- Judge, Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia tion Section, 1985–Present; Judicial Adminis- sive. Judge Davis is regarded as a pa- (Portsmouth Circuit Court), 2003–Present; tration Division, 1987–Present. The Fed- tient, thoughtful individual who exhib- Chief Judge, July 2006–Present. eralist Society, 1993–Present. Judicial Con- its the highest degree of ethical con- Selected Activities: ference of Missouri, 1987–Present: Legislative duct and professionalism. After grad- Virginia State Bar, 1988–Present: Litiga- Steering Committee, 1989–1991; Executive uating law school, Judge Davis began tion Section Young Lawyers Committee, Council, 1999–2003; Presiding Officer, 2001– 1992–1996. 2003. Supreme Court of Missouri Committees: his legal career as a law clerk to Judge Board of Visitors, Regent University Chair, Commission on Judicial Dept. Edu- John A. MacKenzie who served as judge School of Law, 2004–Present. cation, 1999–2001, 2005–Present. Appellate Ju- on the U.S. District Court for the East- American Bar Association, 1989–1993. dicial Commission for the Missouri Non- ern District of Virginia, 1988–1989. In Federal Bar Association, 1990–1998. partisan Court Plan: Chair, 2001–2003. State 1989, Judge Davis joined McGuire Virginia Bar Association, 1989–Present. Historical Society of Missouri: Board of Woods, LLP, where he worked as a James Kent American Inn of Court, 2005– Trustees, 2005–Present; First Vice President, Present: Pupilage Team Leader, 2007. partner from 1996 until 1998. Judge 2007–Present. Life Regent, National Eagle Davis has also worked as partner at Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Com- Scout Association. Political Advocacy and mission: Commissioner, 1999–2003; Secretary/ Legislative Achievement Award, Adoption Carr & Porter LLC, 1998–2003. Since Treasurer, 2000–2003. and Foster Care Coalition of Missouri, 2001. 2003, Judge Davis has served on the Virginia International Terminals, Inc.: Distinguished Alumnus Award for Judicial Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia, and Board of Directors, 2000–2003; Secretary and Service, SMU Dedman School of Law, 2007. has been the chief judge since 2006. Executive Committee, 2002–2003; Audit Com- ABA Rating: Unanimous ‘‘Well Qualified.’’ The Virginia Bar Association rated mittee, 2000–2003. Recipient, Top 40 Under 40, Dolan’s Vir- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise Judge Davis as ‘‘highly qualified.’’ ginia Business Observer Newspaper, 2001. today in support of an outstanding Vir- Judge Davis’s written opinions reflect Recipient, Legal Elite Listing, Virginia ginian, the Honorable Mark S. Davis, his keen intellect, and the extent to Business Magazine, 2002. who has been nominated by the Presi- which he values communicating his ABA Rating: Unanimous ‘‘Well Qualified.’’ dent to serve as an article III judge on reasoning to counsel and litigants. DAVID GREGORY KAYS the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Further, Judge Davis is active in myr- UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE District of Virginia. I am pleased to iad community and civic organizations. WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI note that Judge Davis also enjoys the Judge Davis received his B.A. in gov- Birth: 1962, Kansas City, Missouri. strong support of my colleague, Sen- ernment from the University of Vir- Legal Residence: Missouri. ator WEBB. ginia in 1984, and his J.D. from Wash- Education: No degree, Drury University, Judge Davis has been nominated to ington and Lee University School of 1981–1982; B.S., Southwest Missouri State University, 1985; J.D., University of Arkan- fill the seat that was vacated by Judge Law in 1988. sas School of Law, 1988. T. S. Ellis, III, who has served as an ac- The Constitution assigns a critically Primary Employment: Attorney, Miller tive judge in the Eastern District of important role to the Senate in the ad- and Hutson Law Firm, 1988–1989. Assistant Virginia for more than 19 years. vice and consent process related to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.016 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 nominations for the Federal judiciary. tion of the Senate in the past has been I noted last week the sudden concern These judgeships are lifetime appoint- to have legislation offered, to debate, of the minority leader for district ments, and Virginians expect me and and if people are opposed, to filibuster, court nominations. Perhaps he did not Senator WARNER to take very seriously and to have the issues considered. But have a chance to see my statement our constitutional duties. It is essen- we have found in modern days that from earlier in the week in which I tial that the nominee be respectful of bills involving very important matters, noted that with Republican coopera- the Constitution, impartial, and bal- such as the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, tion, we have the opportunity this anced toward those appearing before Senate bill 1843, got very short shrift work period confirm five nominees al- him or her. indeed. So it is my hope we will change ready reported favorably by the Judici- In light of these criteria, Senator the procedures. ary Committee? Of course, today we WARNER and I undertook a careful and I filed a resolution with the Rules would have more than those five nomi- deliberative process to find the most Committee in February of 2007 to have nations on the Senate’s Executive Cal- qualified judicial nominees. Our col- a change in the rules, but in the in- endar had Republicans not stalled this laboration involved a thorough records terim I hope we can alter our proce- President’s nominations of Judge He- review and rigorous interviews. We are dures to take up these very important lene White and Ray Kethledge to the of the opinion that Judge Davis meets amendments. Sixth Circuit, and the nomination of these high standards. He was on the I thank the Chair, and I yield the Stephen Murphy to the Eastern Dis- joint list of recommended judicial floor. trict of Michigan. As I said last week, nominees submitted to President Bush The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- with cooperation from across the aisle, last year. We are pleased that Presi- pore. The Senator from Vermont. the Senate is poised to have confirmed dent Bush has chosen to respect our Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask for four circuit court judges and 11 district diligent bipartisan work. the yeas and nays on the nomination. court judges before the Fourth of July I want to thank you, Mr. President, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- recess, confirming a total of 15 lifetime for the opportunity to make these re- pore. Is there a sufficient second? appointments. marks about this outstanding Vir- There appears to be. I recall Senator SPECTER’s frustra- ginian. In particular, I want to express The yeas and nays are ordered. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today the tion when he was chairman with a Re- my gratitude for the expeditious way publican majority at the end of the last the Senate has moved the nomination Senate will confirm three more nominations for lifetime appointments to Congress, and Republican holds pre- of Judge Davis through the process vented the confirmation of 14 district during the 110th Congress. Again, it is the Federal bench. The first nomination we consider is court nominations. Democrats on the with pride that I join Senator WARNER Judiciary Committee had worked hard in commending Judge Mark Davis to that of MARK DAVIS of Virginia to fill a vacancy in the Eastern District of Vir- to expedite the nominations at the end each of my colleagues in the Senate; of the last Congress. Many of them and I ask my fellow Senators to vote to ginia, and I commend the Virginia Sen- ators on this nomination. After years were for vacancies deemed judicial confirm his nomination to the U.S. emergencies, including three in one District Court for the Eastern District of controversial nominations, Senators WARNER and WEBB have worked suc- Federal district in Michigan where sev- of Virginia. eral judges of senior status—one over Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I wish cessfully with the White House on a se- 90 years old—continued to carry heavy to use the balance of my time to talk ries of recent nominations for district caseloads to ensure that justice was ad- about the procedures on the Energy and circuit court seats, including that ministered in that district. Now, after bill. of Judge G. Steven Agee of Virginia, I spoke yesterday about the problem who was confirmed to a seat on the the successful efforts of the Senators created by the so-called procedure of Fourth Circuit last month. from Michigan in conjunction with the filling the tree. It is my hope that we I was pleased to accommodate Sen- White House, I hope Republicans will will return to the Energy bill and we ator BOND’s request that we proceed not object to filling three more judicial will have an opportunity to offer promptly in committee to consider the emergency vacancies in Michigan. amendments on the bill—the global nominations of David Kays and Ste- The complaints by the minority lead- warming bill, I should specify. Last phen Limbaugh to vacancies in the er and his party about district court week, I filed a series of amendments, Western and Eastern Districts of Mis- nominations ring as hollow as their and I hope we will return to the bill souri. Both nominees have the support complaints that Senate Democrats did and will not have the procedure of fill- of Senator MCCASKILL. I wish Justice not make best efforts to meet the goal ing the tree thwart the opportunity for Ronnie White, who went on to become he and the majority leader set of mov- Senators to offer amendments. Missouri’s first African-American chief ing three circuit court nominations by As I spoke at some length yesterday, justice, had received similar consider- Memorial Day. As at the end of the last we have devolved in this body into a ation when President Clinton nomi- Congress with those 14 district court procedure where the trademark of the nated him to the Eastern District of nominations, Republicans resisted ex- Senate—that is, where a Senator is Missouri. Instead, more than 2 years pediting the committee’s consideration able to offer virtually any amendment after he was nominated, and 21⁄2 of the Michigan nominations before on any matter at any time—has been months after he was reported out of Memorial Day. They badgered the undercut. This has been a practice the Judiciary Committee for a second nominees, and sent scores of written which has been growing but was used time, his nomination was voted down follow up questions. At the May 7 hear- not at all in bygone years. Senator on a party line vote, not a single Re- ing, the Republicans chose to complain Mitchell then used it 9 times, Senator publican Senator voting to confirm that the committee was moving too Lott matched him with 9, Senator him. I also recall many of President fast, before the committee had received Frist matched him with 9, and Senator Clinton’s judicial nominees who were updated ABA ratings on the nomina- REID has now used it 12 times. stalled because of anonymous Repub- tions. They pressed Judge White with Regrettably, when the tree is filled— lican objections to their politics or scores of questions, failing to pose an arcane practice not understood very their practice area. One of the two those same questions to Mr. Kethledge, broadly—and then cloture is not in- nominees from Missouri that we con- a candidate for the same circuit. They voked, people think that Republicans sider today is Rush Limbaugh’s cousin. demanded an extremely rare closed are opposed to considering global A similar lineage would have resulted hearing to further question Judge warming. The fact is that some 32 Re- in a pocket filibuster when the Senate White. Given their actions and their republicans voted for cloture on the mo- was controlled by a Republican major- sistance to the White House’s package tion to proceed. So it is my hope we ity during the Clinton administration. of nominations—nominations made by will have an opportunity to debate this So today, in contrast to the treatment this President—they made it impos- very important subject and that there of President Clinton’s nominees, we sible for the Committee to consider will be procedural steps taken so proceed to consider these two nomina- and report the Michigan nominations amendments can be offered. The traditions. before the Memorial Day recess.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.045 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5415 We have now received the updated vantage of the high confirmation num- In stark contrast, the Democratic ABA rating for Judge White’s nomina- bers of Democratic-led Senates con- Senate majority has worked steadily tion. She received a well qualified rat- firming the nominees of President and steadfastly to lower vacancies and ing. That did not come as any surprise. Reagan and the first President Bush. make progress, and we have. She has served ably on the Michigan They ignore their own record of dou- I have placed the two Michigan Sixth state appellate courts and acquired ad- bling vacancies during the Clinton ad- Circuit nominations on the agenda for ditional experience in the decade since ministration. They do not like to recall the committee’s business meeting this she was nominated by President Clin- that during the 1996 session, when a Re- week. With cooperation from the Re- ton and the Republican Senate major- publican majority controlled the Sen- publicans, we can consider and vote on ity refused to consider her nomination. ate during a Presidential election year, these nominations at that time. That Ultimately, the Republican-led Sen- they refused to confirm any circuit should provide the Senate with the op- ate left open five vacancies on the court judges at all—not one. Their portunity to consider them before the Fourth Circuit and four on the Sixth practice of pocket filibustering Presi- Fourth of July recess, bringing to four Circuit. With the Agee confirmation dent Clinton’s judicial nominees led the number of circuit court nominees last month, we have already reduced Chief Justice Rehnquist, hardly a confirmed this year. Four would meet vacancies on the Fourth Circuit to less Democratic partisan, to criticize them the Republican average for 1996 and than there were at the end of the Clin- publicly. Even he was appalled by the 2000, and beat their total in the 1996 ton administration, when a Repub- actions of the Republican Senate ma- session by four. lican-controlled Senate had refused to jority. In his 1996 Year-End Report on The history is clear. On June 1, 2000, consider any nominees to that circuit the Federal Judiciary, he wrote: when a Republican Senate majority during the last 2 years of the Clinton Because the number of judges confirmed in was considering the judicial nominees Presidency. If Republicans cooperate in 1996 was low in comparison to the number of a Democratic President in a Presi- considering the Michigan nominees, we confirmed in preceding years, the vacancy rate is beginning to climb. When the 104th dential election year, there were 66 ju- will have filled every vacancy in the dicial vacancies. Twenty were circuit Sixth Circuit. Overall, when Repub- Congress adjourned in 1996, 17 new judges had been appointed and 28 nominations had not court vacancies, and 46 were district licans ran the Senate and were stalling been acted upon. Fortunately, a dependable court vacancies. Those vacancies were consideration of President Clinton’s corps of senior judges contributes signifi- the result of years of Republican pock- nominees, circuit vacancies rose from cantly to easing the impact of unfilled judge- et filibusters of judicial nominations. 11 to 26, and it reached 32 during the ships. It is hoped that the Administration This year, by comparison there are just transition to President Bush. We are in and Congress will continue to recognize that 47 total vacancies with only 11 circuit position to reduce circuit vacancies by filling judicial vacancies is crucial to the vacancies and 36 district court vacan- three-quarters, to an historic low. fair and effective administration of justice. In contrast to the Republican Senate When that shot across the bow did cies. After today, there will be just 44 majority that used the Clinton years to not lead the Republican Senate major- total vacancies. If we can continue to more than double circuit court vacan- ity to reverse course, Chief Justice make progress this month, the current cies around the country, the Senate Rehnquist spoke up, again, in his 1997 vacancies could be reduced to fewer has already reduced circuit court va- Year-End Report on the Federal Judici- than 40, with only 9 circuit court vacancies by almost two-thirds, We are ary. It was a salvo from a Republican cancies and 30 district court vacancies. poised to complete Senate consider- Chief Justice critical of the Republican When Republicans were busy pocket ation of the two Sixth Circuit nomina- Senate leadership: filibustering Clinton nominees, Federal tions. If the Republican minority al- Currently, 82 of the 846 Article III judicial judicial vacancies grew to more than lows that progress, yet another circuit offices in the Federal Judiciary—almost one 100, with more than 30 circuit vacan- will be without any vacancies. In fact, out of every ten—are vacant. Twenty-six of cies. When I became Chairman in the sum- we would reduce the total number of the vacancies have been in existence for 18 months or longer and on that basis con- circuit court vacancies across the Na- mer of 2001, we quickly—and dramati- stitute what are called ‘‘judicial emer- cally—lowered vacancies. The 100 tion to single digits for the first time gencies.’’ In the Court of Appeals for the in decades. nominations we confirmed in only 17 Ninth Circuit, the percentage of vacancies is months, while working with a most un- If instead we focus on the controver- particularly troubling, with over one-third of sial nominations as the Republicans its seats empty. cooperative White House, reduced va- want, we run the risk of embroiling the Judicial vacancies can contribute to a cancies by 45 percent. committee and the Senate in months of backlog of cases, undue delays in civil cases, After the four intervening years of a debate, foreclosing the opportunity to and stopgap measures to shift judicial per- Republican Senate majority, vacancies sonnel where they are most needed. Vacan- remained about level. make progress where we can. We saw cies cannot remain at such high levels in- what happened with our last conten- It is the Democratic Senate majority definitely without eroding the quality of jus- that has again worked hard to lower tious nomination—that of Leslie tice that traditionally has been associated them in this Congress. We have gone Southwick. It took 51⁄2 months from with the Federal Judiciary. Fortunately for the time of the hearing to his con- the Judiciary, a dependable corps of senior from more than 110 vacancies to less firmation. judges has contributed significantly to eas- than 50 and are heading to less than 40. The minority leader and the Wall ing the impact of unfilled judgeships. With respect to Federal circuit court Street Journal continue to point to the It was only after the scorching criti- vacancies, we have reversed course confirmation of 15 circuit judges in 1999 cism by a Republican Chief Justice from the days during which the Repub- and 2000. Sometimes, the number is 17. that the Republican Senate majority lican Senate majority more than dou- Of course, their mythical ‘‘statistical modified its approach in order to allow bled circuit vacancies. It bears repeat- average’’ of selected years ignores the some of the nominations that had been ing—circuit vacancies have been re- crises the Republicans had created by held back for years to finally proceed. duced by almost two-thirds and have not considering circuit nominees in Having built up scores of vacancies, not been this low since 1996, when the 1996, 1997 and 1998, the fact that they some were allowed to be filled while Republican tactics to slow judicial con- refused to confirm a single circuit the Republican Senate majority care- firmations began in earnest. nominee during the entire 1996 session, fully kept vacant circuit court posi- Consider for a moment the numbers: the fact that they returned 17 circuit tions to be filled by President Clinton’s After another productive month, just 9 court nominees without action to the successor. It is in that context that Re- of the 178 authorized circuit court White House in 2000, the public criti- publican claims of magnanimity must judgeships will remain vacant—just 9— cism of Chief Justice Rehnquist that be seen for what it was. It is in that a vacancy rate down from 18 percent to helped moderate their stalling and the context that the eight circuit con- just 5 percent. With 168 active appel- fact that they more than doubled cir- firmations in 2000 must be evaluated late judges and 104 senior status judges cuit court vacancies while pocket fili- while the Republican Senate majority serving on the Federal Courts of Ap- bustering Clinton nominees. returned 17 circuit nominations to peals, there are 272 circuit court The minority leader only reaches President Clinton at the end of that judges. I expect that is the most in our this mythical statistical by taking ad- session without action. history.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.018 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 The President has not nominated sorely misplaced. Last month we expe- associate circuit judge for Laclede anyone to 16 of the current judicial va- rienced the greatest rise in unemploy- County Circuit Court in Missouri and cancies. He has refused since 2004 to ment in a single month in over two as chief assistant prosecuting attorney work with the California Senators on a decades, bringing the total job losses in Laclede County. successor to Judge Trott on the Ninth for the first 5 consecutive months of Stephen N. Limbaugh is a supreme Circuit. The district court vacancies this year to over 325,000. Americans are court judge and former chief justice on without nominees span from those that now facing increasing burdens from the the Supreme Court of Missouri. Pre- arose in Mississippi and Michigan in soaring price of gas, high food prices, viously, Judge Limbaugh was ap- 2006, to several from 2007 in Pennsyl- rising unemployment and a home pointed and then elected Circuit Judge vania, Michigan, Indiana and the Dis- mortgage foreclosure and credit crisis. for the 32nd Judicial Circuit of Mis- trict of Columbia, to others that arose This year we have seen the worst souri. Before his career on the State earlier this year in Kansas, Virginia, plunge in new homes sales in two dec- bench, Judge Limbaugh was an elected Washington, and several in Colorado ades. The press reported that new home prosecuting attorney and also worked and Pennsylvania. sales fell 8.5 percent in March, the in private practice. Disputes over a handful of controver- slowest sales pace since October 1991, So today we make progress, and the sial judicial nominations have wasted and the median price of a home sold Senate is likely to confirm three addi- valuable time that could be spent on dropped 13.3 percent compared to the tional lifetime appointments to the the real priorities of every American. I previous year. That was the biggest Federal bench. I congratulate the have sought, instead, to make progress year-over-year price decline in four nominees and their families on their where we can. The result is the signifi- decades. You would have to go back to confirmation today. cant reduction in judicial vacancies. July 1970 to find a larger decline. Mr. President, how much time re- In fact, our work has led to a reduc- Unfortunately, this bad economic mains on either side? tion in vacancies in nearly ever circuit. news for hard-working Americans is The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Both the Second and Fifth Circuits had nothing new under the Bush adminis- pore. Two minutes twenty seconds for circuit-wide emergencies due to the tration. During the Bush administra- the Senator from Virginia, and 33 sec- multiple simultaneous vacancies dur- tion, unemployment is up more than 20 onds to the Senator from Pennsyl- ing the Clinton years with Republicans percent and trillions of dollars in budg- vania. in control of the Senate. Both the Sec- et surplus have been turned into tril- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I reserve ond Circuit and the Fifth Circuit now lions of dollars of debt, with an annual the remainder of my time. are without a single vacancy. We have budget deficit of hundreds of millions The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- already succeeded in lowering vacan- of dollars. Last week, the price of oil pore. The Senator from Pennsylvania. cies in the Second Circuit, the Fourth soared to nearly $139 a barrel, nearly Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I ask Circuit, the Fifth Circuit, the Sixth twice what it was at this time last unanimous consent to yield 1 minute Circuit, the Eighth Circuit, the Ninth year. When President Bush took office, to the Senator from Virginia. Circuit, the Tenth Circuit, the Elev- the price of gas was $1.42 a gallon. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- enth Circuit, the DC Circuit, and the Today, it is at an all-time high of over pore. Without objection, it is so or- Federal Circuit. Circuits with no cur- $4.00 a gallon. dered. rent vacancies include the Seventh Cir- According to a recent poll, 81 percent Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I was cuit, the Eighth Circuit, the Tenth Cir- of Americans today believe that our very privileged to submit the name of cuit, the Eleventh Circuit and the Fed- country is headed in the wrong direc- Mr. DAVIS to the President of the eral Circuit. When we are allowed to tion. It costs more than $1 billion a United States, and I am greatly appre- proceed with President Bush’s nomina- day—$1 billion a day—just to pay down ciative to the Senate to now come to tions of Judge White and Ray the interest on the national debt and the question of his confirmation. But I Kethledge to the Sixth Circuit, it will the massive costs generated by the dis- think it would be interesting if I were join that list of Federal circuits with- astrous war in Iraq. That’s $365 billion to point out to all those following it out a single vacancy. this year that would be better spent on that this individual was a former mem- My approach has been consistent priorities like health care for all Amer- ber of my staff. throughout my chairmanships during icans, better schools, fighting crime, I think it shows the incentive of the Bush Presidency. The results have and treating diseases at home and those many staff persons all through- been positive. Last year, the Judiciary abroad. out our system who contribute so much Committee favorably reported 40 judi- In contrast, one of the few numbers to the work of our individual Senators cial nominations to the Senate and all actually going down as the President that they too can, through their serv- 40 were confirmed. That was more than winds down his tenure is that of judi- ice, lay the foundation to someday had been confirmed in any of the three cial vacancies. Senate Democrats have achieve this recognition by the Senate preceding years when a Republican worked hard to make progress on judi- in which they worked. chairman and Republican Senate ma- cial nominations, lowering circuit I yield the floor. jority managed the process. court vacancies by almost two-thirds The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Despite this progress, of course, some from the level to which the Republican pore. The Senator from Virginia. partisans seem determined to provoke Senate majority had built them. Any Mr. LEAHY. I yield to Senator WEBB an election year fight over nomina- effort to turn attention from the real on my time, Mr. President. tions. The press accounts are filled issues facing Americans to win polit- Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I very with threats of Republican reprisals. ical points with judicial nominations is quickly wish to associate myself with The May 14 issue of Roll Call boasted neither prudent, nor productive. the remarks of the senior Senator from the following headline: ‘‘GOP Itching Today we confirm three nominations Virginia and to emphasize that we for Fight Over Judges; Reid’s Pledge to for lifetime appointments. The first, jointly examined a whole array of Move Three Before Recess Fails to Ap- Mark S. Davis, currently serves as nominees for this position. This indi- pease Minority.’’ Then in a recent arti- Chief Judge of the Portsmouth Circuit vidual, perhaps because of and perhaps cle in The Washington Times, we read Court, Third Judicial Circuit of Vir- in spite of the fact he worked for the that the Republican fixation on judges ginia. Prior to his appointment to the senior Senator from Virginia, is consid- is part of an effort to bolster Senator bench in 2003, Judge Davis worked in ered highly qualified by Members on MCCAIN’s standing among conserv- private practice at several Virginia law this side of the aisle. atives. There seem to be no steps we firms. I yield the floor. could take to satisfy Senate Repub- David Gregory Kays currently serves The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- licans on nominations, because they as the presiding circuit court judge for pore. The Senator from Vermont. are using it as a partisan issue to rev the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Circuit for Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would up their partisan political base. the State of Missouri, where he has commend one more time the two Sen- The Republican effort to create an served since his first election in 2005. ators from Virginia, both dear friends issue over judicial confirmations is Previously, Judge Kays served as an of mine, for the fact we worked as one

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.019 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5417 Democrat, one Republican with the NOMINATION OF DAVID GREGORY UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST—AUTHORITY White House to get us past this im- KAYS TO BE UNITED STATES FOR COMMITTEE TO MEET passe. And I commend President Bush DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WEST- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Com- for withdrawing controversial nomi- ERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI mittee on the Judiciary be authorized nees and working toward consensus to meet during this session of the Sen- nominees. That is why this nominee NOMINATION OF STEPHEN N. ate. will go through, I suspect unani- LIMBAUGH, JR., TO BE UNITED Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, on be- mously, in this body. STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR half of the Republican leader, I object. I also commend the two Senators THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MIS- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- SOURI tion is heard. from Missouri, Senators BOND and Mr. REID. Mr. President, I under- MCCASKILL, for working together. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- stand the objection of my good friend Has all time been yielded back? pore. The clerk will report the remain- from Mississippi. He was not objecting ing nominations en bloc. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- on his own but for someone else. The legislative clerk read the nomi- The hearing we were going to con- pore. Yes, it has. nations of David Gregory Kays, of Mis- duct was a hearing entitled ‘‘Coercive The question is, Will the Senate ad- souri, to be United States District Interrogation Techniques: Do They vise and consent to the nomination of Judge for the Western District of Mis- Work, Are They Reliable, and What Did Mark Steven Davis, of Virginia, to be a souri; Stephen N. Limbaugh, of Mis- the FBI Know About Them?’’ United States district judge for the souri, to be United States District This morning, Senator FEINSTEIN, as Judge for the Eastern District of Mis- chair of the subcommittee, began Eastern District of Virginia? souri. chairing a very important hearing on The clerk will call the roll. VOTE ON NOMINATION OF DAVID GREGORY KAYS interrogation tactics. The hearing fea- The assistant legislative clerk called The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tured a report by the Department of the roll. pore. The question is, Will the Senate Justice inspector general on tactics at Guantanamo that amounted to torture. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the advise and consent to the nomination of David Gregory Kays, of Missouri, to The hearing was interrupted by three Senator from West Virginia (Mr. be U.S. district judge for the Western floor votes, and the chair recessed the BYRD), the Senator from New York District of Missouri? hearing until 2 p.m. (Mrs. CLINTON), the Senator from Mas- The nomination was confirmed. As you know, we have our weekly caucuses starting at 12:30. But now the sachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY), and the Sen- VOTE ON NOMINATION OF STEPHEN N. LIMBAUGH, minority is objecting to the committee ator from Illinois (Mr. OBAMA) are nec- JR. meeting by invoking the 2-hour rule. essarily absent. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- What this means is that 2 hours after pore. The question is, Will the Senate Mr. KYL. The following Senators are we come into session, there has to be advise and consent to the nomination necessarily absent: the Senator from consent to conduct hearings; other- of Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., to be U.S. South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and the wise, you have to do them during the district judge for the Eastern District Senator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). first 2 hours we are in session. It is of Missouri? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- very rare there is an objection, but The nomination was confirmed. there is today. So I have no alternative pore. Are there any other Senators in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- but to recess the Senate this afternoon the Chamber desiring to vote? pore. Under the previous order, the mo- to allow the hearing to continue. The result was announced—yeas 94, tions to reconsider are considered made The Republicans may not want these and laid upon the table. nays 0, as follows: abuses to come to light, but I think the The President will immediately be American people have a right to know. [Rollcall Vote No. 148 Leg.] notified of the Senate’s action. This is part of a pattern of obstruc- YEAS—94 f tionism by my friends on the Repub- lican side. Akaka Domenici Mikulski LEGISLATIVE SESSION Alexander Dorgan Murkowski I want the Senate to debate a bill to Allard Durbin Murray The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- reduce gas prices and I want the Senate Barrasso Ensign Nelson (FL) pore. The Senate will now resume leg- to debate a bill to extend tax credits Baucus Enzi Nelson (NE) islative session. for renewable energy, and now they do Bayh Feingold Pryor Bennett Feinstein Reed f not want the Judiciary Committee to Biden Grassley hold a hearing about coercive interro- Reid RECESS Bingaman Gregg Roberts gation tactics. They can try to use Bond Hagel Rockefeller The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Boxer Harkin Senate rules to silence these debates, Salazar Brown Hatch pore. Under the previous order, the but I will use the rules at this time to Sanders Brownback Hutchison Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m. Schumer allow the Judiciary Committee to con- Bunning Inhofe Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:48 p.m., tinue the hearing. As soon as the hear- Burr Inouye Sessions Cantwell Isakson Shelby recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- ing is over, we are going to be out here Cardin Johnson Smith bled when called to order by the Pre- to talk about gas prices. Carper Kerry Snowe siding Officer (Mr. CARPER). I would hope this is framed with a Casey Klobuchar Specter Chambliss Kohl Stabenow f picture that there is a Presidential Coburn Kyl Stevens election going on. We have one Presi- Cochran Landrieu Sununu CONSUMER-FIRST ENERGY ACT OF dential candidate who wants to do Coleman Lautenberg Tester 2008—MOTION TO PROCEED—Con- something about these high gas prices, Collins Leahy Thune tinued wants to do something about the bill to Conrad Levin Vitter Corker Lieberman Voinovich Mr. REID. I suggest the absence of a extend tax credits for renewable en- Cornyn Lincoln Warner quorum. ergy, and we have another candidate Craig Lugar Webb The PRESIDING OFFICER. The who is opposed to this. We know who Crapo Martinez Whitehouse DeMint McCaskill clerk will call the roll. that candidate is: it is the Senator Wicker Dodd McConnell Wyden The assistant legislative clerk pro- from the State of Arizona. And I would Dole Menendez ceeded to call the roll. think that my friend, the Senator from NOT VOTING—6 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Arizona, who is the Republican nomi- imous consent that the order for the nee, would be concerned about this de- Byrd Graham McCain Clinton Kennedy Obama quorum call be rescinded. laying tactic not to allow the Judici- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ary Committee to hold a hearing on The nomination was confirmed. objection, it is so ordered. torture. That is what it amounts to.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.020 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5418 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 RECESS SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF across my State—and certainly across but without a doubt they can provide a THE CHAIR this country—is the concern of the un- service to industries that are com- Mr. REID. So, Mr. President, I ask known. We try to create in our Tax peting with industries across the globe. unanimous consent that the Senate be Code the types of incentives that will This bill would have kept jobs at in recess subject to the call of the incentivize different cultural activi- home through incentives to encourage Chair. ties, such as the purchasing of a home domestic production of films, as one There being no objection, the Senate, and home ownership, but we also want particular example. We are seeing our at 2:19 p.m., recessed subject to the call to incentivize businesses to be able to films being sent overseas and offshore of the Chair and reassembled at 3:33 grow and be competitive. If they don’t because other countries are offering p.m. when called to order by the Pre- know they are going to have that same greater incentives. When you look at siding Officer (Mr. SANDERS). tax treatment for more than 6 months, rural America, one of the strongest f or in 6 months it is going to expire, ways—and the quickest ways too—to how are they going to be able to make see the investment and the revitaliza- CONSUMER-FIRST ENERGY ACT OF the reasonable business decisions to tion of these small communities and 2008—MOTION TO PROCEED—Con- take the capital, which right now is their little downtown Main Streets is tinued very hard to come by, and invest in when somebody comes in to produce a Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I ask certain areas of their industry, to grow film. They come in to produce a film, unanimous consent that the debate those jobs, and to grow those busi- and they put a good picture on redoing time on the motion to proceed to S. nesses that are out there in this great that Main Street area. They bring in 3044 be divided in blocks of 30 minutes country? jobs; not only jobs with filmmaking, for the next 2 hours, with the majority This package would have done just but they also come and eat in our controlling the first 30 minutes and the that. It provides businesses that make cafes, and they use the shops and the Republicans controlling the next 30 investments in research and develop- other amenities that are there, keeping minutes, and so on; that at the expira- ment with a tax credit. We are falling businesses at home. tion of the 2 hours debate time be lim- behind every year. Other countries But we can’t do that if those film ited to 10 minutes each. across the globe are working hard to companies don’t know that they are The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. provide the kind of research and devel- going to get good treatment, at least SANDERS). Without objection, it is so opment they need to move into new in- as good as they get in other countries. ordered. dustries for multiple reasons: job cre- They have a bottom line to meet too. RENEWABLE ENERGY AND JOBS CREATION ACT ation, obviously, as well as our envi- They take their film crews and all the Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise ronment. Look at nations, such as dollars they are spending in making today to lend my strong support to the Brazil, which have lessened their de- those films, and they go into other Renewable Energy and Jobs Creation pendence on foreign oil from 80 percent countries. We need to keep them at Act. I wish to applaud the incredibly to 11 percent. They have invested in re- home. Those are good jobs for elec- hard work that was put into this pack- search. They have invested in devel- tricians and contractors, plumbers, and age by the Finance Committee and par- oping renewable fuels. We have to do a whole host of other people. ticularly Chairman BAUCUS. I also wish that too. This is the bill that would I have a retired man at home, and to congratulate our counterparts in the have started us moving on that path- they did a film—a made-for-TV House Ways and Means Committee for way to investing in companies that movie—in my former Congressional their efforts in putting together this cannot only provide us the good types District on the eastern side of my important piece of legislation. of industries that would help us clean State, and he had two antique cars. I am so very disappointed—as we our environment but would have cre- You wouldn’t have believed the dif- tried early this morning—that our ated the jobs that would have made the ference it made in his life to be able to friends on the other side of the aisle difference. rent those two cars, those two antique chose to block progress on this bill. It It also encourages infrastructure in- cars to be featured in a vintage film would have provided much needed tax vestment. One of the ways it does that and what it meant to his pocketbook relief to individual taxpayers and to is through the extension of the short- as well. businesses alike. I don’t know about line rail credit which provides an in- The bill we have been trying to bring other Senators, but when I travel home centive for the maintenance and expan- forward and were prevented this morn- people look to me and say: What are sion of our short line rail systems. ing from bringing forward allows our you doing to help us with this econ- When you come from a rural State as I financial services businesses to remain omy? We are paying $4 a gallon for gas- do—we are very fortunate to have the competitive globally through the ex- oline to get to our jobs, to get to major lines that come through our tension of the subpart F exceptions for school, to get to all of the things we State to reach out to all of those small the active financing income. It pro- need to tend to. We are concerned communities where we desperately vides access to capital to our commu- about the jobs we have lost in our need to create jobs—we need those nities that need it the most—our rural State. We are concerned about the in- short line rails that can connect to the and low-income communities—through crease in unemployment. We have to do major main line rails to take our goods an extension of the new market tax something about this economy. We and our services all across this great credit, enabling our businesses to be have to do something about stimu- country into the ports that will take it viable overseas, and also making sure lating the economy of our country to to other countries with which we can that the new and innovative businesses grow on behalf of all of the millions of compete. We need to give them the in- we want to see in our small and rural Americans out there who need us to centive to invest in themselves. communities can actually happen, that help them. In talking to one of my short line they can be a part of this global com- This bill on which we were trying to rails, they said to me: You wouldn’t be- munity, and that they will have the proceed this morning could have done lieve the number of jobs we could cre- same kind of advantages that other in- just that. It could have provided just ate, the investment we could make, if dustries and other businesses in bigger the stimulus we needed to jump-start we just simply knew that Congress was parts of our Nation may have. All of our economy. It would have been a supporting us, that they are going to these provisions provide a huge benefit good start. I think it is particularly help us with that incentive we have to our American businesses and would frustrating not to be able to move on it had in the past and we want to con- most definitely help to stimulate our in light of all of our current economic tinue. slowing economy. downturns. Taxpayers need this relief The unknown is very frightening to In addition, the bill we were trying and they need it right now. We need to businesses in this world we live in and to bring up this morning provides very provide them every opportunity to in the economic times in which we are important relief for individual tax- keep this economy turning. living. The margins right now are so payers. It includes tax cuts for college One of the things I think that comes slim, limiting their ability to compete students, their families, and our teach- from our businesses and individuals with other modes of transportation, ers. With twin boys who are finishing

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.044 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5419 the sixth grade and starting the sev- fighting and bickering over whether we gether and trying to move it through enth grade, right now in my mind I are going to proceed to talk about the Senate in a timely fashion. There have a tremendous appreciation for our these things. We have to move forward is absolutely no reason we should not teachers and what they give day in and and talk about them. see this package. It is a commonsense day out, being able to offer them the Most important is an issue I have package. It makes sense for everybody opportunity of a Tax Code that is going worked on for years which includes a concerned. We owe it to our American to reward them for this incredible job provision very near and dear to my businesses that are trying to remain they do. heart, and that is a patch to the re- competitive. We owe it to our teachers, I ask my colleagues—just as was my fundable child tax credit, to ensure students, and the families paying col- experience in the public schools of Ar- that thousands of hard-working low- lege tuition. We owe it to our commu- kansas—to look back and think of income families aren’t locked out of nities that are desperately in need of those wonderful teachers who have af- this credit. I wish to take a few min- infrastructure and jobs. We owe it to fected their lives. There are great utes to explain the child tax credit pro- our working families with children. No teachers out there right now, and they vision, which I have worked on with one should stand in the way of this need us because it is an institution and my good friend and colleague, Olympia package that truly will bring relief to a business that, unfortunately, we are Snowe. so many Americans. not seeing enough. We are hitting a As some colleagues may be aware, to Mr. President, I yield the floor. brick wall. We are seeing more teach- be eligible for the refundable child tax The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ers who are retiring than we are seeing credit, working families must meet an ator from Pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I wish to new teachers. What a great way for us income threshold. If they don’t earn speak today—as many of us have been in this country to show how much we enough, they don’t qualify for the cred- doing—not just about the high price of believe in those teachers. it. The problem is, some of our working It includes an incentive for our sen- parents are working full time, but they gasoline but all of the pressures on American families that come with ior citizens who want to take part in still don’t earn enough to meet the cur- that. When I say ‘‘families,’’ I mean in charitable giving. That is the IRA roll- rent income threshold to qualify for the broadest sense of the word. The over. Every week I get a call in my of- this tax credit, much less to receive a Presiding Officer has advocated on be- fice from the same gentleman. He took meaningful refund from it. half of people who are suffering under advantage of the IRA rollover to be When first enacted, the income the weight of high gasoline prices. He able to give to his church. Every Sun- threshold for the refundable child tax has been an articulate and forceful ad- day morning he goes to his Sunday credit was set at $10,000. The threshold is indexed for inflation and thus has in- vocate for action. We are finally at the school and talks to the people in his creased every year. For 2008, it is going point where we are at least debating Sunday school class about this great to be $12,050. Unfortunately, as many of the action we should be taking. opportunity of being able to give us are aware, wages are not increasing I wanted to talk about prices. When through these IRA rollovers. Well, all at that same pace. For example, a sin- the average American family goes to of his friends in his Sunday school gle mother who earns the current min- the grocery store or they go to fill up class want to know if this is going to imum wage and works a 35-hour-a-week their tank or they try to pay for col- be the law. Can we do this? Should we job, 50 weeks out of the year, fails to lege or health care—just fill in the do this? Is this something that is going qualify for the refundable portion of blank—it seems as if everything in to continue? the child tax credit. Even after the their lives is going up when their wages We can’t even tell them that. We are minimum wage increases next month, are flattening out or sometimes actu- being held back from doing so many that mother still will not meet the in- ally going down. The price of every- productive things that would encour- come threshold. thing is going through the roof, and at age not only individual involvement in That is what we want to encourage. the same time we have record job being able to generate our economy We want to encourage people to work, losses. I don’t know the exact number and put the emphasis back on our econ- to be able to change the cycle of pov- to date, but we have had tens of thou- omy from individuals, but also our erty that exists for welfare today. We sands every month, month after month businesses who need our help. want to make sure individuals are en- after month. Some believe the most re- The bill also includes an AMT patch couraged to go to work, so that they cent monthly job loss number is a to ensure more middle-income tax- can still take care of their children. record. But even if it is not a record or payers aren’t going to be hit by the Our children are our greatest resource. if we are off by a couple thousand, it is AMT this year. Why would parents who want to care still far too high. It also has tremendous incentives for for their kids not want to incentivize In Pennsylvania, this is not just a green jobs that we can grow in this that. problem in inner cities where a lot of country and looking at renewable fuels It is absolutely wrong to provide this people’s incomes are low; this is a prob- and all the many things we can do with credit to some hard-working Ameri- lem across a State such as Pennsyl- those renewable fuels but also things cans while leaving others behind. The vania. We have a State that has some such as wind—and we have had tremen- single working parent who is stocking large cities and bigger communities dous tornadoes in Arkansas—and wind shelves in a local grocery score is every population-wise, but we have a very mills, and energy from wind is not bit as deserving as the teacher, ac- rural State. We have millions of people something we are really noted for countant, or insurance salesman who in Pennsylvania who live in so-called doing. Our topography is not nec- qualifies for the credit in its current rural areas by the demographics. They essarily meant for that, like some form. It is imperative that we address have to travel great distances to get to other States. But we produce the this inequity, and we must ensure our the grocery store or to make trans- blades for the windmills. That is hun- Tax Code works for all Americans, es- actions for business or to get their dreds of jobs in my State. Let me tell pecially those working parents who are families to where they have to go. So you, do you think those industries are forced to get by on minimum wage. gas prices, in some ways, dispropor- going to want to continue to make the I am extremely frustrated that our tionately adversely affect those who capital investment in the manufac- friends across the aisle chose to block live in rural areas or in small towns. turing of something that may or may action on this bill. I hope that we will In Pennsylvania, we have—more than not be used, because those other indus- reconsider this position, that we will maybe any other State and sometimes tries that are building and making that look at the important value in all of as many States as you can talk about energy from wind don’t know if they these pieces of this legislation, and combined—a lot of two-lane roads. So can depend on the tax credit—a tax in- that we will come back again and go the distance between one place and an- centive in the code that encourages the back to the drawing board and figure other isn’t just the mileage but it is behavior of moving to a renewable en- out how we can make this bill a re- the roads you take. On a two-lane road, ergy source? ality. you cannot go as fast, and that adds to Mr. President, we have to move for- Again, I applaud our committee the difficulty and the reality of gas ward. We cannot keep standing here chairman for putting this package to- prices.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.047 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5420 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 We also have a State that has a tre- So there is much we can do. Listen- idea was that we would keep those in mendous agricultural economy. All of ing to the other side of the aisle, their place long enough that we would pro- those costs—the cost of energy and the solution is that we can drill our way vide incentives for people to pursue cost of transportation and distribu- out of that situation. Nobody believes these alternative options. tion—are going up for our farm fami- that. There is no evidence that we can We have now tried three times in this lies. drill our way out of this. If anything, Congress to extend those energy tax While all this is happening—and we that keeps us dependent on oil—not provisions, and we have failed three know there are no easy solutions—we just foreign oil. times. So I rise to express deep dis- also see that, lo and behold, the big oil I think this idea that we sit back and appointment and frustration with that companies—in the last 5 years, the do nothing is really not worthy of a vote. The implications of the vote are profits of the five largest oil compa- long argument. We have to end our ad- profound if we cannot persuade our col- nies—in 2002, the profits of the five diction to oil. We have to take specific, leagues to change their position. Clear- largest oil companies was a measly $29 targeted steps to not just reduce our ly, if it is going to be our national pol- billion. Last year, 2007, big oil had prof- dependence on foreign oil but to pro- icy that we are not extending these tax its of $124 billion. So it went from $29 vide equity here for the American fam- provisions, then we are going to suffer billion to $124 billion in just 5 years. I ilies. environmental consequences from con- think there are very few, if any, Amer- I believe a lot of the solutions Demo- tinued reliance on power generated ican families—especially middle and crats have talked about have been very from fossil fuels; our efforts to reduce lower income families—who are under practical—an excess profits tax, taking America’s dependence on foreign oil the weight of these costs I just talked away those tremendous billions in will be cut short; our ability to create about who have had their incomes go breaks oil companies have had, and high-paying green jobs in these new en- up three, four, or five times. also getting tough on the speculators, ergy sectors will come to nought; and The reality is that big oil has gotten the people making a lot of money in our effort to promote research and de- too much. Over and over again, their the market, is another very practical velopment in these new industries will profits are going through the roof. This way. Democrats have offered a prac- certainly not materialize. It is a sad Government gave them tax breaks a tical set of solutions. We are waiting day for us in the Senate; we are not couple of years ago to the tune of $17 for the other side to come up with their able to move ahead and do this. billion. So just at the time when their solution to the pressure felt by the The first time this issue came up, the profits were taking off in a record way, American family. first time we tried to extend these tax this Government gave them, back in I yield the floor. provisions, the argument was that the 2004 and 2005, $17 billion in breaks. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- offsets are the problem; you folks are have talked about taking away those ator from New Mexico is recognized. trying to reduce the tax benefits en- breaks and allowing us as a govern- Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, how joyed by the oil and gas industry in ment, as a family, to be able to say much time remains? order to provide revenue to pay for there is another part of the family over The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is these alternative energy tax provi- here that is hurting and we want to 61⁄2 minutes. sions, and that is the objectionable help them. I will do it very briefly in Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I am part. terms of our approach. glad to come to the Senate floor and Basically, what Democrats have tried join my colleagues in talking about the I did not agree with that argument. I to do is to say: Look, we don’t have to unfortunate votes that were cast this voted to extend the alternative energy pretend we are helpless and sit back morning—one to go ahead and consider tax provisions and pay for it in that and say there is nothing we can do. We legislation to try to deal with the price way, but I think the House of Rep- don’t have a magic wand and there is of gasoline. That was the first vote resentatives has heard that message no easy solution, but the idea of doing where, unfortunately, we rejected the and the House of Representatives has nothing and saying it is OK for oil effort to proceed to that bill. The ma- now sent us a bill, which is the bill we companies to get these profits at a jority of Republican Members chose were trying to proceed to today, which time when we could use that revenue not to proceed to that bill, which was does not try to pay for these extensions for something else is ridiculous. Every- unfortunate. The second vote was to of alternative energy tax provisions by body out there knows it. They know, proceed to a bill that has the effect of reducing tax benefits for the oil and for example, that we can say we should extending the provisions that are cur- gas industry. It leaves the oil and gas have an excess profits tax. That makes rently in the Tax Code and particularly industry alone, and it finds some alter- sense. Now, if a big oil company comes to extend tax provisions that are in- native ways to make up that lost rev- in the door and says: You know what, tended to encourage clean energy de- enue. The alternatives are ones which, we are going to do our best to reduce velopment. I wish to talk about that to my mind, are very meritorious. our country’s dependence on foreign second bill in particular because it is Of course, under our rules in the Sen- oil, we are going to be more efficient one I have been involved in and have ate that we have adopted in the Con- and put more into research and devel- followed and supported for some time gress, we have to find a way to make opment and do the right thing for the now. up the revenue being lost. That is why American consumers, we are going to The incentives we have in current we are pushing to do so, and it is the say: OK, then maybe your excess prof- law to encourage alternative energy responsible thing to do. The alter- its tax—the hit against an oil com- development—wind energy, wind en- native, of course, is to borrow more pany—is not going to be as high. That ergy farms, wind turbine farms, solar money from our friends overseas, to is reasonable. energy developments in this country— run up the deficit and let our grand- At the same time, a lot of people most of those incentives were put into children worry about it at some point know that a high percentage of the in- place in the current form in 2005 when down the road. That is not a respon- crease in the price of a barrel of oil is we passed the Energy bill. There was sible course. from speculation by people on Wall great fanfare and rejoicing when we One of the bill’s offsets that we were Street who have money, power, influ- passed that. The President signed that trying to proceed to today would delay ence, and the ability to get informa- bill in my home State of New Mexico, a tax benefit known as the worldwide tion like that and make a huge finan- in Albuquerque. He rightfully took interest allocation. That is a tax ben- cial profit. We should crack down on credit for the fact that this was being efit that has not gone into effect. We speculation. We can do that. The Fed- enacted, and he talked about the im- would delay the effective date of it, eral Government can do that. We portance of these energy tax provi- again, for some period. There are a lot should give the Federal Government sions. of corporations that have indicated to the authority to do that. We should I did not realize when we did that in us they would support going ahead and give the President—any President—the 2005 that it was the administration’s delaying that benefit. This is not a tax authority to crack down on price intent to allow those tax provisions to increase from current law; this is keep- gouging. expire at the end of 2008. I thought the ing current law where it is.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.048 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5421 The other offset would be to close a Its creators want everyone to believe tries that support so many of our loophole that enables hedge fund man- that their climate tax proposal will smaller and rural communities. These agers to defer compensation by invest- clean the planet while causing min- valuable jobs will be forced to move ing wages in offshore investment funds. imum impact on our lives. They want overseas to countries like China and This proposal would end that deferral, us to believe that everyone will live India, where companies will continue would require the hedge fund managers happily ever after. However, this is not to emit greenhouse gases freely and recognize the compensation that they a legend or a fairy tale. Hiding inside without constraint. In case you haven’t receive as income when it is paid. This this Trojan horse is a monster of a tax noticed, we all occupy the same big proposal does not increase taxes; it increase to pay for the largest expan- greenhouse—the planet Earth. So simply changes the timing of tax li- sion of the Federal Government since Americans lose their jobs, but our air abilities. FDR’s New Deal. on our planet is still polluted. Describing this loophole, the New The nonpartisan Congressional Budg- In fact, this bill makes such a minor York Times says: et Office estimates that this proposal impact on the worldwide greenhouse Many hedge fund managers are enjoying will cost the American taxpayer $1.2 gas emissions that any reduction in the not only extraordinary profits, but the extra trillion dollars in taxes over just the United States is swallowed up by the benefit of a system almost encouraging them first 10 years of this bill. And that tax uncontrolled and rapidly growing emis- to set up offshore accounts. bill is only expected to rise with time. sions of China, India, and other devel- What we were trying to do in this With the hefty price tag and a huge ex- oping nations. legislation is to say let’s not encourage pansion of bureaucracy, the legislation If emissions continue to increase in them to set up offshore accounts by actually does very little, if anything, these countries, the problems resulting giving them tax incentives to do so. to improve the environment. The from the global warming predicted by That is a reasonable position, and it is American people cannot afford to pay many scientists may still occur. one that we should definitely be enact- for this reckless attempt at energy pol- It just does not make sense for us to ing into law. I know 44 Members of this icy. Instead, we should let American dramatically restrict our greenhouse Chamber voted ‘‘no’’ in our effort to ingenuity lead the way toward explo- gas emissions if China and India do not proceed to consider this bill. ration of American energy, expansion do the same. If this bill isn’t good for our families, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. of renewable energy, and increased con- our economy, our workers or our envi- MCCASKILL). The Senator’s time has servation. ronment, who is it good for? The spe- expired. This Climate Tax bill imposes a cap cial interests and Washington lobby- Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I on greenhouse gas emissions that can ists. By auctioning off carbon emission do not see additional colleagues here. I be released into the environment by allowances and giving away even more ask for an additional 2 minutes. certain businesses, and this cap will for free, there will be more than $6 tril- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without gradually reduce every year until 2050. lion dollars worth of allowances and objection, it is so ordered. The bill creates allowances that gives offsets and funds to dole out to a hun- Mr. BINGAMAN. I appreciate it. As I companies the right to emit specific gry and a fierce pack of special inter- said, 44 Members of the Senate voted amounts of these greenhouse gases. ests. It’s being called ‘‘environmental not to proceed to consider this bill and Some of the allowances will be dis- pork,’’ and the wolves are going to be instead, I gather, to protect a handful tributed for free to various entities. ready to pounce. Hundreds of billions of hedge fund managers from having to The rest of the allowances will be auc- of dollars of that pork won’t even stay pay the normal tax that ought to be tioned to the highest bidder. These al- here in America. Instead, it will be levied on each American when they get lowances can then be sold, traded, or given away to foreign governments and compensated. transferred. The cost incurred by busi- companies. Clearly, I think we have lost sight of nesses to obtain these allowances will So do we stand by as the proponents our priorities. I know this is an elec- be passed on to consumers, hitting low- trot around this plan that means new tion year. I know there are powerful income households the hardest. But be- taxes, higher gas prices, higher elec- special interests that are always say- fore we talk about the revenue windfall tricity bills, and more bureaucracy? In ing just vote no, always resist what- for the Government and about the peo- fact, the only thing this proposal re- ever is proposed. The simple fact is, if ple celebrating this legislation, let’s duces are the jobs of hard-working we are going to turn the page, if we are discuss the victims. Americans and our standard of living. going to turn the corner on our future First and foremost, this Climate Tax Now, don’t get me wrong, we abso- energy needs, we are going to have to bill will cost our economy and our lutely need comprehensive energy remove ahead and put in place some poli- working families greatly. Restricting form. Americans are hurting at the cies that will encourage alternative en- carbon dioxide emissions drives our en- pump and their budgets are being bust- ergy development. We have fallen short ergy supply down. Just as the bill ed by rising cooling and heating bills. in doing that now three times in this hopes to do, the price of energy would As a Nation, we are too dependent on Congress. I hope we do not continue to increase. With gasoline prices already Middle Eastern oil—a resource that is fall short. I urge my colleagues to re- over 4 dollars a gallon and predicted to too often in the hands of brutal dicta- consider this, and I hope the majority continue rising, we will all be hurting. torships. leader will find a way to bring this According to the EPA, this bill will But as is often the case in our Na- issue back to the full Senate, even this increase the price of gas by at least 53 tion’s history, we must look forward to week, if possible, so we can get a posi- cents a gallon. 53 cents. In my home a policy that unleashes the innovative tive vote to proceed with this legisla- State of Nevada, this would translate spirit of Americans, takes a common- tion. currently into about $4.68 a gallon at sense approach to our challenges, and Madam President, I yield the floor, today’s average price for regular gaso- rallies everyone to the cause. and I suggest the absence of a quorum. line. And gas prices aren’t the only We do this by encouraging conserva- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The thing that will go up. Electricity bills tion, efficiency, and renewable energy clerk will call the roll. will increase by 44 percent or more. expansion through incentives, not by The legislative clerk proceeded to And the cost to our overall economy imposing unworkable mandates and call the roll. would be devastating. By 2030, the an- impossible timelines. Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I ask nual loss to the United States’ gross As we spend time debating this legis- unanimous consent that the order for domestic product could reach nearly a lation today, crucial tax credits that the quorum call be rescinded. trillion dollars. The proposal is called encourage innovation in solar, geo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without America’s Climate Security Act, but thermal, wind, hydropower, and other objection, it is so ordered. with millions of jobs being destroyed alternative energy technologies are Mr. ENSIGN. Madam President, I rise because of this bill, not many Ameri- scheduled to expire. America’s energy today to warn the American people. cans are going to be feeling secure. security needs those tax credits, and There is a Trojan horse riding across Many of the jobs lost are going to be in Congress should act to extend them im- our country and onto the Senate floor. the manufacturing and mining indus- mediately without offsets. The Senate

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.050 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5422 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 took an important step toward that ob- When you really get to the bottom of was once the leader in this technology, jective by voting 88 to 8—to include the the debate over ANWR, you learn a few but we are so far behind today that if bipartisan Clean Energy Tax Stimulus things. we don’t make drastic changes in our Act, which I sponsored as part of the Exploration of ANWR, which would policy, we may never catch up. Senate-passed housing bill. Now the not impact habitat and wildlife, would Nuclear energy is clean and safe. It House must act so we can send a bill to be limited to a tiny area, roughly the causes no air pollution, no water pollu- the President that can be signed into size of a postage stamp on a football tion, and no ground pollution. Nuclear law as soon as possible. field. With such a limited environ- energy in the United States has never With exciting energy technology on mental impact, the benefit would be caused a single injury or death. Unfor- the horizon, we can’t afford to let these great. ANWR could generate more than tunately, only 20 percent of our elec- tax credits expire. In Nevada, some in- 10 billion barrels of oil, enough to re- tricity is coming from nuclear reac- novative projects have already begun place decades’ worth of oil imports tors. Doesn’t make a whole lot of harnessing the power of the Sun and to from Saudi Arabia. ANWR alone could sense, does it? provide energy to our residents. save the United States $40 billion dol- We have several challenges when it Nevada Solar One in Boulder City is lars annually in money now spent buy- comes to nuclear energy. President one of the largest capacity solar plants ing oil from overseas. It would also cre- Carter outlawed nuclear recycling back built in the world and generates ate hundreds of thousands of jobs. in 1977. Another terrible blow came enough electricity to power at least Thirteen years ago, President Clinton with the requirement that all radio- 14,000 households a year. vetoed legislation that would have active byproducts be disposed of in a Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas opened ANWR for exploration. If he nuclear waste repository. Today, Brit- has the Nation’s biggest photovoltaic had signed it into law instead, 1 mil- ain, France, and Russia are recycling solar power system, which supplies 30 lion barrels of domestic oil would be their nuclear waste, negating the need percent of the energy needs at that flowing into the United States every for a controversial repository, like base. single day. Yucca Mountain. France has actually Henderson has Nevada’s first solar This is American oil that would cre- used nuclear power to produce 80 per- home community, where each home ate American jobs. I’d say that is a cent of its electricity for the last 25 has a rooftop solar electric system that much better investment than filling years. France also manages to store all generates 4,400 kilowatts hours per the coffers of countries that despise its high-level nuclear waste in a single year. And late last year, Ausra, Inc., America and use our money to further room. selected Las Vegas as the site of the that hate. On the other hand, lawmakers in the first U.S. manufacturing plant for solar And we can access more American United States have been throwing bil- thermal power systems. energy through deep-sea exploration in lions of dollars at a mountain in Ne- The world’s largest geothermal power the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This vada that is unsafe and unfit for nu- producer is headquartered in Reno. doesn’t mean we set up oil rigs on our clear waste storage. And why on Earth And Nevada is home to the only asso- beaches and our shores. Development would we bury material that could be ciate degree program in the Nation in would take place at least 50 miles off- recycled into more energy? I also be- energy efficiency. shore, well beyond the visibility from lieve we must create incentives for the This is the innovative spirit that has land and at the discretion of coastal private sector to tackle the challenge powered American progress for cen- State Governors. Again, with very lim- of spent fuel storage. We know that turies and will continue to drive us to- ited environmental impact, the benefit Yucca mountain is not an option. For ward energy security for the 21st cen- would be great. this reason, I plan to introduce a bill to tury and beyond. Renewable energy is There are about 81⁄2 billion barrels of establish monetary prizes for achieve- a large part of that security, and my recoverable oil and 29.3 trillion cubic ments in the research, development, renewable energy bill encourages fur- feet of natural gas available through demonstration, and commercial appli- ther investment in all these techno- such deep-sea exploration. cation of spent fuel storage alter- logical advances. Oil shale is another promising supply natives. In the past, prized competi- I believe that energy efficiency is the of American energy that could make us tions have been very effective ways of key to increasing conservation of our more self-reliant and less dependent on encouraging creative solutions to ad- nation’s energy resources. For this rea- Middle Eastern oil. Oil shale can be dress difficult technological chal- son, my bipartisan Clean Energy Tax mined and processed to generate oil. lenges. Stimulus Act contains a number of By far the largest deposits of oil shale Technology has led to tremendous meaningful incentives to put us on the in the world are found in the United progress when it comes to nuclear en- path to greater energy efficiency and States in the Green River Formation, ergy, coal, and many other energy independence. My bill encourages which includes portions of Colorado, fronts. As ranking member of the Com- Americans to make energy efficiency Utah, and Wyoming. If we estimate merce Committee’s Subcommittee on improvements to their homes and busi- there are about 1.8 trillion barrels of Science, Technology, and Innovation, I nesses. This bill also encourages appli- oil from oil shale in the Green River have had the opportunity to delve into ance manufacturers to produce more Formation, it is three times greater the latest advances, and they are excit- energy-efficient appliances. than the proven oil reserves of Saudi ing. I can tell you technology and inno- But we also need to grow America’s Arabia. It is also important to note vation will be keys to overcoming our energy supply so that our economy and that more than 70 percent of oil shale energy challenges into the future. No our wallets are not in the hands of un- acreage in the Green River Formation other single road—renewable energy, predictable and unyielding hostile na- is under federally owned land. Another conservation, domestic supply—can get tions. What can we do? We can open a positive attribute of oil shale re- us there. But technology, together new frontier in American energy. I’m sources. with these American energy resources, talking about responsible exploration America has more than a 230-year will help lift us from the control of un- in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, supply also of coal. Making us the conscionable nations. or ANWR, recoverable oil in deep-sea Saudi Arabia of coal. It would be irre- These are the answers to our energy resources, opportunities with oil shale, sponsible for us to ignore this valuable challenges, not some ill-conceived fan- a new era of nuclear energy, and a push resource that is abundant and afford- tasy legislation called America’s Cli- toward clean coal. able. With the progress being made in mate Security Act, that will only drive I know these projects are controver- clean coal technology, we need coal to us into greater energy insecurity. We sial. When I first started considering balance our energy portfolio and make can, however, learn from history and if exploration of ANWR, I had serious us less dependent on Middle Eastern we open this Trojan horse, we concerns. Proponents and opponents oil. shouldn’t be surprised to be engulfed have been very vocal on this issue. I Another energy supply that we can by hidden tax hikes, $5 dollar-a-gallon sought out neutral information so that take advantage of right here on Amer- gasoline, and an army of new Wash- I could make an informed decision. ican soil is nuclear energy. America ington bureaucrats.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:33 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.052 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5423 Instead, let us put our resources into cause global warming has not been tak- up refineries. It was killed right down American ingenuity. The innovation ing place now since 2001. It never took party lines. Again that was 2007. that has always come out of our inven- place in the southern hemisphere. Last Then in 2008, May 13 of 2008, the Sen- tors, scientists, and entrepreneurs will time I checked, that was part of the ate voted on an amendment to expand fuel our quest for energy security in globe. exploration in ANWR and to authorize the 21st century. The problem was that no one would drilling in offshore coastal waters. Ronald Reagan once said: come down, but last week they came Again, it failed down party lines. I Preservation of our environment is not lib- down, 25, and we defeated it. That could go on. eral or conservative challenge, it’s common would not have been comparable to an The next one I had was 2 days after sense. annual tax increase or cost to the pub- that the Senate voted on a motion to We need to come together to address lic of $330 billion, as the Kyoto treaty instruct the budget conferees con- this issue because it impacts every would have, it would have been some cerning increased exploration on the facet of our lives. I know that we can $471 billion—a huge tax increase. But Outer Continental Shelf. be champions of a commonsense energy we did in our wisdom reject that. I feel What I am saying is this: The first policy that is environmentally respon- very good about that. thing we learn when we go to school is sible as well as economically respon- There is something that has not been that at least American symbols are sible. Let’s not look back on another 13 said that I think is necessary to talk very strong. They help us to under- years and wish we had acted today. The about and that is we knew this was stand that supply and demand is still price for inaction is clearly too steep. coming. The Senator from Nevada, alive and well in this country. It still I yield the floor. Senator ENSIGN, talked about Presi- means something. If we do not expand The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- dent Clinton’s veto of the ANWR open- the supply of energy in America, then ator from Oklahoma. ing, the bill that was in December of the price is not going to go down, it is Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, it is 1995. What he didn’t say was that we going to go up. That is exactly what my understanding we have the floor had voted in both October and Novem- the Democrats have done by refusing until 4:36, if I am correct, which means ber of 1995. The Senate voted to imple- to let us explore for oil and gas as well I would not have time to make a pres- ment a competitive leasing program as nuclear, clean coal technology, and entation I wish to make on the bill for oil and gas exploration and the de- the other forms we need to use. that was pending, the one that we, for- velopment and production within the When it gets down to it, we know the tunately, voted against cloture on ear- coastal plain of ANWR. That was actu- cause of it. We know also we do not lier today. But let me make a couple ally passed. It was passed again on No- want to use the Energy bill. I am very comments, since I would not have time vember 17, 1995. I will always remember glad the Democrats’ energy bill—which to do that. that date because that is my birthday. didn’t have any energy in it, zero, First of all, I believe strongly that It was voted on. Then of course a none—went down. Now we want an op- something wonderful happened last month later the President vetoed it. portunity to introduce an amendment Friday. We have been fighting this bat- Right down on party lines, in both we have that does allow us to increase tle for so long. People have been saying November and in October of 1995, the the availability and the amount of en- manmade gases—anthropogenic gases, Democrats voted against it, the Repub- ergy in America—either oil and gas, CO2, and methane—were the major licans all voted for it. Republicans nuclear, or clean coal technology, and causes of climate change. I have to say, want to increase the supply of energy all the rest, wind, and all the renew- I believed that back 7 years ago, when in America. Those were three votes ables also. We need to do that. It is a I became chairman of the Environment that show it. Again, in 2005—fast for- simple thing. We need to quit blaming and Public Works Committee. At that ward 10 more years: on March 16, 2005, each other. We know how we got to time we found out how much it would the Senate voted on an amendment to this position. Now we need to change cost if we were to ratify the Kyoto the budget to strike expanding explo- our behavioral pattern. treaty and live by its requirements. ration on ANWR. The amendment to Americans right now realize—gas is Fortunately, that amount we did not strike failed, 49 to 51. All the Repub- $4 a gallon. I can assure you—I am not ratify. licans voted for the exploration, all sure how it is in California and other As time went by, I noticed in 2005 we Democrats voted against it. States—in Oklahoma that is the No. 1 had the McCain-Lieberman bill, also a Again, on November 3, 2005, 7 or 8 issue. In Oklahoma they understand cap-and-trade bill, which also tried to months later, the Senate voted on an supply and demand. We need to under- pin the problem on manmade gases— amendment to prohibit oil and gas stand it in this Chamber too. CO2. I remember standing down here on leasing on the coastal plain. The I yield the floor. the floor and some of the proponents of amendment failed 48 to 51; 48 Repub- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the bill were down here. In 5 days, only licans voted against it and 40 Demo- ator from California is recognized. two Republicans from the Senate came crats voted for it. Mrs. BOXER. Is it my understanding down and joined me in this fight. It June 2007—2 years later—the Senate the Democrats now have 30 minutes re- was lonely for 5 days. We explained to voted on the Gas Price Act as an served? Is that correct? people, No. 1, the science wasn’t there; amendment. That was mine. You could The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and, No. 2, the cost to the average have all the exploration you want, all ator is correct. American would be comparable to a the oil and gas you want, but if you Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I $330 billion tax increase. cannot refine it, you are not going to was interested to hear my friend from Then I went back and looked at the be able to use it, so the Gas Price Act, Oklahoma, the ranking member on my tax increase of 1993. It was called the I thought, was pretty ingenious. What Environment and Public Works Com- Clinton-Gore tax increase that was, at we did was take those ailing commu- mittee, talk about how much the Re- that time, the largest tax increase in nities that were adjacent to military publicans care about gas prices after the last 20 years. That was only $32 bil- communities, military bases that had they just tanked our effort to deal with lion, so this would have been 10 times been shut down by the BRAC process, them. It is extraordinary what we are greater than that tax increase. the Base Realignment and Closing seeing here, right before the eyes of the Then of course we came up with the process, and would allow them to American people. bill in 2005. After 5 days we defeated it, change that vacated area into refin- Last week they said ‘‘no’’ to global but only two Republicans came down eries. It would save a lot of money be- warming legislation. Global warming is and joined me. I am so gratified that cause the Federal Government real. The Senator from Oklahoma re- last week when we defeated the wouldn’t have to clean them up to the minds me of the people who kept say- Lieberman-Warner bill, 25 Members standards of playgrounds; they could ing: No, the Earth is flat. No, ciga- came down and showed that they were just be to the standards of refineries. It rettes don’t cause cancer. He is lining not afraid to stand and tell the truth also provided that the Economic Devel- up with those people. about the causes of global warming— opment Administration would provide The vast majority of scientists tell the accusation of global warming, be- grants so people would be able to start us global warming is real. He bragged

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:30 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.053 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5424 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 about how he beat us last week. Let me Last week we came up six votes short $3.94. This is old. It is now $4. This I take a look at that. He said it was a even though we reached a high water used last week. It is already old; today wonderful thing that happened on Fri- mark on the bill. At the end of the day it is $4. In my State it is about $4.40. day, when the Senate didn’t get 60 we now have a roadmap for change—46 You can’t keep up with the increases in votes to continue the debate on global Democrats voted yes to tackle global the price of gas. This is what we are warming and address it. He said it was warming, 8 Republicans voted yes. facing. a wonderful thing. I want to say to the What does that tell you about the two So in the Senate today we said: All 89 percent of the American people, who parties? right, they said no to global warming believe global warming must be ad- When I took the gavel in January legislation—which was a long-term an- dressed, because it is a moral issue after the Democrats took back this swer to big oil. that is facing us, because we have to majority by only the slimmest of mar- What we would have done is we would protect this planet for our grandkids, gins, I said I wanted to put global have had a cap-and-trade system that because we need to get off foreign oil, warming on the map because under the would have put a price on carbon, gone have alternatives to foreign gas—and leadership of my colleagues on the between the free marketplace, and that yes, in my State it is well over $4—we other side of the aisle we did nothing would have led to trillions of dollars, I have to address it. He is celebrating to address it. The President has basi- say to my friend, trillions of dollars in the fact that we fell short. cally—and we know this for sure— investments by the private sector, cel- Let me tell you we fell short by only interfered with the scientists in his lulosic fuel, automobiles that get 150 six votes. We fell short by six votes. We own administration and not allowed miles per gallon, electric cars, all the had 46 Democrats for dealing with glob- the facts to be told. So we had 25 hear- rest. That is the long-term solution al warming now, plus 8 Republicans— ings. pushing down demand. We all know 54. We needed 60. He is celebrating. The second thing I wanted to do is that. Pushing down demand. We are going to be celebrating come make it bipartisan. JOHN WARNER said, Now, the other side will say if you November because we are going to have ‘‘I am with you. I care about my drill in a wildlife refuge it will solve a President who is going to work with grandkids. I care about national secu- your problems. No, it is false. Put aside us on global warming legislation and rity.’’ The Naval Academy did a very that Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican we are going to have six more votes important study that this is going to President, set aside the Alaskan Wild- here in the Senate, I can predict. Be- be the No. 1 cause of wars in the future life Refuge and said this is a precious cause my friends on the other side of as we have desperate refugees running gift from God; set it aside. What are the aisle—with a few exceptions, very away from droughts and famine and you going to do to God’s creatures by drilling over there? Forget it. few—are fierce defenders of the status flooding and all the rest, and rising sea Put it aside for the moment and talk quo. levels. When JOHN WARNER came about what you get. You get 6 months’ Let me repeat that. The leadership in across, I knew I had accomplished that. worth of oil. You cannot drill your way the Republican Party and the vast ma- He did it for me. He made it bipartisan. Then we got the strong bill out of the out of this. Someone said—I think it jority of Republicans, save a handful, committee, we improved it, we got it was Senator MENENDEZ who made a are fierce defenders of the status quo. to the floor, and we knew it had a lot great analogy. He said: Everybody says They say no to global warming legisla- of work. We got a letter from 10 people we are addicted to oil. Even our own tion which will get us off foreign oil, who voted for it who said: Look, Sen- President says we are addicted to oil. which will get us off big oil. They say ator, and HARRY REID, we need to work Let’s say someone was addicted to no, today, to going after the specu- on it. We understand that is what we drugs. Is the way to get them off drugs lators, going after big oil, making have to do when our next President to give them 6 months’ more worth of them disgorge some of that money so says let’s go, let’s get a bill through. drugs? Does that help? No. No. No. we can invest it in alternatives; going So I think it is appalling that my rank- We need to figure out a way to get off after OPEC and saying: If you are ing member of the Environment Com- of foreign oil, get away from big oil, colluding, you are going to be held ac- mittee would come down here and cele- because we know the developing na- countable. brate the fact that we were not able to tions are gobbling it up. And we also They said: No, no, no. Yes, to the sta- move forward on global warming legis- know we have done so little, so little to tus quo; no to positive change for the lation, and furthermore said it is not address the issue of energy efficiency, American people. real. He brought that out again. fuel technology. It is a sad thing. We They come down to the floor and I do thank those who engaged in the have lost so much time. they are happy about it. It is unbeliev- debate, both pro and con. It was a land- Today at gas stations across the Na- able to me. mark debate. I only regret that the Re- tion, the American people are suf- The wonderful thing that did happen publicans filibustered and we had to fering. They are facing sticker shock. on Friday is we reached a high water take the bill off the floor because we They are having to choose, choose be- mark. We reached 54 votes. The last could have gotten a very good bill. It tween something they might buy at vote on the global warming bill, it was was a very good bill to start with and the store for dinner and filling up the 38. we could have worked on it and made it tank. That is a fact. That is a fact. The even more wonderful part is out even better. I will never forget when Vice Presi- of the people who were absent, who But, come November, we will see dent CHENEY first sat down for his sent in letters who said they were with whether I am right or wrong. I think I closed-door meetings with oil execu- us, were the two Presidential can- will be right. One of the reasons I am tives and energy industry lobbyists, didates. So all that talk about cele- right, and I believe we will have Sen- and we said: We want to know what brating the fact that we stopped global ators here who are going to be hos- you are talking about, Mr. Vice Presi- warming legislation is kind of a death pitable to global warming legislation, dent. What is going on behind those rattle, in my opinion, for those people is because we also need Senators who closed doors? who do not believe they have to ad- are hospitable to doing something And he said: Oh, I am working to dress this challenge of our generation. about gas prices. make energy affordable. I am looking at the young people This is an amazing chart. Since You know what gas was? It was $1.50. here today, their beautiful faces. They George Bush got into office—do we re- That is when he sat down with his deserve to have a good life in the fu- member this? He and DICK CHENEY were friends in oil companies. We cannot ture. I want to say to them today: You oil men. One of the reasons they urged find out what they talked about, but I are here in an historic time because for getting elected is: We know how to can tell you this: Whatever they talked the window is closing for action. With deal with the oil companies; leave it to about was good for them, was good for global warming, if you don’t act, you us. We know how to deal with the the oil companies, was good for big oil. lose valuable time, because the carbon Saudi Arabian princes; leave it to us. Gas is $4.40 a gallon in many California stays in the atmosphere for so long it We will deal with it. locations. I have seen gas prices as becomes more difficult to get it out of They dealt with it. There was a 250- high as $5 in my State. So we have se- the atmosphere. percent increase in the price of gas— cret meetings with DICK CHENEY with

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You need to either invest your the war, and that contributed to these cents. profits in the future, in other tech- high oil prices. What a disaster—a dis- In every case, you see the Bush ad- nologies, or give it back to us, and we aster, a disaster, a disaster. ministration saying they are going to will do it on behalf of the American We would have today, had we had the do something. They never did any- people. opportunity to move forward on our thing. A lot of talk, a lot of yack, a lot They said no. They will protect big legislation, not only sent a signal of visits with Saudi Arabia, a lot of oil until they have to pay the political which could have done something, we kissing on the cheek with the princes, price. Protect big oil, protect foreign could have investigated these compa- holding hands. We saw the picture. oil. They protect foreign oil, OPEC. We nies for the kinds of illegal actions I What happened? This. Straight up. Two said the Attorney General should be believe some of them are taking. We oil men in the White House. Is it any able to sue a foreign company or for- could have gone after companies and wonder? eign country if they colluded on the countries for collusion. We could have Many of us said at the time, other price of oil. Oh, no, they could not do gone after these excess profits and said: people said: It is terrific, two oil men that to big oil either. They are in love Look, we want everyone to do well, but at the White House. They will know with big oil over there. They are in let’s have some fairness. I will tell you, how to deal with the oil companies. love with foreign oil. the American people are not going to Well, they sure knew how to deal with My people are saying: Enough is stand for it. the oil companies. The oil companies enough is enough is enough. It is no So we have had a very interesting never had it so good. And my Repub- wonder that the American people want few days. And my friend, the ranking lican friends right here, with few exchange, and they are going to get member from Oklahoma, says how he ceptions, have fallen all over them- change. They are going to get it in No- is so excited. Friday was his best day— selves to give those very same compa- vember. They are going to bring it to his best day—his best day—when a ma- nies huge tax breaks, even as they are us. They are going to bring us change. jority of the Senate said, yes, let’s take making record profits. The former oil men in the Bush ad- up global warming legislation, and he Listen to this: Last year the oil com- ministration have been uninterested in opposed it. panies pocketed $124 billion in profits, taking on the unchecked speculation. His days are numbered on this point. up from $29 billion in 2002. That means This vote reflects the administration. All we need is six more Senators who they have quadrupled their profits That is it. They all marched together. are different than the many on the since 2002, four times. Let’s think Well, I think they are marching off a other side, and we are going to get about it, America. What happened to plank. The American people are smart that. People want this. We know 89 per- your salary? Did your salary quad- and getting smarter every day. They cent of the people want us to address ruple? I think we know the answer to know the pain they are feeling at the global warming. that. pump has a cost. They understand the When we do it in the right way, we We know Americans are losing speculation on futures. We address will send a signal that America is ground. The average family is losing that. We address that in the legislation ready to lead. America is ready to ground, thousands of dollars in lost on which they voted no. work with the world so that we get off revenue. Their salaries are not keeping We said: You cannot take money and of foreign oil. We are not dependent on up with inflation. The price of gas is speculate on futures in an out-of-town countries we do not want to be depend- out of sight. It is hard for them to get market, an out-of-country market. You ent on; we are not dependent on big health care. Health care costs are out have to have transparency. Oh, no, companies that can care less about our of sight. Food prices are going up. Ev- they do not want transparency. That families. They do not care one whit erything is going up—tuition. would be bad for the oil companies. about our families. The executives are But what do my friends on the other If anyone ever says to you: There is making millions and millions and mil- side say? They want to give oil compa- no difference between Democrats and lions of dollars every year on salaries, nies these great big tax breaks. They Republicans, look at the debate we had on bonuses, on expense accounts. did in 2004 and 2005. Believe it or not, on global warming, look at the vote on Well, the average family in America they gave them tax breaks worth over global warming, and look at the vote is struggling. So I hope the American $17 billion over the next decade. And we had today. There is an enormous people are watching. Last week we had these tax breaks are free and clear. We difference. And it has to do with whose a monumental vote, the high water did not even say—they did not say in side you are on. In the case today, it mark. But they stopped us. Today, we the legislation oil companies have to was are you on the side of big oil and had a good vote also, but they stopped invest in renewables, improving infra- foreign oil or are you on the side of the us. They stopped us from doing any- structure, increasing capacity. No. You American people? It is pretty clear. thing about gas prices, and their an- know what they did with the money? You have to look at Iraq. We have swer is drill in a wildlife reserve which, They spent $185 billion on stock been in Iraq more than 5 long years. Do at most, gives us 6 months of oil, and, buybacks instead of investing in clean, you remember what President Bush by the way, destroys a gift from God alternative fuels or new refinery utili- said when he went in? He said Iraqi oil that a Republican President said is not zation. would pay for the reconstruction of an answer. And as my friend in the chair said Iraq. He did. And look at what we have That is feeding the addiction. Are today, they are spending more on pub- spent on this war. We are going broke there places in America we could drill? lic relations than the average family on this war. We are into it longer than Yes, there are. But what we need is a spends in a lifetime because they know, we were in World War II. whole different long-term strategy. when the American people really un- We are looking at trillions of dollars And that long-term strategy and fight- derstand this, what the American peo- at the end of the day in the actual cost ing global warming will throw us off ple will think. Have you seen those of the war, the cost of the reconstruc- this dependance. That will make us a beautiful commercials by the oil com- tion, the cost of taking care of our leader in the world. That will create panies? We really care. We are doing so beautiful, brave, courageous, and in- green jobs, technologies we can export, much. comparable men and women who are and we will have an economic renais- Do you think they are doing all of coming home in desperate shape. sance in the Nation. these wonderful things? No, most of What happened to George Bush’s We will be the leader the world again the money is spent on buying back promise? They stand up, we stand when it comes to the environment and their stock. down. Well, I think they are standing the good-paying jobs. In the short

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That is a ques- So I would say, this is a weird kind of like them to. They are not like an tion that every one of us has to ask event here. The no-energy bill I under- American corporation, subject to the ourselves. It ought to be: I am on the stand they would like to move to—and jurisdiction of the court. Part of the side of the American people, of Amer- wanted to move to—would authorize protections of the laws of America, ica’s families, of America’s middle the U.S. Government to sue OPEC na- they become subject to lawsuits—but class, who is getting squeezed. tions that are withholding and reduc- not a foreign nation. It ought not be: I am on the side of ing supplies of oil on the world market We do not want them suing us to say: big oil. And my Republican friends on in the way we would sue an American You ought to open ANWR—or perhaps the other side again, on the vote last company that was manipulating the we might. Open Alaska. Open offshore. week and this vote, have chosen sides. market by withholding products or Now, that has, perhaps, a lawsuit that And the American people will decide otherwise colluding to fix prices. Now, might have some merit. Or maybe sue who they want to have leading the that is exactly what OPEC is doing. the Congress for voting not to produce country. What they are doing is unacceptable, more oil and gas off our shores over the I yield the floor and suggest the ab- and it needs sustained, relentless lead- years. At least you could get jurisdic- ership by this administration and this sence of a quorum. tion over Congress. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Congress to stand up to OPEC and con- So this is not a serious response, I clerk will call the roll. front that because they are effectively will say to you. It is not. The bill clerk proceeded to call the raising the price of oil by restricting Now, in addition, they propose in this roll. supply. I understand other nations are Energy bill to tax the oil companies, Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask seeing declines in production as well, unanimous consent that the order for but taxing the oil companies will not including Mexico and Russia. So we are produce more energy. You can take the quorum call be rescinded. creating shortages in the marketplace, this to the bank. It is a concept of uni- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. allowing people to make large amounts versal acceptance. When you tax some- SALAZAR). Without objection, it is so of money—corporations and others— thing, you get less of it. What we need ordered. but the people who are primarily mak- in this country is more energy, not Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, we ing the money are oil-producing na- less. We need more cleanly produced, have had some unusual developments tions. Go look at the skyscrapers they clean American energy. That is what in the Senate in recent days. No sooner are building in the desert, the billions we need more of. That is what people had the majority in the Senate moved and billions of dollars they are receiv- are complaining to me about. to the cap-and-trade bill, for which ing from us as a result of these high When I go back home and talk to my they were demanding the debate be prices, as a result of tripling the price constituents, they are upset. They are limited and utilizing a procedure by of oil on the world marketplace from outraged. According to the national re- the Democratic majority leader to ba- the forties just a couple years ago to ports that came out yesterday, the peo- sically fill the tree, which eliminates now over $130 a barrel. So you were ple in my home county in Alabama— free debate of amendments on the getting $40 for each barrel of oil one the citizens there—pay a larger per- bill—this was a piece of legislation year, and a couple years later you are centage of their income to buy gasoline that was claimed to be one of the most now getting $130 for each barrel in your important to be offered in the Senate. small country. The bigger countries, of than any other county in America. It is In the early 1990s, when the clean air course, make more money because they because they are rural, they have low act amendments were passed, 131 produce and sell more oil. wages. They do not compete with the amendments were disposed of during We are sending overseas each year big-city wages, and they have to travel that debate, and it took 5 weeks on the from our Nation $500 billion a year to so far to work. floor. This bill has more far-reaching purchase the oil that comes into our That is a very painful thing. It brings and pernicious ramifications than the country. It is half the trade deficit we it home to me personally. I filled up Clean Air Act Amendments. Yet they have—half of it—just to purchase this our smaller car this weekend, and it were going to end the debate and begun oil. It is not getting better, and we cost $61. People have larger cars. They to spin the issue as if the Republicans have no policy before us to legiti- bought them years ago. They cannot were filibustering the bill. That is what mately do something about this other just go out and sell their SUV today— they said repeatedly: Republicans were than the one Senator DOMENICI and what price would they get?—sell it so filibustering the bill. But in truth we Senator MCCONNELL and the Repub- they could buy some Prius. Where are wished to talk about the bill. We asked lican leadership offered a few weeks they going to get the money to do to be able to do so and use the 30 hours ago, which was rejected. that? We would like them to. We would which Senate rules allow to discuss the Let me explain what this no-energy like them to move to those kinds of ve- legislation, and our request was treat- bill and its NOPEC provision would do. hicles in the future, but it is not posed with great horror, as if this were We would sue OPEC nations for refus- sible today. somehow a plan to reject a discussion ing to increase their production. Now, So the ‘‘masters of the universe’’ who of the legislation. how you get jurisdiction over a sov- think we can pass a bill and allow the Well, no sooner had we done that and ereign nation—the Presiding Officer, a price of energy to be exceedingly high gotten through that, and the majority former attorney general, as I have been and that the people will adjust their leader filled the tree to limit real in a previous life, knows jurisdiction habits so they can reduce the price of amendments on the bill—amendments may sound like a little thing. It is not oil, are not in the real world. Let’s get he did not approve—then, the majority such a little thing to get jurisdiction with it. leader came forward and moved to over a sovereign nation to order them I tell you, my constituents are un- move off the bill, to move away from to produce more oil out of their happy, and they want us to do some- cap and trade—the centerpiece of their ground. thing to confront, in a realistic way, philosophy about what is happening in But I would submit to you, the idea the surge of prices that are impacting energy in America today—and he want- is so weak and so implausible and so their budgets very seriously. They also ed to move to their Energy bill, which unenforceable that it would be a laugh- understand these rising prices that are I think can legitimately be referred to, able thing if it were not so serious be- taking money out of their budget are in utilizing senatorial license, as a no- cause we do have a problem with OPEC also impacting the businesses they deal energy bill. I will talk about that in a nations and others who are fixing the with and see and, perhaps, work for and minute. price of oil. it is making us less competitive in the

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It is very frustrating that at- work a week and whether they can get does not leave the U.S. Air Force de- tempts to do that have been blocked by overtime or whether they get a bonus. pendent on foreign sources of oil to fuel persons whose thinking, I believe, on That is what people are worried about. our Nation’s aircraft in the defense of this issue is confused and not in the So what do we have before us? A cap- America. But this effort has been public interest. and-trade bill that is guaranteed, ac- blocked by the Democratic majority. I thank the Chair, and I yield the cording to the Environmental Protec- The 2005 Energy Policy Act, which floor. tion Agency, to drive up the cost of Senator DOMENICI led when he was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gasoline $1.40 a gallon to meet Kyoto- chairman of the Energy Committee, ator from Louisiana is recognized. type agreements we did not sign and also directed the Bureau of Land Man- Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in the we have not approved. That is not what agement to lease Federal lands for oil year 64 A.D., there was a tremendous people are telling me they want us to shale research projects. There are ap- fire in Rome, and legend has it that the do. They want us to produce more proximately 1.8 trillion barrels of oil in Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome clean American energy. oil shale rock, but it is hard to get out. burned. Well, I am afraid that if we Well, I hate to be partisan about this, It is not easy to get out. It takes some continue to fiddle in the Congress but I think we need to talk about how effort to produce that, but some major while gas prices continue to go up and we got here, what happened in this companies are prepared to invest bil- up and hurt all of our constituents in a country to get us in as bad a shape as lions of dollars to prove that it can be deep abiding way, Nero will outpace us we are. The trends have not been good brought out well below the current in terms of his legendary action com- in terms of a rising demand for oil and world price of oil. I would have thought pared to our inaction. energy and a not-rising-so-fast supply, we would have been delighted to see We are truly fiddling while this enor- but there are things we could and this go forward—at least in an experi- mous crisis of rising gasoline prices should have done and some things we mental way—and see how that would hits every family we purport to rep- did 2 years ago that are being reversed. work out. But oh, no. This Congress, resent. We are doing nothing signifi- In 2005, for example, this Congress, again with a Democratic majority, cant, nothing important to address this when Senator PETE DOMENICI chaired acted to block the development and the crisis. the Energy Committee, recognized the carrying out of this provision that Why do I say that? Well, when this potential of oil shale in the Energy would promote oil shale. The Senate- new Democratically led Congress took Policy Act that became law. The act sponsored section 433 of the Consoli- office a couple of Januaries ago, prices identified oil from the shale rock out dated Appropriations Act—this was the at the pump were about $2.33. That new in the West as a strategically impor- monumental appropriations bill that leadership of the Congress—the Demo- tant asset and called for its develop- was about this thick. They slipped lan- cratic leader in the Senate as well as ment. Yet, last year, the Democratic- guage in, in conference, to take care of the Democratic leadership in the controlled Congress, led by the House that. It would prohibit funds from House—said that this was unaccept- of Representatives, put in language being used to implement any leasing able. They vowed that this was a major that blocked and reversed the develop- program directed to the Bureau of issue they would address, that they ment of this abundant resource despite Land Management, as had been ap- would attack in a focused, meaningful the surging price of oil and gasoline. proved in 2005, effectively stopping this way. Well, a year and a half later, In the recently passed Energy Inde- program. things have changed. The price at the pendence and Security Act, the House- I will just say that is frustrating. We pump is now about $4 a gallon. It has sponsored section 526 prohibits any are sort of in a manner of disconnect gone up and up, and this Congress has Federal agency from contracting to here to an extraordinary degree. The done little to nothing. procure any alternative or synthetic American people want us to do some- To add insult to injury, the Demo- fuel that produces greater life cycle thing. Oil shale: Well, it is not going to cratic leadership in the Senate pro- greenhouse gas emissions than those be easy, but this is not a dreamland posed legislation today that centered produced from traditional fuels. This idea. It absolutely can work. One com- around major measures that can clear- language prohibits the Federal Govern- pany is using the same technology that ly change the price at the pump, such ment from contracting to produce and was used by the oil sands industry in as a windfall profits tax and language use oil shale and coal-to-liquids. This Canada that has proven to be quite to sue OPEC. I find this insulting, and provision is misguided and should be commercially feasible. We need to be I believe the American people do, be- repealed immediately. testing this because 1.8 trillion barrels cause that sort of political dema- Now, let me tell my colleagues—I of oil in oil shale would be enough for goguery and posturing is no substitute know the Presiding Officer is familiar 100 years of oil—actually, 200 years of for real energy policy. with a number of these issues—a rep- oil at our current rate. So oil shale, if Yesterday, I was in my home State of resentative of U.S. Air Force was in my we could make that breakthrough, Louisiana. I had two townhall meet- office a few weeks ago discussing a con- would make us completely independent ings. About a week before that, I was tract they had with a company that of foreign oil. We have huge reserves all around the State; I had nine others. would take coal—we have 250 years of offshore, as the Senator from Lou- Folks asked again and again: When is coal in America. It is an American en- isiana knows. He is out there. He is in Congress going to act? When is Con- ergy source. You can heat that coal Louisiana, and he sees the production gress going to do something meaning- and off comes a gas which can be con- that survived Hurricane Katrina, and ful about these escalating gasoline verted through a known and proven as a result, we were able to get those prices? I laid out my ideas. They were process to a liquid, and they were going systems back on line with no oil spills reacted to in a very positive way, par- to use it in their airplanes to fly U.S. or damage to the environment. ticularly the need for us to do more for aircraft with it. But the Air Force rep- I thank the Chair for letting me ourselves right here at home to resentative told me the language in share this frustration. I don’t know produce more energy. section 526 had blocked them. Coal-to- where we are going now, but I know Certainly nobody in those audiences liquids derived fuel is a fabulously one thing: This Congress does not need had very kind words to say about clean fuel. It actually cleans the en- to leave this energy debate without OPEC. Nobody was standing up and gine, so when you use this fuel, the pol- creating some policies that allow for lauding the big oil companies. But by lutants and waste products have been more production of clean American en- the same token, they know the dif- taken out, and it is a very pure fuel ergy. We can do that. We are going to ference between political rhetoric and they burn, and the Air Force was ex- continue using oil and gas for many posturing and real energy policy. They pecting to be able to bring this fuel years to come. Why in the world would certainly know that a bill to sue OPEC into the U.S. Department of Defense we want 60-plus percent of it to be for- and try to impose a Carter-era windfall

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:30 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.058 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5428 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 profits tax on big oil companies isn’t company executives own it all. Well, in an environmentally friendly way. going to do a darn thing, at least on they own some—1.5 percent of the com- But in order to do that, Congress needs the positive side of the equation, to panies we are talking about. Who owns to get out of the way and allow States stabilize and lower gasoline prices at the rest? Well, over half of oil company and private industry to do just that. the pump. It is going to have no mean- shares are owned by mutual fund com- Offshore is a big piece of that puzzle. ingful impact, certainly, to produce panies which are widely owned by That is why I have brought to the Sen- more energy and bring those prices Americans. That manages to account ate floor my proposal that says if these down. for nearly 55 million American house- outrageous prices at the pump actually So I come to the floor to urge all of holds. Median income of these house- hit $5 a gallon, then we will allow ex- us—Democrats and Republicans—to holds, by the way, is $70,000 or less. ploration and production in our ocean come together to get real and to act in Pension funds, both public and pri- bottoms off our U.S. coast—but only if the face of what is a true economic cri- vate, hold 27 percent of the shares in two things apply: First, the host State sis for millions upon millions of Amer- the energy industry. That means 129 involved would have to want this activ- ican families. million pension fund participants, who ity. So the Governor and State legisla- As I say, it is easy to agree that have accounts worth an average of ture in that host State would have to OPEC or big oil is a cheap political tar- about $63,000, own the companies we say, yes, we want this activity off of get. It is easy to agree that it may be are talking about. Twenty-eight mil- our coast, we want to be part of the so- popular superficially to kick them lion of those pension funds are for pub- lution to help meet the Nation’s energy around and to politically bash those lic employees, including teachers, po- needs. Secondly, that host State would easy targets. But I truly believe the lice, fire personnel, soldiers, and gov- get a fair share of the royalty, or rev- American people are smarter than that ernment workers. So these are the enue, from that ocean bottom produc- and can distinguish between political folks who own these companies that we tion, 371⁄2 percent, building on the posturing, political rhetoric, and a real are supposed to go after. precedent, the policy we set 2 years ago energy policy. I think it is particularly The final and most important and in opening some limited new areas in true with the windfall profits tax pro- compelling reason this notion of a the Gulf of Mexico. That actually does posed by the Democratic leadership windfall profits tax is a red herring is something about energy. That actually today. that it won’t produce more energy. It would increase supply right here at Now, why do I say that is not a real won’t stabilize or lower prices at the home, would lessen our dependence on energy policy and it won’t lead to sta- pump. It won’t help the situation. It dangerous foreign sources, would help bilizing and reducing prices? Well, will, in fact, make it worse. stabilize and bring down prices at the there are three main reasons: Why do I say this? Because we have pump—something the political pos- First, the entire notion of a windfall historical experience to turn to to see turing of suing OPEC or putting in a profits tax is a misnomer. Oil company what happened. Under President windfall profits tax, a Carter-era idea, profits are very big when you look at Carter, we tried this experiment. In on the big oil companies would not do. them in dollar terms. Why is that? terms of boosting energy production, Let’s not fiddle while Rome burns. Mostly for one simple reason: Oil com- stabilizing or lowering prices, it was a Let’s get serious. Let’s act respectfully pany activity—exploration and produc- miserable failure. From 1980 to 1988, we to the situation, the real crisis so tion—is enormously expensive. As a re- had a windfall profits tax. That re- many Americans face. Let’s come to- sult of that, the major oil companies duced domestic oil production by up to gether in a bipartisan way and act, not are enormously big companies—big 8 percent, while dependence on foreign posture, and debate and talk but act economic actors—so the dollar terms oil grew over that time up to 13 per- with real energy solutions. We need to we bandy about having to do with their cent. do this, as I said, across the board, on activity is enormous. But, of course, So instead of this sort of tax ap- the supply side and on the demand side when you talk about profit, you can’t proach to the oil companies’ tax ap- to lessen demand through conserva- talk in simple dollar terms; you have proach to energy, we need to produce tion, increased fuel efficiency, and new to talk in percentages. more energy, more supply, to stabilize energy sources. So what are those percentages? Are and lessen prices. As my colleague We need to come together and act they, in fact, windfall profits? Well, the from Alabama mentioned a few min- now, rather than simply giving polit- last year for which we have data is full utes ago, one of the first rules of eco- ical speeches and endlessly posturing calendar year 2007, and in that calendar nomics is, if you tax an activity, you and going after easy political targets. year oil and gas companies’ profits are going to drive it down, lessen that With that, I yield the floor. were, on average, 8.3 percent. How does activity; you are not going to drive it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that compare to everybody else? Well, up. ator from Wyoming is recognized. for all of the U.S. manufacturing sec- If somehow this tax plan—windfall Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise tor—a sector we always decry as in de- profits tax—or the myriad other tax today to speak about American energy cline, being outsourced, being out-com- proposals the Democratic leadership independence, energy self-sufficiency, peted by competitors such as China and has brought to the floor would help and specifically to talk about clean India coming on line—that entire sec- solve our energy problems, I would be coal and clean coal technology. tor had a profit of about 7.3 percent. If all for it. But it is going to make us I have introduced a number of con- you take out U.S. auto companies, produce less energy, not more. What structive amendments to the which have historically low profits, un- will that do? That won’t stabilize or Lieberman-Warner climate change leg- fortunately, then the entire U.S. manu- lower gasoline prices at the pump. It islation. But one of the most important facturing sector made a profit of 8.9 will drive them up. of those was the need to address the fu- percent. So these outrageous windfall Let’s get serious for once. As the ture of clean coal technology. profits folks talk about of the oil com- American families we represent face a If this body chooses to pursue cap- panies are, in fact, very much in line true crisis, let’s put people ahead of and-trade legislation, we need to en- with that: the whole manufacturing politics. Let’s put sound policy ahead sure that the Senate includes provi- sector, 7.3 percent compared to 8.3 per- of political posturing. Let’s focus on sions to bring about the energy secu- cent. Take out auto manufacturers, what can make a positive impact. We rity our Nation needs. The so-called and, in fact, then the profit rate is need to do much in this regard, on the cap-and-trade legislation would impose higher, 8.9 percent compared to 8.3 per- supply side as well as the demand greenhouse gas emissions and man- cent. side—conservation, greater efficiency, dates that are unrealistic in scope and The second reason this entire focus more R&D, and new fuel sources. But in timing. and argument is silly and not real en- at the same time we need to focus on In a time of high energy prices, in a ergy policy is when you look at whom the demand side, on what can help us time of housing deflation, in a time of you are hurting. Now, the proponents produce more safe, clean energy here at food inflation, taxpayers cannot afford of these sorts of measures talk about home. We have those resources here at misguided policies that hamstring our going after windfall profits as if oil home. We can access them safely and economy. Our competitors—India and

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I saw one place where Last week, the record was clearly This is an enormous investment, but there were oak trees that were easily 2 laid out that this proposal raises con- it is also necessary. This amendment is feet in diameter that had been snapped sumer prices through Government technology neutral. It would not rely off about 6 feet above the ground from mandates. I believe most Americans on Government to dictate the favored the wind. The devastation down there favor policy approaches that balance type of carbon capture mechanism. In- is almost impossible to imagine. I al- America’s need for energy with envi- centives would be provided by the ways say a picture is worth a thousand ronmental protection. choice of the recipient as a loan guar- words, but being on the ground is In order to avoid substantial eco- antee, through incremental cost shar- worth a thousand pictures. We got to nomic fallout, Federal funding is not ing, or in the form of electricity pro- see that. It still is an area that is in re- only warranted to help American com- duction payments for each kilowatt covery. merce meet this challenge, it is essen- hour produced. Today, I wish to recognize the ac- tial. This amendment includes aggressive tions of one Wyoming man who left his Despite the recent pace in developing but achievable technological mile- home out West to go help his fellow clean coal technologies, America can- stones. It also establishes a timeline Americans down South. He has done not afford to simply give up on this for new projects over the next 7, 8, or 10 more than simply lend a hand to a challenge. Coal is abundant. Coal is af- years. This amendment is reasonable, small Mississippi town devastated by fordable. Coal is reliable. Coal is secure rational, aggressive, and achievable. Hurricane Katrina. He lent his heart, as an energy source. Coal can also be- Making this investment comes down and he is an example for all of us to fol- come a very clean fuel. to a choice between two things: one, low. As noted in the May 30 front-page ar- Congress taking responsibility for the David Trowbridge of Lingle, WY—one ticle in the New York Times, America mandates proposed; two, regulating the of our small towns—is quite a hero. will continue to rely heavily on coal- economy and turning its back on rate- Shortly after Hurricane Katrina rav- fired electric generation for decades to payers, on manufacturers, and on aged the gulf coast in 2005, he joined a come. The New York Times reporters American families. group of volunteers from his church on are merely recognizing what is abun- Without investment in coal, it will a trip to Bay Saint Louis, MS, where dantly evident from official Govern- mean higher heating and higher cool- they provided aid to storm victims. ment predictions. The article also aptly notes that ing bills that will continue to ripple There, David witnessed firsthand the coal-fired generation holds great prom- through the economy, picking winners utter destruction of the hurricane—the ise for reduced carbon dioxide emis- and losers. lost loved ones, the wrecked homes, sions. America’s energy policy must Last week, some Members of this and the destroyed livelihoods. not simply deliver sustainable energy; Chamber insisted upon policies that Upon returning to Wyoming, Mr. America’s energy future must incor- would raise prices at the pump through Trowbridge vowed to go back to Mis- porate a vision for a safer, cleaner, and regulation. Today, they tried to ad- sissippi and help as many people as healthier environment. Clean, coal- dress the runup in gasoline prices by possible. I have learned from members fired electric generation must be an in- raising taxes. of his small church in Lingle that Mr. tegral part. I will tell you that the rising prices Trowbridge is a man of his word. He did The challenge before us is signifi- of gasoline are hurting the people of go back, and he is still there helping. cant. Reduction of greenhouse gas Wyoming and the people across this In June of 2006, he purchased a motor emissions from coal-fired powerplants country—truckers, ranchers, com- home, loaded his tools and moved from will be possible through first capturing muters, and all American families. Wyoming to Bay Saint Louis indefi- carbon dioxide emissions and then se- I adamantly disagree with the so- nitely. I have to tell you, we hope he questering them underground. Both called ‘‘solutions’’ proposed by the ma- comes back before the census because will take time and both will take jority, which were higher taxes and Wyoming can use the population. Since money. more regulation. I urge my colleagues then, Mr. Trowbridge has spent his In order to achieve this challenge, to allow real solutions to today’s en- time working with First Baptist the Federal Government and private ergy prices, including American explo- Church to help others rebuild their industry must partner in funding re- ration and investment in American homes and their lives. search and technological innovation. technology. It is time to enact a pros- In all, he has worked on 62 houses in Timing is critical. America needs to perous path for the future of America’s the Bay Saint Louis area. From roofing make a serious and substantial invest- energy and America’s economy. and laying tile to painting and plumb- ment in research and developing com- With that, I yield the floor. ing, Mr. Trowbridge has provided crit- mercial technology. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ical building repair services to many In order to achieve energy security ator from Wyoming is recognized. grateful families. He has also played an and a clean environment, the Federal Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I thank the integral role in training the thousands Government must demonstrate its Senator from Wyoming for his com- of volunteer teams that flocked to Bay commitment with targeted, upfront fi- ments. He is well aware of the spirit of Saint Louis to assist with the rebuild- nancial support. We must show leader- community in Wyoming, which relies ing process. He teaches the volunteers ship, not merely dictate flawed policies on jobs, like everywhere else. He makes the skills they need to repair homes. and hope for the best. points about how important all of the Then he works side by side with them, What does this mean? If Congress energy sources in Wyoming are, and helping the volunteers to finish their mandates reduced emissions, it is in- particularly coal, and the opportuni- projects and achieve their goals. cumbent upon us to also provide the ties we have for the American people to Mr. Trowbridge has changed count- policies to allow our own economy to make coal even better, even the clean less lives through the giving of his succeed. coal we have in Wyoming. time and labor, and he has done it all Proven, commercially available, TRIBUTE TO DAVID TROWBRIDGE OF LINGLE, without asking anything in return. His cost-effective technologies must be de- WYOMING work is completely volunteer. Aside veloped with respect to carbon capture Mr. President, I rise today to talk a from a few donations here and there, and sequestration. These technologies little bit about some of that spirit of Mr. Trowbridge has funded this journey must be efficient, effective, and allow community in Wyoming. It also has to through personal savings. He has America to continue to compete glob- do with the spirit of community in reached into his own pockets to give ally. Mississippi. new hope to people who lost theirs in

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He is an inspiration of hope get the opportunity, to give a little bit What we are seeing across the coun- and generosity, and his effort serves as of special mention of somebody who try is people who are desperately con- a testament to what just one man can goes out of their way, takes money out cerned about their ability to keep their accomplish when he sets out to make a of their own pocket to help out. That is standard of living and to remain in the positive impact on other people’s lives. what America is about—people helping middle class of this country. In many Mr. Trowbridge is a man of faith and people. David Trowbridge is an out- cases they are desperately concerned heart, and we can all learn from the ex- standing example of that. about simply being able to put food on ample he set. I ask my Senate col- I thank the Senator from Mississippi, the table, being able to get the money leagues to join me in thanking him for and I yield the floor. to put the gas in the gas tank so they all the work he has done and the hope The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- can go look for the next job. he has brought to Bay Saint Louis, MS. ator from North Carolina. With this backdrop—and with mil- I yield the floor. (The remarks of Mrs. DOLE per- lions of Americans saying: What about The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- taining to the introduction of S. 3108 me? What about my family? What ator from Mississippi. are located in today’s RECORD under about some kind of action that will Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and help my family, and understand what thank the distinguished Senator from Joint Resolutions.’’) we are going through right now? With Wyoming for bringing to the attention Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I yield the all of that as a backdrop, what we have of the Senate the good works of a man floor, and I suggest the absence of a seen today, once again, is absolutely who embodies compassion, sacrifice, quorum. outrageous. It is absolutely out- and service. A few weeks after Hurricane Katrina The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. rageous. Two very important bills were hit the Mississippi gulf coast, David MENENDEZ). The clerk will call the roll. brought forward where we simply Trowbridge of Lingle, WY, traveled The legislative clerk proceeded to asked to be able to proceed to discuss with a group of his fellow church mem- call the roll. them, and once again the Republican bers to Bay Saint Louis, MS, to help Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask minority has said no. They blocked ev- the victims of this terribly destructive unanimous consent that the order for erything, stopped everything. No. No. disaster. Because of the extent of the the quorum call be rescinded. There is no sense of urgency, no destruction he saw and the enormous The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sense of urgency about gas prices, no challenges that confronted the storm objection, it is so ordered. sense of urgency about getting off of victims, David Trowbridge purchased a Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask foreign oil and energy independence. motor home and moved to Bay Saint unanimous consent to speak for what- There is no sense of urgency about Louis so he could devote full time to ever time I may consume. what is happening to families every the recovery effort. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without single day. He helped rebuild properties that had objection, it is so ordered. It is amazing to me, when we look at been destroyed or seriously damaged, Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, to the numbers. We have in fact had so including housing for other volunteers review where too many families are many Republican filibusters we have to who needed a place to stay and help. today in our great country, we have Velcro the chart. In the interests of His carpentry skills have been a valu- 324,000 people—324,000 people—who have conservation, in the interests of not able resource, not only to help rebuild lost good-paying American jobs just having to print up multiple charts a homes but which also enabled him to since this January. Just this January, day and waste good old posterboard, we train hundreds of unskilled volunteers not last January, not the January be- actually have had to Velcro the num- to assist in the rebuilding efforts. fore or the January before but just in bers because they change so much. These volunteer teams have worked on the last few months, 324,000 more Twice today—we have now well exceed- over 1,400 homes in the communities of Americans—middle-class Americans, ed what was a 2-year high in previous Bay Saint Louis and Waveland. working hard every day and trying to Senates in the over 200-year history of People in Bay Saint Louis refer to keep up with the gas prices, trying to our great country. We did that last David as a fixture of the community. keep up with the mortgage payment, year. They have praised him as a hero. In pay for food, send the kids to college, What does that mean? This all fact, he is on a first-name basis at probably having a bigger health care sounds like insider process kinds of homes and businesses all over town. bill—have lost their job and gone, prob- things—it is just folks talking about The Mississippi gulf coast was dev- ably, on unemployment compensation partisan politics. The reality is we are astated by Hurricane Katrina and is to be able to help their family to be talking about whether the Senate is still struggling to recover. But were it able to continue. And, Mr. President, going to be able to move forward to de- not for the unselfish, hard work and 72,000 of those individuals and families bate issues and solve problems that dedication of David Trowbridge, my impacted come from my great State of people care desperately about. They do State would not be as far along as we Michigan, with 49,000 jobs having been not care whether this is an election are in the recovery process. lost since May, 17,000 of those lost in year or not an election year. They Thank you, David Trowbridge. Michigan since April. don’t want excuses. They want us to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- At the same time, we all know gas get something done because they are ator from Wyoming. prices are now at $4 and going up, fore- trying to figure out how in the world Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I thank the closures nationally are over 702,000 they are going to be able to keep Senator from Mississippi for joining homes this year, with over 31,000 of things going and make ends meet for me in this tribute today for David those in Michigan. their family in this great country we Trowbridge. We do this as a reminder All of that is to say that we have a call America. that there are still problems that need picture now of middle-class Americans, We have seen 75 different times that to be fixed from August 2005. The peo- of those who believe in America, who there have been filibusters that have ple down there are very appreciative of are and who have been working hard been blocking our ability to actually the help they get. Of course, we are re- every day, who want the American get something done. What was filibus- minded, as there are tornados hitting Dream for themselves and their fami- tered today? What efforts were made to all over the United States, that there lies finding themselves being hit over block us today? First, a very important are people in other parts of the country and over again with one cost after an- bill, the Consumer-First Energy Act, to who need help as well. other. Even those who have not lost take on what is happening on gas

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.072 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5431 prices. I know, talking with my family, ciency and conservation in their MEDICARE IMPROVEMENTS FOR home this weekend—folks were looking homes, those things that will move us PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS ACT at me, saying: What in the world is in the right direction. That is what we OF 2008—MOTION TO PROCEED going on? What can be done? have been trying to do. And we have Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- We have put together legislation been blocked. imous consent the Senate proceed to S. multiple times to address it, short The bill that was stopped also creates 3101, the Medicare Improvements for term and long term, as it relates to gas a permanent tax on windfall profits for Patients and Providers Act. This is an prices which are so outrageously high. the major oil companies. If they are act of 2008. I ask we proceed to this on But over and over again we are not going to invest in America and in- Wednesday, June 11, following the pe- blocked. Why? Because the oil compa- vest in our future and buy the next air- riod of morning business. nies do not like it. That is what this is plane or put it into more big bonuses, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there about. Unfortunately, the oil compa- then we need to have a windfall profits objection? nies do not want to see us move in the tax that will redirect those dollars Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, on behalf direction of being able to tackle issues back so we can take them and invest in of the Republican leadership, I object. of whether there is, in fact, price the future. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- gouging; whether there are in fact I see our distinguished leader on the tion is heard. issues around speculation; whether we floor and I am going to suspend for a CLOTURE MOTION are going to have competition with al- moment, if I might. I know he has Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now move ternatives to oil. They do not want us some important business he needs to to proceed to S. 3101. to do that. They do not want us to do. I send a cloture motion to the desk. tackle the issue of the tax subsidies I yield to our leader and ask that I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- they receive. later be recognized to continue my ture motion having been presented What we see instead of action, as we comments. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the could have had today, we see this past The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- clerk to read the motion. week oil prices at $140 a barrel, almost jority leader is recognized. The assistant legislative clerk read twice the price from last year. It is al- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I appreciate as follows: most twice the price from last year, very much my friend from Michigan al- CLOTURE MOTION and OPEC says it could be $200 this lowing me to do a little business here We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- year. Think about that when you are on the floor of the Senate. She is such ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the trying to get to work, trying to maybe a tremendous Senator. I had the good Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move take the kids to camp for that week or fortune to be able to be in Michigan to bring to a close debate on the motion to maybe trying to go to the grocery this weekend with her and Senator proceed to Calendar No. 772, S. 3101, the store or go looking for work or maybe LEVIN. What a team they are. The peo- Medicare Improvements for Patients and take mom or dad or the kids to the ple of Michigan realize that. It was a Providers Act of 2008. doctor. We are talking about a huge wonderful experience, being there with Harry Reid, Max Baucus, Jon Tester, Barbara Boxer, Benjamin L. Cardin, burden that is building up and up. these two Senators. Unfortunately, while gas prices now Bernard Sanders, John F. Kerry, Patty The State of Michigan has lots of Murray, Maria Cantwell, Blanche L. go over $4 a gallon, we are seeing an ef- problems. No one articulates it better Lincoln, Ken Salazar, Charles E. Schu- fort to, one more time, block common- than Senator STABENOW, talking about mer, Ron Wyden, Patrick J. Leahy, sense efforts to do something about it what is happening to our country with Jeff Bingaman, Debbie Stabenow, John for the families of America. Unfortu- the loss of manufacturing jobs. Of D. Rockefeller IV, Jack Reed. nately, on the other side of the aisle, course, sadly, Michigan is a poster Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- there has been a desire to make sure State for what is happening in the loss imous consent that the mandatory that we continue big oil tax breaks of manufacturing jobs. This is some- quorum be waived. rather than addressing what our fami- thing we must stop, stop the hem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lies need. Last year the big oil compa- orrhaging of these manufacturing jobs. objection, it is so ordered. nies pocketed $124 billion in profits. It I had the good fortune yesterday of Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now with- is fine to make a profit. We want com- meeting with the National Association draw the motion. panies to do well, to make a profit. But of Manufacturers. They recognize, al- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- we also want to make sure when that is though they have been a Republican tion is withdrawn. happening they are reinvesting in the organization in years past, that they f economy, reinvesting in creating more are going to have to start working with CONSUMER-FIRST ENERGY ACT OF supply. We want them to be reinvesting us. That doesn’t mean they will not 2008—MOTION TO PROCEED—Con- in new energy. Unfortunately, that is keep working with the Republicans—of tinued not happening. course they will—but we have to start We also want to have tax policy that working together and realize the bad Mr. REID. I move to proceed to S. makes sense in terms of where we want shape of our manufacturing sector. 3044. to invest in new technologies. The oil The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- f companies are doing pretty well, I sug- tion is pending. gest, right now. I do not think my tax MOTION TO PROCEED The Senator from Michigan is recog- money or your tax money or the tax WITHDRAWN—S. 3044 nized. money of any of the folks here or any Mr. REID. Mr. President, I withdraw Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, be- of the folks around the country needs the motion to proceed to S. 3044. fore our leader leaves the floor, I thank to be used to incentivize big oil, which The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mo- him for his patience and tenacity to is exactly what is happening right now. tion is withdrawn. continue, despite objection after objec- They are doing pretty well. We have f tion, as we try to govern on behalf of been trying and we have been blocked the people of this country—whether it through Republican filibusters, to take UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST— be addressing issues of global warming, away subsidies, taxpayer subsidies for S. 3101 whether it be gas prices, whether it be oil companies and move them over to Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent what just happened, which is to bring subsidize new, growing industries, that S. 3101 be modified with the forward a Medicare bill that will stop a green options, alternative energy— changes at the desk. large cut to physicians all around the wind, solar, advanced battery tech- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there country and affect our ability to have nologies, consumer tax credits to buy objection? access to health care. It is a bill that the next generation of vehicles, the Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, on behalf includes the ability to focus on rural next generation of appliances. Those of the Republican leadership, I object. health care and telehealth and e-pre- are the kinds of tax credits that en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- scribing and a number of things that courage people to focus on energy effi- tion is heard. will increase access to health care.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.074 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 To emphasize what just happened one in a difficult economic situation to ex- We need to act, not only because it is more time: There was an objection to tend unemployment benefits. Yet the right thing to do, the moral thing moving ahead on something that is im- President Bush has threatened to veto to do for our families, but we know portant to the American people: to ex- an extension of unemployment insur- that for every $1 that is spent on unem- pand, under Medicare, health care for ance which we have already passed ployment benefits in the economy, the communities and our seniors. This goes here in the Senate. dollars turn over and the economy is back to my original point now: 75 Re- As I indicated before, the numbers stimulated by $1.64. So there is an op- publican filibusters and counting. It is are high—324,000 good-paying American portunity to not only do the right going to continue and continue, unfor- jobs have been lost since January of thing for Americans, which ought to be tunately, because there is not the will- this year. We also know there are 8.5 enough, but it is also an opportunity to ingness to work together to get things million unemployed workers in Amer- stimulate the economy and one of the done. ica competing for 3.7 million jobs. That top ways we are told it can be stimu- Let me mention two other issues. I is why the bill that was blocked earlier lated. In other words, for every $1 we mentioned what is happening in terms that invests in new taxation and new invest to help struggling American of blocking our Consumer-First Energy technologies, production tax credits to families, we get a 64-percent return on Act, which focuses on a number of build new plants, to create new proc- our investment. I would take that. ways to go after price gouging. The bill esses, is so important, because right That is a deal worth making. would stop manipulation by greedy oil now we have more than twice as many So I close by once again calling on traders and give the Attorney General people looking for work as there are the President to join with us at this the power to stand up to OPEC nations jobs available. We as a Democratic ma- critical time in American history that are price fixing—a number of dif- jority understand that. We understand where families are being hit in so many ferent ways for us to immediately ad- that so much of what is happening different ways and to say yes to ex- dress what is happening to gas prices right now for families goes to the basic tending unemployment benefits for foundation of this economy, which is on behalf of the American people. That those who are out of work but looking the ability to have a good-paying job was blocked. very hard to find a job and are count- and to be able to pay those costs that The second thing that was blocked ing on us to do the right thing. was the Renewable Energy and Job come at families day after day after I would love it if we did not have to Creation Act of 2008. This is about jobs. day. stand up and change this Velcro any- In May, the number of Americans This is about jobs in my great State of more. I would love it if we could just who have been out of work for at least Michigan, in New Jersey, all across frame this right here—75 Republican 27 weeks—right now, unemployment this country, based on the new green filibusters—and stop. But that is not goes to 26 weeks—rose to 1.6 million economy—production tax credits to what is happening. We can do better workers; 1.6 million middle-class work- build those wind turbines and solar ers as of May who saw their benefits than that. Certainly, the people in panels and new vehicles and, again, the exhausted and in most or many cases Michigan expect us to do better than consumer tax credits and investing in were not able to find a job. What hap- that. I am going to do everything in the ability for businesses that use the pened? What happens to those families? my power—I know the Chair will as R&D tax credit to have that continue, In the past year, 2.75 million people well—to be able to make good on what to be able to invest in other economic who are unemployed have exhausted people are asking of us. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- development tax credits. That is what their benefits. was blocked—jobs focused on alter- American families are running out of ator from South Dakota. native energy. time. They want us to take action. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, like a lot So we went after the oil companies. There needs to be a sense of urgency of Members of the Senate, I also heard No. We want to put forward a proposal about what is going on for families in from my constituents last weekend that will invest in new jobs. No. That is this country. It is not that we do not about high energy prices. I do not what we are hearing every day. And have the ability to act; there is not the know how any Member of Congress can every day that is happening, more and will to act, not the will to join with us go back into their congressional dis- more people in my great State are find- in a bipartisan effort to act. We as trict and their State and not be inun- ing themselves without a job, trying to Democrats come to the floor every day, dated by people who are very concerned keep the lights on, keep food on the our leader comes to the floor every about the impact high fuel prices are table, trying to be able to put gas in day, multiple times a day, making mo- having on their pocketbooks and on their automobile. And they are looking tions to proceed to solve problems our economy. and saying: What is going on here? through legislation that is critical for In fact, in my State of South Dakota, Each month, tens of thousands of peo- our families. Time after time, all we the studies bear this out. I think it has ple across the country, not just in hear is: I object. I object. I object. a disproportionate impact because it is Michigan—I mean, we were hit the People in Michigan know what the a rural area. In rural areas, we are very hardest first, but this is across the pain of inaction is like and the effort energy dependent. We drive long dis- country—are losing their jobs. Hun- to try to hold it together when help is tances. We are very agriculturally de- dreds of those are losing unemploy- not there. Over the last year, more pendent in terms of our economy. ment insurance benefits they paid into. than 150,000 people have exhausted Tourism is a big thing in our economy There seems to be a notion that their unemployment benefits, over in rural areas. We also, in most cases, somehow, if someone is required to go 10,000 people a month now looking for have lower incomes relative to the in- on unemployment insurance benefits, work but do not have the support any- comes of people in other parts of the they will not look for work. Well, that more to at least be able to keep things country. In fact, there are some studies is about 40 percent of what the average going a little bit. out that suggest that 15 percent, 16 per- wage is for an individual. You can bare- But you know it is not just Michigan cent on average of a person’s income in ly keep things together. In many cases, anymore. Unfortunately, other States a rural area is spent just paying the en- you cannot keep things together. I are now catching up. We heard as of ergy bill. Now, that is something that would suggest that the unemployment last Friday that the national unem- ought to concern everybody across this insurance benefit is not a disincentive ployment rate is now 5.5 percent. When country because even though it might for folks to work. And obviously people we first started talking about this, it disproportionally impact rural areas in my State work hard. They work. was 4.9. Now it is up to 5.5, and the ex- today, it is clearly going to impact all They work very hard. Too many are perts tell us they expect it will reach Americans and continue to impact our working two jobs, three jobs, four jobs, 6.5 percent by January. Alaska, Cali- economic activities in this country as trying to piece it together. fornia, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Ne- time goes on if we do not get our arms But we have never had an economic vada, Missouri, Oregon, South Caro- around these escalating and daily in- situation like we have today under a lina, Kentucky, and Ohio all have un- creasing energy costs. Republican or Democratic President employment rates at or above 5.5 per- I had someone in my office today who where there has not been a willingness cent. said that he has a small refinery. He

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:30 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.075 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5433 said if the cap-and-trade bill we de- tel and expect that is going to lead to that would have allowed for explo- bated last week had been enacted or additional energy supply in this coun- ration on the North Slope of Alaska. passed, immediately they would have try. We have somewhere between 6 and 16 seen a 38-cent increase in the price per There is one thing and one thing only billion barrels of oil on the North Slope gallon of gasoline. that we can do to lower gasoline prices underneath the ground. With modern There is a proposal to build a power- for people in this country; that is, in- technology and in an environmentally plant in my State of South Dakota, a crease homegrown domestic energy friendly way, directional and hori- coal-fired powerplant. I was visiting supplies so that we do not have to rely zontal drilling, with a minimal imprint with some folks last week in my State upon other nations around the world on the surface, we can get access to who informed me that if, in fact, that for our energy. somewhere between 6 and 16 barrels of cap-and-trade proposal had passed, it I wish to share a couple of statics oil. What does that translate into? would have tripled the cost to con- that I think are important in this de- That translates into 1 million barrels a struct that powerplant, something that bate. One is that 60 percent of our oil day coming into this country—1 mil- is necessary to provide base load en- comes from outside the United States. lion barrels a day. And you figure a ergy for the energy demands and re- That means that on any given day we barrel translates into 42 gallons, and of quirements we have in the upper Mid- are getting 60 percent of our energy to that about half can be refined into gas- west. fuel our automobiles and to keep our oline, a million barrels a day would So here we are talking about high en- economy going from countries around translate into about 7 billion gallons of ergy prices, high fuel prices, and the the world, many of which are run by gasoline a year or roughly equivalent only solutions our colleagues are put- petro-dictators who have nothing but to what we are generating in ethanol. ting on the floor are solutions that hostile and ill intentions toward the And the 8 billion gallons in ethanol is would actually increase fuel costs. The United States. Sixty percent of our oil reducing the price of gas by about 50 cap-and-trade proposal last week, by supply is coming from outside the cents a gallon. So if you do the math, any estimate—and there were 11 stud- United States. more energy, more supply at the mar- ies that were done of the five cap-and- We use 140 billion gallons of gasoline gin is going to lead to lower cost. That trade proposals put before or intro- every year in this country. I point that is the fundamental economic rule of duced in the Senate, one which was put out because I want to use that to get to supply and demand that most people before the Senate last week. All 11 another point; that is, we are gener- understand. studies concluded that if enacted, that ating about 8 billion gallons of renew- Any of my constituents in South Da- proposal would increase fuel costs, it able energy or ethanol on an annual kota, if I went home and told them would increase electricity costs, and it basis. At the end of this year, we will that the Democratic leadership has put would lead to negative gross domestic be generating 1 billion gallons in my a bill on the floor that is going to allow product growth. The question was not State of South Dakota alone. But the us to file lawsuits against OPEC or if, it was how much would it increase studies that have been done have sug- that is going to impose new taxes on costs. By as much as a dollar a gallon gested that that 8 billion gallons of oil exploration, a windfall profits tax, for gasoline. There were a number of ethanol, out of the 140 billion gallons of they would say: What does that do to studies conducted that suggested that fuel we use in this country, of gasoline affect the law of supply and demand? it would cost the economy up to $6 tril- we use in this country, has reduced en- Get more supply in the marketplace so lion in GDP, negative GDP, as a result ergy prices by about 15 percent—price that we can do something about reduc- of that cap-and-trade proposal. per barrel of oil, price per gallon of ing the price per gallon of gasoline? So here we are on the floor of the gasoline reduced by about 15 percent by This problem gets addressed when Senate. Everyone, I assume, is hearing the contribution that 8 billion gallons America gets serious about domestic the same thing I am hearing, when of ethanol is making to our overall fuel energy supplies. We have tried again they go back to their respective States, supply. and again to get a vote on exploration from their constituents: We have high In today’s gasoline prices, 15 percent on the North Slope. We have tried energy prices; we need some action; we would be about 50 cents, 60 cents on the again and again to get a vote on deep need you to do something about that. gallon. So we have lower fuel prices sea exploration for energy—all of And everything that has been put be- today than we would otherwise have as which has been blocked in the Senate. fore the Senate last week and this a result of adding to our supply of en- We have even tried to get legislation week by the Democratic leadership ergy, homegrown energy, through the moved that would expedite the permit- does one thing: increases energy costs. hard work and production of our farm- ting process for new refineries because We had a vote today on an ‘‘energy ers across the country who raise the we have a shortage of refining capac- bill.’’ What did it do? It imposed new corn that is converted into ethanol. ity. These are all things that we could taxes on energy. That was tried. That I suggest perhaps the way to address be doing that would help address the was tried back in the 1980s, the wind- this problem, if, in fact, 8 billion gal- supply problem. fall profits tax. It led to reduced energy lons of ethanol has helped reduce gaso- I suggest when we get to what we are production in this country. The other line prices by 50 cents a gallon, maybe focusing on that we can do, there are thing that was talked about today was, what we ought to be doing is looking at pieces of legislation on which there is well, let’s sue OPEC, let’s sue OPEC; ways we can grow additional energy broad agreement. We passed a bill a that will somehow drive down the cost supply. We don’t need less biofuels, we couple weeks ago that Senators ENSIGN of energy. need more. We are going to be moving and CANTWELL offered of tax extenders There is not anything in any of those now from corn-based ethanol into cel- that would help promote more invest- proposals that does anything to ad- lulosic ethanol that can be made from ment in renewable energy. It passed dress the problem because you cannot other forms of biomass. We hope that out of the Senate by a vote of 88 to 8, address this problem, you cannot fix technology will be progressing quickly broad bipartisan support. Why are we the energy crisis in this country unless enough that it will enable us to meet not focusing on those things we can do you address the issue of supply. There the targets we have of 36 billion gallons rather than spending our time having is not anything in any of those bills called for in the renewable fuels stand- the Democrats throw out solutions that have been put forward, that have ard. That is what we are doing in the that impose new taxes, new regula- been put forward by the other side, area of biofuels. tions, new bailouts to trial lawyers, that addresses the fundamental issue of I say that because if we look at what which was included in this bill, an ear- supply. I believe the American people we have in terms of domestic remark for the Senator from New York understand that. They understand full sources, whether that is biofuels or oil, at $1.2 billion, all of which we know are well that you do not raise taxes to get if we could get some of that oil into the not going to pass? more of something; if you raise taxes, pipeline, we could do a lot to impact We aren’t going to get the votes to you are going to get less of something. prices people are paying for a gallon of get that sort of thing through. But They realize that we cannot just sort gasoline. Back in 1995, President Clin- there are things we can be doing, such of unilaterally decide to sue an oil car- ton vetoed a bill passed by Congress as extending the production tax credit

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:30 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.076 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5434 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 for wind, which was included in the En- price; if you restrict supply, price goes energy prices. However, that doesn’t ergy bill to which I just referred. Those up. What we want to do is increase the mean I support everything in S. 3044. are the things we ought to be looking supply of energy. The bill, for instance, included a wind- at. What can we do to add to the supply For myself, I want to explain earlier fall profits tax on oil companies. I saw of electricity, to add to the supply of today my vote to invoke cloture on the firsthand a couple decades ago the re- fuels so that we don’t have to get 60 motion to proceed to S. 3044, the so- sult of a windfall profits tax the last percent of our energy from outside the called Consumer-First Energy Act or, time it was enacted. It didn’t do any- United States, so we are actually doing another title, the antiprice-gouging thing to produce more energy. Simple something that will in a positive way bill. I want to explain it because people economics: You tax something, you get impact the price our constituents pay might think that I am in support of ev- less of it. Why would those on the for a gallon of gasoline? erything in the legislation. I will ex- other side believe if you tax energy This impact is going to be felt all plain why I wasn’t, but why I thought production, you would get more energy across the economy. Look at the sta- we ought to move forward. produced? Of course, it is tistics on airlines. We are using actu- The legislation includes provisions counterintuitive. Yet this bill doesn’t ally less fuel on airlines today, if we that I have long supported, including include a single provision to increase look at this green line, than we were the no oil producing and exporting car- the production or supply of traditional going back even to 2000 and 2001. But tels legislation. I am an original co- energy resources. Why aren’t we con- look at the fuel costs of the airlines. sponsor of the NOPEC bill. This bill sidering policies to develop the re- They are exploding. We have airlines would authorize the Department of sources that God gave us at home? We facing bankruptcy, making service cut- Justice and the Federal Trade Commis- have a huge supply of oil and gas in backs, not serving smaller commu- sion to bring lawsuits against oil cartel Alaska. We could be opening areas of nities, laying off employees because of members for antitrust violation be- the Outer Continental Shelf to explo- high fuel costs. There is no end in cause it is a fact of American law, if oil ration. We could be looking at Federal sight. companies were doing the price fixing lands onshore for energy production. It is $4 today. What is to stop it from that OPEC countries do, these execu- These are things we could do this very going to $5? If Ahmadinejad and Chavez tives would be in jail. Yet we are faced day that would increase supply and decide they want to get $200 for a bar- with the same anticompetitive envi- drive down prices. Yet they have been rel of oil, what is to stop them, if we ronment from other countries. blocked time after time by people on have no leverage? We need to be taking As our gas prices continue to rise, it the other side. steps in the United States that will in- is time to say enough is enough to If you think this is a partisan shot by crease our domestic supply of energy so OPEC anticompetitive activities. It is a senior Republican, let me suggest to we don’t have to rely upon those other past time to let OPEC know that we you that I can show you rollcall after countries for our energy supply. We are committed to stopping illegal pric- rollcall after rollcall, not just recently have those resources here. We have oil. ing, the same illegal pricing that would but over a long period, of opposition We have biofuels. We need new refin- put CEOs of major oil companies in from the other side to increasing the eries. We can build new nuclear plants. jail. supply of fossil fuels and the use of fos- All are being blocked. This legislation also includes provi- sil fuels we know. My constituents Let’s focus on what we can do to af- sions aimed at reducing speculation in need to know why they are paying $4 at fect the fundamental rule of supply and oil markets. I support that. I can’t say the gas pump. Yet we in Washington demand that will lead to lower energy for certain whether the provisions in- have done little to increase our own costs, that will increase the amount of cluded in the bill will have the desired supplies. energy we have relative to demand. effect. I can say, however, that some- Speaking from the grassroots of the That is how we can impact in a posi- thing needs to be done to address what State of Iowa, I want to remind my col- tive way the price our constituents are seems to be out-of-control speculation leagues of what I said last week on the paying for a gallon of gasoline. Until in crude oil markets, and speculation floor of the Senate. Of at least 14 out of we get serious about that, all this of crude oil tends to show up on the the 17 town meetings I have had, the other stuff done for optics because it is business pages of the newspaper as a question came up very simply: Why an election year and to gain some po- major cause of the increase in oil and, aren’t we producing more oil? Why litical upper hand to go back to a con- in turn, gasoline. aren’t we going where the oil exists, stituency saying, we did this or we are I am pleased that recently the Com- with $4 gas? I can give a simple answer, going to beat up the oil companies, modity Futures Trading Commission and I tell the people ahead of time in raise taxes, regulations and lawsuits has taken steps in recent days and my town meetings. I try not to make and litigation, those sorts of things weeks to increase their access to data partisan comments, but occasionally I don’t solve the fundamental problem. and information that will hopefully think I can when it is intellectually We don’t have enough domestic supply. allow them the proper oversight and honest to do it. I suggest to them that Until we address that fundamental transparency of energy markets. Take there is opposition in the other party problem, we will continue to be held a little bit of speculation, take a little to more exploration, where we know over a barrel and be at the mercy of bit of unknown out of the market, there is oil. We just don’t have the these foreign countries telling us what more transparency ought to help our votes to get the job done. the price per barrel of oil and price per markets work better. That could be considered a partisan gallon of gasoline is going to be. In conjunction with what the Com- shot, but I think I can back it up with I hope we can focus on that. We have modity Futures Trading Commission is rollcalls. It is a justification to my some great solutions. My State is a up to and my wanting to build on what constituents when I am asked why we good example of what we have done they are doing, I asked Acting Chair- don’t drill more where we know there with renewables. The Senator from man Lukken and Commissioner is oil. Most of my constituents expect Iowa has a lot of great examples in his Chilten very pointed questions during a you to do this in an environmentally State of what we are doing with renew- recent confirmation hearing in the Ag- sound way as well. That doesn’t, to me able energy and wind. We have the re- riculture Committee on the CFTC’s or my constituents, appear to be in- sources to get this done. It is high time oversight responsibilities. In addition, compatible because the United States we did it. I sent a letter to the CFTC today seek- is dependent upon oil cartels and for- I yield the floor. ing more information about the CFTC’s eign countries such as Iran and Ven- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- action to rein in speculation by invest- ezuela, very unstable, yet we have done ator from Iowa. ment banks and traders on foreign ex- nothing to help ourselves. That is the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I changes. way my constituents see it, as evi- congratulate the Senator from South I voted today as I did in a manner denced by 14 out of 17 town meetings I Dakota. He is expressing a very simple uncustomary of Republicans to proceed held during the week of Memorial Day. law that everybody learns in economics to the bill because I think we need to In the other three town meetings, it 101: If you increase supply, it reduces have a debate on the critical issue of just did not happen to come up.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:30 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.078 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5435 I believe oil is trading today at ceed to H.R. 6049, the House extenders provisions that expired at the end of around $135 a barrel. Yet there is an bill. 2007 until the end of 2009. overwhelming aversion to environ- Earlier today, the Democrat leader- The Democratic leadership bill con- mentally sound resources developed at ship released a description of a sub- tains permanent tax provisions to off- home. We ought to be developing our stitute extenders bill that included set temporary extensions of current domestic resources. There is no ration- many provisions that were not extend- law. Anonymous Democratic lobbyists al reason not to, and at $4-a-gallon gas, ers. are misstating the Republican position consumers ought to be outraged they As you know, I joined Senator on offsetting expiring tax relief provi- are not exploring for more domestic re- MCCONNELL in filing an extenders bill sions. The lobbyists have been quoted sources, and Congress making decisions last Friday that is not offset by in- in the Roll Call newspaper and other to do that, and to do it so quickly that creases in taxes elsewhere because it is publications stating that part of the it is telling people why it is not being our policy that if you extend existing Republican theology is opposition to done. At the grassroots of America, we tax policy, you should not have to raise offsets. ought to be having the same march on taxes on somebody else for an exten- Republicans will support offsets if the Capitol as when people are out- sion of tax policies that in some in- they make sense on the policy merits. raged about other things, which we do stances have been in place for 20 years. If the revenue-raising proposals make not seem to be having this time. Here are some of the reasons, then, policy sense and offset the revenue loss Maybe we will have this outraged ex- why I opposed the Democratic leader- for new tax policy—I want to empha- pressed. It is a little bit of a quandary ship bill and support the Republican size ‘‘new tax policy’’ as opposed to ex- to me why, at the grassroots of Amer- leadership bill. tending existing tax policy—then it ica, when gas goes from $3.50 to $4, or The Senate Democratic leadership will likely garner majority support from $3 to $4, it does not seem we are bill contains numerous provisions that among Senate Republicans. having as much outrage as we had do not either extend or make perma- However, one of the revenue raisers when gasoline was going from $1.50 to nent expiring tax provisions. On the in the Democratic leadership bill is a $1.75 about 4 years ago. Maybe it is be- other hand, the Republican bill really proposal to delay the effective date of cause people have lost confidence in is an extenders bill, with all the provi- the worldwide interest allocation rules. Congress. I do not know. I can under- sions in the Senate bill extending or This provision was enacted in the stand why you can lose confidence in making permanent expiring tax provi- American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Congress when you have $4 gasoline sions. with a delayed effective date for rev- and we know where there is 13 billion Included in the Senate Democratic enue purposes. barrels of oil in this part of the coun- leadership bill is a proposal to give $1.2 The decision to reform the interest try and 7 billion barrels of oil in other billion in tax credits to New York City, allocation rules was bipartisan back areas of the country and we are im- even though New York City does not then in 2004. The reform came out of porting 10 to 15 million barrels of oil a pay Federal tax. This proposal is wide- the Finance Committee working group day and paying out to some foreign ly reported to fund the building of a set up by Chairman BAUCUS in 2002 and country money that if we drilled in the train from Manhattan to John F. Ken- passed the full Senate by a vote of 92 to United States we would keep in the nedy Airport, through the use of New 5. So after a vote of 92 to 5—bipar- United States. York Liberty Zone tax credits. tisan—why would they try to undo a The bill I am explaining to you takes According to the Joint Committee on very important provision in it? The billions of dollars of permanent tax Taxation, the Congress has never—and current rules actually penalize domes- provisions and dumps them into a spe- I want to emphasize ‘‘never’’—before tic manufacturers who compete in cial piggy bank designed to let appro- provided a limited tax benefit such as global markets by making it more priators dole out special interests this to a governmental unit. likely they will be double taxed on checks for their favorite spending In addition, the bill provides a new their foreign income. projects. I know the rhetoric you have $1.6 billion tax benefit just for trial The Senate Democratic leadership heard today is to make big oil pay to lawyers. Now, think about that. We are bill would delay the effective date even lower the price of gasoline. But I can trying to extend tax policy to bring further—can you believe it—by 9 years, promise you, there is absolutely noth- economic development and create jobs, giving it an effective date of 2018. This ing in this bill that accomplishes that and it has something in it for trial law- provision raises almost $29 billion over charge. This bill, flawed as it is, would yers. It allows trial lawyers to deduct 10 years. have to be amended. Any permanent their upfront expenses in contingency The President of the United States, tax provisions on the backs of the en- fee cases, even though they expect to aware of how important this provision ergy industry should immediately go recover them when they win or settle is that is going to take effect in 2009— back into tax benefits that expand con- the case. And these trial lawyers do ex- that was actually passed in 2004 to servation and clean energy tax provi- pect to win or settle their case; other- make our manufacturing competitive sions currently in the Internal Revenue wise, they would not take the case on with international competition—issued Code. a contingency fee basis. a statement of administration policy We cannot put the cart before the So why should trial lawyers get a de- noting that ‘‘the Administration horse. It is irresponsible to change duction for something they expect to strongly opposes the provision in the taxes for future undisclosed spending. get back? We do not give lenders a cur- bill that would subject U.S. companies It is even more irresponsible to do this rent deduction when they make a loan. to continued double taxation by delay- before we make certain the current tax Some would argue that this is a large ing the effect of new rules for allo- benefits available for wind, solar, alter- chunk of pork that the Democratic cating worldwide interest for foreign native fuels, and much needed con- leadership bill is trying to feed to trial tax credit purposes.’’ servation in buildings and homes. lawyers. Let’s look at the Senate Republican It was wrong for the Democratic The Democratic leadership bill, for alternative. I hope people listening leadership to dump permanent tax pro- the first time in history, makes tax know that a minority in the Senate visions into a slush fund for future ap- benefits directly conditioned on the has a responsibility to have alter- propriations. But those types of wrongs Davis-Bacon Act. That is the pre- natives, not just jab at the majority cannot be fixed if we never proceed to vailing wage requirement. It is added position. So we have this responsible the bill, hence why this Senator voted to a new provision called the New alternative. It contains alternative as I did today, contrary to what a lot of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds. minimum tax relief and extensions of the members of my party did. The Senate Democratic leadership individual and business tax provisions, HOUSE EXTENDERS BILL bill only extends provisions that expire but with no offsets, following the phi- I turn now to the tax extenders bill. at the end of 2007 until the end of 2008, losophy we have that if you have had I voted today on the second rollcall setting up another extenders fire drill tax policy in place for decades that along with 43 other Senators against early next year. In contrast, our bill on tends to sunset from time to time—it invoking cloture on the motion to pro- the Republican side generally extends has been on the books—you should not

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This means an running, to keep the economy moving, eat. Rather than thinking about what overwhelming majority of this body to keep food prices in check as the cost the next meal will be, these parents were willing to pass energy extenders of energy ripples through the whole worry if there will be a next meal. without requiring offsets. economy and causes prices to go up Rather than concentrate on homework, So why, if we have a vote of 88 to 8 to generally. these children are trying not to think extend energy tax credits for a few Cities throughout Ohio are strug- about their hunger pangs. In a nation years, and we do not have to offset it— gling to pay gas bills for the police as economically wealthy and agri- how does the other side get the idea cars, for EMS, for fire department ve- culturally abundant as ours, this is in- that if you had other tax policies that hicles, school buses, garbage trucks, excusable. If children—or adults—are maybe have been on the books for dec- and mass transit services. hungry in America, that is a problem ades and sunset, you have to have off- We need to roll back the massive tax for all of us. sets for that? I do not understand the breaks for oil companies which would This administration has seen the inconsistency. generate more than $17 billion to be number of people living in poverty rise The bottom line is, we need a pack- used for green energy, for renewable from 31.6 million in 2000 to 36.5 million age that can garner 60 votes in the Sen- energy, and for energy efficiency. We in 2006. The number of people living in ate and get a signature by the Presi- will impose a 25-percent windfall prof- households facing food insecurity rose its tax on companies that fail to invest dent of the United States. So Senate from 31 million in 1999 to 35.5 million in in increased capacity and renewable Republicans will seek to proceed to the 2006. In Illinois, over 158,000 households energy sources. We will ensure pur- Senate Republican leadership bill experienced hunger in 2005. If we in- chases for the Strategic Petroleum Re- which contains a package of proposals clude households that have had to serve do not resume, especially when that have bipartisan agreement. struggle to put food on the table or Mr. President, I yield the floor, and we are paying $120, $130, $140, $150 a have had to skip meals to make sure since I do not see other Members ready barrel to put oil in the reserve. We will the food would last through the week, to speak, I suggest the absence of a provide protection for consumers from it adds up to 500,000 households in Illi- quorum. price gouging. We call on the Justice The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Department again to be active and nois living with food insecurity. These clerk will call the roll. take on the oil companies as they seem are working families who just aren’t The legislative clerk proceeded to to price gouge. We will work to stop able to make ends meet. call the roll. market speculation, prevent traders of At a time when millions of middle Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask U.S. crude oil from routing trans- class Americans are struggling to keep unanimous consent that the order for missions through offshore markets to up with higher gas prices, grocery bills, the quorum call be rescinded. evade speculative limits. and health care costs, more and more The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Ohioans play by the rules. Americans families are looking to Federal pro- objection, it is so ordered. play by the rules. So should the oil in- grams for assistance. According to the Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, this dustry. So should the speculator. So U.S. Department of Agriculture, appli- morning we had two more opportuni- should Wall Street. cations for food stamps are on the rise ties to address rising gas prices and do There is so much we need to do. I call at the same time recipients are making something immediately as the price of on my friends on that side of the aisle more frequent use of food pantries to gas per gallon goes over $4 in Steuben- to join with majority Democrats: no fill gaps in their grocery needs. Over 26 ville and almost $4 in Dayton and even more filibusters and let’s get to work. million people nationwide are depend- higher in some places in my State and Let’s do the right thing short term to ent on the Federal Food Stamp Pro- in the Presiding Officer’s State of New help American motorists deal with gram. In April, 594,590 families in Illi- Jersey. We had two more opportunities these outrageously high prices, long nois received food stamps, an increase to address rising gas prices imme- term to, in fact, after 30 years become of 5.84 percent from last year and the diately and longer term. energy independent and create the highest level ever in Illinois, equating We need to start immediately to in- kinds of green jobs a good energy pol- to 1.3 million people. And since Decem- vest in renewable energy rather than icy can create. ber, participation in the Women, In- the other choice of continuing to line I suggest the absence of a quorum. fants and Children, or WIC, food assist- the pockets of big oil. We could have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ance program has increased 4 percent helped to begin to create tens of thou- clerk will call the roll. to a total of 296,000. But for the mil- sands of good-paying, green-collar jobs The legislative clerk proceeded to lions of people who don’t have assist- right here at home. Once again, the call the roll. ance, everything is different. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Bush administration opposed our ef- We know hunger is a reality in our unanimous consent that the order for forts and Republican Senators joined communities. We see long lines at our the quorum call be rescinded. food pantries. We have heard from sen- the Bush administration and refused to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without iors forced to choose between groceries put middle-class families first. objection, it is so ordered. The Consumer-First Energy Act is a and medication. And children are in good first step in providing immediate f our schools who have not had a decent relief to drivers in Ohio and across the MORNING BUSINESS meal since the previous day’s school land who are faced with soaring gaso- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask lunch. We see families showing up a line and diesel prices. unanimous consent that the Senate day earlier than normal at the food The other night I had a conference proceed to a period of morning busi- pantry because the monthly pay is not call with 20 truckers. Think about ness, with Senators permitted to speak stretching as far it once did. Parents what this has done to them. Many of therein for up to 10 minutes each. are giving up their own meal to make them have had to sell their trucks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sure their child has something to eat They are simply not able to afford the objection, it is so ordered. at night. In the Nation that prides itself as the $4.50 and up per gallon price of diesel. f Oil prices are setting record highs, it land of plenty, we cannot hide the fact seems, every week, and yesterday NATIONAL HUNGER AWARENESS that we need to do a better job at mak- closed at over $136 a barrel. DAY ing sure everybody has at least enough This legislation will help in the short Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to eat. The passage of this year’s farm term and allow us to get through and today in honor of National Hunger bill is a strong first step toward better

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I urge gency Food Assistance Program, and $1 roadside stands throughout the coun- the African Union, the United Nations billion for the fresh fruits and vegeta- try. and other peacekeeping groups in the bles snack program. In Illinois, over In the coming weeks and months, I region to pressure Eritrea to work with the next 10 years, this bill will provide encourage my colleagues to become its regional partners to bring about $373 million in additional funding to more aware, more educated, and more peace and stability in Somalia. informed about the effects of hunger help families that haven’t been able to f outrun hunger. and poverty and to find out what im- But with one hungry person in our pact you can have in your State and in CLIMATE SECURITY ACT Nation, hunger will be a problem for all your community. Government cannot Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I of us. I hope that we will continue to do it alone, though. rise to respond to a statement that It has been said: To those to whom work together to fulfill our duty to end Senator PRYOR made on Friday, June 6. much is given, much is required. We hunger in our Nation and the world. On that day, Senator PRYOR rose to ex- Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise must continue to work together to depress his support for the basic approach today to bring to my colleagues’ atten- vote our time and resources to organi- that the Lieberman-Warner Climate tion the fact that today, June 10, 2008, zations in our communities committed Security Act takes to reducing emis- is National Hunger Awareness Day. to this cause and develop public/private sions of certain greenhouse gases called As a founder of the bipartisan Senate partnerships to combat food insecurity hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. Senator Hunger caucus and an original cospon- in this country. Hunger is a disease PRYOR praised our decision, in crafting sor of the legislation establishing this that has a cure. It is our responsibility the Climate Security Act, to subject commemoration, I believe hunger is an to strive hard each and every day to HFCs to a separate cap-and-trade sys- issue that deserves our full attention. eliminate hunger in our country and tem rather than including them under For the past 4 years, my fellow cau- around the world. the same cap with less potent green- cus cochairs Senator SMITH, Senator f house gases such as carbon dioxide. He DOLE, as well as Senator DURBIN and I expressed his hope that the initial level have executed a food drive in our Sen- SOMALIA and reduction rate of the HFC cap ate offices with donations helping Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, on May could be revised before the bill becomes those in need in the Washington area. 21, 2008, the Senate passed by unani- law. I welcome Senator PRYOR’s focus The collection began last month and mous consent S. Res. 541, a resolution on the Climate Security Act’s HFC pro- culminates today National Hunger on Somalia introduced by Senator visions, and I would like to work with Awareness Day when we donate the FEINGOLD. As the new ranking member him on that portion of the bill as it collected goods to needy organizations. of the Senate Foreign Relations Sub- I have worked with my Senate col- committee on African Affairs, I whole- moves through the legislative process. leagues to draw attention to this issue heartedly support bringing about I remain interested in increasing the because hunger and poverty are not change in Somalia to allow for a viable specificity of those provisions while si- just global issues they are so pervasive government that will benefit the peo- multaneously expanding the area of that we all have some experience with ple of Somalia as well as the entire re- consensus among manufacturers of them in our local communities. gion. HFCs, distributors of HFCs, manufac- Worldwide, 3 billion people—nearly The United States has a critical in- turers of equipment that uses HFCs, half the world’s population—live on terest in establishing a secure and sta- and the environmental community. merely $2 per day. In our Nation alone, ble government and society in Soma- f almost 35.5 million Americans struggle lia. I support the U.S. strategy in So- day in and day out to find adequate nu- malia and believe that the only way to REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN tritious food. More than 13 million stabilize the country is through polit- LIONEL VAN DEERLIN children live in households that are ical reform, humanitarian assistance, Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am food insecure. deployment of African Union forces, honored to remember former Member According to the Arkansas Hunger and to keep terrorists from seeking ref- of the House of Representatives Lionel Relief Alliance in my home State, ap- uge in Somalia. It is important that Van Deerlin, who passed away on May proximately 80 percent of supplemental the Senate recognize that it is in the 18, 2008, at the age of 93. nutrition assistance goes to households interest of the United States, as well as Lionel Van Deerlin, affectionately with children, many of them in work- the entire region, that the sustainable known as ‘‘Van,’’ served in Congress for ing families, including military fami- peace in Somalia we seek create a gov- over 18 years, representing San Diego. lies. Older Americans and those with ernment that does not threaten or seek His legislative legacy includes a key disabilities also depend on these bene- to destabilize its neighbors or provide role in revising the Federal laws to per- fits. Every month, nutrition assistance safe haven to known terrorists that are mit California to set tougher emission programs enable almost 385,000 Arkan- a threat to the U.S. and the Horn of Af- standards than the rest of the Nation. sans 13.7 percent of my State’s popu- rica. As chairman of the House Sub- lation to purchase groceries for them- I also wish to emphasize that it is committee on Communications, he ac- selves and their families. equally important that the Senate tively worked to update the 1934 Fed- As a member of the Senate Agri- take great care in calling for a eral Communications Act in order to culture, Nutrition, and Forestry Com- timeline for the withdrawal of Ethio- keep up with changing technologies. A mittee, I worked to address this issue pia’s troops from Somalia. The resolu- leader in ethics, he was among the first in the recently passed Food, Conserva- tion calls on Ethiopia to develop a congressional leaders to voluntarily tion, and Energy Act of 2008, and I am timeline for the ‘‘responsible’’ with- disclose his personal finances. proud the bill aims to reduce food inse- drawal of its armed forces from Soma- Lionel was born in Los Angeles, CA, curity among our children and our el- lia. I believe Ethiopia to be in full on July 25, 1914, and grew up in north derly, and others in need. This bill agreement with this language and San Diego County. He attended the commits $10.36 billion to continue the would like to withdraw its forces as University of Southern California, fight against hunger. It represents the soon as possible; however, a ‘‘respon- where he was editor of the Daily Tro- largest amount of funding for nutrition sible withdrawal’’ requires a replace- jan, and graduated in 1937. After grad- programs in our Nation’s history. One ment to maintain peace and stability uation, he worked in journalism until billion dollars is allocated to the Fresh and to stop terrorism. I would urge the World War II. Lionel honorably served

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.062 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5438 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 our Nation in the U.S. Army, returning ethics rules about advances to clients THE COLLAPSE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS to journalism and San Diego after the that have since been changed. LETTERS FROM VERMONT AND AMERICA war. I voted against cloture on the motion to proceed even though I obviously sup- Dear Friend, As gas and oil prices soared A gentleman, a statesman, and a and as the nation slipped into recession, I friend to all, Van earned the respect of port S. 814, and although I also support made a request to Vermonters on my e-mail his colleagues on both sides of the the tax extenders that expired at the list. I asked them to tell me what was going aisle. He tirelessly worked on behalf of end of 2007—including the R&D tax on in their lives economically. That was it. the people of San Diego. His legacy is credit, teacher expenses deduction, tui- Frankly, I expected a few dozen replies. I was substantial in San Diego—he helped to tion deduction, and accelerated depre- amazed, therefore, when my office received establish the Naval Medical Center San ciation for leasehold and restaurant over 600 responses from all across the State, Diego as well as a Veterans’ Adminis- improvements. I also support some tax as well as some from other states. This small booklet contains a few of those letters. tration hospital. Lionel’s spirit con- extenders that are set to expire at the tinues in the generations of leaders he end of 2008 —including renewable en- It is one thing to read dry economic statistics which describe the collapse of the Amer- mentored and counseled. ergy tax incentives. ican middle class. It is another thing to un- After leaving Congress in 1981, Van The main sticking point between derstand, in flesh and blood terms, what that returned to journalism as a political Democrats and Republicans is whether means in the lives of ordinary Americans. columnist, first for the San Diego Trib- temporary extensions of tax relief Yes, since George W. Bush has been in office une and later for the Union-Tribune. should be offset with permanent tax in- 5 million Americans have slipped into pov- His columns, which were eagerly read creases elsewhere. On April 23, 2008, I, erty, 8 million have lost their health insur- by San Diegans regardless of political along with 40 other Republicans, wrote ance and 3 million have lost their pensions. party, were remarkable for the clarity to Finance Chairman BAUCUS to sup- Yes, in the last 7 years median household in- port ‘‘enacting a 2008 AMT patch and come for working-age Americans has de- and common sense they brought to the clined by $2,500. Yes, our country, for the political process. As a writer, his chief extending the various expiring tax pro- first time since the Great Depression, now targets were hypocrisy and vested in- vision without offsetting tax in- has a zero personal savings rate and, all terests, while his chief passions were creases.’’ across the Nation, emergency food shelves American participatory democracy and The vote was a demonstration by Re- are being flooded with working families the San Diego region he knew and publicans that they have numbers and whose inadequate wages prevent them from served so well. that they need to be included in the feeding their families. Van is survived by three daughters: process of drafting the bill. Republican Statistics are one thing, however, and real Mary Susan, Victoria, and Elizabeth leadership had no expectation that any life is another. The responses that I received Louise; two sons: Jeff and John; and Republican amendments would be al- describe the decline of the American middle class from the perspective of those people lowed because of Leader REID’s stand- four grandchildren. who are living that decline. They speak Our country has lost a remarkable ard operating procedure of filling the about families who, not long ago, thought public servant and tutor with the pass- tree and filing cloture. they were economically secure, but now find ing of Lionel Van Deerlin. His con- I am told that the leadership on both themselves sinking into desperation and tributions to the people of San Diego, sides and the chairman and ranking hopelessness. the State of California, and our Nation member of Finance will now sit down These e-mails tell the stories of working should be remembered. to discuss the next steps. I think this is families unable to keep their homes warm in f a positive development and I will en- the winter; workers worried about whether courage the inclusion in a bipartisan they’ll be able to fill their gas tank to get to LITIGATION COST DEDUCTIONS bill of the proposed amendment to the their jobs; and seniors, who spent their en- Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, on Internal Revenue Code that is em- tire lives working, now wondering how March 8, 2007, I introduced S. 814. The bodied in S. 814. they’ll survive in old age. They describe the bill has nine cosponsors: Senators pain and disappointments that parents feel f as they are unable to save money for their GRAHAM, SMITH, CRAPO, MARTINEZ, REQUEST TO BE NOTIFIED kids’ college education, and the dread of peo- LANDRIEU, WYDEN, LEAHY, SALAZAR, Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ple who live without health insurance. and STABENOW. It was included in the would like to inform my colleagues In order to try and break through the com- energy/business tax extenders package, placency and isolation inside the Washington on which a vote on the motion to pro- that I have requested to be notified of Beltway, I have read some of these stories on ceed failed today. any unanimous consent agreement be- the floor of the Senate. It is imperative that S. 814, would allow attorneys to de- fore the Senate proceeds to the consid- Congress and the corporate media under- duct reimbursable court costs and ex- eration of any legislation that amends stand the painful reality facing the middle penses—expert witness fees, copying the Immigration and Nationality Act. I class today so that we can develop the appro- intend to reserve my right to object to priate public policy to address this crisis. We and transcription costs, travel ex- must expand low income home heating as- penses—in the same tax period in any such request unless legislation to reauthorize the E-verify program run sistance, stop oil profiteering and price which they are paid or incurred. For gouging, and support programs that address attorneys paid on a contingency fee by the Department of Homeland Secu- the growing crisis of hunger in America. The basis, the Internal Revenue Service rity is included. National Priorities Act (S. 818) that I intro- treats these expenditures as ‘‘loans’’ Last week, I introduced legislation to duced in this session of Congress is one ex- that may be repaid from any award or permanently extend the employment ample of legislation that would address the settlement at the end of the case. For verification program, which was cre- growing crisis. this reason, currently most attorneys ated in 1996. This program has been a Let me conclude by thanking all of those may take a deduction only in the same valuable asset for more than 69,000 em- people who have so kindly shared their lives with me through these letters. I know that period he recognizes the income from ployers across the country that want to comply with our immigration laws. for many of you this was not an easy thing the award—which may be years after to do. the attorney has paid the expense/cost. This program needs to be reauthorized this year. For that reason, I have asked BERNIE SANDERS, This is a burden on, and often unfair United States Senator. to, solo practitioners and attorneys in the minority leader to consult me be- small firms who may have to assume fore any unanimous consent agreement on immigration legislation is consid- Here are letters from two mothers in costly loans because they do not have Vermont. The first is from a woman in rural the resources to carry these expenses ered. area; the second is a single mother in a small for multiple years. f city. COLLAPSE OF THE MIDDLE CLASS In addition, the tax treatment of We have at times had to choose between baby these expenses is not uniform in all ju- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask food and heating fuel. risdictions—as some courts have dis- unanimous consent to have printed in agreed with the IRS on the current My husband and I have lived in Vermont the RECORD ‘‘Letters from Vermont our whole lives. We have two small children treatment. This is another reason the and America.’’ (a baby and a toddler) and felt fortunate to current rule is unfair and should be There being no objection, the mate- own our own house and land but due to the changed. Finally, I note that the IRS rial was ordered to be printed in the increasing fuel prices we have at times had interpretation is based on State legal RECORD, as follows: to choose between baby food/diapers and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.029 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5439 heating fuel. We’ve run out of heating fuel We also only eat two meals a day to conserve. come from thrift stores. I have a 5-year-old three times so far and the baby has ended up My husband and I are retired and 65. We car that needs work. My son is gifted and in the hospital with pneumonia two of the would have liked to have worked longer but talented. I tried to sell my house to enroll times. We try to keep the kids warm with an because of injuries caused at work and the him in a school that had curriculum avail- electric space heater on those nights, but closing of our factory to go to Canada, we able for his special needs. After 2 years on that just doesn’t do the trick. chose to retire earlier. the market, my house never sold. The prop- My husband does what he can just to Now with oil prices the way they are we erty taxes have nearly doubled in 10 years scrape enough money for car fuel each week cannot afford to heat our home unless my and the oil to heat it is prohibitive. To meet and we’ve gone from three vehicles to one husband cuts and splits wood, which is a real the needs of my son, I have left the house sit just to try and get by without going further hardship as he has had his back fused and and moved into an apartment near his high into debt. We were going to sell the house should not be working most of the day to school. I don’t go to church many Sundays, and rent, but the rent around here is higher keep up with the wood. Not only that he has because the gasoline is too expensive to drive than what we pay for our monthly mortgage to get up two or three times each night to there. Every thought of an activity is de- and property taxes combined. Please help. keep the fire going. pendent on the cost. I can only purchase food By February we ran out of wood and I burned We also have a 2003 car that we only get to from dented can stores . . . I am stretched to my mother’s dining room furniture. drive to get groceries or go to the doctor or the breaking point with no help in sight. I am a single mother with a 9 year old boy. to visit my mother in the nursing home More descriptions of what it feels like to We lived this past winter without any heat three miles away. It now costs us $80.00 a be caught in the American economy of the at all. Fortunately someone gave me an old month to go nowhere. We have 42,000 miles early years of the 21st century. These letters wood stove. I had to hook it up to an old/un- on a 5 year old car. are from a man in north central Vermont used chimney we had in the kitchen. I I have Medicare but I can’t afford prescrip- and from a man in rural Pennsylvania. couldn’t even afford a chimney liner (the tion coverage unless I take my money out of At the rate we are going we will be destitute in price of liners went up with the price of fuel). an annuity, which is supposed to cover the just a few years. house payment when my husband’s pension To stay warm at night my son and I would Due to illness my ability to work has been pull off all the pillows from the couch and is gone. We also only eat two meals a day to con- severely limited. I am making $10 an hour pile them on the kitchen floor. I’d hang a serve. and if I am lucky I get 35 hours a week of blanket from the kitchen doorway and we’d work. At this time I am only getting 20 My husband and I are very nervous about what sleep right there on the floor. By February hours as it is ‘‘off season’’ in Stowe. It does will happen to us when we are old. we ran out of wood and I burned my mother’s not take a mathematician to do the figures. dining room furniture. I have no oil for hot Yesterday I paid for our latest home heat- How are my wife and I supposed to live on a water. We boil our water on the stove and ing fuel delivery: $1,100. I also paid my monthly take-home income of less than $800? pour it in the tub. I’d like to order one of $2,000+ credit-card balance, much of which We do it by spending our hard earned retire- your flags and hang it upside down at the bought gas and groceries for the month. ment savings. I am 50 and my wife is 49. At capital building...we are certainly a country My husband and I are very nervous about the rate we are going we will be destitute in in distress. what will happen to us when we are old. Al- just a few years. The situation is so dire that These two letters describe the pressures though we have three jobs between us and it is all I can think about. faced by Vermonters on family life. participate in 403B retirement plans, we have Soon I will have to start walking to work, not saved enough for a realistic post-work an 8-mile round trip because the price of en- Not spending those 10 hours at home with my life if we survive to our life expectancy. As husband and son makes a big difference for ergy is so high it is that or go without heat. we approach the traditional retirement age, As bad as our situation is, I know many in all of us . . . we are slowly paying off our daughter’s col- As a couple with one child, earning about worse shape. We try to donate food when we lege tuition loan and trying to keep our do our weekly shopping but now we are not $55,000/year, we have been able to eat out a heads above water. bit, buy groceries and health insurance, con- able to even afford to help our neighbors eat. We have always lived frugally. We buy used What has this country come to? tribute to our retirement funds and live a cars and store brand groceries, recycle every- relatively comfortable life financially. We’ve thing, walk or carpool when possible and I am just tired . . . I work 12 to 14 hours daily never accumulated a lot of savings, but our plastic our windows each fall. Even so, if/ and it just doesn’t help. bills were always paid on time and we never when our son decides to attend college, we I am 55 years old and worse off than my had any interest on our credit card. will be in deep debt at age 65. adult children. I have worked since age 16. I Over the last year, even though we’ve P.S. Please don’t use my name. I live in a don’t live from paycheck to paycheck, I live tightened our belts (not eating out much, small town, and this is so embarrassing. day to day. I can only afford to fill my gas watching purchases at the grocery store, not These letters speak about the emotional tank on my payday thereafter, I put $5, $10 buying ‘‘extras’’ like a new TV, repairing the consequences of the current economic situa- whatever that I can. I cannot afford to buy washer instead of buying a new one...), and tion and are from a man who lives in a small the food items that I would. I am riding we find ourselves with over $7,000 of credit town near the New Hampshire border, and around daily to and from work with a quar- card debt and trying to figure out how to pay from a woman who lives in central Vermont. ter of a tank of gas. This is very scary as I for braces for our son. The pennies have all but dried up . . . Today I can see myself working until the day that I I work 50 hours per week to help earn extra am sad, broken, and very discouraged. die. I do not have a savings, no credit cards money to catch up, but that also takes a toll I, too, have been struggling to overcome and my only resources are thru my employ- on the family life—not spending those 10 the increasing costs of gas, heating oil, food, ment. I have to drive to work as there are no hours at home with my husband and son taxes, etc. I have to say that this is the buses from my residence to work. I don’t makes a big difference for all of us. My hus- toughest year, financially, that I have ever know how much longer I can do this. . . . I band hasn’t had a raise in 3 years, and his experienced in my 41 years on this earth. I am concerned as gas prices climb daily. I am employer is looking to cut out any extra have what used to be considered a decent job, just tired, the harder that I work the harder benefits they can to lower their expenses, I work hard, pinch my pennies, but the pen- it gets, I work 12 to 14 hours daily and it just which will increase ours. nies have all but dried up. I am thankful doesn’t help. I want to drop everything I am doing and go that my employer understands that many of Two women, the first from the Northeast visit him. us cannot afford to drive to work 5 days a Kingdom of Vermont, the second from a My 90-year-old father in Connecticut has week. Instead, I work three 15-hour days. I small city in Vermont, write about their sit- recently become ill and asked me to visit have taken odd jobs to try to make ends uation and their fears. him. I want to drop everything I am doing meet. Now we find that instead of a feeling of comfort, and go visit him, however, I am finding it This winter, after keeping the heat just we have a feeling of dread. hard to save enough money to add to the high enough to keep my pipes from bursting I live in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom. extra gas I’ll need to get there. I am self-em- (the bedrooms are not heated and never got There are only a handful of decent jobs avail- ployed, with my own commercial cleaning above 30 degrees) I began selling off my able, and the wages everywhere else are not service and money is tight, not only with gas woodworking tools, snowblower, (pennies on very good. My husband and I have done what prices, but with everything. I make more the dollar) and furniture that had been hand- we had to in order to survive and to make a than I did a year ago and I don’t have enough ed down in my family from the early 1800s, decent life for our two children, aged 7 and 4. to pay my property taxes this quarter for the just to keep the heat on. He has worked steadily at a local plant for 15 first time in many years. They are due to- Today I am sad, broken, and very discour- years, and I have worked part-time in order morrow. aged. I am thankful that the winter cold is to pay the bills without having to rely on These letters speak of retirement. One is behind us for a while, but now gas prices are daycare. We live a modest life and do not from an older Vermont couple who recently rising yet again. I just can’t keep up. live beyond our means. We have no flat- stopped working; the second is from a I don’t go to church many Sundays, because the screen TV, no cell phones, no iPods, and have woman in a small town in Vermont who is gasoline is too expensive to drive there. only one vehicle payment. We thought that thinking about the future she and her hus- As a single parent, I am struggling every- finally, maybe, we would be able to get band face. day to put food on the table. Our clothes all ahead.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.016 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 Now we find that instead of a feeling of about $300 a month on gas. This has a tre- just my budget for the month. I am watching comfort, we have a feeling of dread. It seems mendous effect on our budget. We are watch- my purchases in the grocery store and de- like every time we do the right thing and try ing every penny we spend. partment stores more closely because of in- to move ahead for our family, something out I work in a dental clinic that is also seeing creased prices. I am not sure that I can af- of our control happens in order to slap us a slowdown. Dentistry is expensive and peo- ford to take a summer vacation this year. I back down. I have always been a big pusher ple are opting not to come to the dentist or usually take a day off during my daughter’s of ‘‘if you can do something to change your not getting the optimal dentistry they need. spring vacation so we can go shopping in situation, do it.’’ Now, even though we are I spoke to the medical doctor across the hall New Hampshire somewhere. I have already doing everything right, my husband and I from our office. He was telling us that they cancelled those plans for this year. I am hop- find ourselves extremely worried about this too have seen a slowdown in their practice. ing that I can take a few days off this sum- winter. I have no answers as to how to make People are forgoing a trip to the doctor to mer to go to Maine. We will see how the gas the oil prices lower. save money. One of my patients told me a prices are this summer but I hear it is going My husband and I have tried, again, to do story yesterday about a food bank in town to get worse. Not much hope for someone on the right things by limiting our driving and that is finding it difficult to keep its shelves a tight budget. by setting the heat at 68 degrees all winter. full. They had a realtor who was a regular I have been forced to go back to work. We even had our home made as energy effi- contributor. Now she was coming to get food I am a 71 year old man and have been re- cient as possible, yet we now find ourselves for herself. The cost of food is rising at a tre- tired since 2000. With the price of fuel oil I unsure if we will be able to pay for both the mendous rate. have been forced to go back to work just to mortgage and our oil next winter. Rising gas prices have an effect on medical care as well, as this letter from an oncology heat my home and pay my property taxes. Some nights we eat cereal and toast for dinner These two women who live in small towns social worker in a Vermont city reveals. because that’s all I have. in central Vermont write about their sense I am a working mother of two young chil- I cannot describe how devastating it has been that their families are sinking, economi- dren. I currently pay on average around for these folks who need to travel great dis- cally. tances to get to/from their cancer treatment. $80.00 a week for gas so that I can go to We would like to not have to worry about where work. I see the effects of the gas increase at My story involves my capacity as an oncol- our next meal will come from. the grocery stores and at the department ogy social worker working with cancer pa- I am a registered school nurse in Vermont, stores. On average I spend around $150.00 per tients in an outpatient clinic. I also run an and my husband is a self-employed bread week at the grocery store and trust me when emergency fund through the Cancer Patient baker. We are in our mid 30’s and have two I say I don’t buy prime rib—I buy just Support Program which provides funds to young children. We always thought that if enough to get us through the week and I cancer patients in need during their cancer we went to college, earned 4-year degrees, can’t afford to make sure we have seven journey, including initial diagnosis, surgery, and worked hard, that we would be able to wholesome meals to eat every night of the and treatment period in which they experi- live a decent life. We have no desire to be week—some nights we eat cereal and toast ence a significant decrease in income during wealthy, but would like to not have to worry for dinner because that’s all I have. My fam- a medical leave. I cannot describe how devastating it has about where our next meal will come from. ily has had to cancel our annual trip to the As you know, wheat prices are soaring. zoo, and we make less trips to see our fami- been for these folks who need to travel great distances to get to/from their cancer treat- Over the last year, he has seen his price per lies in another town due to the increase of 50–pound bag of flour increase about $10 or gas. The price of gas has created a hardship ment and followup care with the way gas prices have been! more (last week alone, price per bag went up for most average Americans. We have less $2.75). We are feeling distraught that we may money to pay to living expenses which have Many of these folks need to travel on a daily basis to radiation therapy for several never ‘‘get ahead’’ but will always be ped- also increased. It seems as if it’s just a rip- aling to just keep up . . . Employed in pling effect. I am really scared of what the weeks while others come from surrounding counties every one to two weeks for chemo- Vermont since 1997, I will be paying back my future holds for me and my kids because I nursing loans for a long time—longer now just simply cannot afford to live from day to therapy. It [the high price of gas] has had a tremendous impact on our ability to provide that we just can’t keep up with the rising day. I am getting further and further in cred- costs of oil and wheat. it card debt just trying to stay afloat. the financial assistance through our emergency fund to all those in need. My husband and I both work very, very Some letters are from people who work in hard to provide needed services to our health care and report on what is happening Someone with cancer who has to get treatment has no choice in how many times they Vermont communities. Yet we scratch our in their towns. The first of these is from a heads when trying to budget our income. small town in north-central Vermont; the need to travel great distances. They have to have reliable transportation, and thus need How can it be that two college-educated indi- second is from a small town in the state of viduals with respectable careers are in such Washington. access to gas for their cars, or another family member’s car, to get to their treatment a financial bind? Insurance costs continue to rise causing some to and followup care. My husband and I followed all the rules . . . forgo insurance to pay for gasoline, heating This is becoming increasingly difficult as Slowly, though, we have sunk back to the fuel and groceries. gas prices continue to rise and our emer- ‘poor’ days. As the chief of a small ambulance service, gency fund cannot meet all the financial My husband and I followed all the rules. He I have seen the impact of rising costs. needs of these patients. grew up in urban projects and went into the As a service made up of primarily volun- This is the story of a woman who lives in military with Vietnam service so he could teers, we have seen our numbers decline. a suburban community near Burlington, get GI Bill benefits and go to college. I grew When soliciting for volunteers from the com- Vermont. Following it is a short letter from up picking strawberries as a migrant worker, munity, we have been told that they are un- a senior citizen in a very small town in the but had a mother who so pressed education able to put the time in due to the need to mountains of central Vermont. that I was able to go to college on scholar- work more just to pay their bills. I feel as though I am between a rock and a hard ship and by working full time nights in a Our costs associated with running an am- place no matter how hard I try to adjust my mental hospital. My husband and I worked bulance have also risen in the last few years. budget for the month. hard to buy a home, maintain good credit, When discussing with our suppliers, fuel First of all, I am a single mother of a 16 even taking government jobs because we prices play a large part in the increase—both year old daughter. I own a condominium. I truly wanted to help others. I became dis- to manufacture and to transport. abled and unable to work, but we managed to We are hearing from more and more have worked at the hospital for 16 years and live a middle-class life on one salary. Vermonters that insurance costs continue to make a very good salary, in the high $40,000 Slowly, though, we have sunk back to the rise causing some to forgo insurance to pay range. I own a 2005 Honda Civic. I filled up my gas ‘poor’ days. Our heating oil bill, gas prices, for gasoline, heating fuel and groceries. tank yesterday, April 1, and it cost me al- food prices—well, you know the story. Even In speaking with other ambulance services most $43. That was at $3.22 per gallon. If a pizza is a splurge now. The interest on our both volunteer and paid, most including prices stay at that level, it will cost me $160 meager savings doesn’t seem worth keeping ours, are delaying purchases on major equip- per month to fill up my gas tank. A year ago the money in the bank. We’re so much more ment such as ambulance replacements, due it cost me under $20 to fill up my tank. fortunate than many others, since we can to limited funding. This means we have older Which would have amounted to approxi- still meet our bills, but we’re scared that equipment, and higher maintenance costs. mately $80 per month. I now have to decide we’ll drop beneath that level soon. It doesn’t Dentistry is expensive and people are opting not what errands I really need to run and what seem right that after working hard and fol- to come to the dentist. things I can do over the phone or on the lowing all the rules for our lives, now, at 60, I live in Washington. I drive about 10 miles Internet. But the other issue is if I use my we’re tumbling down. to work every day. I drive an eight-year-old cell phone too much during the month my These two letters, one from a man in a Chi- car that gets about 25 miles per gallon. My bill will increase and that will cost me more cago suburb, and one from a teacher in husband is a contractor and drives a small money. Vermont’s Connecticut River Valley, also pickup truck that gets very poor mileage. I feel as though I am between a rock and a speak of the sense of falling behind in the Together I have estimated that we spend hard place no matter how hard I try to ad- 21st century American economy.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:00 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.018 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5441 It costs me so much money in gas that my wife home and now I might lose the one thing for social security disability and I am unable and I live on $6 per day to eat. that is allowing me to continue my school- to work. My job was transferred to China 8 years ing and keep going to work—my car. We had a dream to own our own home, and ago. No jobs were available in my field. I I am struggling to understand why prices that dream came true seven years ago. I am tried to do everything I possibly could do in continue to rise and I see no end in sight. afraid our dream is slipping through our fin- finding another job outside of my field but Our life style has drastically changed in the gers and it won’t be long before we lose our failed. My unemployment ran out. I lost ev- past 12 months. home, the way things are going. erything: House, cars and the will to live. My I travel over 30 miles one way (60 miles A young couple in Burlington, Vermont wife and I moved into my in-law’s basement roundtrip). My car requires high test which writes of their situation and their concerns. after this catastrophe. I regained my never- is now $3.95/gal. I have approached my com- I wonder some times if we should try to follow give-up outlook on life. I went back to pany about doing a survey of its employees our dreams—decide to have children? school. I spent $13,000 on my education to be- to see how many co-workers travel over 20 Even after we bought our house, there was come a residential home inspector. That miles one way, and suggested that we start a time when I could save a little here and market is in turmoil, and I can’t make any to work on a commuter policy. I suggested there and feel secure and hopeful for the fu- money in it these days. I am still self-em- four 10–hour work days, telecommuting, set- ture. ployed now performing various inspections ting up car pools, setting up incentives for Recently, I have been trying to stretch out on the commercial side within the northern car poolers. I was turned down. I was able to time between grocery trips and have chosen half of Illinois. I drive on average 250 miles find another person who was interested in to postpone necessary repairs to our house per day. It costs me so much money in gas car pooling & we have started to do that. I simply because we just don’t have the money that my wife and I live on $6 per day to eat. take breakfast, coffee, lunch, and snacks to to do so. I can’t afford health insurance for my wife work daily. I do not go to the hair dresser or We are frugal people with simple spending and I because that money is in the gas tank nail salon as I used to. We stopped taking habits, mainly food and our house expenses. every week. The irony of it is my wife is a weekend trips and plan to see our children in We ride bicycles, buy bulk foods and used nurse. She’s expecting the doctor she works NJ only once this year. Between the 30 per- clothing, repair and mend before buying new, with to close his office any day now because cent credit card interest rates, fuel cost, and and we love this life. he’s behind in his malpractice insurance. His food increases our life style has drastically But if we can’t fix our roof, or become mal- premiums are too high and he’s 120 days past changed in the past 12 months. nourished from food choices on a family in- due on his office lease payments because he’s Two women from Vermont write about come of $50,000 yr, then what does the future trying to keep the malpractice insurance in what the economy is doing to them and their hold for the next generation? effect. He stopped offering health insurance families. I wonder some times if we should try to to his employees 2 years ago with his in- My mortgage is behind, we are at risk for fore- follow our dreams—decide to have children? creasing costs. I still live in a basement. Do closure, and I can’t keep up with my car Try to buy a farm? All of these thoughts lead you need any more evidence that our coun- payments. me to another emotion—sadness. try and our leaders have failed me? I am a 31 year old wife, mother of two. How These letters, the first from a single moth- How much more of a hit can people take? The has this affected me? My husband drives 35 er in Vermont, the second from a retired future looks extremely bleak to me. miles to work, that is a one-way trip. He is couple also in Vermont, ask questions that Bernie, I am so frightened for next year, as putting an average of $80 a week into his gas we as a Nation should listen to. I struggle daily this year. I drive past the tank. No, he doesn’t drive an SUV or a half- People say, ‘Cut back.’ gas stations and see the price go up. Those ton work truck. It’s a small pickup truck I am a single mother, owning a home, pre- prices are going up even 10 cents a gallon in that he needs as he builds houses. The kicker paring to send a son to college, and working one day. is that he never puts more than half a tank two jobs most of the time. While I am man- What about heating fuel next year? I spent in, because we can’t afford to fill it. I drive aging to keep my house (I think I’m upside this winter with my heat turned down to 53 15 miles one way, and put about $40 a week down given the slump in market value), I am degrees, varying it only for a few hours after into my 30-miles-to-the-gallon car. Again, I falling behind on my bills and have to use I returned home from work. I have my mas- never fill the tank—ever. We have even con- my credit card more often for necessities. ter’s degree and am a teacher. I am strug- templated having my husband quit his job People say, ‘Cut back.’ gling so hard in my new home. It’s a double because he isn’t making much more money When I look at my bank and credit card wide and I’ve waited 50 years to get my own weekly than he spends on gas. We could statements, I see; gas, groceries, gas, fuel oil, home. Now, I am worried I won’t be able to move to an area that is closer to our jobs, gas, groceries, school-related activities, car keep it as everything else is going up, except but because of the market, we cannot sell maintenance, gas, electricity. Cut back on my salary, which next year will only go up our house fast enough, or for a fair price. what? The occasional pizza between jobs and slightly more than 1 percent. Meanwhile, my mortgage is behind, we are athletic events? The trip to college to seek The middle class is no longer the middle at risk for foreclosure, and I can’t keep up financial aid? Clothes for work and school? class...I’ve slipped into the lower class after with my car payments. My parents, both in Does anybody have a solution? Does anybody in a winter of double heating costs and now their 60’s, are back to work so that they can Washington care? these new economic hits. How much more of make ends meet, and struggle to come up a hit can people take? The future looks ex- with enough gas money so they can get to Thanks for your invitation to talk with tremely bleak to me. I worry constantly doctor’s appointments. They are opting to you. We are retired, 70 and 65 and living on about how I am going to pay my bills. close their house up for the winter, and stay Social Security and some savings. The first letter is from a young person in with my uncle so they don’t have to put oil Like most Vermonters we use wood to off- a small, rural, college town in Vermont. The in their furnace. I can’t tell you how many set the price of being warm. Our last oil fill second was written by a woman who lives in times we had to fill our little gas tanks with up was nearly $700. How can we continue to a city on the Gulf Coast of Florida. kerosene or diesel because we ran out of oil make ends meet? My gasoline cost $239 last month. Food and everything else we buy is I am now living out of my car. and couldn’t afford the $380 it would cost us to put a mere 100 gallons in. Needless to say, going up every week because of gouging from As a student and a part time employee oil companies. We are worried about the na- working for just above minimum wage I have we are way behind on all of our bills, we are still playing catch up with our winter ex- tional debt and the trade deficit. What can found it more and more difficult to survive be done to bring them down? Does anybody under these conditions. The drive to school penses. People that I know that have never struggled with money, are now frequenting have a solution? Does anybody in Wash- and work require me to use roughly 30 per- ington care? cent of my paycheck just to go where I need our local food shelf so they can feed their to, to make it through my day. families staple foods. Please listen to our f pleas and put ethics first. When school is in session I am lucky to get HONORING RON MASON about 170 dollars a week and with gas prices We are barely staying afloat. at their current all time high I am contin- My family has been hit so hard by this Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I, along ually finding myself under hardships because economy, we are barely staying afloat. We with my Michigan colleague, Senator of it. Recently I had to vacate my apartment have remortgaged the house 4 times in the STABENOW, would like to congratulate because I could not afford to pay rent and I last three years to pay credit card debt. Now Ron Mason on a long and distinguished am now living out of my car. This too seems we are trying to tap into our annuity to pay career at Michigan State University. like it may not be able to last that much more credit card debt. The debts on the cred- He has been integral to the success of longer because I am encountering difficulties it cards are all for bills. Mostly grocery, oil Michigan State’s hockey program for in making my car payment. and the mere cost of living. more than 29 years and has positively I can remember when gas prices were a lit- My husband is a union carpenter and they tle over a dollar and I dream about life tak- just changed our fantastic insurance plan to impacted the lives of many young peo- ing that turn once more. Because of the gas a terrible one with barely any coverage. I ple throughout his tenure at MSU. prices I have found nothing but an extremely have none of my doctors on it and I suffer Ron Mason enjoys the distinction of low budget for food, I was forced out of my from painful nerve damage. I am not eligible being the winningest coach in college

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.021 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5442 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 hockey history. That is an impressive graduate of Saginaw High School. Dur- done and the wisdom to make other feat, one of which he, his family and ing his years at Saginaw High, he ex- people think it was their idea. the MSU community are proud. Ron celled athletically and would ulti- He was one of the last men and spent 36 years as a college hockey head mately set several school record in women of the ‘‘greatest generation,’’ coach, 23 of which were behind the track and field. After his high school recognizing that the values he was bench at Michigan State University. years, Alfred attended Bay City Junior raised with—honor, decency, humility During his stellar career, he amassed College and Bishop College. and sacrifice—were universal values 924 total wins and a record of 635–270–69 Alfred Wagoner Loveless was a man that defined who we are as a nation. He as head coach of the Spartans. Ron of great faith who was devoted to his used those ideals as his guidance, guided the Spartans to 17 CCHA reg- family and to his community, and he which is why Bill’s courageous deci- ular season and playoff titles, and 23 received numerous awards and recogni- sions as an elected official were both appearances in the NCAA tournament, tions throughout his life as a result of profound and simple for him. They which stands as an all-time record. In his work. His community efforts fo- were not difficult for him because they 1986, he led the Spartans to their sec- cused on eradicating poverty, sickle were obvious to him; Bill always knew ond NCAA Hockey National Champion- cell prevention, along with promoting his true north. ship in the school’s history, and in 1972, self-determination and self-sufficiency. Bill McLaughlin was a model for all he won a NAIA Championship as head Alfred is mourned by his family, the of us, not just elected officials. He coach of Lake Superior State Univer- members of Zion Baptist Church, and lived his life, from beginning to end, by sity. many in the greater Saginaw commu- the same guiding principles upon which After retiring as head coach of the nity. Alfred is survived by his wife Glo- our Nation is built. Bill will be sorely Spartans, Ron accepted the job of ath- ria Hill Loveless and his son, Wagoner missed, but as long as we remember his letic director at Michigan State, where T. Loveless, in addition to a large ex- lessons, the world will be better off. As he would continue to make important tended family. Yeats wrote in ‘‘The Lake Isle of contributions to the success of the 25- This is, indeed, a great loss to all Innisfree:’’ sport athletic department. Under his who knew him or for those who have I will arise and go now, for always night and watch, the university won 11 con- benefited from his work. I know my day ference championships and one na- colleagues will join me in paying trib- I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by tional championship. Fittingly, the na- ute to the life and work of Alfred Wag- the shore; tional championship was won by the oner Loveless. I am sure his family While I stand on the roadway, or on the ice hockey team, the program’s third takes comfort in knowing that his leg- pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart’s core.∑ NCAA national championship. Ron’s acy will be remembered. legacy as athletic director also in- f f cludes the many contributions he has ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS made in the lives of student-athletes at HONORING DR. DONALD F. MSU off the field. These efforts include AVERILL the PACT initiative which has enabled REMEMBERING WILLIAM T. ‘‘BILL’’ ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my more than 300 student-athletes to par- MCLAUGHLIN ticipate in community outreach ef- colleagues to join me in recognizing ∑ forts, the establishment of the Stu- Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I wish Dr. Donald F. Averill as he retires after dent-Athlete Multicultural Center today to honor Bill McLaughlin, a man almost 50 years of service in education. which provides leadership training to as renowned for his vision and leader- This month, Dr. Donald Averill will student-athletes, and his highly suc- ship as for his soft touch and utter hu- retire as chancellor of the San cessful fundraising efforts for the ath- manity. Bill passed away on May 30, Bernardino Community College Dis- letic department. 2008, but his legacy will live on for gen- trict, SBCCD. Prior to joining SBCCD, One of the great privileges of coach- erations. Many remember Bill as a man Dr. Averill served as the CEO of Palo ing and working on the collegiate level who turned the city of Wilmington into Verde College. Dr. Averill more than is the impact an individual can have in one of the financial capitals of the doubled the enrollment of full-time shaping the lives of young men and world—I prefer to honor him as the students to provide increased edu- women. Ron Mason accepted this re- truly decent, caring, and visionary gen- cational opportunities throughout the sponsibility and flourished. In the proc- tleman whom I have admired for my region. His leadership enabled physical ess, he has become an important figure entire career. and economic growth of academic in- in MSU’s rich athletic tradition. To summarize Bill McLaughlin’s life frastructure and enabled Palo Verde Ron’s retirement will be aptly in a few words is beyond my capabili- College to earn accreditation. During marked by a celebration on Thursday, ties. It is impossible for me to speak of his tenure as the CEO for the San June 12 at MSU. We know our Senate this brother, father, and grandfather in Bernardino Community College Dis- colleagues join us in paying tribute to terms of his well-documented public trict, he greatly improved the eco- Ron Mason on his many accomplish- accomplishments. To me, Bill nomic capacities of the district and in- ments over the years and wish him and McLaughlin was a friend, and a man. creased cooperation between colleges his family the very best in their future As Shakespeare wrote, ‘‘His life was and secondary institutions, increasing endeavors. gentle, and the elements / So mixed in enrollment in the region by 45 percent. him that Nature might stand up / And Throughout his 47 years of service f say to all the world, / This was a man!’’ and commitment to improvements in IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALFRED Bill McLaughlin was a man. As we education, Dr. Donald Averill provided WAGONER LOVELESS Irish say when we want to pay the leadership both in California higher Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would highest compliment: Bill McLaughlin education and in the San Bernardino like to take this opportunity to pay was a good man. community. He served as chairman of tribute to Alfred Wagoner Loveless, a Bill was, at his core, a family man. the Economic and Workforce Develop- tireless and dedicated community lead- He viewed everything through the ment Advisory Committee to the Cali- er. Alfred was committed to serving prism of family. And he was a great fornia Community College Board of the needs of his community and served city leader because he loved the city of Governors for 2 years and chaired the in various positions throughout his Wilmington. On any given Sunday, you Human Resources Commission of the adult life in Saginaw. His contributions were as likely to see him at an African- Association of California Community were many, and he will be missed by American church as you were at Catho- College Administrators for 5 years. He those whose lives he touched. lic mass. served the city of La Habra, CA, as a Alfred Wagoner Loveless was born in Of all Bill’s wonderful qualities, per- planning commissioner for 12 years. Dr. Detroit, MI, on March 9, 1931, to Claude haps the most unique—and most use- Averill has also served as president of and Jesse Starr Loveless and moved ful—was his style of leadership. He had the American Heart Association in shortly thereafter to Saginaw. He is a the insight to know what had to be Glendale, CA.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:00 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.035 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5443 As he retires from providing leader- TRIBUTE TO ELTON ‘‘MICK’’ both in the government and military. ship and guidance to the faculty, stu- RINGSAK Many in the community have also dents, and staff of numerous institu- ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I played a role in defining the preserva- tions of higher education and to count- pay tribute to an outstanding advocate tion of North Dakotan history, with less communities in California, I am of small and rural business, Elton community members such as Keith pleased to ask my colleagues to join ‘‘Mick’’ Ringsak, who will be con- Johnson who was responsible for much me in honoring a true leader in edu- cluding his time as Small Business Ad- of the restoration of historic buildings ∑ cation and community development. ministration Region VIII Adminis- in the Cass County ‘Pioneer Village’ f trator in July of 2008. project. Mr. President, I ask the United HONORING NELL SOTO For nearly 8 years he has been a champion for small business in rural States Senate to join me in congratu- ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my lating Ayr, ND, and its residents on colleagues to join me in honoring Cali- America. He has recognized the important role they play in strengthening their 125th anniversary and in wishing fornia Assembly member Nell Soto on them well for the future. By honoring a lifetime of achievement and advocacy the local and national economies of our country and I have appreciated the ex- Ayr and all other towns of North Da- for the people of California. Through- kota, we keep the pioneering, frontier out her tenure in both the California cellent work he has done for the State of North Dakota. Mick has worked spirit alive for future generations. It is Assembly and the California State sen- places such as Ayr that have helped to ate, Nell Soto has worked tirelessly to hard to provide Federal assistance to small businesses so they can be produc- shape this country into what it is improve the quality of life for the peo- today, which is why this fine commu- ple of California and our Nation. De- tive and grow. Not only is Mick Ringsak an advo- nity is deserving of our recognition. spite recent health challenges, this Ayr has a proud past and a bright fu- cate for small and rural businesses in June she will celebrate her 82nd birth- ture.∑ America, he is also an outstanding per- day and can look back on a proud ca- f reer in public service. son. He has never lost the values he A sixth-generation resident of the gained growing up in Grafton, ND. Dur- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAGUE, City of Pomona, Nell Soto has been a ing my years as Tax Commissioner for NORTH DAKOTA lifelong member of the southern Cali- the State of ND, I had the opportunity ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am fornia community and has been a to work closely with his father, a legis- pleased to honor a community in North strong advocate for its communities lator in the State Senate from the Dakota that is celebrating its 100th an- throughout her life. Before coming to Grafton area. niversary. On July 4 and 5, the resi- the California Legislature, Nell Soto Mick and his wife Claire are parents dents of Hague will gather to celebrate served 12 years on the city council in of three sons, Quint, Justin and Zach. their community’s history and found- Pomona. Her late husband Philip Soto He is trustworthy, honest, and dedi- ing. served two terms in the state legisla- cated to making the economic environ- In 1882, a rural post office was estab- ture from 1962 to 1966. Nell was the first ment friendlier to small and rural busi- lished to serve the Grandin Brothers woman from the San Gabriel Valley to nesses. Prior to his appointment ap- Bonanza Farm. In 1882, the Bonanza serve on the South Coast Air Quality pointed as the SBA Region VIII Admin- farm was 40,000 acres, which made it Management Board. She served 10 istrator in 2001, Mick, a Vietnam vet- the largest wheat farm in the world. years as a public affairs representative eran, owned and managed Miller’s This Bonanza farm was managed by a with the Los Angeles County Metro- Boots and Shoes along with his broth- man named John A. Hague, and he politan Transportation Authority. In er-in-law in Butte, MT. eventually lent his name to the town of 1998 she was elected to the California I appreciate his work as SBA Region Hague. Assembly and in March of 2000 won a VIII Administrator, and I wish Mick Today, Hague is a small but vibrant special election to secure a seat in the well in his future endeavors. I have en- community in south, central North Da- California State senate, a seat that she joyed working with him in developing kota. Residents of the community are held until 2006. She now serves once North Dakota’s small and rural busi- truly proud of the St. Mary’s Catholic again in the California Assembly. nesses and he has also been a good Church, a Gothic-style, brick building Throughout her tenure in the Cali- friend. I wish him all the best in his up- built in 1929 that is on the National fornia Legislature, Nell has been an coming retirement and look forward to Register of Historic Places. St. Mary’s impassioned advocate for stronger his continuing leadership for small Church possesses an iron cross ceme- communities and an improved quality business for many years to come.∑ tery that is a German-Russian tradi- of life and has worked to make im- f tion, which makes it a unique cultural provements throughout the California gem. educational system. She has been a 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF AYR, To celebrate its 100th anniversary, strong advocate of improvements in in- NORTH DAKOTA the town of Hague will be having a frastructure and transportation and ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am wide range of events. To start off the worked hard to secure the development pleased to honor a community in North festivities, the residents will be par- of the Alameda Corridor East, an im- Dakota that is celebrating its 125th an- ticipating in a Tractor Trek. The town portant rail transportation project in niversary. On June 21 and 22, the resi- will also have a rodeo, parade, con- inland southern California. She has dents of Ayr will come together to cel- certs, a magician, cloggers, and fire- been an equally impassioned advocate ebrate their community and its his- works. Kristi Goblade, a local resident for crime prevention, public safety, and toric founding. of Hague, will be performing cowgirl the environment, and recently served Ayr is located in Cass County. Al- yodeling at the opening ceremony. A as chair of the Assembly Select Com- though its population is small, Ayr performance by Mylo Hatzenbuhler, a mittee on Perchlorate Contamination holds an important place in our State’s country humorist, is also expected. and has worked to secure funding for history. Originally founded in October Mr. President, I ask the United improvements in drinking water safety 1883 as Dunlop, the town was officially States Senate to join me in congratu- from perchlorate contamination. renamed Ayr by postmaster Frank lating Hague, ND, and its residents on A lifelong resident of southern Cali- Dickinson. He chose to name the com- their first 100 years and in wishing fornia, mother of 6, grandmother of 11, munity Ayr in recognition of Ayrshire, them well in the future. I believe that great-grandmother of 3, and spirited Scotland, the ancestral home of many by honoring Hague and all the other supporter of community advocacy and of Ayr’s citizens at the time. Later, historic small towns of North Dakota, selfless service, Nell Soto is a wonder- some residents tried to change the we keep the frontier spirit alive for fu- ful public servant. As she looks back name of the town again, but the terri- ture generations. It is places like on decades of leadership and celebrates torial legislature took action to put an Hague that have helped to shape this her 82nd birthday, I am pleased to ask end to the renaming effort. country into what it is today. I believe my colleagues to join me in recog- Ayr is a community dedicated to that Hague is deserving of our recogni- nizing her good work.∑ service, with many citizens serving tion.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.028 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5444 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 Hague has a proud past and a bright kota that will be celebrating its 125th upon the name New Rockford, derived future.∑ anniversary. During this year’s July from the area’s river crossing. f 4th celebration, the residents of Today, New Rockford is a quiet, sce- Lakota will gather to celebrate their nic place of 1,463 people. The township 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF KIEF, community’s history and founding. anchors a dynamic farm economy and NORTH DAKOTA In 1882, Lakota, a Great Northern contains a 117-acre industrial park. ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am Railroad site, was founded. Lakota was New Rockford is renowned for holding pleased today to recognize a commu- named by Gov. Nehemiah G. Ordway the Central North Dakota Steam nity in North Dakota that will be cele- for the Sioux word meaning ‘‘allies.’’ Thresher’s Reunion every third week- brating its 100th anniversary. On June Lakota’s post office was established in end of September, where a unique col- 21–22, the residents of Kief will gather 1883, and it was designated as the coun- lection of antique operational steam to celebrate their community’s history ty seat in 1883. Lakota officially be- engines is displayed. In addition, the and founding. came a city in 1889. community’s rugged pioneering tradi- Kief is a small town located in the Today, Lakota remains a small, tion persists and has been passed on to center of North Dakota with a popu- proud farming community. Lakota hometown son James Buchli, an astro- lation of 16. The land upon which Kief residents enjoy many outdoor activi- naut and American hero. was founded was first homesteaded by ties, from hunting to fishing in nearby New Rockford boasts a vibrant nat- a Ukrainian immigrant named Anton Devils and Stump Lakes. Many resi- ural heritage and offers some of North Bokovoy. In 1908, he sold half of his dents take pride in the local golf Dakota’s finest wildlife habitats. land to the Tri-State Land Company, course, Lakota Rock Creek Golf Blessed to be near the Sheyenne and which then sold the land to other set- Course, saying that it is the ‘‘best James Rivers, the town is a prime lo- tlers from Scandinavia, Russia, and course around.’’ The community is cale for fishing. New Rockford is also a Germany, effectively establishing the home to the A. M. Tofthagen Library hub for hunters because of the water- town of Kief. It was customary to give and Museum, which was recognized in fowl, whitetail deer, and upland game the first settler the opportunity to 1991 as a North Dakota historical site that populate the area. name the town. Anton Bokovoy chose by the National Register of Historic To celebrate their 125th anniversary, to name the settlement after his birth- Places. the people of New Rockford have place of Kiev, Ukraine. To celebrate the 125th anniversary, Kief grew throughout the years. In planned a number of events, including the residents of Lakota will gather for 1910, the town was able to construct a pitchfork fondues, dances, children’s a wide range of events. An All School schoolhouse, which served the commu- games, and a fireworks display. Reunion will be held during the same nity’s students until it was closed in Mr. President, I ask the United weekend of the anniversary celebra- 1959. Kief officially became a village in States Senate to join me in congratu- 1918. At that time, the town had about tion. Lakota will also celebrate with a lating New Rockford, ND, and its resi- 300 inhabitants. The many businesses variety show, banquet, craft show, pa- dents on their first 125 years and in that opened in Kief made the town a rade, BBQ, a dance, car and motorcycle wishing them well through the next pleasant place to live. Multiple grain show, and lots of activities for the century. By honoring New Rockford elevators and businesses related to ag- kids. and all the other historic small towns riculture offered a livelihood to many I ask the Senate to join me in con- of North Dakota, we keep the great of the town’s residents. In their free gratulating Lakota, ND, and its resi- pioneering frontier spirit alive for fu- time, residents of Kief could be found dents on their first 125 years and wish- ture generations. It is places such as enjoying themselves at the outdoor ing them well in the future. By hon- North Rockford that have helped to theater, pool hall, and bowling alley. oring Lakota and all the other historic shape this country into what it is Today, Kief supports three busi- small towns of North Dakota, we keep today, which is why this fine commu- nesses. Krueger’s Standard Grocery has the great pioneering frontier spirit nity is deserving of our recognition. been in operation since 1982. Recently, alive for future generations. It is places New Rockford has a proud past and a a long haul trucking company and a such as Lakota that have helped to bright future.∑ truck freight brokerage have been es- shape this country into what it is tablished. today, which is why this fine commu- f Current and former residents of Kief nity is deserving of our recognition. will gather to celebrate the 100th anni- Lakota has a proud past and a bright ∑ 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF REEDER, versary. They will enjoy a parade, an future. NORTH DAKOTA ice cream social, and a street dance. f ∑ Children and adults will play horse- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW pleased today to honor a community in shoes, tug o’ war, and other games ROCKFORD, NORTH DAKOTA throughout the weekend. Horse and North Dakota that is celebrating its ∑ buggy rides will remind celebrants of Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I 100th anniversary. On June 20–22, the the conveyances of yesteryear. wish to recognize a community in Eddy residents of Reeder will gather to cele- Mr. President, I ask the United County, ND, that will be celebrating brate their community’s founding and States Senate to join me in congratu- its 125th anniversary. From July 3–6, history. lating Kief, ND, and its residents on the residents of New Rockford will Reeder is located in the scenic south- their first 100 years and in wishing gather to celebrate their community’s western part of North Dakota with a them well through the next century. I history and founding. population of about 181. The town was believe that by honoring Kief and all The Eddy County region was popu- named after E.O. Reeder, an assistant the other historic small towns of North lated mainly by settlers of Scandina- chief engineer with the Milwaukee Dakota, we keep the frontier spirit vian origin. The first pioneers followed Road Railroad, which established a sta- alive for future generations. It is places the trail blazed by earlier Red River tion in Reeder in 1908. By the end of like Kief that have helped to shape this buffalo hunters. Later, they came by 1908, it was a thriving prairie town country into what it is today. I believe way of the Northern Pacific Railway. with numerous businesses. that the community of Kief is deserv- In 1882, Captain Walter G. Dunn es- In celebration of the community’s ing of our recognition. tablished his merchandise store and centennial, there are many activities Kief has a proud past and a bright fu- post office just to the south of present- planned for entertainment and to re- ture.∑ day New Rockford. As the railroads member the town’s history. Events will f stretched northward, townsite pro- include a parade, variety show, bike moters appeared a year later. These ad- races, dances, and plenty of food. 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAKOTA, vocates sited the settlement along the The centennial celebration will also NORTH DAKOTA James River and initially called it Gar- serve as a high school reunion for the ∑ Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish rison. Since Garrison was the name of graduates of Reeder High School. The to recognize a community in North Da- another post office, the settlers decided school closed in 2000, but the town has

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:00 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.041 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5445 turned it into the Dakota Prairie En- grams such as the SystemsGo RECORD to show that they spent a day richment Center. The community cen- Aeroscience in order to maintain our working the Senate with me and with ter is now used for receptions, basket- global leadership in innovation.∑ some of the other Senators and have ball games, dances, and benefits. It also f seen firsthand the work that goes on. provides lodging for those who travel I want to acknowledge the MS Maga- REMEMBERING CARL KULCZYK to the area to hunt, a popular activity zine Foundation that started Take our in Reeder. ∑ Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I was Daughters and Sons to Work Day to Mr. President, I ask the United deeply saddened by the death of Carl thank them for organizing this effort States Senate to join me in congratu- Kulczyk last week. where there are thousands, maybe per- lating Reeder, ND, and its residents on I knew Carl the way many other haps millions, of young people who their first 100 years and in wishing Iowans did—through his passionate have taken a day out of their school them well through the next century. commitment to the work of bringing work to go to the various places where By honoring Reeder and all the other hope and health care to underserved Americans are working to contribute historic small towns of North Dakota, communities in our State. When Carl to making this country of ours a better we keep the pioneering tradition alive began his work with the Iowa Depart- country and this world a better place. for future generations. Places such as ment of Public Health 14 years ago, I ask to have the names printed in ECORD for these young men and Reeder shaped this country into what there were just four community health the R women and thank them for being a it is today, which is why this fine com- centers in Iowa; today there are three part of this special day and taking munity deserves our recognition. times as many health centers, a mi- their time to come and learn about the Reeder has a proud past and a bright grant program, and yet another com- ∑ munity health center well on its way workings of the Senate. future. The list follows. f to getting permanent funding. Carl never cut a ribbon or spoke at a From The Bryn Mawr School: Alexandra Argo, Baltimore, MD; from Urusline Acad- HONORING FREDERICKSBURG HIGH groundbreaking, but let me say this: SCHOOL emy: Kelly Francis Antrum, New Orleans, The expansion of affordable, accessible LA; from Ursuline Academy: Jennifer Baker, ∑ Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, today I health care services across Iowa would New Orleans, LA; from Lake Castle School: highlight an innovative and incredible not have happened without Carl’s hard Anna Campbell, Abita Springs, LA; from St. education program started by science work. Angela Merici School: Margret Domingo, teacher Brett Williams from Fred- But that is not all. Carl worked to Metairie, LA; from St. James Episcopal ericksburg High School in Fredericks- School: Ashton Eymard, Baton Rouge, LA; support Critical Access Hospitals. He from St. Margaret Mary: Cameron Gerhold, burg, TX. The SystemsGo Aeroscience brought physicians from overseas to Slidell, LA; from Georgetown Day School: program promotes engineering, strong care for Iowa’s sick and elderly. He Cleo Gill, Washington, DC; from Georgetown workforce skills, and improved aca- nurtured the psychiatric physician as- Day School: Camilla Herrera, Washington, demic performance by teaching high sistant training program. And, in his DC; from Grace Episcopal School: Mary school students how to design, develop final days, he was working to get Snellings Inabnett, Monroe, LA; from LSU and launch rockets. Iowans better access to dental care. Lab School: Jeremy Jetson, Baton Rouge, LA; from St. Peter’s: Marlena Jones, Wash- The program is a 2-year, junior/senior There is an old expression that we ington, DC; from St. Dominic School: Ashley program in which first-year students make a living by what we get, but we Landrieu, New Orleans, LA; from St. design and develop remotely operated make a life by what we give. By that Dominic School: Claire Landrieu, New Orle- vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles measure, Carl lived a very good life, in- ans, LA; from St. Dominic School: Katie for research or industrial applications. deed. He gave his time and talents to Landrieu, New Orleans, LA; from Our Lady Second-year students design and fab- securing quality health care for tens of of Prompt Succor: Alyse Lemoine, Dryprong, ricate rockets for testing at altitudes LA; from St. Dominic School: Sarah Mayer, thousands of Iowans, most of them New Orleans, LA; from Academy of the Sa- from 80,000 feet to 100,000 feet. Through children—people who otherwise would cred Heart: Natalie Lindon, St. Martinville, successes and failures, students picked have gone without any health care. LA; from T.S. Cooley Magnate School: up valuable life skills such as problem And though he was dedicated to his Hanaiah Morris, Lake Charles, LA; from solving, testing, analysis, documenta- work, his first priority was always his LSU Lab School: McKenzie Prudhomme, tion, reporting, project management, family. Baton Rouge, LA; from St. Dominic School: teamwork, and communication. In my book, the highest praise for Alexandra Sensenbrenner, New Orleans, LA; We are facing shortages of high- from St. Ignatius School: Mary Francis Carl—for any person—is that he was a Seiter, Mobile, AL; from Georgetown Day skilled workers in our country. The good and decent man. He dedicated School: Mary Shannon Snellings, Wash- S&P, Standard & Poor’s, top 500 com- himself to serving others. He had a ington DC; from Ursuline Academy: panies alone report over 140,000 vacan- mighty heart and was beloved by those Gabrielle Terrebonne, Gretna, LA; from St. cies for these positions. By developing of us who had the honor of calling him Margaret Catholic School: Brooke Walker, workforce skills in tandem with engi- friend, colleague, husband, father, Lake Charles, LA.∑ neering studies, the SystemsGo brother, or uncle. f Aeroscience programs is training the Carl had a very special blend of pas- MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT next generation of scientists that will sion, humor, determination, high intel- Messages from the President of the keep our country globally competitive. ligence, and a sense of adventure. He United States were communicated to More than a decade after Mr. Wil- worked miracles for people who so des- the Senate by Mrs. Neiman, one of his liams and his students launched their perately needed a miracle. He took secretaries. first rocket, Fredericksburg High care of the least among us, while never School has received many accolades in- neglecting his family. I, for one, will f cluding being the first high school to always be in his debt and grateful for EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED design and develop rockets exceeding his service to the people of Iowa. I ex- As in executive session the Presiding Mach 2. However, the statistic I find tend my deepest condolences to his Officer laid before the Senate messages most impressive is that 80 percent of wife Pam, to his children, Caleb and from the President of the United students in the aeroscience program Ezra, and to his entire family.∑ States submitting sundry nominations continue to pursue degrees in engineer- f which were referred to the appropriate ing in college. committees. By inspiring the next generation of TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK DAY (The nominations received today are scientists, we are not only investing in printed at the end of the Senate pro- individual students’ success but also to ∑ Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, on ceedings.) the overall wellbeing of our economy. April 24, 2008, 25 young men and women f America’s most valuable asset is her from Louisiana and the Washington human capital. It is critical that we area took part in Take Our Daughters MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE continue to encourage exceptional and Sons to Work Day. I am going to At 3:01 p.m., a message from the teachers like Mr. Williams, and pro- submit all of their names for the House of Representatives, delivered by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.038 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, to certain provisions of title 5, United States 31, 2008; to the Committee on Homeland Se- announced that the House has passed Code, enacted by the Congressional Review curity and Governmental Affairs. the following bills, without amend- Act; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- EC–6545. A communication from the Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge ment: rity and Governmental Affairs. H.R. 5683. An act to make certain reforms Corporation, transmitting, pursuant to law, S. 1245. An act to reform mutual aid agree- with respect to the Government Account- the Office of Inspector General’s Semiannual ments for the National Capital Region. ability Office, and for other purposes; to the Report for the period from October 1, 2007 to S. 2516. An act to assist members of the Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- March 31, 2008; to the Committee on Home- Armed Forces in obtaining United States ernmental Affairs. land Security and Governmental Affairs. citizenship, and for other purposes. H.R. 5938. An act to amend title 18, United EC–6546. A communication from the White The message further announced that States Code, to provide secret service protec- House Liaison, Department of Justice, trans- the House has passed the following tion to former Vice Presidents, and for other mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a va- bills, in which it requests the concur- purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- cancy in the position of U.S. Attorney for rence of the Senate: ary. the Western District of Virginia, received on June 3, 2008; to the Committee on the Judici- H.R. 2632. An act to establish the Sabinoso f ary. Wilderness Area in San Miguel County, New EC–6547. A communication from the Fed- Mexico, and for other purposes. MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR eral Liaison Officer of the Patent and Trade- H. R. 3022. An act to designate the John mark Office, Department of Commerce, Krebs Wilderness in the State of California, The following bill was read the first transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of to add certain land to the Sequoia-Kings and second times by unanimous con- a rule entitled ‘‘Rules of Practice Before the Canyon National Park Wilderness, and for sent, and placed on the calendar: Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences in other purposes. Ex Parte Appeals’’ (RIN0651-AC12) received H.R. 5524. An act to amend the Runaway H. R. 3682. An act to designate certain Fed- on June 4, 2008; to the Committee on the Ju- and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appro- eral lands in Riverside County, California, as diciary. wilderness, to designate certain river seg- priations, and for other purposes. ments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, f or recreational river, to adjust the boundary PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Moun- ENROLLED BILL PRESENTED The following petitions and memo- tains National Monument, and for other pur- The Secretary of the Senate reported poses. rials were laid before the Senate and that on today, June 10, 2008, she had H. R. 4926. An act to establish a grant pro- were referred or ordered to lie on the gram for automated external defibrillators presented to the President of the table as indicated: United States the following enrolled in elementary and secondary schools. POM–368. A letter from a member of the H. R. 5524. An act to amend the Runaway bill: South Carolina House of Representatives rel- and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appro- S. 2420. An act to encourage the donation ative to the economy; to the Committee on priations, and for other purposes. of excess food to nonprofit organizations Finance. H. R. 5569. An act to extend for 5 years the that provide assistance to food-insecure peo- POM–369. A resolution adopted by the EB–5 regional center pilot program, and for ple in the United States in contracts entered House of Representatives of the State of other purposes. into by executive agencies for the provision, Ohio urging Congress to enact the Commu- H. R. 5593. An act to amend title 5, United service, or sale of food. nity Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2007, States Code, to make technical amendments f and for other purposes; to the Committee on to certain provisions of title 5, United States Finance. Code, enacted by the Congressional Review EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Act. HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 100 H.R. 5683. An act to make certain reforms COMMUNICATIONS Whereas, the National Center for Health with respect to the Government Account- The following communications were Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control ability Office, and for other purposes. laid before the Senate, together with and Prevention reports that cancer is the H.R. 5778. An act to preserve the independ- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- second leading cause of death in the United States, and its prevalence increases with ence of the District of Columbia Water and uments, and were referred as indicated: Sewer Authority. age. Medicare beneficiaries account for half H.R. 5938. An act to amend title 18, United EC–6540. A communication from the Ad- of all cancer patients, and more than 700,000 States Code, to provide secret service protec- ministrator, Agricultural Marketing Serv- beneficiaries are newly diagnosed with some tion to former Vice Presidents, and for other ice, Department of Agriculture, transmit- form of cancer every year; and purposes. ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Whereas, community cancer clinics, free- titled ‘‘Pistachios Grown in California; standing outpatient facilities where cancer f Changes in Handling Requirements’’ (Docket care is delivered in physician offices, play an MEASURES REFERRED No. AMS-FV-07-0082) received on June 4, 2008; important role in winning the war on cancer. to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, The following bills were read the first According to the American Society of Clin- and Forestry. ical Oncology, these clinics treat over 80% of and the second times by unanimous EC–6541. A communication from the Presi- Americans with cancer, providing patients consent, and referred as indicated: dent, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, with early diagnosis, effective cancer thera- H.R. 2632. An act to establish the Sabinoso transmitting, pursuant to law, the Bank’s pies, and innovative supportive care that re- Wilderness Area in San Miguel County, New 2007 management report; to the Committee duce fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and pain; Mexico, and for other purposes; to the Com- on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. and mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. EC–6542. A communication from the Assist- Whereas, while the Medicare Prescription H.R. 3022. An act to designate the John ant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of Krebs Wilderness in the State of California, Department of the Interior, transmitting, 2003 (Pub. L. No. 108–173) enacted Medicare to add certain land to the Sequoia-Kings pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled Part D, a welcomed drug benefit for Amer- Canyon National Park Wilderness, and for ‘‘Marine Mammal; Incidental Take During ica’s seniors, it created a severe reduction in other purposes; to the Committee on Energy Species Activities (Chukchi Sea)’’ (RIN1018- Medicare’s reimbursement for oncology and Natural Resources. AU41) received on June 4, 2008; to the Com- treatment. According to a July 2007 press re- H.R. 3682. An act to designate certain Fed- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- lease issued by Senator Arlen Specter (R– eral lands in Riverside County, California, as tation. PA), one of the sponsors of the Senate wilderness, to designate certain river seg- EC–6543. A communication from the Chief version of the Community Cancer Care Pres- ments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ervation Act of 2007 (S. 1750 of the 110th Con- or recreational river, to adjust the boundary Internal Revenue Service, Department of the gress), the Centers for Medicare and Med- of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Moun- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, a icaid Services (CMS) has reduced Medicare tains National Monument, and for other pur- report entitled, ‘‘Research Credit Claims payments to community cancer care clinics poses; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- Audit Techniques Guide: Credit for Increas- by approximately three to four hundred mil- ural Resources. ing Research Activities’’ (LMSB-04-0508-030) lion dollars since 2005. A 2007 analysis by the H.R. 4926. An act to establish a grant pro- received on June 4, 2008; to the Committee accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, gram for automated external defibrillators on Finance. predicts reimbursement reductions of $13.8 in elementary and secondary schools; to the EC–6544. A communication from the Ad- billion over ten years; and Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and ministrator, National Aeronautics and Space Whereas, the Ohio/West Virginia Hema- Pensions. Administration, transmitting, pursuant to tology Oncology Society asserts that the re- H.R. 5593. An act to amend title 5, United law, the Office of Inspector General’s Semi- duction in Medicare reimbursements for States Code, to make technical amendments annual Report for the period ending March community cancer care clinics has resulted

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in nearly all cancer treatments being reim- labor by the Imperial Government of Japan S. 584 bursed below cost, crippling the nation’s can- or by corporations of Japan during World At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, the cer care delivery system and resulting in a War II, or the surviving spouses of such name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. serious access-to-care crisis. Nearly 40% of members, and for other purposes; to the DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. states have reported a serious impact since Committee on Finance. 584, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- January 1, 2006, when the full impact of the By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mrs. DOLE, reductions became effective, and an attempt and Mr. KOHL): enue Code of 1986 to modify the reha- to save costs is actually leading to higher S. 3108. A bill to require the President to bilitation credit and the low-income costs as care shifts to more expensive inpa- call a White House Conference on Food and housing credit. tient settings because clinics have to reduce Nutrition; to the Committee on Agriculture, S. 682 staff and close offices; and Nutrition, and Forestry. At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the Whereas, the Community Cancer Care By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. name of the Senator from Vermont Preservation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1190 and S. CARDIN, and Mr. LAUTENBERG): (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor 1750 of the 110th Congress) provides critical S. 3109. A bill to amend the Solid Waste assistance to community oncologists that Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of of S. 682, a bill to award a congres- are disadvantaged by CMS reforms brought the Environmental Protection Agency to es- sional gold medal to Edward William forth by the Medicare Prescription Drug Im- tablish a hazardous waste electronic mani- Brooke III in recognition of his unprec- provement and Modernization Act. These fest system; to the Committee on Environ- edented and enduring service to our bills require CMS to reimburse oncologists ment and Public Works. Nation. By Mrs. FEINSTEIN: for the actual price of drugs (rather than for S. 879 the discounted price between the pharma- S. 3110. A bill for the relief of Ruben At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name ceutical manufacturer and the wholesaler), Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Arthur increase reimbursement for chemotherapy Mkoyan; to the Committee on the Judiciary. of the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. administration and storage and care of on- f COBURN) was withdrawn as a cosponsor cology drugs, and institute reimbursement of S. 879, a bill to amend the Sherman for medical oncologists who provide treat- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND Act to make oil-producing and export- ment planning; now therefore be it SENATE RESOLUTIONS ing cartels illegal. Resolved, That we, the members of the The following concurrent resolutions S. 991 l27th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, and Senate resolutions were read, and At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the memorialize Congress to enact the Commu- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: names of the Senator from California nity Cancer Care Preservation Act of 2007 to reform the Medicare reimbursement method- By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) and the Senator from ology for cancer drugs and their administra- Ms. SNOWE): Washington (Mrs. MURRAY) were added tion; and be it further S. Res. 589. A resolution designating the as cosponsors of S. 991, a bill to estab- Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of week beginning June 9, 2008, as ‘‘National lish the Senator Paul Simon Study Representatives transmit duly authenticated Health Information Technology Week’’; con- Abroad Foundation under the authori- copies of this resolution to the Speaker and sidered and agreed to. By Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. ties of the Mutual Educational and Clerk of the United States House of Rep- Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. resentatives, to the President Pro Tempore AKAKA, Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. S. 1010 and Secretary of the United States Senate, HATCH): to the members of the Ohio Congressional S. Res. 590. A resolution celebrating the At the request of Mr. SMITH, the delegation, and to the news media of Ohio. 233rd birthday of the Army and commending name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. the men and women of the Army as excep- f ROBERTS) was added as a cosponsor of tional individuals who live by the Army val- S. 1010, a bill to amend the Internal REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ues of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage; con- Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage The following reports of committees sidered and agreed to. guaranteed lifetime income payments were submitted: By Mr. CORNYN (for himself and Mr. from annuities and similar payments of By Mr. INOUYE, from the Committee on BUNNING): life insurance proceeds at dates later Commerce, Science, and Transportation, S. Con. Res. 88. A concurrent resolution ex- than death by excluding from income a without amendment: pressing the sense of Congress that the Food portion of such payments. and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new policy S. 2607. A bill to make a technical correc- S. 1430 restricting women’s access to medications tion to section 3009 of the Deficit Reduction At the request of Mr. OBAMA, the Act of 2005 (Rept. No. 110-348). containing estriol does not serve the public interest; to the Committee on Health, Edu- name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. f cation, Labor, and Pensions. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND f 1430, a bill to authorize State and local JOINT RESOLUTIONS governments to direct divestiture ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS from, and prevent investment in, com- The following bills and joint resolu- S. 302 panies with investments of $20,000,000 tions were introduced, read the first At the request of Mr. VITTER, the or more in Iran’s energy sector, and for and second times by unanimous con- name of the Senator from North Caro- other purposes. sent, and referred as indicated: lina (Mr. BURR) was added as a cospon- S. 1437 By Mr. VITTER: sor of S. 302, a bill to establish a proce- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the S. 3104. A bill to require that all individ- dure to safeguard the Social Security name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. uals convicted of a felony under State law Trust Funds. provide a DNA sample; to the Committee on NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Judiciary. S. 368 1437, a bill to require the Secretary of By Mr. VITTER: At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the the Treasury to mint coins in com- S. 3105. A bill to authorize funding for the name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. memoration of the semicentennial of Advancing Justice through DNA Technology MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor the enactment of the Civil Rights Act initiative; to the Committee on the Judici- of S. 368, a bill to amend the Omnibus of 1964. ary. Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of S. 1462 By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. 1968 to enhance the COPS ON THE At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, CORNYN, Mr. KOHL, and Mr. BEAT grant program, and for other WHITEHOUSE): the name of the Senator from Maine S. 3106. A bill to amend chapter 13 of title purposes. (Ms. COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor 17, United States Code (relating to the vessel S. 388 of S. 1462, a bill to amend part E of hull design protection), to clarify the defini- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the title IV of the Social Security Act to tions of a hull and a deck; to the Committee name of the Senator from Montana promote the adoption of children with on the Judiciary. (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor special needs. By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself and of S. 388, a bill to amend title 18, S. 1715 Mr. HATCH): S. 3107. A bill to require the payment of United States Code, to provide a na- At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the compensation to members of the Armed tional standard in accordance with name of the Senator from Michigan Forces and civilian employees of the United which nonresidents of a State may (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- States who were forced to perform slave carry concealed firearms in the State. sor of S. 1715, a bill to amend title

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:15 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.034 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 XVIII of the Social Security Act to validation of biomarkers for use in risk and security of homeowners who are eliminate discriminatory copayment stratification for, and the early detec- subject to foreclosure proceedings, and rates for outpatient psychiatric serv- tion and screening of, ovarian cancer. for other purposes. ices under the Medicare program. S. 2579 S. 2920 S. 1906 At the request of Mr. INOUYE, the At the request of Mr. KERRY, the At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the names of the Senator from California name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. (Mrs. FEINSTEIN), the Senator from In- HARKIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. CHAMBLISS) was added as a cosponsor of diana (Mr. BAYH) and the Senator from 2920, a bill to reauthorize and improve S. 1906, a bill to understand and com- Arkansas (Mr. PRYOR) were added as the financing and entrepreneurial de- prehensively address the oral health cosponsors of S. 2579, a bill to require velopment programs of the Small Busi- problems associated with methamphet- the Secretary of the Treasury to mint ness Administration, and for other pur- amine use. coins in recognition and celebration of poses. S. 1954 the establishment of the United States S. 2931 At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the Army in 1775, to honor the American At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the name of the Senator from Connecticut soldier of both today and yesterday, in name of the Senator from Maryland (Mr. LIEBERMAN) was added as a co- wartime and in peace, and to com- (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor sponsor of S. 1954, a bill to amend title memorate the traditions, history, and of S. 2931, a bill to amend title XVIII of XVIII of the Social Security Act to im- heritage of the United States Army the Social Security Act to exempt prove access to pharmacies under part and its role in American society, from complex rehabilitation products and D. the colonial period to today. assistive technology products from the S. 1980 S. 2668 Medicare competitive acquisition pro- At the request of Mr. SMITH, the At the request of Mr. KERRY, the gram. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. name of the Senator from Colorado S. 2983 INOUYE) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. SALAZAR) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, 1980, a bill to improve the quality of, sor of S. 2668, a bill to amend the Inter- the name of the Senator from New Jer- and access to, long-term care. nal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell sey (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a co- phones from listed property under sec- S. 2059 sponsor of S. 2983, a bill to amend the tion 280F. At the request of Mr. TESTER, his Public Health Service Act to prevent name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2708 and cure diabetes and to promote and 2059, a bill to amend the Family and At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the improve the care of individuals with di- Medical Leave Act of 1993 to clarify the names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. abetes for the reduction of health dis- eligibility requirements with respect WYDEN) and the Senator from Hawaii parities within racial and ethnic mi- to airline flight crews. (Mr. INOUYE) were added as cosponsors nority groups, including the African- of S. 2708, a bill to amend the Public American, Hispanic American, Asian S. 2166 Health Service Act to attract and re- American and Pacific Islander, and At the request of Mr. CASEY, the tain trained health care professionals American Indian and Alaskan Native name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. and direct care workers dedicated to communities. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. providing quality care to the growing S. 3008 2166, a bill to provide for greater re- population of older Americans. sponsibility in lending and expanded At the request of Mr. BOND, the S. 2821 cancellation of debts owed to the names of the Senator from Texas (Mr. At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the United States and the international fi- CORNYN) and the Senator from New name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. nancial institutions by low-income Hampshire (Mr. SUNUNU) were added as CHAMBLISS) was added as a cosponsor of countries, and for other purposes. cosponsors of S. 3008, a bill to improve S. 2821, a bill to amend the Internal and enhance the mental health care S. 2170 Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the benefits available to members of the At the request of Mrs. HUTCHISON, the limited continuation of clean energy Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. production incentives and incentives to counseling and other benefits available COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. improve energy efficiency in order to to survivors of members of the Armed 2170, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- prevent a downturn in these sectors Forces and veterans, and for other pur- enue Code of 1986 to modify the treat- that would result from a lapse in the poses. ment of qualified restaurant property tax law. S. 3070 as 15-year property for purposes of the S. 2874 At the request of Mr. SESSIONS, the depreciation deduction. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the names of the Senator from Virginia S. 2479 name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. WEBB), the Senator from New Jer- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- sey (Mr. LAUTENBERG), the Senator name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. sor of S. 2874, a bill to amend titles 5, from Missouri (Mrs. MCCASKILL), the ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to Senator from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN), 2479, a bill to catalyze change in the ensure the fair treatment of a member the Senator from Colorado (Mr. care and treatment of diabetes in the of the Armed Forces who is discharged SALAZAR), the Senator from Arkansas United States. from the Armed Forces, at the request (Mr. PRYOR), the Senator from Massa- S. 2504 of the member, pursuant to the Depart- chusetts (Mr. KERRY), the Senator from At the request of Mr. NELSON of Flor- ment of Defense policy permitting the Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), the Senator ida, the name of the Senator from early discharge of a member who is the from Delaware (Mr. CARPER), the Sen- South Dakota (Mr. JOHNSON) was added only surviving child in a family in ator from Iowa (Mr. HARKIN), the Sen- as a cosponsor of S. 2504, a bill to which the father or mother, or one or ator from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), amend title 36, United States Code, to more siblings, served in the Armed the Senator from Nevada (Mr. REID), grant a Federal charter to the Military Forces and, because of hazards incident the Senator from Washington (Mrs. Officers Association of America, and to such service, was killed, died as a re- MURRAY), the Senator from Michigan for other purposes. sult of wounds, accident, or disease, is (Ms. STABENOW), the Senator from Or- S. 2569 in a captured or missing in action sta- egon (Mr. WYDEN), the Senator from At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the tus, or is permanently disabled, and for Montana (Mr. BAUCUS), the Senator name of the Senator from Connecticut other purposes. from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ), the (Mr. DODD) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2888 Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. KOHL), S. 2569, a bill to amend the Public At the request of Mr. KOHL, the name the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Health Service Act to authorize the Di- of the Senator from Minnesota (Mr. DORGAN), the Senator from Pennsyl- rector of the National Cancer Institute COLEMAN) was added as a cosponsor of vania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator from to make grants for the discovery and S. 2888, a bill to protect the property Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE), the

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Mr. President, I am added as cosponsors of S. 3070, a bill to happy to join with Senators CORNYN, By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself require the Secretary of the Treasury KOHL, and WHITEHOUSE as we introduce and Mr. HATCH): to mint coins in commemoration of the the Vessel Hull Design Protection Act S. 3107. A bill to require the payment centennial of the Boy Scouts of Amer- Amendments of 2008. An earlier version of compensation to members of the ica, and for other proposes. of this small but important piece of Armed Forces and civilian employees S. 3073 legislation was passed unanimously by of the United States who were forced to At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the both the Judiciary Committee and the perform slave labor by the Imperial name of the Senator from Mississippi full Senate last year. The updated Government of Japan or by corpora- (Mr. COCHRAN) was added as a cospon- version of the bill that we offer today tions of Japan during World War II, or sor of S. 3073, a bill to amend the Uni- reflects conversations we have had re- the surviving spouses of such members, formed and Overseas Citizens Absentee cently with the Navy and gives the De- and for other purposes; to the Com- Voting Act to improve procedures for partment of Defense full assurance mittee on Finance. the collection and delivery of absentee that Government and defense designs Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise ballots of absent overseas uniformed will not be subject to unwarranted re- today with my colleague Senator services voters, and for other purposes. strictions. HATCH to introduce legislation to ac- Congress passed the Vessel Hull De- knowledge the heroic contributions of S. 3080 sign Protection Act in 1998 to recognize American ex-prisoners of war who were At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the the significant time, effort, and inno- forced into slave labor by the Imperial name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. vation involved in ship design. Litiga- Government of Japan during the Sec- KYL) was added as a cosponsor of S. tion under the bill, however, has made ond World War. The bill would award a 3080, a bill to ensure parity between the it clear that in order to be effective, one-time compensation of $20,000 to temporary duty imposed on ethanol this law needs to be clarified and re- each surviving veteran, government and tax credits provided on ethanol. fined. Our bill does exactly this, and no employee, or government contractor S. 3098 more, by clarifying the definition of who was imprisoned by the Japanese At the request of Mr. CHAMBLISS, his ‘‘hull’’ and ‘‘deck.’’ This ensures that during World War II and forced to per- name was added as a cosponsor of S. the intellectual property rights of ves- form slave labor to support Japan’s 3098, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- sel hull designers will be protected. I war effort. The bill would also extend enue Code of 1986 to extend certain ex- hope the Senate will move quickly to that compensation to surviving spouses piring provisions, and for other pur- pass this revised, bipartisan legisla- of such veterans or employees. While poses. tion. this compensation is only a small At the request of Mr. BUNNING, his Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- token of our Nation’s gratitude, it is name was added as a cosponsor of S. sent that the text of the bill be printed my hope that it serves as recognition 3098, supra. in the RECORD. of the vital military contributions and S. 3099 There being no objection, the text of sacrifices made by these individuals, At the request of Mr. KERRY, the the bill was ordered to be printed in particularly as those Americans who name of the Senator from New York the RECORD, as follows: sacrificed so much approach their final (Mrs. CLINTON) was added as a cospon- S. 3106 years. sor of S. 3099, a bill to prohibit the use Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- From December 1941 to April 1942, of funds by the Department of Defense resentatives of the United States of America in American military forces stationed in for propaganda purposes within the Congress assembled, the Philippines fought valiantly for al- United States not otherwise specifi- SECTION 1. VESSEL HULL DESIGN PROTECTION. most 6 months against overwhelming cally authorized by law. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be Japanese military forces on the Bataan cited as the ‘‘Vessel Hull Design Protection peninsula. As a result of that prolonged S.J. RES. 37 Amendments of 2008’’. conflict, U.S. forces prevented Japan At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the (b) DESIGNS PROTECTED.—Section 1301(a) of from achieving its strategic objective name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. title 17, United States Code, is amended by of capturing Australia and thereby HARKIN) was added as a cosponsor of striking paragraph (2) and inserting the fol- dooming Allied hopes in the Pacific S.J. Res. 37, a joint resolution express- lowing: ‘‘(2) VESSEL FEATURES.—The design of a theater from the outset of the war. ing the sense of Congress that the Once captured by the Japanese, United States should sign the Declara- vessel hull, deck, or combination of a hull and deck, including a plug or mold, is subject American prisoners of war in the Phil- tion of the Oslo Conference on Cluster to protection under this chapter, notwith- ippines endured the infamous ‘‘Death Munitions and future instruments ban- standing section 1302(4).’’. March’’ during which approximately ning cluster munitions that cause (c) EXCEPTIONS.—Section 1301(a) of title 17, 730 Americans died en route to the no- United States Code, is amended by adding at unaccapetable harm to civilians. torious Japanese prison camp north of S. RES. 580 the end the following: ‘‘(3) EXCEPTIONS.—Department of Defense Manila. Of the survivors of the March, At the request of Mr. BAYH, the rights in a registered design under this chap- more than 5,000 more Americans per- names of the Senator from Tennessee ter, including the right to build to such reg- ished during the first 6 months of cap- (Mr. CORKER), the Senator from Min- istered design, shall be determined solely by tivity. The Japanese forced many of nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) and the Sen- operation of section 2320 of title 10, the those who survived captivity to em- ator from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI) United States Code, or by the instrument bark on ‘‘hell ships’’—unmarked mer- were added as cosponsors of S. Res. 580, under which the design was developed for the chant ships—to be transported to United States Government.’’. a resolution expressing the sense of the Japan to work as slave laborers in Senate on preventing Iran from acquir- (d) DEFINITIONS.—Section 1301(b) of title 17, United States Code, is amended— company-owned mines, shipyards, and ing a nuclear weapons capability. (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘vessel factories. Tragically, many of our own f hull, including a plug or mold,’’ and insert- men perished in those unmarked ves- ing ‘‘vessel hull or deck, including a plug or sels, victims of attacks by American STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED mold,’’; military aircraft and submarines who BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting were unaware that American POWs By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. the following: were aboard those ships. The stories of ‘‘(4) A ‘hull’ is the exterior frame or body CORNYN, Mr. KOHL, and Mr. of a vessel, exclusive of the deck, super- other American military and civilian WHITEHOUSE): structure, masts, sails, yards, rigging, hard- employees captured by the Japanese at S. 3106. A bill to amend chapter 13 of ware, fixtures, and other attachments.’’; and Wake Island, Java, Manchuria, Taiwan, title 17, United States Code (relating to (3) by adding at the end the following: and other locations in the Pacific and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:15 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.039 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 enslaved to support the war effort are on Food and Nutrition; to the Com- believe we must reconsider mandating equally compelling. mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and the use of certain biofuels which is, in The heroic performance of our sol- Forestry. part, why food prices are escalating. diers at Bataan and during incarcer- Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, in 2003, I Last month, I joined several of my col- ation in POW camps earned them well- made my maiden floor speech on hun- leagues in introducing legislation to deserved citations following the war. ger issues and how we as a Nation can freeze the corn-based ethanol mandate For example, the 200th and 515th Coast- tackle them. I have continued my at this year’s level, preventing the En- al Artillery units from New Mexico strongest efforts to raise awareness vironmental Protection Agency from that served to defend the retreating that 1 in 10 U.S. households is affected increasing the corn-based ethanol man- troops at Bataan received three Presi- by hunger and to advance legislation date included in the Energy Act of 2007 dential Unit Citations and the Phil- and programs that aid the hungry. to the mandated 15 billion gallons. In- ippine Presidential Unit Citation for Today is Hunger Awareness Day, and stead, my legislation maintains the their heroism. New Mexico is particu- as I have in years past, I welcome the current level at 9 billion gallons. larly proud of these men whose her- opportunity to speak about the food in- During consideration of the 2007 En- oism I seek to salute through this leg- security problems that persist through- ergy bill, I tried to include a safeguard islation today. out this country and the world. Most in the renewable fuel standard which Sadly, the Americans who were importantly, I come to offer ideas and would have helped prevent a situation enslaved by Japan have never been ade- invigorate the discussion about solu- such as we face today. Mandates have quately compensated for the excru- tions. led to more than 25 percent of Amer- ciating sacrifices they made while in With food and energy prices on the ica’s corn crop being diverted to make Japanese military and company pris- rise, we must be particularly cognizant fuel. In the last 2 years, the price of ons and labor camps. In the War Claims of the hungry. Not only do hard eco- corn has nearly tripled, thereby result- Acts of 1948 and 1952, our Government nomic times generate a greater need ing in feed price increases that impact paid former U.S. prisoners of war $1.00 for food assistance, but the very agen- the cost of items such as milk, eggs, per day for ‘‘missed meals’’ during cies and organizations that provide as- their captivity, and later, $1.50 per day and meat. According to the Bureau of sistance are trying to meet growing de- Labor Statistics, food inflation rose by for ‘‘forced labor, pain, and suffering.’’ mands while food and gas grow more Even those paltry compensations were 4.9 percent last year, and studies sug- expensive. gest the cost of food will continue to not widely known about or received by In the past few months, I have read all veterans who qualified for them. In escalate over the next few years. numerous stories in North Carolina While we continue to push for efforts addition, efforts to obtain appropriate newspapers about soup kitchens and compensation from the Government of to address rising food prices, we can food banks struggling to serve all those celebrate some hard-fought victories in Japan, or from Japanese companies in need and even schools strapped for through litigation, have been unsuc- the recently passed farm bill that will cash to pay for their lunch programs. support healthy foods in schools and cessful and are not likely to succeed in For example, last weekend, the Ashe- health food banks, community kitch- a timely enough manner to compensate ville Citizen-Times ran a letter to the ens, and other organizations that feed surviving veterans or others who would editor from MANNA FoodBank which the hungry. For instance, I am pleased be eligible. said: Other Allied nations have already set the farm bill’s nutrition title expands international precedent to honor their In 2006, we estimated that 115,500 different the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pro- North Carolinians sought emergency food aid enslaved veterans. Allied governments, from MANNA partner agencies in a single gram to all 50 States. In North Caro- including Canada, New Zealand, Aus- year—one in six of our neighbors. However, lina, nearly 1.4 million children are en- tralia, Norway, the Netherlands, and that data has rapidly become outdated by rolled in this program, which helps the United Kingdom have authorized shifting economic tides. Surging energy and schools purchase locally farmed fruits compensation gratuities. For example, food prices combined with stagnant eco- and vegetables to provide healthy in 1998, the Canadian Government au- nomic growth have dramatically increased meals and fight childhood obesity. The thorized the payment of $15,600, Cana- the ranks of those seeking help from food bill also includes $1.25 billion for com- dian dollars, to veterans who were cap- banks. modity purchases for food banks, in- tured in Hong Kong and enslaved by In the May 29, 2008 Raleigh News & cluding $50 million for 2008 to imme- the Japanese. And in 2000, Prime Min- Observer, David Reese, the chief oper- diately address shortages at these or- ister Tony Blair announced a multi- ating officer for food recovery and dis- ganizations. million pound compensation fund for tribution at the Inter-Faith Food Shut- The farm bill also implements the former enslaved Japanese prisoners of tle, is quoted as saying: Food Employment Empowerment and war in recognition of their heroic expe- A lot of people don’t realize or don’t take Development Program, the FEED Pro- riences. It is long overdue for our own into account the dramatic effect that high gram, which I worked on with my col- fuel prices have, that trickle-down effect. Nation to provide similar compensa- leagues Senators FRANK LAUTENBERG tion to those who gave so much to de- . . . It doesn’t only affect the regular consumer who is driving to the store. It also af- and BLANCHE LINCOLN. This program fend and preserve our freedom. helps fight hunger by combining food Approximately 10 years have passed fects the distributor, also affects the retailer and then the end result, it affects us as a rescue with job training and, thus, since I began advocating for passage of food-rescue organization. teaching unemployed and homeless this type of compensation, and in that adults the skills needed to work in the time, many of these brave heroes who Unfortunately, we know too well high food prices and hunger problems food service industry. It is a wonderful deserve recognition have already program. passed away. Fortunately, Congress are not unique to North Carolina or still has time to honor those individ- even just to the United States. Indeed, Around the corner from the U.S. Cap- uals who are alive today to share their as food prices continue to soar, the im- itol, students are hard at work in the courageous and heartrending stories. pacts are felt around the globe, espe- DC Central Kitchen’s culinary job- For this reason, I believe the Congress cially among the poor in developing training class. Earlier today, I visited should avoid any further delay and act nations. The increase in food costs has the kitchen which has a model FEED- as soon as possible to enact this impor- led to international shortfalls of food type program that began in 1990. It is tant legislation. I thank Senator supplies, resulting in food riots and always a privilege to visit the kitchen HATCH for agreeing to cosponsor this civil unrest in many regions. In fact, and meet with individuals who faced legislation, and I urge my fellow Sen- the World Bank recently estimated adversity but who are now on track for ators to support it. that more than 100 million people are a career in the food service industry. I being pushed into poverty as a result of look forward to the FEED Act sup- By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mrs. the escalation of food prices. porting numerous similar programs, DOLE, and Mr. KOHL): Congress needs to take action to en- such as the Community Culinary S. 3108. A bill to require the Presi- sure that policies are helping, not hurt- School in Charlotte, NC, and others dent to call a White House Conference ing, global food supply. For example, I around the Nation.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:15 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.044 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5451 In my ongoing efforts to stamp out came across a little boy lying under a largest continuous paperwork burden hunger, today I am joining my col- gunnysack, and I thought he was dead. imposed on regulated entities under league, Senator JOHN KERRY, to intro- His brother pulled back that Federal environmental law. duce legislation requiring a White gunnysack and sat his little brother On an annual basis, roughly 139,000 House Conference on Food, Nutrition, up, and I could see that he was severely regulated entities track anywhere be- and Health to be held by the end of malnourished. There was no way that tween 2.5–5 million hazardous waste 2010. It has been nearly 40 years since he could eat the rice and beans that manifests. This paperwork burden has the first and only White House summit were in a bowl there beside him, and so been estimated to cost states and the reviewed national nutrition policy. I I asked for camel’s milk to feed him. regulated community between $200 mil- actually helped organize that con- And as I put my arm around that little lion and $500 million annually. This is ference while working for the White boy to lift that cup to his mouth, it largely due to the fact that each paper House Office of Consumer Affairs. was incredible, the feeling of the little manifest is comprised of numerous car- Positive developments and effective bones almost piercing through his bon copies that must be signed, mailed policies came out of those discussions. flesh. It is something I will never for- to waste generators and State agen- With more than 35 million Americans get. That is when the horror of starva- cies—and then ultimately stored by today facing food insecurity issues, it tion becomes real, when you can touch each regulated entity. To underscore is high time we make ending hunger it. just how cumbersome this paper mani- and improving health and nutrition na- Since I encountered that little boy in fest is, the Environmental Protection tional priorities. I encourage my col- Somalia so many years ago, I have Agency has noted that roughly 22 leagues to sign on to my bill. been determined to do everything in States don’t even keep copies because This week, I also plan to offer an my power to fight hunger, not just at it represents too large of a paperwork amendment to the tax extenders bill home but also internationally. For ex- burden. that addresses four tax issues which ample, I have been proud to work with The benefits of using electronic will encourage food donations and vol- Senator DICK DURBIN in promoting the manifests are numerous and each of unteering to help the hungry. This McGovern-Dole International Food for the witnesses who testified at the EPW package was included in the Senate- Education and Child Nutrition Pro- Subcommittee hearing that I chaired passed farm bill but, unfortunately, gram. It has reduced hunger among on September 26, 2006 spoke to the ben- was removed in conference. It will ex- school-aged children and improved lit- efits it would have—both in terms of tend for 2 years a provision from the eracy and primary education enroll- improving federal oversight of haz- Pension Protection Act that allows ment in areas where conflict, hunger, ardous waste transport and lessening any taxpayer to claim an enhanced de- poverty, and HIV/AIDS are prevalent. the paperwork burden on regulated en- duction for donations of food. It allows While tackling hunger beyond our tities. restaurants to qualify for this deduc- borders is a greater challenge, in the I would like to stress that this legis- tion. It simplifies the rules that allow United States, the land of plenty, no lation builds upon the measure I intro- farmers and ranchers to take advan- American—no American—should wake duced last Congress and incorporates a tage of this deduction for donating up wondering whether he or she will handful of changes made at the request their products. And it allows volun- have enough to eat today. I firmly be- of various stakeholders, including Sen- teers to receive a tax deduction for lieve with dedicated organizations, car- ator BOXER who now chairs the EPW mileage incurred while transporting ing citizens, and a focused government Committee. food donations. working together, ending hunger in Because of the broad support that Along these lines, I also have a bill America is certainly a victory within this measure enjoys, I look forward to that will provide a tax credit for the reach. the long awaited mark-up of this bill cost of transporting food to assist the before the EPW Committee. I would hunger relief efforts of charitable orga- By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. like to thank both Senator CARDIN and nizations. The hunger relief trucking CARDIN, and Mr. LAUTENBERG): Senator LAUTENBERG for their support tax credit will benefit groups such as S. 3109. A bill to amend the Solid as we work to improve the arcane sys- the Society of St. Andrew, which helps Waste Disposal Act to direct the Ad- tem currently utilized to track haz- recover food for the needy. The society ministrator of the Environmental Pro- ardous waste shipments. Transitioning is very active in the area of gleaning, tection Agency to establish a haz- to an electronic system is long overdue Mr. President, where excess crops that ardous waste electronic manifest sys- and this legislation would be paid for would otherwise be thrown out are tem; to the Committee on Environ- by the users of the system—the genera- taken from farms, packinghouses, and ment and Public Works. tors and waste companies that handle warehouses, and distributed to the Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I rise hazardous waste. needy. Each year in this country, 696 today to introduce a bipartisan bill In closing I would like to highlight billion pounds of good, nutritious food that seeks to update the way in which just one of the statements of support I is left over or thrown away. Gleaning the Federal Government tracks the received for the legislation that I helps eliminate this waste. It helps the shipment of hazardous waste. I am began working on over 2 years ago. The farmer because he doesn’t have to haul pleased that Senators CARDIN and LAU- following statement of support came off or plow under crops that don’t meet TENBERG have joined me in introducing from Terrence Gray, President of the exact specifications of grocery chains, this bill, which builds upon the bipar- Association of State and Territorial and it helps the hungry by giving them tisan legislation I introduced last Con- Solid Waste Management Officials, who nutritious fresh foods. It has been a joy gress with Senator Jeffords and Sen- noted: to glean fields in North Carolina with ator INHOFE when I served as chairman It is appropriate, many would say overdue, the society’s dedicated volunteers. of the Environment and Public Works in the 21st Century economy to have the ca- In addition to working closely with Subcommittee on Superfund and Waste pability of using electronic reporting for the Society of St. Andrew, I have been Management. such a tracking system, and we are supportive of your efforts to initiate this proc- fortunate to meet with a number of or- Simply put, our legislation would di- ess. It is our understanding that [this bill] is ganizations that are doing tremendous rect the Environmental Protection the necessary first step in designating the work to combat hunger in North Caro- Agency to begin a much needed trans- detailed system for electronic manifesting, lina—from our food banks to Meals on formation of the tracking of hazardous and for that reason we think it should go for- Wheels and others. These organizations wastes. While the Resource Conserva- ward. rely on dedicated staff and volunteers tion and Recovery Act, RCRA, that I trust that my colleagues will recog- who truly live by the ideal of helping Congress passed in 1976 has done a nize the benefits of setting up an elec- others in their time of need. great deal to protect human health and tronic manifest system as is envisioned Before I close, let me share an experi- the environment, the paper manifest under the Thune-Cardin bill we have ence I had as president of the American process that is used to track federally- introduced today. Red Cross. I visited Somalia during the regulated hazardous wastes from ‘‘cra- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I join heart-wrenching famine. In Baidoa, I dle to grave’’ has turned into the single the Senator from South Dakota, Mr.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:15 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G10JN6.067 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 THUNE, in cosponsoring a bill to mod- This is legislation that is overdue. I visitor’s visa in search of a better life. ernize the tracking of hazardous waste. ask Members to join us in supporting Two years later he brought his wife The Federal waste law requires the this legislation which has garnered the Asmik and his then 3-year old son Ar- tracking of hazardous waste from ‘‘cra- backing of industry, States, and envi- thur to the United States, also on visi- dle to grave.’’ This tracking system is ronmental groups. It is time for the tor’s visas. The family applied for po- designed to provide an enforceable waste manifest system to move into litical asylum, but the 9th Circuit chain of custody for hazardous wastes. the 21st Century. Court of Appeals denied their request The law provides a strong incentive for in January 2008. Thus, the family has transporters to manage the waste in a By Mrs. FEINSTEIN: no further legal recourse by which to responsible fashion. The U.S. Environ- S. 3110. A bill for the relief of Ruben remain in the country other than this mental Protection Agency’s economic Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Arthur bill. analysis estimates that over 139,000 Mkoyan; to the Committee on the Ju- Since arriving in the United States, regulated entities track between 2.4 diciary. the family has thrived. Arthur is now and 5.1 million shipments a year. Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, 17 years old and the family has ex- This system provides for appropriate today I am introducing a private relief panded to include Arsen, who is a U.S. stewardship of the hazardous waste bill on behalf of Ruben Mkoian, his citizen. products of our modem world. Unfortu- wife, Asmik Karapetian and their son, Both Arthur and Arsen are very spe- nately, the tracking system itself is in Arthur Mkoyan. The Mkoian family cial children. What is noteworthy serious need of modernization. are Armenian nationals who have been about Arthur, is that out of the 562 stu- Currently, the tracking is handled living and working in Fresno, Cali- dents graduating from Bullard High entirely through a paper manifest sys- fornia for over a decade. School he is one of three valedictorians tem. The paperwork burden is enor- The story of the Mkoian family is for the Class of 2008. Today is his grad- mous. Each manifest form has 7 or 8 compelling and I believe they merit uation day. He has long dreamed of at- copies, which currently must be manu- Congress’ special consideration for tending the University of California, ally filled out and signed with pen and such an extraordinary form of relief as Davis. He was accepted this past ink signatures, physically carried with a private bill. Spring and plans to complete a degree waste shipments, mailed to generators Let me first start with how the in chemistry. In addition to maintain- and state agencies, and finally stored Mkoian family arrived in the United ing a 4.0 grade point average and tak- among facility records. States. While in Armenia, Mr. Mkoian ing a rigorous academic course load, The paperwork burden is so great worked as a police sergeant at in a di- Arthur also finds the time to volunteer that 22 States and the EPA do not even vision dealing with vehicle licensing. at the St. Agnes Medical Center emer- collect copies of the forms. Those that As a result of his position, he was of- gency room. do so get their copies months after the fered a bribe to register 20 stolen vehi- Arsen is following in his older broth- waste has been shipped. In the vast ma- cles. er’s footsteps. At age 12, he stands out jority of cases, the only time regu- He refused the bribe and reported the among his peers at Kratt Elementary lators look at the manifests is during incident to the police chief. He later School and has been invited to apply to inspections or after a disaster to iden- learned that his co-worker had reg- the magnet Computech Middle School next year. tify the responsible parties. istered the vehicles at the request of In addition to raising two out- Under the Thune-Cardin bill, the the chief. standing children, Mr. and Mrs. paper manifest will be replaced by an After he reported the offense, Mr. Mkoian have maintained steady jobs electronic manifest. The bill sets up a Mkoian’s supervisor informed him that and have devoted time and energy to funding system for the manifest paid the department was to undergo an in- the community and their church. Mr. for by the users of the system, the gen- spection. Mr. Mkoian was instructed to Mkoian has been employed for years at erators, and waste companies that han- take a vacation during this time pe- G.A.C. Trucking in Glendale, Cali- dle hazardous waste. riod. Mr. Mkoian believed that the in- fornia. According to his supervisor, he An e-manifest system would remove spection was a result of the complaint is one of their best employees, having a tremendous paperwork burden, assist that he had filed with the higher au- earned a reputation for trust- the States in receiving data more read- thorities. During the inspection, however, Mr. worthiness and skill. ily in a format they can use, improve His wife, Asmik, has also been work- Mkoian worked at a store that he the public’s access to waste shipment ing part-time for 4 years at Gottshalks owned rather than taking a vacation. information and save over $100 million department store. In addition, she has During that time, individuals kept en- every year. First responders could get taken classes at Fresno Community tering his store and attempted to dam- data in real-time. That is why groups College and has completed their Med- age it and break merchandise. When he as varied as Dow Chemical, Sierra Club ical Assistant Program. and the Association of State, Terri- threatened to call the police, he re- The family are active members of the torial, Solid Waste Management Offi- ceived threatening phone calls telling St. Paul Armenian Church, and Mr. cials support this bill. him to ‘‘shut up’’ or else he would ‘‘re- Mkoian is a member of the PTA of the EPA does not have the funding to set gret it.’’ Mr. Mkoian believed that St. Paul Armenian Saturday School. up this system, so the bill uses a these threats were related to the ille- There has been an outpouring of sup- unique way to contract for the work. gal vehicle registrations occurring in port for this family from their church, Companies will ‘‘bid’’ to set up the sys- his department because he had nothing the schools their children attend, and tem at their cost and risk. They will be else to be silent about. the community at large. paid back on a per manifest basis by Later that same month, three men To date, we have received over 200 the users, waste generators, and han- grabbed his wife and attempted to kid- letters of support for the family in ad- dlers. This puts the burden on the pri- nap his child, Arthur, on the street. dition to numerous telephone calls. I vate company or companies to meet Mrs. Mkoian was told that her husband also note that I have letters from both the needs of the users of the system. should ‘‘shut up.’’ No one suffered any Congressman GEORGE RADANOVICH and The legislation is needed so that the injuries from the incident. In October JIM COSTA, requesting that I offer this funds collected go to the operation of 1991, a bottle of gasoline was thrown bill for the Mkoian family. the program rather than go to the gen- into the Mkoian’s residence and their I truly believe that this case war- eral treasury. house was burned down. The final inci- rants our compassion and our extraor- A hearing was held on this issue in dent occurred on April 1, 1992, when dinary consideration. 2006 on a similar bill, S. 3871 introduced four or five men assaulted Mr. Mkoian I ask my colleagues to support this by Senators THUNE, Jeffords, and in his store. He was beaten and hos- private bill. INHOFE. No serious objections were pitalized for 22 days. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- made at that time and strong support Following that experience, Mr. sent that the text of the bill and let- was expressed by all the witnesses in- Mkoian left Armenia for Russia, and ters of support be printed in the cluding EPA. then came to the United States on a RECORD.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.042 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5453 There being no objection, the mate- I will continue to review the situation as it his place of employment that the owner, suf- rial was ordered to be printed in the progresses and look forward to working with fering a revenue loss due to Ruben’s deten- RECORD, as follows: you in our efforts to help Mr. Mkoyan and tion, writes in the attached letter that S. 3110 his family. Thank you for your prompt at- Ruben’s return is economically necessary. tention to this matter. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- I implore you to introduce into the United Sincerely, resentatives of the United States of America in States Senate a Private Bill that would halt EORGE RADANOVICH, Congress assembled, G our deportation. Our Immigration and Cus- Member of Congress. SECTION 1. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR toms Enforcement case number is A70–783– RUBEN MKOIAN, ASMIK 979. As a mother, wife, and woman, I beg you CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, KARAPETIAN, AND ARTHUR to enable our sons to fulfill their gift of in- MKOYAN. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, tellect in the California they love, and to en- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sub- Washington, DC, June 6, 2008. able our family to meaningfully contribute sections (a) and (b) of section 201 of the Im- Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, to the America to which we so sincerely migration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Hart Senate Office Building, yearn to belong. 1151), Ruben Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Washington, DC. Arthur Mkoyan shall each be eligible for the DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: As you are well Yours most truly, issuance of an immigrant visa or for adjust- aware, Mr. Arthur Mkoyan and his family ASMIK KARAPETIAN, ment of status to that of an alien lawfully are facing pending deportation back to Ar- Mother. admitted for permanent residence upon fil- menia. From the limited details I have been ARTHUR MKOYAN, ing an application for issuance of an immi- provided, it appears that there is no existing age 17. grant visa under section 204 of such Act or judicial remedy which would allow Mr. ARSEN MKOIAN, for adjustment of status to lawful permanent Mkoyan to remain in the United States. Un- age 12. resident. less any further steps are taken, Mr. Mkoyan (b) ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.—If Ruben and his mother will be deported to Armenia. Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Arthur BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL, Please know as this issue moves forward I Fresno, CA, May 27, 2008. Mkoyan enters the United States before the am ready to support you where I can, and filing deadline specified in subsection (c), SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN, work with you to assist Mr. Mkoyan and his Tulare, Ruben Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Ar- family. thur Mkoyan shall be considered to have en- Thank you for your attention to this im- Fresno, CA. tered and remained lawfully in the United portant matter. DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: Artur Mkoyan States and shall be eligible for adjustment of Sincerely, has asked me to write a letter of reference, status under section 245 of the Immigration JIM COSTA, related to a problem with his and his fam- and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) as of the Member of Congress. ily’s immigration status. date of the enactment of this Act. (c) DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION AND PAY- Artur has been my student at Bullard High G.A.C. TRUCKING, MENT OF FEES.—Subsections (a) and (b) shall School for two years, last year in Honors apply only if the application for the issuance Glendale, CA, June 2, 2008. Chemistry and this year in Advanced Place- I, Ashot Gharibyan, the owner of GAC of an immigrant visa or the application for ment Chemistry. He is a fine student, achiev- Trucking do hereby certify that Ruben adjustment of status is filed, with appro- ing A and B grades in my classes and main- Mkoian was one of my best employees. After priate fees, not later than 2 years after the taining a 3.50 GPA overall, including five Ad- his leave my business slowed down because I date of the enactment of this Act. vanced Placement classes. I have found him (d) REDUCTION OF IMMIGRANT VISA NUM- could not find any other driver as trustworthy and knowledgeable in his work as to be a consistent and reliable student, will- BERS.—Upon granting an immigrant visa or ingly attending the weekly evening lab ses- permanent residence to Ruben Mkoian, Ruben Mkoian. He knows his job and has sions and conscientious about getting all of Asmik Karapetian, and Arthur Mkoyan, the never given me any problems. I still need his work done. I have complete confidence in Secretary of State shall instruct the proper him to improve my business without him it officer to reduce by 3, during the current or will be impossible to put my business back his integrity. next following fiscal year, the total number to normal. I think he found it difficult to ask me for of immigrant visas that are made available Your attention to this matter is greatly this letter, because he and his family seem to natives of the country of birth of Ruben appreciated. very proud and self-sufficient. I know he will Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, and Arthur ASHOT GHARIBYAN, be successful at college next year and will be Mkoyan under section 203(a) of the Immigra- President. an asset to the community when he finishes tion and Nationality Act or, if applicable, his education. If I can supply any further in- DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: On behalf of my the total number of immigrant visas that are formation, please do not hesitate to contact son Arthur Mkoyan, 2008 Valedictorian of made available to natives of the country of me. I am including both my school and home birth of Ruben Mkoian, Asmik Karapetian, Fresno’s magnet Bullard High School, I write to explain why our family should be al- contact information, as the school year is and Arthur Mkoyan under section 202(e) of drawing to a close. such Act. lowed to stay in the United States. Time is of the essence as our deportation is immi- Sincerely, nent, and Arthur has been accepted to begin CHRISTINE LINDLEY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Science Department. Washington, DC, June 5, 2008. UC Davis this fall. My husband Ruben Mkoian came to the Hon. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, United States in 1992 and applied for polit- U.S. Senate, Senate Hart Building, Washington, BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL, ical asylum. After two years I came with Ar- Fresno, CA, May 29, 2008. DC. thur, and we became part of Ruben’s case. DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: It was a pleasure Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN, speaking with you today regarding the pend- After seven years Ruben was granted an Tulare St., ing June 20 deportation of Arthur Mkoyan interview with an immigration officer, but Tulare, CA. and his family. I appreciate you taking the was denied. As the law allows, we appealed our case in an immigration court. Our case DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: I am writing time to discuss this issue with me. this letter for Artur Mkoyan—who has been From the limited details I have been pro- was denied again, but believing in our situa- my student for two years. He is a bright vided, it appears there is no feasible judicial tion, we appealed to the Ninth Circuit. Un- remedy that would allow Mr. Mkoyan to re- fortunately, this effort failed last March. young man with potential for an incredible main in the United States. Therefore, from We entered this country legally, and future. what my office has determined, the only im- worked hard from the first day. None of us Artur was in my sophomore GATE English mediate solution requires Senate introduced have any criminal record. We respect the class, performing well and contributing the private immigration legislation. As you laws, pay taxes, and admire America deeply. learning environment. As an Advanced know, doing so can result in a stay of depor- It is in this context of civic respect that our Placement student, he continued to work tation for the subject of the legislation. sons were raised, and in which we appeal to hard and excel. It was always interesting to Based on the information my office is cur- you for support. Each of the four of us is val- read his writing and to watch his literary rently privy to, Mr. Mkoyan’s case appears uable to the United States. In addition to his performances. He continues to visit me dur- academic achievements, my son Arthur to be one that would merit introduction of ing this—his senior year. I know that he has serves as an emergency room volunteer at this type of legislation. Although this is very high hopes for a college education—the Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno. My unlikely to be effective in the House, pre- American Dream—In the United States. vious legislation of this nature has been suc- younger son Arsen, who was born in Amer- cessful in the Senate. ica, is a standout performer at Kratt Ele- I know that Artie was an immigrant—how- I am aware that you have been willing in mentary School, earning an invitation to ever, I did not know of his family’s troubles the past to sponsor bills for this purpose. To apply to the magnet Computech Middle until recently. Apparently, they have lived that end, I stand ready to lend my support if School. I am proud to have put myself and worked In the San Joaquin valley for after a thorough review of Mr. Mkoyan’s pre- through Fresno City Community College, fourteen years. He told me that their citizen- vious case history, you find such legislation completing the Medical Assisting program. ship application was denied, and that the en- appropriate. And my husband Ruben was so valuable at tire family may be deported.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:24 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.043 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5454 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 I was asked to write this letter to see if tober 17, 1990 in Yerevan, Armenia) and Kratt Elementary you could intervene. I have the utmost re- Arsen (B. March 13, 1996 in Fresno, CA). The School Sixth Grade spect for you as a politician, as I have been Mkoyan Family is very active in the Arme- Teacher. an avid Democrat and a liberal and liberated nian community of Fresno, and valuable woman for many years. I hope that you can members of the St. Paul parish. They are I was acquainted with Asmik Karapetian help this family in their time of need. Thank much loved and respected by everyone in the in 1995. I met her at the Armenian Saint you for your time and for your consider- community. Paul church, where we were teaching chil- ation. Mr. Mkoyan has worked very hard to pro- dren Armenian. We instantly became good Most sincerely, vide for his family and is a model citizen friends mainly because we both had similar MYRL W. JOHNSON, with his work ethic and active participation purposes in life for our children to raise well English. in the life of the community. He has served educated and responsible citizens for this on the PTA of St. Paul Armenian Saturday country. ARMENIAN-AMERICAN School and has contributed his time and Later I met her husband Ruben Mkoian, CITIZENS’ LEAGUE, means in the service of others. also a very noble man. I remember when my Fresno, CA, June 6, 2008. I am saddened to hear that after all these husband and I visited them the first time to Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN, years his status in the United States is in entertain us Ruben played guitar while sing- One Post Street, jeopardy. As his pastor and as a person who ing along beautifully. San Francisco, CA. knows the family I stand in support of Mr. I will not forget how one day Asmik called DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN, Last evening, 5 Ruben Mkoyan and his family to establish me and gave me the good news of their sec- June, the Fresno Chapter of the Armenian- legal permanent residency in the United ond son’s arrival. She was thrilled and so American Citizens’ League held its monthly States. were we. I know their boys, Arthur and meeting. During the course of business, the Sincerely, Arsen, both very humble and nice boys. We Arthur Mkoyan situation was brought up. (The Rev. Fr.) ARSHEN AIVAZIAN. admired Arthur’s achievements in school. He By unanimous decision, the members is graduating this year with an excellent wished to contact you and to request your FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, GPA. attention to this situation. Fresno, CA, May 5, 2008. Recently Asmik called me in tears telling However, when I returned home and turned DIANNE FEINSTEIN, me her family received a letter that they on the late news, the report was that you U.S. Senator, were to be deported. My family and I were in have already intervened in this situation. One Post Street, San Francisco, CA. utter shock. Why? Asmik and Ruben are two I am certain that our members who have DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN, This letter is very hard-working people with two wonder- also heard this news by now are very grate- written on behalf of Arsen Mkoian, a gifted ful children whose future is very promising. ful and relieved. sixth grade student at Kratt elementary It’s tragic that after residing here for more The purpose of this letter now is changing School in Fresno, California. Arsen and his than ten years this would happen now. from request to intervene to appreciative family are scheduled to be deported in ap- I am humbly asking you to look the cir- thanks for your action. proximately three weeks from the United cumstances over and allow Asmik and her Our League was established in the 1930’s to States unless a private bill is introduced in family to live in this country. I have faith help immigrant Armenians. Even though our the Senate to stop deportation. The Immi- that you will help this family to reach their goal is still that and we have come a long gration and Customs Enforcement case num- American dreams. way, we still remain vigilant. ber is I A70–7S3–979. Arsen is a model student Sincerely, Thank you for your action. We will be ea- and citizen. ANAHIT BAGDASARIAN. gerly awaiting the final disposition—hope- Arsen has consistently been a role model fully, a positive one. for student behavior since he began attend- DEAR DIANE FEINSTEIN, The family of Please contact us if there is anything else ing Kratt in kindergarten. Attendance and Ruben Mkoian is very dear to me. I have that we can do to help the cause. parent support have been excellent. Arsen known them for over 10 years and I’d like for Verily, maintains a 3.8 grade point average in his you to get to know them a little as well. MS. PENNY MIRIGIAN, sixth grade class this year, a 4.0 in kinder- Their entire family, including each and Secretary. garten, first, second, third and fifth grades, every member, is very kind and treats all and a 3.8 in fourth grade. In addition, he will with respect and always keeps their dignity. HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN receive Kratt’s hightest honor, the ‘‘Presi- I am proud to have had a chance to get to APOSTOLIC CHURCH, dent’s Education Award’’ which is signed by know them and I have come to be very fond Fresno, CA, June 5, 2008. President Bush and accompanied with a com- of how this family coped with what has been Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN, mendation letter from President Bush. This thrown to them. My son, who grew up and Hart Building, rare Kratt honor is based on stringent aca- attended school with their eldest, Arthur, al- Washington, DC. demic and behavior standards students must ways stated how he admired his qualities and DEAR SENATOR FEINSTEIN: I am writing on meet for three continuous years in fourth, good behavior. Arthur, a very intelligent behalf of Mr. Arthur Mkoyan. As you know fifth and sixth grades. young boy, had plans preceding his accept- Mr. Mkoyan and his family have a deporta- Socially, Arsen is well liked and respected. ance, to attend the University of California, tion judgment which is due end of June 2008. He receives our monthly ‘‘Bulldog Award’’ Davis, his dream school. He worked very Arthur Mkoyan was two years old when his every year which recognizes him as a model hard since grade school and his acceptance family came to this great country seeking citizen in his classroom. In fact, Arsen was alone is proof enough that Arthur meets any freedom and justice and they have worked chosen to support a fellow student in need by standards imposed upon him. Arthur and I hard to achieve the American Dream. teaming up with him as a ‘‘buddy’’ this year would like to say every individual of their Arthur will be graduating on Tuesday June in his sixth grade classroom. family is outgoing, loving, kind, hard- 10 from Bullard High as a Valedictorian. He Kratt’s top leaders are chosen to partici- working, and fit amongst the most intel- is hard working, honest and we should be pate in our Traffic Patrol Club. Arsen is not ligent. They do not get into the bad habits proud of him because he is a great asset to only a member but was also elected as cap- that most amongst us keep hidden. We need our country. Arthur has already been accept- tain of the Traffic Club this year, a tribute people like the Mkoians in our society. They ed to begin his College education at UC to his strong character. Arsen’s name also keep peace and quiet and yet have firmly es- Davis next Fall with Chemistry as his major. shows up on the Math Club list almost every tablished themselves into our working field, Dear Senator Feinstein I urge you to inter- semester, an honor difficult to achieve. He schools, and have the most positive influence vene and introduce the Private Bill this has been invited to apply to the magnet over our friends and family. It would be a week so that our country doesn’t loose a Computech Middle School in Fresno because shame to lose such people if they were leav- brilliant future scientist. he is a standout student, ing on their own, and nonetheless were kick- Thank you for your consideration may God Arsen and his family have set high standing them out. I wish you could know them bless you for your services to our Nation. ards and worked hard in our educational set- the way I have. They have truly grown into GOD BLESS AMERICA. ting to achieve them. Senator Feinstein, the most admirable U.S. inhabitants. Prayerfully, please recognize Arsen’s outstanding effort Thank you for your time and consider- FR. VAHAN GOSDANIAN, and achievement by your timely interven- ation. We hope with all our hearts that you Pastor. tion of introducing the Private Bill this make the right decision. week so we can keep an intellectually gifted KARIN ANTIKYAN. ST. PAUL ARMENIAN CHURCH, young person and his family in our state. We Fresno, CA, May 29, 2008. appreciate your considering this important DEAR U.S. SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN, Our TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing in matter. family is a great family friend of the Mkoian support of Ruben Gabriel Mkoyan. Mr. Sincerely, Family. We have known them since 1993. Mkoyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia on TERRI BRICKER, They are a very friendly family. Our children December 14, 1961 and resettled in Fresno, Kratt Elementary grew up with their children. Their children CA in 1992 with his family: his wife Asmik School Principal. are amazing in school by the grades they get (nee Karapetian), and children Arthur (b. Oc- RANDY BROWN, Ruben and Hasmik are excellent parents.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.054 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5455 They have been next to us on our good and (2) recognizes the value of healthcare infor- the Army who have demonstrated courage, bad days. We think that they deserve to stay mation technology and management systems strength, and versatility and endured count- in the United States of America for their in transforming healthcare for the people of less hardships and made great sacrifices in children and the future of their lives. We the United States; and performing diverse missions worldwide; can’t imagine how hard it will be not seeing, (3) calls upon all stakeholders to promote Whereas the contributions of Army fami- them, not only for us but everyone else. In the use of healthcare information technology lies should also be recognized, as Army fami- the future we will need this wonderful family and management systems to transform the lies provide the cornerstone of strength and for a better community. Please keep all this United States healthcare system. support for the Nation’s Soldiers and display in mind because they are a great family and f tremendous commitment and sacrifice to the we wouldn’t like to see them out of our Nation by providing critical support to their sight. We hope that you will do everything SENATE RESOLUTION 590—CELE- loved ones during prolonged absences; so that they will not be deported and they BRATING THE 233RD BIRTHDAY Whereas the Army has been continuously will stay in the United States of America. OF THE ARMY AND COM- engaged in persistent combat operations for Thank you for your time. MENDING THE MEN AND WOMEN more than 6 years, has constantly and suc- Sincerely, OF THE ARMY AS EXCEPTIONAL cessfully adapted to ever-changing security environments, has displayed courage, re- ANI IDZHYAN. INDIVIDUALS WHO LIVE BY THE MARGARIT DUMANYAN. sourcefulness, and resilience in the most ARMY VALUES OF LOYALTY, RIMMA MARKARYAN. grueling conditions, and, while focused on OGANES IDZHYAN. DUTY, RESPECT, SELFLESS preparing forces and building readiness for ARSHALUYS IDZHYAN. SERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY, counterinsurgency operations and providing AKOP IDZHYAN. AND PERSONAL COURAGE stability, security, and hope to the peoples of GEVORK IDZHYAN. Iraq and Afghanistan, has taken significant Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. AKAKA, HARUT IDJIAN. steps toward restoring balance to the all-vol- Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. HATCH) sub- unteer, battle-hardened force; and f mitted the following resolution; which Whereas those and countless other great SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS was considered and agreed to: accomplishments add to the longstanding tradition of the Army and attest to the ex- S. RES. 590 traordinary capability of the men and Whereas, from the first Continental Army women who serve the United States in the SENATE RESOLUTION 589—DESIG- under General Washington at Yorktown to Army: Now, therefore, be it NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING the beaches of Normandy, the city streets of Resolved, That the Senate— JUNE 9, 2008, AS ‘‘NATIONAL Iraq, and the mountains of Afghanistan, the (1) celebrates the 233rd birthday of the HEALTH INFORMATION TECH- Army has protected and kept the flame of Army; democracy burning brightly; NOLOGY WEEK’’ (2) salutes the men and women of the Army Whereas the citizens of the United States and their families; Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Ms. continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom (3) commends the men and women of the SNOWE) submitted the following resolu- and democracy because the men and women Army as exceptional individuals who live by tion; which was considered and agreed of the Army have stood through adversity, the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, to: remained steadfast in the most difficult of selfless service, honor, integrity, and per- circumstances, and bravely fought against sonal courage; and S. RES. 589 the enemies of peace throughout the world; (4) recognizes that the great men and Whereas the Healthcare Information and Whereas the sacrifices of the men and women of the Army are the reason it con- Management Systems Society has worked women of the Army inspire and instill great tinues to stand as the best army in the world collaboratively with more than 60 stake- pride in all citizens of the United States; and continues to perform extraordinary holder organizations for more than 47 years Whereas the active duty, National Guard, tasks while upholding its hallowed tradi- to transform healthcare with improved uses and Reserve components of the Army protect tions. of information technology and management the Nation from our enemies, defend our f systems; vital national interests, provide support to Whereas the Center for Information Tech- civil authorities in response to domestic SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- nology Leadership estimates that the imple- emergencies, provide ready forces and land TION 88—EXPRESSING THE mentation of national standards for inter- force capabilities to the Combatant Com- SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT THE operability and the exchange of health infor- manders in support of the National Security FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRA- mation would save the United States re- Strategy, and support operations around the TION’S (FDA) NEW POLICY RE- sources relating to healthcare each year; world, ranging from peace-time military en- STRICTING WOMEN’S ACCESS TO Whereas healthcare information tech- gagements to major combat operations; nology has been shown to improve the qual- Whereas the Army is successfully per- MEDICATIONS CONTAINING ES- ity and safety of the delivery of healthcare forming operations, other than combat oper- TRIOL DOES NOT SERVE THE in the United States; ations, including— PUBLIC INTEREST Whereas healthcare information tech- (1) supporting the defense of South Korea, Mr. CORNYN (for himself and Mr. nology and management systems have been Japan, and many other friends, allies, and BUNNING) submitted the following con- recognized as essential tools for improving partners of the United States; current resolution; which was referred the quality and cost efficiency of the (2) conducting peacekeeping operations in to the Committee on Health, Edu- healthcare system; the Sinai Peninsula and the Balkans; Whereas the President and the Secretary (3) conducting multinational exercises that cation, Labor, and Pensions: of Health and Human Services have made a reflect our longstanding commitments to al- S. CON. RES. 88 commitment to leverage the benefits of the liances; Whereas menopause is often a challenging healthcare information technology and man- (4) continuing engagements with foreign transition for millions of women that re- agement systems by establishing the Office militaries to build partnerships and preserve quires specialized medications and medical of the National Coordinator for Health Infor- coalitions by training and advising their treatments; mation Technology and the American Health military forces; Whereas physicians prescribe a variety of Information Community; (5) participating, most notably by the pharmaceutical treatment options to treat Whereas Congress has placed an emphasis Army National Guard, in securing the bor- women experiencing the symptoms of meno- on improving the quality and safety of the ders of the United States and conducting op- pause; delivery of healthcare in the United States; erations to counter the flow of illegal drugs; Whereas individual women respond dif- and (6) supporting civil authorities in respond- ferently to different treatment options; Whereas, since 2006, organizations across ing to domestic emergencies, including nat- Whereas women’s physicians determine on the United States have come together to ural disasters and threats at home and a case-by-case basis which treatment option support National Health Information Tech- abroad; is optimal for each woman; nology Week to improve public awareness re- (7) supporting interagency and multi- Whereas many physicians prescribe com- lating to the potential benefits of the im- national partnerships with technical exper- pounded estrogen and other bioidentical hor- proved quality and cost efficiency that the tise, providing critical support after natural mone treatments for patients for a variety of healthcare system could achieve by imple- disasters, and promoting regional stability; reasons; menting healthcare information technology: and Whereas many physicians prescribe com- Now, therefore, be it (8) supporting operations to protect pounded estrogen treatments that contain Resolved, That the Senate— against weapons of mass destruction and estriol to treat menopausal and (1) designates the week beginning June 9, block their proliferation; perimenopausal women; 2008, as ‘‘National Health Information Tech- Whereas the accomplishments of the Army Whereas estriol is one of three estrogens nology Week’’; are attributable to the men and women of produced by the human body;

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Whereas estriol has been prescribed and COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND SEC. 2. FINDINGS. used for decades in the United States; TRANSPORTATION The Congress finds as follows: Whereas Congress has long recognized ac- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask (1) The Armed Forces of the United States tive pharmaceutical ingredients meeting unanimous consent that the Com- have answered the call and served with dis- standards set by the United States Pharma- mittee on Commerce, Science, and tinction around the world—from hitting the copeia as permissible options for physician beaches in World War II in the Pacific and prescribing and pharmacy compounding; Transportation be authorized to meet Europe, to the cold and difficult terrain in Whereas the Food and Drug Administra- during the session of the Senate on Korea, the steamy jungles of Vietnam, and tion (FDA) has announced that it will no Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 2:30 p.m., in the desert sands of the Middle East. longer permit compounding pharmacists to room 253 of the Russell Senate Office (2) All Americans should commemorate prepare medications containing estriol pur- Building. those who come home having survived the suant to a doctor’s prescription; THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ordeal of war, and solemnly honor those who Whereas insurers are now denying women objection, it is so ordered. made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their reimbursement for compounded medications lives for their country. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE containing estriol as a result of the FDA’s (3) All Americans should honor the mil- announcement; and Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask lions of living disabled veterans who carry Whereas the FDA has acknowledged that it unanimous consent that the Com- the scars of war every day, and who have is unaware of any adverse events associated mittee on Finance be authorized to made enormous personal sacrifices defending with use of compounded medications con- meet during the session of the Senate the principles of our democracy. taining estriol: Now, therefore, be it on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 10 a.m., in (4) In 2000, Congress authorized the con- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office struction of the American Veterans Disabled resentatives concurring), That it is the sense Building. for Life Memorial. of the Congress that— THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (5) The United States should pay tribute to (1) physicians are in the best position to the Nation’s living disabled veterans by determine which medications are most ap- objection, it is so ordered. minting and issuing a commemorative silver propriate for their patients; SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE dollar coin. (2) the Food and Drug Administration Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask (6) The surcharge proceeds from the sale of (FDA) should respect the physician-patient unanimous consent that the Select a commemorative coin would raise valuable relationship; and Committee on Intelligence be author- funding for the construction of the American (3) the FDA should reverse its policy that ized to meet during the session of the Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. aims to eliminate patients’ access to com- Senate on June 10, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. to SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. pounded medications containing estriol that (a) $1 SILVER COINS.—The Secretary of the their physicians prescribe for them, unless hold a closed hearing. Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the FDA holds a public comment period on THE PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue not the issue and can document evidence of ad- objection, it is so ordered. more than 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration verse events and other safety issues to jus- f of disabled American veterans, each of which tify such policy. shall— PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR (1) weigh 26.73 grams; f Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- (2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and NOTICE OF HEARING imous consent that Joshua Mayer, an (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent intern in Senator BINGAMAN’s office, be copper. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted granted privileges of the floor for the RESOURCES under this Act shall be legal tender, as pro- remainder of today, June 10, 2008. Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I vided in section 5103 of title 31, United States The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without would like to announce for the infor- Code. objection, it is so ordered. (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of mation of the Senate and the public Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unani- sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United that a hearing has been scheduled be- mous consent that Sara McElroy from States Code, all coins minted under this Act fore the Senate Committee on Energy my staff be allowed floor privileges for shall be considered to be numismatic items. and Natural Resources. The hearing the rest of the afternoon. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ø(1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins at 10 a.m., in room SD–366 of the Dirk- objection, it is so ordered. sen Senate Office Building. minted under this Act shall be emblematic f of the design selected by the Disabled Vet- The purpose of the hearing is to ex- erans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation for the amine the challenges and regional so- AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED American Veterans Disabled for Life Memo- lutions to developing transmission for FOR LIFE COMMEMORATIVE rial.¿ renewable electricity resources. COIN ACT (1) DESIGN.—The design of the coins minted Because of the limited time available Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask under this Act shall be emblematic of the service for the hearing, witnesses may testify of our disabled veterans who, having survived unanimous consent that the Senate the ordeal of war, made enormous personal sac- by invitation only. However, those proceed to the immediate consider- rifices defending the principles of our democ- wishing to submit written testimony ation of Calendar No. 757, H.R. 634. racy. for the hearing record may do so by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On sending it to the Committee on Energy clerk will state the bill by title. each coin minted under this Act, there shall and Natural Resources, United States The legislative clerk read as follows: be— Senate, Washington, DC 20510–6150, or A bill (H.R. 634) to require the Secretary of (A) a designation of the value of the coin; by e-mail to Gina_weinstock@energy the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- (B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2010’’; and .senate.gov. tion of veterans who became disabled for life (C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of Amer- For further information, please con- while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. ica’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. tact Leon Lowery at (202) 224–2209 or (b) SELECTION.—The design for the coins Gina Weinstock at (202) 224–5684. There being no objection, the Senate minted under this Act shall be— proceeded to consider the bill, which (1) selected by the Secretary, after con- f had been reported from the Committee sultation with the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Memorial Foundation and the Commission of MEET fairs, with an amendment, as follows: Fine Arts; and (Omit the part in boldface brackets (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advi- COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES and insert the part printed in italic.) sory Committee. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. H.R. 634 unanimous consent that the Com- (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under mittee on Armed Services be author- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and resentatives of the United States of America in ized to meet during the session of the proof qualities. Congress assembled, (b) MINT FACILITY.— Senate, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) IN GENERAL.—Only 1 facility of the 2:30 p.m. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘American United States Mint may be used to strike The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative any particular quality of the coins minted objection, it is so ordered. Coin Act’’. under this Act.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.061 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5457 (2) USE OF THE UNITED STATES MINT AT WEST LOCAL PREPAREDNESS Whereas healthcare information tech- POINT, NEW YORK.—It is the sense of the Con- ACQUISITION ACT nology and management systems have been gress that the coins minted under this Act recognized as essential tools for improving should be struck at the United States Mint Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask the quality and cost efficiency of the at West Point, New York, to the greatest ex- unanimous consent that the Senate healthcare system; tent possible. proceed to the immediate consider- Whereas the President and the Secretary (c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary ation of Calendar No. 768, H.R. 3179. of Health and Human Services have made a may issue coins under this Act only during The PRESIDING OFFICER. The commitment to leverage the benefits of the the calendar year beginning on January 1, clerk will state the bill by title. healthcare information technology and man- 2010. The legislative clerk read as follows: agement systems by establishing the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Infor- A bill (H.R. 3179) to amend title 40, United SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. mation Technology and the American Health States Code, to authorize the use of Federal (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under Information Community; supply schedules for the acquisition of law this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a Whereas Congress has placed an emphasis enforcement, security, and certain other re- price equal to the sum of— on improving the quality and safety of the lated items by State and local governments. (1) the face value of the coins; delivery of healthcare in the United States; (2) the surcharge provided in section 7 with There being no objection, the Senate and respect to such coins; and proceeded to consider the bill. Whereas, since 2006, organizations across (3) the cost of designing and issuing the Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask the United States have come together to coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of unanimous consent that the bill be support National Health Information Tech- machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, read the third time, and passed, the nology Week to improve public awareness re- and shipping). motion to reconsider laid upon the lating to the potential benefits of the im- (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall table, with no intervening action or de- proved quality and cost efficiency that the make bulk sales of the coins issued under healthcare system could achieve by imple- this Act at a reasonable discount. bate, and that any statements related menting healthcare information technology: to the bill be printed in the RECORD. (c) PREPAID ORDERS.— Now, therefore, be it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ac- Resolved, That the Senate— cept prepaid orders for the coins minted objection, it is so ordered. (1) designates the week beginning June 9, under this Act before the issuance of such The bill (H.R. 3179) was ordered to be 2008, as ‘‘National Health Information Tech- coins. read a third time, was read the third nology Week’’; (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to time, and passed. (2) recognizes the value of healthcare information technology and management systems prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be f at a reasonable discount. in transforming healthcare for the people of NATIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION the United States; and SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. TECHNOLOGY WEEK (3) calls upon all stakeholders to promote (a) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins issued the use of healthcare information technology under this Act shall include a surcharge of Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask and management systems to transform the $10 per coin. unanimous consent that the Senate United States healthcare system. (b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section proceed to the immediate consider- f 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all sur- ation of S. Res. 589, which was sub- charges received by the Secretary from the mitted earlier today by Senator CELEBRATING THE 233RD sale of coins issued under this Act shall be STABENOW of Michigan. BIRTHDAY OF THE ARMY paid to the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask rial Foundation for the purpose of estab- clerk will report the resolution by lishing an endowment to support the con- unanimous consent that the Senate struction of American Veterans’ Disabled for title. now proceed to the consideration of S. Life Memorial in Washington, DC. The legislative clerk read as follows: Res. 590, submitted earlier today. (c) AUDITS.—The Comptroller General of A resolution (S. Res. 589) designating the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the United States shall have the right to ex- week beginning June 9, 2008, as ‘‘National clerk will report the resolution by Health Information Technology Week.’’ amine such books, records, documents, and title. other data of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE There being no objection, the Senate The legislative clerk read as follows: Memorial Foundation as may be related to proceeded to consider the resolution. A resolution (S. Res. 590) celebrating the the expenditures of amounts paid under sub- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask section (b). 233rd birthday of the Army and commending unanimous consent that the resolution the men and women of the Army as excep- (d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- be agreed to, the preamble be agreed tional individuals who live by the Army val- section (a), no surcharge may be included to, the motions to reconsider be laid ues of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, with respect to the issuance under this Act upon the table, with no intervening ac- honor, integrity, and personal courage. of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of tion or debate, and that any state- There being no objection, the Senate such coin would result in the number of comments related to the resolution be proceeded to consider the resolution. memorative coin programs issued during printed in the RECORD. Mr. AKAKA. Mr President, today such year to exceed the annual 2 commemo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Senator INHOFE and I celebrate the rative coin program issuance limitation objection, it is so ordered. Army’s 233rd birthday. For over two under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United The resolution (S. Res. 589) was centuries, the Army has fought to pre- States Code (as in effect on the date of the agreed to. enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the serve the principles of democracy not The preamble was agreed to. only here in the United States but Treasury may issue guidance to carry out The resolution, with its preamble, this subsection. around the world. reads as follows: Our Nation’s Army soldiers have Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask S. RES. 589 served this Nation with honesty, cour- unanimous consent that the committee Whereas the Healthcare Information and age, and dignity, and it is my privilege amendment be agreed to, the bill, as Management Systems Society has worked to take this opportunity to commemo- amended, be read the third time and collaboratively with more than 60 stake- rate its birth. Both in times of peace, passed, the motions to reconsider be holder organizations for more than 47 years and in times of war, the U.S. Army has laid on the table, with no intervening to transform healthcare with improved uses answered the call of duty and re- action or debate, and that any state- of information technology and management sponded to the challenge of defending ments related to the bill be printed in systems; Whereas the Center for Information Tech- our Nation. All of our Army units, Ac- the RECORD. nology Leadership estimates that the imple- tive, Guard and Reserve, share the her- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mentation of national standards for inter- itage of the first Continental Army objection, it is so ordered. operability and the exchange of health infor- which fought so valiantly to ensure the The committee amendment was mation would save the United States re- birth of a nation founded on the ideals agreed to. sources relating to healthcare each year; Whereas healthcare information tech- of justice and freedom. The bill (H.R. 634), as amended, was nology has been shown to improve the qual- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, the com- ordered to be read a third time, was ity and safety of the delivery of healthcare mitment and duty of the Army soldiers read the third time, and passed. in the United States; who have risked their lives to preserve

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.024 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE S5458 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 10, 2008 our freedom have left an indelible (4) continuing engagements with foreign immediately notified of the Senate’s mark on this Nation. During the militaries to build partnerships and preserve action; that any statements relating to Army’s 233-year history, tens of thou- coalitions by training and advising their the nomination be printed in the military forces; sands of these brave men and women RECORD, and that the Senate then re- have sacrificed their lives on distant (5) participating, most notably by the Army National Guard, in securing the bor- turn to legislative session, without fur- battlefields to keep our Nation safe. I ders of the United States and conducting op- ther intervening action or debate. salute them for their service to this erations to counter the flow of illegal drugs; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without country. (6) supporting civil authorities in respond- objection, it is so ordered. Mr. AKAKA. My colleague Senator ing to domestic emergencies, including nat- The nomination considered and con- INHOFE and I also want to pay tribute ural disasters and threats at home and firmed is as follows: to the families of those soldiers who abroad; EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT risk their lives for our Nation. Too (7) supporting interagency and multi- often the important role that families national partnerships with technical exper- Michael E. Leiter, of the District of Colum- tise, providing critical support after natural bia, to be Director of the National play goes unacknowledged but their Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Direc- faith and devotion are vital to the disasters, and promoting regional stability; and tor of National Intelligence. Army’s success. The families of our sol- (8) supporting operations to protect f diers have my deepest appreciation for against weapons of mass destruction and the sacrifices they make and for the block their proliferation; LEGISLATIVE SESSION support they give our troops. Whereas the accomplishments of the Army The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Mr. INHOFE. As this Nation con- are attributable to the men and women of the previous order, the Senate will now tinues to fight in the global war on ter- the Army who have demonstrated courage, return to legislative session. ror, the Army has been key to pro- strength, and versatility and endured count- viding the capabilities it needs to per- less hardships and made great sacrifices in f sist in its struggle for liberty and de- performing diverse missions worldwide; ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, mocracy. Through the efforts of the Whereas the contributions of Army fami- JUNE 11, 2008 lies should also be recognized, as Army fami- U.S. Armys the world has been made a lies provide the cornerstone of strength and Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask more secure, prosperous, and better support for the Nation’s Soldiers and display unanimous consent that when the Sen- place for all of mankind. The courage tremendous commitment and sacrifice to the ate completes its business today, it and dedication of these soldiers are an Nation by providing critical support to their stand adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomor- inspiration to us all, and may the rest loved ones during prolonged absences; row, Wednesday, June 11; that fol- Whereas the Army has been continuously of us endeavor to be ‘‘Army strong’’ in lowing the prayer and pledge, the Jour- our own lives. engaged in persistent combat operations for more than 6 years, has constantly and suc- nal of proceedings be approved to date, Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask the morning hour be deemed expired, unanimous consent that the resolution cessfully adapted to ever-changing security environments, has displayed courage, re- the time for the two leaders be re- be agreed to, the preamble be agreed sourcefulness, and resilience in the most served for their use later in the day, to, and the motions to reconsider be grueling conditions, and, while focused on and the Senate proceed to a period for laid upon the table. preparing forces and building readiness for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the transaction of morning business for counterinsurgency operations and providing up to 1 hour, with Senators permitted objection, it is so ordered. stability, security, and hope to the peoples of The resolution (S. Res. 590) was Iraq and Afghanistan, has taken significant to speak for up to 10 minutes each, agreed to. steps toward restoring balance to the all-vol- with the time equally divided and con- The preamble was agreed to. unteer, battle-hardened force; and trolled between the two leaders or The resolution, with its preamble, Whereas those and countless other great their designees, with the majority con- reads as follows: accomplishments add to the longstanding trolling the first half and the Repub- S. RES. 590 tradition of the Army and attest to the ex- licans controlling the final half. I fur- traordinary capability of the men and Whereas, from the first Continental Army ther ask unanimous consent that fol- women who serve the United States in the lowing morning business, the Senate under General Washington at Yorktown to Army: Now, therefore, be it the beaches of Normandy, the city streets of Resolved, That the Senate— resume consideration of the motion to Iraq, and the mountains of Afghanistan, the (1) celebrates the 233rd birthday of the proceed to S. 3044, the Consumer-First Army has protected and kept the flame of Army; Energy Act, and that the first 4 hours democracy burning brightly; (2) salutes the men and women of the Army be equally divided between the two Whereas the citizens of the United States and their families; leaders or their designees and con- continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom (3) commends the men and women of the trolled in 30-minute blocks in an alter- and democracy because the men and women Army as exceptional individuals who live by of the Army have stood through adversity, nating fashion, with the majority con- the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, trolling the first 30 minutes and the remained steadfast in the most difficult of selfless service, honor, integrity, and per- circumstances, and bravely fought against sonal courage; and Republicans controlling the next 30 the enemies of peace throughout the world; (4) recognizes that the great men and minutes; and that following the con- Whereas the sacrifices of the men and women of the Army are the reason it controlled block of time, Senators be per- women of the Army inspire and instill great tinues to stand as the best army in the world mitted to speak for up to 10 minutes pride in all citizens of the United States; and continues to perform extraordinary each. Whereas the active duty, National Guard, tasks while upholding its hallowed tradi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and Reserve components of the Army protect tions. the Nation from our enemies, defend our objection, it is so ordered. vital national interests, provide support to f f civil authorities in response to domestic emergencies, provide ready forces and land EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. force capabilities to the Combatant Com- TOMORROW manders in support of the National Security Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, if there Strategy, and support operations around the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR is no further business to come before world, ranging from peace-time military en- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask the Senate, I ask unanimous consent gagements to major combat operations; unanimous consent that the Senate Whereas the Army is successfully per- that it stand adjourned under the pre- forming operations, other than combat oper- proceed to executive session to con- vious order. ations, including— sider Calendar No. 629, the nomination There being no objection, the Senate, (1) supporting the defense of South Korea, of Michael E. Leiter to be Director of at 7:33 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- Japan, and many other friends, allies, and the National Counterterrorism Center, day, June 11, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. partners of the United States; Office of the Director of National Intel- f (2) conducting peacekeeping operations in ligence; that the nomination be con- the Sinai Peninsula and the Balkans; NOMINATIONS (3) conducting multinational exercises that firmed, the motion to reconsider be reflect our longstanding commitments to al- laid upon the table, with no other mo- Executive nominations received by liances; tions in order; that the President be the Senate:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:25 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\A10JN6.029 S10JNPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5459 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MENT FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER CONFIRMATIONS 22, 2011, VICE WILLIE GRACE CAMPBELL, TERM EXPIRED. FREDERICK S. CELEC, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE ASSISTANT MORGAN W. DAVIS, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE A MEMBER Executive nominations confirmed by TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR NUCLEAR AND OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AFRICAN DEVEL- CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE PROGRAMS, VICE OPMENT FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING NOVEM- the Senate June 10, 2008: DALE KLEIN, RESIGNED. BER 13, 2013, VICE EDWARD BREHM, TERM EXPIRED. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY MICHAEL E. LEITER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL COUNTERTERROR- JOHN MELVIN JONES, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEMBER MARYLYN ANDREA HOWE, OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO BE ISM CENTER, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL IN- OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUN- A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY TELLIGENCE. SELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2011. (REAPPOINT- THE ABOVE NOMINATION WAS APPROVED SUBJECT TO PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MENT) THE NOMINEE’S COMMITMENT TO RESPOND TO RE- TO THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA. LONNIE C. MOORE, OF KANSAS, TO BE A MEMBER OF QUESTS TO APPEAR AND TESTIFY BEFORE ANY DULY CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY FOR A TERM EX- PIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2011. (REAPPOINTMENT) THE JUDICIARY JOHN W. LESLIE, JR., OF CONNECTICUT, TO BE A MEM- HEATHER MCCALLUM, OF GEORGIA, TO BE A MEMBER BER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AFRICAN DE- OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY FOR A TERM MARK S. DAVIS, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED STATES VELOPMENT FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEP- EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2011, VICE CYNTHIA ALLEN DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIR- TEMBER 22, 2013. (REAPPOINTMENT) WAINSCOTT, TERM EXPIRING. GINIA. JOHN O. AGWUNOBI, OF FLORIDA, TO BE A MEMBER OF CHRISTINA ALVARADO SHANAHAN, OF NORTH CARO- DAVID GREGORY KAYS, OF MISSOURI, TO BE UNITED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOP- LINA, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT MENT FOUNDATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING FEBRUARY 9, DISABILITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 17, 2011, OF MISSOURI. 2014, VICE EPHRAIM BATAMBUZE, TERM EXPIRED. STEPHEN N. LIMBAUGH, JR., OF MISSOURI, TO BE VICE PATRICIA POUND, TERM EXPIRED. JULIUS E. COLES, OF GEORGIA, TO BE A MEMBER OF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOP- DISTRICT OF MISSOURI.

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HONORING WILLIAM LOBBINS III In closing, please join me in saying thank when they came across Edwards collapsed on you to Pat for his moving tribute to a fallen the pavement, a victim of an apparent heart HON. SAM GRAVES firefighter and for his inspiring story of selfless attack. service to the people of Clearwater, Florida. ‘‘When I got there I said, ‘It is time to go OF MISSOURI to work boys,’’ Conrey said. [From the St. Petersburg Times, May 29, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Arnold performed chest compressions on 2008] the 55-year-old runner as the rest of the Tuesday, June 10, 2008 FIREFIGHTER GEARS UP TO HONOR THE group assisted. Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly FALLEN ‘‘If we hadn’t stopped to talk, we would pause to recognize William Lobbins III of Park- (By Terry Tomalin) have been in front of him,’’ Arnold said. ‘‘It ville, Missouri. Brett is a very special young Clearwater firefighter Pat Conrey started is little things like that make being a fire- man who has exemplified the finest qualities out wanting to honor a fallen comrade. By fighter so special.’’ the time it was over, his quest encompassed Conrey, who despite the gear and stops of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- covered the course in 5 hours, 26 minutes, tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 26.2 miles, flying pigs, and ultimately, life and death. said he is still amazed at the difference a few 1395, and earning the most prestigious award Conrey had heard the story of Cincinnati minutes can make. of Eagle Scout. firefighter Oscar Armstrong III, who died ‘‘When you do what we do for a living, you William has been very active with his troop, battling a blaze in March 2003, leaving be- realize how precious time really is,’’ he said. participating in many scout activities. Over the hind a pregnant fiance´e and two children. ‘‘I am glad I was there to help make a dif- many years William has been involved with He decided to run Cincinnati’s Flying Pig ference.’’ scouting, he has not only earned numerous Marathon on May 4 in full firefighting gear merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- to raise money for Armstrong’s family. f ily, peers, and community. ‘‘Firefighters have this special bond,’’ Conrey said. ‘‘When one of us dies, we all feel TRIBUTE TO COLONEL LEAH Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join it.’’ WALLER me in commending William Lobbins III for his Conrey, who has completed 10 marathons, accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of ran the Times Turkey Trot in Clearwater in America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- 45 pounds of gear last year to raise money for HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. families of fallen firefighters. OF MARYLAND ‘‘When you run in firefighter equipment, f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES you get people’s attention,’’ he said. CLEARWATER FIREFIGHTER PAT But running in full gear isn’t that glam- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 CONREY HONORS FALLEN COM- orous. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I RADES ‘‘It was hot—real hot,’’ Conrey said. ‘‘You have to drink a lot of water.’’ rise before you today to honor Leah Waller, The 40-year-old Conrey, Clearwater’s fire- recently awarded the title of 2007–2008 Balti- HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG fighter of the year in 2007, trained for more City Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Waller OF FLORIDA months, logging several 13-mile runs in his has been a teacher with the Baltimore City bunker coat, bunker pants, air pack and hel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Public School System for eight years, teaching met. Kindergarten and first grade at Maree G. Tuesday, June 10, 2008 ‘‘That is pretty out there,’’ said local run- Farring Elementary School. ning coach Joe Burgasser. ‘‘You don’t want Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, I to carry any extra weight. I would not rec- When she’s not teaching at Farring Elemen- rise today to honor Clearwater firefighter Pat ommend that for any sane person.’’ tary, Mrs. Waller has taught Summer School Conrey, who I am proud to represent, for the Conrey, who earlier this year finished a 50- and tutored at the Jemicy School for Dyslexic remarkable tribute he has paid to a fellow fire- mile run through Withlacoochee State For- Children. She has served as a mentor teacher fighter who fell in the line of duty. est in 10 hours and 23 minutes, is used to peo- for student teachers and new teachers. In ad- In his effort to raise money for the family of ple thinking he’s crazy. dition, she has worked closely with the Chil- Oscar Armstrong III, a Cincinnati firefighter ‘‘I love it,’’ he said. dren’s Literacy Initiative and was selected to A month before the marathon, Conrey who died fighting a fire in March 2003, leaving learned two other Cincinnati-area fire- be a Model Classroom for Baltimore City. behind a pregnant fiance´e and two young chil- fighters also had died in the line of duty. Always well prepared for daily instruction, dren, Mr. Conrey did an extraordinary thing. ‘‘That made me want to make sure that I Mrs. Waller utilizes the curriculum and Balti- He donned 45 pounds of firefighting gear and finished even more,’’ Conrey said. ‘‘I would more City Public School System mandated ran the entire 26.2 miles of the Flying Pig Mar- run for all of them.’’ programs in an effective and engaging way. In athon held in Cincinnati last May 4th. Word spread through the Cincinnati fire- Mrs. Waller’s classroom, lessons are thor- Pat’s caring and compassion for others fighting community that a crazy man from oughly developed with the visual, auditory, Clearwater was running for the families of were on full display that day. After stopping the fallen. and kinesthetic learner in mind. Skills and con- along the route to pay respect to the Arm- ‘‘It really touched everyone,’’ said Joe Ar- cepts are successfully mastered through a va- strong family, Pat and a fellow firefighter re- nold, a Cincinnati firefighter who ran part of riety of strategies and techniques to ensure sumed running and soon came upon another the race, minus the gear, with Conrey. ‘‘To full comprehension from the students. runner who collapsed on the pavement from think this guy would come all this way and The individual needs of all students are met an apparent heart attack. Pat and his partner run a marathon in his turnout gear for peo- in Mrs. Waller’s classroom. Assessment data in the race, Joe Arnold, performed emergency ple he had never met . . . that is what it is is consistently analyzed to diagnose student all about.’’ strengths and areas for concern. This data is CPR on the fallen runner until an ambulance About eight miles into the marathon, could arrive. Conrey and a dozen other firefighters analyzed to help drive instruction in the most Madam Speaker, I am proud to say that Pat stopped at a fire station to pay their respects beneficial way. Because of the active partici- once again resumed running and completed to Armstrong’s family. pation in the learning process, the environ- the marathon in 5 hours and 26 minutes. Dur- ‘‘We didn’t know they would be there,’’ ment in Mrs. Waller’s classroom is very con- ing that time, he demonstrated to the people Conrey said. ‘‘There were lots of hugs, some ducive to learning. She holds her students to of Cincinnati the compassion, courage and tears. It was very emotional.’’ the highest expectations and creates an at- heroism that our Nation’s firefighters exhibit The unexpected stop put the firefighters mosphere of mutual respect between the behind schedule. While they were talking, a every day in our communities. Following my man named Bobby Edwards, a 10-year Flying teacher and students. remarks, I will include for my colleagues the Pig veteran, ran by. Mrs. Waller’s professional responsibilities full story of Pat Conrey’s run as reported by Once they resumed running, the fire- are fulfilled with great care. She maintains an Terry Tomalin in The St. Petersburg Times. fighters hadn’t gotten a mile down the road organized recordkeeping system that monitors

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN8.007 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 individual student achievement and progress. omy and infrastructure and with prospects of Texas. It is my hope that they will continue to Constantly interacting with students, parents, finding large deposits of oil, Guyana now has lead the way in pediatric care, maintaining the colleagues, and administrators, Mrs. Waller the potential for growth and prosperity ex- discipline, focus, and compassion that has works collaboratively to ensure the academic pected of it since the 1960s. earned them their reputations for excellence. success and social development of her stu- Guyana still faces many obstacles today. f dents. Earlier this year, two massacres took the lives Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me of more than 20 men, women and children but TRIBUTE TO MR. CORNELIUS today to honor Leah Waller in her acceptance a period of relative calm has followed. Yes, ALLEN of the 2007–2008 Baltimore City Teacher of crime and violence remain a serious problem the Year Award. Her legacy as a dedicated, as they do elsewhere in the Caribbean. HON. DANNY K. DAVIS enthusiastic educator will be forever remem- The latter is the dichotomous image that OF ILLINOIS bered by the grateful students who walk Guyana presents to the world as it celebrates IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES its 42nd anniversary of independence. through her classroom doors. It is with great Tuesday, June 10, 2008 pride that I congratulate Leah Waller on her As a member of the international commu- exemplary career in education and her out- nity, Guyana has made important contributions Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise standing performance at Maree G. Farring El- to the resolutions of major conflicts around the to pay tribute Mr. Cornelius Allen who passed ementary School in Baltimore City. world through its participation in the United away on May 28, 2008; and an individual f Nations Security Council, in the Organization whom I learned was my cousin a few years of American States, on the World Court and in ago. PERSONAL EXPLANATION other global bodies. Madam Speaker, Cornelius Allen was one This anniversary offers us an occasion to of the friendiest and most delightful persons I HON. JERRY WELLER thank the people of Guyana for their strength, have known. Cornelius was born on October OF ILLINOIS their courage, and their contributions to our 13, 1928, in Gary, Indiana to the parentage of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES global community. So, on this anniversary of Mr. Diston and Mrs. Addie P. Allen. Mr. Allen independence, I stand in camaraderie with the attended high school at Oakwood Academy in Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Guyanese people to celebrate and appreciate Huntsville, Alabama; graduating with the class Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I the growth and change of Guyana. of 1947. He was then drafted into the United rise today to enter into the RECORD votes I f States Army and served as a private first class would have cast had I been present for rollcall until honorable discharged in 1952, and re- votes 361 through 369. I was absent on part CONGRATULATING TEXAS’ EXEM- mained in the reserve until 1957. of the day Thursday, May 22, and Tuesday, PLARY CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS In 1955, Cornelius joined the Chicago Tran- June 3, due to personal reasons. sit Authority and quickly became an Ambas- If I were present I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS sador of Goodwill as he often spoke with pas- on rollcall vote 361, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 362, OF TEXAS sengers and exhibited friendship to school ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 363, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES children. After thirty years of loyal service to vote 364, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 365, ‘‘yea’’ on the Chicago Transit Authority, Mr. Allen retired Tuesday, June 10, 2008 rollcall vote 366, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 367, and spent the rest of his life doing good ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 368, and ‘‘yea’’ on roll- Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise deeds. call vote 369. today to congratulate the outstanding accom- Cornelius Allen was a real proponent of f plishments of our leading Texas hospitals. education and encouraged young people to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Chil- take advantage of every educational oppor- GUYANA’S 42ND BIRTHDAY: MUCH dren’s Medical Center in Dallas, Children’s tunity available to them. He was family cen- TO CELEBRATE, QUITE A LOT TO Cancer Hospital at M.D. Anderson in Houston, tered and exhibited great pride in family his- HOPE FOR and Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort tory, tradition and unity. Worth were recently recognized as among our To Cornelius’s closest relatives, Dell Allen HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News and World and wife Debbie, his daughters Addie Allen, OF NEW YORK Report. grandchildren, Marcus Allen, Dell ‘Rome’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston was Allen, Justus Cornelius Allen Pugh, great ranked sixth in the country in general pediat- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 grandchildren Cameron Allen, Lyndon Allen rics, third in heart surgery, and in the top five and Lucas Allen; his brother Ray Shepherd Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today of several other specialties. Cook Children’s and Rosenwald (Eunice) Allen Sr. and his sis- in recognition of Guyana’s 42nd anniversary of Medical Center in Fort Worth was ranked 29th ter, Mary Ann Guyton, I say you have been independence. nationwide for its respiratory disorders spe- blessed to have such a great soul to be an in- Guyana achieved independence on May 26, cialty. Children’s Medical Center in Dallas was timate part of your life. 1966, and became the Co-operative Republic ranked 15th among cancer specialties, and Cornelius was a good man whose footsteps of Guyana on February 23, 1970, with a new ranked in the Top 30 on four other categories were ordered by the Lord and just as he constitution. Guyana is a located on the north- as well, including General Pediatrics and Di- brought joy to your lives, he brought joy to ern coast of South America between Ven- gestive Disorders. Children’s Cancer Hospital countless others. ezuela, Brazil, and Suriname. It is the lone at M.D. Anderson in Houston was ranked 21st May he rest in peace. English-speaking nation on the South Amer- among cancer specialties. f ican mainland, a country of 83,000 square The U.S. News rankings were based on sur- miles, dense tropical forests, and 800,000 veys of pediatricians, outcome of patient care IN HONOR OF DR. DAVID HALE, A people. including surgeries, and care-related meas- 2008 HEALTH CARE HERO OF MIN- This former British colony is rich in human ures including nurse staffing, availability of im- NESOTA resources, bauxite, gold and arable land. The portant technologies, and patient volume. young country had promising expectations but As a physician, it is inspiring to see that the HON. MICHELE BACHMANN success was not immediately attained. In fact, medical profession, and specifically the hos- OF MINNESOTA Guyana, at times, is described as one of the pitals and doctors serving Texas, are so ada- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere mantly dedicated to their service and are able and qualifies for debt concessions through the to provide such exceptional care to our na- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 global initiative to reduce burden on the tion’s children. Health care affects every facet Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise world’s highly indebted poor countries. of our lives, and America’s devotion to innova- today to recognize Dr. David Hale, Chief of After years of economic decline, failure to tion and advancements in medicine is vital in Staff and ER Medical Director at Woodwinds maintain its infrastructure, political conflict be- maintaining our position as having the best Health Campus, for being named a 2008 tween Afro and Indo Guyanese, Guyana’s health care system in the world. Health Care Hero by the Twin Cities Business largest ethnic groups, and factors that fueled Madam Speaker, it is with honor today that Magazine. A modem day hero not only in his an exodus of its brightest, the country needed I rise and extend my sincerest congratulations community, but as far away as Iraq, Dr. Hale’s reform. Today, it is rebuilding both its econ- to these outstanding children’s hospitals in selfless service and dedication to his work

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN8.002 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1181 have earned him the respect and admiration and community organizations such as the cessful completion of 127 projects. The of his patients and colleagues spread through- Texas City Managers Association and the Ro- PCEDC has helped to create over 11,000 new out the world. tary Club. George leaves a legacy of civic duty jobs for Platte County. Dr. David Hale has earned the reputation as that will be greatly missed. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in a giant in his field. In fact, one distinguished Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed col- applauding the Platte County Economic Devel- colleague has even said, ‘‘The world is a bet- leagues to join me in expressing our best opment Council of Platte County, Missouri for ter place because of Dr. Hale.’’ After hearing wishes to him and his family on this special its hard work and dedication. Since the EDC his long record of accomplishment, you will day. began, it has served as a resource to its in- surely agree. f vestors and the community. I want to thank As an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Pete Fullerton for all of his work and applaud Hale is known for his caring and compas- IN RECOGNITION OF RYAN him for his accomplishments with the Platte sionate demeanor towards patients and for his STEWART County EDC. leadership in hospital patient services. Some f suggest he is the reason Woodwinds receives HON. BILL SALI DUNEDIN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL some of the highest patient satisfaction scores OF IDAHO TEAM WINS THE FLORIDA STATE not only in Minnesota, but across the country. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES If that was not enough, Dr. Hale is a Major CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in the Minnesota National Guard and has completed two tours of duty in Iraq. Among his Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG military honors, Dr. Hale earned a Bronze recognition of Ryan Stewart of Boise, ID. OF FLORIDA Medal Star in March 2007, an Army Com- Ryan is representing Idaho as youth gov- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mendation Medal in March 2005, an Army ernor during the annual YMCA National Youth Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Achievement Medal in August 2003, a Na- Governors’ Conference here in Washington, tional Defense Service Medal, a Global War DC. Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, it on Terror Expeditionary Medal and many other I am proud of Ryan’s commitment and in- is with much pride that I rise today to con- awards for his outstanding military service. volvement in this program. Ryan was elected gratulate the Dunedin High .School Baseball Even more amazing are the contributions he youth governor after campaigning in Idaho’s team for winning the Florida State Class 5A has made on the humanitarian front during his youth and government program. This is a Championship. The Falcons of Dunedin, who time in Iraq. During his first tour of duty, Dr. hands-on program dedicated to educating high I have the privilege to represent, won the Hale stm1ed an international humanitarian ef- school students on how state government op- championship in an extra innings showdown fort to teach basic ’tnedical care to Iraqis, a erates. Ryan participated in a Regional Con- against the South Fork Bulldogs. program that still exists today. During his sec- vention giving speeches and ultimately being The Falcons won the championship in a ten ond tour in Iraq, he expanded his efforts to elected to his current position. inning marathon, the longest Florida State provide 400 first aid kits and midwife kits to I am honored to take the opportunity to rec- baseball championship game since 1997. The Iraqi women and children, a gesture well re- ognize Ryan. His involvement in the YMCA defense and pitching were excellent, keeping ceived by Iraqi villagers and soldiers alike. program is a great way for him to learn how the score tied at two runs apiece until Max Now back in Minnesota, Dr, Hale is focused our government functions. Ryan is an example Priest scored the winning run for Dunedin on on helping veterans returning home from war, to his peers and I wish him all the best for a a Max Kreuter single. It was only through a season of hard work— many of whom suffered traumatic injuries on successful year as youth governor in Idaho. both on and off of the field—that the Falcons the battlefield. f Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today finished with a 26–6 record on their way to the PLATTE COUNTY ECONOMIC to celebrate Dr. David Hale’s extraordinary school’s first state baseball title in 44 years. It DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL and selfless career of service. His contribu- is a testament to the character of these young tions to his community, the state of Minnesota, men, and they deserve to be congratulated. and the country of Iraq make him a distin- HON. SAM GRAVES But let us not forget to send our congratulations to Coach Tom Hilbert who worked tire- guished patriot, and make us all proud to be OF MISSOURI lessly as a coach and as a mentor to the Americans. I stand today and join his family, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES team. I would also like to congratulate the par- friends, and colleagues in wishing him a long Tuesday, June 10, 2008 and successful career. ents of the players, as well as the teachers, Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly administrators and the staff of Dunedin High f pause to recognize the outstanding achieve- School for doing a fantastic job of raising and IN RECOGNITION OF HIGHLAND ments of the Platte County Economic Devel- encouraging these exceptional student—ath- PARK TOWN ADMINISTRATOR opment Council (PCEDC) of Platte County, letes. Following my remarks, I will include for GEORGE PATTERSON Missouri. Burdette ‘‘Pete’’ Fullerton, Executive my colleagues the full story of Dunedin’s Director, has successfully guided the EDC, Baseball Championship as reported by The St. HON. PETE SESSIONS and I am honored to help celebrate their 20th Petersburg Times. Madam Speaker, in closing, please join me OF TEXAS Anniversary on June 20, 2008. This pres- in congratulating the Dunedin High School Fal- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tigious recognition is the culmination of twenty years of dedicated work to continuously im- cons for their outstanding achievement in win- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 prove and enhance our community. ning the Florida State Baseball Championship. Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise The Platte County EDC serves as an au- [From the St. Petersburg Times, May 15, today to honor Highland Park Town Adminis- thoritative voice in the community on eco- 2008] trator George Patterson. nomic development and related issues through LONG WAIT IS OVER: DUNEDIN WINS TITLE After graduating from Texas Tech Univer- an effective program of professional develop- SARASOTA—It began the moment the ball sity, he began his public service career as an ment, public policy, marketing, and commu- disappeared into Cammeron Fisher’s glove. Administrative Aide with the City of Lubbock. nications. The EDC has assisted in several Seconds later, a swarm of triumphant Dun- He then moved on to become the City Man- local projects over the past 20 years, including edin players rushed toward the mound to celebrate a 3–2 victory and the school’s first ager for Pecos City and Snyder before accept- ADT Security Services, Citi Cards, Harley-Da- state baseball title in 44 years. ing the position of Town Administrator with vidson Motor Company, KCI Expo Center, ‘‘This is something you dream about,’’ Highland Park in 1979. George will be retiring Lifetouch Publishing, Argosy Casino Hotel and Fisher said. ‘‘To make the final out is unbe- on June 24, 2008 with twenty-nine years of Spa, Multivac, The National Golf Club, Tiffany lievable, especially going through so many dedicated service to Highland Park. Greens Golf Club, and Zona Rosa. ups and downs in a game like this.’’ During his tenure, he has carefully managed Pete Fullerton is responsible for the growth There already were lingering memories—of and led his staff by example. With his vision of this non-profit organization that promotes the heart-wrenching moments in the seventh inning, of the nail-biting rally in extra in- and leadership skills, Highland Park is a better economic development in Platte County, Mis- nings, of a game snatched from defeat—that and safer community. His commitment to pub- souri. Pete has worked diligently on behalf of the players swore they never doubted. lic service extended beyond the workplace. He EDC to build a partnership between public and The winning run scored in the top of the is actively involved in numerous professional private sectors and has assisted in the suc- 10th inning when Max Kreuter singled in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.006 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 Max Priest against Stuart South Fork. The ogy from Towson University, a Certification in CELEBRATING HOW STANLEY two played the longest championship game Education, and is currently working on her MICHELS GAVE NORTHERN MAN- since 1997. master’s degree in Biology. HATTAN A POWERFUL VOICE IN ‘‘It was a little nerve-racking, but we have CITY POLITICS so many bats in this lineup that we knew we Thanks to her unique background and had a chance,’’ Kreuter said. teaching style, her bright, inviting classroom But this game was won with defense and and original lessons keep her students active HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL pitching. OF NEW YORK and engaged in the classroom. Using her The Falcons had a two-run lead then IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES watched it disappear when the Bulldogs background in advertising, Mrs. Roland pack- scored a run each in the third and fifth in- ages her lessons and activities in an appeal- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 nings to tie it. ing and creative way. Her enthusiastic teach- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today In the seventh, South Fork (27–6) had run- ings inspire and motivate her students to put to celebrate a champion of environmental ners on first and third with no outs. The Fal- health and a stellar legislator, Stanley Michels, cons walked the next runner to load the effort into their work and truly absorb the class bases. material. a 24-year New York City Council member At that point, Dunedin was desperate to whose birthday we honor today. Three dec- win—and keep its state title hopes from van- Mrs. Roland goes the extra mile when it ades ago, he set for himself an ambitious ishing. comes to helping her students succeed. Ap- task: to render visible the invisible, to—as he ‘‘We were on the edge of our seats at that preciating that biology can be a difficult sub- put it—‘‘convince City Hall that there is life in point,’’ Dunedin coach Tom Hilbert said. ject, Mrs. Roland acknowledges all student Manhattan above 96th Street.’’ A lifelong resi- ‘‘Our backs were against the wall. But we achievement. She evaluates student under- dent of northern Manhattan, he felt it impera- were able to maintain our composure.’’ Slowly, the Falcons (26–6) found a way to standing and provides immediate feedback. tive that he and his neighbors in West Harlem, wiggle out of the jam. Her students know that she will not move on in Washington Heights, in Inwood, in Alex Norris, who came on in relief of Clay until there is a basic understanding of every Morningside Heights, in Central Harlem, be Kollenbaum, got the first and only batter he concept. The projects and activities she as- given a voice. After an illustrious career on the faced to ground out. signs are challenging and diverse so every Council, it’s safe to say he has succeeded, Jake Rogers came in next and got the next student can feel a sense of accomplishment. and then some. The litany of legislative two batters to strike out and fly out. achievement attached to his name speaks to ‘‘It was just incredible to come out of that Mrs. Roland makes herself available to stu- his political and personal philosophies: the way we did,’’ Rogers said. ‘‘I had so much dents and parents before and after school, as Prioritize the quality of life of everyday people. adrenaline going.’’ well as through e-mail in the evenings should Hold steadfast to the guiding principles of fair- Beneath the noise, tension and pressure, a student need assistance with an assign- Rogers emerged more as a survivor than a ness and pragmatism. And always, always closer. ment. stand by those who need most defending. With so much at stake, Rogers knew he Mrs. Roland is eager to attend relevant con- An environmentalist at heart whose driving couldn’t afford to make mistakes. He es- ferences and meetings to enhance her profes- motivation was consistently the health and caped unharmed, throwing 31⁄3 innings after sional development. She plays a major role on well-being of his constituency, Michels led the pitching just three before Thursday’s appear- charge for cleaner air and the protection of the ance. the Technology Steering Committee and is ac- ‘‘Jake was just phenomenal,’’ Hilbert said. tively involved in the curriculum writing for area’s water supply. He advanced a prece- ‘‘It was a real gutsy performance.’’ many subjects. She initiated a new course in dent-setting law aiming to protect children from lead poisoning in apartments. He spear- It remained scoreless through the next forensic science for Harford County, received three innings. headed an expansion of the city’s recycling approval and wrote the entire curriculum. The Then the Falcons, after squandering so and waste-reduction programs, requiring the many chances, made something happen in course is now part of the county curriculum weekly collection of recyclables and granting the 10th. Priest led off the inning by drawing and she is working on staff development for the Council the power to approve the city’s a walk, then moved to second on a sacrifice the teachers. bunt by Mike Kumbat and advanced to third Solid Waste Management Plan. He railed on a wild pitch. Priest scored on Kreuter’s Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me against smoking and excessive noise in public single. today to honor Christine Roland in her accept- places, limiting both in his time on the Council. Rogers then finished things off. The mo- ance of the 2007–2008 Harford County Teach- Two short months after the attacks of Sept. ment Fisher caught the ball, Rogers sprung er of the Year Award. Her legacy as a dedi- 11, he held the first public hearings on air off the mound, shook his fist, twirled in a cated, enthusiastic teacher will be forever re- quality and the environmental impact of the crazy leap and came down to earth knowing World Trade Center collapse. For nearly a membered by the appreciative students who he would be able to sleep. decade, he chaired the Committee on Environ- ‘‘I think all of us are going to pass out on walk through her classroom doors. It is with mental Protection, early in his tenure bringing the bus on the ride home,’’ Rogers said. ‘‘It great pride that I congratulate Christine Ro- together at-odds parties in the battle over the was such a draining game, so full of emo- land on her exemplary career in education and tions. city’s watershed and succeeded in creating ‘‘But it was so worth it to win like this.’’ her outstanding performance at Edgewood the dialogue that led to the Watershed Memo- High School in Harford County. f randum of Agreement, still effectively safe- guarding the city’s water-supply system today. TRIBUTE TO COLONEL CHRISTINE f A master of both policy and relationships, he ROLAND is as good at legislating as he is at bringing PERSONAL EXPLANATION people together. HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER He fought then—and continues to fight—for OF MARYLAND the little guy. He required that there be public IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JERRY WELLER hearings before annual increases to rent-sta- OF ILLINOIS bilized apartments. He was the motivating Tuesday, June 10, 2008 force behind a provision that exempted sen- Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES iors from certain rent increases. He closed rise before you today to honor Christine Ro- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 loopholes in the deregulation of apartments, land, recently awarded the title of 2007–2008 allowed the city to foreclose on individual Harford County Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Ro- Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I properties in tax arrears, and eliminated the land has been a teacher with Harford County rise today to enter into the RECORD votes I parking garage surtax for Manhattan residents. Public Schools for five years, teaching Biology would have cast had I been present for rollcall For a quarter of a century, he served tire- and Forensic Science at Edgewood High votes 388 through 390. I was absent on Mon- lessly for the public. His home—too often forgotten, overlooked, disregarded—had finally a School. day, June 9th, due to flight delays caused by Born and raised in Switzerland, Mrs. Roland voice in city government. And what a powerful severe weather. earned a degree in advertising and public rela- and distinct voice he gave them. He optimisti- tions and became fluent in three languages If I were present I would have voted, ‘‘yea’’ cally noted that his tenure sent the city a clear before she moved to the United States. She on rollcall vote 388, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 389, message: that ‘‘no city agency can ignore us’’ has since earned a bachelor’s degree in Biol- and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 390. ever again.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.008 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1183 A TRIBUTE TO THE CHILDREN’S RECOGNITION OF RICHARD M. to take your home, farm, business or place of HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA KNAPP, PH.D. worship. The negative affects of this far reaching Supreme Court decision places millions of HON. ROBERT A. BRADY HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN private property owners nationwide at risk. OF PENNSYLVANIA OF CALIFORNIA Some States are trying to correct this injus- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tice and have enacted restrictions on the use of eminent domain (in this case, is when the Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Tuesday, June 10, 2008 government seizes private property), with var- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to ied effectiveness. However, Congress has not Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Phila- recognize the contributions of Richard M. taken action to restore private property rights delphia institution and a staple in our commu- Knapp, Ph.D., who is retiring as Executive and the abusive use of eminent domain has nity, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Vice President of the Association of American continued. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has al- Medical Colleges, AAMC, after 40 years of That is why I am introducing the Private ways held itself to the highest standard of service to the Nation on behalf of medical Property Rights Protection and Government care. This month, they have been recognized schools and teaching hospitals. Accountability Act of 2008, along with the for their excellence as they were rated as the As the senior policy advisor to the AAMC, House Energy and Commerce Committee best over all children’s hospital in America in Dr. Knapp has provided leadership on a wide Ranking Member JOE BARTON. This legislation a U.S. News & World Report exclusive annual range of health policy matters, particularly re- will restrict certain federal economic develop- ranking, receiving this honor for the sixth year garding the delivery of hospital and medical ment funds for 10 years to any state or locality in a row. services where medical education simulta- in which eminent domain is used to take pri- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was neously occurs and research brings advances. vate property for a private purpose. It will also founded in 1855 and was the first hospital de- Dr. Knapp joined the AAMC in 1968 after allow private property owners the legal re- voted solely to the care of children. Today it earning a bachelor of arts degree from Mari- course they deserve to fight baseless private houses 430 beds and treats more than one etta College, in Marietta, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in property takings by State and local govern- million patients a year. Children’s Hospital of hospital and health administration from the ments. Philadelphia specializes in cancer, digestive University of Iowa. Examples of eminent domain abuse can be disorders, heart and heart surgery, neonatal He has consistently been a fair and thought- seen across Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City care, neurology and neurosurgery and res- ful advocate for the Nation’s teaching hospitals to Muskogee, and across this country. piratory disorders. While coming in first for and medical schools, and his knowledge and No family, business operator or place of overall general practices, the hospital also integrity are widely recognized and appre- worship is safe if the government decides that ranked in the top three in the country in each ciated. their property does not measure up, and that of these individual categories. Dr. Knapp’s service to the health community ‘‘public purpose’’ would be better served if it Since it was established the Children’s Hos- includes his tenure on the Board of Trustees were torn down and replaced by something pital of Philadelphia has been concentrated on of the Inova Health System in Fairfax County, bigger, glitzier and more taxable. I encourage caring for the families of patients as well as Virginia, from 1983–2005, where he served as all my colleagues to support this important leg- the patients themselves. Now they have pro- chair from 1999–2003. He is a past chairman islation. grams where parents teach the physicians of the National Association for Biomedical Re- f what it is like to care for a child with a specific search and has held the offices of secretary disease, because they have the best knowl- and treasurer in the Federation of Associa- IN HONOR OF KATHERINE KELLY edge of this. The Children’s Hospital also en- tions of Schools of the Health Professions. He courages families to stay with their children at also served on the Advisory Board for the HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS all times, making the treatment more bearable Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Pol- OF FLORIDA for the children and their families. icy Fellowships. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Madam Speaker, The Children’s Hospital of Before becoming executive vice president of Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Philadelphia is a key institution in Philadelphia the AAMC, Dr. Knapp served the organization and I congratulate them on this honor and as senior vice president, director of the De- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, thank them for their dedication to excellence partment of Teaching Hospitals, director of the I rise today to honor the life and work of Kath- and their service to our community. Division of Teaching Hospitals, and director of erine Kelly. Ms. Kelly is a lifelong Democrat who has always fought for the values and f a teaching hospital project. His contributions to health care policy have ideals that our party and our country hold THE DAILY 45: MIGUEL CELIS been recognized by his election to the Institute dear. of Medicine. As a member of the Democratic Executive HON. BOBBY L. RUSH I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Committee (D.E.C.) of Palm Beach County for OF ILLINOIS Dr. Knapp and his family every success and more than 30 years, Katherine and her late IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES happiness in the next phase of his life. husband, Edward Kelly, helped to build the f D.E.C. and bring it to the position of promi- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 nence it holds today. Recognizing her status Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, every day, 45 THE PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS as one of the most respected Democrats in people, on average, are fatally shot in the PROTECTION AND GOVERNMENT Palm Beach County, her fellow Committee United States. Young lives are being cut short ACCOUNTABILITY ACT members elected her State Committeewoman, because of gun violence and families on both a title she still holds. sides of the gun are dramatically affected. HON. JOHN SULLIVAN Katherine Kelly was a founding member of Last week, authorities charged Edgar OF OKLAHOMA Palm Beach County’s first chapter of the Na- Ceasar Diaz, 15, of Waukegan, Illinois with six IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tional Organization for Women and has spent counts of first-degree murder that, if convicted, her entire life fighting to advance the rights of could land him in jail for the remainder of his Tuesday, June 10, 2008 women. She has also been a leader in count- life. His family is in pain over what their son Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise less endeavors to ensure the rights of minori- is charged with. today to introduce H.R. 6219, the Private ties and underprivileged citizens. And she is Diaz is accused of the April 25 shooting Property Rights Protection and Government an ardent supporter of organized labor and the death of 18-year-old Miguel Celis also of Wau- Accountability Act of 2008. rights of working men and women in South kegan. Celis died of a gunshot wound to the Previously, the U.S. Constitution specifically Florida and throughout our Nation. chest fired from a .38-caliber handgun that limited government taking of private property Katherine Kelly’s relentless efforts have re- was recovered from Diaz, according to re- through a relatively narrow exception for ‘‘pub- sulted in the election of many Democratic offi- ports. His family is in mourning. lic use.’’ Public use has historically referred to cials at all levels of government. More impor- Americans of conscience must come to- roads, schools, firehouses, etc. You may re- tantly, however, they have resulted in better gether to stop the senseless death of ‘‘The member the infamous 2005 Supreme Court lives for the people for whom she has fought. Daily 45.’’ When will Americans say ‘‘enough decision, Kelo v. City of New London, where Katherine is loved and respected by all who is enough, stop the killing!’’ the court broadened the government’s ability have benefited from her compassion, concern,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.011 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 and determination, and she has earned the Odom, a man of unquestionable character and As the team leader for the 6th grade at gratitude of the countless individuals who have undeniable devotion to our Nation. He served Deep Creek, Ms. August has been instru- benefited from her work. I am extremely proud with distinction, provided experienced insight mental in developing and maintaining parental to call Katherine Kelly my friend and ally. She about our Nation’s foreign policy decisions, involvement that is necessary for the school to is truly an admirable individual and a great and expressed a rare candor that made him be successful. She consistently monitors the American. an invaluable resource to everyone that academic performance of her students in all of f worked with him, including the United States their classes in order to provide mentorship to Congress. the students and provide strategies to help TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN RICH- On Friday, May 30, 2008, General Odom them succeed. Throughout the year, Ms. Au- ARD A. GEPHARDT OF MISSOURI passed away at the age of 75. The course of gust opens her classroom doors to teachers his career traces the evolution of our military who are in need of professional development, HON. IKE SKELTON and intelligence communities over the past 25 modeling lessons that demonstrate excellence OF MISSOURI years. He served as a senior military intel- in teaching. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ligence official for President Jimmy Carter, and She has dedicated her career to improving then joined President Ronald Reagan as the achievement for her students, serving on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 director of the National Security Agency during many school improvement teams and holding Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me the administration’s second term. Following his positions as diverse as Student Council Advi- take this time to recognize my good friend and retirement from the Army in 1988, after 34 sor, curriculum writer, and mentor. As a mem- our former colleague, Congressman Richard years of active duty, General Odom continued ber of the leadership team at Deep Creek Mid- A. Gephardt of Missouri, who recently re- his service by teaching at Yale University, dle, Ms. August continues to bring new ideas ceived the Harry S. Truman Award for Public working for the Hudson Institute, and writing to the school plan, helping to design better Service from the City of Independence, Mis- scholarly works. and more efficient ways of meeting the various souri. This award is given annually to honor a Chief among his laudable qualities, it was needs of the students. Through the Teaching distinguished public servant who best exempli- General Odom’s candor that proved most re- American History in Maryland program, she fies the characteristics of President Harry S. freshing and invaluable. A self-described mili- has published work with the University of Truman. tary hawk, he was among the first military per- Maryland, Baltimore County Center for History Congressman Richard Gephardt grew up in sons to speak out against the invasion of Iraq Education and presented at the Maryland St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1958 graduated and he openly advocated a withdrawal. Gen- Conference for the Social Studies. from Southwest High School. He is an Eagle eral Odom warned that military action in Iraq Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me Scout and is a recipient of the Distinguished would be foolhardy and futile well before the today to honor Robin August in her accept- Eagle Scout Award. In 1962, he earned a U.S.-led invasion in 2003. In hindsight, his ance of the 2007–2008 Baltimore County bachelor of science degree at Northwestern concerns were well founded and have since Teacher of the Year Award. Her legacy as a University in Evanston, Illinois, and earned a been validated, but before the invasion he was dedicated, enthusiastic educator will be for- law degree from the University of Michigan in among the few willing to speak out loudly in ever remembered by the grateful students who 1965. After law school, Congressman Gep- opposition to the drumbeat to war. His back- walk through her classroom doors. It is with hardt practiced law and set forth on a distin- ground and depth gave intellectual credence great pride that I congratulate Robin August guished public service career that included to the growing opposition to the war, and he on her exemplary career in education and her serving the American people in military uni- demonstrated that there were differences of outstanding performance at Deep Creek Mag- form and in elected office. From 1965 to 1971, opinion within our military and intelligence net Middle School in Baltimore County. communities on the merits of the invasion. Congressman Gephardt served in the Missouri f Air National Guard. From 1968 to 1971, he To me and other members of the Defense served as a Democratic committeeman in St. Appropriations Committee, General Odom was CONGRATULATORY REMARKS FOR Louis, and from 1971 to 1976, he served as a great source of experience and a wealth of THE HIGH SCHOOL VALEDIC- a St. Louis alderman. knowledge. I came to rely upon his judgment TORIANS OF 2008 In 1976, Gephardt ran for and was elected and took counsel with him privately on issues to the U.S. House of Representatives. From related to our national defense. He was a HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL thoughtful, steady guide on the most complex 1977 to 2005, Congressman Gephardt served OF NEW YORK matters that face us today, and we are at a the people of Missouri and our country with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES distinction and quickly became a leader within loss without him. More importantly, the Nation Tuesday, June 10, 2008 the Democratic Caucus. In 1984, he was has lost a true and valued patriot. elected chairman of the House Democratic Madam Speaker, we are saddened by Gen- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today Caucus and was elected House majority lead- eral Odom’s passing, and we extend our to commend tens of thousands of youngsters er in 1989. He subsequently served as House heartfelt condolences to his family. May others who, this year, earned their high school diplo- minority leader from 1994 to 2005. Gephardt learn from his example and may his memory mas as first in their respective graduating also twice ran for the Democratic Presidential stay with us forever. classes. The diploma in itself has come to nomination, in 1988 and in 2004. After retiring f symbolize promise and opportunity, the first from Congress in 2005, Gephardt formed a TRIBUTE TO ROBIN AUGUST step in a series of steps towards achieving the consulting and public policy development firm. American dream, and I am proud of each and Madam Speaker, Congressman Richard A. every student who earned one this year. But HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER that honor is ever the more remarkable when Gephardt exemplifies the best of American OF MARYLAND awarded with a valedictorian title, an acknowl- public service. He is so very deserving of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Harry S. Truman Award, and I know my col- edgement that its receiver is academically top- leagues in the House will join me in congratu- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 notch in his or her class. lating him, his wife, Jane, and their lovely fam- Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I These bright, young minds—freshly out of ily for their years of dedication to the American rise before you today to honor Robin August, school, having ostensibly left adolescence be- people. recently awarded the title of 2007–2008 Balti- hind and come into their own as educated, f more County Teacher of the Year. Ms. August young adults—will inherit this world, as much has been a teacher with Baltimore County our successes as our failures. It will be up to TRIBUTE TO GENERAL WILLIAM E. Public Schools for 8 years, teaching mathe- them to improve upon our legacy, to wield ODOM matics at Deep Creek Elementary School and their ingenuity and knowledge to the benefit of now Deep Creek Magnet Middle School. their country and their world. It pleases me to HON. JAMES P. MORAN Ms. August began her career in education in know that there are steady, capable young OF VIRGINIA 1990, working for the Baltimore City Public hands out there prepared to mold, shape, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES School System. In 2000, she accepted a posi- supply form to a better future. tion at Deep Creek Elementary School in Balti- These men and women are an exemplary Tuesday, June 10, 2008 more County and is currently a mathematics class, many of whom will go on to earn col- Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I teacher and team leader at Deep Creek Mag- lege degrees, serve America in some form of rise today to pay tribute to General William E. net Middle School. public service, travel abroad, raise families, or

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.014 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1185 join the workforce. Regardless of the path, On rollcall 358, on the Pearce amendment PERSONAL EXPLANATION their unique strengths and talents will sustain to H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ America and her standing on the global stage. On rollcall 359, on the Lee amendment to HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK Although the task may sound great and H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ OF NORTH CAROLINA daunting, these achievers have shown both IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On rollcall 360, on the Braley amendment to grit and giftedness over the past 4 years and Tuesday, June 10, 2008 will surely rise to the challenge with poise and H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ a sense of purpose. Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, due to a On rollcall 361, on the Price amendment to flight cancellation, I was unable to participate But for today, we celebrate and congratu- H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ late, keeping an eye on the greatness that lies in the following votes. If I had been present, in store for them and this Nation. On rollcall 362, on the Holt amendment to I would have voted as follows: H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ June 9, 2008: f Rollcall vote 388, on motion to suspend the On rollcall 363, on the McGovern amend- HONORING MR. JAMES ARNOLD rules and agree—H. Res. 1225, expressing ment to H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ support for designation of June 2008 as ‘‘Na- On rollcall 364, on the Motion to Recommit tional Safety Month’’—I would have voted HON. EARL BLUMENAUER with instructions the Duncan Hunter National ‘‘aye.’’ OF OREGON Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year Rollcall vote 389, on motion to suspend the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2009 (H.R. 5658), I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ rules and agree—H. Res. 1243, recognizing Tuesday, June 10, 2008 the immeasurable contributions of fathers in I would have done so because the Motion to the healthy development of children, sup- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I Recommit—as written—would have effectively porting responsible fatherhood, and encour- would like to offer my thanks and congratula- killed the bill by sending it back to Committee. aging greater involvement of fathers in the tions to Mr. James Arnold, environmental res- I also objected to what the Motion attempted lives of their children, especially on Father’s toration manager for the Oregon National to do. It would have repealed Section 526 of Day—I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ Guard. He was recently awarded the Sec- the Energy Independence and Security Act, Rollcall vote 390, on motion to suspend the retary of the Army’s FY07 Environmental Res- which ensures that federal agencies do not rules and agree—H. Res. 127, recognizing toration Award for contributions made by an procure or promote alternative fuels that emit, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the individual. This is the Army’s highest honor in on a lifecycle basis, more greenhouse gas entry of Alaska into the Union as the 49th the field of environmental science, and Mr. Ar- emissions than equivalent conventional fuels State—I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ nold is the year’s only individual to be recog- f nized. produced from conventional petroleum As the Federal Government’s largest prop- sources. This provision relates primarily to ef- BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL DEL- erty holder, the Department of Defense has a forts of the Department of Defense to obtain EGATION TO NATO PARLIAMEN- significant responsibility to ensure its lands are half of its domestically used fuel from domes- TARY ASSEMBLY MEETINGS IN sustainably managed. Mr. Arnold’s success tic synthetic sources by 2016. Specifically, the BERLIN, AND A SUBSEQUENT proves that government can be a good partner Air Force is pursuing ‘‘coal-to-liquid’’ fuel TRIP TO TURKEY AND AFGHANI- to communities and the environment. His inno- (CTL). According to both the EPA and DOE, STAN vative approaches to resource management liquid coal produces double the global warm- and remediation are a credit to Oregonian in- ing emissions compared to conventional gaso- HON. JOHN S. TANNER genuity and environmental stewardship. line. OF TENNESSEE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I am particularly impressed by the large- An amendment adopted on the floor clarified scale range remediation at Camp Section 526 to ensure that federal agencies Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Withycombe, located in my district. For years, could procure conventional fuels that contain Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, during the I have advocated for increased awareness incidental amounts of unconventional fuels. recent district work period I led a bipartisan and funding for the cleanup of our ranges and With the passage of this amendment, it is my House delegation to NATO Parliamentary As- legacy sites. This work in immensely chal- belief that there is no reason to repeal Section sembly (NPA) meetings in Berlin, from May lenging and I am impressed with Mr. Arnold’s 23–27. The co-chair of my delegation was the creative, cost-effective, and above all, suc- 526, since the Department of Defense has said that it intends to pursue CTL with carbon Hon. JOHN SHIMKUS. Participating in the dele- cessful approach to this problem. gation were Representatives MARION BERRY, I am proud that the Oregon Army National capture and sequestration. In addition, the De- fense Science Board Task Force on Energy JOHN BOOZMAN, BEN CHANDLER, JO ANN Guard is at the forefront of the Army’s efforts EMERSON, CAROLYN MCCARTHY, RALPH REG- recommended that if DOD decides to provide to transform its environmental and business ULA, DENNIS MOORE, DAVID SCOTT, and MIKE financial backing to synthetic fuel production practices. ROSS, and staff worked to make this a suc- Mr. Arnold, thank you for your outstanding plants, it should avoid investing in processes cessful trip in the examination of a number of service to Oregon and our country. I wish you that exceed the carbon footprint of petroleum. key NATO issues. the best of luck in your future work. On rollcall 365, on Passage of the Duncan The NATO Parliamentary Assembly brings f Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for together members of parliaments of the NATO allies, as well as observer participants from PERSONAL EXPLANATION Fiscal Year 2009 (H.R. 5658), I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ NATO partner states such as Russia and Ukraine, for discussions of current issues of HON. MARK UDALL On rollcall 366, on the Motion to Suspend interest to the alliance. Members attend com- OF COLORADO the Rules and Agree, as Amended, to H. Res. mittee meetings where reports are read and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 986, a resolution recognizing the courage and debated. The meetings afford an opportunity sacrifice of those members of the United Tuesday, June 10, 2008 to sound parliamentarians from allied states States Armed Forces who were held as prison public opinion, defense and foreign policy, Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I oners of war during the Vietnam conflict and and trends in thinking on issues of mutual in- was unable to be present for votes during the calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 mem- terest. The meetings also provide the oppor- late afternoon and evening of May 22, 2008. bers of the Armed Forces who remain unac- tunity to come to know members of par- For the information of our colleagues and my counted for from the Vietnam conflict, I would liaments on a long-term basis, an invaluable constituents, I want the RECORD to reflect how have voted ‘‘yes.’’ asset in developing insights into policy devel- I would have voted on the following votes I opment in allied governments. missed that day. The resolution recognizes the 35th anniver- After the Assembly meetings in Berlin, the On rollcall 355, on the Akin amendment to sary of ‘‘Operation Homecoming,’’ when the delegation traveled on to Turkey and Afghani- H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ first wave of the longest-held POWs from Viet- stan, where we explored issues that I will ad- On rollcall 356, on the Franks amendment nam left that country to return to the United dress in a moment. to H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ States. We honor those POWs, but we also Recurrent themes on key NATO issues On rollcall 357, on the Tierney amendment honor those brave heroes who fought and were evident in the Berlin committee meet- to H.R. 5658, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ died for our country but never returned home. ings. Above all, NATO’s International Security

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.017 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan was a other allies to contribute more troops and to lift who gave us her valuable perspective on the constant topic of discussion. It is clear that their caveats. The debate was sharp at times. issues that she considers to be most important ISAF needs more combat personnel, and that ISAF now has 52,000 troops, of which ap- on the NATO agenda. We also visited the new caveats—restrictions that allies place on the proximately 22,000 are from the United States. U.S. embassy, near the line of the old Berlin use of their forces—are adversely affecting ef- The Russians continued their erratic behavior wall, and met with our ambassador, William forts to stabilize Afghanistan. Energy security, in the Defense Committee, denouncing the al- Timken. During a dinner the final night of our Russia’s foreign policy objectives, defense ca- lies’ stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. Rep. meetings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel pabilities, and Iran were also important areas SHIMKUS is the vice-chair of the Subcommittee sat at my table, and we had a lively discussion of discussion. on Transatlantic Defense and Security Co- about a range of issues of mutual interest. I am chairman of the NPA’s Committee on operation, and he made several valuable inter- After the meetings in Berlin, we flew to Tur- Economics and Security. I would like to take ventions on such issues as the need for allies key for meetings with a range of senior Turk- this opportunity to mention that our friend and to spend more on defense, and on NATO’s ef- ish officials. Turkey remains a key ally, per- colleague, RALPH REGULA, continued his long forts to stabilize the Caucasus. haps even more important than it was during and distinguished service on that committee Two of our colleagues play key roles in the the Cold War. Turkey’s strategic location—on during the Berlin meetings. His contributions Assembly’s Committee on the Civil Dimension the Bosphorus and the Black Sea, facing the over many years have been invaluable. of Security. Representative MOORE is vice- Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe Representative BOOZMAN and a Lithuanian chairperson of the Committee on Civil Dimen- colleague presented a well-received report in sion, and Representative EMERSON is vice- and Asia, and on the route of critical energy the Economics Committee on India’s econ- chairperson of the Subcommittee on Demo- supplies—is vital to NATO security. In addi- omy. India plays an important role in south cratic Governance. Each made important con- tion, Turkey is a Muslim country and a democ- Asia, and U.S.-Indian relations have strength- tributions to the debates in the Civil Dimension racy. An important issue confronting Turkey is ened over the past decade. India’s proximity Committee. An interesting discussion took its application to join the European Union, a to Afghanistan and its often tense relations place in response to a report on NATO and step that some EU governments strongly op- with Pakistan play a role in the stabilization of energy security. Representative SCOTT made pose. Today, there is a vigorous discussion in that volatile area. The Indian economy has a valuable contribution in detailing ways that Turkey about the role of Islam in society. An opened up in recent years, and there is clear NATO could play a constructive role in build- Islamic Party, the Justice and Development evidence of a growing middle class in the ing energy security and thereby enhancing Party (AKP), led by prime minister Tayyip world’s largest democracy. There was also a global security. Erdogan, is in a protracted but restrained con- report on the Afghan economy, which must The Committee on Science and Technology test for power with other parties and the Turk- grow and diversify more rapidly if Afghanistan also heard a report on energy security. The ish military. On May 28 the delegation met is to stabilize. The report emphasized the neg- German rapporteur contended that Russia is a with specialists in Istanbul who represent a ative effects of Afghanistan’s extensive poppy reliable supplier of oil and natural gas for Eu- range of views in Turkey’s academic and jour- culture and poor governance on ISAF’s sta- rope, a controversial point of view that some nalistic world on the country’s future, and on bilization efforts. believe is contradicted by Moscow’s occa- the debate over the role of Islam and secu- Our friend and former colleague, Doug Be- sional cut-offs of energy to Ukraine, Georgia, larism in Turkish society. reuter, who was once president of the NATO and Lithuania. Increasingly, our European al- Our meetings in Istanbul prepared us for our Parliamentary Assembly, gave an interesting lies are dependent on Russian energy revisit the next day to Ankara, where we held a presentation on the efforts of the Asia Founda- sources, a development that could open the succession of meetings with senior govern- tion, which he now heads, to assist schools door to Russian pressure and influence in ment officials. We met with prime minister and women in Afghanistan and other parts of NATO in the event of a crisis. Representative Erdogan, with whom we had a direct but con- Asia. His report, a version of which he also SCOTT chided the Russians for not having rati- structive discussion over U.S.-Turkish relations presented in the Political Committee, was en- fied the Energy Charter Treaty, which obli- and on Turkey’s future. We then met with our lightening and extremely well-received. gates signatories to follow market practices former NATO Parliamentary Assembly col- The Political Committee is normally the and disavow the use of energy as a political league, Abdullah Gul, now the president of most contentious of the Assembly’s commit- tool. Representative SHIMKUS raised the point Turkey and also a member of the AKP. We tees, and that was once again true. As I men- that diversification of supply and types of fuels had a very cordial discussion on a range of tioned, Russia sends observers to the Assem- is key to enhancing energy security. This was issues. It is clear that U.S.-Turkish relations bly who may participate in debates, but who a forceful debate on an issue that is likely to have improved since November 2007, when may not vote. Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a former engage NATO’s interest in the decades to the United States began to assist Turkey in its Russian general and candidate for the Rus- come. effort to subdue the Kurdish terrorist move- sian presidency, is now a member of par- The last day of the Assembly’s meetings ment known as the PKK, which is seeking to liament, and he made his presence frequently was spent in a plenary session. There were a carve away Turkish territory and unite it with felt. He repeatedly denounced NATO and its number of interesting speakers, including the part of northern Iraq, where Kurds also live. efforts to stabilize the Balkans and Afghani- German foreign minister and the NATO Sec- Finally, we had a meeting with the defense stan as ‘‘terrorist’’ incursions in Russia’s sup- retary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. De minister Vecdi Gonul, a civilian who is an im- posedly legitimate sphere of influence. The Hoop Scheffer urged the parliamentarians to portant link for the AKP to the Turkish military. Russian delegates have chosen during the go back to their publics and make the case for We are hoping that our Turkish friends in the past several years to play a disruptive role in the importance of developing reliable, political parties and the military will resolve Assembly proceedings. deployable combat forces, and for making a their differences peacefully, and that Turkish Representative ROSS delivered a well-re- meaningful contribution to ISAF’s efforts in Af- democracy will be strengthened. ceived report in the Political Committee on ghanistan. A German general also spoke. The While in Ankara, the delegation went to the ‘‘NATO and Iran,’’ which looked forward pro- Russian Zhirinovsky again made his presence tomb of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern spectively to ways that the alliance might work felt when he claimed, to the amazement and Turkey. I laid a wreath and signed a memorial with the EU and the U.N. to induce Tehran to amusement of the delegates, that Russia had book in honor of the man who established the terminate its nuclear enrichment program that generously brought down the Berlin wall and secular Turkish state. It was a solemn occa- is in violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation made democracy possible in East Germany. sion on a brilliantly bright, sunny day. Treaty. His ideas ranged from political pres- He contended that NATO would fail in Afghan- sure to greater economic sanctions to carrots istan, just as Russia had. The German gen- After our meetings in Ankara, that night the in the form of limited military confidence-build- eral—General Ramm—calmly replied that delegation proceeded to Adana, where the ing measures in return for a cessation of Iran’s Russia failed in Afghanistan because it had Turkish military base Incirlik is located. U.S. illegitimate nuclear activities. I should mention sought a military solution, and that NATO forces, with Turkish permission, fly supply mis- that Representative CHANDLER is a vice-chair- would succeed because it is seeking a political sions to Iraq and Afghanistan from Incirlik. man of the Political Committee, and he played solution. Adana and the base are located near the Syr- an active role in a number of sessions. Our delegation had an interesting private ian border. The following morning we met with The Committee on Defense and Security meeting with Secretary General de Hoop the governor of Adana, who gave us a briefing also engaged in some interesting debates. Scheffer, during which we had a highly inform- on PKK activity and on political developments ISAF’s prospects in Afghanistan were sharply ative discussion of such issues as Afghani- in the Adana region. He was a strong advo- debated. The representatives of several allies, stan, energy security, and Iran’s relations with cate of Turkish membership in the EU, which such as Britain, Canada, and the Netherlands its neighbors. The delegation also met with the he believes would strengthen Turkish democ- that have combat forces in Afghanistan, urged U.S. ambassador to NATO, Victoria Nuland, racy.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.021 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1187 At Incirlik, we also had the opportunity to struction, and the development of local mar- the last 50 years has faithfully served the peo- meet with some of our troops who are from kets. A basic economy has begun to appear ple of Jena, LA, and LaSalle Parish through our constituencies. These are the young men around some of the PRTs, but there remains his medical practice, which he first opened on and women that make the United States safe much to accomplish. July 1, 1958. and secure, whether serving here or in distant There are three key needs for the PRTs. While enrolled as a pre-med student at Lou- places. We should keep them in our thoughts The first is the placement of agricultural spe- isiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, Dr. as we appreciate the stability and security that cialists in each of the 26 ISAF PRTs. The Turnley answered the call a great many in his we enjoy here in the United States. United States only recently placed one agricul- generation answered. He put his education on By chance, we crossed paths at Incirlik with tural specialist at each of its 13 PRTs; the hold and enrolled in the U.S. military to serve Gen. David Petraeus, who was at the base for need is great for agricultural specialists at his country in World War II and was awarded a brief stay. He offered to meet with the dele- other NATO PRTs, and in the local agricultural commendation for his work at the U.S. Navy gation, and there was an interesting exchange schools. Afghanistan is and will remain for the Hospital in San Diego. After his service, he re- of views on a range of strategic issues. foreseeable future an agrarian economy, now turned home to Louisiana to complete his On May 31 we left Incirlik at an early hour dependent largely on poppies. This poppy cul- undergrad studies at Louisiana Tech and later for the flight to Kabul, where we spent the en- ture must diminish over time, perhaps to be earn his medical degree from Louisiana State tire day. The stabilization of Afghanistan is replaced by orchard crops and wheat. This ef- University in 1956. NATO’s principal mission. Many believe that fort will take time. In addition to his private practice in Jena, NATO’s credibility is on the line in Afghanistan A second need for the PRTs is the hiring of Dr. Turnley served on staff at the Jena Hos- because the allies have pledged to commit the local Afghans who can assist our own officials pital and later the LaSalle General Hospital resources to stabilize the country to prevent in understanding local practices and political when it was opened in the early 1970s. He the reappearance of a failed state, a failed authority, and who can serve as guides as we also bears a unique distinction in the State of state that caused the tragedy of 9/11. There plan efforts to rebuild the country. Louisiana as the longest serving elected offi- are clearly differences in the alliance over how A third need for the PRTs is the availability cial, having served as the parish coroner for to accomplish this objective. Some govern- of transport. Today, our civilians in the PRTs the past 48 years. ments prefer to employ economic reconstruc- must rely heavily on the military to move them Beyond his work as a physician, Dr. Turnley tion assistance and avoid sending their troops around the region where they live. But be- has been active in Masonic work in Jena and into combat; these tend to be the governments cause security comes first, the civilian special- was elected as Grand Master of the Free- that have the most restrictive caveats on their ists must often wait lengthy periods of time to masons for the State of Louisiana in 1996. forces. obtain the transport and accompanying secu- The ‘‘Dr. Turnleys of the world’’ are the very We met with the most senior U.S. officials in rity to accomplish their tasks. ones who built up our Nation following World Kabul to discuss Afghanistan’s path to sta- Our trip to Afghanistan was highly inform- War II; they are the ones who are respected bilization. Our meetings were highly sub- ative and there remains much to digest about and admired in their communities, the ones stantive, and we all gained valuable informa- what we learned. This was a difficult, but valu- who have dedicated not only their talents and tion on ISAF’s effort and on U.S. perspectives able trip that provided insights into one of the abilities but their time and their compassion in and initiatives. We also met with Afghan Presi- United States’ most difficult foreign policy an effort to help their fellow citizens. Yet, while dent Hamid Karzai, and had an extensive dis- problems. many small communities may boast men and cussion of Afghanistan’s problems and pros- As always we were extremely well-served women like Dr. Turnley, to Jena, there is no pects. by our accompanying military personnel. The other quite like him. In Afghanistan, there can be no reconstruc- 932nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve now at To honor him, Murphy McMillin, mayor of tion without security. The Taliban is not a Scott Air Force Base, Ill., provided exceptional Jena, has declared Friday, June 20, 2008, as strong force, but the Afghan state lacks professionalism in assisting us throughout our ‘‘Dr. I.C. Turnley, Jr. Day.’’ strong, enduring institutions. There must be trip and ensuring our safety in moving Madam Speaker, Americans such as Dr. security therefore for the rebuilding effort to throughout Europe and to Afghanistan. All I.C. Turnley, Jr., deserve recognition from the succeed. ISAF may need more forces in the worked long hours to ensure that our trip went United States Congress as well. I ask my col- coming year in order to secure territory smoothly. I thank them for their hard work and leagues to join me in thanking Dr. Turnley for cleared of the Taliban. A positive development their dedication to duty. all he has done for his community and his is that approximately 25% of the combat mis- f country. sions are now led by the Afghan National PERSONAL EXPLANATION Army (ANA), with strong backing from the U.S. f and some other NATO militaries. During our meetings in Kabul, U.S. officials were upbeat HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT CELEBRATING SYLVANIA OHIO’S on the progress of the ANA, but the task of OF SOUTH CAROLINA 150TH ANNIVERSARY securing Afghanistan is far from finished. The IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES poppy crop continues to thrive in the south, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 HON. MARCY KAPTUR some warlords maintain a sway over territory Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam OF OHIO that has never been under the control of an Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Afghan government, and there are enduring unfortunately missed recorded votes on the Tuesday, June 10, 2008 tribal rivalries and distrust of Kabul. House floor on Monday, June 9, 2008. Closely associated with the issue of en- Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today Had I been present, I would have voted gagement of the Taliban in combat is the need to recognize a milestone anniversary for the ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote No. 388 (Motion to sus- to establish a viable economy and justice sys- City of Sylvania in my district. This month, Syl- pend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1225), tem. The Soviet and Taliban eras decimated vania celebrates the 150th anniversary of its ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote No. 389 (Motion to sus- the educated elite. The number of persons founding. pend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1243), trained as lawyers and judges is minimal. At Founded in 1833 by General David White and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote No. 390 (Motion to the base of the justice system is the police. and Judge William Wilson at the junction of suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 127). The EU has struggled to develop a program to Ten Mile and Ottawa Creeks near the present train the police, so the U.S. military has f day border of Ohio and Michigan, the area stepped in. Gen. Cone is developing more HONORING DR. I.C. TURNLEY, JR., was originally the campgrounds of Erie, Chip- professional police cohorts one region at a FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO pewa and Wyandot tribes. First settlers’ time, and backing them with the U.S. military LASALLE PARISH names continue through generations, including until they establish their authority. This will be Lathrop, Pease, Printup, Rice, Green and a long-term effort, and it is going to require HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER Cosgrove. They established the first Sylvania patience on the part of NATO publics. OF LOUISIANA school and church early on: both the Stone Members and staff also met with U.S. par- Academy and First Presbyterian Church were IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ticipants in ISAF’s Provincial Reconstruction established in 1834. Teams (PRTs), the leading edge of bringing Tuesday, June 10, 2008 In 1876, the town was formally incorporated. reconstruction to Afghanistan through such ef- Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise Truly a sylvan glade with more than one thou- forts as road building, school and hospital con- today to honor Dr. I.C. Turnley, Jr., who for sand trees, Sylvania took its name from the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.024 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 Latin ‘‘sylvan’’ meaning ‘‘the woods.’’ It re- nesses will go on to become abusers them- In this your battle to be won . . . mains a city of trees today, including 27 vari- selves. In this your war to be waged, in this but an- eties of maple, with the maple leaf as the Madam Speaker, thanks to increased public other chapter Ted . . . in your life’s awareness, domestic abuse is emerging from most heroic page . . . of all ones! city’s symbol. As you face this new morning, as you face In the decades which followed through the the shadows of shame and ignorance. Still, this dark sun! nineteenth, twentieth, and now the twenty-first there are far too many instances of cruel and Standing Tall, to do what must so be done! century, Sylvania has prospered. It is a caring dehumanizing behavior within what should be To Fight That Good Fight, To Wage That community with fine schools and first rate the security of the family home. Because of Great War, our Lion In Winter . . . Our services for young and old and families. Syl- this, society will always need an organization Precious American Son sure! vania remains a bucolic community reminis- like CORA. My sincere hope is that, someday, From deep down inside, that great Irish cent of its wooded early history, yet offers a we will need them less. Heart . . . win this Great Battle, This bustling suburban economy of thriving busi- f Great War begun . . . nesses. Its Main Street retains charm from its For A Lion In Winter . . . past, but Sylvania at 150 years is a city mov- SUPPORTING OUR MEN AND With the Heart of A Champ, against all odds ing forward. I am pleased to offer the con- WOMEN SERVING IN THE MILI- . . . we can hear your roar, can victory gratulations of our entire region during this TARY AND URGING CONGRESS so command! For no man known’s more, what a heart can sesquicentennial celebration. TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR THE AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLE- so endure . . . and can so stand! f ROSIS RESEARCH PROGRAM Ted it’s the bottom of the 9th, with two outs! REMARKS IN RECOGNITION OF (ALSRP) AT THE DEPARTMENT Like the Teddy before you of The Sox’s, we THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF CORA OF DEFENSE know you too can pull this one out! Go with God My Son, as you have always done . . . we know you will be rounding HON. JACKIE SPEIER HON. ZOE LOFGREN the bases, no doubt! OF CALIFORNIA OF CALIFORNIA f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERSONAL EXPLANATION Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, this week, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN CORA—Community Overcoming Relationship Speaker, I rise today to express my support OF SOUTH DAKOTA for our men and women serving in the military Abuse—celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES comprehensive domestic violence support in and to urge Congress to continue funding for San Mateo County. the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Three decades ago, a victim of domestic vi- Program (ALSRP) at the Department of De- Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, olence on the San Francisco peninsula had no fense. I regret that I was unable to participate in resources outside of hospitals and the police. Studies conducted by the DOD and Vet- three votes on the floor of the House of Rep- Then in 1978, La Casa de San Mateo opened erans Administration have found that those resentatives on June 9, 2008. I was absent its doors to become the county’s first and only who served in the 1991 Gulf War are approxi- due to illness. emergency shelter for domestic violence sur- mately twice as likely to die from ALS, the As noted, I was not present for three votes: vivors and their children. La Casa later deadly disease that took the life of baseball The first vote was H. Res. 1225, Expressing changed its name to the Center for Domestic legend Lou Gehrig, as those who did not support for designation of June 2008 as ‘‘Na- Violence Prevention and in 2003, partnered serve in the Gulf. In addition, current research tional Safety Month.’’ Had I been present, I with Sor Juana Ines, the first toll-free domestic suggests that ALS is occurring at greater rates would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on that question. violence hotline in the county, to become in those who are serving in the current conflict The second vote was H. Res. 1243, Recog- CORA. in Iraq. Tragically, there is no effective treat- nizing the immeasurable contributions of fa- CORA’s mission is to end domestic violence ment for ALS and it is fatal in just two to five thers in the healthy development of children, and abuse through intervention and preven- years after diagnosis. supporting responsible fatherhood, and en- tion. The dedicated staff and volunteers re- The ALSRP is an innovative program that couraging greater involvement of fathers in the spond to thousands of calls on the CORA hot- has the potential not only to develop new lives of their children, especially on Father’s line, and answer an equal number of requests treatments for ALS that benefit our soldiers Day. Had I been present, I would have voted for legal assistance each year. They serve and veterans but also to determine why they ‘‘yea’’ on that question. more than 6,000 clients annually, providing are at greater risk and enable us to take ac- The third vote was H. Res. 127, Recog- legal, medical and mental health services, as tion to protect them. I therefore urge the Ap- nizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of well as counseling and safety in the county’s propriations Committee to include $5 million the entry of Alaska in the Union as the 49th only shelter for abuse victims and their chil- for the ALSRP in the FY 2009 DOD Appro- State. Had I been present, I would have voted dren. This operation is overseen by the CORA priations bill. ‘‘yea’’ on that question. governing board and a diverse staff of 35 who f f represent the vibrant cross-section of the A TRIBUTE TO SENATOR KENNEDY county and region. Besides English and Span- IN HONOR OF THE GRAND OPEN- ish, CORA staff-members speak Tagalog, ING OF GREENHUNTER ENER- French, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, Hindi, and HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK GY’S RENEWABLE FUELS CAM- Farsi. OF FLORIDA PUS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS Madam Speaker, domestic violence is a si- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lent epidemic. Every nine seconds, a woman Tuesday, June 10, 2008 HON. GENE GREEN in our country is abused by someone she Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I OF TEXAS knows. Millions of children witness acts of vio- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lence involving one or more parents every would like to submit the following passage on year. And one in five female high school stu- Senator TED KENNEDY written by Albert Carey Tuesday, June 10, 2008 dents reports being physically or sexually Caswell. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam abused by a dating partner. A LION IN WINTER Speaker, I am proud to honor the grand open- Domestic violence impacts all of us. It is a A Lion in Winter... ing of GreenHunter Energy’s Renewable Fuels significant drain on police and emergency re- Facing The Storm, with The Heart of A Campus located in my congressional district in Champion . . . so very warm . . . sources and costs the national economy eight Where courage lives, to help you move on! Houston, Texas. to ten billion dollars annually in medical bills, GreenHunter Energy’s renewable fuels cam- An American Tale, as a nation so stands be- community support and lost wages and pro- hind you Ted . . . with all of our pray- pus—a converted waste oil refinery—is the ductivity. It is also a leading cause of home- ers, so now! largest and most versatile biodiesel refinery in lessness and often leads to depression, sub- Take this to your heart Ted, take this to the U.S. to date. The campus includes a 105 stance abuse and—most troubling—an in- your soul . . . as you move out so to million gallon per year biodiesel refinery, a creased likelihood that victims and young wit- behold! 700,000 barrel bulk liquid terminal operation, a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.028 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1189 200 million pound-per-year glycerin distillation uals making over $75,000 and families making HONORING THE LEGACY OF system, and a 45,000 barrel-per-month meth- over $150,000. CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI anol distillation tower. Madam Speaker, working families are pay- GreenHunter Energy’s biodiesel refinery is ing twice as much as they were paying for a HON. JOHN L. MICA ‘‘feedstock agnostic’’, meaning that it can use gallon of gas last year while oil companies are OF FLORIDA 100 percent animal fats, 100 percent vege- reporting record profits. It’s literally highway IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES table oils, or any blend of the two interchange- robbery, especially when you consider that be- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 ably. By producing biodiesel from multiple yond housing costs, low- and middle-income feedstocks, including non-edible sources such Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to households in the United States spend more honor the life and legacy of Constantino as tallow and jatropha, GreenHunter offers of their earnings on transportation than any- practical solutions to the ongoing ‘‘food versus Brumidi, who has been referred to as the Mi- thing else. Americans are looking to Congress chelangelo of the United States Capitol Build- fuels’’ debate. to help them respond to unwarranted gas Located along Houston’s Ship Channel, ing. It is appropriate that Congress honor his price increases. The Working Families Gas incredible contributions to our Nation by GreenHunter’s campus has deepwater access Tax Credit Act will give working families the and the ability to transport products via barge, awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal. temporary relief that they need during this dif- On July 26, 1805, Constantino Brumidi was rail, and truck. Biodiesel generators at the site ficult time. will provide enough electricity for GreenHunter born in Rome, Italy of an Italian mother and a While it is true that there have been a num- to power the campus and sell unneeded re- Greek father who inspired him with a love of ber of proposals offered by our colleagues to newable power back to the area’s power grid. liberty. While Constantino Brumidi’s Greek an- confront current fuel price challenges, this pro- The addition of GreenHunter Energy’s zero cestry stirred his passion for liberty and citi- posal is unique in that it will put necessary re- emission facility has created many new long- zenship, his Italian heritage provided the art sources directly in the hands of consumers. term jobs for Texans and will help move our styles of the Renaissance and the Baroque This will be an important stop gap measure as nation closer to its goal of reducing depend- which influenced the artwork of the U.S. Cap- we reprioritize our international fuel prices and ence on foreign crude oil supplies. itol. confront the corruption and failed policies that Constantino Brumidi became a citizen of the f have led to our Nation’s unsustainable oil ad- United States as soon as he was able, em- PERSONAL EXPLANATION diction. bracing its history, values and ideals. Begin- I encourage my colleagues to support this ning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi designed HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY necessary legislation and look forward to its and decorated one House and five Senate committee rooms in the Capitol, as well as the OF NEW YORK expedient passage. Senate Reception Room, the Office of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Vice President and most notably, the Presi- Tuesday, June 10, 2008 dent’s Room, which represents Brumidi’s su- Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam 150 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL preme effort ‘‘to make beautiful the Capitol’’ of Speaker, on June 9, 2008, I missed rollcall LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY the United States. votes No. 388, Expressing support for des- In 1865, Constantino Brumidi completed, in ignation of June 2008 as ‘‘National Safety just 11 months, his masterpiece, ‘‘The Apothe- Month,’’ 389, Recognizing the immeasurable HON. BARNEY FRANK osis of Washington,’’ in the eye of the Capitol contributions of fathers in the healthy develop- OF MASSACHUSETTS dome. In 1871, Constantino Brumidi created the first tribute to an African American in the ment of children, supporting responsible fa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES therhood, and encouraging greater involve- Capitol when he placed the figure of Crispus ment of fathers in the lives of their children, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Attucks at the center of his fresco of the Bos- especially on Father’s Day; and 390, Recog- ton Massacre. In 1878, Constantino Brumidi, nizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam at the age of 72, and in poor health, began the entry of Alaska into the Union as the 49th Speaker, this year marks the 150th Anniver- work on the Rotunda frieze, which chronicles State. sary of an extraordinarily important religious the history of America. On February 19, 1880, Had I been present, I would have voted congregation in the city of Newton, which I am Constantino Brumidi died at the age of 74, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall votes No. 388, 389, and 390. proud to represent in this body, and where I four and a half months after slipping and near- have lived for 28 years. Congregation Mishkan ly falling from a scaffold while working on the f Tefila has been an important part of the city of Rotunda frieze. INTRODUCTION OF THE WORKING Newton since 1858. At that point, of course, Constantino Brumidi, proud of his artistic ac- FAMILIES GAS TAX CREDIT ACT Jewish citizens of the city were a very small complishments and devoted to his adopted OF 2008 number of a much smaller city. Over time, country, said: ‘‘My one ambition and my daily both the city and the Jewish population have prayer is that I may live long enough to make HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS grown significantly, and Temple Mishkan Tefila beautiful the Capitol of the one country on has been an important element in the growth earth in which there is liberty.’’ OF FLORIDA of both. Temple Mishkan Tefila has of course Madam Speaker, Constantino Brumidi’s life IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been primarily a place of worship for large and work exemplifies the lives of millions of Tuesday, June 10, 2008 numbers of Jewish men, women and young immigrants who came to pursue the American Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, people, and through a series of outstanding dream. I am honored to rise today to introduce the rabbis and other leaders, it has performed that f essential function superbly. It has also been a Working Families Gas Tax Credit Act of 2008. CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVER- Similar to legislation that I introduced in the forum for community leadership in a number of other ways. Its doors have always been SARY OF NORTEX MODULAR 109th Congress, this bill will provide greatly SPACE IN LEWISVILLE, TX needed tax credits to individuals and families open to the community, both its own members so that they can cope with soaring gas prices. and the community at large, and I have per- The Working Families Gas Tax Credit Act sonally benefited from that openness on a HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS OF TEXAS will provide a $500 tax credit to individuals number of occasions by being able to partici- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and a $1,000 tax credit to families who make pate in forums that the temple has run, which up to $75,000 or $150,000 or less, respec- have helped me and others fulfill our duties to Tuesday, June 10, 2008 tively. relate to our constituents. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise This legislation will act as a secondary eco- Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be today to congratulate the outstanding accom- nomic stimulus by providing credits to all indi- able to salute the members of the Mishkan plishments of Nortex Modular Space of viduals and families who were eligible for the Tefila Congregation on this 150th Anniversary, Lewisville, Texas, an exemplary organization economic stimulus rebate recently passed into and congratulate them on their opportunity in North Texas that is celebrating its 10th An- law by the Democratic Congress. Similar to both to look back on a very proud history, and niversary. the 2008 economic stimulus package, the to look forward to the promise of continued Nortex Modular Space is a small business amount of the credit will phase out for individ- great service in the years ahead. manufacturer with 95 employees based in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.031 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS E1190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 10, 2008 Lewisville, and it is the leading manufacturer Massachusetts where he was a rescue boat setts, where he took command, as Officer-In- of durable and energy efficient mobile and crewman for water take-offs and landings—in Charge, on May 17, 1993. modular office and classroom buildings. Jim the days of amphibious fix-wing aircraft. On June 26, 1998, Senior Chief Downey re- and Sherry Stewart started Nortex Modular Seaman Downey transferred to Station turned ‘‘home’’ to as Officer-In-Charge of Space in Highland Village in 1998 and have a Point Judith, Rhode Island, in March 1968, Coast Guard Station Point Judith, Rhode Is- lease fleet of over 700 mobile office and mo- where he served on active duty until 1970, land, and was promoted to Master Chief on bile classroom units then 81⁄2 years in reserve status, returning to September 1, 1998. The company specializes in the sale, lease, active duty in 1979 and continuing his service While Officer-In-Charge of Station Point Ju- rental, repair and renovation of modular and at Pt. Judith until 1982. While stationed at Pt. dith Master Chief Downey was called upon by portable buildings, mobile office trailers, port- Judith, Downey was promoted to Boatswain’s the Group Commander to fill temporary com- able classroom buildings, re-locatable build- Mate Third Class on January 16, 1969, to mands concurrent with his responsibilities for ings, modular church buildings, GSA modular Boatswain’s Mate Second Class on December his Station. On one occasion, when the Offi- buildings, temporary offices, classrooms, as 16, 1969, to Boatswain’s Mate First Class on cer-In-Charge of CGC Hammerhead (WPB well as medical and special use buildings to April 1, 1972, to Chief Boatswain’s Mate on 87302) was not-fit-for-duty due to a leg frac- government and private industry. September 1, 1975 and to Senior Chief Boat- ture, Master Chief Downey assumed com- Nortex Modular Space has clients all around swain’s Mate April 1, 1980. mand of a brand new class of patrol boat with the country and even overseas. Customers in- Senior Chief Downey returned to sea duty which he was completely unfamiliar, and on clude the U.S. Department of the Interior, the on the Coast Guard Cutter Chase (WHEC another he returned to Station Brant Point on U.S. Secret Service, the City of Dallas, the 718) on January 10, 1982. Nantucket to lead the Station while the Officer- U.S. Army, the Texas Department of Trans- In addition to service on the CGC Casco In-Charge was assigned to a joint service portation, the University of Texas at Arlington and CGC Chase, Boatswain’s Mate Downey academy. On both the occasions answered and the University of North Texas. had many temporary assignments afloat on the call—all the while ensuring that Station In 2005, Nortex Modular Space was recog- CGC Seneca (WMEC 906), CGC Reliance Point Judith ran smoothly and fulfilled all its nized by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation’s (WMEC 615), CGC Neah Bay (WTGB 105), responsibilities. leading multicultural internet site, as one of the CGC Cape George (WPB 95306) and CGC Master Chief Downey left Point Judith and in 2000, and on August 10th became the lead Top 100 Small Businesses in Texas. Small Point Hannon (WPB 82355). Many of these instructor for the Command and Operations businesses form the backbone of the Amer- Temporary Assigned Duty assignments were School at the Leadership and Development ican economy, which is the strongest in the necessitated by the Coast Guard’s need to Center located at the Coast Guard Academy world. They account for half of gross domestic ‘‘fix’’ a leadership issue—a position Jack Dow- ney found himself in on more than one occa- in New London, Connecticut. product, more than half of American jobs, and Master Chief Downey returned to sea duty three-fourths of new jobs created each year. sion. On February 21, 1984, Senior Chief Dow- on July 2, 2005 to take command, for a sec- Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that ond time, as Officer-In-Charge, of Coast ney returned shore duty at Group/Station I rise today to recognize Nortex Modular Guard Cutter Hammerhead (WPB 87302) an Woods Hole, Massachusetts where he was Space and celebrate its 10-year anniversary. 87-foot Patrol Boat operating out of Group Officer-In-Charge of the Station. This excellent company has served North Tex- Woods Hole with responsibility for law en- ans for 10 good years, and I am certain they Senior Chief Downey took command, as Of- ficer-In-Charge, of Coast Guard Cutter Towline forcement, fisheries patrols, search and res- will continue their good work for many more cue, environmental protection and port, water- (WYTL 65605), a 65-foot harbor tug/ice- years to come. ways and coastal security. breaker, on June 15, 1987. f On August 28, 2006, Master Chief Downey On November 1, 1988, Senior Chief Dow- became the Command Master Chief, First HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF ney transferred to Coast Guard Station Chat- Coast Guard District, Boston, Massachu- MASTER CHIEF JOHN E. DOW- ham at the elbow of Cape Cod, Massachu- setts—the senior enlisted advisor to Rear Ad- NEY, UNITED STATES COAST setts, where he faced one of his most chal- miral Timothy S. Sullivan, Commander, First GUARD lenging assignments—dealing with an unfor- Coast Guard District, on issues and initiatives giving and ever changing environment, and a pertaining to all Coast Guard members and HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR community whose faith in the Coast Guard their families within District One. OF MINNESOTA was at a low-ebb because of a failure of lead- On June 20, 2008—after 41-years of contin- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ership. Senior Chief Downey, whose skills as uous service in the United States Coast a Boatswain’s Mate are only exceeded by his Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Guard—Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey skills in dealing with people, not only mastered returns to Station Point Judith, Rhode Island Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, it gives the treacherous Chatham Bar, he won the lov- where he will—with regret—retire. me great pleasure to rise today to honor a ing respect of the community. Master Chief Downey has received many truly great member of the U.S. Coast Guard— Senior Chief Downey’s time in Chatham had awards during his distinguished career. Having Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey—who both harrowing and amusing moments. In held the position of Officer-In-Charge of boat was throughout his 41 years of service ‘‘al- 1991 Station Chatham acquired a much-need- force units for more than 17 years of the more ways ready for the call.’’ ed new surf capable rescue boat—the 28-foot than 20 years he served in the boat forces Master Chief Downey enlisted in the Coast LeCompte (CG 280502). In October—shortly community, he was the first recipient of the Guard at age 19 from his hometown of Narra- after the boat arrived, Cape Cod and New Joshua James Keeper Award—the ‘‘Ancient gansett, Rhode Island, in 1966 and will retire England were slammed by the ‘‘No Name’’ or Keeper’’ award—that recognizes longevity in at Station Point Judith in Narragansett on the ‘‘Halloween’’ Storm—later known as the ‘‘Per- the Coast Guard boat force operations. This 20th of this month, having served continuously fect Storm.’’ Downey and his crew secured the award is named in honor of Captain Joshua in the Coast Guard in reserve and active duty boat in the north ‘‘jog’’ of the Chatham Fish James—the most celebrated life-saver in U.S. status for almost 42 years. Master Chief Dow- Pier in preparation for the onslaught of the history—who served in the Massachusetts Hu- ney is retiring as Command Master Chief of storm. Little did they know just how ferocious mane Society and the U.S. Life-Saving Serv- Coast Guard District One (Boston, Massachu- the gale would be—as the storm intensified ice. James died at the age of 75 after drilling setts)—one of the nine Command Master and the tide rose to record levels, boats broke his crew during a northeast gale in March of Chiefs in the Coast Guard. He has served in loose from their moorings and debris piled up 1902 shortly after the tragic loss of a life-sav- this position since September of 2006. in the jog. One fishing vessel landed up ing crew off Monomoy Point in Chatham, Mas- Seaman Recruit Jack Downey reported to against the LeCompte, prompting Downey to sachusetts. the Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May, comment, ‘‘Well that’s a $120,000 fender Master Chief Downey’s other Coast Guard New Jersey, on November 11, 1966, and you’ve got there.’’ awards include the Meritorious Service Award completed basic training in February 1967. In May of 1993, at the Change-of-Com- with a gold star and operational distinguishing Seaman Apprentice Downey reported to Coast mand, hundreds came from all over Cape Cod device, the Coast Guard Commendation Guard Cutter Casco (WHEC 370) on March 8, to honor Jack Downey for his dedication and Medal with three gold stars and an operational 1967, and was promoted to Seaman on No- service to the maritime community, and to distinguishing device, the Coast Guard vember 1, 1967. wish him well in his next assignment across Achievement Medal with operational distin- On December 15, 1967, Seaman Downey Nantucket Sound at Coast Guard Station guishing device, the Coast Guard Good Con- reported to Coast Guard Air Station Salem, Brant Point on Nantucket Island, Massachu- duct Medal with silver star, and the Letter of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10JN8.010 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1191 Commendation with an operational distin- The communities where Master Chief Dow- shipmates—will join the Vice-Commandant guishing device. In addition to his Coast ney has served have recognized him with and the Atlantic Area Commander of the Guard awards, Master Chief Downey is the re- awards and proclamations too numerous to Coast Guard on June 20th to honor his long cipient of the prestigious NAVY League Doug- mention—they would cover several walls were service and dedication to the Coast Guard. las A. Monro Award that is ‘‘awarded for inspi- he to display them—because Jack under- John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey’s service to the rational leadership . . . to the Coast Guard stands well the important roll the Coast Guard country, the United States Coast Guard and enlisted member who has demonstrated out- plays in the lives of New England towns. Local New England are best expressed in the words standing leadership and professional com- officials, townspeople and fellow mariners used by Superintendent Sumner Increase petence.’’ have recognized his great contribution and will Kimball when he spoke of Joshua James— Madam Speaker, you may have noticed that miss his steadying hand. Here and there may be found men in all Master Chief Downey has managed to spend In fact, a Group Commander once said that walks of life who neither wonder or care how after Jack Downey retires, ‘‘the Coast Guard much or how little the world thinks of them. most of his career in Coast Guard District should hire him back, not to train Officers-In- They pursue life’s pathway, doing their ap- One, and much of that in Group Woods Hole Charge of small-boat stations, but rather to pointed tasks without ostentation, loving their work for the work’s sake, content to (now Sector Southeast New England). His tre- train Group Commanders.’’ mendous local knowledge of the treacherous live and do in the present rather than look Throughout the Coast Guard—and particu- for the uncertain rewards of the future. To waters in this region added value to every one larly in Southeast New England—there are them notoriety, distinction, or even fame, of his Coast Guard assignments—and he Coast Guard men and women, Officers-In- acts neither as a spur not a check to endeav- often called on this local knowledge to keep Charge, who were mentored by Master Chief or, yet they are really among the foremost of Group Commanders ‘‘out of trouble.’’ Master Downey. Many of them—along with many re- those who do the world’s work. Chief is a leadership ‘‘fixer’’—the person you tired officers, including former District and Master Chief John E. ‘‘Jack’’ Downey is one go to when there is a unit in trouble. Group Commanders, fellow boat-drivers and of those men.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:39 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10JN8.037 E10JNPT1 erowe on PRODPC61 with REMARKS Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Daily Digest Senate During consideration of this measure today, Senate Chamber Action also took the following action: Routine Proceedings, pages S5397–S5459 By 51 yeas to 43 nays (Vote No. 146), three-fifths Measures Introduced: Seven bills and three resolu- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having tions were introduced, as follows: S. 3104–3110, S. voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion Res. 589–590, and S. Con. Res. 88. Page S5447 to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill. Pages S5409–10 Measures Reported: Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider the S. 2607, to make a technical correction to section vote by which the motion to close further debate on 3009 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. (S. the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill Rept. No. 110–348) Page S5447 (listed above) failed. Page S5410 Measures Passed: Subsequently, the motion to proceed was with- American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemo- drawn. Page S5431 rative Coin Act: Senate passed H.R. 634, to require Energy and Tax Extenders Act: Senate resumed the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in com- consideration of the motion to proceed to consider- memoration of veterans who became disabled for life ation of H.R. 6049, to amend the Internal Revenue while serving in the Armed Forces of the United Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy pro- States, after agreeing to the committee amendment. duction and conservation, to extend certain expiring Pages S5456–57 provisions, to provide individual income tax relief. Local Preparedness Acquisition Act: Senate Pages S5410–12 passed H.R. 3179, to amend title 40, United States During consideration of this measure today, Senate Code, to authorize the use of Federal supply sched- also took the following action: ules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, By 50 yeas to 44 nays (Vote No. 147), three-fifths and certain other related items by State and local of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having governments, clearing the measure for the President. voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion Page S5457 to close further debate on the motion to proceed to National Health Information Technology Week: consideration of the bill. Page S5410 Senate agreed to S. Res. 589, designating the week Medicare Improvements for Patients and Pro- beginning June 9, 2008, as ‘‘National Health Infor- viders Act: Senate began consideration of the mo- mation Technology Week’’. Page S5457 tion to proceed to consideration of S. 3101, to Celebrating the 233rd Birthday of the Army: amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Senate agreed to S. Res. 590, celebrating the 233rd Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medi- birthday of the Army and commending the men and care program, to improve beneficiary access to pre- women of the Army as exceptional individuals who ventive and mental health services, to enhance low- live by the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, income benefit programs, and to maintain access to selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal cour- care in rural areas, including pharmacy access. age. Pages S5457–58 Page S5431 A motion was entered to close further debate on Measures Considered: the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill Consumer-First Energy Act: Senate continued con- and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII sideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on clo- of S. 3044, to provide energy price relief and hold ture will occur on Thursday, June 12, 2008. oil companies and other entities accountable for their Page S5431 actions with regard to high energy prices. Subsequently, the motion to proceed was with- Pages S5399–S5410, S5417, S5418–36 drawn. Page S5431 D712

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:45 Sep 14, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD08\RECFILES\D10JN8.REC D10JN8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D713 A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached Lonnie C. Moore, of Kansas, to be a Member of providing that at approximately 10:30 a.m. on the National Council on Disability for a term expir- Wednesday, June 11, 2008, Senate continue consid- ing September 17, 2011. eration of the motion to proceed to consideration of Heather McCallum, of Georgia, to be a Member the bill; that there be 4 hours of debate equally di- of the National Council on Disability for a term ex- vided and controlled between the two Leaders or piring September 17, 2011. their designees, and the time therein be controlled Christina Alvarado Shanahan, of North Carolina, in periods of 30 minutes, in alternating fashion, to be a Member of the National Council on Dis- with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes ability for a term expiring September 17, 2011. therein, and the Republicans controlling the next 30 Pages S5458–59 minutes therein; and that upon conclusion of said 4- Messages from the House: Pages S5445–46 hour period, Senators be permitted to speak for 10 Measures Referred: Page S5446 minutes each. Page S5458 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S5446 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S5446 By unanimous vote of 94 yeas (Vote No. EX. Executive Communications: Page S5446 148), Mark S. Davis, of Virginia, to be United States Petitions and Memorials: Pages S5446–47 District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. Additional Cosponsors: Pages S5447–49 Pages S5412–17 David Gregory Kays, of Missouri, to be United Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: States District Judge for the Western District of Pages S5449–56 Missouri. Pages S5412–17 Additional Statements: Pages S5442–45 Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., of Missouri, to be Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S5456 United States District Judge for the Eastern District Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S5456 of Missouri. Pages S5412–17 Michael E. Leiter, of the District of Columbia, to Privileges of the Floor: Page S5456 be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (Total—148) Pages S5409–10, S5410, S5417 Pages S5458, S5459 Adjournment: Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- adjourned at 7:33 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednes- lowing nominations: day, June 11, 2008. (For Senate’s program, see the Frederick S. Celec, of Virginia, to be Assistant to remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical Record on page S5458.) and Biological Defense Programs. John Melvin Jones, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Committee Meetings to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. John W. Leslie, Jr., of Connecticut, to be a Mem- (Committees not listed did not meet) ber of the Board of Directors of the African Develop- UNITED STATES-IRAQ NEGOTIATIONS ment Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2013. Committee on Armed Services: Committee met in closed John O. Agwunobi, of Florida, to be a Member session to receive a briefing on the status of the of the Board of Directors of the African Develop- United States-Iraq negotiations, focusing on a stra- ment Foundation for a term expiring February 9, tegic framework agreement and status of forces 2014. agreement from Brett McGurk, Director for Iraq, Julius E. Coles, of Georgia, to be a Member of the National Security Council; Mark Kimmitt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle Eastern Af- Board of Directors of the African Development fairs; and Chat Blakeman, Office of Iraq Affairs, Bu- Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2011. reau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State. Morgan W. Davis, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Develop- NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR EFFICIENT ment Foundation for a term expiring November 13, FREIGHT MOVEMENT 2013. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- Marylyn Andrea Howe, of Massachusetts, to be a committee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Member of the National Council on Disability for a Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security concluded term expiring September 17, 2011. a hearing to examine national strategies for efficient

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freight movement, after receiving testimony from Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, Paul Brubaker, Administrator, Research and Innova- North Carolina; and Lisa Kelly, Lake Jackson, Texas. tive Technology Administration, Department of Transportation; Rear Admiral Richard M. Larrabee, COERCIVE INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a Astrid C. Glynn, New York State Department of hearing to examine the efficacy of coercive interroga- Transportation, on behalf of the American Associa- tion techniques, focusing on the Federal Bureau of tion of State Highway and Transportation Officials Investigation’s (FBI) role, after receiving testimony (AASHTO), both of New York, New York; Edward from Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Valerie E. R. Hamberger, Association of American Railroads, Caproni, General Counsel, Federal Bureau of Inves- Washington, D.C.; and Glenn Vanselow, Pacific tigation, and John E. Cloonan, former Federal Bu- Northwest Waterways Association, Portland, Or- reau of Investigation Special Agent, West Caldwell, egon. New Jersey, all of the Department of Justice; HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE Philippe Sands, University College London, London, Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing United Kingdom; and Philip B. Heymann, Harvard to examine issues relative to the 47 million Ameri- Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. cans without health care insurance, focusing on the current health care marketplace, after receiving testi- INTELLIGENCE mony from Raymond Arth, Phoenix Products, Inc., Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed Avon Lake, Ohio, on behalf of the National Small hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony Business Association; Ronald A. Williams, Aetna, from officials of the intelligence community. Inc., Hartford, Connecticut; Mark A. Hall, Wake Committee recessed subject to the call. h House of Representatives based national childhood cancer database, and pro- Chamber Action mote public awareness of pediatric cancers, with an Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 13 pub- amendment (H. Rept. 110–706); and lic bills, H.R. 6219–6231; 1 private bill, H.R. H. Res. 1257, providing for the consideration of 6232; and 6 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 369–370; and the bill (H.R. 6063) to authorize the programs of H.Res. 1256, 1259–1261 were introduced. the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pages H5213–24, H5215 (H. Rept. 110–707). Page H5213 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H5215–16 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: appointed Representative McNulty to act as Speaker H.R. 5541, to provide a supplemental funding Pro Tempore for today. Page H5113 source for catastrophic emergency wildland fire sup- Recess: The House recessed at 9:10 a.m. and recon- pression activities on Department of the Interior and vened at 10:00 a.m. Page H5114 National Forest System lands and to require the Sec- Discharge Petition: Representative Walberg moved retary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agri- to discharge the Committee on Natural Resources, culture to develop a cohesive wildland fire manage- the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Com- ment strategy, with an amendment (H. Rept. mittee on Energy and Commerce from the consider- 110–704, Pt. 1); ation of H.R. 3089, to secure unrestricted reliable H.R. 3754, to authorize the Administrator of the energy for American consumption and transmission Environmental Protection Agency to accept, as part (Discharge Petition No. 8). of a settlement, diesel emission reduction Supple- mental Environmental Projects (H. Rept. 110–705); Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- H.R. 1553, to amend the Public Health Service resentative Hooley, wherein she resigned from the Act to advance medical research and treatments into Committee on Science and Technology, effective pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have today. Page H5126 access to the current treatments and information re- Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- garding pediatric cancers, establish a population- resentative Matsui, wherein she resigned from the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:45 Sep 14, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD08\RECFILES\D10JN8.REC D10JN8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D715 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, ef- 322, amended, to recognize the 60th anniversary of fective today. Page H5126 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- Pages H5143–45 resentative Doyle, wherein he resigned from the Supporting the goals and ideals of the Inter- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, effective today. national Year of Sanitation: H. Con. Res. 318, Page H5126 amended, to support the goals and ideals of the Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- International Year of Sanitation, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay resentative Marshall, wherein he resigned from the vote of 411 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’ and 1 vot- Committee on Financial Services, effective today. ing ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 395; Pages H5145–49, H5173 Page H5126 Honoring Seeds of Peace for its 15th anniversary Committee Elections: The House agreed to H. Res. as an organization promoting understanding, rec- 1256, electing the following Members to serve on onciliation, acceptance, coexistence, and peace in certain standing committees of the House of Rep- the Middle East, South Asia, and other regions of resentatives: Committee on Agriculture: Representa- conflict: H. Con. Res. 337, to honor Seeds of Peace tive Childers. Committee on Energy and Commerce: for its 15th anniversary as an organization promoting Representative Matsui. Committee on Financial Serv- understanding, reconciliation, acceptance, coexist- ices: Representatives Speier, Cazayoux, and Childers. ence, and peace in the Middle East, South Asia, and Committee on Science and Technology: Representa- other regions of conflict; Pages H5149–51 tive Carson. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Rep- Honoring the sacrifices and contributions made resentative Cazayoux. Page H5143 by disabled American veterans: H. Con. Res. 336, Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by Act of 2008—Rule for Consideration: The House disabled American veterans, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay agreed to H. Res. 1253, the rule providing for con- vote of 417 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. sideration of H.R. 6003, to reauthorize Amtrak, by 396; Pages H5151–54, H5174 a yea-and-nay vote of 227 yeas to 187 nays, Roll Awarding posthumously a Congressional gold No. 392, after agreeing to order the previous ques- medal to Constantino Brumidi: S. 254, to award tion by a yea-and-nay vote of 227 yeas to 185 nays, posthumously a Congressional gold medal to Roll No. 391. Pages H5119–25, H5141–42 Constantino Brumidi—clearing the measure for the Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules President; Pages H5157–60 and pass the following measures: Recognizing the importance of manufactured Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics housing in the United States: H. Res. 1010, to rec- and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of ognize the importance of manufactured housing in 2008: H.R. 6028, amended, to authorize law en- the United States; Pages H5160–62 forcement and security assistance, and assistance to Edward William Brooke III Congressional Gold enhance the rule of law and strengthen civilian insti- Medal Act: S. 682, to award a congressional gold tutions, for Mexico and the countries of Central medal to Edward William Brooke III in recognition America, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 311 yeas to of his unprecedented and enduring service to our 106 nays, Roll No. 393; Pages H5126–39, H5142–43 Nation—clearing the measure for the President; Marking the 225th anniversary of the Treaty of Pages H5162–66 Paris of 1783: H. Res. 1063, to mark the 225th an- Recognizing the 100 year anniversary of the es- niversary of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which tablishment of St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit Asso- ended the Revolutionary War with the Kingdom of ciation, the ‘‘Bank of the People’’, and the birth of Great Britain and recognized the independence of the American credit union: H. Res. 1145, to recog- the United States of America, and to acknowledge nize the 100 year anniversary of the establishment of the shared values and close friendship between the St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit Association, the ‘‘Bank peoples and governments of the United States and of the People’’, and the birth of the American credit the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern union; Pages H5166–67 Ireland, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 414 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 394; National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Pages H5139–41, H5172–73 Commemorative Coin Act: H.R. 3229, amended, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Uni- in commemoration of the legacy of the United States versal Declaration of Human Rights: H. Con. Res.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:45 Sep 14, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD08\RECFILES\D10JN8.REC D10JN8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE D716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST June 10, 2008 Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center; and Committee Meetings Pages H5167–70 PHTHALATES AND BISPHENOL-A Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin CONSUMER SAFETY Act: H.R. 2268, amended, to require the Secretary Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a the centennial of the establishment of Mother’s Day. hearing entitled ‘‘Safety of Phthalates and Bisphenol- Pages H5170–72 A in Everyday Consumer Products.’’ Testimony was heard from Michael A. Babich, Chemist, Consumer Suspension—Proceedings Postponed: The House Product Safety Commission; the following officials of debated the following measure under suspension of the Department of Health and Human Services: John the rules. Further proceedings were postponed: R. Bucher, Associate Director, National Toxicology Expressing support for the designation of National Programs, National Institute of Environmental D-Day Remembrance Day, and recognizing the spir- Health Sciences, NIH; and Norris Alderson, Asso- it, courage, and sacrifice of the men and women who ciate Commissioner, Science, FDA; L. Earl Gray, Re- fought and won World War II: H. Res. 1235, to ex- search Biologist, EPA; and public witnesses. press support for the designation of National D-Day DIGITAL TV TRANSITION Remembrance Day, and to recognize the spirit, courage, and sacrifice of the men and women who fought Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on and won World War II. Pages H5154–57 Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled ‘‘Status of the DTV Transition: 252 Days and Order of Procedure: Agreed by unanimous consent Counting.’’ Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Mar- that if the gentleman from Ohio, Representative tin, Chairman, FCC; Bernadette McGuire-Rivera, Kucinich, offers a resolution as a question of the Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommuni- privileges of the House at any time on the legislative cations and Information Applications, National Tele- day of June 10, 2008 (1) the previous question shall communications and Information Administration, be considered as ordered thereon without intervening Department of Commerce; Mark L. Goldstein, Direc- motion except one motion to refer; and (2) the tor, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public Speaker may postpone further proceedings on such a witnesses. vote on a motion to refer as though under clause INSURANCE INFORMATION ACT OF 2008 8(a)(1)(A) of rule 20. Page H5157 Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Cap- Chief Administrative Officer Designations: Read ital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored a letter from Daniel P. Beard, Chief Administrative Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 5840, Insurance Officer, wherein he designated Ali Qureshi, Deputy Information Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Chief Administrative Officer for Operations and Jeremiah O. Norton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, De- Walter Edwards, Deputy Chief Administrative Offi- partment of the Treasury; Brian P. Kennedy, mem- cer for Customer Solutions to act in his stead in the ber, House of Representatives, State of Rhode Island; event of his death, resignation, separation from office Michael T. McRaith, Director, Division of Insurance, or disability until a Chief Administrative Officer is Department of Financial and Professional Regula- appointed. Page H5174 tion, State of Illinois; and public witnesses. Question of Privilege: Representative Kucinich rose DIPLOMATIC ASSURANCE AND to a question of the privileges of the House and of- RENDITION TO TORTURE fered a resolution, and the Chair directed the Clerk Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Inter- to report the resolution. Further proceedings were national Organizations, Human Rights and Over- postponed. Pages H5192–H5211 sight held a hearing on Diplomatic Assurances and Quorum Calls—Votes: Six yea-and-nay votes devel- Rendition to Torture: The Perspective of the State oped during the proceedings of today and appear on Department’s Legal Adviser. Testimony was heard pages H5141, H5142, H5142–43, H5172–73, from John B. Bellinger III, Legal Adviser, Depart- H5173, H5174. There were no quorum calls. ment of State. Adjournment: The House met at 9:00 a.m. and ad- FAIRNESS IN NURSING HOME journed at 12:12 a.m. ARBITRATION ACT OF 2008 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Com- mercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 6126, Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:45 Sep 14, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD08\RECFILES\D10JN8.REC D10JN8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D717 Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from public wit- Grants Management Division, Office of Insular Af- nesses. fairs, Department of the Interior; Glyn T. Davies, EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM; Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; David B. Gootnick, Director, International Affairs COMBATING GANGS and Trade, GAO; and Fabian Nimea, Director, Of- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, fice of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Terrorism and Homeland Security approved for full Official Development Assistance and Compact Man- Committee action H.R. 3546, To authorize the Ed- agement, Federated States of Micronesia. ward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Pro- gram at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. FEDERAL HIRING OF EX-OFFENDERS The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Ad- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- dressing Gangs: What’s Effective? What’s Not? Tes- committee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and timony was heard from Kevin O’Connor, Associate the District of Columbia held a hearing entitled ‘‘An Attorney General, Department of Justice; Frank Examination of Federal Employment Practices/Poli- Straub, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety, cies on Hiring Ex-offenders.’’ Testimony was heard White Plains, New York; John Buckovich, Police from Nancy Kichak, Associate Director, OPM; MG Department, Richmond, Virginia; and public wit- Thomas P. Bostick, USA, U.S. Army Recruiting nesses. Command; Brent Orrrell, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, Depart- ELECTRONIC EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION ment of Labor; and public witnesses. SYSTEMS NASA AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- gration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and Committee on Rules: Granted, by a record vote of 9–4, International Law held a hearing on Electronic Em- a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. ployment Verification Systems: Impact on U.S. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- Workers. Testimony was heard from Representatives tration Authorization Act of 2008. The rule provides Calvert, Shuler, Sam Johnson of Texas; and Giffords; 1 hour of general debate equally divided and con- Jonathan Scharfen, Acting Director, U.S. Citizenship trolled by the chairman and ranking minority mem- and Immigration Service, Department of Homeland ber of the Committee on Science and Technology. Security; and public witnesses. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule OVERSIGHT—COAL COMBUSTION WASTE XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on En- nature of a substitute recommended by the Com- ergy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hear- mittee on Science and Technology now printed in ing on How Should the Federal Government Address the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the the Health and Environmental Risks of Coal Com- purpose of amendment and shall be considered as bustion Waste? Testimony was heard from Shari read. The rule waives all points of order against the Wilson, Secretary of the Environment, State of amendment in the nature of a substitute except for Maryland; and public witnesses. clause 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments INTERNATIONAL WHALING printed in the Rules Committee report. The amend- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on ments made in order may be offered only in the Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight order printed in the report, may be offered only by hearing on the annual International Whaling Com- a Member designated in the report, shall be consid- mission meeting to be held in Santiago, Chile from ered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified June 23–27. Testimony was heard from William T. in the report equally divided and controlled by the Hogarth, U.S. Commissioner, International Whaling proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to Commission; and public witnesses. amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the U.S.-MICRONESIA FREE ASSOCIATION Committee of the Whole. All points of order against Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on In- the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule sular Affairs held an oversight hearing on the Imple- XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to re- mentation of the Compact of Free Association commit with or without instructions. Finally, the Amendments Act of 2003 between the United States rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of and the Federated States of Micronesia. Testimony the previous question, the Chair may postpone fur- was heard from Tom Bussanich, Director, Budget ther consideration of the bill to a time designated by

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:45 Sep 14, 2008 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD08\RECFILES\D10JN8.REC D10JN8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE D718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST June 10, 2008 the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Udall of House Colorado, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Yarmuth, Hall of Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Home- Texas, Rohrabacher and Gingrey. land Security, to mark up the Homeland Security Appro- COMMERCIAL TRUCK HYBRID priations for Fiscal Year 2009, 10 a.m., B–308 Rayburn. TECHNOLOGY Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, to mark up the Interior, Environment, and Re- Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on lated Agencies, to mark up the Interior, Environment, Energy and Environment held a hearing on Hybrid and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year Technologies for Medium- to Heavy-Duty Commer- 2009, 1 p.m., B–308 Rayburn. cial Trucks. Testimony was heard from public wit- Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on H.R. nesses. 2343, Education Begins at Home Act, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE Committee on Financial Services, hearing on H.R. 6078, INVESTMENTS GREEN Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Inter- hearing on Financing Infrastructure Investments. national Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, to mark up Subcommittee Report on The Decline in Amer- Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLauro, ica’s Reputation: Why?; followed by a hearing on the Re- Blumenauer, Ellison and Calvert; and public wit- lease and Review of the Subcommittee Report: The De- nesses. cline in America’s Reputation: Why? 9:30 a.m., 2172 HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES/REFORM Rayburn. Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, hearing on the Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on New Challenge: China in the Western Hemisphere, 2 Health held a hearing on Addressing Disparities in p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Health and Healthcare. Testimony was heard from Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intel- the following Representatives: Solis; Moran of Kan- ligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assess- sas, Christensen and Bordallo, and public witnesses. ment, hearing on the Improving Public Access to Docu- ments Act of 2008, 10 a.m., followed by mark up of the BRIEFING—CHINA following bills: H.R. 3815, Homeland Security Open Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in execu- Source Information Enhancement Act of 2007; H.R. tive session to receive a briefing on China. The Com- 4806, Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2007; H.R. mittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 6048, Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Coopera- tion and Enhance of Homeland Security Act, and H.R. f 6193, Improving Public Access to Documents Act, 11 COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, a.m., 311 Cannon. JUNE 11, 2008 Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, hearing entitled ‘‘Ready to Lead? DHS and (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) the Next Major Catastrophe,’’ 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 4044, National Guard and Reservist Debt Re- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to lief Act of 2008; H.R. 2352, School Safety Enhancements hold hearings to examine the impact and policy implica- Act of 2007; H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act; H.R. 5352, tions of spyware on consumers and businesses, 3 p.m., Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008; and H.R. 5057, SR–253. Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008, 10:15 a.m., Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- 2141 Rayburn. ine sovereign wealth funds, focusing on foreign policy Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual consequences in an era of new money, 9:30 a.m., Property, hearing on H.R. 4789, Performance Rights SD–419. Act, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Committee on Natural Resources, to mark-up the fol- short-change for consumers and short-shrift for Congress, lowing bills: H.R. 3981, Preserve America and Save focusing on the Supreme Court’s treatment of laws that America’s Treasures Act; H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone Reau- protect Americans health, safety, jobs, and retirement, 10 thorization Act of 2008; H.R. 4199, To amend the Day- a.m., SD–226. ton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act of 1992 to add Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the sites to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical nominations of Paul G. Gardephe, and Cathy Seibel, both Park; H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. to be a United States District Judge for the Southern 5741, Shark Conservation Act of 2008; H.R. 1423, Doro- District of New York, Kiyo A. Matsumoto, to be United thy Buell Memorial Visitor Center Lease Act; H.R. 3702, States District Judge for the Eastern District of New Montana Cemetery Act of 2007; H.R. 5710, Eastern New York, and Glenn T. Suddaby, to be United States Dis- Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act; and H.R. trict Judge for the Northern District of New York, 2 5511, Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act p.m., SD–226. of 2008, 11 a.m., 1324 Longworth.

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Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and Na- Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the tional Archives, joint hearing on 2010 Census: Assessing Department of Veterans Affairs; and H.R. 2192, To the Census Bureau’s Progress, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an Om- Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Rural and budsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs; fol- Urban Entrepreneurship, hearing on Second Generation lowed by a hearing on Implementing the Wounded War- Biofuels: The New Frontier for Small Businesses, 10 a.m., rior Provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act 1539 Longworth. for Fiscal Year 2008, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, brief- committee on Aviation, hearing on Air Traffic Control ing on Mexican Border Violence, 12 p.m., H–405 Cap- Facility Staffing, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. itol. Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warm- tation, hearing on Rebuilding Vessels Under the Jones Act, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. ing, hearing entitled ‘‘ The Future of Oil,’’ 9:30 p.m., Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, to markup the following 1300 Longworth. bills: H.R. 2818, To amend title 38, United States Code,

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 11

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any Program for Wednesday: To be announced. morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 3044, Consumer-First Energy Act.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1183, E1189 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E1183 Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie, S.D., E1188 Sali, Bill, Idaho, E1181 Alexander, Rodney, La., E1187 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E1187 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E1181 Bachmann, Michele, Minn., E1180 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1188 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E1184 Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E1187 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E1189 Speier, Jackie, Calif.,E1188 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E1185 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E1188 Sullivan, John, Okla., E1183 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E1183 Mica, John L., Fla., E1189 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1180, E1189 Moran, James P., Va., E1184 Tanner, John S., Tenn., E1185 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E1180 Myrick, Sue Wilkins, N.C., E1185 Udall, Mark, Colo., E1185 Frank, Barney, Mass., E1189 Oberstar, James L., Minn., E1190 Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E1183 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1179, E1181 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1180, E1182, E1184 Weller, Jerry, Ill., E1180, E1182 Green, Gene, Tex., E1188 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E1179, E1182, E1184 Young, C.W. Bill, Fla., E1179, E1181

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