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

Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2007 No. 80 House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was budget for 1 week in order to raise consistently have enough food to feed called to order by the Speaker pro tem- awareness of the food stamp program themselves or their families according pore (Mr. COSTA). and the inadequacy of the current ben- to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. f efit. Under the Food Stamp Challenge, There is no excuse for this. we will only be allowed to eat food to- In the wealthiest country on earth, it DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO taling $21 for the week, $3 a day, or $1 is not about finding the resources. It is TEMPORE per meal, which is the national average about mustering the political will. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- food stamp benefit. In other words, no Established in 1939, the food stamp fore the House the following commu- lattes at Starbucks, no organic chicken program helps families in need buy nication from the Speaker: at home and no wine or shrimp at re- food so that they do not have to make WASHINGTON, DC, ceptions this week. difficult choices, such as choosing be- May 15, 2007. Yesterday, Congresswoman EMERSON tween paying a utility bill, addressing I hereby appoint the Honorable JIM COSTA and I went grocery shopping at the health care needs or buying food. It to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. Capitol Hill Safeway for the week. truly is the safety net for America’s NANCY PELOSI, However, she was a more efficient hungry. Speaker of the House of Representatives. shopper than I was. While she made it Despite what some critics like to say, f through the checkout line in 30 min- the food stamp program is not a gov- ernment handout, but it is a true safe- MORNING-HOUR DEBATE utes, it took me almost an hour and a half to find food that fit my budget, ty net program that provides access to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and that was even with the much-ap- food for people who cannot afford to ant to the order of the House of Janu- preciated assistance of Ms. Toinette choose between rent, medicine, child ary 4, 2007, the Chair will now recog- Wilson, a DC food stamp recipient, who care and transportation. Gone are the nize Members from lists submitted by assisted my wife Lisa and me with our days of the inefficient program ravaged the majority and minority leaders for shopping. by fraud, waste and abuse. In fact, Na- morning-hour debate. The Chair will Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski tional Journal recently named the food alternate recognition between the par- successfully took the challenge with stamp program as one of the govern- ties, with each party limited to not to his wife a few weeks ago, and Utah ment’s top successes. And the GAO has exceed 25 minutes, and each Member, Governor John Huntsman, Jr., is cur- repeatedly reported on the successes of except the majority leader, the minor- rently living on a food stamp budget this important program. ity leader, or the minority whip, lim- with his household of eight. In New Mr. Speaker, let me take a moment ited to not to exceed 5 minutes, but in York City, where over 1 million people to share with you who benefits from no event shall debate extend beyond depend on food stamps each month, the food stamp program. According to 9:50 a.m. New York City Councilman Eric Gioia USDA, over 26 million people benefited The Chair recognizes the gentleman is participating in the Food Stamp from the food stamp program last year, from Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) Challenge. including 452,000 individuals from my for 5 minutes. This diverse group of public leaders State of Massachusetts. Over 80 per- f who all feel compelled to take on this cent of food stamp benefits go to fami- challenge demonstrates the importance lies with children. One in five food TAKING THE FOOD STAMP of the food stamp program for all stamp households has an elderly family CHALLENGE Americans: from California to Massa- member, and one in four has a disabled Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this chusetts, Michigan to Texas, Repub- member. Increasingly, working fami- week, I am joined by three of my es- lican and Democrat, urban and rural, lies must rely on food stamps to sup- teemed colleagues, Congresswoman JO the food stamp program represents the plement their wages in low-paying ANN EMERSON from Missouri, Congress- moral values of America: compassion, jobs. man TIM RYAN from Ohio and Congress- thoughtfulness and community spirit. Some may question the motives of woman JAN SCHAKOWSKY from Illinois, Mr. Speaker, I am taking this Food elected officials taking this 1-week in taking the Food Stamp Challenge. Stamp Challenge as a way of saying challenge. These critics, Mr. Speaker, The Food Stamp Challenge is an ini- that as Americans, we need to do more are missing the point. It’s time for a tiative begun by nonprofit and reli- to eliminate hunger and poverty in this much greater public debate to take gious community groups. Public offi- country. One in nine U.S. households, place around this issue. It is time to cials agree to live on a food stamp nearly 36 million Americans, does not end hunger in America, and we can do

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 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.000 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 so starting by focusing on the food benefits of wellness and health, ade- name, the Pastor Don Green Youth stamp program. quate shelter, food in abundance, life- Center. These are but a few examples of The food stamp program is our gov- long learning, and security in their Pastor Green’s commitment to his ernment’s first line of defense against communities. community and commitment to service hunger and malnutrition and it should Hear us now, O God, as we pray for above self. be better equipped to accomplish that the preservation of this legislative in- Pastor Green now serves as the Exec- task. Merely 60 percent of those who stitution and the prospering of our Na- utive Director of Christian Associates are eligible to receive food stamps cur- tion, for we trust in You and entrust of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He and rently do, and in Massachusetts that our whole being to Your providential Kathy, his wife of 36 years, are the participation rate is only 49 percent. care. Amen. proud parents of three children and one grandson. The participation rate is particularly f low for immigrants and the elderly. On behalf of my colleagues in the Last week, Congresswoman EMERSON THE JOURNAL House, Pastor Green, welcome and and I introduced H.R. 2129, the Feeding The SPEAKER pro tempore. The thank you for your many years of serv- America’s Families Act, which would Chair has examined the Journal of the ice. greatly improve the food stamp pro- last day’s proceedings and announces f gram as well as other Federal hunger to the House her approval thereof. TIME FOR A NEW COURSE IN IRAQ and nutrition programs scheduled for Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- (Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut asked reauthorization in the farm bill. We en- nal stands approved. and was given permission to address courage each of our colleagues to con- f the House for 1 minute.) sider cosponsoring this important piece Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Madam PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE of legislation. Speaker, it seems that President Bush Mr. Speaker, although some judge The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the and many of his allies still don’t under- the health of our Nation by how the gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILI- stand how things have changed on the wealthiest are faring, others, including RAKIS) come forward and lead the ground in Iraq. myself, believe we must measure the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. A few days ago the Republican lead- morality and prosperity of our society Mr. BILIRAKIS led the Pledge of Al- er, when asked about the President’s by the status and mobility of those at legiance as follows: new escalation plan, said that if it the bottom of the economic ladder. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the doesn’t work, the President pretty Through this challenge, I hope my con- United States of America, and to the Repub- soon is going to have to present to Con- stituents, the American people and my lic for which it stands, one nation under God, gress and the American people what colleagues in Washington, DC, will indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. plan B is. learn more about the vital role the f Well, there are very few people that food stamp program plays in the lives don’t realize by now that we are not on of low-income people. MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE plan B anymore; we are on plan Z. And f A message from the Senate by Ms. we have got to start asking ourselves RECESS Curtis, one of its clerks, announced why plan A and plan B all the way that the Senate has passed without through plan Z still haven’t worked. It The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- amendment a concurrent resolution of is because a military plan, without dip- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair the House of the following title: lomatic and political reinforcements declares the House in recess until 10 H. Con. Res. 71. Concurrent resolution behind it, cannot work on the ground a.m. today. commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the in Iraq. That is what the Democrats in Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 8 min- founding of the American Hellenic Edu- Congress have realized. That is what utes a.m.), the House stood in recess cational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a the Iraq Study Group realized. That is until 10 a.m. leading association for the Nation’s 1.3 mil- what legions of retired generals have f lion American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes. realized. b 1000 Madam Speaker, it is time the Presi- f dent and his allies join that hegemony AFTER RECESS WELCOMING THE REVEREND DON of opinion and join us in setting a new The recess having expired, the House GREEN course in Iraq. was called to order by the Speaker pro f tempore (Ms. SOLIS) at 10 a.m. (Mr. ALTMIRE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEMOCRAT f minute.) STYLE PRAYER Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, it is (Mrs. BLACKBURN asked and was The Reverend Don Green, Christian my privilege to rise today to introduce given permission to address the House Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, Pastor Donald Green as today’s Guest for 1 minute and to revise and extend Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offered the Chaplain. I have known Pastor Green her remarks.) following prayer: for many years through our involve- Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, Sovereign of the nations, who has ment in the McCandless Rotary Club, later this week the liberal left in the created the human family with rich di- which is just one of the many service House will take up the Defense Author- versity and who wills that all peoples organizations to which Pastor Green ization Act, legislation that is sup- be reconciled and live in peace and lends his time in western Pennsyl- posed to make our Nation more secure wholeness with dignity and justice, we vania. He is truly an extraordinary and help our troops in winning the war call upon You to bestow Your wisdom man, and it is an honor to present him on terror. and compassion upon these representa- to you today. But you will have to excuse the tives of the American people. Pastor Green has led a number of American people if they don’t under- Grant them humility and openness to trips abroad to assist in various relief stand the leadership’s real agenda here, listen to their opponents and adver- efforts. His travels have taken him to because you actually have to read saries before condemning their posi- Kenya and Zambia to visit projects through 452 pages of the National De- tions or denigrating their person. Give funded by the Lutheran World Relief fense Authorization Act to find it. Sub- them courage to seek reconciliation and Lutheran World Federation. In 1997 title F, section 951 reveals all you real- with our enemies, encouraging negotia- he visited missions in India, and in 1999 ly need to know: a significant diversion tion and diplomacy instead of violence he took a group of volunteers to Puerto of national security resources to in- as the means to lasting peace in our Rico to assist in hurricane relief. He dulge the liberal fascination with glob- conflicted world. also led a group of volunteers to Mada- al climate change. Open their eyes to a vision of a more gascar to lay the foundation for a The language paints an unwelcomed just society where all may enjoy the youth center, which now bears his portrait of the liberal left’s agenda on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.002 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4971 national security: Wax philosophical swab, and completion of a donor con- here. And if they come under the color about the so-called impact of global sent form. Please contact my office for of the law, we must require temporary warming first and, only after that, talk additional details. workers to learn the language of the about the real issue of the war on ter- f American people. ror. This is the second time in as many In addition, serious fines and an elec- THE PRESIDENT’S ENERGY weeks that the left plans to force this tronic verification system must ensure PROPOSAL body to vote on a bill that would fund a full partnership between American special interest priorities at the ex- (Ms. SCHWARTZ asked and was business and the American government pense of our national security. It is un- given permission to address the House in enforcing our immigration laws. conscionable. It is unfair. It is not for 1 minute and to revise and extend The real grand bargain for the Amer- right. It is an abusive use of Federal her remarks.) ican people is comprehensive immigra- funds. Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, tion reform that begins with an affir- Welcome to national security, Demo- last year U.S. foreign oil imports mation of the rule of law. crat style. climbed to a record level of 66 percent. f American families are paying a record f b 1015 $3.09 a gallon on average for regular URGING SUPPORT FOR RESPONSI- gasoline, more than double the cost of SUPPORTING COPS BILITY TO IRAQI REFUGEE ACT gasoline when President Bush took of- REAUTHORIZATION ACT (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was fice. (Mr. LARSEN of Washington asked given permission to address the House For 6 years now, the President has and was given permission to address for 1 minute.) failed to address these costs or our Na- the House for 1 minute.) Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, tion’s energy needs. Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Iraq is the scene of the world’s fastest Yesterday, under pressure to finally Speaker, I am pleased today that the growing humanitarian crisis: 4 million do something, President Bush an- House will vote to reauthorize the suc- people displaced, half of whom have nounced an executive order to develop cessful COPS program, and I commend fled the country altogether, with an- regulations to lower vehicle emissions our leadership for bringing H.R. 1700 to other 50,000 or more added to the rolls before he leaves office in 2009. the floor. every month. This is too little, too late. The ad- The Community Oriented Policing What are we doing to help, especially ministration has had 6 years to act, Services program has allowed our law the tens of thousands who are in dan- and they have failed. They failed to ad- enforcement agencies to hire over ger because they helped the United dress the energy concerns of our Na- 100,000 police officers nationwide. This States, like serving as interpreters? tion while giving big tax breaks to the has led to significantly reduced crime Last month the United States allowed oil and gas industry. rates between 1995 and 2005. Unfortu- exactly one Iraqi refugee to enter the Fortunately, we have a new Demo- nately, the hiring component of this United States. cratic Congress that is going to lead grant program has not been funded in No matter what your position is on our Nation towards energy independ- recent years and the program overall the war in Iraq or its future, I urge my ence. We are determined to find ways has taken severe cuts. colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2265, the to be more energy efficient, to bring Post-9/11, we have asked our State Responsibility to Iraqi Refugee Act, new, safer, less expensive, homegrown and local law enforcement agencies to comprehensive legislation that would sources of energy to American families protect not only our communities from put somebody in charge, set modest and American businesses, and we will crime, but to protect our homeland as levels for refugees entitled to come to start now by bringing a comprehensive well. We cannot continue to put un- our country, and authorize programs to energy bill to the House floor in July funded mandates on our local police help them. It is the least we can do for that will drive down costs and meet forces and expect them to also provide people whose lives are at risk because our Nation’s future energy needs. protection from terrorism if we are not they helped Americans. willing to provide the Federal aid for f them to do so. If Congress fails to fund f COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION the hiring of additional peace officers, PAT PEDRAJA AND DRIVING FOR REFORM MUST BEGIN WITH AF- we risk losing the progress we have DONORS FIRMATION OF THE RULE OF made in crime reduction. We must (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given LAW keep pressure up on crime. permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- By helping to hire local police offi- minute.) mission to address the House for 1 cers, the COPS program helps our Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I minute and to revise and extend his re- State and local law enforcement bust rise today to honor a very brave and marks.) drug-trafficking rings, take down do- mestic meth labs, and keep our com- ambitious young man from my district, Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, on im- munities safe. Pat Pedraja. migration reform the halls of Congress I encourage my colleagues to vote for Pat, who is 12 years old, was diag- are abuzz with rumors of a ‘‘grand com- H.R. 1700, the COPS Reauthorization nosed with leukemia in March of 2006. promise’’ on the issue of illegal immi- Act of 2007. Like many inflicted with this disease, gration. There is talk of a proposal Pat may need a bone marrow trans- that would allow millions of illegal im- f plant to save his life. Unfortunately, migrants to remain in this country by PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN there is currently a shortage of donors. merely paying a fine. (Mr. MCHENRY asked and was given When Pat discovered this shortage, Let me say emphatically, Madam permission to address the House for 1 he decided to do something about it. He Speaker, amnesty is no bargain for the minute.) and his family organized ‘‘Driving for American people. Any effort at com- Mr. MCHENRY. Madam Speaker, I Donors’’ to help add 5,000 new donors to prehensive immigration reform must rise to join with millions across this the National Marrow Registry Program begin by rejecting amnesty, will put Nation who applaud the Supreme this year. They began traveling the border security first, and not imple- Court’s recent decision to uphold the country last month in a ment any type of temporary worker ban on partial-birth abortion. ‘‘Donormobile,’’ working to host suc- program until border security meas- Partial-birth abortion is unrivaled in cessful donor drives in over 30 major ures have been undertaken and com- its gruesome brutality. There is no cities. Tomorrow they will be in Wash- pleted. And once a temporary worker question it has caused the vicious de- ington. program begins, we must require that struction of viable human life, babies, I encourage my colleagues to take every person who has come into this whose only crime is inconvenience. the time out of your busy schedules to country illegally leave the United The Court’s decision is a victory in help save a life. It only takes a small States and apply outside of our coun- the quest to restore basic human dig- donation of saliva, taken by a cheek try for the legal right to live and work nity and human life. No longer will the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.004 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 most vulnerable and innocent among slashed military spending, and our Those doomsayers said we were all us be subject to such cruelty. servicemen and -women were forced to going to freeze in the dark. Now these It also is a victory for the Constitu- apply for food stamps just to survive. are the same people who say we’re tion, which liberal activist judges have Again, in the 1990s, the Democrat Con- going to roast because of global warm- demeaned for far too long. It is encour- gress caused our Nation’s forces to lose ing. Were they correct in 1975 or are aging to see the Court’s decision move their technological edge. From future they correct today? Before we panic, toward our Founders’ vision and intent combat systems to missile defense, we need to separate science from junk to not only respect opinions and the vi- Democrats demonstrate a shortsighted- science and get the facts about global sion for our country, but also to pro- ness that will cost our sons and daugh- warming. tect human life. ters the tools they need for a safe mis- And that’s just the way it is. Let us never forget our responsibility sion. My children and our children will f to uphold the basic sanctity of human pay the price. DEMOCRATS WORK TO RESTORE life granted by our Maker. f COPS PROGRAM SO THAT WE f SUPPORTING COPS CAN CUT DOWN ON VIOLENCE DEMOCRATS WORK TO MAKE REAUTHORIZATION ACT (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was AMERICAN STREETS SAFER BY (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given given permission to address the House PASSING COPS IMPROVEMENT permission to address the House for 1 for 1 minute and to revise and extend ACT minute.) his remarks.) (Mr. SIRES asked and was given per- Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, in mission to address the House for 1 today we will vote on H.R. 1700, which the war to fight crime in this country minute.) calls for putting 50,000 additional police we need more than just rhetoric. We Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, our officers on the street over the next 6 need results. most important job as lawmakers is to years, authorizing $600 million a year During the 1990s, thanks to the ini- ensure the safety of the American peo- for the COPS program, and it also au- tiatives of the Clinton administration ple. thorizes $350 million a year for the and the Democratic Congress, we sig- Our local law enforcement officers COPS technology grants, and $200 mil- nificantly reduced crime nationwide serve communities across this Nation lion a year for hiring community pros- after enactment of the COPS program. as the first line of defense against ecutors. We put 100,000 new cops on our streets, crime. The number of police on our It is fitting today because today is and crime rates fell. But over the past streets matters for the security of the 26th annual National Peace Officers decade, Republicans have cut the pro- every city in this Nation, and we have Memorial Service. Of all the cuts to gram. As a result, crime rates have in- a responsibility to ensure that these of- needed domestic programs the Bush ad- creased nationwide. ficers are in place. That is why Con- ministration has devised over the The Police Executive Research gress worked with President Clinton in years, the decimation of funds to our Forum recently released a report that the 1990s to create the COPS program. law enforcement personnel has to be found violent crime rates have risen by Through this program, more than among the most ill-considered and double-digit percentages over the last 2 100,000 cops were hired, putting police reckless. How he could ever stand next years. Among the cities surveyed, 71 in every neighborhood in our Nation. to any cop and do what he has done in percent had an increase in homicides, But when President Bush came to of- the last 5 years is reprehensible. and 80 percent saw robberies rise. fice, he eliminated the COPS program, The COPS program is a proven win- Today, this House has an opportunity with no objections from the old Repub- ner, cutting crime and making neigh- to show it is serious about protecting lican rubber-stamp Congress. As a re- borhoods safer across the Nation. More our neighborhoods by passing the sult, crime substantially increased police on the streets means less violent COPS Improvement Act. This legisla- over the last decade. crimes and greater vigilance. It just tion will restore the strong anti-crime Madam Speaker, today this Congress makes sense. According to the GAO measures we enacted in the 1990s by has an opportunity to reverse these study, between 1998 and 2000, the COPS providing funding to hire 50,000 new po- troubling trends by passing the COPS grants are responsible for reducing lice over the next 6 years. Improvement Act. This legislation crimes by 225,000. Madam Speaker, the new Democratic would allow communities to hire 50,000 f majority isn’t just talking about keep- police officers over the next 6 years so ing our Nation secure; we are pro- we can better protect our communities. IS IT TOO COLD OR TOO HOT? ducing real results. f (Mr. POE asked and was given per- f mission to address the House for 1 DEMOCRATS’ ACTIONS SPEAK minute.) SUPPORTING COPS IMPROVEMENT LOUDER THAN WORDS WHEN IT Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, there is ACT COMES TO SUPPORTING OUR alarming news from Newsweek maga- (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given TROOPS zine. I read the article in part: ‘‘There permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. AKIN asked and was given per- are ominous signs the Earth’s weather minute and to revise and extend her re- mission to address the House for 1 patterns have begun to change dra- marks.) minute.) matically and that these changes may Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise Mr. AKIN. Recently, congressional cause a drastic decline in food produc- also in strong suspects of the COPS Im- Democrats cut funding that was tion. The evidence in support of these provement Act. planned for modernization of our mili- predictions has now begun to accumu- Since the COPS program began in tary. And while we’ve heard state- late so fast that meteorologists are 1994, it has provided for the hiring of ments that the Democrats are sup- hard-pressed to keep up with it . . . 404 police officers in my congressional porting our troops, their actions speak The central fact is that after three district. It has directed billions of dol- louder than words. quarters of a century of extraor- lars in grants to law enforcement agen- In a strict party-line vote, Democrats dinarily mild conditions, the Earth’s cies, including more than $20 million to slashed the Army modernization pro- climate seems to be cooling down . . . benefit my constituents on the central gram with a 25 percent cut, casting a If the climate change is as profound as coast of California. cloud over the first major moderniza- some of the pessimists fear, the result- COPS deserves much of the credit for tion program in four decades. Future ing famines could be catastrophic . . . the major drop in crime across our combat systems are designed to create The present decline has taken our plan- country during the 1990s, but the Bush a real-time battlefield information sys- et about a sixth of the way toward the administration has repeatedly targeted tem. It promises increased safety and Ice Age average.’’ the COPS hiring program for elimi- efficiency for our troops. This is noth- Madam Speaker, this article was nation. So I’m glad the new Demo- ing new. In the 1970s, the Democrats written in Newsweek in April 1975. cratic majority in Congress realizes the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.007 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4973 importance of putting cops on the beat. their neighbors, knowing their commu- Afro-American Police Association, The COPS Improvement Act continues nity, led to a dramatic drop in violent they came to me and the thing they the good work we started in the 1990s. crime. Reducing those 100,000 extra po- asked me to do was to get more COPS It will help law enforcement agencies lice on the streets led to an increase in dollars, saying that community polic- in my district to hire another 173 po- violent crime. ing was an effective tool in the fight lice officers. That’s 173 men and women Democrats came here to change against crime; that it wasn’t just ar- to patrol the streets and keep their Washington, to bring a new direction resting, but it was knowing people in hardworking neighbors safe. to our policy. Seeing an increase in the community and encouraging them Madam Speaker, I urge this House to violent crime in America, we went to find ways to interrelate to the police pass this much-needed legislation back to a basic fundamental strategy and have a better attitude. today. that has proven year after year to be By working with my colleagues on f successful, adding 100,000 cops, doing the other side of the aisle and Ranking community policing, knowing their Member SMITH, we came up with an COPS neighbors, knowing the kids that go to amendment that will be part of the bill (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given school, knowing where the problems that will give Iraqi and Afghanistan permission to address the House for 1 are, hitting the problems before they veterans priority in the COPS Program minute and to revise and extend his re- start, leading to the most successful so that when we bring our troops home marks.) anti-violent crime strategy in Amer- we can have them effectively police our Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, in ican history. neighborhoods, just as they have been 1994 President Clinton, with the help of I am proud that we have brought this policing the neighborhoods in Baghdad. congressional Democrats, established change to Washington. We need policemen and cops on the the COPS program. The COPS program f streets in our hometowns, in Memphis, changed the way we fight crime in this Tennessee, to fight crime. We need country by giving local jurisdictions FOLLOW THE LAW FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY them home today in our towns, and not the support they needed to put over in Baghdad. The COPS Program will 100,000 new police officers on the street. (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given help. The results were clear: a nationwide permission to address the House for 1 drop in crime and safer streets in our minute and to revise and extend his re- f communities. marks.) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Having been a police officer for 12 Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, we PRO TEMPORE have had the right to be disappointed years, I proudly support the continu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- in the President’s abject refusal to do ation of the COPS program. Unfortu- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair anything to give us auto efficiency and nately, the President and the Repub- will postpone further proceedings clean autos for years. And now we still licans have cut and gut the COPS pro- today on motions to suspend the rules have the right to be disappointed even gram. on which a recorded vote or the yeas though he has been ordered to do so by The COPS program is needed now and nays are ordered, or on which the the United States Supreme Court. We more than ever. The threat of ter- vote is objected to under clause 6 of sort of heard this sort of semi ‘‘maybe rorism has put new burdens on our first rule XX. I’ll think about it’’ approach the other responders, and recent news reports Record votes on postponed questions day. show violent crime in our cities is will be taken later today. again on the rise. As a result, the We need some bold action when it Democrats will seek to put $1.5 billion comes to new technology, including in f forth in the budget to hire more police our automobile sector; and we know we AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED officers where they can do the most can get that. We know we can have ef- FOR LIFE COMMEMORATIVE good, on the streets in our commu- ficient automobiles, and we know we COIN ACT nities. can deal with global warming. The COPS program is a proven con- I’ve got to tell you, I just cannot un- Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam cept that has the full support of the derstand why some folks here want to Speaker, I move to suspend the rules law enforcement community. The embrace ignorance on global warming. and pass the bill (H.R. 634) to require Democrats will make the program even They point out that we didn’t know the Secretary of the Treasury to mint better. about global warming in 1970. We didn’t coins in commemoration of veterans Let us work together to put cops know about the Internet either, but I who become disabled for life while back on the streets and give them the don’t know why you shouldn’t use it. serving in the Armed Forces of the tools they need to keep us and America We’ve learned some things from 1970. United States, as amended. safe. We’ve learned that the planet is warm- The Clerk read the title of the bill. ing. We’ve learned that CO is respon- The text of the bill is as follows: f 2 sible. We’ve learned that it’s coming H.R. 634 COPS from our industries. And we’ve learned Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given that if we have the Federal law fol- resentatives of the United States of America in permission to address the House for 1 lowed, we will have energy efficiency Congress assembled, minute.) and a clean energy economy in the fu- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, like ture of this country. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative my colleagues, I too, rise in support of f the full funding for the 100,000 commu- Coin Act’’. b 1030 nity police officers. It has been a SEC. 2. FINDINGS. linchpin to a very successful anti- PASS THE COPS PROGRAM The Congress finds as follows: (1) The Armed Forces of the United States crime strategy. (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- have answered the call and served with dis- In the 1990s, we pursued a single mission to address the House for 1 tinction around the world—from hitting the strategy of putting more cops on the minute.) beaches in World War II in the Pacific and beat and getting gangs, guns and drugs Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I join Europe, to the cold and difficult terrain in off the street. It led to the longest and my colleagues in asking that we pass Korea, the steamy jungles of Vietnam, and largest decline of violent crime in the COPS Program. I started my career the desert sands of the Middle East. American history. after law school as the attorney for the (2) All Americans should commemorate After the elimination of the COPS those who come home having survived the Memphis Police Department, and I ordeal of war, and solemnly honor those who program, community police officers, learned then that patrol was the major made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their we saw a steady increase in violent deterrent to crime. lives for their country. crime. Cops doing community policing, When I campaigned this year in the (3) All Americans should honor the mil- an old strategy, door by door, knowing City of Memphis and met with the lions of living disabled veterans who carry

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.009 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4974 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 the scars of war every day, and who have (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall which I have introduced with my friend made enormous personal sacrifices defending make bulk sales of the coins issued under and colleague, Mr. KIRK of Illinois, we the principles of our democracy. this Act at a reasonable discount. hope to honor and show our gratitude (4) In 2000, Congress authorized the con- (c) PREPAID ORDERS.— for their sacrifice and the toll this has struction of the American Veterans Disabled (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ac- for Life Memorial. cept prepaid orders for the coins minted taken on their lives. Specifically, (5) The United States should pay tribute to under this Act before the issuance of such Madam Speaker, this legislation pro- the Nation’s living disabled veterans by coins. vides for the design, manufacture and minting and issuing a commemorative silver (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to sale of special commemorative silver dollar coin. prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be coins and authorizes special surcharges (6) The surcharge proceeds from the sale of at a reasonable discount. on these coins to be contributed toward a commemorative coin would raise valuable SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. the construction of a memorial to dis- funding for the construction of the American (a) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins issued abled veterans. Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. under this Act shall include a surcharge of The American Veterans Disabled for SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. $10 per coin. Life Memorial will occupy an impres- (a) $1 SILVER COINS.—The Secretary of the (b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all sur- sive 2-acre site located just southwest the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue not charges received by the Secretary from the of the Rayburn House Office Building more than 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration sale of coins issued under this Act shall be adjacent to the National Mall within of disabled American veterans, each of which paid to the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memo- full view of the United States Capitol. shall— rial Foundation for the purpose of estab- The memorial will embody America’s (1) weigh 26.73 grams; lishing an endowment to support the con- lasting gratitude for the men and (2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and struction of American Veterans’ Disabled for women whose lives are forever changed (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent Life Memorial in Washington, D.C. in their service to our country. It will copper. (c) AUDITS.—The Comptroller General of (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted the United States shall have the right to ex- also serve as an important reminder to under this Act shall be legal tender, as pro- amine such books, records, documents, and Members of Congress of the human cost vided in section 5103 of title 31, United States other data of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE of war and the need to support our vet- Code. Memorial Foundation as may be related to erans. We must never forget the sac- (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of the expenditures of amounts paid under sub- rifices these American heroes made sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United section (b). and continue to make in order to pro- States Code, all coins minted under this Act (d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- shall be considered to be numismatic items. mote a better world for our fellow citi- section (a), no surcharge may be included zens. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. with respect to the issuance under this Act (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.— of any coin during a calendar year if, as of Building this long overdue memorial (1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins the time of such issuance, the issuance of is something we need to do and should minted under this Act shall be emblematic such coin would result in the number of com- do as Americans. of the design selected by the Disabled Vet- memorative coin programs issued during Madam Speaker, I include the fol- erans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation for the such year to exceed the annual 2 commemo- lowing letter exchange for the RECORD: American Veterans Disabled for Life Memo- rative coin program issuance limitation HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, rial. under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, (2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On States Code (as in effect on the date of the Washington, DC, May 2, 2007. each coin minted under this Act, there shall enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Hon. BARNEY FRANK, be— Treasury may issue guidance to carry out Chairman, Financial Services Committee, Ray- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; this subsection. burn House Office Building, Washington, (B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2010’’; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- DC. (C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ant to the rule, the gentleman from DEAR BARNEY: I am writing regarding H.R. ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of Amer- Kansas (Mr. MOORE) and the gentleman 634, the American Veterans Disabled for Life ica’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. Commemorative Coin Act. from Illinois (Mr. ROSKAM) each will (b) SELECTION.—The design for the coins As you know, the Committee on Ways and minted under this Act shall be— control 20 minutes. Means maintains jurisdiction over bills that (1) selected by the Secretary, after con- The Chair recognizes the gentleman raise revenue. H.R. 634 contains a provision sultation with the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE from Kansas. that establishes a surcharge for the sale of Memorial Foundation and the Commission of GENERAL LEAVE commemorative coins that are minted under Fine Arts; and Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam the bill, and thus falls within the jurisdic- (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advi- tion of the Committee on Ways and Means. sory Committee. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that However, as part of our ongoing under- SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. all Members have 5 legislative days standing regarding commemorative coin (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under within which to revise and extend their bills and in order to expedite this bill for this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and remarks on this legislation and to in- floor consideration, the Committee will proof qualities. sert any other material. forgo action. This is being done with the un- (b) MINT FACILITY.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there derstanding that it does not in any way prej- (1) IN GENERAL.—Only 1 facility of the objection to the request of the gen- udice the Committee with respect to the ap- United States Mint may be used to strike tleman from Kansas? pointment of conferees or its jurisdictional any particular quality of the coins minted prerogatives on this bill or similar legisla- under this Act. There was no objection. tion in the future. (2) USE OF THE UNITED STATES MINT AT WEST Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam I would appreciate your response to this POINT, NEW YORK.—It is the sense of the Con- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I letter, confirming this understanding with gress that the coins minted under this Act may consume. respect to H.R. 634, and would ask that a should be struck at the United States Mint Madam Speaker, this legislation that copy of our exchange of letters on this mat- at West Point, New York, to the greatest ex- we are considering today is a simple, ter be included in the RECORD. tent possible. straightforward bill that would take a Sincerely, (c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary small but important step to recognize CHARLES B. RANGEL, may issue coins under this Act only during Chairman. the calendar year beginning on January 1, and honor the more than 3 million 2010. American veterans currently living HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. with disabilities as a result of their COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under sacrifice and service in our United Washington, DC, May 2, 2007. this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a States Armed Forces. In fact, of 26 mil- Hon. CHARLES B. RANGEL, price equal to the sum of— lion American veterans today, nearly Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, (1) the face value of the coins; one in 10 embody the physical cost of House of Representatives, Washington, DC. (2) the surcharge provided in section 7 with their service in permanent disability. DEAR CHARLIE: I am writing in response to respect to such coins; and your letter regarding H.R. 634, the ‘‘Amer- (3) the cost of designing and issuing the While there are many other steps ican Veterans Disabled for Life Commemora- coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of that Congress should take to improve tive Coin Act,’’ which was introduced in the machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, the lives of disabled veterans, by pass- House and referred to the Committee on Fi- and shipping). ing this bipartisan legislation today, nancial Services on January 23, 2007. It is my

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.003 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4975 expectation that this bill will be scheduled I urge Members, staff and the rest of Earlier this year, I had the privilege for floor consideration in the near future. the country to look at the Web site of of meeting with an extraordinary I wish to confirm our mutual under- the memorial at avdlm.org. young man, Sergeant Bryan Anderson standing on this bill. As you know, section 7 About half of the money for con- of Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Bryan’s of the bill establishes a surcharge for the struction already has been raised, and story is, unfortunately, all too com- sale of commemorative coins that are mint- ed under the bill. I acknowledge your com- this legislation, through surcharges on mon for our soldiers in Iraq, but his mittee’s jurisdictional interest in such sur- the sale of silver one-dollar coins to be spirit is uncommon, and his attitude charges as revenue matters. However, I ap- issued by the U.S. Mint in 2010, could sets him apart from the average per- preciate your willingness to forego com- raise another $3.5 million to be used for son. mittee action on H.R. 634 in order to allow construction or to maintain the dra- You see, Bryan lost both legs and an the bill to come to the floor expeditiously. I matic memorial. arm to a roadside bomb in Iraq. He agree that your decision to forego further ac- Madam Speaker, I am glad to be one jokes that he would have lost both tion on this bill will not prejudice the Com- of more than 300 Members of Congress arms if he hadn’t been smoking when mittee on Ways and Means with respect to who have cosponsored this bill, which the bomb detonated. His sense of its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or is supported by the VFW, the American similar legislation. I would support your re- humor and determination are clearly quest for conferees on those provisions with- Legion, the DAV, and thousands of vet- apparent in the interview that he gave in your jurisdiction should this bill be the erans and veteran organizations across to Esquire Magazine in January. In it subject of a House-Senate conference. the Nation who have contributed to the he said, ‘‘This wound does not define I will include this exchange of letters in memorial’s creation. me. It may be how I look on the out- the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD when this bill is Madam Speaker, I ask for the imme- side, but it is not who I am. I guess you considered by the House. Thank you again diate passage of H.R. 634 and urge all could remember me easily as being a for your assistance. Members to support it. triple amputee, but that’s not who I BARNEY FRANK, Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam am. It has nothing to do with who I Chairman. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my am. I have always been the same per- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- time. son.’’ ance of my time. Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I Bryan is a self-described ‘‘adrenalin Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from junkie’’ who hopes one day to become a yield myself such time as I may con- Illinois (Mr. KIRK), the sponsor of the Hollywood stuntman. Since his appear- sume. bill. ances on the cover of Esquire, he has Madam Speaker, I rise today in Mr. KIRK. I thank the gentleman for had numerous opportunities to use his strong support of H.R. 634, the Amer- yielding. story for the gain of this legislation, ican Veterans Disabled for Life Com- Madam Speaker, there are over 50 often being baited to say if he has any memorative Coin Act introduced by million Americans who have worn our political affiliation or asked what he Mr. MOORE and by my colleague from country’s uniform, and over 20 million thinks about the war. Each time he re- Illinois (Mr. KIRK). are alive today. Among them there are fuses to take the bait. He says he Madam Speaker, occasionally we dis- 3 million Americans who are disabled doesn’t want to talk about politics. agree on the floor of this great Cham- from wounds in battle. Thanks to ad- But he is always willing and excited to ber, and we heard some of those dis- vances in military medicine, soldiers talk about the American Veterans Dis- agreements aired a couple of minutes who once died of their wounds are now abled for Life Memorial. ago, but now there can be no disagree- surviving and they return from battle Washington has legions of profes- with broken bodies, but not broken ment about the goals of this legisla- sional advocates who make a living spirits. It is that spirit of men and tion, honoring the heroes who have convincing people to see issues from women that we honor today. This been grievously injured in the defense their point of view, but none of them Moore-Kirk bill will help raise funds of this country, in defense of liberty, in compare to Bryan Anderson. With for a memorial to disabled American defense of democracy. Bryan, what you see is what you get, veterans. There are plenty of monuments, as an American veteran with an inspira- I want to particularly thank my bi- tional story that has dedicated a good well there ought to be, for those who partisan partner in this effort, Rep- gave their lives for those causes, but I portion of his life to seeing that this resentative DENNIS MOORE of Kansas. memorial be built, not just for himself, know of no monument to those who We formed a bond and a partnership to lived, but whose lives were drastically but for 3 million disabled American pass this bill first authored by Rep- veterans, and for everyone to remem- altered, whose bodies were broken, but resentative Sue Kelly of New York. Mr. whose spirits are still strong. But now ber the sacrifices that they have made. MOORE and I worked many weeks to get Bryan is a genuine man that you may they will have their own monument, over 290 cosponsors, Republicans and and it is only right, Madam Speaker. one day meet. I hope passage of this Democrats, to make sure this bill could legislation brings us closer to a day This memorial will be for the World come to the floor. when Bryan returns to Capitol Hill to War II vet who came back without a In 2000, Congress authorized the con- see the memorial that he helped to hand, the Korean War vet who uses a struction of the Americans Veterans build. wheelchair, the Vietnam vet who uses Disabled for Life Memorial just south With more than 3 million disabled the white cane of the blind, and for the of the Rayburn Building within sight of American veterans in the United veterans of the conflicts in the gulf, the U.S. Capitol. Last December, Presi- States, it is fitting that we construct a who came back to us forever changed. dent Bush signed into law a bill trans- memorial in Washington, D.C., within In 2000, Congress approved the build- ferring control of the land for the me- sight of this Capitol. It is my hope that ing of the American Veterans Disabled morial from the District of Columbia my colleagues will answer Bryan An- for Life Memorial. It will be a $65 mil- to the National Park Service. Now, the derson’s call to action and support this lion privately funded memorial just American Veterans Disabled for Life legislation to make this memorial a re- west of the Rayburn Building, across Memorial Foundation needs to raise ality. from the Botanic Garden and in full approximately $65 million to cover the With that, I just want to once again view of the Capitol. The Commission of cost of construction. thank my colleague from Kansas (Mr. Fine Arts and the National Capital Our bill today will authorize the Sec- MOORE) for an outstanding partnership Planning Commission approved the retary of the Treasury to mint com- and a great bipartisan victory today. conceptual design in 2004 and re- memorative silver dollars to be sold Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam affirmed it in 2006. with a surcharge that will help the Speaker, I want to again thank my col- The memorial will express our Na- American Veterans Disabled for Life league from Illinois (Mr. KIRK) for the tion’s gratitude to those who paid the Memorial Foundation to raise the wonderful display of bipartisanship terrible cost of defending freedom. It money it needs for this memorial. Not here. I wish we could set an example represents the values of duty, of cour- only will these coins be collectors’ and hope we set an example for all of age and of sacrifice that are the life- items, but they will benefit this wor- our colleagues here to work on other blood of American democracy. thy cause. matters together.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.009 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to The question was taken. The Chair recognizes the gentleman the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the from Michigan. STUPAK). opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being GENERAL LEAVE Mr. STUPAK. I thank the gentleman in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I ask for yielding. Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam unanimous consent that all Members Madam Speaker, let me compliment Speaker, on that I demand the yeas have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- the sponsors of this bill, Mr. MOORE and nays. tend their remarks and include extra- from Kansas and Mr. KIRK from Illi- The yeas and nays were ordered. neous materials in the RECORD. nois. I am down here on another bill, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there but I felt compelled to say a few words, ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the objection to the request of the gen- if I may, on this piece of legislation, Chair’s prior announcement, further tleman from Michigan? which really honors American disabled proceedings on this question will be There was no objection. veterans with this commemorative postponed. Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I coin. This will help us raise the money f yield myself such time as I may con- to build this monument, which is long sume. ARMY SPECIALIST JOSEPH P. overdue. As author of H.R. 692, the Army Spe- MICKS FEDERAL FLAG CODE Whether you are talking about my cialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag AMENDMENT ACT OF 2007 father-in-law, Ken Olsen, up in Esca- Code Amendment Act of 2007, I urge my naba, who was disabled in World War Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I colleagues to support its passage. Madam Speaker, those who make the II, or the recent disabled members of move to suspend the rules and pass the ultimate sacrifice for our country de- our Armed Forces coming back from bill (H.R. 692) to amend title 4, United serve our country’s utmost respect. Afghanistan and Iraq, I think we can States Code, to authorize the Governor H.R. 692 will ensure that our fallen all personally relate to different sto- of a State, territory, or possession of troops and their families are provided ries. the United States to order that the Na- tional flag be flown at half-staff in that the appropriate respect due. Today, Derek Gagne, who spent quite The Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks a bit of time at Walter Reed Army Hos- State, territory, or possession in the event of the death of a member of the Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of pital, is coming back to the upper pe- 2007 would require all Federal Govern- Armed Forces from that State, terri- ninsula of Michigan, where family and ment agencies in a State to comply tory, or possession who dies while serv- friends will be waiting to greet him with a Governor’s proclamation to fly ing on active duty, as amended. home. Unfortunately, as Derek has left the national flag at half-staff in honor The Clerk read the title of the bill. his bed at Walter Reed for an amputa- of those who lose their lives serving The text of the bill is as follows: tion he had to have because of injuries our country. sustained in Iraq, unfortunately, that H.R. 692 H.R. 692 is named after Joseph P. bed is being taken by another member Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Micks, a soldier from Rapid River, from my district who also was wounded resentatives of the United States of America in Michigan, who was killed in Iraq last in Iraq. Congress assembled, July at the age of 22. Specialist Micks We talk about our disabled veterans SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. was an all-American soldier and cit- and we honor them throughout our This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Army Specialist izen. He was an altar server at church, time, especially in the summer months Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007’’. an Eagle Scout from Troop 466 in Glad- through the Memorial Day and 4th of stone, Michigan, loved to collect sports July and all the holidays we celebrate SEC. 2. FINDING. Congress finds that members of the Armed memorabilia, and fixed the computers in parades and ceremonies like that, Forces of the United States defend the freedom of his neighbors. He joined the Army to but it is time that we have the memo- and security of the United States. help others, to make a difference. rial here in Washington, so those of us SEC. 3. PROCEDURE FOR NATIONAL FLAG TO BE His death was not only mourned by who make decisions on war understand FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN THE his family and friends, but also by the that it is more than just sending an EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A MEMBER citizens of the rural communities army here or there, but that there is OF THE ARMED FORCES. which make up and comprise Delta consequences of it. (a) ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION.—Subsection County, Michigan. As his funeral pro- (m) of section 7 of title 4, United States Code, is b 1045 amended in the sixth sentence— cession progressed through several rural communities in the Upper Penin- Whether the injury is an amputation (1) by inserting ‘‘or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or sula of Michigan, citizens were upset to or a closed-head injury, which we are possession who dies while serving on active note that some Federal agencies had seeing so much of in the war in Iraq, duty’’ after ‘‘present or former official of the not lowered their flags based on the each and every injury serves to remind government of any State, territory, or possession Governor’s proclamation in honor of us of the horrors of war but also that of the United States’’; and Specialist Micks. these men and women and their fami- (2) by inserting before the period the fol- There have been several other in- lies and their spouses deserve our ut- lowing: ‘‘, and the same authority is provided to stances in my district, unfortunately, most respect. the Mayor of the District of Columbia with re- when a Federal agency has not lowered So I am very pleased to see this me- spect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces its flag in accordance with Governor morial start to take on more and more from the District of Columbia’’. Granholm’s proclamation. life, to become a reality. And the work (b) FEDERAL FACILITY CONSISTENCY WITH When I have learned of Federal agen- of Mr. MOORE and Mr. KIRK will cer- PROCLAMATION.—Such subsection is further cies, offices and buildings that have tainly help bring forth this memorial. I amended by inserting after the sixth sentence not lowered their American flags, I am very honored to not only cosponsor the following new sentence: ‘‘When the Gov- have contacted the agencies. I have H.R. 634, but also to support the Amer- ernor of a State, territory, or possession, or the been told that the directive to lower ican Veterans Disabled for Life Com- Mayor of the District of Columbia, issues a proc- the flag has not come from the district memorative Coin Act. lamation under the preceding sentence that the office or the regional office or from National flag be flown at half-staff in that Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I State, territory, or possession or in the District Washington headquarters. It is regret- yield back the balance of my time. of Columbia because of the death of a member of table that this legislation is even nec- Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam the Armed Forces, the National flag flown at essary. Last year I wrote the President Speaker, I yield back the balance of any Federal installation or facility in the area asking him to issue an executive order my time. covered by that proclamation shall be flown at to have the flags lowered. He has not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The half-staff consistent with that proclamation.’’. responded. However, as there have been question is on the motion offered by The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- not one but multiple instances where the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Federal agencies have ignored the Gov- MOORE) that the House suspend the Michigan (Mr. STUPAK) and the gen- ernor’s request to lower flags, it is im- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 634, as tleman from Virginia (Mr. FORBES) portant that Congress address this amended. each will control 20 minutes. issue.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.015 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4977 In a recent example, when Navy H.R. 692 authorizes State Governors given their lives in Iraq and Afghani- SEAL Joe Schwedler was killed re- to fly the American flag at half-staff stan, and yet the national flags on cently in Iraq, it was the Veterans Af- upon the death of a member of the some Federal buildings were not low- fairs hospital that refused to lower its Armed Forces who dies while serving ered in their honor, to the dismay of flag. Veterans presented officials with on active duty. the family members and friends of the article from the local newspaper, We all honor the service of the brave these brave soldiers. the Daily News from Iron Mountain. It men and women who defend our Na- So the measure ensures that our Na- says: ‘‘Flags Lowered for Crystal Falls tion. When they make the ultimate tion’s fallen military heroes who made Hero,’’ and still the Veterans Adminis- sacrifice, Governors of the State should the ultimate sacrifice in the service of tration refused to lower the flag. be allowed to recognize and pay tribute our Nation are appropriately honored I include this article for the RECORD. to them by lowering the flag. and acknowledged. [From the Daily News, April 12, 2007] I am also pleased the majority in- Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I re- FLAGS LOWERED FOR CRYSTAL FALLS HERO cluded a Republican proposal to add a serve the balance of my time. HALF-STAFF ON FRIDAY simple congressional finding to this Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I Lansing.—Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has legislation that states the following: have no further speakers, so I would ordered United States flags throughout ‘‘Congress finds that members of the like to close. Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered Armed Forces of the United States de- I close by saying there is no more for one day on Friday, April 13, in honor of fend the freedom and security of our Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph C. powerful way to honor the death of an Schwedler of Crystal Falls who died April 6 Nation.’’ It is fitting to include this American than flying our Nation’s flag while on active duty in Iraq. finding to recognize not just the loss of at half-staff. Recognizing this, Gov- Flags should return to full staff on Satur- a member of our Armed Forces, but ernors across this great country have day, April 14. also to honor the reasons they serve. issued proclamations to honor Schwedler, 27, died from enemy action Madam Speaker, members of our while conducting combat operations in Al servicemembers from their States who Armed Forces deserve our deepest re- have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the spect. They put their lives between us East Coast Navy SEAL Team. This quiet sign of respect is a power- When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the and hostile enemies around the world; ful message to the family that a grate- United States flag should be hoisted first to they sacrifice stability with their own ful Nation and a grateful community the peak for an instant and then lowered to families so ours may sleep easier. They mourns and honors the sacrifice made the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag persevere in the most extreme condi- should again be raised to the peak before it by their fallen hero. It is also rep- tions so we can lead ordinary lives. resentative of the shared loss felt by is lowered for the day. The flag code is designed to honor A military funeral will be conducted at 1 our communities who mourn a family public service. When we lower the flag p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Forest Park member, a friend, a neighbor and a col- to half-staff, we remind ourselves that High School gymnasium in Crystal Falls. league. A scholarship fund will be established with the United States is not merely pre- The Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks the Crystal Falls Area Community Fund, served by lofty ideals, but by the serv- Flag Code Amendment Act will ensure Post Office Box 269, Crystal Falls, Michigan ice and sacrifice of a great many men that each of our fallen heroes receives 49920. and women. The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal the ultimate honor due to Joe and his I support this legislation and encour- Falls is in charge of arrangements. family; his wife, Romona; and parents, age all of my colleagues to do so as The inconsistent patchwork display Ken and Amy Micks. To them we owe well. of respect is particularly hurtful to Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- a great debt of gratitude. I hope this rural communities where the funeral ance of my time. legislation passes the House today and processions of fallen troops often travel Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I moves to the Senate, and we can get it by several Federal facilities, some with yield such time as he may consume to completed by Flag Day on June 14. flags lowered, others without. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Rural Americans disproportionately the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS). Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 692, which fill the ranks of our armed services and authorizes Governors of the several States to have disproportionately paid the ulti- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan, order the National Flag to be flown at half-staff mate sacrifice. Almost half of U.S. in the event of the death of a member of the military casualties have hailed from BART STUPAK, for all that he has done with our committee, and with the Re- Armed Forces. Section 2(a) would add ‘‘or the towns fewer than 25,000 people; one in death of a member of the Armed Forces from five from towns smaller than 5,000 peo- publicans on the subcommittee on the Judiciary Committee who worked so any State, territory, or possession who dies ple. It is important that when one of while serving on active duty’’ to the list of per- our own perishes serving our Nation well on this. I rise of course in support of H.R. 692 sons under 4 D.S.C. § 7(m) for whom the Flag they receive the proper respect. should be flown at half-staff for a period of ten I am joined today in support of this to honor fallen men and women who days from the date of death. legislation by the Military Order of the gave their lives to our Nation while on Purple Heart and Society of Military duty in the armed services. Under section 2(b), the bill authorizes the Widows. In endorsing the legislation, As a veteran myself, I can appreciate Governor of a State, territory, or possession to the Society of Military Widows stated: this bill as much as anyone in the issue a proclamation under section 7(m), as ‘‘We strongly feel that Federal agen- House. This 22-year-old soldier for amended by the Act, ordering the Flag to be cies within the State should comply whom the bill was named came from flown at half-staff in honor of a member of with this order to honor fallen native BART STUPAK’s district, and gave his Armed Forces who dies while on active duty. sons and daughters. As military wid- life on July 8, 2006. He was killed by an Madam Speaker, it is a privilege for me to ows, we can especially appreciate this improvised explosive device that deto- support a bill that honors the service of our visible show of respect.’’ nated near his vehicle during combat fallen members of the Armed Forces who die I would like to thank my colleagues operations in Iraq. while serving on active duty. These brave men who have cosponsored this legislation This measure before us simply and women have given great contributions and those who have helped champion amends current law to add heroes like and have made incredible personal sacrifices its passage, including Chairman CON- Specialist Micks to the list of persons so that all of us in this country might live in a YERS, Chairman NADLER, Ranking in whose honor the flag may be flown safe and secure Nation and world. In my State Member FRANKS, as well as Congress- at half-staff. It specifies that a Gov- of Texas, 287 service members have already man PASTOR, Congressman VISCLOSKY, ernor’s proclamation ordering the flag given the last full measure of devotion in Op- and Congressman LAMBORN. to be flown at half-staff, consistent eration Iraqi Freedom. I think everyone of Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- with this measure, would apply to all these fallen heroes deserve recognition for ance of my time. Federal installations and facilities in their supreme sacrifice. Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I the State. Flying the Federal Flag at half staff to honor yield myself such time as I may con- Over the last 4 years, at least 10 sol- the service of fallen members of the Armed sume. diers from Mr. STUPAK’s district have Forces is only a small step towards repaying

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.018 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 the insurmountable debt that all of us owe to SEC. 2. LOAN REPAYMENT FOR PROSECUTORS the end of the period specified in the agreement, all veterans. For, what is the price of freedom? AND DEFENDERS. the borrower will repay the Attorney General As President Kennedy once said, ‘‘The price Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe the amount of any benefits received by such em- Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is ployee under this section; and of freedom is high, but Americans have al- amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(C) if the borrower is required to repay an ways paid it.’’ And no one has paid a higher ‘‘PART JJ—LOAN REPAYMENT FOR amount to the Attorney General under subpara- price than the brave men and women through PROSECUTORS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS graph (B) and fails to repay such amount, a the years who gave the last full measure of sum equal to that amount shall be recoverable ‘‘SEC. 3111. GRANT AUTHORIZATION. devotion to their country. Whether it is the ulti- by the Federal Government from the employee ‘‘(a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is (or such employee’s estate, if applicable) by mate sacrifice of life or the loss of limb or the to encourage qualified individuals to enter and such methods as are provided by law for the re- loss of time with family and friends, we owe continue employment as prosecutors and public covery of amounts owed to the Federal Govern- our veterans and in this case, those who have defenders. ment. died during their service, an enormous out- ‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: ‘‘(2) REPAYMENT BY BORROWER.— ‘‘(1) PROSECUTOR.—The term ‘prosecutor’ standing debt of gratitude. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Any amount repaid by, or means a full-time employee of a State or local From Bunker Hill to Yorktown, from Wash- recovered from, an individual or the estate of an agency who— ington, DC to the Battle of New Orleans, from individual under this subsection shall be cred- ‘‘(A) is continually licensed to practice law; ited to the appropriation account from which Bull Run to Gettysburg and Antietam to Appo- and the amount involved was originally paid. mattox, brave Americans gave their lives so ‘‘(B) prosecutes criminal or juvenile delin- ‘‘(B) MERGER.—Any amount credited under that the Nation might live. And from Alsace quency cases (or both) at the State or local level, subparagraph (A) shall be merged with other Lorain to Verdun, and Normandy to Berlin and including an employee who supervises, educates, sums in such account and shall be available for or trains other persons prosecuting such cases. Pearl Harbor to Okinawa, from Inchon and the same purposes and period, and subject to ‘‘(2) PUBLIC DEFENDER.—The term ‘public de- Correigidor to Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, the same limitations, if any, as the sums with fender’ means an attorney who— Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Americans which the amount was merged. ‘‘(A) is continually licensed to practice law; have nobly sacrificed their lives so that the ‘‘(C) WAIVER.—The Attorney General may and waive, in whole or in part, a right of recovery world may live in freedom. ‘‘(B) is— under this subsection if it is shown that recov- The debt of gratitude we owe to all of the ‘‘(i) a full-time employee of a State or local ery would be against equity and good con- soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who an- agency who provides legal representation to in- science or against the public interest. swered their Nation’s call and made the su- digent persons in criminal or juvenile delin- ‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS.— quency cases (or both), including an attorney preme sacrifice can never be repaid. But we ‘‘(A) STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT AMOUNT.—Stu- can give these fallen service men and women who supervises, educates, or trains other per- dent loan repayments made by the Attorney the recognition and honor they deserve by fly- sons providing such representation; General under this section shall be made subject ing the National Flag at half-staff. ‘‘(ii) a full-time employee of a nonprofit orga- to the availability of appropriations, and subject nization operating under a contract with a to such terms, limitations, or conditions as may Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues State or unit of local government, who devotes to join me in honoring our fallen heroes by be mutually agreed upon by the borrower and substantially all of such full-time employment to the Attorney General in an agreement under supporting H.R. 692. providing legal representation to indigent per- Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I paragraph (1), except that the amount paid by sons in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases the Attorney General under this section shall yield back the balance of my time. (or both), including an attorney who supervises, not exceed— Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, once educates, or trains other persons providing such ‘‘(i) $10,000 for any borrower in any calendar again I urge passage of the bill, and I representation; or year; or yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘(iii) employed as a full-time Federal defender ‘‘(ii) an aggregate total of $60,000 in the case The SPEAKER pro tempore. The attorney in a defender organization established of any borrower. pursuant to subsection (g) of section 3006A of ‘‘(B) BEGINNING OF PAYMENTS.—Nothing in question is on the motion offered by title 18, United States Code, that provides legal the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. this section shall authorize the Attorney Gen- representation to indigent persons in criminal or eral to pay any amount to reimburse a borrower STUPAK) that the House suspend the juvenile delinquency cases (or both). for any repayments made by such borrower rules and pass the bill, H.R. 692, as ‘‘(3) STUDENT LOAN.—The term ‘student loan’ prior to the date on which the Attorney General amended. means— entered into an agreement with the borrower The question was taken. ‘‘(A) a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this subsection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the under part B of title IV of the Higher Education ‘‘(e) ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.— opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.); ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—On completion of the re- ‘‘(B) a loan made under part D or E of title IV in the affirmative, the ayes have it. quired period of service under an agreement of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. under subsection (d), the borrower and the At- Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, on 1087a et seq. and 1087aa et seq.); and that I demand the yeas and nays. torney General may, subject to paragraph (2), ‘‘(C) a loan made under section 428C or 455(g) enter into an additional agreement in accord- The yeas and nays were ordered. of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. ance with subsection (d). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- 1078–3 and 1087e(g)) to the extent that such loan ‘‘(2) TERM.—An agreement entered into under ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford paragraph (1) may require the borrower to re- Chair’s prior announcement, further Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford main employed as a prosecutor or public de- proceedings on this question will be Loan, or a loan made under section 428 or 428H fender for less than 3 years. postponed. of such Act. ‘‘(f) AWARD BASIS; PRIORITY.— ‘‘(c) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.—The Attorney ‘‘(1) AWARD BASIS.—The Attorney General f General shall, subject to the availability of ap- shall provide repayment benefits under this sec- b 1100 propriations, establish a program by which the tion— Department of Justice shall assume the obliga- ‘‘(A) subject to the availability of appropria- JOHN R. JUSTICE PROSECUTORS tion to repay a student loan, by direct payments tions; and AND DEFENDERS INCENTIVE ACT on behalf of a borrower to the holder of such ‘‘(B) in accordance with paragraph (2), except OF 2007 loan, in accordance with subsection (d), for any that the Attorney General shall determine a fair borrower who— Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I allocation of repayment benefits among prosecu- ‘‘(1) is employed as a prosecutor or public de- tors and defenders, and among employing enti- move to suspend the rules and pass the fender; and ties nationwide. bill (H.R. 916) to provide for loan repay- ‘‘(2) is not in default on a loan for which the ‘‘(2) PRIORITY.—In providing repayment bene- ment for prosecutors and public defend- borrower seeks forgiveness. fits under this section in any fiscal year, the At- ers, as amended. ‘‘(d) TERMS OF LOAN REPAYMENT.— torney General shall give priority to borrowers— The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(1) BORROWER AGREEMENT.—To be eligible to ‘‘(A) who, when compared to other eligible The text of the bill is as follows: receive repayment benefits under subsection (c), borrowers, have the least ability to repay their a borrower shall enter into a written agreement student loans (considering whether the borrower H.R. 916 with the Attorney General that specifies that— is the beneficiary of any other student loan re- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(A) the borrower will remain employed as a payment program), as determined by the Attor- resentatives of the United States of America in prosecutor or public defender for a required pe- ney General; or Congress assembled, riod of service of not less than 3 years, unless ‘‘(B) who— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. involuntarily separated from that employment; ‘‘(i) received repayment benefits under this This Act may be cited as the ‘‘John R. Justice ‘‘(B) if the borrower is involuntarily separated section during the preceding fiscal year; and Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of from employment on account of misconduct, or ‘‘(ii) have completed less than 3 years of the 2007’’. voluntarily separates from employment, before first required period of service specified for the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.039 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4979 borrower in an agreement entered into under General to establish a loan repayment program subject only to the avail- subsection (d). assistance program for an individual ability of appropriations, ensuring that ‘‘(g) REGULATIONS.—The Attorney General is who agrees to remain employed for at the Department’s criminal justice re- authorized to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this sec- least 3 years as either a State or local sponsibilities remain a priority. tion. criminal prosecutor or as a State, local H.R. 916, as amended, directs the At- ‘‘(h) REPORT BY INSPECTOR GENERAL.—Not or Federal public defender for criminal torney General to give priority to later than 3 years after the date of the enact- cases. those applicants with the least ability ment of this section, the Inspector General of Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- to repay their loans. This provision the Department of Justice shall submit to Con- ance of my time. guarantees that funds will be made gress a report on— Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I available under this program to those ‘‘(1) the cost of the program authorized under yield myself such time as I may con- this section; and prosecutors or public defenders suf- ‘‘(2) the impact of such program on the hiring sume. fering the greatest burden. and retention of prosecutors and public defend- H.R. 916, the John R. Justice Pros- I thank Chairman CONYERS and ers. ecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of Crime Subcommittee Chairman SCOTT ‘‘(i) GAO STUDY.—Not later than one year 2007, establishes a loan forgiveness pro- for their cooperation on this legisla- after the date of the enactment of this section, gram within the Department of Justice tion, and I urge my colleagues to sup- the Comptroller General shall conduct a study for State and local prosecutors and for port the bill. of, and report to Congress on, the impact that Federal, State and local public defend- law school accreditation requirements and other Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ers. However, the bill, as introduced, ance of my time. factors have on the costs of law school and stu- raised several concerns regarding the dent access to law school, including the impact Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I of such requirements on racial and ethnic mi- breadth and cost of the loan forgive- yield myself 1 minute to congratulate norities. ness program. the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. I am pleased that the majority lis- ‘‘(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— FORBES), the floor manager of this bill, There is authorized to be appropriated to carry tened to our concerns, and at the Judi- and to thank him for the helpful com- out this section $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal ciary Committee markup we were able promises that he led in working out years 2008 through 2013.’’. to reach a bipartisan compromise that the bipartisan support of this bill. I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ensures fiscal responsibility while en- thank you. ant to the rule, the gentleman from couraging young attorneys to join the Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- criminal justice system and preventing the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. tleman from Virginia (Mr. FORBES) attrition. SCOTT), the author of the bill. Many law school graduates carry a each will control 20 minutes. Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Madam The Chair recognizes the gentleman large amount of student loan debt, on Speaker, I thank very much Chairman from Michigan. average between $50,000 and $80,000. CONYERS. This is indeed a great mo- GENERAL LEAVE More than 80 percent of law students ment. It is a great time, and I appre- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I borrow to pay for their law degree, and ciate the leadership that you provide ask unanimous consent that all Mem- the amount borrowed by many stu- as chairman of the committee and all bers have 5 legislative days to revise dents exceeds $100,000. of our colleagues. and extend their remarks and include At the same time, the median entry This is definitely a bipartisan effort extraneous material on the bill under level salary for State prosecuting at- to really deal with one of the most consideration. torneys is $46,000, and the median entry The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there level salary for public defenders is pressing issues facing our country objection to the request of the gen- $43,000. today, Madam Speaker. I cannot think tleman from Michigan? Several States and prosecuting agen- of a more significant thing we can do There was no objection. cies currently offer loan repayment to make the essence of this country a Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I programs. Yet, H.R. 916, as introduced, reality for all. For at the cornerstone yield myself as much time as I may made no provisions for whether partici- of America are these words: wisdom consume. pation in existing State and local loan and justice and fairness and modera- I am proud to join with the gen- repayment programs would offset re- tion. That is what makes this country tleman from Virginia (Mr. FORBES) and payment from this program. great. rise in strong support of H.R. 916 be- This substitute amends the bill to di- And at the cornerstone of that is to cause our Nation’s criminal justice sys- rect the Department of Justice to con- be able to have, when you come before tem depends on the hard work and sider applicants’ participation in other the bar of justice, that justice is indeed commitment of the men and women loan repayment programs when deter- blind and that everyone will be able to who serve as prosecutors and defenders; mining their ability to pay their loans. receive justice in a fair way. Regard- yet the ability of the public sector to The bill, as introduced, would have less of whether or not you are a attract qualified individuals and to re- resulted in a very costly program. Al- wealthy person or if you are a poor per- tain experienced attorneys is increas- though the bill caps repayment at son, one thing is important: you are an ingly becoming more compromised. $60,000 per applicant, as few as 25,000 American citizen and you deserve to As many of us know, recent law applicants would have cost $1.5 billion make sure that you have fairness and school graduates are often burdened over the life of the program, even with justice and integrity when you come with overwhelming student education the cap in place. before the criminal justice system. loans. The amount of their debt can ef- The bill also authorized the program Unfortunately, now, Madam Speaker, fectively preclude a young attorney at $25 million for the first year and that is not the case. For in all too from choosing to practice in the public such sums as are necessary for each ad- many cases, when it comes down to sector, and with the median salary for ditional year. The bipartisan com- public defenders and prosecutors, that an associate in private practice now promise authorizes $25 million a year is not the case because of the strains many times the median salary of a for 6 years. This fiscally responsible and the interplay of our economic sys- State prosecutor, public-spirited attor- limit on the authorization provides tem and the pressures that the market- neys who owe extensive student loans Congress the opportunity to review the place has on that. have a very hard time deciding that cost effectiveness of the program. But what I am talking about is this, they can afford to work in our criminal The bipartisan compromise directs that right now the cost of living has justice system. the Inspector General of the Depart- gone up 28 percent, but the costs of tui- In Wayne County, Michigan, our ment of Justice to review the costs of tion for 3 years in law school has gone county prosecutor Ms. Kym Worthy, a the program and determine whether up 167 percent. So that the average veteran trial lawyer before she as- the program positively impacts the hir- cost now per year for a student to go to sumed the position, has come to me re- ing and retention of prosecutors and law school is $50,000 a year. For 3 years, peatedly asking for help in this area. public defenders. that’s $150,000. So this measure addresses the crit- The compromise also directs the De- So, Madam Speaker, what I am say- ical problem by directing the Attorney partment of Justice to administer this ing is when that individual gets out of

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Of course, local and State courts will Atlanta, beginning law school students I thank the chairman and thank my benefit because they will be able to going into the private sector can earn colleagues, and I urge your passage of keep qualified and competent trial law- as much as $160,000 a year. But if you’re this bill. yers. We need the best trial lawyers in a public defender, if you’re a pros- Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I our legal profession to try criminal ecutor, the average starting salary is yield as much time as he may consume cases for the State and the defense. just $43,000. to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Madam Speaker, we basically have That is the crux of the problem, and POE), an individual who knows first- two types of lawyers—trial lawyers. We that’s why we have this bill, Madam hand the importance of good prosecu- have civil lawyers, and there are a lot Speaker, so that we can bring some eq- tors and public defenders having served of wonderful trial lawyers who are civil uity to the playing field; so that we as a district court trial judge. lawyers. will be able to provide law students Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I want to But, basically, civil lawyers argue in with the opportunity to help them with thank the gentleman from Virginia for the courtroom over money. Nothing their loan repayment; so that we can yielding some time. wrong with that, but that’s what they have a partial loan forgiveness, not Madam Speaker, I was a former pros- are arguing over. total. ecutor for 8 years and a judge in Texas But in the criminal courts, we are ar- This package that we’re offering for 22. I spent all my life basically in guing over something much more im- would give an individual up to $10,000 the criminal justice system as a pros- portant than money, and it’s the lib- from the Federal Government to help ecutor or as a trial judge, and I can at- erty of the person on trial. It is very offset his loans, and he must serve in test to the high workload, long hours serious business, and that’s why you the public sector for 3 years. But and low pay attributed to our Nation’s need the best prosecutor and the best there’s also contingent in our bill that prosecutors and to public defenders. public defender that we can find to rep- with agreement with the employer if I have found over the years that most resent both sides because the stakes he wants to extend that after priority of them do what they do because they are so high. has been given to those that come in at are committed to serving the public, I urge my colleagues to support pas- 3 years first, that he will be able to ex- either as a prosecutor or a public de- sage of H.R. 916. tend it for 3 more years. So the max- fender. They certainly don’t do it for I want to thank the gentleman from imum they can get is $60,000. the money. Georgia (Mr. SCOTT) for introducing No, this will not solve the problem, According to the Law Schools Admis- this important piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, but this is a very sion Council, however, the average law Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I complex problem. But there are young school debt for an individual who bor- yield myself 1 minute and that is to de- people that understand the virtues and rows Federal or private loans is any- scribe the wide spectrum of legal sup- the need of this country to serve in the where from $90,000 up. The starting sal- port for this measure: the National public arena, and we need those bright ary for local and State prosecutors and District Attorneys Association, the and talented individuals to be able to public defenders starts anywhere at American Bar Association, the Na- come into this arena, and this is a $25,000 and sometimes it reaches tional Association of Criminal Defense small incentive package for which we $50,000. It is not nearly enough to cover Lawyers, the National Legal Aid & De- give. the expenses and keep up with the high fender Association, and many others. As my colleague pointed out, this loan repayments every month that Madam Speaker, I am now pleased to amounts to $25 million a year up to 6 these lawyers have to deal with. introduce a gentleman from South years. It is a small gesture, but it is a This leaves many qualified and dedi- Carolina, the chairman of the Budget meaningful investment because other- cated lawyers leaving the district at- Committee, as much time as he may wise what we have is today where torney’s office and the public defend- consume, Mr. JOHN SPRATT. many innocent people are languishing er’s office for work in the private sec- (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given in jails because we are not addressing tor where they can make more money. permission to revise and extend his re- this issue and many who are criminals What happens is these lawyers get trial marks.) are going free. experience at taxpayers’ expense, then Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Chairman, thank And that’s why for the last 2 years, leave for the big law firms because of you very much for this opportunity to Madam Speaker, I have been pushing their low government salary and their say something on behalf of my con- and working on this bill because, at the high law school debt. stituent, John Reid Justice of South crux of it all, as I said, America is When I served in the criminal courts Carolina, my good friend, my con- great because of many things, but as a judge for 22 years, I saw many stituent, my trusted counselor, when- paramount is justice, it is wisdom and good prosecutors and public defenders ever we had or I had any questions or it is moderation. That’s in our flag, just leave public service because of this any issues about criminal justice, be- that’s in our motto, and that’s what is problem. cause he was the expert. in this bill. The people of our Nation and the vic- Madam Speaker, John Justice was al- This bill is a companion bill. We have tims of crime need to have the best most elected to Congress himself. But the Senate who has already moved on trial lawyers we can find to prosecute in the middle of his campaign, he did this in a bipartisan way under the lead- criminal cases. Defendants, likewise, what duty called him to do. He was in ership of Senator RICHARD DURBIN of Il- need conpetent public defenders to rep- the National Guard, he took 2 weeks linois, their distinguished majority resent the rights of the citizen accused. out for summer camp, and never quite whip, and we’re very proud. I am honored to be a cosponsor of caught up. But for that, he might have So I am very proud for this moment H.R. 916, the John R. Justice Prosecu- been here sponsoring legislation like at this time in this House of Represent- tors and Defenders Incentive Act of the very bill before us which is named atives for us to move forthright and to 2007. Prosecutors and public defenders after him. be able to bring some help to our col- can have up to $30,000 of law school But providence had a better role for lege law students and especially into debt erased if they serve 3 years in John Justice. He became a prosecutor. the private sector and to those individ- their current position in public service. We call them solicitors in South Caro- uals who cannot afford a high-priced lina, not district attorneys. He became attorney but have to rely on a public b 1115 a solicitor for nearly 30 years, and he defender. Of course, this is a renewable debt became a model solicitor. Others Madam Speaker, don’t these individ- forgiveness. If the trial lawyer is will- looked to him, admired him, and fol- uals deserve to be able to have the best ing to work another 3 years as a pros- lowed his example. The better part of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.025 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4981 his professional life, he was the pros- I think that I want to say once again the right way to do things, providing ecutor in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of to Congressman SCOTT and all the oth- incentives to do good things. I appre- South Carolina. He was, as I said, a ers on our side of the aisle as well, my ciate it. model prosecutor, so much so that the good friend from Virginia, RANDY Mr. CONYERS. I thank the gen- National District Attorneys Associa- FORBES, who have brought this bill for- tleman from Texas for his contribu- tion elected him, from Chester, South ward, I thank you for the time. I sup- tion. Carolina, as president not long ago, port it tremendously, and I congratu- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- just before he died. late you for doing this. ance of my time. In addition, he was a model pros- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, we ecutor. If you could have seen his fu- yield myself as much time as I may just request and urge the passage of neral, you would understand when I say consume. the bill. the entire law enforcement community I would bring to the attention of our Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam in South Carolina turned out to pay membership a communication from the Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 916, the honor to this splendid fellow. He would National Conference of Chief Justices John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders have been proud to know that this bill at the State level in support of Federal Incentive Act of 2007. I thank the Chairman bears his name, particularly because of legislation to create incentives to law and the Ranking Member for their effort and its substance, not just because of the students to participate in public serv- time in holding this very important markup honor, but because of the substance of ice occupations after graduations. hearing. the bill. He would be proud to know The 109th Congress considered legis- Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 916 be- that he was having some part in help- lation designed to encourage qualified cause it amends the Omnibus Crime Control ing young lawyers afford the crushing individuals to enter in and continue and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the At- burden of student loans. employment for at least 3 years as torney General to assume the obligation to So on behalf of the friends of John criminal prosecutors and public defend- repay student loans for borrowers who agree Justice, who knew him well and prac- ers by means of providing the United to remain employed, for at least three years, ticed with him, on behalf of his family, States Government payment of a por- as: (1) State or local criminal prosecutors; or on behalf of all those who worked with tion of that individual student loan for (2) State, local, or Federal public defenders in him, I want to thank the committee each year of such employment. criminal cases. H.R. 916 also will allow a bor- for naming this bill after him and for Whereas the 110th Congress is also rower and the Attorney General to enter into honoring him in this very special way. likely to consider legislation to assist an additional loan repayment agreement, after I urge support for the bill. the repayment of student loans of the required three-year period, for a succes- Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I qualified individuals who commit to sive period of service which may be less than yield 2 minutes to the distinguished employment as prosecutors and public three years. The bill also limits the amount gentleman from Georgia (Mr. defenders, therefore, the Association of paid under such program on behalf of any bor- GINGREY). American Law Schools, Equal Justice rower to $10,000 per calendar year and Mr. GINGREY. I appreciate the gen- Works, the National Legal Aid & De- $60,000 total. tleman yielding. I didn’t know he was fender Association, and the American Madam Speaker, this bipartisan legislation going to yield so quickly. I am still out Bar Association have expressed support will benefit our criminal justice system and our of breath from running over here. for the above-described legislation, and communities by creating a student loan repay- Madam Speaker, I wanted to come the lawyers to engage in civil and legal ment program for law school graduates who and lend my support to my good friend, services to enhance access by justice, agree to serve for at least 3 years as criminal Congressman DAVID SCOTT, my col- by low-income persons rendered valu- prosecutors or public defenders. league from Georgia, and the John R. able public service that is comparable Madam Speaker, over recent years we have Justice Prosecutors and Defenders In- to that provided by criminal prosecu- witnessed the difficulty prosecutor and public centive Act. tors and public defenders. defender offices across the country have had Congressman SCOTT and I both served Therefore, be it resolved that the attracting and retaining qualified attorneys. We in the Georgia senate, he for a while Conference of Chief Justices hereby have also seen that our communities suffer longer than I did, and with more power urges the Congress to adopt legislation when the criminal justice system fails to obtain in the leadership there, but we had to give financial incentives to law and retain a sufficient supply of experienced passed similar legislation in Georgia, school graduates to commit to sus- prosecutors and defenders. Under those trying this commonsense provision, to help tained public service as prosecutors circumstances, the resulting effect is that give some relief to these young, bril- and public defenders. criminal caseloads become unmanageable, liant attorneys who are willing to go Therefore, the conference addition- cases can be delayed or mishandled, serious into work to serve either as a pros- ally encourages Congress to develop crimes may go unprosecuted, and innocent ecutor or a public defender. and adopt separate legislation pro- defendants may be sent to jail. H.R. 916 will The reason I feel so impassioned by viding similar relief for qualified indi- improve the administration of the criminal jus- it, my daughter, Phyllis Collins, has viduals who engage in employment as tice system to recruit and retain talented attor- been practicing in the Cobb County ju- civil, legal aid attorneys, adopted as neys and help that system function more ef- dicial system now for about 3 years. proposed by the Government Affairs fectively. She came out of law school at Michi- Committee and the Professionalism Although I support H.R. 916, it needs to go gan State after graduating from under- and Competence Committee of the Con- a step further in ensuring that bright lawyers graduate school with a microbiology ference of Chief Justices on February 7 will lend their services to civil public service degree from Georgia Tech. I thought in the year 2007. legal careers that include legal aid to this she would become a doctor, but she be- Madam Speaker, I would be happy to country’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable came a darn good lawyer instead. recognize former judge Louie Gohmert populations. That is why during the markup of She came out of that school with of the Judiciary Committee for 1 H.R. 916 I strongly supported the Nadler about $100,000 in debt, just as this bill minute. Amendment, which included civil legal aid at- indicates in the language we have read. Mr. GOHMERT. Thank you, Mr. torneys in the category of lawyers eligible for That’s just a typical situation that my Chairman. I do applaud the chairman loan forgiveness. Indeed, the Nadler Amend- daughter, Phyllis, is in. She took that and the ranking member for the work ment is comparable to more extensive legisla- job for about $60,000 a year, I believe. on this bill. tion that I plan to introduce. She served a year and a half as a pros- Madam Speaker, having started out Including civil legal aid attorneys in the ecutor. Now she is a public defender. as an assistant district attorney, and group who may qualify for loan forgiveness It’s people like Phyllis Collins that then my years as a judge, I constantly when committing to work in public service will we need to encourage to do this kind of saw how difficult it was in our Smith help to recruit and retain legal aid lawyers so important work on behalf of people, County District Attorney’s Office to that low-income Americans receive the legal the public defenders, the prosecutors. hire good lawyers, even to hire any assistance they need. Specifically, the Amend- They are bringing justice to people lawyers. Thank you for your efforts on ment would provide a loan repayment program that otherwise could not afford justice. this behalf. I think it’s a great bill and for new law graduates who work for legal aid.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.029 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Providing loan relief for legal aid attorneys is loan debt repayments of up to $10,000 per stable home life due to frequent moves from crucial. Legal Aid attorneys protect the safety, year, with a maximum aggregate over time of one foster home to another; security, and health of low-income citizens na- $60,000; covering student loans made, in- Whereas approximately 50 percent of foster tionwide. Support for such programs not only care children have been placed in foster care sured or guaranteed under the Higher Edu- programs for longer than 1 year; provides relief for prospective legal aid attor- cation Act of 1965, including consolidation Whereas 25 percent of foster care children neys but also for the most vulnerable mem- loans; providing that repayments benefits be have been placed in foster care programs for bers of our population. Such programs are made available to eligible attorneys on a first- at least 3 years; available for Federal prosecutors and other come, first served basis, subject to the avail- Whereas children in foster care programs Federal employees. But, for the legal aid attor- ability of appropriations; and permitting attor- for longer periods of time often experience neys—who have the lowest incomes—there neys to enter into additional loan repayment worse outcomes than children in foster care currently is not enough access to loan repay- agreements, after the required 3-year period, programs for shorter periods of time; ment programs. We must ensure that legal aid Whereas children in foster care programs for additional periods of service. The bill also are more likely than the general population attorneys receive the financial incentives they sets safeguards to ensure loan forgiveness to become teen parents, to rely on public as- need to commit to a career in legal aid. participants satisfy their commitments by re- sistance as adults, to become homeless, and Without such incentive as loan relief, the quiring attorneys to repay the Government if to experience mental health disorders at a legal aid field will continue to fall far short of they do not complete their required period of higher rate; the mark to meet the needs and demands of service. Whereas repeated studies have shown that requests for legal assistance. Despite the im- Madam Speaker, this bill has bipartisan sup- a child’s very early years are critical for portance of the services legal aid lawyers pro- port as well as wide support in the legal com- brain development, meaning that it is ex- tremely important to find suitable perma- vide, almost half of the eligible people seeking munity. H.R. 916 is supported by the Amer- assistance from Legal Aid are being turned nent homes for children during this critical ican Bar Association, the National District At- period; away because of a lack of resources. As law torneys Association, the National Association school tuition has skyrocketed, so has a Whereas there are 119,000 children eligible of Prosecutor Coordinators, the National Legal for adoption every year and less than half of young lawyer’s debt. A recent survey found Aid and Defender Association and the Na- the children in foster care programs actually that with median law school debt at $70,000 tional Association of Criminal Defense Law- get adopted; with an additional $16,000 in undergraduate yers. Whereas a stable home is critical to a debt, over 65 percent of new law school grad- Madam Speaker, I strongly support this bill child’s development; and uates were prevented from even considering a Whereas every child deserves to be raised and urge my colleagues to support this bill. public service career. by a loving family: Now, therefore, be it Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I Given the financial realities, individuals who Resolved, That in recognition of National take positions with legal aid often leave after yield back the balance of my time. Foster Care Month and in order to improve two or three years. One Midwestern program The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the foster care system throughout the cited a turnover rate of 60 percent over a two question is on the motion offered by United States, it is the sense of the House of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Representatives that Congress should ensure year period, with an average tenure for new that improving the foster care system re- attorneys of 17 months. Many of these young CONYERS) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 916, as mains a top priority for both Congress and attorneys leave at a time when they have just the Nation. develop necessary experience, creating a re- amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- volving door of inexperienced lawyers. This ant to the rule, the gentleman from turnover dramatically decreases the efficiency The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) and the of the program and the vital services it pro- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being gentleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) vides. Such a bill would allow young lawyers in the affirmative, the ayes have it. each will control 20 minutes. to choose a career in public service without Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The Chair recognizes the gentleman having to bear the heavy burden of law school from Washington. debt on their own. The yeas and nays were ordered. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, whether legal aid attor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the month of May marks National Fos- neys, prosecutors or public defenders, public ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ter Care Month. The foster care system service attorneys must be given some com- Chair’s prior announcement, further provides a safe sanctuary for children parable incentive to choose a career in public proceedings on this question will be who are unable to live safely in their service instead of a career in the higher-pay- postponed. ing private sector arena. One of the primary homes. f Its primary goal is to ensure their reasons for the recruiting difficulty of the ad- RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FOSTER safety and well-being by providing ministration of the criminal justice system is CARE MONTH that huge amounts of student debt have pulled them with critical services and work- students in the opposite direction of public Mr. MCDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I ing to find a safe and loving and perma- service careers such as those of prosecutors move to suspend the rules and agree to nent home. Over 500,000 American chil- and defenders. Why? We all know that no one the resolution (H. Res. 263) recognizing dren are in the foster care system on is going to get rich going into service careers National Foster Care Month as an op- any given day with over 100,000 of these such as teachers, social workers, and pros- portunity for Congress to improve the children waiting to be adopted. They ecutors and public defenders especially when foster care system throughout the need our help, and I believe this is one they are starting out with enormous student United States, as amended. place where every Member of the House loan obligations. That is why we must give The Clerk read the title of the resolu- can come together as one, committed those who wish to serve in public service ca- tion. to protecting these innocent children. reers incentive such as loan forgiveness so The text of the resolution is as fol- This morning, we, Mr. WELLER and I, that they will not forgo service careers simply lows: had a hearing in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and because they are buried in mounds of student H. RES. 263 loans. Family Support to review the changes Whereas National Foster Care Month pro- and the challenges that child welfare H.R. 916, which authorizes $25 million in vides an opportunity to recognize the impor- appropriations for FY08, establishes a pro- tant role that the foster care system plays in agencies encounter in achieving posi- gram of student loan repayment for borrowers the lives of the more than 500,000 children tive outcomes for children and families who agree to remain employed, for at least 3 currently in foster care programs through- under their service. years, as State or local criminal prosecutors or out the United States; The hearing identified a number of as State, local or Federal public defenders in Whereas National Foster Care Month also areas that need to be improved to criminal cases (note that Federal prosecutors provides an opportunity to explore the dif- strengthen children and families, ficulties faced by children in the foster care are already eligible for loan relief through ex- which I am committed to addressing. system and to reaffirm the Nation’s commit- The hearing also highlighted the com- isting Federal programs). The 3 year period is ment to improving the lives of these children comparable to other loan forgiveness pro- by improving foster care programs; mitment of some of our most selfless grams. Whereas many children in the foster care Americans on behalf of some of our Other important aspects of the bill include: system have spent multiple years in foster most vulnerable children. Millions of allowing eligible attorneys to receive student care programs and have experienced an un- Americans serve as foster parents, and,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.037 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4983 in doing so, have unselfishly opened and all of them for their efforts and sure that all children are adequately their homes and their lives to children dedication. protected. in need. These families are to be com- Yet, despite such dedicated efforts, Madam Speaker, in contrast with the mended for working cooperatively with we also know a lot more work is needed Clark County tragedies, some areas human service agencies and biological to ensure that all children are ade- have shown progress, but they’re all parents to strengthen the lives of these quately protected from abuse and ne- too rare. Recent positive examples in- foster children. glect. clude my home State of Illinois. We should also recognize the work of I have a longstanding interest in Starting under the leadership of dedicated case workers, juvenile court training of child welfare workers. former Governor Jim Edgar in the late justices, physicians and the advocates Today I am reintroducing legislation I 1990s, the entire child welfare system who have committed their lives to en- have authored in prior Congresses de- in Illinois has undergone remarkable suring the safety and well-being of our signed to address a glaring flaw in cur- changes, resulting in there being 16,272 most vulnerable children. These tire- rent rules by ensuring all child care children today in foster care, or in Jan- less workers should be commended for workers, whether they work for a pub- uary of 2007 that number, down from their work on behalf of children and lic agency or a private agency, have ac- 28,202 children in September of 2001. families in crisis. cess to the same training needed to New York City, under the leadership I ask my colleagues to join me in rec- protect children. of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, also made ognizing May 2007 as National Foster Take Will County Catholic Charities, changes that were positive, dramati- Care Month and commending the dedi- which helps protect over 300 children in cally reducing the number of children cation of foster parents, case workers, foster care in the congressional district who need foster care. judges, service providers and advocates I represent. There’s simply no reason Many experts think we should build for their commitment to our Nation’s why a caseworker with Will County on this success and do better when it most vulnerable children. Catholic Charities should have less ac- comes to targeting efforts to prevent cess to training than an equally dedi- abuse and neglect from occurring in b 1130 cated caseworker who happens to be a the first place. That would result in Madam Speaker, I would now ask public employee. Yet, that is what cur- fewer children needing foster care, unanimous consent to allow Represent- rent Federal rules promote, and we tracking the Illinois and New York ative CARDOZA of California, who is the should fix this. City experiences, and that would free author of this resolution and a staunch We also need to do more to ensure more resources to ensure the safety, advocate for improving the well-being that each and every child involved with permanency and well-being of those of children in foster care, and actually the child welfare system is safe. Too children who do not need to be placed an adoptive parent of a couple of kids often that is not the case. The Sub- in foster care. Both goals are critical, from foster care, so he’s done it at committee on Income Security and better prevention and better oversight. every level, to control the balance of Family Support, on which I serve as In 2006, Congress took some modest my time. ranking member, held a hearing on steps in the right direction by tar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there these challenges earlier today. We fo- geting more funds for child abuse pre- objection to the request of the gen- cused on areas like Clark County, Ne- vention and holding States more ac- tleman from Washington? vada, which is home to Las Vegas. A countable for results. So there is in- There was no objection. series of child deaths in Clark County creasing recognition of the steps need- Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, I’d has proven the risks for children when ed to turn this program around. like to allow Mr. WELLER to speak foster care and child protection sys- In the meantime, we will certainly next. tems fail to protect them. need the continuing involvement and Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam As an August 5, 2006 article in the support of tens of thousands of foster Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 263, Las Vegas Review Journal put it, parents. We owe them, and especially as amended, recognizing National Fos- ‘‘Since 2002, at least 79 children have the children they protect each and ter Care Month. died of abuse or neglect at the hands of every day, our continued full support. We’re here today to discuss foster their parents, foster parents or other I urge bipartisan support for this res- care, starting with recognizing the caregivers while under the watch of the olution. thousands of foster parents who step in Clark County Department of Family Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- to care for so many vulnerable young Services.’’ ance of my time. people across America. It is right to As troubling as that is, the response Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the efforts of foster parents of local officials has only made matters yield myself such time as I may con- who step in to keep children safe. worse. ‘‘For years, the county child sume. In addition to these individuals, welfare system has continuously avoid- Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- thousands of local organizations, with ed scrutiny by hiding behind a veil of port of House Resolution 263, a resolu- both public and private sector employ- confidentiality meant to protect chil- tion recognizing May, this month, as ees and volunteers, are also active in dren and families, but which the coun- the National Foster Care Month. foster care. ty has used to shield itself from over- I want to begin my statement today In the congressional district that I sight and criticism.’’ by thanking subcommittee chairman, represent, one good example of a trust- This sad trail of facts was supported Mr. MCDERMOTT from Washington, for ed foster care organization is Baby by testimony we received today from his outstanding support and work with Fold, and Baby Fold is a multi-service Ed Cotton, who has broad experience in us to bring this resolution to the floor. family support agency that has served child welfare programs in my home Chairman MCDERMOTT has dedicated the Bloomington-Normal region in cen- State of Illinois, as well as New Jersey virtually his entire life to the work of tral Illinois for over a century. and Nevada. Most recently Mr. Cotton helping children that have been dis- Today the Baby Fold specializes in conducted a top-to-bottom review of advantaged, and he deserves great residential, educational, therapeutic, Clark County, Nevada’s child welfare praise and thanks for the hard work he adoption, foster care, pregnancy coun- program in the wake of tragedies there. continues to do in this Congress. seling and family support prevention And the evidence shows that Clark I also want to recognize Mr. WELLER services for children and their families. County is a case study of what happens for cooperating with us today in bring- Many similar groups provide similar when there’s no oversight from those ing this resolution to the floor, and services in every congressional district administering the program, and clearly also for his thoughtful comments that in America. These organizations and is a national embarrassment and a dis- he just prepared. dedicated individuals, supported by pri- grace because Federal funds were in- However, this resolution has a long vate donations and over $23 billion in volved. and tortuous path to reaching the floor taxpayer funds each year, help children As Mr. Cotton testified, in Clark today. My staff’s been working tire- and families lead safe and productive County and too many other places, this lessly with both the majority and the lives. Today we thank each of them system has a very long way to go to en- minority staffs of the Ways and Means

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.033 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 and Judiciary Committees. Before this waiting to be adopted, and numerous know that all Members in this institu- bill was able to reach the floor under barriers keep them in limbo. Children tion care passionately about foster suspension, I was forced to make sub- often bounce from one system to an- children. stantive changes which severely, in my other, from child welfare to juvenile But the time to act is now. We need opinion, gut the force of this resolu- justice to mental health as their needs to do more to work on behalf of these tion. intensify. children to eliminate the barriers that Specifically, my original resolution, Each year, about 20,000 children age prohibit them from leading positive drawing upon the recommendations of out of the foster care system without lives in society. the respected Pew Charitable Trust, ever being adopted, placed with grand- We must extend health care coverage made clear that we need more funds for parents or any other supportive adult. to these young people until the age of the CASA Program, that we need more Oftentimes, these children have no con- 21. It’s currently a voluntary program. funds to better ensure that we have nection whatsoever to any adult. Thirty-three States in this country do trained personnel working with foster Several studies released in 2005 docu- not offer health care all the way to the children, and that we provide more re- mented the special challenges facing age of majority. We must, in fact, do sources to State agencies that deal these youths, especially in the area of more. And it is imperative. And frank- with foster children. mental health, education and employ- ly, if we can keep these young people In the interest of comity, I was ment. They are especially poorly pre- out of a life of crime, out of falling into forced to withdraw all these rec- pared to be self-sufficient young adults. trouble, assisting them into becoming ommendations. Unfortunately, while of These children are waiting. Speaking productive citizens, instead of the cur- course I still support the thrust of the from personal experience, there is no rent situation where nearly 50 percent current resolution, without sufficient greater joy in life than helping a child. of children who age out of the foster resources we will never fully tackle My wife and I can attest to this every care system end up homeless after 1 this problem. day. year, we can do better for our citizens I’d also like to just point out, and it’s Every child, no matter what their and we can, frankly, probably save important history for us all to remem- situation that they may be born to, de- money to the taxpayers of the United ber, that in the previous majority in serves a chance to be raised in a stable States. the last Congress, we took, in my and loving home. Innocent children So, Madam Speaker, I urge adoption mind, unconscionable measures to re- should not be forced to bear the mis- of this resolution. I urge my colleagues duce the funding to foster children. takes of their parents. We have a moral here today within earshot of my voice On February 8, 2006, President Bush obligation to ensure that these chil- to redouble their efforts in helping this signed the Deficit Reduction Act of dren, no matter what background they population of our citizenry that has be- 2005. The CBO estimates that this come from, have a shot that is equal to come disadvantaged. measure cut funds of $1.3 billion over 10 the shot that every American has to Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in years to foster care and $2.1 billion the American dream. recognition of National Foster Care Month. over 10 years to Medicaid that would This is a big problem that will re- Our child welfare system faces severe chal- affect these children. quire bold solutions. In order to save lenges and this month provides Congress with I stood up on the House floor on that the next generation of children, we the opportunity to make needed reforms. day in December when it was being de- must rededicate ourselves to their wel- Our society has an obligation to ensure that bated in this institution and fought fare and to pledge to do whatever is all children are raised in safe and loving envi- against those cuts. I, at that time, necessary to nurture and protect them. ronments. For the 500,000 children in foster called it ‘‘Scroogenomics,’’ because we This resolution, by highlighting at- care, the State is responsible for providing a were cutting the money for foster kids tention to their problems, is a nec- stable home, through reunification with their right before the Christmas holiday. essary first step. But, Madam Speaker, families, permanent placements, or adoption. And those concerns went for nought. other dramatic actions need to be Tragically, we are not doing a very good job. The bill was passed anyway and signed taken. That is why I have introduced Half of all foster children have been in care for into law, and foster kids continue to legislation to expand Medicaid cov- more than a year. A quarter have been in the suffer because of that act. erage to children who age out of the system for more than 3 years. For foster chil- I won’t belabor the point too much at foster care system, and I’m considering dren that remain in the system and ‘‘age out’’ this point because I really want to legislation to ensure that every foster with no family supports, the future is not very focus on the needs today. But, Madam child has a CASA representative, a bright. For those children, the odds are that Speaker, I speak passionately about court-appointed special advocate, the they will end up in jail, homeless, or reliant on foster children because I have a very same type of court-appointed special public assistance. personal interest in this issue. Seven advocate that saved my children. The problems that plague our child welfare years ago I adopted two foster children. These are urgent problems. They re- system are largely the result of poor Federal In fact, Madam Speaker, as an aside, quire bold solutions. I urge my col- and State policy decisions. Luckily, we have I’m doing this resolution because they leagues to support this resolution. the power to reform those policies and directly asked me to do it today. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- affect the lives of the hundreds of thousands Since then, I have advocated on their ance of my time. of children who are counting on us to do the behalf and on the behalf of the adop- GENERAL LEAVE right thing. tion of foster children in the California Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam There are very concrete steps we can take State Assembly and now here in Con- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that to improve the foster care system. Congress gress. all Members have 5 legislative days in should reform the financing system to make The need is tremendous and the sta- which to revise and extend their re- sure that we provide support for every foster tistics are sobering. It is estimated marks and to include extraneous mate- child. Currently, the Federal Government sup- that there are 800,000 children in foster rial on the subject of the bill under ports less than 50 percent of children in care. care at some point during any given consideration. We can also take steps to improve the child year. Moreover, children of color are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there welfare workforce and reduce the number of disproportionately represented in fos- objection to the request of the gen- cases those workers have to handle. A Fed- ter care. African American children tleman from Illinois? eral ceiling for the number of cases a worker make up about 16 percent of the Na- There was no objection. can handle should be established so that chil- tion’s children, but make up 35 percent Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam dren get the attention needed to keep them of the children in foster care. These Speaker, I yield back the balance of safe. In addition, we have to provide better children enter foster care at higher our time. services to the estimated 25,000 children who rates and remain in care longer, for Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, I leave care each year when they turn 18. All of longer periods than white children. want to thank my colleague, Mr. these children should maintain Medicaid eligi- Too many children in foster care sit WELLER. I know he cares passionately bility until they are 21 and we should invest waiting for permanent families. There about these children, and while we further in training, education, and housing as- are about 118,000 children in foster care sometimes disagree on the specifics, I sistance for these children.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.035 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4985 The resolution before us (H. Res. 263) can (K) by adding at the end the following: (B) by striking ‘‘in each fiscal year pursuant serve as a stepping stone for real action to ‘‘(16) establish and implement innovative pro- to subsection (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘in each fiscal protect our children and help them flourish. I grams to reduce and prevent illegal drug manu- year for purposes described in paragraph (1) facturing, distribution, and use, including the and (2) of subsection (b)’’; am proud to support it. manufacturing, distribution, and use of meth- (10) in subsection (i), as so redesignated— b 1145 amphetamine; (A) by striking ‘‘the Federal share shall de- Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘(17) establish criminal gang enforcement task crease from year to year for up to 5 years’’ and forces, consisting of members of Federal, State, inserting ‘‘unless the Attorney General waives yield back the balance of my time. and local law enforcement authorities (includ- the non-Federal contribution requirement as de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing Federal, State, and local prosecutors), for scribed in the preceding sentence, the non-Fed- question is on the motion offered by the coordinated investigation, disruption, ap- eral share of the costs of hiring or rehiring such the gentleman from Washington (Mr. prehension, and prosecution of criminal gangs officers may be less than 25 percent of such costs MCDERMOTT) that the House suspend and offenders involved in local or multi-jurisdic- for any year during the grant period, provided the rules and agree to the resolution, tional gang activities; and that the non-Federal share of such costs shall H. Res. 263, as amended. ‘‘(18) award enhancing community policing not be less than 25 percent in the aggregate for The question was taken; and (two- and crime prevention grants that meet emerging the entire grant period, but the State or local law enforcement needs, as warranted.’’; government should make an effort to increase thirds being in the affirmative) the (3) by striking subsection (c); rules were suspended and the resolu- the non-Federal share of such costs during the (4) by striking subsections (h) and (i); grant period’’; and tion, as amended, was agreed to. (5) by redesignating subsections (d) through (B) by adding at the end the following new A motion to reconsider was laid on (g) as subsections (f) through (i), respectively; sentence: ‘‘The preceding sentences shall not the table. (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- apply with respect to any program, project, or f lowing: activity provided by a grant made pursuant to ‘‘(c) TROOPS-TO-COPS PROGRAMS.— subsection (b)(4).’’; and COPS IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2007 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Grants made under sub- (11) by adding at the end the following: section (a) may be used to hire former members Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘(j) RETENTION OF ADDITIONAL OFFICER POSI- of the Armed Forces to serve as career law en- move to suspend the rules and pass the TIONS.—For any grant under paragraph (1) or forcement officers for deployment in community- (2) of subsection (b) for hiring or rehiring career bill (H.R. 1700) to amend the Omnibus oriented policing, particularly in communities Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of law enforcement officers, a grant recipient shall that are adversely affected by a recent military retain each additional law enforcement officer 1968 to enhance the COPS ON THE base closing. position created under that grant for not less BEAT grant program, and for other ‘‘(2) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, ‘former than 12 months after the end of the period of purposes, as amended. member of the Armed Forces’ means a member of that grant, unless the Attorney General waives, The Clerk read the title of the bill. the Armed Forces of the United States who has wholly or in part, the retention requirement of The text of the bill is as follows: been honorably discharged from the Armed a program, project, or activity.’’. Forces of the United States. H.R. 1700 (b) APPLICATIONS.—Section 1702 of the Omni- ‘‘(d) COMMUNITY PROSECUTORS PROGRAM.— bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The Attorney General may make grants under resentatives of the United States of America in (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–1) is amended— subsection (a) to pay for additional community (1) in subsection (c)— Congress assembled, prosecuting programs, including programs that SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by assign prosecutors to— inserting ‘‘, unless waived by the Attorney Gen- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘COPS Improve- ‘‘(1) handle cases from specific geographic eral’’ after ‘‘under this part shall’’; and ments Act of 2007’’. areas; and (B) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘share of the SEC. 2. COPS GRANT IMPROVEMENTS. ‘‘(2) address counter-terrorism problems, spe- cost’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘share (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1701 of the Omnibus cific violent crime problems (including intensive of the costs during the grant period, how the Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 illegal gang, gun, and drug enforcement and applicant will maintain the increased hiring U.S.C. 3796dd) is amended— quality of life initiatives), and localized violent level of the law enforcement officers, and how (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol- and other crime problems based on needs identi- the applicant will eventually assume responsi- lows: fied by local law enforcement agencies, commu- bility for all of the costs for such officers;’’; and ‘‘(a) GRANT AUTHORIZATION.—The Attorney nity organizations, and others. (2) by striking subsection (d). General shall carry out grant programs under ‘‘(e) TECHNOLOGY GRANTS.—The Attorney (c) RENEWAL OF GRANTS.—Section 1703 of the which the Attorney General makes grants to General may make grants under subsection (a) Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of States, units of local government, Indian tribal to develop and use new technologies (including 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–2) is amended to read as governments, other public and private entities, interoperable communications technologies, follows: multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia, and modernized criminal record technology, and fo- individuals for the purposes described in sub- rensic technology) to assist State and local law ‘‘SEC. 1703. RENEWAL OF GRANTS. sections (b), (c), (d), and (e).’’; enforcement agencies in reorienting the empha- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub- (2) in subsection (b)— sis of their activities from reacting to crime to section (b), a grant made under this part may be (A) by striking the subsection heading text preventing crime and to train law enforcement renewed, without limitations on the duration of and inserting ‘‘COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME officers to use such technologies.’’; such renewal, to provide additional funds if the PREVENTION GRANTS’’; (7) in subsection (f), as so redesignated— Attorney General determines that the funds (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘, to increase (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘to States, made available to the recipient were used in a the number of officers deployed in community- units of local government, Indian tribal govern- manner required under an approved application oriented policing’’; ments, and to other public and private enti- and if the recipient can demonstrate significant (C) by amending paragraph (4) to read as fol- ties,’’; progress in achieving the objectives of the initial lows: (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘define for application. ‘‘(4) award grants to pay for or train officers State and local governments, and other public ‘‘(b) GRANTS FOR HIRING.—Grants made under hired to perform intelligence, anti-terror, or and private entities,’’ and inserting ‘‘establish’’; this part for hiring or rehiring additional career homeland security duties;’’; law enforcement officers may be renewed for up (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the fol- (C) in the first sentence of paragraph (3), by to 5 years, except that the Attorney General lowing: inserting ‘‘(including regional community polic- may waive such 5-year limitation for good ‘‘(5) award grants to hire school resource offi- ing institutes)’’ after ‘‘training centers or facili- cause. cers and to establish school-based partnerships ties’’; and ‘‘(c) NO COST EXTENSIONS.—Notwithstanding between local law enforcement agencies and (D) by adding at the end the following: subsections (a) and (b), the Attorney General local school systems to combat crime, gangs, ‘‘(4) EXCLUSIVITY.—The Office of Community may extend a grant period, without limitations drug activities, and other problems in and Oriented Policing Services shall be the exclusive as to the duration of such extension, to provide around elementary and secondary schools;’’; component of the Department of Justice to per- (E) by striking paragraph (9); form the functions and activities specified in additional time to complete the objectives of the (F) by redesignating paragraphs (10) through this paragraph.’’; initial grant award.’’. (12) as paragraphs (9) through (11), respectively; (8) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by (d) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.—Section (G) by striking paragraph (13); striking ‘‘may utilize any component’’, and all 1704 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe (H) by redesignating paragraphs (14) through that follows and inserting ‘‘shall use the Office Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–3) is (17) as paragraphs (12) through (15), respec- of Community Oriented Policing Services of the amended— tively; Department of Justice in carrying out this (1) in subsection (a)— (I) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by part.’’; (A) by striking ‘‘that would, in the absence of striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; (9) in subsection (h), as so redesignated— Federal funds received under this part, be made (J) in paragraph (15), as so redesignated, by (A) by striking ‘‘subsection (a)’’ the first place available from State or local sources’’ and in- striking the period at the end and inserting a that term appears and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (1) serting ‘‘that the Attorney General determines semicolon; and and (2) of subsection (b)’’; and would, in the absence of Federal funds received

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.034 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 under this part, be made available for the pur- (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by Office of Community Oriented Policing pose of the grant under this part from State or inserting ‘‘, except for the program under part Q Services in 1994, the COPS bill; and the local sources’’; and of this title’’ before the period. subsequent infusion of more than $7.6 (B) by adding at the end the following new (2) LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPUTER SYSTEMS.— sentence: ‘‘The preceding sentence shall not Section 107 of the Omnibus Crime Control and billion in grants into State and local apply with respect to funds made available Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3712f) is law enforcement communities to hire under this part by a grant made pursuant to amended by adding at the end the following: police officers and promote community subsection (a) for the purposes described in sub- ‘‘(c) EXCEPTION.—This section shall not apply policing as an effective strategy to pre- section (b)(4).’’; and to any grant made under part Q of this title.’’. vent crime. The bill before us reinvigo- (2) by striking subsection (c). SEC. 3. REPORT BY INSPECTOR GENERAL RE- rates the COPS crime fighting program (e) STUDY OF PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS.—Sec- QUIRED. in several important respects. tion 1705 of the Omnibus Crime Control and (a) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–4) is date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector First, it establishes hiring grants for amended by adding at the end the following General of the Department of Justice shall sub- community policing officers, anti-ter- new subsection: mit to Congress a report on the Public Safety ror officers, and school resource offi- ‘‘(d) STUDY OF PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS.— and Community Policing (‘‘COPS ON THE cers. It also reauthorizes ‘‘Troops-to- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General shall BEAT’’) grant program authorized by part Q of COPS’’ grants to hire former members provide for a scientific study of the effectiveness title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe of the programs, projects, and activities funded of the Armed Forces in particular as Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd et seq.), in- career law enforcement officers. And it under this part in reducing crime. cluding the elements described in subsection (b). ‘‘(2) STUDY.—The Attorney General shall se- (b) ELEMENTS OF REPORT.—The report sub- also authorizes a ‘‘Community Pros- lect one or more institutions of higher edu- mitted under subsection (a) shall include infor- ecutors Program’’ to pay for commu- cation, including historically Black colleges and mation on the following, with respect to the nity prosecuting programs, including universities, to conduct the study described in grant program described in such subsection: those that assign prosecutors to handle paragraph (1). (1) The effect of the program on the rate of cases from specific geographic areas or ‘‘(3) REPORTS.—Not later than 4 years after violent crime, drug offenses, and other crimes. to address counter-terrorism and re- the date of the enactment of the COPS Improve- (2) The degree to which State and local gov- ments Act of 2007, the institution or institutions ernments awarded a grant under the program lated problems. selected under paragraph (2) shall report the contribute State and local funds, respectively, Finally, it authorizes ‘‘Technology findings of the study described in paragraph (1) for law enforcement programs and activities. Grants’’ to State and local law enforce- to the Attorney General. Not later than 30 days (3) Any waste, fraud, or abuse within the pro- ment agencies to help them refocus after the receipt of such report, the Attorney gram. some of their activities from reacting General shall report such findings to the appro- (c) RANDOM SAMPLING REQUIRED.—For pur- to crime to preventing it. Crime pre- priate committees of Congress, along with any poses of subsection (a), the Inspector General of recommendations the Attorney General may the Department of Justice shall audit and re- vention has now come back into vogue. have relating to the effectiveness of the pro- view a random sampling of State and local law So this legislation, because of its grams, projects, and activities funded under this enforcement agencies. Such sampling shall in- long and successful prior experience, part in reducing crime.’’. clude— has been endorsed by key law enforce- (f) ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.—Section 1706 of (1) law enforcement agencies of various sizes; ment groups: the National Sheriffs As- the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (2) law enforcement agencies that serve var- sociation, the Fraternal Order of Po- of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–5) is amended— ious populations; and (1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘REV- (3) law enforcement agencies that serve areas lice, the National Association of Police OCATION OR SUSPENSION OF FUNDING’’ of various crime rates. Organizations, and the National and inserting ‘‘ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS’’; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- League of Cities. and ant to the rule, the gentleman from I am proud to indicate their strong (2) by striking ‘‘revoke or suspend’’ and all Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- support for this measure, and I urge that follows and inserting ‘‘take any enforce- my colleagues to lend their support to ment action available to the Department of Jus- tleman from Virginia (Mr. FORBES) tice.’’. each will control 20 minutes. a bill whose restoration is more than (g) DEFINITIONS.—Section 1709(1) of the Omni- The Chair recognizes the gentleman deserved. bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 from Michigan. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- (42 U.S.C. 3796dd–8(1)) is amended by inserting GENERAL LEAVE ance of my time. ‘‘who is a sworn law enforcement officer’’ after Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘permanent basis’’. (h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- yield myself such time as I may con- tion 1001(a)(11) of the Omnibus Crime Control bers have 5 legislative days to revise sume. and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. and extend their remarks and include Madam Speaker, America’s State and 3793(a)(11)) is amended— extraneous material on the bill under local law enforcement agencies are on (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking consideration. the front lines combating and pre- ‘‘1,047,119,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there venting crime every day. In the last through 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘1,150,000,000 for objection to the request of the gen- each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013’’; and decade, their dedication and service (2) in subparagraph (B)— tleman from Michigan? and innovative policing programs have (A) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘3 per- There was no objection. led to a 34 percent decrease in violent cent may be used for technical assistance under Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I crime. yield myself such time as I may con- section 1701(d)’’ and inserting ‘‘5 percent may be It is unclear, however, whether the used for technical assistance under section sume. $11 billion in COPS grants awarded 1701(f)’’; and Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join (B) by striking the second sentence and insert- 102 cosponsors, including a dozen mem- since 1994 can receive the same credit. ing the following: ‘‘Of the funds available for bers of the House Judiciary Com- Studies have reached inconsistent find- grants under part Q, not less than $600,000,000 mittee, in supporting this legislation. ings as to the effectiveness of the COPS shall be used for grants for the purposes speci- During the 1990s, the crime rate for program in reducing the Nation’s ris- fied in section 1701(b), not more than all categories of crime and in all parts ing crime rates. $200,000,000 shall be used for grants under sec- The COPS program awards grants to tion 1701(d), and not more than $350,000,000 of the United States fell dramatically. shall be used for grants under section 1701(e).’’. For example, homicide rates in 2001 State, local, and tribal law enforce- (i) PURPOSES.—Section 10002 of the Public plunged 43 percent from their peak in ment agencies to hire or rehire police Safety Partnership and Community Policing Act 1991, reaching their lowest level in 35 officers or procure new crime-fighting of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd note) is amended— years. technology. It is intended to provide (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘develop- Now, there are many potential expla- short-term Federal assistance to State ment’’ and inserting ‘‘use’’; and (2) in the matter following paragraph (4), by nations offered regarding the dramatic and local law enforcement agencies. It striking ‘‘for a period of 6 years’’. and unexpected drop in the rate of vio- is not intended to assume the funding (j) COPS PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.— lent crime during the 1990s. One pop- of State and local police, a duty that (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 109(b) of the Omni- ular explanation is the Nation’s sus- lies first and foremost with the States. bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 tained economic growth during the The COPS program specifically di- (42 U.S.C. 3712h(b)) is amended— (A) by striking paragraph (1); days of the Clinton administration. rects that grant money not be used to (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as But researchers often point to one supplant State or local funds but, rath- paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and other explanation: the creation of the er, increase the amount of funds for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.010 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4987 community policing. In reality, this the COPS Improvements Act of 2007. As forcement efforts, not supplant them, has proven not to always be the case. a daughter of a police officer, I believe as the ranking member indicated. That Studies show that spending on the this bill is essential to keep our citi- would be the last thing that we should COPS program has not led to an in- zens safe and help communities combat do. H.R. 1700, in its current form, re- crease in the overall spending by local crime. quires that States, local, and tribal law law enforcement but often supplants Improving the COPS program is very enforcement demonstrate their com- State and local funds. important to the constituents I rep- mitment to the partnership by making The actual number of officers put on resent in California’s 33rd Congres- a good-faith effort to match the funds the street under this program is also in sional District. If this bill passes, my provided by the Federal Government. dispute. Estimates vary from 118,000 to district alone will get at least 25 new Yet at the same time, the bill allows as few as 82,000 additional police offi- police officers, an additional school re- the Federal Government to play a pri- cers. The answer to addressing crime in source officer, along with more funding mary role in those circumstances in the 21st century is not simply more to be used for technology in Los Ange- which a grant recipient cannot meet cops on the street. It is innovative pro- les’ law enforcement agencies. their financial obligation for reasons grams, such as multi-jurisdictional Mr. Speaker, today our children are beyond their control, thus ensuring task forces designed to target specific killing one another in my district at an that our communities remain safe and types of crimes and neighborhoods appalling rate. The Los Angeles Police that crime does not prevail. plagued by gangs and drugs. Department recorded 7,714 gang crimes H.R. 1700 is an important and nec- We should look to cities like New in 2006, a 14 percent jump over the pre- essary tool for law enforcement, and I York and Los Angeles, who continue to vious year. I believe we need to take a encourage my colleagues to support it. enjoy reduced violent crime rates comprehensive approach to combating Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am thanks to smart, effective policing. gang violence and ensure that our pleased now to yield such time as he To put to rest once and for all con- youth have safe, quality schools that may consume to the author of this flicting findings about the effective- give them an alternative to the streets. measure, Mr. WEINER of New York, ness of the COPS program, the com- But there is one action we can take whose confidence I have so much of mittee adopted an amendment direct- right now that will immediately reduce this afternoon, notwithstanding that ing the Inspector General of the De- the level of violence and protect our there are eight other speakers, because partment of Justice to conduct an kids, and that is to put more police on of his persevering commitment to re- audit of the COPS program to review the streets. instituting this community policing three areas: first, the effect of the pro- We have the bill here today that does bill. gram on the rate of violent crime; sec- just that, the COPS Improvements Act, Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I thank ond, the degree to which COPS funding and I urge colleagues to support this the chairman for both his confidence recipients contribute State or local measure. and his leadership of our committee, funding to law enforcement programs Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 and I also want to thank BOBBY SCOTT, and activities; and, third, any waste, minutes to the gentleman from Ohio the chairman of the Crime Sub- fraud, or abuse within the COPS pro- (Mr. CHABOT). committee. gram. Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank We are really here for three reasons. As introduced, H.R. 1700 reduced the the gentleman for yielding, and I want We are here because the COPS program likelihood that community policing to thank him and the folks on the has been a singular success. It has been would, in fact, some day be funded by other side of the aisle for their leader- a success because we identified in the America’s communities. The bill ship in this area. 1990s that crime was not a program stripped several provisions from cur- I rise in support of H.R. 1700, the that only localities could get a handle rent law that encourage State and COPS Improvements Act of 2007. on, that we had a Federal role. It is a local governments to assume a larger The COPS grant program represents success because it was a singularly share of COPS grants. This is directly a true partnership between the Federal democratic, with a small ‘‘d,’’ program. contrary to the purpose of the COPS Government and State, local, and trib- b 1200 program and would only exacerbate the al law enforcement agencies to fight use of Federal funds to supplant State crime. This partnership has enabled And small towns and big cities and local funds. more police officers to be hired and re- throughout all 50 States wound up ben- H.R. 1700 also stripped from current hired and facilitated the use of the efiting from the over 118,000 police offi- law limits on the duration of COPS most advanced crime-fighting tech- cers that were put on the street be- grants and instead allowed unlimited nology to ensure that officers are effec- cause of this program. We know, for ex- grant renewal. This too is directly con- tively deployed into our communities ample, that 82 percent of the grants trary to the original intent of the all across the country. went to cities with 50,000 people or less. COPS program to provide short-term As a result of our joint efforts, the And while cities like mine did very assistance to State, local, and tribal number of violent offenses reported in well because there were more police on governments to hire additional police our country is down from the more the beat, we know that there were a officers. than 1.8 million reported back in 1994 large number of very small towns that I am pleased that my colleagues on to 1.3 million reported in 2005. But we benefited. the other side of the aisle listened to cannot become complacent. We must We know, as you can see, that the our concerns and supported our ensure that State, local, and tribal law COPS program provides resources to changes to preserve the partnership be- enforcement officials have the re- all 50 States. This wasn’t a political tween the Federal Government, State, sources they need to keep law enforce- program. If you were a police depart- local, and tribal governments. I thank ment on the streets. ment and you showed a way to get Judiciary Committee Chairman CON- H.R. 1700 accomplishes this by in- more cops on the street, the Federal YERS, Crime Subcommittee Chairman creasing the funds available for the Government wasn’t going to sit back; SCOTT, and Congressman WEINER for COPS program from $1 billion to $1.15 they were going to be actively in- their cooperation. billion and by creating a number of volved. And we know that it was suc- I urge my colleagues to support the new grant programs that will assist cessful. We know it because the Gov- bill. communities, such as community po- ernment Accountability Office looked Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of licing, crime prevention programs, and at the connection between police offi- my time. programs to address illegal drug manu- cers and the reduction in crime and Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am facturing. found a correlation. We know the Uni- pleased to yield 11⁄2 minutes to the dis- Most importantly, the bill that we versity of Nebraska looked at a very tinguished gentlewoman from Los An- are considering today stays true to the similar thing and said, with all the geles, California, DIANE WATSON. COPS grant program’s original pur- varying elements that go into reducing Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise pose, that the Federal Government crime, was the fact that there are over today in strong support of H.R. 1700, support State, local, and tribal law en- 110,000 new police officers on the street

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.040 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 funded by the COPS program a correl- say that they support this program When Tom Ridge was sworn in as the Sec- ative effect? And the answer was yes. after supporting this. retary of Homeland Security, he said home- We are also here for another reason. In conclusion, I want to thank the land security starts in our home towns. We are here because crime has started chairman and my colleagues for pass- Over the course of the last 5 years, local to creep back up. We are starting to see ing this. We’re going to ask for a re- law enforcement has become deeply involved index crimes in cities around the coun- corded vote, and we’re going to watch in homeland security. Big cities have been try start to rise again. After years of the large number of folks who helped forced to upgrade not only their equipment decline, we are seeing it go up. And we write bills to zero out the COPS pro- and training but also the type of personnel are also here because there is even gram suddenly embrace the idea that they hire. Some cities have hired officers ex- more law enforcement burden being we have to put cops on the street. And clusively to focus on homeland security—po- put on localities and States than argu- I welcome my friends on the other side lice who work to gather intelligence, analyze ably any time in American history. of the aisle to the cause of providing terror threats, and monitor our most vulnerable Tom Ridge once famously said that help for local law enforcement. targets. homeland security starts in our home- Mr. Speaker, I rise today at long last. And how have Republicans in Washington town. And when we were talking about Under new Democratic leadership, the Con- responded since coming to office? They have the cuts that were being made to gress will take up my bill, H.R. 1700, to bring eliminated the program police departments big homeland security, we were reminded the COPS program back from the scrap heap, and small had grown to depend on: COPS that actually it is the localities that back from a point where the program’s hiring Funded at over $1 billion a year at the end of we are asking to do more and more of component has been zeroed out, and restore the Clinton administration, President Bush has these things. it to be what it proved to be during the Clinton zeroed out the hiring component of what some So we are here in acknowledgement administration: one of the most successful law believe to have been the most successful law that localities need the help. Localities enforcement programs in the history of the enforcement program in the Nation’s history. now have to do more than they ever United States. The bill we are considering today would re- had to do before, and that’s why in this We are facing a rise in crime in the United store the COPS program and update to the States. In a survey of cities large and small, program for the first time we are fund- challenges local law enforcement agencies released last month, the Police Executive Re- ing T–COPS, cops that are going to be face in the post 9/11 world. hired to do antiterrorism work. search Board found that 71 percent of cities This bill breathes new life into the COPS But particularly the reason that had seen an increase in homicides, 80 per- program by authorizing $600 million per year cent had seen an increase in robberies, and we’re here is a third reason, that my for hiring grants, which could fund up to 67 percent had seen an increase in assaults colleagues on that side of the aisle 50,000 new cops on the beat over the next 6 with guns. Moreover the FBI recently reported eliminated the hiring component. years. And in an effort to make sure that po- that nationwide figures showed that last year, President Bush eliminated the hiring lice departments around the country can use homicides, assaults and other violent offenses component. This is a visual about how this funding as they need—as terrorism be- grew by 4 percent, and robberies, which are many police officers were hired under comes a greater burden on their limited budg- often interpreted as a precursor to more seri- the COPS program from 1995 to 2005. ets—this bill explicitly enables COPS to pro- This is what has happened under Presi- ous crime, jumped by 10 percent. Democrats faced a similar challenge in 1993 vide funding for officers who perform ‘‘intel- dent Bush and under our Republican when asked about the rise in drug-fueled ligence, anti-terror, or homeland security du- leadership. This many police officers. street crime. ties.’’ Zero. Zero. Zero in Virginia. Zero in Then, Democrats, led by Bill Clinton, an- The bill also authorizes $350 million per South Dakota. Zero in California. The swered with the most far reaching and innova- year for COPS technology grants. These program was eliminated under my Re- tive Federal anti-crime initiative ever—the grants will allow police agencies to purchase publican friends. And as they stand up COPS program. It did the most intuitive things like laptop computers for patrol cars, here today, and you’re going to see thing—it hired more than 100,000 beat cops. crime mapping software, and interoperable them vote in large numbers for this It worked. It put police in every neighborhood, communications equipment. program, they’re going to wrap them- town and city. Sure, big cities like Chicago And the bill explicitly enables COPS to use selves around the idea that they sup- and L.A. hired officers with Federal help. But funding for ‘‘Troops to Cops’’ programs that port the COPS program when in fact so did small towns like Marengo, IL, and help returning veterans find employment as overwhelmingly it was quite the oppo- Plano, TX. law enforcement officers. site. Now, as crime rises and we work to combat Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman Let me show you the abandonment the new challenges our country faces in the of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. CONYERS, the that’s going on in the COPS program. wake of 9/11 the COPS program is again the chairman of the Crime Subcommittee, Mr. This is the number of cops that were solution. SCOTT, and the Democratic leadership for hired in 1998. Look at the decline. Look The background is this. The COPS program bring this bill expeditiously to the floor for pas- at how many were hired in 2005 and works. A study by the nonpartisan Govern- sage. 2006. So the third reason we are here is ment Accountability Office recently stated, I also want to thank Joshua Fay-Hurvitz, we are taking up the gauntlet that was, ‘‘COPS-funded increases in sworn officers per Bobby Vassar, Greg Barnes, Mike Volkov, frankly, laid down, put in a box and capita were associated with declines in rates Caroline Lynch, Karas Pattison, Molly sealed away by my Republican friends. of total index crimes, violent crimes, and prop- Lothamer, and other members of the Demo- They said, you know what? Law en- erty crime.’’ According to the study, between cratic, Republican, and Legislative Counsel forcement is not a local job, it’s a na- 1998 and 2000, COPS hiring grants were re- staffs who have worked so hard to make this tional job, we heard in committee. We sponsible for reducing crimes by about day possible. heard, oh, the program hasn’t worked 200,000 to 225,000 crimes—one third of which I urge passage of the COPS Improvement the way it was intended. The fact of were violent. Studies done by the Brookings Act. the matter is, had it not been for the Institution, the University of Nebraska, Yale Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield Democrats taking over this body, had and Georgetown Universities, the University of myself such time as I may consume. it not been for the chairmanship of Mr. Maryland, and the Urban Institute—among Over and over again we hear on the CONYERS, this program would be zeroed others—found similarly that COPS works. floor, we hear outside this body the im- out this year, too. You know how I When John Ashcroft spoke about this during portance of coming together in a bipar- know? Because we’ve had many years his confirmation hearings for Attorney General, tisan manner and what we can do to re- where those of us have stood up trying he said, ‘‘Let me just say, I think the COPS solve issues for the American people. to change this where we were rebuffed program has been successful. The purpose of The unfortunate thing is when we try again and again. the COPS program was to demonstrate to to do that, as we have done in this bill Now, I can’t say all of my colleagues local police departments that if you put addi- and we bring this bill in a bipartisan on the other side of the aisle. We’ve got tional police, feet on the street, that crime manner, sometimes my friends on the many, including the gentleman from would be affected and people would be safer other side of the aisle simply can’t Florida (Mr. KELLER) who is an origi- and more secure. We believe the COPS pro- take yes for an answer. And when we nal sponsor of this. But it is stunning gram demonstrated that conclusively.’’ That is hear presentations like we just have, to me that anyone can stand up and John Ashcroft. Mr. Speaker, I feel it is incumbent

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:43 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.042 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4989 upon me to stand up and just correct this legislation which will reauthorize tion’s law enforcement professionals. some of those facts. the COPS program and put 50,000 more Law enforcement presence remains one The first thing is that the COPS pro- cops on our streets. of the greatest assets against crime. I gram has been authorized in the 2005 The COPS program is responsible for have witnessed firsthand the impor- Department of Justice authorization putting nearly 120,000 cops on the tance of this program where our com- bill through 2009 for $1.047 billion. All streets nationwide, including 774 cops munity cops simply work with our this authorization will do is increase in central Florida. young people, help to break up gangs, that to $1.15 billion through 2013. Violent crime is on the rise, and we helping them with tutoring in the In addition, when you see these lines need this legislation now more than evening when they are on duty in those that drop off with the number of cops ever. For example, in my hometown of communities. So in addition to this that are being hired, one of the things Orlando, Florida, the murder rate is up bill just allowing the 50,000 cops to be that we have heard from the testimony 122 percent. I recently met with all of hired, it also allows for the increase in that we’ve had is twofold. One of the central Florida’s chiefs of police and funding to improve technology for our reasons that we had declines in the sheriffs, and 100 percent of them sup- police agencies. And it may be used to crime rate was not just because of the port the COPS program. This legisla- update police stations and cars for pro- numbers of police officers, but more tion is also endorsed by the National viding the latest technology in crime importantly, not just because we sent Sheriffs Association and the Inter- fighting. money, but because throughout the national Association of Chiefs of Po- I am delighted to see that it is being 1990s we had a lot of policies from Re- lice. considered, and I strongly support and publican legislators across the States Is the COPS program successful? Ab- recommend the approval. that did things like abolish parole, solutely. Former Attorney General Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 that did things like mandatory sen- John Ashcroft described the COPS pro- minutes to the distinguished gen- tences, that did things like truth-in- gram as a ‘‘miraculous sort of suc- tleman from Ohio (Mr. LATOURETTE). sentencing that took criminals off the cess.’’ A 2005 GAO study concluded that (Mr. LATOURETTE asked and was streets and out of our communities. the COPS program successfully played given permission to revise and extend And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist a role in the decline in violent crime in his remarks.) to figure out if we do that, we reduce the 1990s. And more than 95 percent of Mr. LATOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I violent crime. law enforcement officers hired by a rise today in support of the COPS Im- The other thing that we heard testi- COPS grant are still on the street provements Act of 2007. I want to con- mony on is that in New Orleans, when today. gratulate Chairman CONYERS, Mr. we went to do hearings there, the num- Now, some might say that putting WEINER and Mr. KELLER for bringing ber of police officers increased and the cops on the street is not a priority this bill forward. crime increased. And in New York, the worth funding with Federal dollars. My written statement talks all about number of police officers decreased and Well, I would rather put cops on the the importance of adding a police offi- the crime decreased. By the rationale street than build bridges to nowhere or cer school, resources officers and we just heard, one would argue we give subsidies to spinach growers. Let’s things of that nature. I want to talk should have less police officers. be practical. There are children in Or- about an aspect of the bill that I am But the testimony was, Mr. Speaker, lando, Florida, growing up in neighbor- particularly excited about, and that is we do need police officers on the hoods where 49 people were killed last the technology grants contained in the streets. That’s why we brought this bill year. Those kids want to be able to bill. in a bipartisan manner. But it is im- walk home from school safely and play The police departments in my dis- portant that we have smart policing, in their neighborhoods without fear. trict were recently notified that the that we have comprehensive programs. These kids don’t care if the cops’ sal- backbone radio system that we basi- Because if we just dump money at the ary is paid for with purely local funds cally spent millions of dollars on a problem and we don’t do that, we’re or a mixture of local and Federal funds. number of years ago is now going to be- not going to solve the problems that They just want to feel safe. come obsolete in 2011 because the man- are before us. This legislation is a step in the right ufacturer is no longer going to make Mr. Speaker, fortunately there were direction. I want to thank the cospon- the spare parts. In the small commu- members from the Judiciary Com- sor of this legislation, Congressman nities that I represent, it means a bill mittee that worked in a bipartisan ANTHONY WEINER, for his leadership of $10 million. The technology upgrades manner to bring this bill to the floor. I and strong support of the COPS pro- in this particular piece of legislation hope we will pass it. gram. He and I worked together earlier are going to give my communities the Mr. CONYERS. Will the gentleman to get $70 million added in the supple- opportunity to bid for grants that yield? mental. hopefully will replace that radio sys- Mr. FORBES. I yield to the gen- Some have said that some Repub- tem and make our community safer. tleman from Michigan. licans are new to this. I can assure you Secondly, in the wake of the Virginia Mr. CONYERS. I would like to play that I’ve been an original cosponsor of Tech shootings, I have heard from most good cop in this because I want to com- this bill ever since I got here to Con- of the school districts in my district mend those Republicans who are going gress. If I can quote L.L. Cool Jay, the that we need to build on the success of to vote for this measure for joining us. rapper: ‘‘Don’t call it a comeback; I’ve the last COPS bill where 225 school re- Look, it doesn’t matter when you come been here for years.’’ source officers were added to the on board. It’s that your thoughtfulness This COPS legislation was approved schools in the State of Ohio. And they in helping us craft a bipartisan bill was by the Judiciary Committee by a full are excited again about the oppor- exceedingly important, and I person- voice vote and is worthy of our bipar- tunity to add new school resource offi- ally am indebted to you for that. tisan support. I ask my colleagues to cers in the schools to make them safer Mr. FORBES. Mr. Chairman, we cer- vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 1700. for all of the students in our school tainly thank you for your cooperative- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, EDDIE system and across the country. ness and support in reaching what we BERNICE JOHNSON has supported this So again I want to congratulate the think is a much better bill by the time bill from its inception, and so I recog- sponsors of this legislation. And I that it reached the floor than when it nize the gentlelady from Dallas, Texas, thank Mr. FORBES for yielding. started. for 1 minute. I rise today to speak in support of the COPS Mr. CONYERS. Thank you. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Improvement Act of 2007. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I now Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the Mr. Speaker, when I meet with law enforce- yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman chairman of the committee. ment officials across my district, their biggest from Florida (Mr. KELLER). Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong concern is that Washington keeps asking them Mr. KELLER of Florida. I thank the support of the COPS Improvements Act to do more with less, especially in the after- gentleman for yielding. of 2007. math of 9–11. Each year, they beg me to ade- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the As violent crime continues to rise, quately fund the COPS program and to rein- lead Republican original cosponsor of we must address the needs of our Na- state the hiring portion.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.043 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 In my State of Ohio, the COPS program has was ended in 2002 we saw violent crime The Office of Management and Budg- been a godsend: in America begin to inch up again. et has a program called Program As- It has funded nearly 3,800 additional cops Community police officers walking the sessment Rating Tool which attempts and deputies. beat, knowing the neighborhood and to determine the effectiveness of what It has infused about 640 departments knowing their community is the we do here on the floor, and their grade across Ohio with more than $227 million in linchpin of a successful anti-crime for this COPS Program is ‘‘Not per- Federal help. strategy. forming, results not demonstrated’’ in More than 225 school resource officers b 1215 the latest review. have been added to Ohio. That is not to say that we don’t sup- More than $55 million has gone to Ohio de- I am so proud that we have a bill port cops on the street, police on the partments to improve crime-fighting tech- here representing, again, going back to street, but it is important to appre- nologies. a very basic approach of community ciate that there are some legitimate In my district alone, in the Akron-Cleveland policing by putting more cops on the concerns about the program. area, nearly $20 million has gone to local de- beat, which is the success to reducing Another concern I have is that one of partments and 285 officers have been added violent crime in America. We saw that our House rules, XIII section 3(d)(1) to streets and schools in my district. rise again because this COPS Program says that all committee reports must I met with about 50 police chiefs throughout ended. Every sheriff, police chief and contain a statement citing the specific my district early last month to tout this bill, and mayor has asked for this program to be powers granted to the Congress in the renewed, and I am proud we have done share the news that it was coming. They are Constitution to enact the law proposed that to successfully once again get thrilled with this legislation. Many departments by the bill or joint resolution. In fact, back to helping our communities re- in my district were able to add officers thanks in this bill being brought to the floor, duce crime. In Chicago, we added 1,800 to the COPS program, and they have kept there is no such statement available cops and we saw crime reduced in our them on their payrolls. from the committee. They have patiently waited for us to beef up neighborhood. So I think there are legitimate con- I thank the chairman from Michigan the COPS program, especially as violent crime cerns, Mr. Speaker, and I ask my col- and also the gentleman from New York experiences an uptick. They want and need leagues to review those. for their leadership in getting this bill the Federal Government to help fund cops on Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am passed. the beat, new cops in schools, and they are pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I reserve thrilled that $350 million will be available for tleman from Connecticut (Mr. MUR- the balance of my time. competitive grants to pay for laptop com- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am PHY). puters, radios, cameras, and all the techno- pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. logical marvels our police departments must tleman from New Jersey (Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1700 and the law enforcement officers have and can barely afford. PASCRELL). My police chiefs in Lake County recently Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, to that keep our neighborhoods and com- found out that they have to replace their entire both sides, thanks for coming together munities safe. radio system because the manufacturer will no on this critical bill. Anthony, you have The small cities of Connecticut’s longer be able to repair or replace them. done a good job, and the chairman as Fifth District may not rival the size of My chiefs are thrilled that this bill recognizes well. those neighboring districts, but they the importance of school officers. They spoke There is nothing like the presence of still have the same need for vigorous of the need to keep schools safe, and the a police officer. It is not only a deter- community-based law enforcement. bond that develops with students so students rent to crime, but it is at the very Since the COPS Program began in 1994, can feel safe to confide in them. These school heart of homeland security. That is 265 police officers have been put on the officers serve as mentors, friends and protec- why the British are way ahead of us. beat in the Fifth District. This bill tors—they are worth their weight in gold. It’s a They have a bottom-up philosophy of could put an additional 113 police offi- small investment to make. looking at what is going wrong in the cers out on the streets. One bill, this In the days following the shootings at Vir- community. We cannot have a top- bill, could increase the law enforce- ginia Tech, I heard from many school districts down. ment personnel by the COPS Program pleading that funding be made available for So 117,000 police officers later, to our by 50 percent. school resource officers. This bill will allow law rear right now is going the National For the last 6 years as I sat in the enforcement to partner with the schools. I also Peace Officers Memorial Service, and Connecticut State legislature, I have heard from the Ohio School Resource Officers we know who is there. But we know watched the Federal Government walk Association in the aftermath of Virginia Tech. who is here. This is critical. We pray away from its commitment to partner They say passage of the COPS Improvement for these police officers on the streets with States and towns to provide fund- Act can’t happen fast enough. The Senate every day. I agree with the gentleman ing necessary to keep our communities passed it in March, and I am proud that the from Ohio, the technology is just as safe. In Connecticut, our law enforce- House will today. significant as the number of personnel ment community has been asked to do This is great legislation. It’s a good value for we put on the street. more with less. They are the pride of taxpayers. We ask our police to protect our This administration tried to cut the our community, but they have seen the homes, our businesses and our schools and FIRE Program, and they tried des- cuts in action that have been imposed for too long we’ve asked them to do it on the perately to cut the COPS Program. It by this Congress. cheap. is a new day, and we started it in the The numbers in this bill are mean- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am sunshine. ingful, Mr. Speaker. I urge all Members pleased now to yield 1 minute to the Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 to support the bill. It is important for chairman from Illinois, RAHM EMAN- minute to the gentleman from Georgia our law enforcement officers and im- UEL. (Mr. PRICE). portant for the safety of our commu- Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, in 1994, Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I nities. when we passed the Community Polic- thank the gentleman for yielding and I Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing Program that added 100,000 commu- appreciate his leadership on this. myself such time as I may consume. nity police onto America’s streets and I would rise, Mr. Speaker, to say that Mr. Speaker, once again I want to also followed through with the strat- all of us obviously support police offi- emphasize my support of this legisla- egy of not only getting cops on the cers on the street. But there are some tion and my support of additional po- beat, but getting gangs, guns and drugs legitimate concerns about this bill and lice officers, but it is important that off the street, we saw the longest and others that are brought to the floor. we continue to make sure we are sepa- largest decline of violent crime in One that I would point out on this bill rating the facts from some statements America’s history. is that we attempt to find some objec- that are being made. After that program’s success of add- tive information about the programs Testimony that we have received be- ing 120,000 community police officers to that we put in place here at the Fed- fore the committee strikes a great con- the streets across this country, when it eral level. trast between different areas in our

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But I think mentioned earlier, in New Orleans we Program, that community policing there is a unanimity on both sides of had testimony that only 7 percent of works. the aisle for restoring a very important the individuals arrested, and this is I spoke with people in the district community program that has justified pre-Katrina, only 7 percent of the indi- and they knew that the COPS Program itself, and it is in that spirit that I viduals arrested ever end up in jail, and had been successful, that it worked want to commend everyone on both the police officers themselves, the po- with community policing, and they sides of the aisle for their important lice chief, testified how demoralizing knew it had been cut by this Congress work that they have done in beginning that was to crime fighting and police and they couldn’t understand why, and to restore the program. officers there. I couldn’t tell them. I told them I was Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of That is why a comprehensive ap- going to come to Congress and do what my time to the author of the bill, the proach, looking at more police officers, I could to see that the COPS program gentleman from New York, ANTHONY but also such things as abolishing pa- was reimplemented, that it was funded WEINER, whose perseverance has led us role, mandatory sentencing and three- in a proper fashion, and that it helped to the floor here today. strikes legislation work to help cut cut crime. Mr. WEINER. And I thank the chair- down on the crime that we have. In this bill we have an opportunity to man. We have also heard testimony from work together to bring our troops Mr. Speaker, I think one of the many both sides of the aisle about the impor- home and to support our troops be- reasons that the American people have tance of technology. Many police de- cause veterans from Afghanistan and turned the Congress over to Democrats partments are recognizing across the Iraq will be given priorities when fea- is that we have said, like so many country that it is not just the quantity sible to get these positions, to come Americans, that we don’t want to hear of police officers, but it is how they use back and render their abilities and just more talk and rhetoric and pos- them. New York came in and testified their experience for our people rather turing; that we want to start to ac- that what they have done is actually than the people of Baghdad. tively solve the problems that people decreased the number of police officers Support our troops, support the face in communities around this coun- they have, but they have used tech- COPS Program and make our streets try. And whether it be a sheriff’s de- nology to do it in a smarter way, which safer. partment of two or three officers, or has reduced overall crime. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the NYPD which has some 36,000 offi- Mr. Speaker, we support this legisla- the balance of my time. cers, after today’s vote and after it tion, but let’s make sure we are not Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am gets passed in the other body, God will- using the hyperbole, that we are using happy to yield 1 minute to the ing, and signed by the President, we the facts. It is important to have po- gentlelady from Oakland, California are going to start to do what we need lice. It is important to have them used (Ms. LEE). to do to improve homeland security, to in a smart, effective and comprehen- Ms. LEE. I want to thank the gen- reduce drug crime, to reduce the sive manner if we are going to deal tleman for his stellar leadership as amount of the day-to-day challenges with the crime that our communities Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and that people face; to hire more officers are so concerned about. thank my colleague, Congressman to go into schools, to get technology so Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of WEINER from New York, for your deter- officers can be out on the beat and my time. mination to make our country safer by doing it more. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, how the introduction of this bill. This is a program that, frankly, much time remains on both sides? The reauthorization of the COPS never should have died. It is a program The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Program really does come at a very im- that I think too many of my friends on HOLDEN). The gentleman from Michi- portant time in our entire country. As the other side just got blood in their gan has 51⁄4 minutes remaining. The an example, COPS has provided since eyes over the idea that it was offered gentleman from Virginia has 3 minutes 1994 in my district alone $45.5 million under President Clinton, passed under remaining. in grants. These funds have allowed President Clinton and single-handedly Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield law enforcement agencies in my dis- brought down crime during those one-quarter of a minute to the author trict to hire 552 additional police offi- years. That is not a good enough rea- of the bill, the gentleman from New cers and 45 new school resource offi- son. Let us get past that kind of polit- York (Mr. WEINER). cers. COPS has also provided tech- ical haze and just realize that some- Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I just nology grants totaling $2.9 million in times things are successful, even want to clarify some of the mistakes my district. though they are the ideas of someone made by the previous speaker, at least If passed, this bill will allow COPS to else. the misimpressions left. hire more necessary officers. The peo- John Ashcroft dissented on several One, technology grants cut under the ple of Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, occasions. He said, ‘‘I think the COPS previous Republican Congress; two, al- the entire Ninth Congressional Dis- Program has been successful.’’ Alberto ternatives to incarceration cut under trict, could see 236 new officers, $13 Gonzales, someone whom I am not the previous Republican administra- million in grants, 19 school resource of- prone to quote very often, has said, tion; three, police officers, I have al- ficers and $2.8 million in technology ‘‘The COPS Program has been bene- ready talked about, cut. funding over the next 6 years. ficial.’’ The Oneida County Executive, Just about all of the elements of a Our communities throughout the the former Mayor of Rome, says, ‘‘This comprehensive package were elimi- country need the COPS Program. This program has made a difference,’’ a tiny nated under the leadership of your is about public safety and violence pre- city. John Ashcroft said when testi- party. So if you care about reducing vention. Community policing does fying before the House of Representa- crime, this is a better day than it was work. tives, ‘‘It has been one of the most suc- a year ago. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I reserve cessful programs we have ever worked Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 the balance of my time. with.’’ minute to the gentleman from Ten- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield This is a bipartisan success, because nessee (Mr. COHEN). myself 1 minute. every once in a while around here we Mr. COHEN. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, what has happened here get it right. We design a program with Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise in sup- today is very important in terms of de- a goal in mind, and in this case it was port of this bill. It is the bill that I veloping a justice system that will op- to get the Federal Government off the heard most about when I campaigned. erate at a very fundamental and basic sidelines. Crime is the number one issue in level, the police level. It doesn’t cor- There are many in this body who Memphis, Tennessee, and I think it is rect the lack of prosecution that has hold this kind of old-fashioned fed- the number one issue in most areas in been raised by the gentleman from Vir- eralist notion that, you know what,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.047 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4992 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 protecting citizenry is something that established, many were dedicated to the de- House Democrats believe it is imperative to only localities do. Well, we realize now velopment of interoperable communication reinvigorate the successful COPS program. in the post-9/11 world that has changed. technologies. The improvement of interoper- And thus, this legislation calls for putting We are doing something about it, and able communications is vital to homeland se- 50,000 additional police officers on the streets I commend my colleagues of all stripes curity. It ensures there is communications over the next 6 years by authorizing $600 mil- for finally joining that bandwagon. connectivity between and among civilian au- lion a year for COPS hiring grants. Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, as I rise thorities, local first responders, and the Na- Furthermore, this bill authorizes $350 million to close, I just want to say that I don’t tional Guard in the wake of a national emer- a year for COPS technology grants, and $200 think the American people much care gency. This is a vital lesson we have painfully million a year for hiring community prosecu- whether it is Republicans in charge or learned in the aftermath of emergency re- tors. Democrats in charge. I think what sponders facing a lack of centralized coordina- Mr. Speaker, today, through this bipartisan they really care about is whether or tion during a terrorist attack such as 9/11. legislation, this House will demonstrate that it not we are reaching across and trying The reauthorization of the COPS legislation is committed to protecting and strengthening to forge solutions to the problems they is important to the protection of our citizens America’s communities. face. That is why I want to compliment and from domestic and foreign threats. I, and We will demonstrate that the Federal Gov- the chairman for his bipartisan manner the Committee on Homeland Security, pro- ernment is a committed partner in protecting in which he has not only handled work- mote the COPS Improvements Act of 2007 as Americans not only from the threat posed by ing on this bill, but has handled this it is legislation that assists in protecting all international terrorism, but also from the dan- debate on the floor today. Americans. But, I want to be clear—the Com- gers posed by domestic crime. mittee on Homeland Security should work with I urge my colleagues: Support the COPS b 1230 my colleagues in other committees to ensure Improvements Act. Mr. Speaker, this bill was never put these grants are used for their intended pur- Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, today, the on the sidelines. As I have mentioned pose and do not somehow exceed their legis- House of Representatives is doing the right before, the facts show in 2005 we reau- lative bounds. I look forward to discussing this thing for our Nation’s police and first respond- thorized it through 2009 for $1.047 bil- issue further with Chairman CONYERS and oth- ers by passing the COPS Improvements Act. lion. ers. Terrorism is an issue we at the Com- This bill will improve the safety of communities The key was the DOJ Office of the In- mittee take very seriously and believe the across our Nation, and will help to reverse the spector General and GAO reports note COPS Improvements Act can serve a vital role damaging budget cuts that our first responders that thousands of hires funded by in reducing and responding to a possible ter- have suffered in the past 7 years. COPS never materialized as law en- rorist event. In 1994, President Clinton’s COPS program forcement agencies used COPS funding Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation changed the way law enforcement in this to cover their own budget shortfalls. In commemorates National Police Week this country operates, by giving local departments fact, they showed that $277 million week and the 26th Annual National Peace Of- the resources to fight crime and put 100,000 were misspent funds. ficers’ Memorial Day today (May 15), let us new law enforcement officers on the streets. Mr. Speaker, by working together in honor the memory of those who have fallen in The COPS program helped transform our a bipartisan manner, I think we have the line of duty and thank those who carry on major cities, and gave rural police and sheriffs crafted a bill that will help in a com- their legacy, serving in communities across the resources needed to fight the growing prehensive manner continue to put po- this Nation, keeping the peace, and protecting problems of drugs and violence. lice officers on the streets and continue the American people. As a former law enforcement officer, I know to allow our local and State enforce- It is altogether fitting that today—with thou- how important the COPS program has been to ment agencies to be able to use tech- sands of peace officers in Washington to com- local communities. Its federal-to-local structure nology and smart policing to do what memorate these events—the Members of this puts resources where they are needed: cops they want us to do, and that is to reach House will consider this very important bipar- on the front lines. out to form practical solutions of how tisan legislation, the COPS Improvements Act As co-chair of the Congressional Law En- they deal with crime and the crime of 2007. forcement Caucus, I work with law enforce- Mr. Speaker, when we pass this bill, the that is plaguing their communities. ment professionals from around the country, new Democratic Majority in this House will Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to and they are unanimous in their verdict: COPS again demonstrate its absolute commitment to support this piece of legislation. is a program that works. taking decisive action that protects our com- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Unfortunately, the current administration dis- er, I am proud to announce my support for the munities and combats crime. In short, this legislation reauthorizes the agrees with the approach that was so suc- COPS Improvements Act of 2007. Although highly successful Community Oriented Policing cessful in reducing crime during the Clinton the COPS Act was originally introduced in Services Program, or COPS, which was en- years. The administration has repeatedly at- 1994, its reauthorization is a clear indication of acted in 1994 under the Clinton Administration tempted to cut and gut the program, in spite this Congress’ dedication to passing legislation and which helped local law enforcement agen- of repeated endorsements from every major with the intent of securing our streets and pro- cies hire 117,000 additional officers between law enforcement organization and the proven viding for first responders, all of whom are 1995 and 2005—including 908 officers in success of COPS in reducing crime. Under vital to securing our Nation. The COPS Im- Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District. the Republican Congress, COPS funding was provements Act is a post-9/11 legislation im- In fact, the COPS hiring program—with its reduced from its Clinton-era high of $1.42 bil- plementing a homeland security policy, specifi- emphasis on getting more cops on the beat— lion to less than $500 million in 2006, a cut of cally in the areas of terrorism preparedness, is credited with reducing the crime rate. two-thirds. intelligence gathering, interoperability and The nonpartisan General Accountability Of- These cuts had a severe impact on local other concerns we have in our communities fice, for example, concluded in one study (and departments in my district and in districts across America. I quote): ‘‘COPS-funded increases in sworn of- around the country. Attempts to keep officers The Committee on Homeland Security sup- ficers per capita were associated with declines on the street, protect our schools, fight drugs ports the COPS Improvements Act authorizing in rates of total index crimes, violent crimes and improve our homeland security were all $600 million per year to hire officers to engage and property crime.’’ undermined. Republicans in Congress and the in their communities across a variety of polic- Unfortunately, however, the former House Bush administration have been full of rhetoric ing duties, including counter-terrorism. The Majority sharply reduced the funding for the about the heroism of local first responders and Amtrak Police Department, whose officers are universal hiring program under COPS in re- the importance of fighting terrorism, but the on the frontlines of transportation security, will cent years—from more than $1 billion a year budget numbers tell a different story: for the be given the resources to hire and train offi- in the late 1990s, to $10 million in 2005, to the Republican Congress, local cops simply were cers to perform intelligence, anti-terror, and complete elimination of hiring grants in 2006. not a priority. other homeland security duties protecting our Mr. Speaker, let’s put these figures in per- Now we have a chance to set things right. railroads. spective. One billion dollars a years for COPS The law enforcement community has a tre- The COPS Improvements Act is also ap- hiring grants is not an insubstantial sum. But mendous need for this legislation to be en- plauded by the Committee on Homeland Se- today, in Iraq, our Nation is spending approxi- acted and fully funded. Experts have said that curity for authorizing $350 million per year for mately $10 billion a month—or $2.5 billion a it may cost as much as $18 billion to fully up- COPS technology grants. Among the grants week. grade our first responders to interoperable

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:37 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.050 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4993 communications; this bill will provide money the country. It reauthorizes the COPS hiring This is not acceptable. As part of the New for technology grants to help close that gap. program to help put 50,000 new police on the Direction for America ushered in by this News reports show that the violent crime rate beat in our communities, provides $350 million Democratic Congress, we are committed to has begun to rise again in our cities; this bill a year for State and local agencies to develop ensuring that Americans can enjoy real secu- will help local departments deploy more offi- new technologies for crime prevention and po- rity within our Nation’s borders. We are com- cers to fight violence and make our streets lice training and provides $200 million a year mitted to guaranteeing that our country’s com- safe. for community-based prosecution programs. munities, like my own 18th district, have police The COPS Improvements Act represents In my home state of Minnesota, I’ve seen, forces that are adequately staffed, equipped, our commitment to listen to our local police firsthand, the importance of the COPS pro- and funded. We are committed to reinvigo- departments and give them the resources they gram to local police in reducing crime and im- rating programs, like COPS, that have proven need to do their job. I am proud to support this proving public safety. highly successful in the past. bill, and I urge the President to sign it into law, The COPS program has been an invaluable Mr. Speaker, an increase in crime mandates so that our law enforcement officers can again resource to state and local law enforcement an increase in the number of police. Since receive the support and assistance they de- agencies for hiring, technology and school 1995, the COPS office has awarded over serve to keep us and America safe. safety grants, and has been critical to pro- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support $11.4 billion to over 13,000 state, local, and viding personnel, equipment, training and tribal law enforcement agencies throughout of H.R. 1700, the COPS Improvement Act. technical assistance in the war on drugs and The COPS hiring program has been an un- the United States. These funds allow agencies homeland security. to hire and train law enforcement officers to qualified success. Since the program first We must never forget our cops are on the began in 1994, we have seen crime rates participate in community policing, to purchase front lines—in the war on crime, fighting drug and deploy new crime-fighting technologies, plummet throughout the country. dealers and protecting our homeland. There are many factors one can point to for and to develop and test new and innovative As Chris Matthews of MSNBC said after the policing strategies. this drop in crime, but the most obvious one attacks of September 11: ‘‘Before the attacks is that the COPS hiring program has given our Despite the demonstrated success of the on our homeland, America’s heroes were the local governments over $9 billion to hire over COPS program in reducing crime rates, the rich and famous. Since Sept. 11, America’s 117,000 police officers. current administration has targeted its funding. heroes are the cops and firefighters. And Law enforcement agencies in my district, This would jeopardize the marked headway that’s good for America.’’ New York’s 17th, have received $625,984,137 this program has made into creating and Today, America’s heroes are counting on in COPS grants since 1994. This funding has maintaining safe communities nationwide. H.R. us. Congress owes it to these brave men and translated into 6,997 additional law enforce- 1700 provides an opportunity to reverse this women who put their lives on the line every ment officers in my district. Unfortunately, Re- harmful process, and, as a result, enjoys the day they put on the badge. Our nation’s law publicans ended the COPS hiring program last support of numerous law enforcement organi- enforcement officers need all the tools Con- year. A likely result of this, is that crime rates zations, including Fraternal Order of Police, gress can provide. It’s time to honor the sac- are inching upward. National Association of Police Organizations rifices made by our Nation’s law enforcement It is essential that we stay vigilant in our and the National Sheriffs’ Association. fight against crime by passing the COPS Im- community and give our Nation’s finest the support they need. This bill allows us to build upon a program provement Act. When this bill passes, law en- that has already proven successful by expand- forcement agencies across the country will be Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ing the mission and increasing the prospects able to add over 50,000 police officers to our as a proud co-sponsor I rise in strong support for grants under the COPS program. It allows streets. In my district, we will gain of H.R. 1700, the COPS Improvement Act of us to both protect America’s communities from $190,978,211 in funding and 2,991 more po- 2007, introduced by my colleague Mr. WEINER. increasing violent crime, and to provide ade- lice officers. This act would amend the Omnibus Crime quate resources for those whom we entrust But the COPS program is not just about the Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, expand- with guarding our safety. number of police officers; it is also about giv- ing the ability of the Attorney General to make ing police officers the tools they need. Since grants for the COPS ON THE BEAT program. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legisla- 1994, $26,678,080 in COPS grants have been This important program provides for public tion because I believe the work of our State, awarded to law enforcement agencies in the safety and community policing activities, and it local, and tribal law enforcement officials to be 17th District of New York to purchase tech- very simply puts more cops on the streets. crucial to the security of our communities and nology that enables agencies to put more offi- This legislation would bring much needed our Nation. I believe that the program’s record cers on the beat. This translates into more relief to our brave and overworked law en- is clear, and the evidence shows that more bulletproof vests and mobile computers. forcement officers, who are on the front line of cops equals less crime. I strongly urge my col- If the COPS Improvement Act of 2007 the war against crime. At a minimum, the pas- leagues to join me in support this legislation. passes into law, an additional $8,139,075 in sage of this legislation would bring 374 addi- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in technology grants will likely flow to the 17th tional police officers to reinforce the streets of strong support of H.R. 1700, the COPS Im- District of New York. the 18th congressional district of Texas, which provement Act of 2007. I would like to thank Mr. Speaker, I join the International Associa- I proudly represent. These 374 cops would be the chief sponsors of this legislation, Con- tion of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs supported by a much needed funding increase gressmen WEINER and KELLER, for their efforts Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the of $17,346,456, as well as an additional in bringing this bipartisan bill to the floor today. National Association of Police Organizations, $2,753,784 in technology grants to law en- Congress created the Community Oriented the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Na- forcement agencies in my district. The 18th Policing Services (COPS) program as part of tional League of Cities in urging my col- congressional district is only one of hundreds the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforce- leagues to pass the COPS Improvement Act of communities across the nation that will ment Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–322). Ad- of 2007. enjoy greater security, safety, and stability as Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of a result of this important legislation. ministered by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus During the 1990s, the crime rates for all cat- the COPS program awards grants to state, and proud cosponsor of H.R. 1700, the COPS egories of crime in the United States fell dra- local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to Improvement Act, I rise to urge my colleagues matically and almost continuously, with homi- hire and train community policing personnel, to support this important legislation. cide rates plunging 43 percent to reach their implement new technologies to combat crime, Since its creation in the 1994 Crime Bill, the lowest level in 35 years in 2001. Unfortu- and develop new policing techniques. COPS program has been a key component of nately, after this sustained drop across all ge- Since its establishment, the COPS program the Federal effort to keep our communities ographic areas and population groups, crime has been widely hailed as a success. It most safe. The program has been widely hailed as rates have once again begun to rise. In par- notably has supported the hiring of over a success. It has supported the hiring of over ticular, 2005 marked the greatest increase in 120,000 additional police officers and helped 100,000 officers and contributed to a nation- violent crime in 14 years. This increase in contribute to a nationwide decrease in the rate wide decrease in violent crime in the 1990s. crime, not coincidentally, corresponds with of violent crime. In Hawaii alone, COPS grants H.R. 1700 makes several improvements to cuts to the funding of the COPS program by have helped to hire 522 additional police offi- the program to increase public safety across the GOP-led Congress. cers and sheriffs and placed 18 new resource

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:25 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.016 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4994 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 officers in primary and secondary schools H.R. 1700 will allow for the hiring of up to cers to the Nation’s streets and schools, en- throughout the islands. 50,000 new cops on the beat over the next 6 hance crime-fighting technology, support crime Yet funding for this successful program has years. In addition, the bill authorizes $600 mil- prevention initiatives, provide training and become a yearly Congressional battle. Presi- lion a year for COPS hiring grants, $350 mil- technical assistance, administer grant pro- dent Bush’s latest FY 2008 budget request lion a year for COPS technology grants, and grams, and advance community policing. seeks to cut funding for the COPS program by $200 million a year for hiring community pros- Since President Bush has taken office, he has 50 percent, which is actually an improvement ecutors. done everything he could to cut or eliminate from previous years in which program funding I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1700. funding for this worthwhile program. was simply zeroed out. Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, later today we will In the Third District of Florida alone, over In justifying the COPS program funding cut, consider reauthorizing the COPS program for $89,420,196 in COPS grants were awarded to the administration has often cited the need to another 6 years. It is fitting that the House will law enforcement agencies: COPS grants have refocus our energies on homeland security take up this bill during National Police Week. funded 1,192 additional police officers and issues. However, our State and local law en- I hope our law enforcement community re- sheriffs deputies to engage in community po- forcement agencies play an increasingly sig- gards this bill and this week as recognition of licing activities, including crime prevention, in nificant role in homeland security through their our thanks for keeping us safe and protected. the 3rd District; 24 local and State law en- already established roles in local crime pre- We appreciate their work and sacrifices im- forcement agencies in the 3rd District have di- vention and investigation. It is not unreason- mensely. Reauthorizing the COPS program is rectly benefited from funding made available able to suggest that State and local law en- very important to our State and local law en- through the COPS Office; $6,187,466 has forcement entities are among our first lines of forcement, as the program provides grants di- been awarded to add 52 school resources offi- defense in keeping our homeland secure. To rectly to them. My district has received nearly cers to improve safety for students, teachers, that end, it is the responsibility of this Con- $11 million in COPS grants over the past dec- and administrators in primary and secondary gress to continue to support and strengthen ade and a half, and it is extremely important schools throughout the 3rd District; and the COPS program. that this program continues. This money has $10,780,628 has been awarded for crime- H.R. 1700 is an affirmative step in this di- helped and will help keep Hoosiers in the fighting technologies. This funding has allowed rection, as it would authorize $1.15 billion Ninth District safe by ensuring a greater law officers to spend more time on the streets of each year in years 2008 through 2013 for the enforcement presence on our streets back the 3rd District of Florida fighting and pre- COPS program. This is a 10 percent or $103 home and combating violent crime such as venting crime through timesaving technology, million increase from the amounts authorized meth trafficking and usage. I fully support re- information-sharing systems, and improved in current law. Of that amount, $600 million authorizing COPS and thank our law enforce- communications equipment. would be allocated each year for the hiring of ment for all the sacrifices they make day in My district is not alone. The COPS program additional law enforcement officers. It is esti- and day out. has helped districts across the Nation by re- mated that this amount will translate into at Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. I am deeply ducing crime and making communities safer least 50,000 new police officers on our streets. disappointed that the Democratic leadership for residents to live their lives. H.R. 1700 would also allow for up to $350 mil- has chosen to bring up H.R. 1700, the COPS Earlier this session, I introduced a resolution urging increased funding for both the COPS lion annually for grant programs that improve Improvement Act of 2007, under suspension. program and the Weed and Seed program, crime-fighting technologies and up to $200 While the Committee on Judiciary reported the which is an innovative, comprehensive, multi- million each year to assist district attorneys in bill out without objection, I am concerned that agency approach to law enforcement, crime hiring prosecutors. the hundreds of Members not on the com- prevention, and community revitalization. Both In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- mittee will not have any opportunity to offer these programs go together—community polic- leagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1700, as it any improvements to the bill. ing and community revitalization. supports the work of law enforcement officers Had I been allowed the opportunity, I would I am submitting for the record a letter from across our Nation. I would also like to extend have introduced an amendment to more fairly the city of Orlando in support of this bill. a heartfelt mahalo (thank you) to our State allot grants by State. According to last year’s I urge support for the COPS program, safer and local law enforcement officers who serve funding statistics, small States received a dis- communities and this bill. our Nation with distinction and aloha. proportionate amount of funds. In fact, in Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in CITY OF ORLANDO, some cases small States have received more Orlando, FL, May 15, 2007. strong support of H.R. 1700, COPS Improve- funds than States more than five times their Hon. CORRINE BROWN, ment Act of 2007. Since 1994 the COPS pro- population. For instance, Alabama gets more U.S. Representative, gram has allowed local law enforcement agen- assistance than California. Washington, DC. cies to hire an additional 117,000 officers. It is My home State, New Jersey, a densely pop- DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BROWN: I am writing unconscionable that over the past several ulated State nestled between the major metro- on behalf of the City of Orlando to advise years, the Republican-led Congress has re- politan centers of New York City and Philadel- you of our strong support for H.R. 1700, the ‘‘COPS Improvements Act of 2007’’. peatedly cut the COPS program and eventu- phia and also home to a heavily trafficked In 1994, Congress established the Office for ally eliminated all funding in the 2006 budget. drug corridor and its own inner-cities, receives Community Oriented Policing Services I’m proud that my district has benefited sig- less than 2 percent of all grants. (COPS) and, in the decade that followed, our nificantly from the COPS program. In fact, in As if this imbalance weren’t bad enough, the nation experienced a significant drop in 1996 President Clinton came to the City of Sa- Office Management and Budget’s Program As- crime rates. A large part of this success was linas, CA, to commend Mayor Caballero and sessment Rating Tool (PART) graded COPS the nation’s commitment to community ori- Salinas law enforcement officials on a suc- as ‘‘not performing: results not demonstrated.’’ ented policing, particularly it’s hiring com- ponent, which helped get more officers on cessful community policing program. In addi- The bill authorizes $1.15 billion for this pro- the beat. This approach was validated by a tion, Salinas was awarded one of a handful of gram next fiscal year and another $4.6 billion Government Accountability Office (GAO) COPS grants for tracking weapons. These over the next 4 years. With so much taxpayer study of the COPS program, which stated tools enabled the City of Salinas to reduce money at stake, and so few positive results that: ‘‘COPS-funded increases in sworn offi- gang violence. As funding for the COPS pro- demonstrated, why is the House missing this cers per capita were associated with declines gram dried up, gang violence in Salinas opportunity to fully consider how we might im- in the rates of total index crimes, violent spiked and in 2005 there were 24 homicides. crimes, and property crime.’’ prove a program that is failing despite its good Now, after years of historically low crime This time, on its own dime, the City of Salinas intentions? rates, we are seeing a disturbing new trend— and the County of Monterey have busted their The people of New Jersey watch a dis- a jump in violent crimes in our City as well budgets to implement a community policing proportionate share of their Federal taxes go as in many of our nation’s large and me- gang task force. Reauthorization of the COPS to Washington to carry out this unproven pro- dium-sized cities. Just as the decrease in program, with full funding, will enable Salinas gram in other States. And for these reasons, crime was directly related to an increased and other communities all across the country I regret that I simply could not support this bill focus on hiring law enforcement officers at to again implement effective community polic- on the floor today. the state and local level, the more recent in- crease in certain crimes can be directly re- ing programs to combat crime. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. lated to the loss of Federal funds supporting Reauthorization of the COPS program Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1700, state and local law enforcement. This legis- should not be a partisan issue. After all, all the COPS Improvements Act. lation will reinstitute the COPS program—a crime is local. Community policing is effective This program, begun under President Clin- program we all know to be effective—and is because it addresses crime at the local level. ton, has invested over $12 billion to add offi- needed now more than ever.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:25 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.023 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4995 Specifically, this bill will establish the Of- ecutors. These are tools that our communities All of these COPS grant programs will pro- fice of Community Oriented Policing Serv- need to reduce our crime rates. vide critical resources to local law enforcement ices as a distinct entity within the U. S. De- When the COPS program was eliminated agencies across the country that are facing a partment of Justice and will reauthorize hir- our nation experienced a drastic increase in ing programs for three specific purposes— variety of challenges including emerging and community policing officers, local counter- crime rates. By providing our law enforcement ongoing gang activity. In previous years, a terrorism officers, and school resource offi- community with adequate funding and tech- COPS grant provided funding to the Santa cers. The bill also reauthorizes funds for nology we will give them the ability to reduce Ana Police Department for Firearms Identifica- technology grants and community prosecu- crime rates. tion technology that can read the unique fin- tors. The COPS program and the community I have strongly supported this program since gerprints that connect bullets and guns. The policing approach are, and should continue it was first introduced during the 1990’s. Santa Ana Police Department has been able to be, an important part of our national Today I urge my colleagues to support this to solve many gang-related shootings and crime-fighting strategy. critical piece of legislation today. Your commitment to reducing crime and other violent crimes by using this ballistics Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, in my remarks in technology. I hope that the passage of this your recognition of the important role local support of H.R. 1700, the ‘‘COPS Improve- law enforcement plays throughout the na- legislation will help ensure that law enforce- tion is commendable. Be assured that the ments Act of 2007,’’ I refer to amended lan- ment agencies across the nation benefit from City of Orlando will do our part in the fight guage in the bill that would have required the valuable COPS grant programs. against crime and, given the proper re- COPS grant recipients participating in the I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for sources, we can keep Orlando one of the ‘‘Troops-to-Cops’’ program to give special hir- H.R. 1700. safest cities in the nation. ing preference to former members of the Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I Sincerely, Armed Forces who served in Operation Endur- rise in support of H.R. 1700, the Community BUDDY DYER, ing Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I Mayor. Oriented Policing Services Reauthorization first introduced this provision in an amendment Act, which has provided greater numbers of Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. Mr. during the Judiciary Committee markup of police officers to protect our citizens in every Speaker, I rise to show my support for H.R. H.R. 1700. I withdrew that amendment with State in the union. My district in Oregon has 1700, the COPS Reauthorization Act of 2007. the understanding that, after working with benefited significantly from this program The original COPS bill, passed in 1994, en- Ranking Member LAMAR SMITH upon the com- abled local law enforcement agencies to hire through the addition of 279 police officers and mittee’s urging to craft mutually agreeable lan- a total of over $24 million secured for local law 117,000 additional police officers across the guage, this provision was to be included in the Nation. H.R. 1700 will establish the Office of enforcement agencies since 1994. final version of H.R. 1700. I find it perplexing that the administration Community Oriented Policing Services as a Through what I believe to have been an in- continually attempts to reduce funding for distinct entity within the U.S. Department of advertent omission, the hiring preference for COPS when independent studies confirm that Justice and will reauthorize hiring programs for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and the grants significantly contributed to the crime three specific purposes: community policing Operation Iraqi Freedom was not included in reduction in the late 1990s. Nationally, the officers, local counterterrorism officers, and the final version of H.R. 1700 that has been strain on law enforcement has never been school resource officers. presented to the full House of Representa- School resource officers are especially im- greater, as resources are stretched to combat tives. It is my understanding that the language the recent rise in crime while also addressing portant to keep schools safe and to keep chil- will be added either in the Senate bill or at homeland security responsibilities. For this dren in school. About 13.7 million or 22 per- conference and, therefore, will be contained in reason, I support the revitalization of this pro- cent of children and youth were physically the bill sent to the President for his signature. bullied in the last year and 15.7 million were Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. gram to protect our families and give law en- forcement the support they need. teased or emotionally bullied. Bullying behav- Speaker, I rise in strong support of HR 1700, Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I yield ior has been linked to other forms of antisocial the COPS Reauthorization Act. I am proud to back the balance of my time. behavior, such as vandalism, shoplifting, skip- be a cosponsor of this important legislation The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ping and dropping out of school, fighting, and that will reauthorize the Community Oriented question is on the motion offered by the use of drugs and alcohol. Having school Policing Services grant programs. the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Over the first 10 years of its existence, from resource officers on campuses will help com- CONYERS) that the House suspend the 1994 to 2005, the COPS hiring grant pro- bat this growing problem. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1700, as grams have helped local law enforcement School resource officers are also needed to amended. combat the national gang epidemic. In Los An- agencies hire 117,000 additional police offi- The question was taken. geles alone during the last 5 years, there were cers. As a result there have been significant The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the over 23,000 verified gang related violent drops in the crime rates across our Nation. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being crimes. These include 784 homicides, nearly Unfortunately the previous Congress dras- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. 12,000 felony assaults, approximately 10,000 tically reduced and then eliminated funding for Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, on that robberies and just under 500 rapes. It is im- the COPS hiring grants in the 2005 and 2006 I demand the yeas and nays. perative to reauthorize the COPS program and funding cycles. The yeas and nays were ordered. get more officers on the street to stop this H.R. 1700 will reinvigorate the COPS pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- trend. gram by authorizing $600 million a year for ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the I am proud to support this bill and encour- hiring grants. This level of funding will help put Chair’s prior announcement, further age all of my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. an additional 50,000 police officers in our proceedings on this question will be 1700, COPS Reauthorization Act of 2007. communities over the next 6 years. I am proud postponed. that this Congress is acting to restore funding Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam f Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. for these hiring grants that are so critical to 1700 the COPS Improvements Act of 2007. local law enforcement agencies across the SAFE AMERICAN ROADS ACT OF Unfortunately, over the past several years country. 2007 funding for the hiring of additional police offi- In addition, this legislation will authorize Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I move cers has been drastically reduced and the $350 million for COPS technology grants. to suspend the rules and pass the bill COPS program was basically eliminated. These grants will help local law enforcement (H.R. 1773) to limit the authority of the The Community Oriented Policing Services agencies buy critical technology like com- Secretary of Transportation to grant Improvements Act revives the grant hiring pro- puters for patrol cars and crime mapping soft- authority to motor carriers domiciled gram. These grants will allow local police de- ware. I have seen this type of crime mapping in Mexico to operate beyond United partments to hire 50,000 additional police offi- software at work in the city of Santa Ana, Cali- States municipalities and commercial cers over the next 6 years. fornia, in my district. This technology acts as zones on the United States-Mexico bor- I know in Houston after Hurricane Katrina a force multiplier, allowing each officer to be der, as amended. we saw a significant rise in violent crime. This more effective in fighting crime and keeping The Clerk read the title of the bill. program will allow our local communities to our communities safe. The text of the bill is as follows: hire additional police officers to protect their H.R. 1700 also authorizes $200 million for H.R. 1773 citizens. programs that focus on hiring the community Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- This bill will also provide critical funding for prosecutors that play a critical role in following resentatives of the United States of America in technology grants and hiring community pros- up on police work and convicting criminals. Congress assembled,

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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (G) penalties to be levied against carriers who, (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Safe American under the pilot program, violate section days after the date of submission of the 18- Roads Act of 2007’’. 365.501(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regula- month interim report of the Inspector General SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON GRANTING AUTHORITY. tions, as in effect on the date of enactment of under this section, the Secretary shall submit to The Secretary of Transportation may not this Act; Congress a report on— grant authority to a motor carrier domiciled in (H) a list of Federal motor carrier safety laws (1) the actions the Secretary is taking to ad- Mexico to operate beyond United States munici- and regulations for which the Secretary will ac- dress any motor carrier safety issues raised in palities and commercial zones on the United cept compliance with a Mexican law or regula- one or both of the interim reports of the Inspec- States-Mexico border, except under the pilot tion as the equivalent to compliance with a cor- tor General; program authorized by this Act. responding Federal motor carrier safety law or (2) evaluation of the Secretary whether grant- regulation, including commercial driver’s license ing authority to additional motor carriers domi- SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM. requirements; and ciled in Mexico to operate beyond United States (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transpor- (I) for any law or regulation referred to in municipalities and commercial zones on the tation may carry out, in accordance with sec- subparagraph (H) for which compliance with a United States-Mexico border would have any tion 350 of Public Law 107–87, section 31315(c) of Mexican law or regulation will be accepted, an adverse effects on motor carrier safety; title 49, United States Code, all Federal motor analysis of how the requirements of the Mexican (3) modifications to Federal motor carrier carrier safety laws and regulations, and this and United States laws and regulations differ; safety laws and regulations or special proce- Act, a pilot program that grants authority to and dures that the Secretary determines are nec- not more than 100 motor carriers domiciled in (5) the Secretary establishes an independent essary to enhance the safety of operations of Mexico to operate beyond United States munici- review panel under section 4 to monitor and motor carriers domiciled in Mexico in the United palities and commercial zones on the United evaluate the pilot program. States; and States-Mexico border. SEC. 4. INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL. (4) any recommendations for legislation to (b) LIMITATION ON COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHI- (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PANEL.—The Secretary make the pilot program permanent or to expand CLES PARTICIPATING IN PILOT PROGRAM.—The of Transportation shall establish an inde- operations of motor carriers domiciled in Mexico number of commercial motor vehicles owned or pendent review panel to monitor and evaluate in the United States beyond municipalities and leased by motor carriers domiciled in Mexico the pilot program under section 3. The panel commercial zones on the United States-Mexico which may be used to participate in the pilot shall be composed of 3 individuals appointed by border. program shall not exceed 1,000. the Secretary. SEC. 6. DURATION OF PILOT PROGRAM. (c) PILOT PROGRAM PREREQUISITES.—The Sec- (b) DUTIES.— (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Transpor- retary may not initiate the pilot program under (1) EVALUATION.—The independent review tation may carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) until— panel shall— this Act for a period not to exceed 3 years; ex- (1) the Inspector General of the Department of (A) evaluate any effects that the pilot pro- cept that, if the Secretary does not comply with Transportation submits to Congress and the Sec- gram has on motor carrier safety, including an any provision of this Act, the authority of the retary a report— analysis of any crashes involving motor carriers Secretary to carry out the pilot program termi- (A) independently verifying that the Depart- participating in the pilot program and a deter- nates. ment is in compliance with each of the require- mination of whether the pilot program has had (b) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 60 days ments of subsections (a) and (b) of section 350 of an adverse effect on motor carrier safety; and after the last day of the pilot program, the Sec- Public Law 107–87; and (B) make, in writing, recommendations to the retary shall submit to Congress a final report on (B) including a determination of whether the Secretary. the pilot program. Department has established sufficient mecha- (2) RECOMMENDATIONS.—If the independent nisms— review panel determines that the pilot program The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (i) to apply Federal motor carrier safety laws has had an adverse effect on motor carrier safe- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Or- and regulations to motor carriers domiciled in ty, the panel shall recommend, in writing, to the egon (Mr. DEFAZIO) and the gentleman Mexico; and Secretary— from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) each will (ii) to ensure compliance with such laws and (A) such modifications to the pilot program as control 20 minutes. regulations by motor carriers domiciled in Mex- the panel determines are necessary to address The Chair recognizes the gentleman ico who will be granted authority to operate be- such adverse effect; or from Oregon. yond United States municipalities and commer- (B) termination of the pilot program. cial zones on the United States-Mexico border; (c) RESPONSE.—Not later than 5 days after the GENERAL LEAVE (2) the Secretary of Transportation— date of a written determination of the inde- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask (A) takes such action as may be necessary to pendent review panel that the pilot program has unanimous consent that all Members address any issues raised in the report of the In- had an adverse effect on motor carrier safety, may have 5 legislative days in which to spector General under paragraph (1); and the Secretary shall take such action as may be revise and extend their remarks and in- (B) submits to Congress a detailed report de- necessary to address such adverse effect or ter- clude extraneous material on H.R. 1773. scribing such actions; minate the pilot program. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (3) the Secretary determines that there is a SEC. 5. INSPECTOR GENERAL REVIEW. program in effect for motor carriers domiciled in objection to the request of the gen- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Inspector General of tleman from Oregon? the United States to be granted authority to the Department of Transportation— begin operations in Mexico beyond commercial (1) shall monitor and review the pilot pro- There was no objection. zones on the United States-Mexico border; gram; Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield (4) the Secretary publishes in the Federal Reg- (2) not later than 12 months after the date of myself such time as I may consume. ister and provides sufficient opportunity for initiation of the pilot program, shall submit to Mr. Speaker, we have before us very public comment on the following: Congress and the Secretary of Transportation a important legislation. It is bad enough (A) a detailed description of the pilot program 12-month interim report on the Inspector Gen- that NAFTA has caused the United and the amount of funds the Secretary will need eral’s findings regarding the pilot program; and to expend to carry out the pilot program; States to hemorrhage more than 1 mil- (3) not later than 18 months after the date of lion jobs; but now the administration (B) the findings of each pre-authorization initiation of the pilot program, shall submit to safety audit conducted, before the date of enact- Congress and the Secretary an 18-month interim with the NAFTA trucks proposal would ment of this Act, by inspectors of the Federal report with the Inspector General’s findings re- add insult to injury. Not only would it Motor Carrier Safety Administration of motor garding the pilot program. put in jeopardy more American jobs, carriers domiciled in Mexico and seeking to par- (b) SAFETY DETERMINATIONS.—The interim re- those of American truck drivers, but it ticipate in the pilot program; ports submitted under subsection (a) shall in- would also jeopardize the safety of the (C) a process by which the Secretary will be clude the determination of the Inspector General traveling public on America’s high- able to revoke Mexico-domiciled motor carrier of— ways. operating authority under the pilot program; (1) whether the Secretary has established suf- (D) specific measures to be required by the ficient mechanisms to determine whether the I want to congratulate Representa- Secretary to protect the health and safety of the pilot program is having any adverse effects on tive BOYDa for bringing such an impor- public, including enforcement measures and motor carrier safety; tant issue to the Congress so early in penalties for noncompliance; (2) whether the Secretary is taking sufficient her congressional career and Rep- (E) specific measures to be required by the action to ensure that motor carriers domiciled in resentative HUNTER on the other side of Secretary to enforce the requirements of section Mexico and participating in the pilot program the aisle for his contributions to this 391.11(b)(2) of title 49, Code of Federal Regula- are in compliance with all Federal motor carrier issue and to this legislation. tions, as in effect on the date of enactment of safety laws and regulations and section 350 of We have here what is called a SAP. It this Act; Public Law 107–87; and (F) specific standards to be used to evaluate (3) the sufficiency of monitoring and enforce- is a statement of administration pol- the pilot program and compare any change in ment activities by the Secretary and States to icy. They take us for saps if they be- the level of motor carrier safety as a result of ensure compliance with such laws and regula- lieve we will believe the information the pilot program; tions by such carriers. they have conveyed to us in this letter.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.019 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4997 They say that the safety standards, down after 7 days, I guess they don’t bill we are voting on today. I believe including hours of service, driver med- have enough memory capacity down H.R. 1773 was made stronger by taking ical standards, financial responsibility, there at DOT to leave it up longer for the best attributes from both the and drug and alcohol testing, will all the public to review to, you get this, a Boyda bill and the Hunter bill. be remedied by their program. There is form that has the applicant informa- Finally, Mr. Speaker, we need reci- and are no hours of service regulations tion, business address, and status. procity. I said at a hearing on this leg- in Mexico. We have heard anecdotal Quote: ‘‘Provisional authority issued.’’ islation that we should not approve evidence from Mexican truck drivers That is the in-depth information that more Mexican trucking companies that they are often forced, as they are FMCSA is going to put up for the than American trucking companies exploited down there working for rel- American public to review to under- that are approved to go into Mexico. atively low wages compared to truck stand that these audits are being con- We need reciprocity, and we need fair- drivers in the U.S., to drive for 48 to 72 ducted and these carriers are safe. ness for American trucking companies hours at a stretch. How do they do We need this legislation so we can be and American workers. Again, though, that? They laugh and they say ‘‘dust.’’ assured that we are protecting the I will voice my support for this bill, What is dust? Drugs, uppers. They are safety of the American public. H.R. 1773, and I urge my colleagues to commonly used in Mexico. There are Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of support it as well. no meaningful hours of service regula- my time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tion. There is no drug testing in Mex- Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my time. ico, and illegal substances are fre- myself such time as I may consume. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from quently used for these extended trips. Mr. Speaker, I would like to voice my But the administration would have support for H.R. 1773, the Safe Amer- Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON). (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of us believe that by signing a piece of ican Roads Act of 2007, which passed Texas asked and was given permission paper and waving a magic wand and the Transportation and Infrastructure to revise and extend her remarks.) having in place paper provisions on Committee by unanimous vote, 100 per- cent support by both Democrats and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of drug and alcohol testing or hours of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank service, that these things will happen Republicans. Chairman OBERSTAR and the sub- meaningfully. Suddenly, there will be a In order to comply with NAFTA, the committee Chair, Mr. DEFAZIO, and the tremendous change in the culture of Department of Transportation has taken steps to fully open the Mexican ranking member, Mr. DUNCAN. I am the American trucking industry. very pleased to join them in support of They go on to say there will be an in- border to truck traffic. To start this this bill. process, DOT has announced a cross- depth safety inspection before they are As you know, Texas shares a longer allowed to operate in the United border demonstration program. The border with Mexico than any other bor- States. Well, that is interesting be- bill we are considering today specifies der State. In 2004, at Texas border ports cause in testimony before my com- requirements that DOT must meet of entry, there were 3 million commer- mittee recently, the administration ad- when implementing this program. cial crossings. mitted that when a new bus carrier, But compliance with NAFTA does The safety and congestion impacts of and we are having a problem with ille- not mean we have to or even that we this pilot program will be felt the most gally run bus service, what is called should open the border without any by Texas drivers, roads and businesses. ‘‘curb service’’ here in the Northeast, it scrutiny of the process. It is a priority The impact will be felt particularly by takes them up to 18 months to get out for our committee and for this Con- my constituents as Interstates 20, 30, 35 and certify that company actually ex- gress to stay engaged on this issue and and 45 all converge in the heart of my ists and look at the papers in a filing ensure that the border opening for congressional district. cabinet. They never go out and look at trucks is handled properly with the I agree with the chairman of the the buses. Never. safety of American motorists as our committee when he says we must not We have the same thing going on top priority. bolster trade with Mexico at the ex- with the American trucking industry. A major theme of the bill we are con- pense of the safety of American driv- Only a tiny fraction of trucks are in- sidering today is constant review of the ers. This bill requires that Federal spected on an annual basis. But some- program as it is implemented by the motor carriers complete all safety in- how, magically, an agency that is to- Department of Transportation. spections on the Mexican side of the tally overwhelmed by the volume of The bill requires DOT to ensure the border. The bill also mandates that traffic is going to inspect each and trucks crossing into the U.S. not only safety can be assured before Mexican every truck meaningfully in Mexico, understand our safety regulations for trucks enter our country under this inspect the credentials of the Mexican motor carriers, but that they are fully program. truck drivers in depth, certify the non- compliant with them as well. This bill We in Congress cannot afford to be existent drug testing programs, and also requires DOT to maintain an ac- soft in our oversight of this matter. certify tracking of the nonexistent tive review of the demonstration Passing a safety inspection in Mexico, hours of service in Mexico. And then project. DOT must respond to the In- even one administered by Federal they say that this will all be made spector General’s periodic reviews and motor carriers, is not a guarantee to available to the American public. provide comments and suggestions to Mexican trucks and drivers that they Here is the form in which it is made make the program better. And when we will have free rein over our roads. available. It is right here in the Fed- mean better, we mean safer. In the event that this program proves eral Register. They are saying we are I want to say that this bill is an ex- successful, it is important for this body requiring publication, and they say it cellent example of bipartisanship. Con- to give adequate guidance and assist- would be redundant to have all of the cern over Mexican trucks does not fall ance to border States like Texas to ad- safety audits in detail published in the on one side of the aisle or the other. dress the burden of increased freight Federal Register because they put up Many Republicans and Democrats both traffic, including congestion, air qual- this page. It has a date. That is good. feel strongly about this issue. It im- ity, and wear and tear on our roads. That is a good start. It is up for 7 days, pacts the entire country. The Department of Transportation by the way. Two bills were recently introduced cannot use Texas and other border And in order to access this page, you that address this issue, one by our col- States as guinea pigs and not give have to know the MX docket number. league, Mrs. BOYDA from Kansas, and them the support they need. You have to know the particular dock- one by Mr. HUNTER from California, on In closing, I fully support this bill. It et number of that Mexican carrier. You which I was an original cosponsor. removes much of the uncertainty re- have to know specifics to get nonspe- While Mrs. BOYDA’s bill is the base bill garding safety that this committee cific information that will only be and we certainly want to commend her, found in the Department of Transpor- posted for 7 days. And if you get the bill we are considering today has tation’s proposed pilot program. through that maze and you happen to many aspects from Mr. HUNTER’s bill as Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 hit the 7-day window, because it goes well, combined together to create the minutes to our colleague, Mrs. MILLER

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.053 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H4998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 of Michigan, who has been one of the American companies desired to deliver that we have in this country. And we’re most active members of our committee into Mexico. I think those numbers are going to have a major accident some- on this particular legislation. very indicative of whether or not this where, and the people in America are Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I appre- is a fair agreement for the United going to say how did this happen. ciate the gentleman yielding time. States. Well, we intend in Congress to make Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong Because of all of these problems, sure that we keep our safe roads and support of H.R. 1773, the Safe American groups like the Teamsters, as well as we keep our jobs for American truck- Roads Act. This legislation sets out the Owner-Operator Independent Driv- ers. very, very stringent, quantifiable safe- ers Association, also the Advocates for Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ty standards which the Department of Highway and Auto Safety have all minutes to the gentlewoman from West Transportation must meet before per- come out in opposition to this pro- Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO). mitting Mexican-based trucks to oper- posal. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I’d like ate through the United States. Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure the to thank the gentleman from Ten- Before coming to Congress, I had the program can only take place once these nessee for yielding, and I’d like to pleasure of serving for 8 years as the trucks and drivers from Mexico can thank the leadership on the Transpor- Michigan Secretary of State with a meet the same standards that Amer- tation Committee for the creative solu- principal responsibility of being that ican trucks and drivers do. Trucks par- tion that you have brought back with State’s chief motor vehicle adminis- ticipating in the pilot program will be H.R. 1773 because it places important trator. I was also the chairman of the subject to rigorous safety inspections restrictions upon the pilot program Traffic Safety Commission of my limited to a total of 1,000. Their drivers planned by the Department of Trans- State, and so I had the responsibility must also demonstrate clean driving portation to allow Mexican trucks to for all licensing, commercial drivers li- records and have a proficiency in operate across this country. censes as well as hazardous material English. My first concern with the pilot is its endorsements. So I had immediate con- This legislation as well would require impact on the safety of our Nation’s cerns about how the DOT pilot pro- extensive oversight and review of the highways. This Congress gave this de- gram might compromise the safety of pilot program from an independent re- partment specific criteria to ensure our roads. Here in the United States, view panel. adequate safety and security measures we have reciprocity amongst the I urge my colleagues to support this were taken prior to allowing Mexican States so we can share driving records important legislation. trucks to travel on our highways. I be- across State lines. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield lieve it is important that all of these 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from criteria are met prior to the start of b 1245 California (Mr. FILNER). any pilot project on our Nation’s high- In Mexico, licensing requirements Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank ways. are very poor, and it’s well-known that the gentleman. I am also very concerned about the fraud in their system runs rampant. In I thank Chairman DEFAZIO and economic consequences of allowing fact, the Transportation Committee Ranking Member DUNCAN and Chair- Mexican trucks to operate within the heard in testimony from the DOT’s In- man OBERSTAR for this creative solu- United States. It is my hope that if spector General that one in five Mexi- tion to a very difficult problem. this pilot program is indeed imple- can driving records contained an error I happen to live at the border. I rep- mented, the Department will work of some type. Mr. Speaker, if we had a resent the whole California-Mexico closely with State and local law en- 20 percent error rate in the United border. Through my district, at least forcement to ensure that the prohibi- States we would consider it a crisis, 4,000 trucks a day pass through. That tion on point-to-point deliveries within and I actually believe that was a very means across the whole border three or the United States by Mexican trucking low estimate. four, five times that will cross. The companies is enforced. There are also concerns about the in- volume is enormous. There is no way I am especially pleased that this bill surance provisions of this program. for us to inspect this incredible volume will require a plan to enforce existing American truckers must carry very ex- of traffic. In fact, when there was a English proficiency regulations prior pensive insurance policies in the event test case several years ago of inspect- to the start of any pilot program. It is that they are in an accident. What if it ing all the trucks, they found 100 per- critical for the safety of anyone on the happens that a Mexican truck has an cent of the trucks had either insurance road that truckers are able to under- accident somewhere in the United or safety violations. stand traffic and warning signs and are States? Good luck to the victims of We are dealing with issues of insur- able to communicate with law enforce- that accident who will try to collect on ance. We are dealing with issues of ment and emergency management offi- damages from a Mexican company. truck safety. We’re dealing with issues cials. I believe that if we let these Mexican of driver certification and jobs on this It is absolutely critical that we stop truckers into our country with ques- side of the border. There’s no question the Department from implementing tionable identification and insurance, that these certifications are just not their pilot program until we can ensure it exposes American drivers to more the same standards that we apply. We the safety of our American motorists dangerous conditions on our roadways. have fraudulent use of papers. There is and our American highways. First of all, because the Mexican enormous difficulty in getting account- I urge my colleagues to support this drivers are allowed to work far longer ability. legislation. hours than our truckers; and secondly, But, in addition, if we allow the Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 it is well-known that there’s wide- truckers to cross they will be in this minutes to the gentlewoman from Kan- spread drug use in this profession, as country and able to take jobs away sas (Mrs. BOYDA), the author of the leg- the chairman of our subcommittee has from our local companies, especially islation, who’s made an extraordinary already articulated. Presently, there is small trucking companies. It costs commitment so early in her career. no system under which secure testing them about 150 dollars to go to L.A. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Thank you, could take place. In fact, it’s been said from San Diego and back. A Mexican Chairman DEFAZIO. I certainly appre- that there is a not a single testing lab trucker will do it for 50 dollars. That ciate your support. in Mexico to ensure that the drivers puts all our guys out of business if the This is a tremendously huge issue in coming into our country are drug free. administration proposal was allowed to my district. People want to know that The numbers I think are the easiest go through. Congress is out there making our roads way to tell whether or not this pro- So I thank the Chair for coming up safe. I have two children and went back posal is a fair deal for the United with this creative solution. This is a and forth on I–70 between Kansas City States. As soon as this pilot program bad, bad vision that the administration and St. Louis for years with two little was announced, 800 Mexican trucking has to allow all trucks across in a way kids. The truck traffic is amazingly companies lined up to come into the which does not really meet the safety dense. We spent years encouraging United States. By contrast, only two or insurance or certification standards truck safety and spending billions of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.054 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4999 dollars on safety and environmental Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 places important standards and restric- standards, and it just does not make minutes to our colleague from North tions on the DOT’s proposed pilot pro- any sense to now watch that be re- Carolina (Mr. HAYES). gram, ensuring that our roads remain versed. Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank safe and that our Nation’s trucking in- Mr. Speaker, the Department of Congressman DUNCAN for the time and dustry remains competitive. Transportation has unveiled a pilot wish to add my strong support to H.R. The heart of this legislation centers program that will permit poorly regu- 1773, along with Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. on establishing a pilot program that lated Mexican traffic onto American OBERSTAR, Mrs. BOYDA, and want to employs standards that we in Congress highways. In its present form, the DOT thank the chairmen and ranking mem- approved, while maintaining an open proposal exhibits reckless disregard for bers of Transportation and Infrastruc- comment period to ensure that expert America’s road safety, not to mention ture for their leadership on this issue. opinions are considered with respect to our border security and our economic I was proud to cosponsor Congress- safety and compliance and enforce- interests. man HUNTER’s legislation, H.R. 1756, ment. Under current law, trucks registered and am happy to support the revised The bill ensures accountability in Mexico can drive only within a nar- H.R. 1773, the bill before us, which in- through both the administrative and row border zone in the United States corporates many of the strongest pro- legislative process, requiring an In- before cargos are transferred to an visions from the Hunter bill. Safety of spector General review of the pilot pro- American vehicle. This system not Americans and American highways gram to determine whether Mexico- only protects U.S. highways from un- must always take precedence over domiciled motor carriers participating safe Mexican traffic, but it prevents some obscure treaty obligation. As far are in full compliance with U.S. motor drug smuggling and illegal immigra- as I am concerned, the safety of Ameri- carrier safety laws, and requiring a re- tion, and it safeguards American trans- cans and enforcing American law is far port to Congress within 90 days of com- portation jobs. and away the number one priority pletion of the program. But the DOT intends to halt this very here. The Safe American Roads Act does sensible system. Under their pilot pro- It’s commonsense legislation that not aim to close America’s roadways to gram, Mexican-domiciled trucks could would prevent Mexican motor carriers foreign truckers. Instead, it requires penetrate far into the American heart- from operating in the United States be- the Department of Transportation to land. The traditional safety standards yond the commercial zones of the tap on the brakes, to slow down and required for vehicles on American United States-Mexico border until the make sure that the road we travel roads, such as frequent safety inspec- Secretary of Transportation unequivo- down is one that ensures the highest tions, limits on the number of hours cally certifies several minimum stand- standards of safety and accountability. driven in a day, drug testing and crimi- ards: requiring English language pro- Further, the legislation ensures the nal background checks for drivers ficiency and ensuring U.S. law enforce- competitiveness of our Nation’s truck- hauling hazardous materials, either ment personnel have the ability to ac- ing industry by preventing Mexico- would not be applied or would be weak- cess databases, verify driving records, domiciled motor carriers from access- ly enforced. ing U.S. highways until U.S.-based Mexico certainly does not have a sys- identification, criminal history and risk to homeland security the same trucking companies are given com- tem right now for keeping these kinds parable access in Mexico. of records in place. It’s ridiculous for way the information is used to verify us to consider that they will be able to U.S. operators. We do not need 90,000- b 1300 enforce these regulations in any way pound unguided missiles on our high- Once again, I want to thank Con- that comes up to our standards. ways. gresswoman BOYDA for introducing this Again, let me say that our trucking Every day, the trucking industry legislation and her work with Mr. industry has spent so much money get- ships more cargo in our Nation than HUNTER and so many others. I urge all ting our trucks, making them safer and any other mode of transportation. The of our colleagues to join me in sup- so much to bring them up to environ- American professionals behind these porting passage of this legislation. mental standards, it’s just crazy to rigs and their equipment are subject to Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, how now say that we are going to bring in constant stringent safety standards. much time remains on our side? trucks that do not have to meet those This bill ensures that at the very min- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- same standards. imum Mexican truckers are subject to tleman from Tennessee has 81⁄2 minutes If the DOT pilot program proceeds as the same standards as our own opera- remaining. planned, drivers in Kansas and all tors. The safety of our citizens on our Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 across America will soon share their roadways must be our top priority, and minutes to the gentleman from Texas roads with unsafe Mexican trucks. The I urge all Members to support H.R. (Mr. POE). flood of foreign traffic will inevitably 1773. Mr. POE. Thank you to the gen- rise, result in collisions, injuries and Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, could I tleman from Tennessee for yielding me even fatalities. ask the time remaining please. time. I introduced the bill now under con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this sideration, the Safe American Roads tleman from Oregon has 71⁄2 minutes re- legislation as a cosponsor. Being from Act of 2007, to rein in the Department maining. The gentleman from Ten- Texas, we get the brunt of trucks com- of Transportation. The bill requires the nessee has 101⁄2 minutes remaining. ing from Mexico into the United cross-border pilot program to comply Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 States. Mexican truck drivers with 22 specific strict safety criteria. It minutes to the gentleman from New shouldn’t be treated any better or creates an independent review panel to Jersey (Mr. FERGUSON). worse than American truck drivers. monitor and evaluate the pilot pro- Mr. FERGUSON. I thank the gen- The general reputation of the Amer- gram after it launches, and it provides tleman from Tennessee. ican trucking industry is very good. that the program can be terminated at I want to thank Congresswoman They maintain their vehicles, and they any point if the Secretary of Transpor- BOYDA for her work on addressing this maintain competence of their drivers. tation does not comply with all of very important issue and of course This legislation will require the same these provisions. Chairman OBERSTAR and Ranking of Mexican truck drivers that come By decisively approving the Safe Member MICA and all those who have into the United States to have vehicles American Roads Act, Congress can pro- worked so hard on this legislation. I that don’t pollute, that are not over- tect the millions of American families am a strong supporter and cosponsor of weight, that are maintained as well as who drive our highways every day. I’d the Safe American Roads Act. American trucks, and it will require also like to thank Chairman OBERSTAR This legislation takes a reasoned and the simple but very logical principle and Chairman DEFAZIO for their assist- commonsense approach to dealing with that Mexican truck drivers that drive ance and support, and I certainly urge opening our borders to Mexico-domi- throughout the United States, those my colleagues to support this impor- ciled trucks. Instead of providing blan- massive 18 wheelers, be able to read a tant bill. ket access to U.S. roads, this bill street sign.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.057 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 I think it’s important that people Department where there are failures Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 who drive our freeways are able to read and deviations, if there are any, from minutes to the ranking Republican on the directions and the signs of the cit- the program that we have set in place, the Transportation and Infrastructure ies into which they travel. This legisla- especially if Mexican carriers do not Committee, a man who has been a lead- tion makes a lot of sense; it’s common meet strict Federal safety require- er on this legislation and on many oth- sense. It’s needed to equalize the cross- ments. ers, Mr. MICA. ings into the United States of Mexican This is not a run, operate, and evalu- Mr. MICA. I thank our ranking mem- truck drivers with the competence of ate. It is operate and concurrently ber, Mr. DUNCAN. American truck drivers. evaluate what the Department is Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to doing, what the Mexican trucks are today in support of H.R. 1773, the Safe the chairman of the Transportation doing. Are they, in Mexico, requiring American Roads Act of 2007. This bill Committee, Mr. OBERSTAR, for 51⁄2 min- fundamental elements of highway safe- has some good provisions in it. I regret utes. ty that U.S. drivers are required to that a bill which I consider even better Mr. OBERSTAR. I thank the gen- submit to? Do they have hours of serv- and stronger, which was drafted by Mr. tleman for yielding and for his splendid ice requirements comparable to those HUNTER, the gentleman from Cali- leadership of the Subcommittee on in the United States? fornia, and introduced in Congress, is Highways and Transit, this portion of Mexico does not have a single cer- not the bill that we are considering. the session holding intensive hearings tified lab to test drivers for drug and I am sorry Mr. HUNTER is not with us charting the future course for trans- alcohol compliance, as our drivers are today also to speak, but I know he has portation as we move into the second required to be subjected to. The Inspec- many important obligations in his re- half of the authorization of the tor General has to verify that every re- sponsibility in securing our national SAFETEA–LU bill, and laying the quirement of section 350 of Public Law defense. groundwork for the future transpor- 107–87, the basic authority under which Again, I believe Mr. HUNTER’s bill tation of America. The gentleman has they propose to operate, has sufficient would have been a stronger bill that done a superb job. mechanisms in place to ensure safety, would have even more teeth to make I congratulate the Congresswoman, to enforce safety. certain that Mexican trucks comply Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, for recognizing DOT has to also, under this legisla- with not only our safety regulations, the threat of Mexican trucks admitted tion, provide the public with an oppor- but also our economic regulations unabashedly, without restraint, into tunity to comment on issues of safety against cabotage. the United States, or very minimal re- and cabotage, that the trucks that Now, let me make the record clear straint that the Department proposed. come into the United States and de- that I served in Congress when NAFTA I also express my great appreciation liver goods to a destination point and was voted on in 1993. I did not vote for to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. carry goods back to Mexico aren’t mov- that legislation, and one reason was ing goods from one U.S. city to another MICA) for participating throughout the some of the unfair provisions, the in- shaping of this legislation and working U.S. city in violation of our cabotage equity between the economy of Mexico constructively for a reasonable counter laws. We don’t allow it in aviation; we and the United States. I had no prob- to the administration’s plan. The gen- are not going to allow it in trucking. lem with Canada, but Mexico is a dif- We are living up to our commitments tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) ferent situation. I am for open and fair under NAFTA, but we have put in place with his ever-judicial manner has trade, but what passed in NAFTA then requirements that are vigorous, protec- helped us shape a very good balance to and today was a trade agreement be- tions that are important to protect the allowing of Mexican trucks into tween unequal partners when it comes travelers on our U.S. roads from fail- to Mexico. the United States. ures in Mexico. This administration, the Bush ad- This cross-border pilot program the Now, the Department of Transpor- administration launched is not just a tation has sent up their letter, their ministration, unfortunately, has inher- little initiative, something to let pass, statement of policy, in which in one ited what I call the haunting legacy of it’s a major shift in transportation pol- place there is a complaint that this the Clinton administration, one of the icy. They were intent on opening the legislation gives the agency ‘‘only 5 haunting legacies, which pushed for border with minimum public notifica- days to take action necessary to ad- passage of a lopsided NAFTA agree- tion and at great cost to safety. dress adverse findings or terminate the ment. Back in 1993, in October, actu- Despite serious concerns raised by program.’’ ally in October of 1992, President Clin- the Congress, by safety advocates in That’s a requirement on safety. If ton had only positive things to say the private sector, by nonprofit organi- you find an unsafe condition, how about NAFTA. zations, by States who were concerned much longer than 5 days do you want Also, I have quotes by current Speak- about Mexican-domiciled trucks com- to allow it to go? How much longer do er PELOSI, then the Representative ing into the United States, this legisla- you want to have an unsafe condition from California: ‘‘In supporting tion limits the authority of the Sec- existing on our roads? That’s just dead NAFTA, I am casting my vote for the retary to open the U.S.-Mexican border wrong. young people of America and for the fu- to trucks coming into the United Then, in another provision, they ture.’’ States. complain that we, their language says, The future isn’t to send jobs to the It will not allow a 1-year pilot pro- purporting to require the Secretary of south, to Mexico, and then now open up gram as simply a gimmick, a ruse, Transportation to submit legislative the borders and truck the product pro- under which they can allow the border recommendations to Congress. They duced by those jobs to the north. The to be opened unilaterally under terms submit legislative recommendations to responsibility we have in Congress is to and conditions that the Department or Congress, every executive branch agen- make certain that even though we have the administration might choose. In- cy. Whether we want them or not, they to comply with some of the terms of stead, we have a strict set of pre- submit legislative recommendations. this unfair agreement, that we do pro- requisites, a strict set of conditions. A We are saying the Secretary may sub- tect the safety, that we do protect the pilot program of 3 years, 100 motor car- mit. If there are some things they want economic opportunity and the disaster riers for Mexico, 1,000 trucks, does not changed, we invite them to submit this unfair agreement has brought provide blanket authority for 3 years. their recommendations to the Con- upon our economy. If the Secretary fails to comply with gress. So it’s critical today that Congress, any provision of the act, the program I simply don’t buy that. I think they that what we are doing today main- terminates. are sort of a half-hearted statement. tain, at least at a minimum, in keeping We also require the Inspector General This is good legislation, good sound the unfair provisions of the treaty en- of the Department of Transportation, policy. It protects U.S. drivers and al- acted by a Democratic Congress, under concurrently, while the program is lows us to keep commitments under the promotion of President Clinton, under way, to review and report back NAFTA, and we will protect American from doing even more damage to us at to the public, to the Congress, to the roadways. this time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.060 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5001 Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve This bill is about protecting the safe- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505, as amended, the balance of my time. ty of the American traveling public. is a bill to designate the Federal build- Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I will That’s what’s before us today. I would ing in Davenport, IA, as the James A. close on our side. love to renegotiate and revisit NAFTA Leach United States Courthouse. Our I will simply say that no matter how any day of the week, but today we are former colleague, Jim Leach, was much we want to have good relations all about the safety of the American elected to Congress in 1977 from Iowa and trade with our friends in Mexico, public. That’s what we are ensuring and served for 14 consecutive Con- and we all certainly want that, the with this legislation. gresses. His contributions to and inter- first obligation of the U.S. Congress is Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ests in the House of Representatives to the American people. of my time. are numerous, including his long- This bill is important for the safety The SPEAKER pro tempore. The standing support for the use of HOPE of American roads, it’s important to question is on the motion offered by VI HUD funds to help smaller cities de- our American trucking companies, our the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. velop affordable housing. small businesses, and to our truck driv- DEFAZIO) that the House suspend the A career public servant, Congressman ers. It’s legislation that all of our col- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1773, as Leach served 30 years as a Representa- leagues can support, and I urge our col- amended. tive in Congress, where he chaired the leagues to do so. The question was taken. Banking and Financial Services Com- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the mittee, the Subcommittee on Asian of my time. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being and Pacific Affairs, and the Congres- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield in the affirmative, the ayes have it. sional Executive Commission on China. myself the balance of my time. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, on that I He holds eight honorary degrees, has My good friend from Florida, the demand the yeas and nays. ranking Republican member of the The yeas and nays were ordered. received decorations from two foreign committee, made a point that NAFTA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- governments, and is the recipient of was promoted by and passed during the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the the Wayne Morris Integrity in Politics Clinton administration. That’s true, Chair’s prior announcement, further Award, the Woodrow Wilson Award and I have continually castigated that proceedings on this question will be from Johns Hopkins, and the Adlai Ste- administration and that President for postponed. venson Award from the United Nations Association, and the Edgar Wayburn that act. f However, he does need to remember Award from the Sierra Club. that the agreement was negotiated by b 1315 Jim Leach was hard working, highly the first Bush administration, adopted JAMES A. LEACH FEDERAL respected on both sides of the aisle, and by the Clinton administration, unfor- BUILDING dedicated to the welfare of his con- stituents. It is fitting and proper to tunately, and to the discredit of the Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of honor his public service with this des- Clinton administration, and passed the Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend ignation. I support 1505 and urge its House of Representatives with a large the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1505) to adoption. majority of Republican votes. Yes, it designate the Federal building located Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of was a Democratic House, but a very at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, my time. substantial majority of the Democrats Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach Federal Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield opposed the legislation. Building,’’ as amended. So this is truly a bipartisan problem. The Clerk read the title of the bill. myself such time as I may consume. But if he wants to attribute blame, the The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505 designates the Republican Members of the House H.R. 1505 United States courthouse located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, IA, as would bear that, and not the Demo- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- cratic Members, although we were in resentatives of the United States of America in the James A. Leach United States the majority. He also talked about un- Congress assembled, Courthouse. The bill honors Congress- fair portions of the agreement. SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. man Leach’s dedication to public serv- Well, the President has the authority The United States courthouse located at 131 ice. to give 6 months’ notice at any time East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, shall be Congressman Leach began his long that we are going to withdraw in order known and designated as the ‘‘James A. Leach and distinguished career of public serv- to require renegotiation of provisions United States Courthouse’’. ice as a congressional staffer in the of the agreement. So if this President SEC. 2. REFERENCES. 1960s. He later served as a foreign serv- felt any of the provisions were unfair, Any reference in a law, map, regulation, doc- ice officer and as a delegate to the ument, paper, or other record of the United or they felt they were under duress to States to the United States courthouse referred United Nations General Assembly. allow the Mexican trucks into this to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference In 1976 Congressman Leach was elect- country, they have the tools to renego- to the ‘‘James A. Leach United States Court- ed to the House of Representatives. He tiate that agreement. I wish they house’’. served in the U.S. House for 30 years, would use those tools. But they won’t The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from 1977 to 2007. During his time in because this administration is all ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Congress, he chaired the Committee on about killing off American jobs and Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) Banking and Financial Services, the American labor. That’s what this is ul- and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Af- timately intended to do. GRAVES) each will control 20 minutes. fairs, and the Congressional Executive You can get a Mexican truck driver The Chair recognizes the gentle- Commission on China. to work for a heck of a lot less than a woman from Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support this legisla- Teamster in the United States. You GENERAL LEAVE tion and urge my colleagues to do the can get a Mexican dock worker to work Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of same. for a heck of a lot less than a long- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of shoreman in the United States. consent that all Members may have 5 my time. That’s what this ultimately is de- legislative days within which to revise Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of signed to do. The dream of the NAFTA and extend their remarks and to in- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes proponents is that the goods, all the clude extraneous materials on H.R. to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. goods, the things we don’t make in 1505. OBERSTAR). America anymore, will be imported The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, Con- from China to a port in Mexico, avoid- objection to the request of the gentle- gressman Jim Leach was a very decent, ing the U.S. ports, the U.S. longshore- woman from Texas? distinguished and thoughtful Member men, and loaded on Mexican trucks, There was no objection. of Congress. He was a learned Member avoiding U.S. trucking companies and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of of the body. He’s a personal friend. U.S. drivers and brought up into Amer- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such He served this country in many ca- ica’s heartland. time as I might consume. pacities. He began his service as a staff

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.062 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 member for then-Congressman Don ed to Congress in 1976, served till the Jim is a native son of Iowa; and Rumsfeld. He went to the State De- end of the 109th Congress, a couple of throughout his time in Congress, his partment in 1968. He served as special days into this year, actually. representation of the State was based assistant to director of the Office of And one of the things that stands out upon the values of the people he rep- Economic Opportunity. He served in with Jim Leach is Jim Leach was a resented and of the town in which he capacities with the United Nations, champion. He was a champion in 1960 grew up. with the U.S. Advisory Commission on as a State wrestling champion, and I’d Jim recently joined the faculty of the International Education and Cultural point out to our wrestling champions Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Affairs. here in this Congress, a State wrestling International Affairs at Princeton, his He served in an advisory capacity champion in Iowa is like being a na- alma mater. As a former professor my- with the Federal Home Loan Bank tional champion someplace else, just to self, and I say former now, I believe I Board, rather well-rounded career be- set humility aside for the moment. can say with some authority that the fore being elected to Congress one term But that is a characteristic that Jim experience and knowledge that Jim has after I was elected. Leach had, the characteristic of real brought to the Woodrow Wilson School He chaired, at one point, the Com- humility and the characteristic of a has no doubt been a tremendous asset mittee on Banking and Financial Serv- champion. for Princeton students and faculty. ices, the Subcommittee on Asian Pa- And as he came here to Congress and In fact, as a professor at Cornell Col- cific Affairs, and the Congressional Ex- he began that long tenure that was lege in Iowa, I was pleased to invite ecutive Commission on China. here, he touched a lot of different Jim to campus to lecture on foreign He, along the way, collected a num- issues. But his history and his experi- policy matters. His talks were always ber of honorary degrees. He’s the re- ence in the financial industry was un- informative and engaging. I know that cipient of the Wayne Morris Integrity paralleled in the contemporary Con- these guest lectures were only a in Politics Award, the Woodrow Wilson gress. And I know of no period in pre- glimpse of the knowledge, the depth of award from Johns Hopkins University, vious history when there’s been some- the knowledge and expertise that Jim the Adlai Stevenson Award from the one that’s been so respected, that has has brought to Princeton on a daily United Nations Association, and an taken such leadership in the financial basis. award from the Sierra Club, the Edgar affairs. That he chose to continue his com- Wayburn award. And as chairman of the Finance Com- mitment to public service by training He’s now serving on the faculty of mittee, and then later on as chairman the next generation of scholars and Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of of the Subcommittee on International practitioners is indicative of Jim’s Public and International Affairs as a Relations, Jim Leach was a leader that time in Congress, and I wish him the visiting professor. was respected on both sides. He was, He’s been ably succeeded by the gen- best of luck in his new career. some would call him a bipartisan legis- I’d like to take this opportunity to tleman from Iowa (Mr. LOEBSACK), and lator. I would say Jim Leach was a thank Jim for his many years of serv- I really congratulate him and the en- tire Iowa delegation for so graciously nonpartisan Member of this Congress. ice. It is my hope that I am able to rep- and thoughtfully introducing and sup- He evaluated each one of those issues resent Iowa’s Second District as capa- porting this bill to honor one of that came before him, drew an inde- bly as he did for so many years. And I Congress’s most respected and well- pendent judgment. join with my colleagues and urge you liked Members. And if you might question his inde- to pass this resolution. There are rare people who pass pendence, I’ll also make a concession Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 through this body and leave with good on Congressman Leach in that he minutes to the distinguished gen- feelings and with good memories by didn’t always have every bit of his hair tleman from Iowa (Mr. LATHAM). those of us who continue to serve, and in place and he led sometimes with a Mr. LATHAM. I thank the Speaker Jim Leach is one of those. It is very ap- sweater underneath his jacket, and it for the time to rise in support of this propriate to designate the U.S. court- was only picked up by Senator GRASS- resolution to honor our great friend, house at Davenport, Iowa, in his honor, LEY as a stylish tip. But that’s because Jim Leach, by naming the courthouse in his name. Jim Leach followed his own mission, in Davenport, Iowa, after him. It is a And, again, I really express my great his own conscience, his own intellect well-deserved honor. admiration to the Iowa delegation for and, in fact, he used his time to focus I miss Jim Leach around here be- so recognizing this distinguished on those issues that were the good cause of his great sense of humor, his former Member of Congress. His service things for Americans, good things for insight, his thoughtfulness, someone in no way takes away from the service Iowans. who was a strong Iowa Hawkeye sup- of Mr. LOEBSACK who succeeded him, So I’m proud today to stand in sup- porter, having the Hawks in his dis- who is, himself, a distinguished pro- port of this resolution and proud to be trict, and I, myself, representing Iowa fessor, has distinguished himself in the able to call Jim Leach a colleague and State, so we used to go back and forth arena of public policy during his col- a friend in the opposite order. It’s with an awful lot. lege teaching career, and brings that great admiration I ask support for this Jim Leach will be remembered here same thoughtfulness and constructive- resolution of this Congress. in this body for his 30 years of service, ness to the public policy process that Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of his great thoughtfulness, his intellect, his predecessor did, whom we honor Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes someone who, whether it be in finan- today. to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. cial services, and the Financial Serv- I urge my colleagues to support this LOEBSACK). ices Modernization Act bears his name, legislation and respect the memory of Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I’m the Gramm-Leach-Bliley bill; whether Jim Leach. pleased to rise today to offer H.R. 1505. it be trying to stop gambling predators Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 This bill designates the United States over the Internet; someone who knew minutes to the gentleman from Iowa Federal building located at 131 East 4th and understood international policy, (Mr. KING). Street in Davenport, Iowa, the James foreign affairs like no one else; some- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I A. Leach United States Courthouse. one who had such a broad breadth of thank the gentleman from Missouri for Jim Leach represented Iowa with knowledge, who could bring that forth yielding. And I thank the gentleman grace and distinction for 30 years, and and convey it to other folks in a very from Iowa for bringing this resolution this legislation is a tribute to his serv- kind and thoughtful way. to honor our good friend and colleague. ice. His legacy of statesmanship, his He does represent the very best of And we are proud, as Iowans, to stand leadership in foreign affairs and finan- what’s in this Congress, and that is a here today and ask for support for this cial services is already recounted. His spirit of bipartisanship, of thought resolution to name the building in Dav- dedication to public service and his ca- over politics, of actions rather than enport the James A. Leach Courthouse. pable representation of his constitu- posturing; someone who I have the I look back on his career, what a ents left a lasting impact on the dis- greatest personal respect for. And I’m stellar career. All of these years, elect- trict I am now honored to represent. so pleased that Mr. LOEBSACK has

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.066 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5003 brought this resolution to the floor of both sides of the aisle who urged that AUTHORIZING GENERAL SERVICES the House, and I would urge everyone Jim Leach be appointed as the U.S. ADMINISTRATOR TO CONVEY A to support this resolution in honor of Representative to the United Nations, PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY TO James Leach. And I want to commend a post for which he would be eminently ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORA- him, also his wife, Deva, and the fam- well qualified. TION ily; just wonderful people, and an b 1330 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of honor like this could not go to a nicer Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend person or a more deserving individual. I am confident we will see a new chapter in his distinguished career the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1036) to Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of authorize the Administrator of General Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes whether in the United Nations, perhaps in a new administration. As a friend, a Services to convey a parcel of real to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. property to the Alaska Railroad Cor- BLUMENAUER). colleague and an American, I look for- ward to whatever that next chapter is poration, as amended. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I The Clerk read the title of the bill. appreciate the gentlewoman’s courtesy in Jim’s career. Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I would The text of the bill is as follows: in permitting me to add my voice, ex- H.R. 1036 pressing the appreciation to Mr. love to stand with the gentleman from Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- LOEBSACK and to the Iowa delegation Minnesota and the gentlewoman from Texas in urging our colleagues to vote resentatives of the United States of America in for bringing this resolution forward Congress assembled, for this. He was a good individual. commemorating the service of our SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE OF GSA FLEET MAN- friend and former colleague, Jim Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, and AGEMENT CENTER TO ALASKA RAIL- Leach. thanks to Congressman LOEBSACK for intro- ROAD CORPORATION. The 30 years that we were privileged ducing this bill and working hard to designate (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the require- in this body to watch him at work, the the James A. Leach Courthouse in Davenport, ments of this section, the Administrator of words, the recitation to what Jim Iowa. I would also like to thank Chairman General Services shall convey, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this OBERSTAR and Ranking Member MICA for re- Leach did doesn’t do him justice. He Act, by quitclaim deed, to the Alaska Rail- was dignified and principled, one of the porting this bill out of Transportation and Infra- road Corporation, an entity of the State of few people who could navigate these structure Committee. Alaska (in this section referred to as the Halls successfully without ever being Congressman Leach is a good man who ‘‘Corporation’’), all right, title, and interest mired in partisan politics, doing it his served his constituents with distinction and of the United States in and to the parcel of way, a way that was right for the coun- grace, and it is fitting that we honor him with real property described in subsection (b), try, if often difficult for him politi- a hometown reminder of his commitment and known as the GSA Fleet Management Cen- cally. service to Iowa. While his career in Congress ter. was distinguished and honorable, I want to (b) GSA FLEET MANAGEMENT CENTER.—The Just reciting the facts misses the parcel to be conveyed under subsection (a) is quality of his service. Jim Leach pre- touch on another passion of his—wrestling. the parcel located at the intersection of 2nd dicted the savings and loan crisis. He Jim Leach began wrestling in his birthplace Avenue and Christensen Avenue in Anchor- was spot on in his observations about of Davenport as a seventh-grader. As a stu- age, Alaska, consisting of approximately American diplomacy from the Middle dent at Davenport High School, he won the 78,000 square feet of land and the improve- East to North Dakota. I meant to say 1960 state wrestling championship at the 138- ments thereon. North Korea, probably North Dakota as pound weight class. Competing for Princeton (c) CONSIDERATION.— well, as I think about it. University, he lost just one dual meet match. (1) IN GENERAL.—As consideration for the Later, as a research student at the London parcel to be conveyed under subsection (a), He, as an example of his principled the Administrator shall require the Corpora- nature, resigned from the Foreign School of Economics, he went on to compete tion to— Service in protest of President Nixon’s in freestyle matches. In 1995, he was awarded (A) convey replacement property in ac- firing of special prosecutor Archibald the Outstanding American Award from the Na- cordance with paragraph (2); or Cox. tional Wrestling Hall of Fame. (B) pay the purchase price for the parcel in In his congressional campaigns, he His wrestler’s spirit was evident in his public accordance with paragraph (3). was one of the few people who refused service, as he took a disciplined and hard (2) REPLACEMENT PROPERTY.—If the Admin- to accept PAC contributions and out of working approach to his duties. For thirty istrator requires the Corporation to provide State donations. He wouldn’t run nega- years, Congressman Leach served his con- consideration under paragraph (1)(A), the Corporation shall— tive ads, and he tried to stop outside stituents, and he never lost touch of his Dav- (A) convey, and pay the cost of conveying, groups who were supporting him from, enport roots. As an original cosponsor of HR to the United States, acting by and through in turn, running negative ads. 1505, I am proud to support the James A. the Administrator, fee simple title to real In 1997, he refused to vote for Speak- Leach Courthouse. property, including a building, that the Ad- er Newt Gingrich because of deep eth- Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have no ministrator determines to be suitable as a ics concerns. And while it was the right further requests for time, and I yield replacement facility for the parcel to be con- thing to do, as history has shown, it back the balance of my time. veyed under subsection (a); and was a tough vote against a sitting Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of (B) provide such other consideration as the Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further Administrator and the Corporation may Speaker in your own party. But it was agree, including payment of the costs of relo- an example of how Jim Leach operated. requests for time, and I yield back the cating the occupants vacating the parcel to He correctly predicted what was balance of my time. be conveyed under subsection (a). going to happen with our ill-advised The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (3) PURCHASE PRICE.—If the Administrator adventure in Iraq with great clarity question is on the motion offered by requires the Corporation to provide consider- and force in committee and on the the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. ation under paragraph (1)(B), the Corpora- floor. And then he voted against it, EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the tion shall pay to the Administrator the fair again, at some difficulty for himself House suspend the rules and pass the market value of the parcel to be conveyed bill, H.R. 1505, as amended. under subsection (a) based on its highest and politically, particularly at that time. best use as determined by an independent ap- That wasn’t the direction of the pre- The question was taken; and (two- praisal commissioned by the Administrator vailing winds in his party or in the thirds being in the affirmative) the and paid for by the Corporation. country. rules were suspended and the bill, as (d) APPRAISAL.—In the case of an appraisal But that’s how Jim Leach was. He amended, was passed. under subsection (c)(3)— thought about issues. He analyzed The title was amended so as to read: (1) the appraisal shall be performed by an them. He shared his analysis in his own ‘‘A bill to designate the United States appraiser mutually acceptable to the Admin- thoughtful, understated way. He was courthouse located at 131 East 4th istrator and the Corporation; and usually right, and the congressional de- Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the (2) the assumptions, scope of work, and other terms and conditions related to the ap- liberations were better as a result. James A. Leach United States Court- praisal assignment shall be mutually accept- I must say that I’m sorry that Presi- house’.’’. able to the Administrator and the Corpora- dent Bush chose not to take the advice A motion to reconsider was laid on tion. of dozens of Members in this body on the table. (e) PROCEEDS.—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:25 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.067 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 (1) DEPOSIT.—Any proceeds received under would be deposited in the Federal square foot parcel of real property in subsection (c) shall be paid into the Federal Buildings Fund. Anchorage, Alaska, needed for the Buildings Fund established under section 592 I support this bill to transfer this Alaska Railroad’s operations. But as of title 40, United States Code. property, Mr. Speaker, from the GSA we got into it, the Office of Manage- (2) EXPENDITURE.—Funds paid into the Fed- inventory to the Alaska Railroad Cor- eral Buildings Fund under paragraph (1) ment and Budget and the Congres- shall be available to the Administrator, in poration and particularly want to note, sional Budget Office raised some scor- amounts specified in appropriations Acts, for consistent with Transportation and In- ing issues. So in further review of the expenditure for any lawful purpose con- frastructure Committee policy and matter, we found a way to subject the sistent with existing authorities granted to guidance on these transfer matters, transfer and the transfer of funds to the Administrator; except that the Adminis- that the bill protects the Federal inter- the appropriation process. That re- trator shall provide to the Committee on est. moves the scoring issue. The Adminis- Transportation and Infrastructure of the H.R. 1036 requires either the GSA is trator of GSA will require the Adminis- House of Representatives and the Committee provided with a replacement facility or trator of the Railroad Corporation to on Environment and Public Works of the the railroad corporation will pay the pay fair market value of the property Senate 30 days advance written notice of any fair market value for the building expenditure of the proceeds. based on highest and best use by an (f) ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.— based on an appraisal of the highest independent appraisal, and that inde- The Administrator may require such addi- and best use. Further, if the building is pendent appraisal will be commis- tional terms and conditions to the convey- bought by the railroad, the proceeds sioned by the Administrator of GSA ance under subsection (a) as the Adminis- will be deposited into the Federal and will be paid for by the Alaska Rail- trator considers appropriate to protect the Buildings Fund. road Corporation. Then that money interests of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of will be deposited into the Federal (g) DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND SUR- my time. Buildings Fund and the whole exercise VEY.—The exact acreage and legal descrip- Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion of the parcels to be conveyed under sub- will be subject to the appropriation myself such time as I may consume. process. That way the interests of the sections (a) and (c)(2) shall be determined by Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1036, as amended, surveys satisfactory to the Administrator Federal Government are fully pro- and the Corporation. was introduced by Representative Don tected and the entire transaction will Young from Alaska on February 13, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- be totally transparent. It is a very it requires the Administrator of Gen- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from good outcome. It benefits the GSA. It eral Services to convey a small GSA Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) benefits the Public Buildings Fund of property to the publicly owned Alaska and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. the Federal Government, and it bene- Railroad. fits the Alaska Railroad and the State GRAVES) each will control 20 minutes. The parcel of property is known as The Chair recognizes the gentle- of Alaska. the Fleet Management Center. It is lo- I know that the gentleman from woman from Texas. cated in Anchorage, Alaska. It is cur- GENERAL LEAVE Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) is very pleased rently being utilized as a GSA motor with the outcome, and I want to thank Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of pool, but it is necessary for the planned Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous the ranking member of the Sub- expansion of the rail yard there in An- committee on Economic Development, consent that all Members may have 5 chorage. legislative days within which to revise Public Buildings, and Emergency Man- H.R. 1036 requires the Administrator agement for his participation through and extend their remarks and to in- to sell the property at either fair mar- clude extraneous materials on H.R. this process and bringing it to a suc- ket value or to exchange the property cessful conclusion and also the Chair of 1036. for a like valued piece of real estate. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there our subcommittee, Chairwoman Nor- The value of the property will be deter- ton. objection to the request of the gentle- mined by an independent appraisal woman from Texas? With that, I urge passage of this leg- commissioned by the GSA and paid for islation. There was no objection. by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I think This bill requires that all the proceeds the gentleman from Minnesota said it Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such from the sale be deposited into the time as I may consume. all. Federal Buildings Fund. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1036 authorizes the Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, of my time. Administrator of General Services to and I urge my colleagues to do so. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of convey a parcel of real property to the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further Alaska Railroad Corporation. Subject my time. requests for time, and I yield back the to certain requirements, but not later Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of balance of my time. than 2 years after the date of enact- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ment of the bill, the Administrator as he may consume to the chairman of question is on the motion offered by shall convey to the Alaska Railroad the committee, Mr. OBERSTAR. the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Corporation a parcel of real property Mr. OBERSTAR. I thank the gentle- EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the known as GSA Fleet Management Cen- woman for yielding. House suspend the rules and pass the ter. It is very important to move this leg- bill, H.R. 1036, as amended. The GSA Fleet Management Center islation. The former chairman of our The question was taken; and (two- is a parcel located at the intersection committee, the gentleman from Alaska thirds being in the affirmative) the of 2nd Avenue and Christensen Avenue (Mr. YOUNG), introduced this legisla- rules were suspended and the bill, as in Anchorage, Alaska, consisting of ap- tion in the 109th Congress, but for var- amended, was passed. proximately 78,000 square feet of land. ious reasons of logjams, legislative log- A motion to reconsider was laid on The Alaska Railroad Corporation, in jams, it just didn’t make it to the the table. exchange for the land, will either pro- House floor because of scheduling prob- f vide a replacement facility for the GSA lems of the House. But it is very impor- Fleet Management Center to be con- tant for the Alaska Railroad, which is AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL veyed or the Alaska Railroad Corpora- an entity of the State of Alaska, and GROUNDS FOR DISTRICT OF CO- tion will pay the Administrator for the the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. LUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW fair market value of the GSA Fleet YOUNG) has several times talked to me ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN Management Center based on its high- about the need to move this bill. We Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of est and best use as determined by an had it all ready to go in the last Con- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend independent appraisal commissioned gress, as I said, and I am very happy we the rules and agree to the concurrent by the Administrator and paid by the are able to bring it up early on in this resolution (H. Con. Res. 123) author- Alaska Railroad Corporation. All pro- session of the 110th Congress. izing the use of the Capitol Grounds for ceeds derived from the possible sale of If looked at on its face, it would be a the District of Columbia Special Olym- the GSA Fleet Management Center very simple matter to do, a 78,000 pics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.030 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5005 The Clerk read the title of the con- by law enforcement officials leading up DC Special Olympics, will participate in the current resolution. to each State’s or national Special torch run to be held on June 8, 2007. The text of the concurrent resolution Olympics summer games. Each year, Each year, approximately 2,500 Special is as follows: nearly 50 local and Federal law en- Olympians of all ages compete in the DC Spe- H. CON. RES. 123 forcement agencies in Washington, cial Olympics in more than a dozen events. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the D.C. participate to show their support The event is supported by thousands of volun- Senate concurring), of the D.C. Special Olympics. This teers from the District and the region and is SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF CAPITOL torch relay event is a traditional part attended by thousands more family and GROUNDS FOR D.C. SPECIAL OLYM- of the opening ceremonies for the Spe- friends of Special Olympians. PICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN. cial Olympics. For the fifth year these These games are a wonderful expression of On June 8, 2007, or on such other date as opening ceremonies will take place at inclusiveness and a confirmation of individual the Speaker of the House of Representatives Catholic University in the District of contribution. I enthusiastically support this res- and the Committee on Rules and Adminis- Columbia. This is a worthwhile event olution and the very worthwhile endeavor of tration of the Senate may jointly designate, attended by thousands of Special the Special Olympics. the 2007 District of Columbia Special Olym- Olympians, their families and friends, I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- pics Law Enforcement Torch Run (in this and I support the resolution. porting H. Con. Res. 123. resolution referred to as the ‘‘event’’) may be run through the Capitol Grounds as part of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield the journey of the Special Olympics torch to my time. back the balance of my time. the District of Columbia Special Olympics Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of summer games. myself such time as I may consume. Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and SEC. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPITOL POLICE House Concurrent Resolution 123 au- I yield back the balance of my time. BOARD. thorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Capitol Police Board shall take such for the District of Columbia Special question is on the motion offered by actions as may be necessary to carry out the Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. event. which will be held June 8, 2007. This EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS. event is cosponsored by the U.S. Cap- House suspend the rules and agree to The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe itol Police. the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. conditions for physical preparations for the The Special Olympics is an inter- 123. event. national organization dedicated to en- The question was taken; and (two- SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. riching the lives of children and adults thirds being in the affirmative) the The Capitol Police Board shall provide for with disabilities through athletics. The rules were suspended and the concur- enforcement of the restrictions contained in U.S. Capitol Police will host the open- rent resolution was agreed to. section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, ing ceremonies for the torch run, which A motion to reconsider was laid on concerning sales, advertisements, displays, will take place on the west terrace of and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as the table. well as other restrictions applicable to the the Capitol. Once lit, the torch will be f carried to Fort McNair. An estimated Capitol Grounds, in connection with the SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND event. 2,000 law enforcement representatives from more than 60 local and Federal IDEALS OF NATIONAL PUBLIC The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- WORKS WEEK ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from law enforcement agencies will partici- Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) pate in this year’s event. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Congress has traditionally supported Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend this worthy cause by authorizing the GRAVES) each will control 20 minutes. the rules and agree to the resolution The Chair recognizes the gentle- use of the Capitol Grounds. I encourage (H. Res. 352) supporting the goals and woman from Texas. my colleagues to join the law enforce- ideals of National Public Works Week. ment community in supporting the GENERAL LEAVE The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Special Olympics and join me in sup- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of tion. porting this resolution. Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous The text of the resolution is as fol- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in consent that all Members may have 5 lows: strong support of H. Con. Res. 123, which au- legislative days within which to revise H. RES. 352 thorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the and extend their remarks and to in- Whereas public works infrastructure, fa- District of Columbia Special Olympics Law En- clude extraneous material on House cilities, and services play a pivotal role in forcement Torch Run. Concurrent Resolution 123. the health, safety, and well-being of the peo- Thanks to the tenacity to Eunice Kennedy ple of the United States; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Shriver and her family, thousands of Special Whereas public works infrastructure, fa- objection to the request of the gentle- Olympians see their self-confidence, self-es- cilities, and services could not be provided woman from Texas? without the skill and dedication of public There was no objection. teem, and health increase by participating in the Special Olympics. These games highlight works professionals, including engineers and b 1345 administrators, representing State and local the athletic feats of mentally challenged chil- governments throughout the United States; Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of dren and young adults. Confidence and self- Whereas public works professionals design, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such esteem are the building blocks for these Olym- build, operate, maintain, and protect the time as I may consume. pic Games. Better health, coordination, and transportation systems, water supply infra- Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- lasting friendships are the results of participa- structure, sewage and refuse disposal sys- lution 123 authorizes the use of the tion. tems, public buildings, and other structures Capitol Grounds for the District of Co- The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the and facilities that are vital to the citizens, lumbia Special Olympics Law Enforce- Special Olympics is run nationwide by law en- communities, and commerce of the United States; ment Torch Run. forcement officers, leading up to each state’s Whereas the Department of Transportation The Capitol Police, along with the and the national Special Olympics Summer estimates that every $1,000,000,000 invested in D.C. Special Olympics, will participate Games. Each year, nearly 50 local and Fed- the Nation’s highway system creates 47,000 in the torch run to be held on June 8, eral law enforcement agencies in Washington, jobs, and every $1 invested in the Nation’s 2007. The D.C. Special Olympics will DC, participate to show their support of the highway system generates more than six work closely with the Capitol Police DC Special Olympics. This torch relay event is times that amount in economic activity; and the Architect of the Capitol to a traditional part of the opening ceremonies Whereas every $1 invested in public trans- make sure that the event is in full for the Special Olympics. Law enforcement of- portation generates as much as $6 in eco- nomic returns to the Nation’s economy; compliance with rules and regulations ficers, who are part of the extensive volunteer Whereas the capital asset program of the governing the use of the Capitol network that supports the games, carry the General Services Administration is author- Grounds. Olympic torch across the Capitol Grounds ized annually to provide Federal employees The Law Enforcement Torch Run for through the District of Columbia to Catholic with necessary office space, courts of law, the Special Olympics is run nationwide University. The Capitol Police, along with the and other special purpose facilities;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.073 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Whereas since 1972 the Nation has invested There was no objection. the pilot program for alternative water more than $250,000,000,000 in wastewater in- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of source projects. frastructure facilities to establish a system Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such H.R. 720, the Water Quality Financ- that includes 16,000 publicly owned waste- time as I may consume. ing Act of 2007, amends the Federal water treatment plants, 100,000 major pump- National Public Works Week is cele- ing stations, 600,000 miles of sanitary sewers, Water Pollution Control Act to author- and 200,000 miles of storm sewers; brated yearly during the third week of ize appropriations for State water pol- Whereas the Pipelines and Hazardous Ma- May. The week has been designated by lution control revolving funds. terials Safety Administration is charged a variety of organizations to celebrate And lastly, H.R. 1495, the Water Re- with the safe and secure movement of almost our public works professionals and the sources Development Act, authorizes 1,000,000 daily shipments of hazardous mate- critical work that they do to keep our water projects and U.S. Corps of Engi- rials by all modes of transportation and infrastructure and transportation sys- neers policy changes. oversees the safety and security of 2,200,000 tems working efficiently and economi- It has been more than 6 years since a miles of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, cally. House Resolution 352 pays trib- water resources bill was signed into which account for 64 percent of the energy commodities consumed in the United States; ute to these professionals, recognizing law. And although water resource leg- Whereas the National Railroad Passenger their work the week of May 20 through islation is expected to be signed into Corporation annually provides more than 26, 2007. law every 2 years, President Clinton 25,000,000 people with intercity rail service; ‘‘Public works’’ are loosely defined as was the last White House occupant to Whereas over the next 5 years, 8 airfield projects that are carried out for the take an active role in our country’s projects, including 5 runways, 2 runway ex- public good, aptly named because they water and public health needs. tensions, and 1 airfield reconfiguration, will enable the public to complete its work. I recognize the importance of public be commissioned providing some of the busi- Hazardous materials, pipelines, munic- works for our communities and our est airports in the Nation with the potential ipal infrastructure such as water sup- to accommodate more than 400,000 additional country, and I am grateful for the ad- annual operations, while decreasing the av- ply infrastructure and sewage and ref- ministrators, engineers and servicemen erage delay per operation at these airports uge disposal systems, and transpor- who continue to utilize their skills and by approximately 2 minutes; tation systems, such as rail, highways, provide hours of service and dedication Whereas in the report of the Department of airports and public transit, all fall to ensure these necessary facilities and Transportation entitled ‘‘2006 Status of the under the public works umbrella. systems work for our Nation. Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Our public works are vital to our Na- I support this resolution and urge my Conditions & Performance’’, the Department tion. Our commerce depends on the colleagues to support it as well. confirms that investment in the Nation’s shipment of goods through rail, on our Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of highway, bridge, and transit infrastructure has not kept up with growing demands on roads and through the air. Public my time. the system; transportation provides many with a Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield Whereas in that report, the Department of cost-effective way of travel, while also myself such time as I may consume. Transportation found that to maintain high- reducing harmful effects on our envi- House Resolution 352 is a bipartisan way, bridge, and transit networks, govern- ronment. resolution which recognizes the impor- ments at all levels would need to invest Our public health depends on our tant contributions that public works $94,600,000,000 per year for each of the next 20 water supply infrastructure as well as professionals make every day to im- years, and to improve highway, bridge, and our sewage and disposal systems. Ac- prove the public infrastructure of the transit networks that level of investment cording to a U.S. Geological survey, United States. I represent a coastal would need to increase to $153,700,000,000 per year; and one person uses an average of 150 gal- district in which healthy water trans- Whereas public works professionals are ob- lons of water per day. Although run- portation and infrastructure systems serving National Public Works Week from ning water is expected in most homes add to the economic and environmental May 20 through 26, 2007: Now, therefore, be it in our Nation, many developing coun- prosperity of southeast Virginia. Resolved, That the House of Representa- tries still consider this a luxury. Glob- Healthy water transportation and in- tives— ally, 50 percent of the world’s hospital frastructure systems are not only im- (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- beds are filled with patients suffering portant to coastal communities, but to tional Public Works Week; (2) recognizes and celebrates the important from water-borne illnesses, with one every district across the country. To contributions that public works profes- child killed every 8 seconds due to meet these needs, as well as the need sionals make every day to improve the pub- water-related sickness. for flood protection and environmental lic infrastructure of the United States and People in more developed nations, restoration, passing a Water Resources the communities that those professionals such as the United States, use up to 10 Development Act for 2007 is a matter of serve; and times more water than those in the un- high importance. (3) urges citizens and communities derdeveloped poor countries. And we do According to separate studies con- throughout the United States to join with take it for granted. For the importance ducted by the Congressional Budget Of- representatives of the Federal Government in activities and ceremonies that are de- that they play in our daily lives, our fice, EPA and municipal groups, the signed to pay tribute to the public works transportation and infrastructure sys- current rate of capital investment will professionals of the Nation and to recognize tems and facilities often get the bad not keep our wastewater treatment the substantial contributions that public end of the deal, that is, although public systems operational. State and local works professionals make to the Nation. works are depended on consistently, governments are spending approxi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- they receive no glory or praise when mately $10 billion a year in capital in- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from accomplishing the job. Rather, many vestments in wastewater infrastruc- Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) only pay tribute and attention to these ture. Most of this funding comes from and the gentlewoman from Virginia public works when they fail, such as local ratepayers. For rural towns like (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- sewage line breaks that flood our base- those located on the eastern shore of utes. ments, or levee failures that result in Virginia, this often proves to be an un- The Chair recognizes the gentle- flooded communities. attainable feat. woman from Texas. This legislative session the House has Because of the importance public in- GENERAL LEAVE passed several key bills that will im- frastructure places in enhancing our Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of prove our water and wastewater infra- quality of life, improving our environ- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous structure to further reduce facility and ment and contributing to our economic consent that all Members may have 5 system failure. H.R. 569, the Water prosperity, it is important for Congress legislative days to revise and extend Quality Investment Act of 2007, amends to recognize the contributions that their remarks and include extraneous the Federal Water Pollution Control professionals, engineers and adminis- material on the bill under consider- Act to authorize appropriations for trators make to ensuring America re- ation. sewer overflow control grants. H.R. 700, mains the world’s premier economic The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the Healthy Communities Water Sup- power. objection to the request of the gentle- ply Act of 2007, amends the Federal I urge all Members to support H. Res. woman from Texas? Water Pollution Control Act to extend 352.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.032 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5007 Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in professionals who provide the backbone for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PAS- strong support of H. Res. 352, supporting the our transportation and infrastructure systems TOR). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- goals and ideals of National Public Works and facilities. tleman from Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) Week. Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield and the gentlewoman from Virginia Our Nation’s public works—which consist of back the balance of my time. (Mrs. DRAKE) each will control 20 min- transportation systems, water supply infra- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of utes. structure, sewage and refuse disposal sys- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would urge the The Chair recognizes the gentleman tems, public buildings, and other structures passage of this measure, and I yield from Maryland. and facilities—help our country function in an back the balance of my time. GENERAL LEAVE efficient and effective manner. As our public The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask works support our economy, our public health, question is on the motion offered by unanimous consent that all Members and our communities’ livelihood, we must sup- the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. may have 5 legislative days in which to port the many public works professionals who EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) that the revise and extend their remarks on H. design, build, operate, maintain, and protect House suspend the rules and agree to Res. 343. these systems and structures. National Public the resolution, H. Res. 352. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Works Week is observed for a full week in The question was taken; and (two- objection to the request of the gen- May each year. thirds being in the affirmative) the tleman from Maryland? House Resolution 352 pays tribute to public rules were suspended and the resolu- There was no objection. works professionals, celebrating their work the tion was agreed to. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield week of May 20 through 26, 2007. A motion to reconsider was laid on myself such time as I may consume. Without our vast network of rail, highways, the table. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong airports, and public transit, our industries f support of H. Res. 343, as amended, would not have the global reach that they cur- which would support designation of Au- rently utilize each working day. Without these COMMEMORATING MARINAS AND gust 11, 2007, as the sixth annual Na- transportation systems, many tourists would EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR tional Marina Day. not have the chance to experience the vastly SIXTH ANNUAL NATIONAL MA- National Marina Day recognizes the different climates and cultures our Nation has RINA DAY central role that marinas play in giv- to offer. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move ing shelter and providing gateways to Without our water supply systems, or our to suspend the rules and agree to the the nearly 13 million recreational boats sewage and waste disposal facilities. our com- resolution (H. Res. 343) commemo- registered in the United States. Na- munities would not be able to exist and thrive. rating the marinas of the United tional Marina Day is also intended to Simple conveniences that we may take for States, expressing support for the des- recognize the important role that rec- granted—running water in our homes for cook- ignation of the sixth annual National reational boaters and marina operators ing and cleaning, and water systems that feed Marina Day, and for other purposes, as play in protecting our Nation’s critical our backyard gardens, as well as our agri- amended. marine resources. culture, factories, and industry—would not be The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Recreational boating is a central possible without the dedicated work of the tion. part of the tourism and recreation in- public works professionals who keep these fa- The text of the resolution is as fol- dustry in the United States. According cilities moving on a daily basis. lows: to the National Marine Manufacturers Indeed, it is often only when our systems H. RES. 343 Association, in 2005 recreational boat- and facilities fail to work consistently that we Whereas the citizens of the United States ing generated an estimated $37 billion appreciate their contribution to our daily rou- highly value recreation time and their abil- in sales and services nationwide. In my tines. ity to access 1 of the greatest natural re- own State of Maryland, there are just Infrastructure keeps our country working, sources of the United States, its waterways; over 200,000 registered boats. A study but in previous legislative sessions, we have Whereas, in 1928, the word ‘‘marina’’ was by the Maryland Sea Grant program not kept working on our infrastructure. In the used for the first time to define a rec- estimated that in 2005 every 7.5 boats ‘‘2006 Status of the Nation’s Highways, reational boating facility; in the State supported a job in our Bridges, and Transit: Conditions and Perform- Whereas the United States is home to over 12,000 recreational boating facilities that State’s economy and contributed just ance’’ report prepared by the Department of contribute substantially to their local com- over $7,600 in economic activity. Rec- Transportation, the Department confirms that munities by providing safe, reliable gate- reational boating contributed an esti- investment in the Nation’s highway, bridge, ways to boating for members of their com- mated $1.8 billion to the State’s gross and transit infrastructure has not kept pace munities and welcomed guests; product. with demands on the system. Whereas marinas of the United States also The millions of Americans who par- This Congress, we are working to reverse serve as stewards of the environment, ac- ticipate in recreational boating activi- this unjustifiable trend. tively seeking to protect their surrounding ties rely on the estimated 12,000 mari- The Committee on Transportation and Infra- waterways not only for the enjoyment of the current generation, but for generations to nas and associated boating facilities in structure has taken our public works needs come; our Nation to access not only the seriously. Since the start of the 110th Con- Whereas marinas of the United States also water, but also the support services gress, the Committee has shepherded four provide their communities and visitors a that boats and boaters need. An esti- critical water infrastructure bills through the place where friends and families, united by a mated 30 percent of these marinas are House: passion for the water, can come together for owned by municipal or State govern- H.R. 569, the Water Quality Investment Act recreation, rest, and relaxation; and ments and provide the public with of 2007; H.R. 700, the Healthy Communities Whereas marinas throughout the United water access at low or limited cost. States will be celebrating National Marina Water Supply Act of 2007; H.R. 720, the The remaining 70 percent of marinas Water Quality Financing Act of 2007; and H.R. Day on August 11, 2007: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- are private, and many are owner-oper- 1495, the Water Resources Development Act tives— ated facilities with long family his- of 2007. (1) commemorates the marinas of the tories. It is my hope that this Resolution will rein- United States for providing environmentally Importantly, however, marinas are force the necessity for our colleagues in the friendly gateways to boating for the citizens not only centers where boats can ob- other body to pass similar legislation. It is crit- of, and the visitors to the United States; and tain fuel and services. They are also ical for us to conference these bills without (2) supports designation of the sixth annual centers providing boating safety and ‘‘National Marina Day’’ in order— delay, and ask the President to recognize both boating education programs intended the needs and the accomplishments of public (A) to honor the marinas of the United States for their many contributions to their to help improve the operating pro- works and its professionals. local communities; and ficiency of recreational boaters. I celebrate our country’s transportation and (B) to make citizens, policy makers, elect- b 1400 infrastructure. ed officials, and employees more aware of I urge my colleagues to join with me in sup- the overall contributions marinas make to Though 35 States now have some porting House Resolution 352, to honor the their well-being. type of operator education or licensing

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:54 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.041 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 requirement, the National Transpor- marinas are America’s launching point nesses, and my congressional district is tation Safety Board reported in 2007 for millions of boats and boaters seek- a shoreline waterfront district as well that more than 80 percent of all rec- ing to enjoy the beautiful rivers, lakes, and our marinas play a very large role reational boaters have still never bays and oceans. in the very identity of our region. taken any kind of boating educational These marinas employ nearly 140,000 In the Great Lakes region alone, program. Perhaps in large measure as a people at over 13,000 operations nation- boating and marinas generate $4.3 bil- result of the still limited enrollment in wide, providing safe harbor and supply lion annually. Actually, I grew up in recreational boating safety classes, depots for boaters. In Kentucky, over the marina business. It was our family total deaths in recreational boating ex- 130 marina facilities served over 176,000 business as well as our hobby. So I ceed deaths in general aviation. Mari- registered boats in the Commonwealth know firsthand that marinas also pro- nas will continue to play a critical role of Kentucky, from Fishtrap Lake in vide an essential venue for recreational in helping to reduce boating accidents the east to Lake Barkley out west. In boating, which is an important part in and to lower the number of fatalities between in my district is the crown creating a very high quality of life in a associated with recreational boating by jewel of Kentucky’s waterways, Lake community. organizing and hosting boating edu- Cumberland. While increasing access to our Na- cation programs to complement the Over 5 million visitors a year jet ski, tion’s water resources, marinas also technical services they provide. enjoy bass fishing and cruise the 40,000 play an important role in keeping our I hope that all marina operators acres of Lake Cumberland. Lake asso- Nation’s water clean. Marinas provide through these United States will take ciated businesses, including the 11 an appropriate place to dispose of the opportunity afforded this year by large scale marina operations, generate waste materials so that they are not the National Marina Day to continue over $160 million in economic activity discharged out into the waterways. Op- their vital effort to expand boating for the region. erators of marinas often play an impor- safety programs and efforts. I com- The lake area is famously dubbed the tant role in organizing cleanup efforts mend marina operators for their vital ‘‘Houseboat Capital of the World,’’ to collect marine debris to keep our role in supporting recreational boating made famous by the prominence of waters clean. Finally, Mr. Speaker, marinas are in the United States. world class houseboat manufacturing Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of in Wayne, Pulaski and Russell Coun- playing a very important role as well in the defense of our Nation. I say that my time. ties. These 100-foot houseboats are lit- Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield erally floating homes, with hot tubs, because they have been partnering myself such time as I may consume. roof decks, full size kitchens, with the United States Coast Guard, Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 343, waterslides, grills, kitchens and the and the marina operators and their customers are staying vigilant and which was introduced by my colleague like. These boats are great venues for keeping their eyes open for suspicious HAROLD ROGERS, recognizes August 11, fishing trips, reunions or weekend es- activity. Just as our truck drivers are 2007, as National Marina Day. This res- capes on the waterways across the Na- our eyes and ears on the interstate, olution acknowledges the significant tion. marina operators and their customers contributions that marinas provide to This resolution, Mr. Speaker, recog- are really our eyes and ears on the wa- so many of our local waterfront com- nizes the essential role marinas and terway as well. Marina operators fill a munities. the men and women who own and oper- critical role in keeping our Nation se- There are over 12,000 marinas in the ate them play in the United States, cure along our liquid borders, such as United States, and these facilities providing their communities and visi- the one that my home State of Michi- serve as a place where people who share tors a place where friends and families gan shares with our great neighbors of a passion for the water can come to- can come together for recreation, rest Canada. gether to enjoy our Nation’s oceans, and relaxation. So I would certainly urge my col- lakes and rivers. Marinas also serve as I thank the committee for bringing leagues to join me in support of this stewards of the environment and ac- this resolution through to the floor. I resolution. tively seek to protect the waterways urge my colleagues to support this res- Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield that surround them. olution and designation of National back the balance of my time. I represent a district in which rec- Marina Day. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield reational boating plays an important Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I con- myself such time as I may consume. role in the lives of many constituents, tinue to reserve my time. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to and marinas provide an easy access Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 thank Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky for this point for citizens who wish to enjoy minutes to the gentlewoman from legislation, and I urge my colleagues to our Nation’s waterways. This resolu- Michigan (Mrs. MILLER), the cochair of vote in favor of it. tion highlights the importance of mari- the Boating Caucus. Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- nas and their role in promoting rec- Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. port of House Resolution 343, commemorating reational boating and in connecting Speaker, I appreciate the gentlelady the marinas of the United States and express- people to their local waterways. yielding, and I certainly rise in strong ing support for the designation of National Ma- I urge my colleagues to support this support of House Resolution 343, which rina Day on August 11, 2007. resolution. commemorates the marinas of the There are more than 12,000 marinas in the Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I re- United States and expresses support for United States. They provide services and ac- serve the balance of my time. the sixth annual National Marina Day. cess for millions of recreational boaters to the Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 The purpose of National Marina Day lakes, rivers, and bays of the United States. In minutes to the gentleman from Ken- is to inform the public about the im- my State of Minnesota, marinas provide boat- tucky (Mr. ROGERS). portant role that marinas do play in ers access to thousands of lakes and the Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. our local communities by providing a headwaters of the Mississippi River. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for very safe, family-friendly venue to en- Each weekend, millions of Americans take yielding me time, and I want to thank courage the recreational boating indus- to the water from marinas to enjoy fishing, the gentlelady and the chairman for try, which can generate literally mil- kayaking, sailing, and just cruising down the ushering this piece of legislation lions and billions of dollars in eco- river enjoying the water. Marinas make all of through the committee and on to the nomic activity. The positive spin-off this happen. They employ more than 140,000 floor honoring and acknowledging the effects of marinas encourage the devel- people whose sole purpose is to help boaters contributions of marina owners and op- opment of all kinds of businesses and enjoy their time on the water safely. erators across this great country. restaurants to supplement the mari- On August 11, 2007, National Marina Day Whether it is fishing one of the 1,000 nas’ putting people to work. will focus on the role marinas play as safe, lakes in Minnesota, cruising the inland Actually, in my home municipality family-friendly gateways to boating, and the in- waterways of the Sunshine State, or of Harrison Township, Michigan, a valuable service marina operators and owners enjoying the 1,200 miles of shoreline huge part of our commercial tax base is perform as stewards of the environment. Ac- along Lake Cumberland in my district, marinas and recreational oriented busi- tivities include fishing tournaments, boating

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.081 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5009 safety demonstrations, water sports, and envi- The question was taken; and (two- may have 5 legislative days within ronmental demonstrations. thirds being in the affirmative) the which to revise and extend their re- We also recognize that the role of the ma- rules were suspended and the resolu- marks and to include extraneous mate- rina operator has changed since September tion, as amended, was agreed to. rial on H. Con. Res. 79. 2001. They are helping the Coast Guard and A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there others keep an eye out for suspicious activi- the table. objection to the request of the gen- ties on the waterways. Marina operators are f tleman from Maryland? on the water every day. They know what is There was no objection. routine—and what looks suspicious. They are AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield keeping a lookout for aggressive behavior, un- CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR THE myself such time as I may consume. usual diving, suspicious packages on bridges GREATER WASHINGTON SOAP Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- or terminals, and other activities that appear BOX DERBY lution authorizes the use of the Capitol out of place. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move Grounds for the 2007 Greater Wash- Members of the Committee on Transpor- to suspend the rules and agree to the ington Soap Box Derby. As with all tation and Infrastructure recognize the water- concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) events on the Capitol Hill, this event ways of the United States as an important authorizing the use of the Capitol will be open to the public and free of component of our national transportation sys- Grounds for the Greater Washington charge. The event organizers will work tem. However, these waterways also serve Soap Box Derby. with the Office of the Architect of the another important purpose: They allow people The Clerk read the title of the con- Capitol and the Capitol Hill Police to to have fun on the water. Marinas allow these current resolution. ensure all rules and regulations will be types of recreational activities to occur. The text of the concurrent resolution followed. I thank the gendeman from Kentucky (Mr. is as follows: The 2007 Greater Washington Soap ROGERS) for introducing this resolution and Box Derby takes place on Constitution H. CON. RES. 79 urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Avenue between Delaware Avenue and House Resolution 343. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Third Street, N.W., on June 16, 2007. Senate concurring), Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in This event has been held on the U.S. SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF SOAP BOX recognition of the National Marina Day. Ken- DERBY RACES ON CAPITOL Capitol Grounds since 1991 and has at- tucky’s Marinas aye a substantial impact on GROUNDS. tracted over 50 participants, ranging in the Commonwealth’s economy. The First Dis- The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby ages from 8 to 17. Participants com- trict of Kentucky is home to many of the Association (in this resolution referred to as peting in the event will come from the United States’ most adored lakes, which pro- the ‘‘Association’’) shall be permitted to metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. vide recreation areas for Kentuckians and im- sponsor a public event, soap box derby races, The D.C. metropolitan race winners portant habitats for fish and wildlife. on the Capitol Grounds on June 16, 2007, or from each age division will meet later While it would be too exhaustive to name on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee in the summer in Akron, Ohio, to com- every lake, two of the largest lakes are Ken- on Rules and Administration of the Senate pete in the All American Soap Box tucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Together they may jointly designate. Derby. create the Land Between the Lakes National SEC. 2. CONDITIONS. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Recreation Area, LBL. LBL contains nearly The event to be carried out under this res- resolution and reserve the balance of 17,000 acres of habitats, trails, and campsites, olution shall be free of admission charge to my time. providing tourists with a wide array of outdoor the public and arranged not to interfere with Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield experiences. A canal connecting Lake Barkley the needs of Congress, under conditions to be myself such time as I may consume. with Kentucky Lake forms one of the greatest prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Reso- freshwater recreational complexes in the coun- and the Capitol Police Board; except that the lution 79 authorizes the use of the Cap- try. This site has been used for numerous fish- Association shall assume full responsibility itol Grounds for the 66th Annual Great- for all expenses and liabilities incident to all ing tournaments and other outdoor events. activities associated with the event. er Washington Soap Box Derby to be held on June 16, 2007. The event is open These lakes are also home to many marinas SEC. 3. STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT. that facilitate boating and fishing activities. For the purposes of this resolution, the As- to the public and free of charge. Their presence helps ensure safe and reliable sociation is authorized to erect upon the The Greater Washington Soap Box access to our lakes. Capitol Grounds, subject to the approval of Derby is one of the largest qualifying On the eastern side of my District is another the Architect of the Capitol, such stage, races in the country. The races take exhilarating outdoor experience. Lake Cum- sound amplification devices, and other re- place on Constitution Avenue between berland is visited by more than 4.7 million lated structures and equipment as may be re- Delaware Avenue and Third Street, people annually. According to the Travel In- quired for the event to be carried out under N.W. Participants are residents of the dustry Association of America, the tourism this resolution. Washington Metropolitan area and economic impact for the four-county area, SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. range in age from 8 to 17. They com- Clinton, Pulaski, Russell, Wayne, with access The Architect of the Capitol and the Cap- pete in three open divisions depending itol Police Board are authorized to make any on their level of expertise. The winners to the lake is $152.6 million. Recently, the such additional arrangements that may be U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a reha- required to carry out the event under this of these races will represent the Wash- bilitation project at the Wolf Creek Dam on resolution. ington Metropolitan Area at the na- Lake Cumberland, which has impacted some SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. tional finals held annually in Akron, of the marinas in the area. However, the lake The Capitol Police Board shall provide for Ohio. continues to be a great recreation and vaca- enforcement of the restrictions contained in The Annual Soap Box Derby is a won- tion spot, and we welcome visitors to come section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, derful summer tradition. I support this enjoy the opportunities available at the lake. concerning sales, advertisements, displays, resolution, which continues our custom Marinas are instrumental to recreation and and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as of authorizing the use of the Capitol tourism and that is why I stand today in sup- well as other restrictions applicable to the Grounds for this exciting event, and port of this industry. I ask that my colleagues Capitol Grounds, with respect to the event to urge my colleagues to do the same. be carried out under this resolution. do the same by voting in favor of H. Res. 343 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of sponsored by U.S. Representative HAL ROG- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- my time. ERS. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) and the gen- 3 minutes to the distinguished gen- back the balance of my time. tlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. DRAKE) tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PAS- each will control 20 minutes. the majority leader, who is the sponsor TOR). The question is on the motion of- The Chair recognizes the gentleman of this resolution, one who has con- fered by the gentleman from Maryland from Maryland. stantly put children first. (Mr. CUMMINGS) that the House suspend GENERAL LEAVE Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend for the rules and agree to the resolution, Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask yielding and I congratulate him on his H. Res. 343, as amended. unanimous consent that all Members leadership of this subcommittee and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.044 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 his leadership in our State of Mary- HOLLEN, as well as Mr. CUMMINGS and Whereas the number of recreational boat- land. I am proud to be Mr. CUMMINGS’ Mrs. DRAKE, in supporting this resolu- ing fatalities has declined by more than half colleague. I also thank the gentlelady tion, which honors such an extraor- since 1970, thanks to the increased use of life from Virginia for her leadership in dinary and in some respects uniquely jackets, cooperative boating safety edu- cation, enforcement efforts between the bringing this matter to the floor. American event here on Capitol Hill. Coast Guard and State governments, and Mr. Speaker, I proudly sponsor this Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I join the Ma- safer vessels and equipment manufactured in resolution allowing the Greater Wash- jority Leader (Mr. HOYER) and Ms. NORTON, accordance with Coast Guard standards; ington Soap Box Derby Association to along with Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MORAN of Vir- Whereas recreational boating accidents hold the 66th Annual Greater Wash- ginia, Mr. WOLF, and Mr. WYNN in supporting have nevertheless claimed the lives of 697 ington Soap Box Derby on the Capitol House Concurrent Resolution 79, to authorize Americans in 2005, more than half of whose Grounds on Saturday, June 16. use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater lives could have been saved with the proper Washington Soap Box Derby. I especially use of a personal flotation device; b 1415 Whereas a continued emphasis on accident want to acknowledge the dedication of Mr. prevention can reduce recreational boating Our Nation’s tradition of soapbox HOYER, who faithfully introduces this resolution racing began, Mr. Speaker, as you may fatalities still further, and in particular each year to authorize use of the Capitol deaths by drowning, which remain the lead- know, in 1934, when Myron E. Scott, a Grounds for this wonderful event. ing cause of recreational boating fatalities; photographer for the Dayton Daily This annual event encourages all boys and and News, saw boys racing engineless cars girls, ages eight through 17, to construct and Whereas boating safety organizations, with down a hill. This inspired Mr. SCOTT to operate their own soap box vehicles. The the support of the Coast Guard and the Coast hold a race and award the winner with Washington event, which attracts a great num- Guard Auxiliary, have proposed designating a ‘‘loving cup.’’ ber of spectators and extensive media cov- the week of May 19 through 25, 2007, as Na- tional Safe Boating Week: Now, therefore, be The first year, the race took place in erage, has grown in size and has become one Dayton, Ohio. The following year the it of the best-attended events in the country. Resolved, That the House of Representa- race moved to Akron due to the city’s The winner in each of three age divisions wins tives— numerous hills. With the hard work of a trip to the national race in Akron, Ohio. The (1) supports initiatives for recreational countless civic organizations, a perma- Washington Soap Box Derby is supported by boating safety education and accident pre- nent track site for the youth racing hundreds of volunteers and parents. vention to minimize the number of annual classic was created with the assistance The principles of aerodynamics are com- recreational boating fatalities; of the Works Progress Administration, bined with fun and excitement for all partici- (2) recognizes the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other boating safety affectionately known as the WPA. pants and their families in the Greater Wash- Soapbox derby racing in our Nation’s organizations for their efforts each year dur- ington area. It is an excellent opportunity for ing May to highlight the importance of safe Capital has a long and rich tradition as parents to have direct involvement in their chil- recreational boating; and well. In 1938, Norman Rocca beat out dren’s activities. The derby’s mission is to pro- (3) supports the goals of National Safe 223 other racers to win the inaugural vide children with an activity that promotes Boating Week. Greater Washington Soapbox Derby, technical and social skills that will serve them The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- which was then held on New Hampshire throughout their lives. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Avenue. This year, the Greater Washington Soap Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) and the gen- Over the years, thousands of the re- Box Derby is scheduled for June 16. tlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. DRAKE) gion’s young people have participated I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- each will control 20 minutes. in this great race. Although the loca- porting House Concurrent Resolution 79. The Chair recognizes the gentleman tion has moved from the original site Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield from Maryland. back the balance of my time. on New Hampshire Avenue to Capitol GENERAL LEAVE Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge Hill, the essence of the race has re- Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote for this wonder- mained the same: homemade gravity- unanimous consent that all Members ful resolution, and with that I yield powered cars, the spirit of competition, may have 5 legislative days in which to back the balance of my time. and the pure joy of racing. revise and extend their remarks on H. The soapbox derby consists of dozens The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by Res. 386. of drivers, both boys and girls, ranging The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. in ages from 8 to 17. These racers are objection to the request of the gen- CUMMINGS) that the House suspend the divided into three divisions: stock, tleman from Maryland? rules and agree to the concurrent reso- superstock and masters. The local win- There was no objection. ner of each division will automatically lution, H. Con. Res. 79. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The question was taken; and (two- qualify to compete with racers from myself such time as I may consume. around the world in the 70th All-Amer- thirds being in the affirmative) the Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the ican Soapbox Derby in Akron, Ohio, on rules were suspended and the concur- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and July 26. rent resolution was agreed to. Maritime Transportation, I rise today A motion to reconsider was laid on The festivities in Akron begin when in support of H. Res. 386, as amended. the racers receive a police escort into the table. This resolution recognizes the goals town and conclude in the winner’s cir- f of National Safe Boating Week and rec- cle with the awarding of scholarships PROMOTING NATIONAL SAFE ognizes the Coast Guard and the Coast and merchandise. In between, the rac- BOATING WEEK Guard Auxiliary for the outstanding ers and their families participate in a Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move work that they do to keep boaters safe whirlwind of activities that leave them to suspend the rules and agree to the and to rescue those in distress at sea. with enduring friendships and memo- resolution (H. Res. 386) recognizing the Like so many other of the critical ries that last a lifetime. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxil- safety awareness campaigns in the Mr. Speaker, this event has been iary, and the National Safe Boating transportation field, National Safe called ‘‘the greatest amateur racing Council for their efforts to promote Na- Boating Week came about through the event in the world,’’ and it is an excel- tional Safe Boating Week, as amended. dedication of a concerned voluntary lent opportunity for the contestants The Clerk read the title of the resolu- group. The North American Safe Boat- from the District of Columbia, Mary- tion. ing Campaign began some 50 years ago land and Virginia to learn basic build- The text of the resolution is as this year. In 1958, a year after the cam- ing skills while gaining a real sense of follows: paign began, Congress passed a joint accomplishment and competition. H. RES. 386 resolution that authorized and re- I strongly encourage my colleagues Whereas recreational boating is one of our quested the President to designate the to join with me and the other original Nation’s most popular pastimes, with an es- week prior to Memorial Day weekend cosponsors, Representatives FRANK timated 78,000,000 recreational boaters in the as National Safe Boating Week. WOLF, JAMES MORAN, ELEANOR HOLMES United States and nearly 13,000,000 rec- In keeping with this tradition, this NORTON, AL WYNN, and CHRIS VAN reational vessels registered; year, on May 10, President Bush again

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.084 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5011 designated the week before Memorial Finally, I want to remember the I actually grew up in the boating in- Day as National Safe Boating Week. Coast Guardsmen who have been lost dustry. My family was in the marine According to the Coast Guard, as of this year, and all who have died in our business and still today our family 2005, there were just under 13 million Nation’s service. I thank all of the hobby is boating. As well, I serve as co- registered recreational boats in the members of the Coast Guard for their chair of the Congressional Boating United States. In 2005 a total of 4,969 outstanding work. I also thank them Caucus, and I know firsthand the bene- recreational boating accidents were re- for their work in the gulf coast during fits and enjoyment to be had from ported to the Coast Guard, although it the Hurricane Katrina storm. boating, but also the serious risks asso- is likely that there were many more Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ciated with irresponsible boating prac- accidents that were never reported. my time. tices. According to the Coast Guard, the Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield While my home State of Michigan ac- leading types of recreational boating myself such time as I may consume. tually has the third most registered accidents were collisions and falls Mr. Speaker, I introduced House Res- boats of any State in the Nation, un- overboard. Careless inattention on the olution 386 last week which recognizes fortunately that great enjoyment of part of a boat’s operator was the larg- the important work of the Coast our nautical culture goes hand in hand est single cause of recreational boating Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and with the many stories each year of accidents in 2005. National Safe Boating Council in pro- boating accidents. We hear about per- However, the use of alcohol was the moting boating safety. sons lost overboard, or collisions or largest cause of accidents that resulted I represent a district in which rec- just reckless boating which results in in fatalities. Simply put, mixing boats reational boating plays an extremely accidents each year, many of them and alcohol can yield the same fatal re- important role in the lives of many sadly ending in death that occurred sults that mixing cars and alcohol can constituents. Sailors, water sports en- while individuals were enjoying their yield. In 2005, recreational boating ac- thusiasts, and fishermen are active rec- favorite activity out on the water. cidents caused nearly 3,500 injuries and reational boaters in the Chesapeake The Coast Guard, the Coast Guard nearly 700 deaths. Total deaths in 2005 Bay and in Virginia’s coastal waters. Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boat- were down approximately 25 percent Recreational boating is one of the ing Council have taken it upon them- below the total of 924 fatalities experi- Nation’s most popular pastimes, and selves to promote safe boating prac- enced in 1991. Unfortunately, however, while the number of recreational boat- tices every day of the year, but espe- recreational boating deaths in 2005 in- ing fatalities has declined by more cially they emphasize these goals dur- creased after 3 straight years of steady than half since 1970, many lives are ing National Safe Boating Week. House decline. still lost each year. And, unfortu- Resolution 386 commends these groups The Coast Guard reports that of the nately, Mr. Speaker, there are far too for their service in this field. nearly 700 people who died in rec- many of us who have lost friends or Mr. Speaker, some of the principles reational boating accidents in 2005, 491 family members. that are espoused by the National Safe died as a result of drowning and 426 of More than half of these lives could be Boating Week include the proper use of those who drowned were not wearing a saved with the proper use of boating personal flotation devices or observing life jacket. In my own State of Mary- safety equipment. The Coast Guard and the rules of the road like who has the land, 13 of the 15 people who died in States continue to work closely to- right-of-way, just understanding port recreational boating accidents gether to promote boating safety and from starboard, attending a boating drowned. to decrease the number of accidents, In response to the prevalence of education course, and avoiding the use injuries and fatalities on U.S. waters, drowning as the cause of death among of alcohol while operating a boat. All and they should be commended for recreational boaters, the theme of this of these things can significantly cut their efforts. year’s National Safe Boating Week is down on the number of on-the-water Congress took action in 2005 to sup- simply ‘‘Wear It.’’ This imperative em- accidents and help everybody enjoy port State and Federal boating safety phasizes the singular importance of the their time on the lakes, rivers, bays, programs by establishing the Sport use of personal flotation devices during and oceans we are absolutely so very Fishing and Recreational Boating Safe- recreational boating. blessed to have in our great country. Importantly, however, it is not ty trust fund. In fiscal year 2006, more It is my pleasure to support this res- enough merely to have a personal than $92 million in recreational boat- olution, as well as all of the groups flotational device on board a boat. Rec- ing safety State grants were provided that it commends. In fact, I want to reational boaters must familiarize to the States and U.S. territories from make note that my congressional dis- themselves with the use of life jackets revenues that were wholly derived from trict is a shoreline district and I also and should also take the time to expe- Federal taxes on marine fuels and fish- want to say thanks as well to all of the rience swimming while wearing the de- ing equipment. This funding supports sheriff’s marine divisions that operate vice. programs that encourage the use of not only in my counties but all around I commend all those in our Nation’s personal flotation devices and other the Great Lakes basin and throughout boating clubs who work year round to safe boating practices and are critical our great Nation as well. They play a train recreational boaters on safe boat- in safeguarding the recreational boat- critical role in keeping our waterways ing practices and to maintain aware- ing public. safe. I urge my colleagues to support ness of safe boating practices. This resolution highlights the impor- this resolution. In closing, I want to recognize the tance of safe recreational boating, and Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield outstanding work that the Coast Guard I urge my colleagues to support it. such time as she may consume to the performs preserving life at sea. I have Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- often said they are our thin blue line at my time. LEHTINEN). sea, and that they are. Last year the Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, we Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the Coast Guard saved more than 4,400 have no additional speakers, so I re- gentlelady for the time. lives in the course of its search and res- serve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I think that the intro- cue operations, many of which were Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 duction of this legislation is very im- performed under very difficult and dan- minutes to the gentlewoman from portant, because it honors our Coast gerous circumstances. Michigan (Mrs. MILLER). Guard, our Coast Guard Auxiliary and Just yesterday, we were again re- Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. the National Safe Boating Council. minded of the incredible dedication and Speaker, I rise today in very strong I would also like to take this oppor- skill that the Coast Guard brings to support of H. Res. 386, commending the tunity to thank the brave men and their work when they coordinated the efforts of the United States Coast women of our Coast Guard and our successful evacuation of a reported 281 Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, including those passengers and crew members from the the National Safe Boating Council for that work at Coast Guard Sector Key Empress of the North cruise ship off their efforts to promote National Safe West in my congressional district. the coast of Alaska. Boating Week. They work night and day to keep our

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.087 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Nation’s waterways safe. Without their Do observe the nautical rules-of-the-road. Whereas many patients with eosinophilic tireless dedication and outstanding Don’t stand in a small boat. disorders often have severe long-term dis- service, we would not have such a su- Do check the weather forecast before get- abilities as well as the severe limitations im- perb safety record on our oceans, on ting underway. posed by the disease itself; Whereas some eosinophilic disorder pa- our lakes and on our rivers. Don’t overload your boat. Do keep a good lookout. tients will suffer permanent irreversible Recreational and commercial boating organ damage as a result of delays in diag- is also a big part of life for my district, Mr. Speaker, this House should help edu- nosis and proper treatment; and Congressional District 18 in Florida, cate the boating public about prudent safety Whereas the American Partnership For and our citizens truly appreciate the measures that can help save their lives. Eosinophilic Disorders has identified the hard work and the dedication of the I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in third week of May as an appropriate time to Coast Guard patrolling our Nation’s supporting House Resolution 386 and help recognize National Eosinophil Awareness waters. bring more attention to the importance of boat- Week in order to educate communities across the Nation about eosinophilic dis- I will also once again express my ing safety. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield orders and the need for research funding, ac- deep appreciation for the remarkable curate diagnosis, and effective treatments: work that our Coast Guard and Auxil- back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Now, therefore, be it iary does on behalf of the public as we question is on the motion offered by Resolved, That the House of Representa- celebrate the upcoming National Safe tives— the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Boating Week, and I thank the (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- CUMMINGS) that the House suspend the gentlelady for introducing this legisla- tional Eosinophil Awareness Week; and rules and agree to the resolution, H. tion. (2) encourages health care providers and Res. 386, as amended. the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield The question was taken; and (two- Disorders to increase education and aware- back the balance of my time. thirds being in the affirmative) the ness regarding eosinophilic disorders. Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield rules were suspended and the resolu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- myself the balance of my time. tion, as amended, was agreed to. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Very briefly, we want to again con- The title was amended so as to read: California (Mrs. CAPPS) and the gentle- gratulate Mrs. DRAKE on the sponsor- ‘‘Resolution recognizing the Coast woman from North Carolina (Mrs. ship of this legislation. It is very im- Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and MYRICK) each will control 20 minutes. portant. other boating safety organizations for The Chair recognizes the gentle- One of the things our Subcommittee their efforts to promote National Safe woman from California. on the Coast Guard just recently had, Boating Week’’. we had a hearing with regard to fishing GENERAL LEAVE A motion to reconsider was laid on Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I ask safety. One of the interesting things the table. that came forth during that discussion unanimous consent that all Members and during that hearing was how the f may have 5 legislative days to revise industry was so very much interested SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND and extend their remarks and include in making sure that there was boating IDEALS OF NATIONAL EOSIN- extraneous material on the resolution safety, and they wanted to make sure OPHIL AWARENESS WEEK under consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there that their industry was regulated. Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I move to objection to the request of the gentle- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- b 1430 woman from California? lution (H. Res. 296) supporting the That was very pleasing to our ears. There was no objection. goals and ideals of National Eosinophil So it is with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Awareness Week, and for other pur- all of my colleagues to vote in favor of myself such time as I may consume. poses. this legislation. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tion. Res. 296, recognizing National Eosin- strong support of House Resolution 386, rec- The text of the resolution is as fol- ophil Awareness Week, and I commend ognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard lows: my colleague Congressman JOHN LARSON for bringing attention to this Auxiliary, and other boating safety organiza- H. RES. 296 tions for their efforts to promote National Safe issue. Whereas the term ‘‘eosinophilic disorders’’ Eosinophilic disorders are dev- Boating Week. is a general term used to describe a group of National Safe Boating Week is really about diseases and disorders caused by the produc- astating as patients literally suffer educating boaters. In 2005, there were 697 tion of too many white blood cells called from an attack on their bodies by their boating fatalities in the United States. The eosinophils; own immune systems. They are chronic leading cause of death in a boating accident Whereas eosinophilic disorders patients disorders that have no cure and can is drowning. Of the 491 people that drowned suffer from their immune system attacking even be fatal. Because they are rare, in 2003, almost 90 percent were not wearing their body’s own normal, healthy tissue, re- patients often go undiagnosed or a lifejacket. It is estimated that more than 50 sulting in inflammation or swelling; misdiagnosed. Whereas an estimated 50,000 people are af- And as a nurse, I have seen inti- percent of these deaths could have been pre- fected by eosinophilic disorders in the vent by proper use of a Personal Flotation De- United States, many of whom remain mately how heartbreaking it is for a vice. undiagnosed or misdiagnosed; patient and his or her family to go The Coast Guard Auxiliary, and its 27,000 Whereas inflammatory eosinophilic dis- through test after test while suffering members, are on our Nation’s waterways orders are thought to be both allergic and all the while from an unidentifiable every day conducting voluntary safe boating autoimmune diseases, such that the body’s condition. examinations and educating the public about immune system, which normally fights in- That is why I support this resolution, safe boating practices. In addition, the Auxil- fections and viruses, mistakes common food calling for greater awareness of proteins and environmental allergens as for- eosinophilic disorders and encouraging iary conducts harbor patrols, assists in search eign; and rescue and marine environmental protec- Whereas eosinophilic disorders cause health care providers to increase edu- tion, and conducts boating safety courses; vol- chronic illness that significantly impacts a cation about these diseases. unteering more than 2 million hours annually person’s quality of life and ability to attend I urge my colleagues to support this to benefit their fellow boaters. school and work, and dramatically alters di- resolution as well. Boating safety organizations, such as the etary lifestyles; Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of National Safe Boating Council, educate rec- Whereas some eosinophilic disorders cause my time. reational boaters about safety issues. As the life-threatening and sometimes fatal ill- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield nesses by causing inflammation of the vital myself such time as I may consume. summer boating season begins, they have organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidney, and some simple recommendations for boaters: gastrointestinal tract; I am pleased to speak on behalf of Do wear a Life Jacket. They Float. You Whereas eosinophilic disorders are difficult this bill which does promote awareness Don’t. to diagnose and treatment is often delayed, about eosinophil disorders. These are Don’t mix alcohol and boating. resulting in unnecessary suffering; little known disorders that are thought

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.089 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5013 to be both allergic and autoimmune in And so they felt in founding this or- gels that we have here in the United nature. The body produces white blood ganization, this partnership, that what States Congress and our willingness to cells in higher than normal amounts, was needed across the country was reach out and assist the constituents and it attacks food proteins and tissues awareness and understanding. Quite we are sworn to serve. as a result. frankly, what’s also needed is funding, Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I have The patients who have this chronic but it has to start in a place of edu- no more speakers, and I would like to disease suffer a variety of symptoms, cation, awareness and understanding, inquire of the gentlewoman if she has and of course it is sometimes life- and as most pieces of critical legisla- any more speakers. threatening. As of now, there’s no tion do, it comes not from a Member of Mrs. CAPPS. I have no more speak- known cure. Congress, but it comes from a con- ers. I know Mr. LARSON is going to be stituent, a citizen, who has the temer- Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield speaking on this because he personally ity to stand up and speak out for suf- back the balance of my time. has firsthand knowledge. fering that a neighbor or one of their Mrs. CAPPS. As I indicated, I have Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of own children is going through. no more speakers, either, but I do want my time. As Mrs. CAPPS pointed out, some- to say a word of thanks to my col- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I am times there is no cure or the diagnosis league from North Carolina. We serve pleased to yield such time as he may eludes all the best efforts of profes- on the same committee. This is an consume to my colleague from Con- sions, but it is getting better, and with issue that we both care about, but par- necticut (Mr. LARSON). awareness, they know they can deal ticular thanks to my colleague from Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. with this going forward. Connecticut for reaffirming in me one Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman Hospitals in Cincinnati, and most no- of the major reasons that I am pleased from California for yielding but also tably, the Children’s Hospital of Phila- to be part of this body, which was illus- for her continued outstanding service delphia, where I visited personally, are in the United States Congress and trated by his comments regarding his working hard at identifying this dis- bringing the knowledge of her profes- constituent. order and helping parents and working sion and her expertise to this body on As he observed their personal experi- with them. I want to commend the a regular basis and especially the com- ence and was able to relate some of his work of Dr. Chris Lancouris and Dr. passion that’s needed for so many of own is when we do the work of the peo- Jonathan Spergel and especially those who suffer from eosinophilic dis- ple, to carry the pain and suffering, if order, more than 50,000 in this Nation. Michelle Shuker who spent so much you will, the unanswered questions and I want to applaud my colleague from time dealing with the parents and help- the concerns, and to do the people’s North Carolina, also, Representative ing them through this process. work by first creating an awareness of As someone who has a son who has an MYRICK, for her cosponsoring this legis- a situation. We have many issues be- lation and understanding as well the illness that has gone undiagnosed, I fore us, but for a family with a person importance that this has for so many empathize deeply with parents who go diagnosed with an eosinophilic condi- families who oftentimes are the ones through this experience and under- tion, it is a major, major part of their who suffer along with the patient be- stand deeply the need for education, lives. cause of lack of diagnosis, and then the need for better understanding, and And we owe a responsibility and it is also because of the way Representative the responsibility that we share as a privilege and a honor to carry their CAPPS has described the nature of this Members of Congress to do our part, to concerns to this body, to take this first disease, what it does to the patient first educate the public with respect to step of recognition and to be wel- that it attacks when the white blood this disorder, but then secondly and coming to those who come with per- cells in your own system begin to at- more hopefully, to make sure that we sonal experiences to our office doors tack itself and creates the disorders follow through by funding and assist- tomorrow and then to learn what the that it does, often resulting in people ing. next step after this one might be and having to be fed by tubes. You can But what you have to step back and to stand ready as elected officials to imagine the tremendous stress that admire, however, is the courage of work on behalf of those who simply de- this causes on the parts of parents and these parents who, without their love sire to relieve the pain and suffering of of course family members. and devotion and care for their chil- dear and loved members of their fam- This bill comes before us not because dren, without their consistent nur- ily. of me, but because of a courageous turing and support, you wonder what So I thank both of my colleagues for woman like LOIS CAPPS and like SUE would happen to these children. But be- bringing this to the floor. MYRICK who understand what families cause of their courage and because of Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance go through when they face issues like their ability to come forth and speak of my time. this. out about this, hopefully through reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I was fortunate to have Dr. Wendy lutions like this and greater under- question is on the motion offered by Book from my district in Connecticut, standing we will be able to assist them the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. who resides in Gastonbury, a doctor and help them and assist families, and CAPPS) that the House suspend the herself, as well as her husband, come their not-for-profit organization will rules and agree to the resolution, H. before me to talk about this disorder get the support that it needs, will cre- Res. 296. because of their desire to make sure ate the understanding that it needs and The question was taken; and (two- that the Nation be made aware of what provide the much needed relief for the thirds being in the affirmative) the so many children are suffering from. children who are afflicted and the fam- rules were suspended and the resolu- She was joined by Beth Mays, who ilies that deal with this problem. tion was agreed to. together are the co-founders of the So I thank Representative CAPPS and A motion to reconsider was laid on American Partnership for Eosinophilic I thank Representative MYRICK and a the table. Disorders. When Dr. Book’s son Ryan number of cosponsors on this legisla- f was sick before his first birthday, doc- tion for having come forward and as- tors sent him home with a feeding tube sisted in bringing this to the forefront. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER and no explanation for his mysterious There will be members from this as- PRO TEMPORE illness. This illness went undiagnosed sociation on the Hill tomorrow going The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for 2 more years. Now, this Ryan, his to various House Members and to their ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings parents are doctors. They are in the offices and talking with them and their will resume on motions to suspend the field, and so for doctors to be as con- staff about this disorder. Please listen rules previously postponed. founded by a lack of understanding or to them. Take them into your heart. It Votes will be taken in the following a diagnosis, imagine the consternation is an important issue and vital not order: that they feel, and then exemplify that only for their children, their families, H.R. 634, by the yeas and nays; by how other parents must feel who do but I dare say for all of us in the coun- H.R. 692, by the yeas and nays; not come from similar professions. try. It speaks volumes to the better an- H.R. 916, by the yeas and nays;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.092 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 H.R. 1700, by the yeas and nays; Jackson-Lee Mica Schwartz A motion to reconsider was laid on H.R. 1773, by the yeas and nays. (TX) Michaud Scott (GA) the table. Jefferson Miller (MI) Scott (VA) The first electronic vote will be con- Jindal Miller (NC) Sensenbrenner f ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Johnson (GA) Miller, Gary Serrano electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Johnson (IL) Miller, George Sessions Johnson, E. B. Mitchell ARMY SPECIALIST JOSEPH P. minute votes. Sestak Johnson, Sam Mollohan Shadegg MICKS FEDERAL FLAG CODE Jones (NC) Moore (KS) Shays AMENDMENT ACT OF 2007 f Jones (OH) Moore (WI) Shea-Porter Jordan Moran (KS) Sherman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED Kagen Moran (VA) Shimkus finished business is the vote on the mo- FOR LIFE COMMEMORATIVE Kanjorski Murphy (CT) Shuler Kaptur Murphy, Patrick tion to suspend the rules and pass the COIN ACT Shuster Keller Murphy, Tim Simpson bill, H.R. 692, as amended, on which the Kennedy Murtha The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Sires yeas and nays were ordered. Kildee Musgrave Skelton finished business is the vote on the mo- Kilpatrick Myrick The Clerk read the title of the bill. Slaughter tion to suspend the rules and pass the Kind Napolitano The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Smith (NE) King (IA) Neal (MA) bill, H.R. 634, as amended, on which the Smith (NJ) question is on the motion offered by King (NY) Neugebauer the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. yeas and nays were ordered. Kingston Nunes Smith (TX) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Kirk Oberstar Smith (WA) STUPAK) that the House suspend the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Klein (FL) Obey Snyder rules and pass the bill, H.R. 692, as Solis question is on the motion offered by Kline (MN) Olver amended. Knollenberg Ortiz Souder the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Kucinich Pallone Space This will be a 5-minute vote. MOORE) that the House suspend the Kuhl (NY) Pascrell Spratt The vote was taken by electronic de- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 634, as LaHood Pastor Stark vice, and there were—yeas 408, nays 4, Lamborn Payne Stearns not voting 20, as follows: amended. Lampson Pearce Stupak The vote was taken by electronic de- Langevin Pence Sullivan [Roll No. 346] vice, and there were—yeas 416, nays 0, Lantos Perlmutter Sutton YEAS—408 not voting 16, as follows: Larsen (WA) Peterson (MN) Tanner Larson (CT) Peterson (PA) Tauscher Abercrombie Chabot Frelinghuysen [Roll No. 345] Latham Petri Taylor Ackerman Chandler Gallegly Aderholt Clarke Garrett (NJ) YEAS—416 LaTourette Platts Terry Lee Poe Thompson (CA) Akin Clay Gerlach Abercrombie Carnahan Farr Levin Pomeroy Thompson (MS) Alexander Cleaver Giffords Ackerman Carney Feeney Lewis (CA) Porter Thornberry Allen Clyburn Gilchrest Aderholt Carson Ferguson Lewis (GA) Price (GA) Tiahrt Altmire Coble Gillibrand Akin Carter Andrews Cohen Gillmor Filner Lewis (KY) Price (NC) Tiberi Alexander Castle Arcuri Cole (OK) Gingrey Flake Linder Pryce (OH) Tierney Allen Castor Baca Conaway Gohmert Forbes Lipinski Putnam Towns Altmire Chabot Bachmann Conyers Gonzalez Fortenberry LoBiondo Radanovich Turner Andrews Chandler Baird Cooper Goode Fossella Loebsack Rahall Udall (CO) Arcuri Clarke Foxx Lofgren, Zoe Ramstad Baker Costa Goodlatte Baca Clay Udall (NM) Baldwin Costello Gordon Frank (MA) Lowey Rangel Upton Bachmann Cleaver Franks (AZ) Lucas Regula Barrett (SC) Courtney Granger Bachus Clyburn Van Hollen Barrow Cramer Graves Frelinghuysen Lungren, Daniel Rehberg ´ Baird Coble Velazquez Barton (TX) Crenshaw Green, Al Gallegly E. Reichert Visclosky Baker Cohen Lynch Renzi Bean Crowley Green, Gene Garrett (NJ) Walberg Baldwin Cole (OK) Mack Reyes Becerra Cuellar Grijalva Gerlach Walden (OR) Barrett (SC) Conaway Mahoney (FL) Reynolds Berkley Culberson Hall (NY) Giffords Walsh (NY) Barrow Conyers Gilchrest Maloney (NY) Rodriguez Berman Cummings Hall (TX) Walz (MN) Barton (TX) Cooper Gillibrand Manzullo Rogers (AL) Berry Davis (AL) Hare Wamp Bean Costa Gillmor Marchant Rogers (KY) Biggert Davis (CA) Harman Waters Becerra Costello Gingrey Markey Rogers (MI) Bilbray Davis (IL) Hastings (FL) Berkley Courtney Watson Bilirakis Davis (KY) Gohmert Marshall Rohrabacher Hastings (WA) Berman Cramer Watt Bishop (GA) Davis, David Hayes Gonzalez Matheson Ros-Lehtinen Berry Crenshaw Waxman Bishop (NY) Davis, Lincoln Heller Goode Matsui Roskam Biggert Crowley Weiner Bishop (UT) Davis, Tom Hensarling Goodlatte McCarthy (CA) Ross Bilbray Cuellar Welch (VT) Blackburn Deal (GA) Herger Gordon McCarthy (NY) Rothman Bilirakis Culberson Weldon (FL) Blumenauer DeFazio Herseth Sandlin Granger McCaul (TX) Roybal-Allard Bishop (GA) Cummings Weller Blunt DeGette Higgins Graves McCollum (MN) Royce Bishop (NY) Davis (AL) Westmoreland Boehner Delahunt Hill Green, Al McCotter Ruppersberger Bishop (UT) Davis (CA) Bonner DeLauro Hinchey Green, Gene McCrery Rush Wexler Blackburn Davis (IL) Bono Dent Hinojosa Grijalva McDermott Ryan (OH) Whitfield Blumenauer Davis (KY) Boozman Diaz-Balart, L. Hirono Hall (NY) McGovern Ryan (WI) Wicker Blunt Davis, David McHenry Salazar Wilson (NM) Boren Diaz-Balart, M. Hobson Boehner Davis, Lincoln Hall (TX) Boswell Dicks Hodes Hare McHugh Sali Wilson (OH) Bonner Davis, Tom ´ Boucher Dingell Hoekstra Harman McIntyre Sanchez, Linda Wilson (SC) Bono Deal (GA) McKeon T. Wolf Boustany Doggett Holden Boozman DeFazio Hastert Boyd (FL) Donnelly Holt Hastings (FL) McNerney Sanchez, Loretta Woolsey Boren DeGette McNulty Sarbanes Wu Boyda (KS) Doolittle Honda Boswell Delahunt Hastings (WA) Brady (TX) Doyle Hooley Hayes Meehan Saxton Wynn Boucher DeLauro Meek (FL) Schakowsky Yarmuth Braley (IA) Drake Hoyer Boustany Dent Heller Brown (SC) Dreier Hulshof Hensarling Meeks (NY) Schiff Young (AK) Boyd (FL) Diaz-Balart, L. Melancon Schmidt Young (FL) Brown, Corrine Duncan Inglis (SC) Boyda (KS) Diaz-Balart, M. Herger Brown-Waite, Edwards Inslee Brady (TX) Dicks Herseth Sandlin NOT VOTING—16 Ginny Ehlers Israel Braley (IA) Dingell Higgins Buchanan Ellison Issa Bartlett (MD) Gutierrez Paul Brown (SC) Doggett Hill Burgess Ellsworth Jackson (IL) Brady (PA) Hunter Pickering Brown, Corrine Donnelly Hinchey Burton (IN) Emanuel Jackson-Lee Cubin McMorris Pitts Brown-Waite, Doolittle Hinojosa Butterfield Emerson (TX) Davis, Jo Ann Rodgers Tancredo Ginny Doyle Hirono Buyer English (PA) Jefferson Engel Miller (FL) Wasserman Buchanan Drake Hobson Calvert Eshoo Jindal Fattah Nadler Schultz Burgess Dreier Hodes Camp (MI) Etheridge Johnson (GA) Burton (IN) Duncan Hoekstra Cannon Everett Johnson (IL) Butterfield Edwards Holden b 1510 Cantor Fallin Johnson, E. B. Buyer Ehlers Holt Capito Farr Johnson, Sam Calvert Ellison Honda Mr. STEARNS changed his vote from Capps Feeney Jones (NC) Camp (MI) Ellsworth Hooley ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Capuano Ferguson Jones (OH) Campbell (CA) Emanuel Hoyer Cardoza Filner Jordan Cannon Emerson Hulshof So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Carnahan Forbes Kagen Cantor English (PA) Inglis (SC) tive) the rules were suspended and the Carney Fortenberry Kanjorski Capito Eshoo Inslee bill, as amended, was passed. Carson Fossella Kaptur Capps Etheridge Israel Carter Foxx Keller Capuano Everett Issa The result of the vote was announced Castle Frank (MA) Kennedy Cardoza Fallin Jackson (IL) as above recorded. Castor Franks (AZ) Kildee

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:34 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.095 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5015 Kilpatrick Moran (KS) Sestak So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Lewis (GA) Olver Shuster Kind Moran (VA) Shays tive) the rules were suspended and the Linder Ortiz Simpson King (IA) Murphy (CT) Shea-Porter Lipinski Pallone Sires King (NY) Murphy, Patrick Sherman bill, as amended, was passed. LoBiondo Pascrell Skelton Kingston Murphy, Tim Shimkus The result of the vote was announced Loebsack Pastor Slaughter Kirk Murtha Shuler as above recorded. Lofgren, Zoe Payne Smith (NJ) Klein (FL) Musgrave Shuster A motion to reconsider was laid on Lowey Perlmutter Smith (TX) Kline (MN) Myrick Simpson Lucas Peterson (MN) Smith (WA) Knollenberg Napolitano Sires the table. Lungren, Daniel Peterson (PA) Snyder Kucinich Neal (MA) E. Platts Solis Skelton f Kuhl (NY) Neugebauer Slaughter Lynch Poe Space LaHood Nunes Mahoney (FL) Pomeroy Spratt Smith (NE) JOHN R. JUSTICE PROSECUTORS Lamborn Oberstar Smith (NJ) Maloney (NY) Porter Stark Lampson Obey Smith (TX) AND DEFENDERS INCENTIVE ACT Markey Price (GA) Stupak Langevin Olver Smith (WA) OF 2007 Marshall Price (NC) Sutton Lantos Ortiz Snyder Matheson Pryce (OH) Tanner Larsen (WA) Pallone Solis The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Matsui Putnam Tauscher Larson (CT) Pascrell Souder finished business is the vote on the mo- McCarthy (CA) Radanovich Taylor Latham Pastor Space McCarthy (NY) Rahall Terry LaTourette Payne tion to suspend the rules and pass the Spratt McCaul (TX) Ramstad Thompson (CA) Lee Pearce bill, H.R. 916, as amended, on which the McCollum (MN) Rangel Thompson (MS) Levin Pence Stark Stearns yeas and nays were ordered. McCotter Regula Tiahrt Lewis (CA) Perlmutter McCrery Reichert Tiberi Lewis (GA) Peterson (MN) Stupak The Clerk read the title of the bill. Sullivan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The McDermott Renzi Tierney Lewis (KY) Petri McGovern Reyes Towns Linder Platts Sutton question is on the motion offered by Tanner McHugh Rodriguez Turner Lipinski Poe the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McIntyre Rogers (AL) Udall (CO) LoBiondo Pomeroy Tauscher Taylor CONYERS) that the House suspend the McKeon Rogers (MI) Udall (NM) Loebsack Porter McNerney Ros-Lehtinen Upton Terry Lofgren, Zoe Price (GA) rules and pass the bill, H.R. 916, as McNulty Roskam Van Hollen Lowey Price (NC) Thompson (CA) amended. Meehan Ross Vela´ zquez Lucas Pryce (OH) Thompson (MS) Meek (FL) Rothman Visclosky Lungren, Daniel Putnam Thornberry This will be a 5-minute vote. Meeks (NY) Roybal-Allard Walberg E. Radanovich Tiahrt The vote was taken by electronic de- Melancon Ruppersberger Walz (MN) Lynch Rahall Tiberi vice, and there were—yeas 341, nays 73, Mica Rush Wamp Mack Ramstad Tierney not voting 18, as follows: Michaud Ryan (OH) Waters Mahoney (FL) Rangel Towns Miller (MI) Salazar Watson Maloney (NY) Regula Turner [Roll No. 347] Miller (NC) Sa´ nchez, Linda Watt Manzullo Rehberg Udall (CO) YEAS—341 Miller, George T. Waxman Marchant Reichert Udall (NM) Mitchell Sanchez, Loretta Weiner Markey Renzi Abercrombie Cole (OK) Grijalva Upton Mollohan Sarbanes Welch (VT) Marshall Reyes Ackerman Conyers Hall (NY) Van Hollen Moore (KS) Saxton Weller Matheson Reynolds ´ Alexander Cooper Hall (TX) Velazquez Moore (WI) Schakowsky Westmoreland Matsui Rodriguez Allen Costa Hare Visclosky Moran (KS) Schiff Wexler McCarthy (CA) Rogers (AL) Altmire Costello Harman Walberg Moran (VA) Schmidt Whitfield McCarthy (NY) Rogers (KY) Andrews Courtney Hastings (FL) Walden (OR) Murphy (CT) Schwartz Wicker McCaul (TX) Rogers (MI) Arcuri Cramer Hastings (WA) Walsh (NY) Murphy, Patrick Scott (GA) Wilson (NM) McCollum (MN) Rohrabacher Baca Crenshaw Heller Walz (MN) Murphy, Tim Scott (VA) Wilson (OH) McCotter Ros-Lehtinen Bachus Crowley Herseth Sandlin Wamp Murtha Serrano Wilson (SC) McCrery Roskam Baird Cuellar Higgins Waters Musgrave Sestak Wolf McDermott Ross Baker Cummings Hill Watson Napolitano Shays Woolsey McGovern Rothman Baldwin Davis (AL) Hinchey Watt Neal (MA) Shea-Porter Wu McHenry Roybal-Allard Barrow Davis (CA) Hinojosa Waxman Nunes Sherman Wynn McHugh Royce Bean Davis (IL) Hirono Weiner Oberstar Shimkus Yarmuth McIntyre Ruppersberger Becerra Davis, Lincoln Hobson Welch (VT) Obey Shuler Young (FL) McKeon Rush Berkley Deal (GA) Hodes McNerney Ryan (OH) Weldon (FL) Berman DeFazio Hoekstra McNulty Ryan (WI) Weller Berry DeGette Holden NAYS—73 Westmoreland Biggert Delahunt Holt Meehan Salazar Aderholt Fossella Myrick Wexler Bilirakis DeLauro Honda Meek (FL) Sa´ nchez, Linda Akin Foxx Neugebauer Whitfield Bishop (GA) Dent Hooley Meeks (NY) T. Bachmann Franks (AZ) Wicker Bishop (NY) Diaz-Balart, L. Hoyer Pence Melancon Sanchez, Loretta Barrett (SC) Garrett (NJ) Wilson (NM) Bishop (UT) Diaz-Balart, M. Hulshof Petri Mica Sarbanes Barton (TX) Goode Blumenauer Dicks Inslee Rehberg Michaud Saxton Wilson (OH) Bilbray Goodlatte Bonner Dingell Israel Reynolds Miller (MI) Schakowsky Wilson (SC) Blackburn Graves Bono Doggett Issa Rogers (KY) Miller (NC) Schiff Wolf Blunt Hastert Boozman Donnelly Jackson (IL) Rohrabacher Miller, Gary Schmidt Woolsey Boehner Hayes Boren Doyle Jackson-Lee Royce Miller, George Schwartz Wu Brown (SC) Hensarling Boswell Drake (TX) Ryan (WI) Mitchell Scott (GA) Wynn Burton (IN) Herger Boucher Dreier Jefferson Mollohan Scott (VA) Yarmuth Campbell (CA) Inglis (SC) Sali Boustany Edwards Jindal Moore (KS) Sensenbrenner Young (AK) Cannon Johnson, Sam Sensenbrenner Boyd (FL) Ehlers Johnson (GA) Moore (WI) Serrano Young (FL) Cantor Jones (NC) Sessions Boyda (KS) Ellison Johnson (IL) Coble Jordan Shadegg Brady (TX) Emanuel Johnson, E. B. NAYS—4 Conaway King (IA) Smith (NE) Braley (IA) Emerson Jones (OH) Culberson Kline (MN) Souder Campbell (CA) Sessions Brown, Corrine English (PA) Kagen Davis (KY) Kuhl (NY) Stearns Flake Shadegg Brown-Waite, Eshoo Kanjorski Davis, David Lamborn Sullivan Ginny Etheridge Kaptur Davis, Tom Lewis (KY) Thornberry NOT VOTING—20 Buchanan Everett Keller Doolittle Mack Walden (OR) Burgess Fallin Kennedy Bachus Hastert Pickering Duncan Manzullo Butterfield Farr Kildee Walsh (NY) Bartlett (MD) Hunter Pitts Ellsworth Marchant Calvert Ferguson Kilpatrick Weldon (FL) Brady (PA) McMorris Sali Feeney McHenry Camp (MI) Filner Kind Young (AK) Cubin Rodgers Tancredo Flake Miller, Gary Capito Forbes King (NY) Davis, Jo Ann Miller (FL) Wasserman Capps Fortenberry Kingston Engel Nadler Schultz NOT VOTING—18 Fattah Paul Capuano Frank (MA) Kirk Gutierrez Peterson (PA) Cardoza Frelinghuysen Klein (FL) Bartlett (MD) Gutierrez Pearce Carnahan Gallegly Knollenberg Brady (PA) Hunter Pickering ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Carney Gerlach Kucinich Buyer McMorris Pitts Carson Giffords LaHood Cubin Rodgers Tancredo The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Carter Gilchrest Lampson Davis, Jo Ann Miller (FL) Wasserman the vote). Members are advised that Castle Gillibrand Langevin Engel Nadler Schultz Castor Gillmor Lantos Fattah Paul there are 2 minutes left in this vote. Chabot Gingrey Larsen (WA) Chandler Gohmert Larson (CT) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE 1516 Clarke Gonzalez Latham b Clay Gordon LaTourette The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Cleaver Granger Lee Mr. NUNES changed his vote from Clyburn Green, Al Levin the vote). Members are advised that 2 ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Cohen Green, Gene Lewis (CA) minutes are left in this vote.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.050 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 b 1524 Inslee Mica Schiff ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Israel Michaud Schmidt The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. GRAVES Issa Miller (MI) Schwartz changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to Jackson (IL) Miller (NC) Scott (GA) the vote). Members are advised that ‘‘nay.’’ Jackson-Lee Miller, Gary Scott (VA) there are 2 minutes left on this vote. (TX) Miller, George Serrano Mr. KINGSTON changed his vote Jefferson Mitchell Sestak b 1532 from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Jindal Mollohan Shays So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Johnson (GA) Moore (KS) Shea-Porter Mr. MACK and Mr. GINGREY tive) the rules were suspended and the Johnson (IL) Moore (WI) Sherman changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to Johnson, E. B. Moran (KS) Shimkus ‘‘nay.’’ bill, as amended, was passed. Jones (NC) Moran (VA) Shuler The result of the vote was announced Jones (OH) Murphy (CT) Shuster Mr. PEARCE changed his vote from as above recorded. Jordan Murphy, Patrick Simpson ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ A motion to reconsider was laid on Kagen Murphy, Tim Sires So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Kanjorski Murtha Skelton tive) the rules were suspended and the the table. Kaptur Musgrave Slaughter Keller Myrick Smith (NE) bill, as amended, was passed. f Kennedy Napolitano Smith (NJ) The result of the vote was announced Kildee Neal (MA) Smith (TX) as above recorded. COPS IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2007 Kilpatrick Neugebauer Smith (WA) A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kind Nunes Snyder King (IA) Oberstar Solis the table. finished business is the vote on the mo- King (NY) Obey Souder Stated for: tion to suspend the rules and pass the Kirk Olver Space Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, in roll call bill, H.R. 1700, as amended, on which Klein (FL) Ortiz Spratt 348, which I just missed a minute ago, the yeas and nays were ordered. Kline (MN) Pallone Stark Knollenberg Pascrell Stearns the COPS Improvements Act of 2007, I The Clerk read the title of the bill. Kucinich Pastor Stupak am a strong supporter of that bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kuhl (NY) Payne Sullivan That bill provides, we believe, 165 po- question is on the motion offered by LaHood Pearce Sutton lice positions in my home State of Lampson Perlmutter Tanner the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Langevin Peterson (MN) Tauscher Maine. I certainly intended to vote for CONYERS) that the House suspend the Lantos Peterson (PA) Taylor that bill and would have had I been in rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1700, as Larsen (WA) Petri Terry the Chamber at that moment. amended. Larson (CT) Platts Thompson (CA) Latham Poe Thompson (MS) f This will be a 5-minute vote. LaTourette Pomeroy Thornberry The vote was taken by electronic de- Lee Porter Tiahrt SAFE AMERICAN ROADS ACT OF vice, and there were—yeas 381, nays 34, Levin Price (GA) Tiberi 2007 not voting 17, as follows: Lewis (CA) Price (NC) Tierney Lewis (GA) Pryce (OH) Towns The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- [Roll No. 348] Lewis (KY) Putnam Turner finished business is the vote on the mo- YEAS—381 Lipinski Radanovich Udall (CO) LoBiondo Rahall Udall (NM) tion to suspend the rules and pass the Abercrombie Capuano English (PA) Loebsack Ramstad Upton bill, H.R. 1773, as amended, on which Ackerman Cardoza Eshoo Lofgren, Zoe Rangel Van Hollen Aderholt Carnahan Etheridge the yeas and nays were ordered. Lowey Regula Vela´ zquez The Clerk read the title of the bill. Akin Carney Everett Lucas Rehberg Visclosky Alexander Carson Fallin Lynch Reichert Walberg The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Altmire Carter Farr Mahoney (FL) Renzi Walden (OR) question is on the motion offered by Andrews Castle Feeney Maloney (NY) Reyes Walsh (NY) the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Arcuri Castor Ferguson Marchant Reynolds Walz (MN) Baca Chabot Filner Markey Rodriguez Wamp DEFAZIO) that the House suspend the Bachmann Chandler Forbes Marshall Rogers (AL) Waters rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1773, as Baird Clarke Fortenberry Matheson Rogers (KY) Watson Baker Clay Fossella amended. Matsui Rogers (MI) Watt Baldwin Cleaver Frank (MA) This will be a 5-minute vote. McCarthy (CA) Ros-Lehtinen Waxman Barrow Clyburn Frelinghuysen McCarthy (NY) Roskam Weiner The vote was taken by electronic de- Barton (TX) Coble Gallegly McCaul (TX) Ross Welch (VT) vice, and there were—yeas 411, nays 3, Bean Cohen Gerlach McCollum (MN) Rothman Weller Becerra Cole (OK) Giffords not voting 18, as follows: McCotter Roybal-Allard Westmoreland Berkley Conyers Gilchrest McCrery Royce Wexler [Roll No. 349] Berman Cooper Gillibrand McDermott Ruppersberger Whitfield Berry Costa Gillmor YEAS—411 McGovern Rush Wicker Biggert Costello Gohmert Abercrombie Bono Chandler McHenry Wilson (NM) Bilbray Courtney Gonzalez Ryan (OH) Ackerman Boozman Clarke Bilirakis Cramer Goode McHugh Ryan (WI) Wilson (OH) Aderholt Boren Clay Bishop (GA) Crenshaw Goodlatte McIntyre Salazar Wilson (SC) Akin Boswell Cleaver ´ Bishop (NY) Crowley Gordon McNerney Sanchez, Linda Wolf Alexander Boucher Clyburn Bishop (UT) Cuellar Granger McNulty T. Woolsey Allen Boustany Coble Blackburn Culberson Graves Meehan Sanchez, Loretta Wu Altmire Boyd (FL) Cohen Blumenauer Cummings Green, Al Meek (FL) Sarbanes Wynn Andrews Boyda (KS) Cole (OK) Blunt Davis (AL) Green, Gene Meeks (NY) Saxton Yarmuth Arcuri Brady (TX) Conaway Boehner Davis (CA) Grijalva Melancon Schakowsky Young (FL) Baca Brown (SC) Conyers Bonner Davis (IL) Hall (NY) Bachmann Brown, Corrine Cooper Bono Davis (KY) Hall (TX) NAYS—34 Bachus Brown-Waite, Costa Boozman Davis, David Hare Bachus Franks (AZ) Mack Baird Ginny Costello Boren Davis, Lincoln Harman Barrett (SC) Garrett (NJ) Manzullo Baker Buchanan Courtney Boswell Davis, Tom Hastert Baldwin Burgess Cramer Buyer Gingrey McKeon Boucher DeFazio Hastings (FL) Barrett (SC) Burton (IN) Crenshaw Campbell (CA) Hensarling Pence Boustany DeGette Hastings (WA) Barrow Butterfield Crowley Cannon Herger Rohrabacher Boyd (FL) Delahunt Hayes Barton (TX) Buyer Culberson Conaway Inglis (SC) Sali Boyda (KS) DeLauro Heller Deal (GA) Johnson, Sam Bean Calvert Cummings Brady (TX) Dent Herseth Sandlin Sensenbrenner Becerra Camp (MI) Davis (AL) Doolittle Kingston Sessions Braley (IA) Diaz-Balart, L. Higgins Duncan Lamborn Berkley Campbell (CA) Davis (CA) Shadegg Brown (SC) Diaz-Balart, M. Hill Ehlers Linder Berman Cannon Davis (IL) Weldon (FL) Brown, Corrine Dicks Hinchey Flake Lungren, Daniel Berry Cantor Davis (KY) Young (AK) Brown-Waite, Dingell Hinojosa Foxx E. Biggert Capito Davis, David Ginny Doggett Hirono Bilbray Capps Davis, Lincoln Buchanan Donnelly Hobson NOT VOTING—17 Bilirakis Capuano Davis, Tom Burgess Doyle Hodes Bishop (GA) Cardoza Deal (GA) Burton (IN) Drake Hoekstra Allen Gutierrez Pickering Bishop (NY) Carnahan DeFazio Butterfield Dreier Holden Bartlett (MD) Hunter Pitts Bishop (UT) Carney DeGette Calvert Edwards Holt Brady (PA) McMorris Tancredo Blackburn Carson Delahunt Camp (MI) Ellison Honda Cubin Rodgers Wasserman Blumenauer Carter DeLauro Cantor Ellsworth Hooley Davis, Jo Ann Miller (FL) Schultz Blunt Castle Dent Capito Emanuel Hoyer Engel Nadler Boehner Castor Diaz-Balart, L. Capps Emerson Hulshof Fattah Paul Bonner Chabot Diaz-Balart, M.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.100 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5017 Dicks King (NY) Price (NC) Weldon (FL) Wilson (NM) Wynn heard the last speaker talking about Dingell Kingston Pryce (OH) Weller Wilson (OH) Yarmuth Senate majority leader HARRY REID Doggett Kirk Putnam Westmoreland Wilson (SC) Young (AK) Donnelly Klein (FL) Radanovich Wexler Wolf Young (FL) and condemning his comments. Doolittle Kline (MN) Rahall Whitfield Woolsey I have known Senator REID since I Doyle Knollenberg Ramstad Wicker Wu was a high school senior at Valley High Drake Kucinich Rangel Dreier Kuhl (NY) Regula NAYS—3 School in Las Vegas, Nevada. I don’t Duncan LaHood Rehberg Cuellar Flake Gonzalez know a public servant who has devoted Edwards Lamborn Reichert more of his life to this country, his NOT VOTING—18 Ehlers Lampson Renzi State and his community than Senator Ellison Langevin Reyes Bartlett (MD) Gutierrez Paul HARRY REID. Ellsworth Lantos Reynolds Brady (PA) Hunter Pickering Emanuel Larsen (WA) Rodriguez Braley (IA) Marchant Pitts Now, I can’t account for everything Emerson Larson (CT) Rogers (AL) Cubin McMorris Tancredo this man has ever said, but to get on English (PA) Latham Rogers (KY) Davis, Jo Ann Rodgers Wasserman the floor of the House of Representa- Eshoo LaTourette Rogers (MI) Engel Miller (FL) Schultz Etheridge Lee Rohrabacher Fattah Nadler tives and condemn a true patriot, Everett Levin Ros-Lehtinen somebody who cares passionately Fallin Lewis (CA) Roskam ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE about his fellow citizens and somebody Farr Lewis (GA) Ross The SPEAKER pro tempore (during that stays awake at night because of Feeney Lewis (KY) Rothman the vote). Members are advised that Ferguson Linder Roybal-Allard the loss of life and limb in Iraq, to con- Filner Lipinski Royce there are 2 minutes left on this vote. demn that person on the floor of the Forbes LoBiondo Ruppersberger b 1539 House of Representatives I think is a Fortenberry Loebsack Rush disgrace. And if I didn’t stand up and Fossella Lofgren, Zoe Ryan (OH) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- say something, I would never forgive Foxx Lowey Ryan (WI) tive) the rules were suspended and the Frank (MA) Lucas Salazar myself. Franks (AZ) Lungren, Daniel Sali bill, as amended, was passed. Frelinghuysen E. Sa´ nchez, Linda The result of the vote was announced f Gallegly Lynch T. as above recorded. Garrett (NJ) Mack Sanchez, Loretta PULLING OUT OF IRAQ WILL Gerlach Mahoney (FL) Sarbanes A motion to reconsider was laid on MEAN DEATH SENTENCE TO Giffords Maloney (NY) Saxton the table. IRAQI GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Gilchrest Manzullo Schakowsky f Gillibrand Markey Schiff (Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given Gillmor Marshall Schmidt PERSONAL EXPLANATION permission to address the House for 1 Gingrey Matheson Schwartz minute and to revise and extend his re- Gohmert Matsui Scott (GA) Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- marks.) Goode McCarthy (CA) Scott (VA) avoidably absent from the Chamber today. Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, you Goodlatte McCarthy (NY) Sensenbrenner Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ Gordon McCaul (TX) Serrano know, one of the questions that I never on rollcall votes 345, 346 and 347, 348, and Granger McCollum (MN) Sessions hear asked and certainly don’t hear an- Graves McCotter Sestak 349. Green, Al McCrery Shadegg swered by those who want to pull out Green, Gene McDermott Shays f of Iraq, like HARRY REID, who says the Grijalva McGovern Shea-Porter WAR IN IRAQ MUST BE WON war is already lost, I have a question Hall (NY) McHenry Sherman for him and others who say that the Hall (TX) McHugh Shimkus (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- war is lost. As soon as America pulls Hare McIntyre Shuler ida asked and was given permission to Harman McKeon Shuster out, the people like al Maliki, or Dep- address the House for 1 minute and to Hastert McNerney Simpson uty Prime Minister Saleh, who was revise and extend her remarks.) Hastings (FL) McNulty Sires here in the Capitol last week, it would Hastings (WA) Meehan Skelton Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- be a death sentence to them. All those Hayes Meek (FL) Slaughter ida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pub- Heller Meeks (NY) Smith (NE) folks who stepped forward who bought licly condemn the recent remarks of Hensarling Melancon Smith (NJ) into the American and international Herger Mica Smith (TX) Senator HARRY REID, the majority concept of freedom and self-govern- Herseth Sandlin Michaud Smith (WA) leader of the United States Senate. For Higgins Miller (MI) Snyder ment and democracy, they will be exe- the leader of one of the greatest legis- Hill Miller (NC) Solis cuted. lative bodies in the world to concede Hinchey Miller, Gary Souder Now, what are we going to do? Are we Hinojosa Miller, George Space defeat in Iraq is a sad commentary on going to give amnesty to political refu- Hirono Mitchell Spratt the state of politics in our Nation. Hobson Mollohan Stark gees, 50,000, 100,000? Maybe those on the Our troops are the finest fighting Hodes Moore (KS) Stearns left have an estimate of how many peo- Hoekstra Moore (WI) Stupak force this world has ever known. Our ple we would open our border to. Holden Moran (KS) Sullivan generals are among the finest military Holt Moran (VA) Sutton But I can say this: There is no ques- minds in the world. My faith is with Honda Murphy (CT) Tanner tion about it, these folks who stepped these brave men and women who put Hooley Murphy, Patrick Tauscher forward to try to build a new govern- Hoyer Murphy, Tim Taylor their lives on the line each day in bat- ment will be executed. Their children Hulshof Murtha Terry tle, and not on the political choices of Inglis (SC) Musgrave Thompson (CA) will be executed. Their spouses will be a Washington, DC politician. Inslee Myrick Thompson (MS) executed. Their grandparents will be Israel Napolitano Thornberry The American public does not want executed. So inevitably we will open up Issa Neal (MA) Tiahrt our troops to shuffle out of Iraq with Jackson (IL) Neugebauer Tiberi the borders to them as political refu- our tails between our legs. America Jackson-Lee Nunes Tierney gees. My question is, how many of wants to achieve victory in the global (TX) Oberstar Towns those will we let in, and can we do that Jefferson Obey Turner war for freedom, a battle whose center now on a bipartisan basis? Jindal Olver Udall (CO) is in the Middle East and in Iraq. De- Johnson (GA) Ortiz Udall (NM) f Johnson (IL) Pallone Upton featist comments like ‘‘the war is lost’’ Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Van Hollen should be condemned by any freedom- b 1545 Johnson, Sam Pastor Vela´ zquez loving Member of this body. Jones (NC) Payne Visclosky SUPPORTING THE PRESIDENT IN Jones (OH) Pearce Walberg f Jordan Pence Walden (OR) THE WAR IN IRAQ Kagen Perlmutter Walsh (NY) DEFENDING SENATOR REID (Mr. BURTON of Indiana asked and Kanjorski Peterson (MN) Walz (MN) Kaptur Peterson (PA) Wamp (Ms. BERKLEY asked and was given was given permission to address the Keller Petri Waters permission to address the House for 1 House for 1 minute.) Kennedy Platts Watson minute and revise and extend her re- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- Kildee Poe Watt marks.) er, I heard the gentlelady speak a mo- Kilpatrick Pomeroy Waxman Kind Porter Weiner Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I just ment ago about some of the statements King (IA) Price (GA) Welch (VT) happened to be on the floor when I made about Majority Leader REID in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.053 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 the Senate, and she condemned people Peace officers are all that stand be- LOUISIANA for criticizing him for what he said tween the law and the lawless. They Herman Wayne Brooks, Christopher John about the war being lost. But I haven’t stand between the good and the evil. Doyle III, Octavio Rafael Gonzalez, Chris- heard anybody over there say anything They stand between the people and the topher Michael Metternich, Jeremy Paul good about the President, who is trying criminals. When they wear the badge, Newchurch. to protect us against terrorism around they are the protector of America’s MAINE the world, which is emanating from the people and the public servant of all David Jerome Rancourt. Middle East and al Qaeda. Al Qaeda are communities. MARYLAND the ones that are running the opposi- They are on patrol 24 hours a day, so William H. Beebe Jr., Anthony A. Bryd, tion to the United States troops over that the rest of us can go about our Robert Thomas Krauss, David Warren there right now. lives in peace. When we are fearful, McGuinn, Jeffery Alan Wroten. We were attacked by al Qaeda. We they are fearless, and when we flee MASSACHUSETTS were going to go to war to stop ter- from terror, they run to terror. They Paul Francis Barry. rorism against al Qaeda. And nobody is are a cut above the rest of us. They are MICHIGAN saying anything good about the Presi- a true example of the public hero. Kenneth Lee Daniels Jr., Jason Anthony dent, who is trying to protect this So we do not forget the fallen and Makowski, Riley Scott Sumner, Matthew J. country, and if we say one thing about forget what they have done with this Tuttle. the majority leader on the other side solemn reference today, we remember MISSISSIPPI we are supposed to be condemned. I the 147. T. Michael Byrd, Robert Michael Langley. don’t understand it. I just don’t under- And that’s just the way it is. stand it. Mr. Speaker, I include the names of MONTANA David Leroy Briese Jr., Patrick Roy Kra- f the peace officers killed in the line of mer. duty in 2006 for the RECORD. SPECIAL ORDERS NEVADA PEACE OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. IN 2006 Henry Prendes. SARBANES). Under the Speaker’s an- ALABAMA NEW HAMPSHIRE nounced policy of January 18, 2007, and Anthony Maurice Andrews, Micah Joe Michael Leland Briggs. under a previous order of the House, Burks, Keith Edwin Houts, Mary Freeman NEW JERSEY the following Members will be recog- Smith. Wayne Robert Clark, Matthew J. nized for 5 minutes each. ARIZONA Melchionda, Kieran Tyon Shields. f Robert Daniel Targosz, Kevin Louis Weeks. NEW MEXICO THE 147 ARKANSAS James Archuleta, James Francis McGrane The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Stacy Edward McMurrough, James Walter Jr. previous order of the House, the gen- Sell. NEW YORK CALIFORNIA tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- John Robert Allen, Joseph Daniel Corr, nized for 5 minutes. G. John Bailey, Pierre Walter Bain, Kyle Francis J. Hennessy, Kevin M. Lee, Joseph Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, under the hot Russell Ballard, Daniel S. Bessant, Nich Anthony Longobardo, Andrew J. Sperr, Craig summer-like sun of today, several Tomasito Birco, Brent William Clearman, J. Todeschini, Kenneth P. Wilcox. Landon Michael Dorris, Scott Anthony Han- OHIO thousand peace officers dressed in their son, William Joseph Hudnall Jr., Richard bright uniforms, along with citizens, Allen May Jr., Jeffrey Vaughn Mitchell, Lawrence M. Barnes Sr., Ethan G. Collins, paid tribute to the 147 peace officers David Stan Piquette, Maria Cecilia Rosa, Dale Rodney Holcomb, Joshua Patrick killed in service to America in 2006. Earl Harwood Scott, Darryl Takeo Risner, Jonathan James Schroeder. Also honored were the families, the Tsujimoto, Bryan D. Tuvera. OKLAHOMA spouses, the children, the parents of COLORADO William Lloyd McClendon, Steven Roy these peace officers. This service today Jared Scott Jensen, Kenneth C. Jordan, Smith. was held on the West side of the Cap- Michael Del Thomas. PENNSYLVANIA itol. It was attended by some of us in CONNECTICUT David Michael Petzold, Gary S. Skerski, Congress and the President of the Daniel Patrick Picagli. Scott Alan Wertz. United States spoke. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA The wind blew the flags of the 50 Gerard Walter Burke Jr. Jason Lannes Sheppard. States. They were held by peace offi- FLORIDA TENNESSEE cers, and the bagpipes played a solemn Phoenix Montana Braithwaite, Michael William Birl Jones, L. Keith Lyon, Jeremy tribute in the background to these 147 Anthony Callin, Christopher Cooper Daniels Victor Reynolds. peace officers. It was a fitting event Sr., Margena Silvia Nunez, John Michael TEXAS sponsored for the 26th year of the Fra- Piskator, Ryan Christopher Seguin, Juan A. Eduardo Chavez, Dwayne N. Freeto, Dale ternal Order of Police. Serrano, Brian Keith Tephford, Vernon Mat- David Geddie, Rodney Joseph Johnson, Mat- Mr. Speaker, I have known a lot of thew Williams. thew DeWayne Myrick, Gregory Dean Stew- police officers for the last 30 years. I GEORGIA art, James Lee Sunderland Sr., Donald Ellis was a prosecutor for 8 years in Texas, Peter William Faatz, Michael William Wass, Billy Jack Zachary. and then a criminal court judge for 22 Larson, John William McKinney, Dennis UTAH years. I came to know a lot of them. Carmen Stepnowski, Joseph Tim Whitehead Kevin Shumway Orr. Those rare and noble breed that wear Jr., Dennis Christian Wright Sr., Michael the badge of a peace officer are re- Douglas Young. VIRGINIA markable people. I have even known HAWAII Vicky O. Armel, Gary Jonathan Buro, Sen- some that have given their lives in the Steve Bastidas Favela. eca Bailey Darden, Charles Aubrey Fisher, Michael E. Garbarino, Robert Earl Green, line of duty for the rest of us. ILLINOIS Robert A. Hill Sr., Kevin Carder Manion, Peace officers that patrol the small Jeremy Chambers, Thomas Alan Cook, Eric E. Sutphin, William Henry Tiedeman towns or the big cities or the vastness Elizabeth Mazella Edwards, Brian Keith Gib- Jr. bons, James F. Knapp, Rodney Todd Miller, of our counties, whether they are local, WASHINGTON State or Federal officers, are America’s Eric Solorio, Thomas T. Wood. Joselito Alvarez Barber, Steve E. Cox, INDIANA first line of defense against the lawless, Edwanton Allen Thomas. the criminals, the outlaws that live to Gary E. Dudley, Gary L. Martin, Scott Lee WEST VIRGINIA steal, murder, rob and assault America. Severns. Charles Eugene Smith. Keeping the peace this last year cost KANSAS 147 men and women from across the James Leroy Johnson, Cory Allen Ricks. WISCONSIN Nation their lives. I will submit the KENTUCKY Stephen Joseph Hahn, Jackie Davis Ryden. names of these 147 names for the Elmer Kiser, Jonathan Kyle Leonard, WYOMING record. David George Whitson. Dennis Merwin Shuck.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.107 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5019 FEDERAL crease. According to the Automobile courts, I am afraid the future of our de- Lorenzo Gomez, Nicholas D. Greenig, Dan- Association of America, gasoline prices mocracy is in danger. For the sake of iel Joseph Kuhlmeier, Gregory J. Rahoi, Wil- may reach an all-time high by Memo- these agents and their families and the liam Sentner III, David Norman Webb. rial Day. integrity of our judicial system, I am PUERTO RICO The time has come for Congress and pleased and grateful that Mr. CONYERS Juan Jose Burgos-Velez, Raul Canales- the President to work together on a so- and Senator LEAHY will be holding Mundo, Jose Luis Torres-Martinez. lution for the American people. Earlier hearings to investigate the injustice f this year the House passed legislation perpetrated against these two agents. to repeal tax breaks for oil companies The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, will the while devoting more Federal resources previous order of the House, the gen- gentleman yield? to renewable fuels. I am hopeful the tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is Mr. JONES of North Carolina. I yield Senate will quickly act on this much recognized for 5 minutes. to the gentleman from Michigan, the needed legislation this month. (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. chairman of the Judiciary Committee. If we are serious about reducing our Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, there His remarks will appear hereafter in dependency on foreign oil, we must the Extensions of Remarks.) are very few instances where I have work with manufacturers and research- had a Member of Congress persist in f ers to bring renewable fuels to the fore- the search for justice with the same front. Our environment and economy DEALING WITH THE HIGH PRICE zeal as my friend from North Carolina, depend on it. and I commend you. OF GASOLINE I look forward to working with my I recall that I had an opportunity to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a colleagues on both sides of the aisle to meet the widow of the slain officer, and previous order of the House, the gentle- ensure American consumers are given a I have talked to the gentleman from woman from New York (Mrs. MCCAR- voice about the high price of gasoline. Virginia, BOBBY SCOTT, chairman of THY) is recognized for 5 minutes. f the Crime Subcommittee, and his Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. INVESTIGATING INJUSTICE PER- ranking member about the importance Speaker, since the beginning of the PETRATED AGAINST BORDER that we pursue at the earliest possible year, gas prices across the Nation have PATROL AGENTS RAMOS AND moment a complete and total inves- been increasing. With the summer driv- COMPEAN tigation and hearing about the matter ing season fast approaching, prices at that the gentleman and other col- the pump are again reaching record The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a leagues that have now joined you have highs. previous order of the House, the gen- persisted in. With the price quickly approaching tleman from North Carolina (Mr. I congratulate you, and recommit $4 a gallon, it is time again for Con- JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. publicly once again to our search and gress to act to help consumers with Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. pursuit of justice, because if we don’t this increased cost. High gas prices not Speaker, today is the 119th day since a protect our border agents and law en- only increase the cost of living for great injustice took place in this coun- forcement officials generally, I can American families, but increased gas try. On January 17, 2007, two U.S. Border only shudder to think how the safety of prices will affect the prices on nearly Patrol agents entered Federal prison to this country will deteriorate. every single consumer good on the begin serving 11 and 12-year sentences Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. market. Working families are not only respectively. I am hopeful that this Speaker, reclaiming my time, I am paying more at the pump, but at the will be the month that House Judiciary grateful to the chairman grocery store, the pharmacy and the Chairman JOHN CONYERS and Senate shopping malls as well. f Judiciary Chairman PATRICK LEAHY The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a These increases have a harmful effect will hold a hearing to investigate the on our Nation’s economy and security. previous order of the House, the gen- injustice perpetrated against these two tleman from Nebraska (Mr. They make it harder for working fami- U.S. Border Patrol agents. FORTENBERRY) is recognized for 5 min- lies to commute to and from work, es- Agents Compean and Ramos were utes. pecially in cases where public transpor- convicted last spring for wounding a tation is lacking. It also increases the Mexican drug smuggler who brought (Mr. FORTENBERRY addressed the cost for public transportation, which 734 pounds of marijuana across our bor- House. His remarks will appear here- makes it harder for those individuals der into Texas. These agents never after in the Extensions of Remarks.) without automobiles to travel. should have been persecuted. Yet the f But we see the effects of high prices U.S. Attorney’s Office granted immu- MONITORING DEFENSE SPENDING across the board. Parcel delivery rates nity to the drug smuggler and pros- increase. Municipalities must increase ecuted the agents who were doing their The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a their taxes to pay for gas for their job to protect our borders. previous order of the House, the gen- emergency responder vehicles. Our The illegal drug smuggler received tleman from Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) is utilities go up. We cannot afford to full medical care in El Paso, Texas, was recognized for 5 minutes. stand by idly as our cost of living permitted to return to Mexico and has Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, we all re- steadily increases for the sake of con- sued the Border Patrol for $5 million spect, admire and appreciate those who tinued record oil company profits. for violating his civil rights. Many serve in our Nation’s Armed Forces. In response to the rising gas prices, I Members of this House, including Con- Serving in our military is certainly one have requested that the Federal Trade gressman TED POE, who is a former of the most honorable ways anyone can Commission investigate possible gaso- judge from Texas, have voiced concerns serve our country. I believe national line price gouging and hold those ac- about the unfair prosecution of these defense is one of the very few legiti- countable who engage in such prac- agents. mate functions of our national govern- tices. With the troubling revelations sur- ment, and certainly one of the most I am also a cosponsor of Congressman rounding the leadership of the U.S. important. STUPAK’s legislation, H.R. 1252, the Justice Department, I believe it is nec- However, we also need to recognize Federal Gas Price Gouging Prevention essary to investigate the U.S. Attor- that our military has become the most Act. This much needed legislation calls ney’s Office in western Texas and the gigantic bureaucracy in the history of on the FTC and the Attorney General prosecutor’s actions in this case. Never the world. And like any huge bureauc- to investigate possible price gouging, in America should the Congress sit by racy, it does many good things; of both nationally and locally, and to and allow a breakdown of honesty and course, always at huge expense to the prosecute any group found to be taking integrity in our Nation’s judicial sys- taxpayer. And like any huge bureauc- advantage of the American people. As tem. racy, our military does many things summer approaches, travel within the Mr. Speaker, if the American people that are wasteful or inefficient. And United States historically does in- cannot have faith in our Federal like any huge bureaucracy, it tries to

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Unfortunately, that is his statement when he said about a year. This is more than all the other what we have been doing in Iraq. The new deal: ‘‘Our trade policy will not be nations of the world combined spend on President in 2000 said what we needed fixed overnight. The Bush administra- their defense. was a more humble foreign policy. tion’s consistent unwillingness to en- The GAO tells us that we presently That is what we needed then, and it is force trade violations against nations have $50 trillion in unfunded future what we need now. like Jordan and China remind us there pension liabilities on top of our na- William F. Buckley, often called the is no guarantee the executive branch tional debt of almost $9 trillion. If we godfather of conservatism, summed it will enforce any new rights workers are going to have any hope of paying up best in a column he wrote almost 2 may gain through these negotiations, our military pensions and Social Secu- years ago: ‘‘A respect for the power of and President Bush has negotiated rity and other promises to our own the United States is engendered by our flawed agreements with gross human people, we cannot keep giving so much success in engagements in which we rights violator Colombia and a losing, to the Pentagon. take part. A point is reached when te- one-sided agreement with South No matter how much we respect our nacity conveys not steadfastness of Korea.’’ military and no matter how much we purpose but misapplication of pride. It My friends, it is time that the United want to show our patriotism, we need can’t reasonably be disputed that if in States of America begins shipping our to realize that there is waste in all the year ahead the situation in Iraq values overseas and not our jobs. It is huge bureaucracies, even in the De- continues about as it has done in the time for America to take back our rich fense Department. past year, we will have suffered more history of manufacturing, of making There is a reason why we have always than another 500 soldiers killed. Where things. After all, if we don’t make any- believed in civilian leadership of our there had been skepticism about our thing, we won’t have anything. What Defense Department. The admirals and venture, there will be contempt.’’ That everyone in Wisconsin is asking for is generals will always say things are was William F. Buckley in 2005, and the balanced trade, and we need it now. going great, because it is almost like key point there, he said ‘‘a point is The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. saying they are doing a bad job if they reached when tenacity conveys not JACKSON-LEE of Texas). Under a pre- say things are not doing well and the steadfastness of purpose but misappli- vious order of the House, the gen- military people know they can keep cation of pride.’’ tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is getting big increases in funding if they f recognized for 5 minutes. are involved all over the world. (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed However, it is both unconstitutional b 1600 the House. His remarks will appear and unaffordable for us to be the po- BALANCED TRADE NOW hereafter in the Extensions of Re- liceman of the world and carry on civil- marks.) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ian government functions in and for f other countries. National defense is previous order of the House, the gen- necessary and vital. International de- tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. KAGEN) is HONORING MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ fense by the U.S. is unnecessary and recognized for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a harmful in many ways. Mr. KAGEN. Mr. Speaker, last Fri- previous order of the House, the gentle- Now we are engaged in a war in Iraq day it was announced that the Demo- woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- that is very unpopular with a big ma- cratic leadership had struck a deal LEHTINEN) is recognized for 5 minutes. jority of the American people. More with the administration and the United Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speak- importantly, every poll of Iraqis them- States Trade Representative regarding er, I would like to take this oppor- selves shows that 78 to 80 percent of how this country will approach trade tunity to recognize Maggie Rodriguez, them want us to leave, except in the agreements with other nations. who recently accepted the lead anchor Kurdish areas. While very few have seen the actual role on the nationally televised CBS They want our money, but they do text of what this deal looks like, many ‘‘Saturday Early Show.’’ Maggie has not want us occupying Iraq. Surely, we of us in Congress have concerns as to been covering south Florida with CBS’s are not adopting a foreign policy that how these new standards on labor and local affiliate, CBS 4, for 7 years. As a forces us on other people, one that says environment will realistically and ef- news anchor on the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. we are going to run Iraq even if the fectively be enforced. newscasts, Maggie has delivered news people there want us to leave. A major- As a member of the newly elected to millions of people in my community ity of the Iraqi Parliament has now co- class of 2006, I was elected to help on a regular basis since the year 2000. sponsored a bill asking us to leave. change the course of this country, to Maggie is a product of south Florida It is sure not traditional conserv- help change our Nation’s trade policy who has distinguished herself in her atism to carry on a war in a country in particular, a policy that cuts the chosen field of journalism. She at- that did not attack us, did not even legs out from under American workers tended Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, threaten to attack us, and was not and places our industries at a competi- located in the heart of my congres- even capable of attacking us. And it is tive disadvantage. It threatens our sional district. In 1991, she graduated sure not traditional conservatism to quality of life and our global environ- from the University of Miami, my alma believe in world government even if ment at the same time. mater. As a fellow south Floridian, I run by the U.S. We are now operating under a flawed am very proud to honor Maggie on her Our war in Iraq has greatly damaged model; and until that model is fixed, many achievements. She is moving to the Republican Party and conservatism our Nation’s jobs and the livelihoods of New York, but she will always be wel- in general. Even though this war has our constituents in Wisconsin and else- comed in her hometown. gone against every traditional conserv- where are in jeopardy. Her husband, Michael, is the general ative view, especially fiscal conserv- As we have seen in our trade with manager of Telemundo’s local affiliate atism, it is seen by most as a conserv- China, we have been unable, unable to in Miami. I am sure that Maggie will ative war. Even worse than the damage stop illegal subsidies, unable to stop il- continue to spend significant time it has done to my party and a philos- legal dumping and blatant violations of down home in south Florida. ophy I believe in very deeply is the basic human labor rights and environ- Since beginning her career with harm it has done to our relations with mental standards. What will we Ameri- Univision in 1991, Maggie’s warm per- other countries, especially other coun- cans have to give up next? sonality, coupled with her strong work

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.111 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5021 ethic, has made her very successful. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speak- Democratic Party of our State to full She has delivered breaking news on a er, I rise today with Congressmen participation by minority citizens. As number of notable stories throughout JONES, PRICE, WATT, ETHERIDGE, MCIN- Governor, Governor Jim Hunt ap- the years. She has extensive experience TYRE, MILLER and SHULER, all of North pointed many African American law- covering natural disasters. Before tak- Carolina, to honor and observe the 70th yers to the trial bench and appellate ing over as news anchor on CBS 4, birthday of our four-term Governor of court benches to hold positions that Maggie reported on earthquakes and North Carolina, the Honorable James had been virtually impossible for them mudslides with KABC in Los Angeles. B. Hunt, Jr. to otherwise obtain. Many of them now With CBS 4, she has, unfortunately, Over the years my long-time and serve as judges with distinction, and it covered numerous hurricanes. Like any dear friend, Governor Hunt, has suc- was Governor Hunt who made that hap- newscaster in south Florida, the long cessfully dedicated so much of himself pen. hurricane season every year has kept to public service. He is a man of im- In closing, we are honored today to Maggie busy. mense vision with an extraordinary recognize this great man of conviction, When hurricanes hit our region, local ability to implement his vision with principle, and exceptional character on newscasters play a pivotal role in help- great results. That vision has often such a joyous occasion. I ask you to ing residents prepare and recover from been focused on education. join us in congratulating the ‘‘Edu- hurricane damage. Oftentimes, they Governor Hunt’s list of accomplish- cation Governor,’’ the Honorable provide around-the-clock coverage. ments is long and highly distinguished James B. Hunt, Jr., on his 70th birth- Most recently, Maggie did outstanding in the area of education. He led efforts day, and in wishing him and his wife, work reporting on Hurricane Wilma to establish the State’s primary read- Carolyn, many more years of happiness which severely impacted our region in ing program. He also spearheaded the and accomplishment. the year 2005. efforts to reduce class sizes and prevent f Maggie will be moving to New York students from dropping out of school. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a where she spent significant time re- Governor Hunt assumed the lead role previous order of the House, the gen- porting for CBS 4 in the aftermath of 9/ in establishing the State’s school of tleman from Maine (Mr. MICHAUD) is 11. Maggie was noticed by CBS execu- science and mathematics, the Micro- recognized for 5 minutes. tives for her coverage of this year’s electronics Center of North Carolina, (Mr. MICHAUD addressed the House. Super Bowl in Miami. This led to guest and the North Carolina Biotechnology His remarks will appear hereafter in appearances on the ‘‘Saturday Early Center. the Extensions of Remarks.) Show’’ and eventually to a full-time Smart Start, which was established f position on this program. under Governor Hunt’s leadership, has MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Maggie is a great role model also for become a nationally recognized and A message in writing from the Presi- Hispanic girls in our community. She award-winning public-private partner- dent of the United States was commu- received the Young Hispanic Leader- ship that ensures that children enter nicated to the House by Ms. Wanda ship Award from the Hispanic Heritage school healthy and ready to succeed. Evans, one of his secretaries. Council for both her professional ac- The program helps provide quality complishments as well as her efforts in child care, health care and family sup- f strong community service. port for every child in need, and there b 1615 are now 14 States using this model. As a local news anchor, she has be- VERMONTERS SPEAK OUT come an active member of our commu- Governor Hunt also assisted with es- nity, lending a helping hand to those in tablishing one of the most rigorous ap- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a need. Her professional portfolio has proaches to measuring student per- previous order of the House, the gen- garnered several awards, including six formance, requiring mastery before tleman from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) is Emmys, along with two Edward R. promotion and graduation, and pro- recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. WELCH of Vermont. Madam Murrow awards. viding assistance to turn around failing Speaker, I rise to report on an effort in She will be missed by so many people schools. Vermont that honors the tradition of who tune in every afternoon and He did not allow these initiatives, or Vermonters speaking out on issues of evening to watch her on CBS 4. How- any of the many others he headed, to conscience. Vermonters take public ever, we look forward to watching her stand alone after he signed them into service, political integrity and citizen on Saturday mornings nationwide. Her law. Instead, he demanded follow- through and results, and he got them. involvement extremely seriously. This pleasant personality makes her ideal is a tradition that dates back to our for this new role. A study by the RAND Corporation found that our public schools raised earliest days when Vermont became Once again, I congratulate Maggie the very first State to ban slavery. Rodriguez as she begins this new chap- their test scores more than any other State in the 1990s. But with rising alarm, Vermont has ter in her life. She truly deserves the watched abuse of power and a disregard recognition she has received, and now Governor Hunt’s strong-held belief that the key to a quality education is for checks and balances in Washington millions of Americans across the coun- that has occurred over the past 6 years. try will have the opportunity to watch great teaching has benefited students her on Saturday morning. well beyond North Carolina’s borders. b 1615 Godspeed, Maggie. In fact, it has benefited students and Vermonters have such extraordinary teachers throughout our Nation. concern, particularly with the prosecu- f As the founding Chair for the Na- tion of this war in Iraq, that many are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tional Board for Professional Teaching now actually calling for the President previous order of the House, the gentle- Standards, Governor Hunt was a driv- and the Vice President to be im- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) ing force in fulfilling the promise of peached. is recognized for 5 minutes. improving student achievement by Impeachment is a dramatic position, (Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. raising the standards. Today, virtually but it reflects the collective judgment Her remarks will appear hereafter in every State and more than 25 percent of many in Vermont that we are in ex- the Extensions of Remarks.) of all school districts offer financial re- treme circumstances. Madam Speaker, f wards or incentives for teachers seek- I do not believe that impeachment is ing certification. the answer, but I endorse the indict- HONORING GOVERNOR JAMES Madam Speaker, the economic value ment of the policies of the current ad- HUNT of an education and knowledge was ministration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a well understood by Governor Hunt long What this Nation has experienced previous order of the House, the gen- before people started talking about its over the past 6 years has been stag- tleman from North Carolina (Mr. central role in the global economy. gering: a war in its fifth year that was BUTTERFIELD) is recognized for 5 min- Madam Speaker, Governor Hunt has justified based on false intelligence; utes. also led the way in opening up the the politicization of our Nation’s top

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.115 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 law enforcement agency; the cavalier ering from brain surgery forced to wan- American troops remaining in Iraq, have disregard for civil liberties and con- der the grounds to find the outpatient cost the United States much of the good will stitutional protections; no-bid war con- care they were promised. that was extended to our country in the tracts to well-connected friends; the Congressional oversight has docu- wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist at- tacks on the United States, and use of signing statements to disregard mented unacceptable accounts of polit- Whereas, the President’s and the Vice the law; and the denial of habeas cor- ical interference by the administration President’s domestic leadership on issues re- pus, a basic right, for those in U.S. cus- over sound global warming science, lating to individual privacy and personal lib- tody. with political appointees editing sci- erty under law has raised constitutional The list could go on. These and other entific reports. issues of the greatest concern to the nation’s transgressions have caused some And our probes have uncovered waste citizenry, now therefore be it Vermonters to rise up and promote the and fraud and abuse associated with Resolved by the Senate: use of impeachment to restore account- the war in Iraq to an unimaginable That the Senate of the State of Vermont urges Vermont’s Representative in the ability and curb the abuse of power. scale, $12 billion of $100 bills flown from United States House of Representatives to This impeachment movement in the United States to Iraq and then dis- introduce, and Vermont’s United States Sen- Vermont started last year in the small tributed from the back of pickup ators to support, a resolution requiring the town of Newfane, population 1,700, by trucks. United States House Judiciary Committee to Dan DeWalt, a selectman on the town And through our oversight and sub- initiate impeachment proceedings against board. poenas, we are vigorously seeking to the President and the Vice President of the After voting for the town clerk, the expose and investigate the peddling of United States, and be it further tax collector and voting whether to faulty intelligence that the adminis- Resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate tration presented to justify their case be directed to send a copy of this resolution fund a village sidewalk project and the to United States Representative Peter local school, the town then voted on a for war. Welch, United States Senator Patrick J. resolution to send a message to Con- And through our oversight and subpoenas, Leahy and United States Senator Bernard gress to initiate impeachment pro- we are vigorously seeking to expose and in- Sanders. ceedings. This initiative then spread vestigate the peddling of faulty intelligence the from one small southern Vermont town Administration presented in their case for war. MAY 11, 2007. to 40 towns across the State. We must demand to know whether the Ad- DEAR MR. WELCH: my son, Captain Pierre My own hometown of Hartland joined ministration’s active dissemination of bad intel- Piche’, should be teaching young people his- this call, and I’ve spoken with many of ligence was premeditated with the intention of tory or political science right now. Like many of the young people who represent the my neighbors, farmer, teachers, doc- deceiving the American people, or was it reck- best that our country has to offer, he is a tors and store owners, about their vote, less and cavalier, done to justify a decision to casualty of the war in Iraq. He was killed in and what they share is an outrage go to war that had already been made? a Blackhawk helicopter on November 13, about the conduct of this administra- At every corner, step by step, Congress is 2003. He was sent to fly over a high-risk area tion and the prosecution of this ter- methodically peeling back the layers of decep- in Bagdad because he was being required to rible war. tion and deceit, holding this Administration ac- attend a mandatory R and R. He did not Even last month, the Vermont Gen- countable. We must get the facts and follow want to go. He knew it was very dangerous eral Assembly took up the issue. On the facts. And that is exactly what is being and he also knew that was completely illogi- April 20, the Vermont State Senate done. cal. It turned out that these soldiers were being sent in to be part of a photo op for the voted 16–9 in favor of Congress launch- Madam Speaker, this pursuit of impeach- president. I have to live with this knowledge ing impeachment investigations, and ment has consequences to real lives and real every day. while the Vermont House of Represent- people. I measure every decision I make here My son served proudly in the military for atives defeated the resolution, it still in Congress based on whether it will hasten or ten years before being sent to Iraq. He received 60 supportive votes from delay an end to this war. Nothing illustrates earned the rank of captain with blood, sweat Vermont legislators. And nearly 400 this urgency more than a phone call I received and tears, and he loved every minute of it. Vermonters representing 102 of before a recent trip to Iraq. The call was from Before my son was killed he told me that he Vermont’s 251 towns came to the State a mother in the town of Brattleboro who lost did not like what he was seeing in Iraq and he did not want to be a part of it. House that day to voice their views. her son in this terrible war. She so desired My son Pierre gave the ultimate sacrifice, And this past Saturday, I held a town closure over her son’s death, that she asked knowing that he had been deceived. It is dif- meeting in the town of Hartford, to accompany me to Iraq so she could see ficult for all of us who oppose this war to ob- Vermont, and heard from 250 where her son had died. It was a stark re- serve the ongoing carnage and wearing down Vermonters advocating for this ex- minder that there is no greater challenge we of the fabric of the American spirit as this traordinary measure. face than ending this war. war kills our young people, eats away at the I applaud these citizen activists who I also submit for the record a letter that was economy and, worse yet, the hearts of the have acted in the Vermont tradition of read at the Hartland town meeting from Lisa American people. For me, the betrayal is pointed and more personal. speaking out and taking a principled Johnson of Essex Jct. about the death in Iraq There must be accountability for the real stand to protect our democracy. They of her son Captain Pierre Piche´. reasons for this war. Keep up the investiga- raise valid concerns about the actions I am proud of the Vermonters pushing for tions. Keep up the pressure, and add to the of this administration and, if those ac- facts, prodding for accountability, and de- pressure by investigating the two people tions are allowed to go unchecked, the manding oversight. most responsible, Bush and Cheney. threat to democracy that we face. As I travel around the State, meeting with Your courage is needed because this war Their concerns are well-founded. Vermonters, I also hear a sense of optimism: has to end. But let me be clear, opinion is di- it is the optimism that comes from Congress Thank you. restoring the checks and balances that had for LISA JOHNSON, vided in Vermont about whether im- Essex Jct. Vermont. peachment is the right remedy and too long been lost and an optimism from see- whether it’s the right tactic, but what ing a Congress finally getting down to making WARNING FOR THE 2006 ANNUAL NEWFANE motivated this effort is a commonly progress with new priorities and a new direc- TOWN MEETING AND ANNUAL NEWFANE shared view that this administration tion for this country. SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING, NEWFANE UNION has grossly abused its power and pur- SENATE RESOLUTION 16 HALL, MARCH 7, 2006 sued terribly misguided policies. Whereas, President George W. Bush and The legal voters of the Town of Newfane, Madam Speaker, while I disagree Vice President Richard Cheney have exer- Vermont and the Town School District of with the tactic of impeachment, I com- cised the duties of their respective offices Newfane, Vermont, are hereby notified and pletely share the goal of restoring ac- with respect to both domestic and foreign af- warned that, pursuant to Title 17 VSA, Sec- countability and a new direction to our fairs in ways that raise serious questions of tion 2655, they are to meet at the Union Hall, in the Village of Newfane, Vermont on Tues- government. constitutionality, statutory legality, and abuse of the public trust, and day, March 7, 2006 at 9 a.m. to act upon the Our oversight investigations in Con- Whereas, the President’s conduct in his following Articles, to wit: gress have exposed egregiously sub- role as Commander in Chief in leading our Article 1: To elect all Newfane Town Offi- standard care at Walter Reed where we nation into the military conflict in Iraq, and cers and Newfane Town School District Offi- have heard about soldiers still recov- the Vice President’s continual advocacy for cers as required by law for the ensuing year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.120 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5023 (Voting on this article to be by Australian Article 15: To see if the voters of the Town U.S. House of Representatives file articles of Ballot from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.) will vote to raise $2,604 by taxation for the impeachment to remove him from office. Town: Constable 1 year term; Delinquent Valley Health Council. [In the budget] Article 30: To transact any other business Tax Collector 1 year term; Grand Juror 1 Article 16: To see if the voters of the Town that may legally come before the Town. year term; Lister 3 year term; Lister 1 year will vote to raise $2,500 by taxation for Grace Board of Selectmen School Directors: term; Moderator—Town 1 year term; Select- Cottage Foundation, which supports the Hendrik W. van Loon, Chairman; Johanna man 3 year term; Selectman two 1 year services of the Otis Health Care Center, in- Gardner, Co-Chairperson; Priscilla M. Cotton terms; Town Agent 1 year term; Town Clerk cluding Grace Cottage Hospital and Emer- Robert Gunther-Mohr, Co-Chairperson; Dan- 1 year term; Town/School Treasurer 1 year gency Room, Grace Cottage Family Health iel DeWalt Mikell Lasch; Patricia Halloran term; Trustees Moore Free Library; and Services, and Heins Home Community Care Lyssa Singleton; and Gary M. Katz James Building Fund five 1 year terms Home. [In the budget] Urbaska School: Moderator 1 year term; School Di- Article 17: To see if the voters of the Town Town of Newfane, Vermont Town of rector 3 year term; School Director two 1 will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Newfane, Vermont, February 1, 2006, Feb- year terms. $15,000 to help defray the cost of the Village Leland & Gray: Newfane Representative 3 ruary 3, 2006. of Newfane Sidewalk project on West Street year term and Newfane Representative 1 f (TH#1). year term. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Article 2: To see if the voters of the Town Article 18: To see if the voters will vote to and the Town School District will accept the exempt from taxation all real property of the previous order of the House, the gentle- annual report of the Auditor and other Town Incorporated Village of Newfane Union Hall woman from Tennessee (Mrs. Officers. building and land property (3 acre ?) for a pe- BLACKBURN) is recognized for 5 min- Article 3: To see what salaries and ex- riod of five years pursuant to 32 VSA ’ 3840. utes. penses the Town and the Town School Dis- Article 19: To see if the voters of the Town (Mrs. BLACKBURN addressed the will vote to exempt from taxation all real trict will vote to pay its Officers for the en- House. Her remarks will appear here- suing year. Town Clerk—$12.49/hour, not to property of the South Newfane Community exceed 40 hours per week; Town Treasurer— Association building and land (2 acre ?) for a after in the Extensions of Remarks.) $12.49/hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week; period of five years pursuant to 32 VSA ’ 3840. f Listers—$10.00/hour. Other Elected or Ap- Article 20: To see if the voters of the Town The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a will vote to exempt from taxation all real pointed Officers—$7.25/hour; School Treas- previous order of the House, the gentle- urer—$12.49/hour; Mileage reimbursement at property for the NewBrook Volunteer Fire 34 cents per mile. Association building and land (1.6 acres ?) for woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- Article 4: To see if the voters of the Town a period of five years pursuant to 32 VSA’ ognized for 5 minutes. and the Town School District will vote to 3840. (Ms. KAPTUR addressed the House. authorize the Selectmen and the School Dis- Article 21: To see if the voters of the Town Her remarks will appear hereafter in trict to borrow money in anticipation of will vote to exempt from taxation all real the Extensions of Remarks.) taxes and in anticipation of Federal & State property for the South Newfane/ Monies to be allocated to the Town and the Williamsville Fire Station and land (3 acre ?) f Town School District. for a period of five years pursuant to 32 VSA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Article 5: To see if the voters of the Town ’ 3840. previous order of the House, the gentle- will pay taxes for the ensuing fiscal year on Article 22: To see if the voters of the Town woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) a quarterly basis, due on the 15th of August, will vote to exempt from taxation all real is recognized for 5 minutes. October, January and April; and that the property of the Valley Lions Club property (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas ad- charge for interest be at the maximum legal (12.9 acres ?) for a period of five years pursu- rate of 1% per month for the first three ant to 32 VSA ’ 3832(7). dressed the House. Her remarks will months and 1.5% per month for each month Article 23: To see if the voters of the Town appear hereafter in the Extensions of thereafter until paid. will vote to exempt from taxation all real Remarks.) Article 6: To see if the voters of the Town property of the Williamsville School Preser- f School District will authorize operational vation Society (2 acre ?) for a period of five fund expenses in the amount of $1,582,195 for years pursuant to 32 VSA ’ 3832(6). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the coming year. Article 24: To see if the voters of the Town previous order of the House, the gen- Article 7: To transact any other business will vote to approve the expenditure from tleman from Illinois (Mr. HARE) is rec- that may legally come before the Town the Town Reappraisal Fund for town wide ognized for 5 minutes. School District. update of values for the real property in Article 8: To see if the voters of the Town (Mr. HARE addressed the House. His Newfane to be completed by May 1, 2007 for will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell remarks will appear hereafter in the an amount not to exceed $50,000. Extensions of Remarks.) or otherwise convey property acquired Article 25: To see if the voters of the Town through tax sale proceedings. will vote to raise by taxes the amount of f Article 9: Shall the voters of the Town of $75,000 to be added to the Capital Reserve Newfane instruct our State Representatives The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and Senators to oppose: any use of the State Fund to be used for future Capital needs. previous order of the House, the gen- Article 26: To see if the voters of the Town Education Fund for purposes that are out- tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN) will vote to authorize capital fund expendi- side the law’s original intent to make pay- is recognized for 5 minutes. tures in the amount of $357,142 as proposed in ments to school districts and supervisory (Mr. SHERMAN addressed the House. unions for the support of education; the the Capital needs plan for Fiscal Year 2007, with $146,642 to be used from the capital re- His remarks will appear hereafter in shifting of existing State General Fund ex- the Extensions of Remarks.) pense obligations to the Education Fund; serve funds. and the reduction of any existing State Gen- Article 27: To see if the voters of the Town f eral Fund revenue support to the Education will vote to authorize the Selectmen to bor- Fund? row up to $148,500 for Capital needs. THE OFFICIAL TRUTH SQUAD Article 10: To see if the voters of the Town Article 28: To see if the voters of the Town will authorize Town and Highway oper- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- $750 (Seven-hundred fifty dollars) for Con- ational expenditures in the amount of necticut River Transit, Inc. $980,658 for the coming year. uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Geor- Article 11 : To see if the voters of the Town Article 29: We the voters of Newfane would gia (Mr. PRICE) is recognized for 60 will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of like Town Meeting, March 2006, to consider minutes as the designee of the minor- $420 (Four-hundred twenty dollars) for West the following resolution: ity leader. River Watershed Alliance. Whereas George W. Bush has: Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam 1. Misled the nation about Iraq’s weapons Article 12: To see if the voters of the Town Speaker, I thank the Speaker so very will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of of mass destruction; $1,000 (One-thousand dollars) for 2. Misled the nation about ties between much for the opportunity for pre- Williamsville School Preservation Society. Iraq and Al Quaeda; senting once again before the House of Article 13: To see if the voters of the Town 3. Used these falsehoods to lead our nation Representatives. I want to thank my will vote to raise $3,760 by taxation for the into war unsupported by international law; leadership for allowing me to head up Visiting Nurse Alliance of Vermont & New 4. Not told the truth about American pol- and chair this hour that is a Special Hampshire (VNA of Southeastern Vermont icy with respect to the use of torture; and Order hour. It is an opportunity for us 5. Has directed the government to engage and the Southern Vermont Home Health in the minority party to come and try Agency). [In the budget] in domestic spying, in direct contravention Article 14: To see if the voters of the Town of U.S. law. to shed some light on some issues that will vote to raise $2,700 by taxation for Early Therefore, the voters of the town of frankly don’t get a whole lot of atten- Education Services. [In the budget] Newfane ask that our representative to the tion here on the floor of the House of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.063 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Representatives, and so I appreciate Madam Speaker, because I share my President of the United States has sent that opportunity once again. constituents’ frustration with much of to Congress his request for money, re- Madam Speaker, most of us go home the partisanship that goes on here and sources, for our fighting men and every weekend and visit our district, much of the sniping and the politics women in Afghanistan and Iraq, and if talk to constituents. It is a wonderful over policy that makes it so very dif- there was anything that demonstrated time to be able to go back and get ficult, very difficult to move our Na- politics over policy, it has been this grounded, go back to that touchstone tion forward. last 100 days. Very frustrating, Madam and those people that supported us as So we have developed a group that we Speaker, frustrating for me, and I we came to Washington, to try to as- call The Official Truth Squad, and its know that it is concerning and frus- sist in moving our country in the right desire, as I mentioned, is to try to shed trating for our constituents all across direction. some light on issues here before our this Nation, because what has hap- And I have been struck over the last Nation. We have a number of individ- pened has been a length of time that couple of months as I go home every uals that we like to point to as heroes was played out to just apparently get weekend and talk to my friends and over the history of our Nation. Many of headlines, it appeared to be. neighbors and fellow church-goers in our former Presidents were certainly And then there was a supplemental my Sixth District of Georgia on the individuals who sought the truth and bill that was brought to the floor of the north side of Atlanta, I have been sought to guide this Nation in a posi- House, and it had in addition to the struck by their concern about what ap- tive and an uplifting direction. money that had been requested to pears to be from their standpoint a One of the individuals that I like to allow our troops to defend themselves, continuing decrease in the level of ci- quote is Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Mr. it had in addition to that a peculiar set vility here in Washington. Moynihan was a Senator from the of directions, benchmarks, timelines, I am in my second term, initially State of New York, and he had mar- for our men and women and our gen- elected in 2004, and one of the things velous quips and marvelous phrases erals on the ground, so much so that that I thought I would hopefully be that he would use. One of them was they said, look, there isn’t any way able to have some effect on would be to this one right here. It says, ‘‘Everyone that we can accomplish what we need affect positively the level of rhetoric is entitled to their own opinion but to accomplish if you, Congress, adopt and the level of discourse here in Wash- they are not entitled to their own this bill, adopts this piece of legisla- ington, and the level of frustration facts.’’ Everyone’s entitled to their tion. that my constituents tell me they have own opinion but they are not entitled Many individuals on both sides of the regarding what’s going on here in to their own facts. aisle said, well, you’re absolutely right, Washington continues to increase. So I was struck by that, Madam So one of the things that I and some that sounds ridiculous. And so then Speaker, just last week as I was work- other Members of our conference have what happened was that in order for ing here late in the Capitol one tried to do is to come to the floor, try the majority party apparently to pass evening, happened to run into a couple to do it at least once a week, some- this piece of legislation, they kept add- who was in the hallway, obviously times we’re not able to do that, but ing money on to it. So money in Wash- tourists, and they were stopping at talk about issues in a light that is ington does not start with an M. It some of the statues here in the Capitol. hopefully more positive, hopefully re- starts with a B. So they kept adding They were interested in finding where spects the history of our Nation in a billions and billions and billions, over the gallery to the House of Representa- way that allows us to kind of glean the $20 billion, to the bill in order to allow role that we ought to play as the House tives was, and so I pointed them in the for folks on either side of the aisle who of Representatives and as Congress and right direction and happened to see had concerns, enough of them to be to hopefully chart out or to define a them up in the gallery. able to say, okay, well, I can justify I had some friends from home who path that will continue to allow our my vote for that bill if I am going to were visiting as well, and I got a children and our grandchildren to live get those kinds of resources. chance to talk to them in the hallway. in the finest Nation on the face of the And so that bill passed the House This young man was a physician. Come Earth. with a very slim margin and passed the In so doing, what we have tried to do to find out he was a doctor who was Senate, was sent to the President, the is to talk about truth, to talk about serving in our military, and in 2 days President promptly vetoed it. It came facts. So often in the world of politics, or 3 days from last week when I met back to the House of Representatives in fact we have heard it just within the him, he was on his way to Iraq. He was and was delayed for another 4 or 5 days last few moments, Madam Speaker, the on his way to try to help our men and by this majority, Madam Speaker. The issue of politics over policy. So often women who are standing in harm’s way only reason that anybody can deter- when folks come to the floor of the and trying to protect our liberty and mine was for, again, politics over pol- House they talk more about politics our freedom to make certain that they icy. than they do about policy, and I under- were given the finest care they possibly And just last week, another bill was stand that. People have to get elected could be given in a difficult situation. then adopted which had a peculiar ar- and I appreciate that, but when you’re He shared with me his frustration rangement that would allow for some talking about things that are so in- about the lack of not just civility but money to go for a while, and then if the credibly important to the future of this about the lack of attention to urgent Congress still agreed, within a month Nation, it would behoove us as a House problems. or two then there would be more of Representatives to endeavor as One of the things that we briefly money forthcoming. It was what many much as we can to work together and talked about was the responsibility of us have called war on the install- to try to come up with the best solu- that this Congress has to make certain ment plan, which is actually a worse tion for our Nation. that our men and women who are de- plan than the majority party came up All of us come from different back- fending liberty, defending us, making with initially. grounds. I happen to come from a pro- certain that our children and our b 1630 fession of medicine. I practiced medi- grandchildren can live in this great Na- cine for over 20 years, and medicine is tion for generations to come, and the Now, those are the facts. So that bill a little different endeavor than politics frustration that he had with the inabil- is passed, and we are waiting to see and legislating. In taking care of pa- ity of this Congress to make certain what happens from the Senate. tients what we try to do is try to work that the resources, the money that’s But I get back to the point of that together, all for a common goal, which needed to be able to allow our military young man who shared his frustration is to get the patient well obviously. So men and women to protect themselves and his concern with me about why it is a collegial activity. It tends to be and to protect us has not been forth- Congress can’t act on things that are an activity where we share information coming, and I shared my frustration so pressing for the security of our Na- and support one another. with him about that same event. tion and for those men and women who Would that were the case on the floor Madam Speaker, tomorrow I believe are serving in harm’s way. It just, it is of this House of Representatives, will be 100 days, 100 days since the very, very concerning to men and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.126 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5025 women across this Nation, that we, as lon. But we don’t have to go back that Mr. WESTMORELAND. Do you think a legislative body, the United States far to where gas was $2 a gallon. these are some of the same people that House of Representatives, can’t put I want to read a few quotes if I could, think increasing our taxes by the larg- politics aside and work for the good of for you, to the people and to the est tax increase in the history of this the Nation and work for the benefit Speaker. This was a quote: ‘‘Democrats country is going to make our economy and the security of our men and women have a plan to lower gas prices . . . join better? Could these be the same people who are defending our liberty and de- Democrats who are working to lower that think these economic policies are fending our freedom. gas prices now.’’ This was a quote from going to make us better? So I just offer that as what I am now-Speaker PELOSI back in April of Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Well, I appre- hearing from home. I suspect it’s what 2006, and I believe that gas was prob- ciate that observation as well, because many of my colleagues are hearing ably around $2 a gallon then. Now the that appears to be what they believe. from home as well. I am hopeful that Americans are paying $3.49 a gallon in But we are getting a little ahead of we will be able to move forward with a California. That doesn’t seem like that ourselves, because it’s important to clean bill, a bill that provides money much of a reduction in the price of gas. close the loop on this energy issue. for our men and women who are de- In fact, it looks like almost 100 percent Because what the majority party of- fending liberty and defending them- increase. fered was this remarkable smoke and selves in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another quote: ‘‘Democrats believe mirrors that said, as part of their 6 for We have got a number of folks who that we can do more for the American ’06, that if we just passed this bill, if we will be joining us today, I hope. We will people who are struggling to deal with just increased taxes on the oil com- talk about a number of issues, the war high gas prices . . . we have offered leg- pany, then what will happen is that supplemental, the budget and some islation that would actually do some- they will, by some miraculous deter- other items, I hope. thing about the rise in gasoline prices mination, lower the price of oil for But I am pleased to be joined by my ... ’’ This is a quote from Mr. HOYER. folks at the pump. good friend and colleague from Georgia That was back in 2005. I don’t know Well, as you well know, what in- (Mr. WESTMORELAND) and look forward what the gas prices were then in Mary- creases taxes on American oil compa- to your comments. I yield to you. land, but I know today in Maryland nies does is make it so that they are Mr. WESTMORELAND. Thank you, they are $2.98 a gallon. less likely to be able to compete in the Mr. PRICE. I appreciate you yielding So these are some more empty prom- world so that our reliance on foreign your time to me. I appreciate you com- ises; and not only empty promises, we oil gets greater. ing down here with the Truth Squad. got to see on some of the votes of the Mr. WESTMORELAND. Just to inter- Sometimes the truth is many things leadership, for the majority party, ex- rupt you one more time, because I to many people. But at the end of the actly how they vote. think this is important to understand day, it’s still the truth. As you know, If you look at the ANWR drilling, no, that those tax increases on an oil com- sometimes the truth is ugly. I thought no, no. No, no, no. If you look at the re- pany really come from doing away with one of the comments you were making fineries, where we wanted to expand the tax credits they were getting for about the war supplemental bill, the our capability of our refineries, and be new exploration on finding new oil. very truth of what took place to get able to refine more oil, no, no, no. I am Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Absolutely, that bill passed was very ugly. anxious, aren’t you, to see what their without a doubt. There are some real In fact, this new ethical majority result is going to be? I am ready for the keys, pivotal keys to the real solution that came up, I felt, was pretty inter- answer. to our energy challenges. One of them esting, that, you know, one of the They have left us hanging long is conservation. We can all do more in things was not leaving the vote held enough. They have left us hanging for the area of conservation. We can all open to change the outcome, which we 2 years, and 1 year, as to what their an- probably do more on conservation. have seen several times, that it actu- swer is going to be to relieve these gas Probably the long-term solution is ally happened; the earmark reform, prices, to lower them. If anything, some type of alternative fuel. We have which is another smoke and mirror since the election in 2006, the gas prices done a lot for that. In fact, most Mem- that has gone along. Then I think one have gone straight up. bers of the majority party are on of the other things was this big lobby So, you know, either they don’t want record as opposing rewards for the pro- reform about buying votes, and I think to do what it takes to lower the gas vision of alternative fuel. they called it a ‘‘culture of corrup- prices, they don’t know what it will But one of the mainstays, especially tion.’’ take to lower the gas prices, or the in the short-term, is to provide Amer- But I think what we have seen since very economic policies they have ican energy for Americans. So, pecu- January is actually an in-house culture adopted in this 110th Congress have liarly, what this majority party did, of corruption and the fact that they caused the gas prices to go up. and it’s perplexing, frankly, because it had to buy 218 votes. So that’s some- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate doesn’t solve anything, is to pass a bill thing that’s unique to the situation, the gentleman’s perspective on the to increase taxes on American oil com- because, typically, you don’t think issue of energy, because it’s extremely panies, again, which makes us less about using other people’s money to important, because I hear that at home competitive in the world, makes us buy votes, but that’s what they are as well. Folks are frustrated by the more reliant on foreign oil, and, frank- doing. They are using the taxpayer dol- level of inactivity by this Congress as ly, it means that what we do is finance lar, and, like you said, Congressman, it relates to many things, and cer- those folks who like us less to a great- it’s up into the billions now. I believe tainly in the area of gas prices. er degree. That doesn’t seem to make a it was $20 billion that it cost them to As you recall, Congressman WEST- whole lot of sense. get that 218 vote. MORELAND, and I know you appreciate Mr. WESTMORELAND. I found two Let’s talk about something else for a that what we heard out of this new ma- more quotes I found interesting: minute, because, I think the new ma- jority was that their bill, earlier this ‘‘House Democrats have a plan to help jority party labeled the 109th Congress year, their part of their 6 for ’06 plan curb rising gas prices.’’ Now, this is the do-nothing Congress, and we have was going to solve a lot of the problems Mr. JIM CLYBURN from South Carolina labeled this, being the Truth Squad, as it related to energy, and what was who said that on July 6 of 2006. Gas and the honest people that we are, the that plan? prices in South Carolina are now $2.81. smoke-and-mirrors Congress. As you will remember, that plan was There is another one that says: So I want to talk about some of the to increase taxes on American oil com- ‘‘With gasoline and other prices rising, empty promises, some of the smoke panies. Increased taxes on American oil America’s middle-class families de- and mirrors that we have all been talk- companies was somehow going to be serve better . . . Nobody thinks $2.50 a ing about. One of the things we can all this grand plan that would make it so gallon is cheap; it’s still expensive.’’ relate to is high gas prices. Mr. PRICE, that those mean and awful oil compa- Now that came from the Democratic it’s hard to believe that we talk about nies wouldn’t be making so much Caucus Chairman RAHM EMANUEL on the good old days of gas being $2 a gal- money. June 2 of 2006. So, evidently, gas prices

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.127 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5026 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 were around $2.50 then. Now, in Illinois, Our party has had a tremendously concerned about the budget that the they are $3.23. strong record of conservation. You can Democrat leadership has brought for- So, do you think, being the Truth go back to Teddy Roosevelt and look at ward that would be the single largest Squad, that this could just be smoke the efforts that he had toward con- tax increase in history. and mirrors to get people to believe serving this Nation’s natural resources These are women who have stepped that they had some kind of answer to and the legacy that was put in place forward. They are taking a risk. They reduce these gas prices to make Ameri- there, and how we have moved forward are taking the responsibility of run- cans make it easier for us to meet our through the decades now to where we ning a company, and now they are get- energy needs here within this country, look at our environment and energy ting ready to be hit with the single without going to foreign imports? and, say, you know, we passed a good largest tax increase in history by a So that seems to be the indication bill in 2005. It brought forward, moved leadership that I guess does not under- that this is just more smoke and mir- forward, a lot of our alternative energy stand the necessity of being a small rors that the 110th Congress, then the sources, our renewable resources, and business owner and looking at those minority, was telling the American allowed for additional exploration of books, being a single mom and wanting public to become the majority. It’s those natural resources that we have deductibility for that child tax credit; kind of like a barking dog behind the here. small business owners that are sharing fence. As long as that dog is behind the Now it is time for us to push it a lit- in the ownership of this; married cou- fence, he is going to bark and say and tle bit further down the pike. That’s ples that are looking for marriage pen- do things to make you think he is what the American people want to see. alty relief that want to continue small going to get out and get something They know that fuel prices are high. business expensing. And every time done. But when you open that gate he They understand that. They know that they turn around, the government is becomes a little whimpering Chi- our electricity use is going to increase wanting to take more of their pay huahua, does nothing. I think that’s over the next couple of decades. They check. what we see in here, a bunch of little understand that. They accept that. My constituents want to know that Chihuahuas whimpering around. What they want us to do is to get the they’ve got first right of refusal on I do thank you. I thank you for your costs down, to be certain that we have that pay check, not the Federal Gov- time. I think the gentlelady from Ten- access to an ample supply of affordable ernment. They know government has a nessee may want to add something to energy. spending problem. It doesn’t have a that. I appreciate the opportunity. revenue problem. Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate And as I’ve said many times on this your comments so much. I think it’s your passion about this and the infor- floor, a lot of my constituents believe important. It’s called smoke and mir- mation that you bring. I suspect you if 10 percent is good enough for God, 10 rors; I think that’s an apt title. I talk see what I see at home, and you hear percent is good enough for the govern- about politics over policy, which is what I hear at home, that is, that ment. And they feel like we should do what frustrates me, frustrates so many Americans want us to be working to- a better job of managing the people’s of our constituents at home. wards solutions. They want us to come I am so pleased to be joined by my up with solutions and make certain money, and they are exactly right. friend from Tennessee, Congresswoman that we are working together to put Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Will the gentlelady yield? MARSHA BLACKBURN, who is a strong those solutions on the table and move Mrs. BLACKBURN. Indeed, I will. leader on the Energy and Commerce them forward so that we can work to Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate Committee. I look forward to your get that American energy. you bringing up the issue of the largest comments on this issue and others. What they are concerned about is the Mrs. BLACKBURN. I thank the gen- lack of solutions that they see being tax increase in American history that tleman so very much. I am pleased that put on the table by the current major- was passed by this majority on this we are talking about the issue that so ity party. floor. And folks at home say, well that can’t be true. That just can’t be true. many Americans are talking about b 1645 right now, and that is the energy needs We can’t allow that to happen. What of our country. Mrs. BLACKBURN. If the gentleman are they doing? One thing that you touched on, I will yield. That is indeed one of their And what they’re doing is displayed think, that is just so vitally important frustrations. in this chart right here, as you well to see, the solutions that we work to- And one of my constituents this past know, because all of these tax rates, all ward are going to be American solu- weekend said to me, you know, I appre- of these tax rates, given the budget tions, and it is not going to be some- ciate all the talk that’s out there that has been adopted by this House, thing that is simple, or you can’t about the environment. I appreciate will increase to significant levels in change it with the stroke of a pen. This the talk that is out there about energy. relatively short order. Ordinary income is something we are going to have to But, let me tell you something. Glob- going from the top rate of 35 percent to work our way out of, things we can do al warming is not a national security 39.6, capital gains going from 15 per- right now. Right now, through con- issue. And what I don’t like is the fact cent to 20 percent, dividends going servation efforts, things that we can do that the liberal left is taking money from 15 percent to 39.6 percent, estate over the next decade, through explo- out of homeland security. They’re tak- tax goes from 0 percent in 2010 to 55 ration, through the innovation, things ing money out of intelligence. They’re percent. That’s the death tax. It goes that we can work over the next 25, 30 diverting funds from all sorts of budg- to 55 percent in 2011. The child tax years toward, as we look at diversifica- ets up here to study their fascination credit cut in half. And the lowest tax tion of our supplies, and commer- with global warming. And that is some- bracket, amazingly enough, goes from cialization of new technologies and new thing that our constituents are not 10 to 15 percent, which is a 50 percent forms of fuel. happy with. And as one of my constitu- increase. But the thing is, when you look at all ents said to me, I don’t think global Mrs. BLACKBURN. If the gentleman of that diversity, and having a wide, warming had one single thing to do would yield, that is their projections broad answer, a sustainable American with September 11. for right now. We are just a few months energy policy, we know, it is American They want us to focus on what should into the new majority, and it took solutions that will lead us to being free be our priorities. And as we’re talking them just a couple of days to increase of the influx of foreign oil and foreign about the budget and the priorities of regulations and increase spending. It energy sources into our country. I the House, one of the things we have took them a couple of months to start think that what we have to do is look continued to hear so much about is a raising taxes, and look at where at the steps we are going to take over tremendous amount of concern from they’ve gotten. They already are the next couple of years and the next the small business people that are in spending so much more than they couple of decades as being more or less our district, all of our small business should be that at this point this is next level steps to the building blocks owners, especially our female-owned where they are. And we haven’t even that we have put in place. small businesses who are extremely gotten through the first year of this.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.128 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5027 We haven’t even gotten through the Mr. MCCARTHY of California. lowest tax bracket, it’s going to cost first budget. And we would see those Madam Speaker, I just want to con- you more. rates on ordinary income tax go from gratulate this Member because I truly Now, I want to put it in perspective, 35 to 39.6 percent on January 1, 2011. believe more people are listening than because this is something that this That’s 1/1/11. And that is when they we’ve been hearing about. We see floor doesn’t talk about. What is the would raise that. We would see that Nielsen’s ratings out there and we see day-to-day life of an American? How do child tax credit cut in half. We would a number of people that watch C– they pay taxes? Do they pay enough see cap gains go back up, and we’re just SPAN. But I must tell you, there must taxes? Well, I want to give you an aver- a few months into this. This is the Hold be more because when I was sitting in age day. A person wakes up, they go in on to Your Wallet Congress, and I my office, I was reading headlines, and and they take a shower. Do you know, would recommend that people hold on the headline recently said, Congress when they turn that water on they are to that wallet because they want to get has its lowest approval rating to date: paying a water tax? their hand on your pay check. And I 29 percent of the United States ap- They get ready for work. They go yield back. proves of what Congress is doing. And out, maybe they stop off at a coffee Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate that means nothing. shop, buy a cup of coffee. They pay a the gentlelady’s perspective on that be- And I believe that a lot is coming tax on that coffee. cause it is so true. And when folks from what you’re talking about. You’re They look at their gas gauge. They think about the ordinary income going giving people truth and accountability go to the gas station. I am in Cali- up from 35 to 39.6 percent they say, on what’s gone on in this new majority fornia, paid $3.49 a gallon. A lot of that well, that, you know, that’s just all and what has happened in this new ma- was in tax. those folks who are at the top, all jority. Then I go into work. For the first 3 those rich folks. Well, as you men- And that’s really what I want to talk hours of work, I’m just paying State tioned and so clearly stated, that in- about today. Not much has moved. It’s and Federal tax. Lo and behold, maybe cludes all the small businesses, and more about doing nothing. You talk I’m like most of Americans, I have to what that means is jobs for America. about they are talking about putting move in my job. I have to be able to go And so the largest tax increase in the politics before policies. And what I’d to other places to be able to sell be- history of our Nation is what has been like to talk about today is actually a cause it’s a global economy. I buy an passed on the floor of this House. Very solution. I’d like to talk about putting airline ticket, I pay an airline tax. I frustrating. And when you talk with people before politics. That’s where we rent a car when I get there. I pay a reasonable folks on the other side of have to have a new direction and a new rental tax. I go and work part of the the aisle about this, they say, oh, well, change. day. I come home, turn on the TV we’re not going to do all that. We’re When you look at some of the graphs maybe to see our good speaker here on going to change some of those num- that are sitting down on that floor, you television. I pay a cable tax. bers. We’re going to make it so that will see, and it is a direct comparison And lo and behold that I was able to the lowest rate isn’t 15 percent, it of what policy the Republicans believe put a little money away after they tax comes back down to 10. in and the policy the Democrats be- me from morning till night, and I in- But the problem is that their budget lieve in. vest. I invest for my family. I invest has spent all of the money that’s to A headline that I read just the other for my children to go to college. I in- come from all of these tax increases. day was the largest amount of money vest and take the risk and hopefully I So if they’re not going to get that coming in on April 15 in the record of got a little reward. And maybe I invest money from one spot, then they’ve got the United States of America. The in some property. Maybe I invest in the to get it from another and raise them largest amount. And how did we come stock market. And because the Repub- even more. about doing that? We lowered taxes. It licans lowered the tax and more people So, Madam Speaker, I think that it is said, if you let people keep more of are paying dividends, so I’m getting a clear that this is a real problem that what they earn, they will invest. And greater income and my kids can go to the American people are beginning to what happens when they invest? They a maybe more expensive college. Then appreciate, that the leadership that create more jobs. When you create maybe I can afford to send my kids to they thought they were electing in No- more jobs, you create more home- Disneyland a little more. Maybe I can vember of 2006 is, in fact, not the lead- owners. When you create more home- afford to spend time with my family a ership that they are getting. Again, owners and more jobs, more people are little more, and that’s what Americans politics over appropriate policy. able to go to college, get a greater edu- want. This is a pie chart, Madam Speaker, cation. That’s talking about putting But lo and behold, if I invested and I that demonstrates who’s going to be the people before politics. got a return on my investment, and I paying all those new taxes. And it It all goes back to the 2003 tax relief wanted to leave some money for my talks about the billions, billions and bill, much of what your graph will say. children and my grandchildren, what billions of dollars that will be sup- It’ll show greater job creation the Re- do the Democrats answer with? They posedly raised by those. In fact, what publicans went out to do, and it’ll show answer they want 55 percent of that. will happen is that it will so depress greater investment and, in the end, They don’t even want half. They want the economy that it is not likely that greater amounts of money to America 55 percent. Because you decided to in- you’ll see those kinds of revenues. In today. vest in America, they think you owe fact, what will happen is that we’ll see And what happens? It comes down to the government. fewer jobs, fewer amount of revenue to tell us that this is not a revenue prob- What do Republicans say? Keep it the Federal Government, and a signifi- lem in our deficit. It is a spending and add on. Why? Because we believe cant change in what is a relatively problem. But the Democrats look at it that’s your money. We believe the cap- good economic picture at the current all different. They believe they should ital is good for America, good for the time. take more of what you earn. And I investment. It helps us to be more I am pleased to be joined by my good know I’ve said it before on this floor competitive in a global economy. Yeah, friend from California (Mr. MCCARTHY), but I want to say it again. When you you’re becoming more efficient; that KEVIN MCCARTHY, who is a member, of, put people before politics, let’s talk you should, if you owned a small busi- I believe a member of the Budget Com- about taxes. Let’s talk about what the ness, invest in new equipment because mittee, and has been involved in cer- Democrats proposed in their 100 days of your employees will be able to be more tainly budgetary aspects and budg- increasing taxes which, Madam Speak- efficient. America will be more effi- etary planning at the State level. And er, our speaker just said on this floor, cient, and that’s what this Congress we’re pleased to have you join us here increasing taxes in every realm. If you has produced. in Washington this term as a new have children, it’s going to cost you There is a direct change in this Con- Member of the House of Representa- more. If you’re married, it’s going to gress, and I applaud this individual on tives and look forward to your com- cost you more. If you’re elderly, it’s the floor, Mr. PRICE, because from the ments this evening. going to cost you more. If you’re in the standpoint I believe more people are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.129 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 listening. If it’s rating a 29 percent, lack of accountability here. You see Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam your Truth Squad is getting out that the unemployment rate continue to go Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman’s accountability is lacking here in Con- down from 2003. Why? Because if people contributing this afternoon and his gress today. are able to keep more of what they perspective. And I would like to just talk to you earn, they are able to invest. And it is so appropriate and so uplift- a little longer about this. Maybe you We want America to be the most ing, frankly, to have Members in the can dwell on a little more, you have a competitive, to be able to be the most House of Representatives who under- graph down there. Maybe you can talk productive, and you need capital to do stand and appreciate the connection a little bit about what you see from the that. And do you know what else you between cause and effect, the connec- 2003 plan to today’s plan as well. want? You want the creation of small tion between the actions that we take Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I appreciate business. You want everybody across here and then what happens out in the the gentleman and the comments that the board to have the opportunity for real world. And it is one of those he makes about every single tax that the American dream. things, Madam Speaker, that frus- we pay with every single thing we do is Well, if you are taking a savings ac- trates my constituents and I know it so apt because this new majority seems count that you maybe want to invest frustrates Americans all across this to believe that, well, in everything in your family, to invest for them in Nation who are concerned that there they do, seem to believe that they have the next 21st century, to invest them are fewer and fewer individuals in this got a better idea. They’ve got better in the ability to have a small business, House of Representatives that appre- solutions. They know better than the invest them in taking a risk and a lit- ciate that connection. I want to mention just a few more American people about how they ought tle reward, you don’t want to give 55 items as it relates to the economy and to do most anything, and especially percent to the government. You want as it relates to our current situation how they ought to spend their money. to be able to hand it down. and, hopefully, what will occur with And when I talk to my good friends Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Exactly right. the policies that are adopted by this on the other side of the aisle who ap- Mr. MCCARTHY of California. And House of Representatives and this Con- pear to be interested in making certain don’t you want your grandchildren to gress. that America sustains this economic be able to have a greater opportunity, greater education? It is not just the This is a chart, Madam Speaker, that vitality that it has, and you ask them, demonstrates the unemployment rate. well, how did that vitality come about, undergraduates we look at. As I told you before, I have two kids And as you will recall, at the beginning and you point to things like this chart of this decade, the unemployment rate demonstrates, which is where job cre- at home: Connor, who is 13; and Meghan, who is 10. And when I look at was increasing significantly and got up ation was before the appropriate tax to almost 6.5 percent in the early part reductions and what happened after- their education and we sit around our kitchen table, my wife Judy and I, all of 2003. If you were to look at this ward, it’s as clear as the nose on your graph and to believe and appreciate face or the drawing before you. Before we do is talk about the future for our children. And I am not worried about that a low unemployment rate means a tax cuts were put in place, there was a vibrant economy, that people are work- staggering job growth and mostly neg- our children competing with somebody from another part of California or even ing, that people are being able to sup- ative job creation. But something hap- port their family, that they are able to pened in 2003, as you pointed out. somebody in different parts of Amer- ica. Do you know whom our children change jobs, that they are able to move Something happened. up in the job market, that is what hap- are going to compete with? It is a glob- pens when you have a low unemploy- b 1700 al economy. They are going to compete ment rate. And anything below about 5 And it resulted in huge, significant with the kids in India and China. And percent is considered to be an ex- job growth, job increase, across this I will tell you in India and China they tremely vibrant economy. Nation. Literally 49 of the 50 States don’t have a 55 percent tax rate on the So something happened in 2003 to re- have increased employment since 2003. death tax. They don’t hold their chil- sult in a steady decline in the unem- And one would think that if you had dren back like we are holding ours ployment rate over the last 3 or 4 the responsibility for determining what back. We don’t have the opportunity to years. And what happened in 2003, the economic policies of this Nation grow. And this economy is competitive. again, is that we, Congress, and this ought to be that you would look at And for us to stay that way, we need administration allowed for Americans that point and you would say, well, it actually a new direction in this Con- to keep more of their hard-earned would help me understand what hap- gress where the people are before poli- money. Now, when you look at that, it pened then in order to continue the tics. And the one thing I have seen in is an important thing to appreciate. It economic growth that we have seen. these 100 or so days, this November is also important to recognize that And it is clear that this job creation, election never ended, that we continue cause and effect. But it is also impor- this job growth, was a direct result of to have politics on this floor in each tant to look at some other numbers allowing Americans to keep more of and every way we go about doing it. We and kind of dig a little deeper into their hard-earned money. So it is with- should now start talking about solu- what was the consequence, what hap- out doubt that we need to continue tions. How do we solve the problems? pened with the decreases in taxes. those policies, in fact, to increase the How do we make America energy inde- As I mentioned, job growth, 88,000 ability for Americans to keep their pendent? Not how we simply fund new jobs were gained in just this past own money and, therefore, continue greater dictators, not that we buy as April, with nearly 2 million new jobs the wonderful growth that we have much oil from Venezuela as we do from being created over the last 12 months. had. America, and you listen to what Mr. Our Nation has added nearly 8 million I am pleased to yield to the gen- Chavez says about America, ‘‘ending new jobs since August of 2003. And, tleman. the evil empire.’’ We want to make Madam Speaker, sometimes those Mr. MCCARTHY of California. You America and this world safer, freer, numbers just kind of get lost. You say make a great point. Numbers don’t lie. and leave it a better place for our own 8 million new jobs or nearly 8 million You see it in a graph. You see it in the children. And we are not going to do it new jobs, and it is tough to know facts. You see it on April 15, the high- with the change in direction in this whether or not that is good or bad est revenue ever to come in. Congress. We are not going to be able compared to maybe what the rest of Now, why do we continue to have to achieve those goals. the world is creating. What is hap- these deficits? Because it is a spending That is why I want to congratulate pening in the rest of the world? problem, not a revenue problem. Just you on the work you have done because Well, Madam Speaker, 7.8 million as when you live at your own house, you are bringing accountability to this new jobs since August of 2003, that is you balance your checkbook. If you floor. You are letting the American more new jobs than all other major in- have got more money coming in, how people see it. And what we want to de- dustrialized countries combined. That come you are going further into debt? rive from that are solutions, bringing is more than all other major industri- Because of the management and the people back before politics. alized countries combined. That is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.130 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5029 more than England plus France plus earned money, what happened, Madam And the more Americans that are will- Spain plus Italy plus Scandinavia plus Speaker, is a remarkable thing, and ing to do that, I have all the faith in Japan plus all other industrialized that is a significant and huge increase the world that we will continue to be a countries combined. That is phe- in the amount of money coming into wonderful and productive and success- nomenal, Madam Speaker. It would be- the Federal Government. ful Nation. hoove us to delve into why that has It ought not have been a mystery. However, if we as a nation decide, no, happened. Many people predicted it. Many people we as a government know best, that we Our economy has seen job gains for 44 said that is exactly what would hap- ought to tell you what to do, that we straight months, and employment has pen, and they knew that because that ought to tell you where to go, we ought increased in 47 States. I think I should is what happened throughout history. to tell you how much you can make, correct myself. I think I said 49 States President Reagan knew it when he de- that we ought to tell you when you earlier. It is 47 States within the last creased taxes on the American people make too much, what that does is sti- year. So the lower unemployment rate and saw increasing revenue to the Fed- fle ingenuity and it stifles creativity that we see, 4.5 percent, among the eral Government. President Kennedy and it stifles entrepreneurship and it lowest in the past 6 years. And, Madam knew it when he enacted appropriate says, no, we don’t want you to be suc- Speaker, that rate is lower than the decreases in taxes on the American cessful. We only want you to do this average for the 1960s, for the 1970s, for people in the early 1960s, and what we much, not more. We don’t want you to the 1980s, and for the 1990s. That rate is saw as a Nation at that time was an in- truly reach your full potential. We just lower than the average unemployment crease in revenue to the Federal Gov- want you to do this much. We don’t rate during those periods of time. ernment. want you to dream big dreams because Economic growth, this economy that So, Madam Speaker, it is important that wouldn’t be a decision that we has been in transition has shown a sus- that we look at the cause and effect. have made. Your dream may be at odds tainable growth path, an increasing What we do here makes a difference in with some decision that Washington path over a period of time. Real GDP everything. It has consequences for the makes. growth is up 1.3 percent in the first American people. And so when you Madam Speaker, that is not the quarter of this year and 2.1 percent have positive activity in our Nation as America that I know. That is not the over the last four quarters. Household it relates to the economy, positive job American value that I was taught. spending, what are moms and dads growth, positive numbers coming into That is not the American vision that I across this Nation spending? Well, the Federal Government, positive busi- have and that so many of my col- their spending is up 3.8 percent, and it ness investment, increasing home- leagues have. remains strong and really is expected ownership, low inflation, low unem- So the Taxpayer Bill of Rights that to be that kind of firm foundation upon ployment, it behooves us to figure out we have introduced in this Congress, which we continue this positive eco- why that happened. It happened be- Federal Taxpayer Bill of Rights, says a nomic activity. But it will only con- cause we allowed more Americans to number of things, positively says a tinue, Madam Speaker, if we are re- keep more of their hard-earned money, number of things. It says that tax- sponsible and set appropriate policies and we ought to continue those poli- payers across this Nation have a right that will allow Americans to keep cies. to a Federal Government that does not more of their hard-earned money. Now, one of the great concerns that I grow beyond their ability to pay for it. By the same token, business invest- have, Madam Speaker, is that I don’t And what does that mean, Madam ment continues to increase. Capital in- sense any amount of willingness on the Speaker? What that means is that this vestment turned up in the first quar- part of our new majority to continue bill, if enacted, would appropriately re- ter. As my good friend from California those appropriate policies. And, frank- duce the size of government or limit mentioned just a moment ago, tax re- ly, I don’t sense a whole lot of willing- the size in the growth of government to ceipts were up. Tax receipts rose 11.8 ness on the part of a majority of Con- an increase in the population of our percent in fiscal year 2006 on top of a gress on both sides of the aisle to do Nation plus a cost-of-living adjustment 14.6 percent increase in 2005. And so far what needs to be done in the area of so that the government could rise but this year, we have seen growth of 11.5 spending. As my good friend said ear- no more than the increase in popu- percent. And that is what is con- lier, we don’t have a revenue problem lation and the increase in inflation. founding to our good friends on the left here in Washington; we have a spend- That is a restraint on the kind of who don’t seem to appreciate the cause ing problem. And it is clear that that spending that occurs on both sides of and effect of allowing Americans to spending problem continues regardless the aisle here in Washington. That is keep more of their money. In fact, of the party in power. the kind of positive solution that I and what they say over and over is, well, So I am one of those who believes many people support. the government needs more money in that there needs to be some restraints, We believe in American values and an order to X-Y-Z. Even if you believe some process restraints that ought to American vision and a Taxpayer Bill of that all of the things that Washington be put in place in order to decrease the Rights that says that taxpayers have a does are appropriate and even if you level of spending appropriately and right to receive back every dollar they believed that there was no waste and make certain that we hold people ac- entrust to the government for their re- that there was no fraud and that there countable and that we make certain tirement. was no abuse that you could squeeze that people are being responsible with out of the system, even if you believe the hard-earned money that Americans b 1715 that, what we see happens when you send to Washington, which is why I The issue of entitlements, Madam decrease taxes, when you allow Ameri- support a Federal Taxpayer Bill of Speaker, we haven’t even touched on cans to keep more of their hard-earned Rights. this afternoon, but it’s an important money, is that revenue increases. So, And I have labeled this chart ‘‘Amer- issue. The issue of Social Security is Madam Speaker, what we see here on ican Values and American Vision’’ be- one that is extremely important be- this chart is a chart that demonstrates cause, Madam Speaker, I believe that cause it was a program that was put in Federal revenue. That is the amount of it is an American value to allow indi- place a number of decades ago, and it money coming into the Federal Gov- viduals to keep the benefits of their was put in place at a time when there ernment in billions of dollars. And over labor. I believe that the more we allow were 15 or 16 workers for every retiree, the first part of this decade, we saw a individuals to derive the benefits of a wonderful program to have in place steady decline in the amount of money their labor and their hard work and to allow for seniors to have some nest coming into the Federal Government. their entrepreneurship and their inge- egg or some cushion that they could And then once again that magic line, nuity that what we will do is create rely on when they retire. It also, curi- that magic point in time in 2003, when more Americans who will strive to do ously, Madam Speaker, as you likely this Congress acted responsibly, along more, who will strive to create more, know, was put in place at a time when with this administration, and allowed who will strive to risk more, who will the average life expectancy in this Na- Americans to keep more of their hard- strive to do more in order to succeed. tion was less than when the benefits

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.132 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 would begin. That is the kind of pro- must have more than just 50 percent Why? Because today, the U.S. national gram that the Federal Government plus one. We must convince a super- debt is $8,821,563,738,020. And I ran out likes. It means that you don’t nec- majority, a vast number of the individ- of room, but right here it should say 12 essarily get what you put into the pro- uals who serve in this body from all cents. And for every man, woman and gram itself. across this Nation, that a tax increase child in America, your share of the na- We believe that American taxpayers is absolutely necessary. It is one of the tional debt is $29,225.95. It is what we have the right to receive every dollar provisions that we had in place for the refer to as the debt tax, d-e-b-t, which back that they put into the Social Se- last 12 years, from 1994 to 2006. It’s one is one tax that cannot be cut; it cannot curity program. We believe that the of the things that was changed on the go away until we get our Nation’s fis- Social Security trust fund money very first day of this new Congress, cal house in order. ought not be spent on anything but So- that a supermajority was no longer re- It is hard now to believe, but from cial Security retirement benefits. We quired. It is one of the reasons, Madam 1998 to 2001, we had a balanced budget believe that is a right that Americans Speaker, why there was no significant in this country of ours. And now, under have. We believe that is a responsi- tax increase over the last 12 years. One the past 6 years of Republican rule, bility that this Congress has in a posi- of the reasons, Madam Speaker, that with the Republicans controlling the tive way to say we will limit the spend- we’ve seen a significant increase in White House, the House and the Sen- ing of that money to what it was in- economic productivity across this Na- ate, after 6 years we’ve got the largest tended for. We believe in American val- tion over the last 4 years is because of debt ever in our Nation’s history and ues and American vision, that Federal appropriate tax decreases and not al- the largest deficit ever in our Nation’s taxpayers have a right to a balanced lowing increases by just a slim major- history. In fiscal year 2004, it was $568 budget without raising taxes. ity. billion. In fiscal year 2005, it was $493.6 There are a number of ways that you So, Madam Speaker, I am honored to billion. In fiscal year 2006 it was $434 can get to balancing the budget. You come to the floor this afternoon and to billion. Fiscal year 2006 it was $247 bil- can get to it by increasing taxes. You share an American value, American vi- lion, and the projected deficit for fiscal can tax businesses and you can tax peo- sion that talks about positive things year 2007 is $172 billion, but not really. ple, successful people and folks all about our Nation and congratulates The projected deficit for fiscal year across this Nation who work for a liv- the men and women around this Nation 2007 is $357 billion. When they tell you ing. You can tax them and take more who are working hard, who are trying it’s only $172 billion, they’re not count- of their hard-earned money and for the to earn for their families and save for ing the money they’re borrowing from short term you can balance the budget. their retirement, who are trying to the Social Security trust fund. Yes, you can. contribute to their own American When I first came to Congress in 2001, But the way to responsibly balance Dream. the first bill I wrote was a bill to tell the budget that embraces American I believe that it is an incredible the politicians in Washington to keep values and that embraces American vi- honor to serve in this United States their hands off the Social Security sion and that allows people to succeed House of Representatives. I believe it is trust fund. The Republican leadership and dream and work hard and have the incumbent on every single Member of refused to give me a hearing or a vote benefits of their labor, the way to do this House to respect and value the on that bill, and now we know why, be- that responsibly is not to take more of hard work that each and every Amer- cause they are using that money to their money. The way to do that re- ican performs each and every single fund our debt. $357 billion deficit pro- sponsibly is to decrease spending, is to day, regardless of the job that they’re jected for fiscal year 2007, and much of decrease and restrain the growth of doing. Every single job has merit and that is coming, about half of that is government, and to make it so that the worth and is deserving of our respect. coming from the Social Security trust Federal Government does what the And one of the ways that we ought to fund. Where is the rest of it coming Federal Government ought to and respect it is to allow men and women from? It’s coming from foreigners. In ought do only. And that requires, I be- across this Nation to keep more of fact, this administration has borrowed lieve, Madam Speaker, a balanced their hard-earned money and to be re- more money from foreigners in the budget amendment. sponsible with the spending that we past 6 years than the previous 42 Presi- As I mentioned, folks on both sides of perform here at the Federal level. dents combined. Let me repeat that. the aisle have difficulty with spending So I am honored to have presented This administration has borrowed more too much of the American taxpayers’ that American vision and that Amer- money from foreigners in the past 6 hard-earned money. We believe that a ican value to my colleagues today. years than the previous 42 Presidents balanced budget amendment is impera- Madam Speaker, I appreciate that op- combined. My good friend and a found- tive. portunity. er of the Blue Dogs, JOHN TANNER, put We believe also that Federal tax- I yield back the balance of my time. it best when he said, If China decides to payers have a right to fundamental and f invade Taiwan, we will have to borrow fair tax reform. My good friend from more money from China to defend Tai- Tennessee mentioned earlier that on BLUE DOG COALITION DEFICITS wan. January 1, 2011, 1/1/11, that this new AND DEBT BACKGROUND David Letterman has a top 10 list, majority is destined for the largest tax The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under and we’ve got one, too. The U.S. is be- increase in the history of this Nation. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- coming increasingly dependent on for- We believe that that’s wrong. We be- uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Ar- eign lenders. Foreign lenders currently lieve that the manner in which this kansas (Mr. ROSS) is recognized for 60 hold a total of about $2.199 trillion of Federal Government gains revenue sti- minutes as the designee of the major- our public debt. Compare this to only fles entrepreneurship, stifles vision, ity leader. $623.3 billion in foreign holdings back hurts dreams, harms success, says to Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, this in 1993. Again, this administration in folks who are working hard out there evening, as most Tuesday evenings, I the past 6 years has borrowed more across this Nation, Don’t do that. rise on behalf of the 43 member strong, money from foreign central banks and Don’t work hard. That’s not what you fiscally conservative Democratic Blue foreign investors than the previous 42 want to do, because if you do that, we Dog Coalition. We are 43 fiscally con- Presidents combined. will just take more of your money. servative Democrats that are com- Japan, $637.4 billion. The United That is not the America I dream about mitted to restoring common sense and States of America has borrowed $346.5 and I believe in. So we believe that fun- fiscal discipline to our Nation’s govern- billion from China. The United King- damental and fair tax reform is imper- ment. We are not from one particular dom, $223.5 billion. OPEC, yes OPEC, ative. region of the country. Members of the and we wonder why gasoline is ap- And finally, Madam Speaker, the Blue Dog Coalition stretch from Cali- proaching three bucks a gallon. Our Taxpayer Bill of Rights says that in fornia and Utah to New York, and we Nation has borrowed $97.1 billion from order to increase taxes in this body, are united in trying to restore fiscal OPEC to fund tax cuts in this country that we must have a supermajority. We sanity to our Nation’s government. for folks earning over $400,000 a year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:30 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.134 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5031 Korea, $67.7 billion. Taiwan, $63.2 bil- Dog members. We had a lot of common portion of the national debt was lion. The Caribbean banking centers, interests, and one of those was fiscal $29,000, and it recently had to be added $63.6 billion. Hong Kong, $51 billion. responsibility. to. Over $29,000. Every man, woman, Germany, $52.1 billion. And rounding Many of us that serve in Congress are child, living person in this country, out the top 10 list, and this will sur- former members of State legislatures. I owes $29,000 of that debt. That is too prise some folks, the United States of can tell you, I can remember being a much. Why are we strapping our chil- America’s 10th largest loanee to our freshman State legislator and dealing dren and grandchildren with that kind government is the Government of Mex- with a State budget. When I was elect- of debt? ico and investors in Mexico. Mexico, ed, we had a $700 million shortfall. The people in Indiana are pretty investors have loaned the United That doesn’t sound like big numbers smart. Nobody likes taxes, but they re- States of America $38.2 billion. That’s here in Washington, DC, but they’re alize that taxes are a necessary, I right, the United States of America has big numbers in Oklahoma. And we were might go as far and say, evil, if they borrowed $38.2 billion from Mexico. able to balance our budget because we want the services that the government And that rounds out the top 10 list of basically had an amendment to our provides. So they don’t mind paying the foreign countries that our Nation State constitution saying you will bal- those taxes if they know that their is borrowing money from. ance that budget. You’re going to have Congress people are spending those We believe this is very critical to our to cut services; you’re going to have to taxes wisely. Nation’s security. That is why we are do something to rein in that spending. So when they hear about ‘‘bridges to trying to restore fiscal discipline and In Washington we don’t have that. nowhere’’ and fish museums and teapot common sense to our Nation’s govern- That’s why it is so important that we museums in North Carolina, or maybe ment, put an end to these massive have groups like the Blue Dogs who are more serious than that, things like $38 debts and massive deficits. Our Nation focused on fiscal responsibility. million worth of weapons in Iraq and is borrowing a billion dollars a day, but I can tell you, since this Democratic Afghanistan that have gone on the before we borrow a billion dollars a majority has taken hold, the Blue Dogs missing-in-action list, weapons that day, we’re going to spend half a billion have been a key player in making sure probably have fallen into our enemy’s paying interest on a debt we’ve already that we have things like the PAYGO hands, or $9 billion in $100 bills on pal- got. And that’s a half a billion that rules, PAYGO rules that make sure lets that is gone. It is missing, and our can’t go for Social Security, it can’t go that whenever there is a new govern- great country, with all of our account- for health care, it can’t go for new ment program, we find a way to pay for ing, cannot account for $9 billion in roads and fixing roads and infrastruc- it. We don’t just write a hot check for cash that has gone over there on skids. That is not what the people of Indi- ture. It can’t go for education, it can’t it. So that is why I am proud to be a ana expect of this Congress. It is not go for homeland security, and it cannot member. what they expect of me, and I don’t go for veterans benefits. Why? Because My friend from Arkansas has been on think they will tolerate it. we are spending that money, a half a this floor many, many times talking That is why when I came to Congress, billion dollars a day, simply paying in- about the waste, fraud and abuse. And when I heard about the Blue Dog Coali- terest on the debt we’ve already got be- we will make sure that in this defense tion, the Blue Dog Caucus, that it was fore we increase it a billion dollars authorization bill we cut out any un- a pretty easy group to join. When I today. I think we need that half a bill warranted spending that is not going checked on them, and I assume they to invest in the best and most ad- to the warfighter. That is something checked on me, we had those same val- vanced technology out there when it that I have been working very hard ues and ideals. We were fiscally con- comes to bullet-proof vests to protect with Chairman SKELTON on each and servative. We want to spend the peo- our men and women in uniform, to give every day, and I appreciate his leader- ple’s money wisely. We weren’t going them the best and most advanced ship. We’ve got many Blue Dogs on the to waste it. We actually worked to bal- equipment they need. Armed Services Committee, and we are ance the budget, that we wouldn’t I’ve got a father, John Grant, in Hot going to keep working to make sure spend money we didn’t have. Springs, Arkansas, that’s very con- that we spend those tax dollars wisely. I have a credit card. Probably most cerned about his son going back for a b 1730 people in the audience here, Madam second tour of duty in Iraq and not Speaker, you may have a credit card, I having the most advanced body armor We are joined also by our friend here, am sure. But I don’t run up those to- that’s on the market today. A half a a new member who sits actually next tals to the amounts that our country billion a day going to pay interest on to me on the Armed Services Com- has run up, into foreign countries. My the national debt, how many modern, mittee, Mr. BRAD ELLSWORTH from In- wife and I work hard. We charge state-of-the-art body armor vests could diana. I would like to turn it over to things, and then we pay off that card. we buy with just the amount of money him for any of his thoughts on the Blue That is what the people expect us to do we’re spending today paying interest Dogs or what is going on in the defense here. on the national debt? authorization bill or any other topics So it is going to take tough deci- I am joined this evening by a number he wants to discuss. sions. It is going to take the tough of fellow Blue Dogs, and I am grateful Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, calls. But we have got that. A group of they have come down to spend some it is an honor for me to join you and 43 have that internal fortitude to put time with me on the House floor this the members of the Blue Dog Coalition those tough decisions on the front. The evening. in their mission to bring fiscal respon- people understand that. They will let At this time I would like to yield to sibility back to this House. us do that, that we will make wise de- a fellow Blue Dog, someone that’s very As my friend from Oklahoma said, I cisions with their money. active on the Blue Dog Coalition, am a new member. I have been up here So I stand here tonight, not only in someone that serves on the Armed approximately 5 months now, so it is the Armed Services Committee, but in Services Committee, among other im- easy for me to remember what the peo- every committee, whether it is Agri- portant committees, and that is my ple of the Eighth District of Indiana culture, Small Business, Armed Serv- friend from neighboring Oklahoma, said, their marching orders when they ices, no matter what the committee is, DAN BOREN. sent me here and elected me to the peo- this Congress, the people’s House, has a Mr. BOREN. Thank you. My col- ple’s House. They told me to stay hon- responsibility to spend their money league from Arkansas, Mr. ROSS, is a est. They told me, don’t let Wash- wisely. I pledge to do that, I know the great leader for us on the Blue Dog Co- ington change you. They said, in fact, Blue Dogs pledge to do that, and I alition. I am now in my second term, you need to go and change the way think the other 434 Members of Con- and I tell you there is no better organi- Washington works. And they said gress need to do that, too. zation than the Blue Dog Coalition. ‘‘spend my money wisely.’’ With that, I yield back to the gen- When I was elected, and actually They have probably seen Mr. ROSS on tleman from Arkansas. when I was running for Congress, I was TV and saw the poster that showed Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank able to sit down with a lot of the Blue that every person in this country, their the gentleman from Indiana, a new

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And for 5 years, for Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, Mr. fective, inefficient foreign policy as it the first 5 years, that happened, where ELLSWORTH, for joining us for the dis- relates to our debt; for example, under this Congress just rolled over and gave cussion this evening here on the House this President and under this previous the President everything that he floor, as we are every Tuesday night, Republican-controlled Congress, this wants. here talking about restoring fiscal san- country has borrowed more money When we had that change in Novem- ity to our national government. from foreign governments than all of ber and the people went to the polls to Public opinion polls indicate that the the preceding past Presidents have put Democrats in charge, they wanted American people really aren’t con- done since 1789, since the foundation of to see a change in direction, and the cerned about the debt, which is ap- this country. It has placed us in a very Democrats are giving the change in di- proaching $9 trillion. But I am here to perilous position. And we are fighting rection in the bills that we have sent make the case that every one of us in this war in Iraq and Afghanistan on forward to the President. America should be concerned about the borrowed money that our children will You talk about fiscal accountability. national debt, because despite what have to pay back and the children of Yes, indeed, we have that in there. We some people may believe, despite what our soldiers will have to pay back. have put more money in this budget for the Republicans have believed for the Mr. ROSS, what is on the minds of the our troops, $4 billion more, than the past 6 years, money does not grow on American people is accountability in President has asked for. But it is so trees in Washington, DC, and we have Iraq. It is very important that we men- important also that we have account- got to begin to run this government tion two major bills that we are mov- ability when the money gets over, to the way that I can assure you Holly ing in that direction. First is our own make sure that the Iraqi people under- Ross makes sure that we run the Ross troop readiness and Iraqi account- stand, we don’t have an endless supply household in Prescott, Arkansas, and ability bill that passed this House, the of money to go down over into Iraq, that is living within our means. basic framework of which after the and most certainly we do not have an We cannot continue to borrow $1 bil- President vetoed the first go around is endless supply of the precious blood lion a day. We cannot continue to now in the bill we passed last week, and the lives of our soldiers to contin- spend half a billion dollars a day pay- and it is in the conference report that ually be going down the pike in the ing interest on the debt we have al- we hope we will be sending back. It is Iraqi situation. The American people ready got. important that the American people are saying this situation has to end. Why should it matter to every Amer- understand what the Democrats have We must get our men and women in ican? Look at this chart right here. In- put forward in this measure. uniform out of the middle of the cross- terest payments on the debt dwarf Our other bill is the Accountability hairs of what is a civil war. other priorities. For example, in the Act, in terms of financial account- Madam Speaker, we realize that we red you can see the amount of money ability, that we in the Blue Dog Coali- are in this because of mistakes. More we are spending of your tax money, tion of Democrats have put forward to importantly, Mr. ROSS, when you talk Madam Speaker, paying interest on the bring some fiscal responsibility and about accountability, it is important national debt. You compare that to soundness and transparency to the that we realize now that not only have education in the light blue, compare it moneys that we are spending in Iraq mistakes been made, but we got into to homeland security in the green, and Afghanistan. We know about the Iraq based on not just bad intelligence, compare it to veterans benefits in the Halliburtons, we know about all the but warped intelligence, and we got in blue. war profiteering. We hear about that in there on deceit and lies. All of that is You can see where the priorities lay the news accounts. there now. with this administration for the past 6 It is our bill that we are pushing for- It is very important for us if we want years. The majority of our money is ward that will give some transparency to effectively be able to determine how being spent paying interest on the na- and accountability. Two important to get out of Iraq, we must be honest tional debts, not going to educate our facts that I think the American people about how we got into Iraq. So it is children, not going to keep our home- need to know about that bill is that, very important that we do that. land safe, not going to fund veterans one, it will require that the Inspector The American patience is running healthcare. General from both the Defense Depart- out on those two measures of Iraqi ac- At this time I yield to the gentleman ment over at the Pentagon, will have countability, in terms of the money we from Georgia, a fellow Blue Dog mem- to come before this Congress quarterly are spending, in terms of the bench- ber, Mr. SCOTT. to explain and to account for the mon- marks we have put into this effort, and Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Thank you eys that are spent on that basis, as well for the transparency that we put in our very much, Mr. ROSS. As always, it is as the Inspector General from the re- bill. We, as Democrats, are being very indeed a pleasure to be with you on building program in Iraq, where so responsive. this occasion. much loss of funds, unaccountability, We do have security in that region. I want to talk about two areas, the outright stealing and theft is going on We are not going to abandon our debt, and, of course the big elephant in of the taxpayers’ money. So we are troops, but we are going to get them the room which all of America is con- bringing accountability to that. out of the crosshairs of this civil war cerned about, the situation in Iraq and But we also have got to do more, and and get into a position of containment. Iraq accountability. that is what is contained in the con- That is the direction that we have to I happen to serve on the Financial ference report that we are sending to go in as we formulate a new, much Services Committee and on the For- the President. Not only do we have more effective foreign policy in the eign Affairs Committee, so in terms of benchmarks, but there must be ac- Middle East. foreign policy and in terms of our fi- countability to the Iraqi people. They Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank nances, those are the two major crit- have this opportunity and they must the gentleman from Georgia for his ical cross-sections we are in at this step up to the plate to assume their work with the Blue Dog Coalition, 43 of point. end of the bargain. There is a govern- us, fiscally conservative Democrats. I Concerning the debt, it is very impor- ment in place, and the benchmarks we welcome the gentleman from Georgia, tant that we point out, Mr. ROSS, that have put in, there is no better way to Mr. SCOTT, to remain on the floor with the fastest growing area in our budget do that. me, if time will permit for him, for a is the interest that we are paying on Now, Mr. ROSS, I think much has discussion more in depth over the next this debt, which is more than what we been said about Congress and the role 40 minutes as we talk about restoring are spending combined for education, that we have to play in foreign policy. not only fiscal sanity, but also ac- the environment and for veterans af- Unfortunately, this President has said countability to our government, not fairs. time and time again that he is in con- only here at home but to the money As we segue that into our inter- trol of foreign policy; that he is the being spent in Iraq. national situation, when you look at Commander in Chief, and that the Con- We all support our troops, Democrats the debt that we have gotten into as a gress is just here to do pretty much as and Republicans alike. Up until now,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.136 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5033 the President would have you believe your mind, as it has raised in mine, our country in the Vietnam War, Mr. that we are sending $12 million an hour any number of deep and troubling ques- MARSHALL, is here, and I yield to you to Iraq, and if you question how any of tions about how this whole matter has at this time. it is being spent, he would tell you you been administered, and that goes to Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. ROSS, you are are unpatriotic. war contracting, and that means we wonderful to do these hour-long Blue Well, the Blue Dogs have said enough need to take a thorough look at all of Dog sessions here to give people an is enough. It is time to demand ac- that. idea what Blue Dogs are all about as countability for how that money is Part three of H. Res. 97, running the far as fiscal responsibility is con- being spent, to ensure it is being spent future funding of this war through the cerned. to provide the very best equipment and regular appropriations process, a prin- I think you and Mr. POMEROY give me the best of the best for our brave men ciple adopted now both in the budget a little too much credit. If you label and women in uniform serving us and the Defense Authorization Act, and somebody a Ranger, it reminds me of abroad today, not only in Iraq but also the fourth essential component of this the joke about the Ranger library down Afghanistan. bill, moving greater Iraqi responsi- in Eglin Air Force Base having burned I am joined this evening by the gen- bility for their policing and security. down. That was the bad news. The good tleman from North Dakota, Mr. EARL Now we have a unanimous vote of the news was that both books were already POMEROY, and a fellow Blue Dog mem- Armed Services Committee with the colored in. We don’t expect our Rang- ber. Welcome. defense authorization bill, and I believe ers to be particularly good at math or Mr. POMEROY. Thank you very the Blue Dogs can be very happy that education subjects, but it doesn’t take much for allowing me to participate in the principle of funding this war a rocket scientist to figure out there this Special Order. I want to congratu- through the normal appropriations has been an awful lot of waste in Iraq. late you and all who have impacted the process and greater transparency in It is not just waste on our side; we ex- national defense authorization bill we how the funds are spent will be the pol- cessively rely upon contractors. I think will be voting on towards the end of icy of this House, a policy adopted I am we have moved too far in that direc- the week. happy to say with bipartisan measures. tion, and we limit our capacity within You know, the principles of sound The essential management goals for our own military forces to provide budgeting have got to apply to the ad- this war will have to be established by services that ought to be provided by ministration of our government, and the Department of Defense, and the military folks and could be provided by that means all facets of our govern- Special Inspector General for Iraq Re- military folks at a much lesser expense ment. We have had leadership at the construction will have a much greater to the taxpayer. White House that has basically said we say in bringing information on the ex- Spending less, stretching your dol- can have a war, and we are going to penditure of these dollars to this body. lars means you are going to be more ef- have it off budget. We don’t have to ac- There have been efforts, frankly, to fective at whatever you are doing, and count for it in terms of our efforts to- hamstring the Inspector General. We that includes an effort like Iraq. I ward reaching a balanced budget, our make clear in this legislation that the think we have inappropriately moved efforts in terms of reducing the deficit. Inspector General’s authority goes to- too far in the direction of relying upon We are going to have it off budget. wards reconstruction funding regard- contractors. That is one thing. The less of the source or the fiscal year. We other place where we have seen dra- b 1745 need to expand our efforts to get a han- matic waste is on the Iraqi side. All it means is our kids are picking dle on how in the world we have spent The American taxpayers and the up every nickel of this war, as it goes to date nearly $400 billion, and the tab American people with their sons and straight on the national debt. That is flowing just as fast as ever. their daughters who are in this war and why I appreciate the principles ad- I think that this represents an im- in harm’s way at risk of being killed or vanced by the Blue Dogs in H. Res. 97, portant Blue Dog accomplishment. I being severely harmed expect that the the Operation Iraqi Freedom Cost Ac- look forward to voting on the defense Iraqi people and the Iraqi Government countability Act, and I applaud you authorization bill. Rather than take will step up and do its part. We all and all who worked so hard to get further time, I ask that JIM MARSHALL, know that this is something that can- major portions of it included in the De- a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame, not be won by an American conven- fense Authorization Act. a member of the defense authorization tional force. We are not simply going The four significant provisions of the committee, be one that might further to go in and raze whole villages to bill: transparency in how the war funds expand in this area. Obviously, his cre- force people to comply with us and our are being spent. This isn’t a black-box dentials are extremely well estab- view of the way things ought to be. proposition. The money is appro- lished. The local population has to deal with priated; the money flows. Where does it I would just conclude by saying that the security situation in Iraq. We can flow? the Blue Dogs have stood for account- help and we must help or they will be I believe we have at the rate of $2 bil- ing principles and solid budgeting in unsuccessful, but we can’t succeed lion per-week burn rate, we are enti- the administration of this war, and we without them. tled to know. We are entitled to know have prevailed with the bill coming out Our Iraq accountability legislation in much greater detail than we have of the Armed Services Committee. specifically provides that further as- had before. The Blue Dogs would go so Mr. ROSS. I thank Mr. POMEROY for sistance and support to the Iraqi people far as to have a Truman Commission his active participation within the fis- should be conditioned upon the Iraqi looking at war profiteering. cally conservative Blue Dog Coalition Government stepping up and meeting If in the depths of World War II, the and for his insight this evening. its share of the partnership. If the Iraqi face-down with Hitler, we could recog- The gentleman is referring to H. Res. people choose to do that, and obviously nize that there were inappropriate 97, which is the Blue Dog bill providing they have problems among themselves, funds being spent and worked to get a for Operation Iraqi Freedom Cost Ac- far greater problems than Democrats handle around them, as Senator Tru- countability; and today, Chairman and Republicans have here in the man led with his committee, certainly SKELTON, chairman of the House United States House of Representa- the same holds true with the war on Armed Services Committee, announced tives, and we often have a hard time terror and with Operation Iraqi Free- that key provisions of that bill de- coming together here in the House of dom. manding accountability on how your Representatives, so it is not surprising There is a book that I recommend tax money is being spent in Iraq, that Sunni and Shiite and Kurds in and bring to your attention, ‘‘Imperial Madam Speaker, will be included in the Iraq are having a similarly difficult Life in the Emerald City.’’ It is an out- defense authorization bill that is time, a more difficult time coming to- standing inside account of the adminis- scheduled to come to the floor. gether and reconciling with one an- tration of the Green Zone in the early A leader within the Armed Services other so they can appropriately orga- days after the conflict and into this Committee, someone who is a member nize to address the internal security postwar period in Iraq. It will raise in of the Ranger Hall of Fame, who served threats that they face. We can’t force

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.137 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 them to reconcile. We can’t force them The Blue Dogs have written a bill progress towards full responsibility for to build the institutions that they need with the help of Captain PATRICK MUR- internal policing of the country be- to spend their oil money effectively PHY, a veteran of the Iraq war and fel- cause ultimately that is where we need and addressing the security threat. We low Blue Dog member, and JANE HAR- to go. can’t force them to address the secu- MAN, former ranking member of the Now recently, and I know other rity threat. House Intelligence Committee, among speakers have mentioned this, a sig- So in the partnership here in many others, and our bill demands account- nificant accomplishment took place in ways we can help them, but there are ability on how our tax money, your tax terms of the Blue Dogs working with things they must be doing. And as part money, is being spent in Iraq. the Armed Services Committee to in- of the financial accountability picture One of the reasons that we decided to clude key provisions of the Blue Dog that Blue Dogs feel so strongly about, do this bill was because of reports like accountability legislation in the De- we have to add accountability of our this: Washington Post, Monday, April partment of Defense authorization bill partners. The Iraqi people are our part- 30, a story by Dana Hedgpeth, entitled, that we are going to be voting on here ners. The Iraqi Government is our part- ‘‘U.S. Rebuilding in Iraq is Missing Key in the House of Representatives later ner, and our partners need to be ac- Goals, Report Finds.’’ Less than a third on this week. countable for their side of the deal here of Iraq’s 3.5 million students attend b 1800 or this is not going to come out well class. In the medical field, for example, for the Iraqi people, the Middle East, or only 15 of 141 primary health care cen- In doing so, I think it’s an important the United States. ters have been completed, and only first step toward ensuring greater fis- I appreciate the opportunity to voice eight of those are open to the public. cal transparency in the funding of the my opinion with regard to that par- The list goes on, and we will talk more war in Iraq. ticular issue. I appreciate what the about this in a little bit. The American people deserve to Blue Dogs do as far as debt is con- At this time I yield to a former co- know that their tax dollars are being cerned and highlighting something our chair of the Blue Dogs and an active spent wisely and that our troops have country should be very concerned member of the fiscally conservative the resources they need to succeed. The about. Blue Dog Coalition, the gentleman Blue Dogs are committed to passing They say that if there is a moral or from Utah (Mr. MATHESON). legislation that accomplishes that ethical obligation one generation has Mr. MATHESON. Well, I thank my goal. to the next generation, it is to leave colleague from Arkansas for con- Now, members of the Blue Dog Coali- the world in at least as good a state as ducting this Special Order tonight. tion also believe strongly that funding that generation found it when we pass That list, that article that you just requests should come through the nor- it to the next generation. What we were referring to is not a one-time mal appropriations process, as I said, ought to be trying to do is make it a deal. I think we all have a sense after rather than through these multiple better world; and in so many different over 4 years of the Iraqi operation hav- emergency supplemental requests. ways this generation is failing that ing taken place, I think we have all Let’s make it part of our overall budg- ethical or moral responsibility to the heard stories, and those news articles et so we can plan accordingly. next generation, and the amount of seem to come out more and more often I think that again with the Defense debt that we are adding to their shoul- where money has been spent and we authorization bill coming up this week ders is one of those ways. haven’t gotten result in terms of re- and with key components of the Blue Mr. ROSS, I appreciate what you do building the infrastructure. That is a Dog legislation included in that bill, I for the Blue Dogs and for the Congress cause of concern and that is one of the think that’s a significant step forward of the United States. motivations behind the Blue Dogs com- for this country. I am proud that the Mr. ROSS. I appreciate the gen- ing together with legislation in this Blue Dogs were able to play an impor- tleman and his leadership within the Congress called the Operation Iraqi tant role in moving this legislation for- Blue Dog Coalition and his work on the Freedom Cost Accountability Act. ward. House Armed Services Committee and The Blue Dogs have come up with Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman for his insight this evening. this bill which has been given the num- from Utah, and the gentleman’s right, We all support our troops, Repub- ber H. Res. 97, and I want to take a the Blue Dog Coalition, we want to licans and Democrats alike. As mem- brief moment to walk through what thank Chairman SKELTON for including bers of the Blue Dog Coalition, we want this legislation does. key provisions of our bill, H. Res. 97, in accountability for how your tax money Now, quite frankly, before we go the Defense authorization bill. is being spent. In 2001 and 2002, $2.5 bil- through the specifics, I should say it H. Res. 97 was previously introduced lion was being spent in Iraq. In 2003, $51 puts forth tangible and commonsense by Blue Dog members and calls for billion. In 2004, $77.3 billion. In 2005, proposals to ensure future trans- transparency in how Iraq War funds are $87.3 billion. In 2006, $100.4 billion. And parency and the accountability in the spent. Specifically, the Defense author- 2007 to date, $60 billion, for a total of funding of Operation Iraqi Freedom. ization bill addresses the lack of over- $378.5 billion. This is a first step. There is more we sight and accountability in the war by We are currently spending about $10 probably need to do, but this is an im- requiring that the Government Ac- billion a month, about $2.5 billion a portant first step to make sure that re- countability Office, commonly referred week. You do the math. It is about $12 sources are getting to our troops in the to as the GAO, report every 6 months million an hour of your tax money we field in a reasonable manner. on the handling of contracts in Iraq. are sending to Iraq. What are they There are four crucial points in this In addition, Blue Dog members ap- doing with it? Number one, they ought legislation demanding for fiscal ac- plaud the inclusion of measures in the to be ensuring that our brave men and countability in Iraq. Defense authorization bill which estab- women in uniform get the best body First, it calls for transparency on lish essential management goals for armor available to them. There are re- how Iraq war funds are spent. the Department of Defense and expand ports out that indicate maybe that is Second, it calls for the creation of a the authority of the Special Inspector not exactly the case. Truman Commission to investigate the General for Iraq Reconstruction to in- This was brought to my attention by awarding of contracts. clude all reconstruction funding, re- John Grant from Pearcy, Arkansas, And, third, it calls for the need to gardless of source or fiscal year. just outside of Hot Springs, in Garland fund the Iraqi war through the normal Again, we’re all about providing the County. His son is getting ready to go appropriations process and not through funding our troops need. We want to back for a second tour of duty. He vis- emergency supplemental appropria- make sure that funding gets to them ited a National Guard Armory where tions processes. and that this administration’s account- he actually saw body armor that was Fourth, it calls for using American able for it and that the Iraqi people are stamped ‘‘Fragile, Handle With Care.’’ resources to improve the Iraqi assump- accountable for how the money is being It is time we did right by our brave tion of internal policing operations. spent that we send to them. men and women in uniform and provide Now, the resolution also calls for the Mr. Speaker, if you have got any them with the resources they need. Iraqi Government and its people to comments or questions or concerns for

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.139 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5035 us, you can e-mail us at IEDs, that end up killing and maiming democracy more than the Iraqis it will [email protected]. Again, so many of our American men and happen. that’s [email protected]. women who are trying to fight this At the end of the day, Iraq will have I yield to my fellow Blue Dog mem- battle on behalf of the Iraqis. to stand up for itself and indicate that ber all the way from California (Mr. So this is well-known, and yet 2 they want to make a success out of COSTA). years as we look at the problems with this effort of democracy. Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank trying to get this oil out of the ground So I want to yield back to my col- very much Congressman ROSS, the gen- and to the refineries, we still have leagues and I thank my friend, the gen- tleman from Arkansas, who does an ex- made little progress in terms of elimi- tleman from Arkansas, for providing cellent job each week in helping con- nating that graft and corruption that this opportunity for fellow Blue Dogs vey the message of the Blue Dogs, the currently takes place or the profits to come and talk about why we are so fiscally conservative Democrats who from that graft and corruption that go concerned that, in fact, a new day has are focused on accountability, not just into the hands of the insurgents. come and why we have to make new at home but abroad as well. And yes, unfortunately, the oil reve- changes in direction that will fit the Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to nues today are still at or below the lev- accountability of American men and once again echo strong support for the els during pre-Saddam Hussein years women, that American taxpayers and Blue Dog Accountability War Act, and when, in fact, there were restrictions that most importantly our American I, too, am pleased that Congressman on the amount of oil they could drill. soldiers demand and deserve. SKELTON, because of his focus and his That’s how much progress unfortu- Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank desire to see the same sort of account- nately we have not made in the 4 years the gentleman from California, and as ability that I think all Americans want that we’ve been engaged in this effort. we have been discussing this hour, Mr. to see, this is a bipartisan issue, chose The fiscal accountability under the Speaker, H. Res. 97 demands account- to include provisions of the Blue Dog Blue Dog War Act for this effort, as it’s ability for how the money is being War Accountability Act within the new being included in other aspects of our spent in Iraq. authorization for Defense. budget, are critical. The reforms the We all support our brave men and Four years ago, we all remember Americans expected here at home, women in uniform. We all support our very clearly when this war effort was they’re the reforms that Americans ex- troops. We are all Americans first and brought to America. We were told that pect on a bipartisan basis as we try to foremost, but just as when a small 4 years ago it would cost $60 billion and change the direction and the course of town in America receives a grant they that the oil revenue from Iraq, which this war in Iraq. must be held accountable for how that has tremendous reserves, would go to Let me conclude by saying that it’s grant money is spent, so should the pay for the reconstruction. I think important that we keep our eyes fo- Iraqi government. many Americans thought that that cused on the situation at hand. Many Again, Washington Post, Monday, might be a reasonable price to pay, of us have had briefings on a weekly April 30, by Dana Hedgpeth, entitled notwithstanding the fact that you can basis with the top generals who are en- U.S. Rebuilding in Iraq Is Missing Key never, ever put a price on the cost of gaged in this effort trying to imple- Goals, Report Finds. ‘‘Before the U.S.- American lives that have been lost nor ment this surge. Just last week in led invasion, Iraq’s power system pro- those that have been injured. Nonethe- speaking with one of those generals, I duced 4,500 megawatts a day with an less, we were told that 4 years ago in told him, I said, you know, we’re aging infrastructure in which 85 per- monetary costs, it would be $60 billion doubtful on the surge, many of us, not cent of power plants were at least 20 and the oil revenues would go to pay because we don’t think American men years old, the report said. Reconstruc- for the reconstruction costs. and women are successful; we know tion officials initially hoped to in- Many of you saw the reports this that they will do the absolute best job crease daily output to 6,750 megawatts week by a number of press agencies possible, but we’re doubtful on the by the summer of 2004, a target later that indicated over the last 2 years bil- credibility of the leadership of this ad- lowered to 6,000 megawatts. But in the lions and billions of dollars have been ministration to effectively carry out most recent quarter, Iraq generated lost from revenues from the Iraqi oil what they say, and that’s a loss of con- only 3,832 megawatts a day.’’ reserves, but while it was a new story fidence. If this were a parliamentary What does that mean? The story goes this week, it comes as no surprise to system, there would be a vote of no on to say, ‘‘The shortage was particu- many of us who have been briefed in confidence after all that has transpired larly acute in Baghdad. Before the war, Congress. over the last 4 years. the city received an average of 16 to 24 I was in Iraq last May, spent time in Having said that, I, like most Ameri- hours of power a day. Last spring, Mosul, city of Mosul, with a number of cans, hope that this surge is successful, Baghdad averaged 8 hours of electricity our commanders. As we were getting for all the right reasons, for all the a day.’’ That was last spring. ‘‘This our briefings, as all congressional dele- right reasons, but let me tell you to- year, during the last week of March, gations receive when you go to Iraq, we night what I told the American general the city received only 6.5 hours of elec- were told of the problems of getting last week. If this surge by this summer tricity a day. The rest of the country, the oil from the oil field, from the is not successful, I hope you will tell however, received an average of 14 wellheads to refinery because there’s the Congress and the American public hours of power a day.’’ only one, and then getting the refined that it’s not working. He responded in At this time, I yield to the gen- products to where the Iraqis could use the affirmative that he would respond tleman that helped write H. Res. 97, the gasoline and the other oil products. by August on whether or not this was which is of course the Blue Dog bill, to They told us as recently as a year ago working or not. So I told the general, I provide for Operation Iraqi Freedom that every step of the way from when said I hope it’s successful, but I hope if cost accountability, to provide an ac- the oil was taken out of the wellhead, it’s not, you will tell us that it is not counting for how this $12 million an put in the truck, on the truck, mind and that currently you are engaged in hour of your tax money is being spent you, because you can’t use pipelines be- an effort that looks at a plan B. As I in Iraq, the gentleman who helped cause the insurgents keep blowing the told Secretary of State that we needed white the bill, an active member of the pipelines up, that every step of the to be thinking about doing in February Blue Dog Coalition, the gentleman way, every province, there is graft, of this year, a plan B that would pro- from California (Mr. THOMPSON). there is corruption, there’s other types tect our men and women who are at Mr. THOMPSON of California. of lost revenue, and those moneys go the front lines, look at protecting the Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gen- too often into the hands of these same borders between Iraq and Iran and tleman from Arkansas, and I thank the insurgents that are battling our troops, Syria, look at redeployment, looking gentleman from Arkansas and I appre- making side profits off the revenue at beefing up our efforts in Afghani- ciate your leadership on this issue. that was supposed to go to reconstruc- stan, in a way that protects our inter- I don’t come to the floor often on tion, going to pay for insurgents and ests in the Middle East but quits trying Special Orders, but I think today this for bombs that come in the form of to convince ourselves that if we want issue is so critically important not

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.141 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 only for the American taxpayers but contract was necessary, and, if, in fact, ability to get out fraud and waste, to for the men and women who are serv- the work being done was, in fact, com- bring in the Defense Department’s in- ing so bravely in Iraq, and this is such pleted. vestigators to report to us on each of a long overdue issue, as the gentleman This report represents a snapshot these areas, on a 6-month basis, to mentioned, I helped write this bill but from 30,000 feet, no attempt at all to show us how the money is being spent. this came about after two Congresses drill down and find the answers that All of those things are now in this of my own bill, the Iraq War Funding the taxpayers and the servicemembers package, and the benchmarks are in, Accountability Act, that in the last deserve. I have another report here the benchmarks. So we can hold the Congress, as you know, was a Blue Dog- about the construction by a contractor Iraqi people to, and say, these are endorsed measure. That was an at- of the Baghdad police academy, obvi- things that must be accomplished, as tempt to bring about accountability in ously built in Baghdad. These pictures we go forward. If you don’t hold their Iraq in regard to the moneys that are are worth 1,000 words. They show the feet to the fire, if you don’t put pres- spent by contractors in the reconstruc- fact that the work was done, shoddy sure there, there is no accountability. tion areas taking place in Iraq. workmanship. They show, in fact, that So we are going to have them on secu- Unfortunately, we were not allowed the supplies that were used by these rity. under the last Congress or the last ma- contractors were inappropriate sup- We are going to have them where jority to bring this measure forward so plies, faulty, substandard supplies. they are going to reach the deal of we could debate it, so we could discuss This isn’t pointed out in the quarterly how, which is at the bottom of the it, so we could vote on it. But fortu- report. whole situation, is oil, and how they nately, with the new leadership in Con- These are the things that we need to are to divide the oil revenue between gress, this has become an issue that know, and I am just proud to be a the Kurds, between the Sunnis and be- has not only been discussed and de- member of the Blue Dogs who exist for tween the Shias. We have got this in bated but an issue that is going to be one reason and one reason only, the there for benchmarks. The other thing we have in there is included in the bill that we have before one common thread that runs through funds for the troops, the Humvee pro- us this week. And it’s just so long over- the entire Blue Dog organization, and tection, the body armor production. due on the part of the American tax- that’s fiscal responsibility. It’s fiscally Never again will they go in Humvees payers and the men and women who irresponsible to continue to ignore and have to write back to mom and dad are serving who, because this money is these very real problems. It’s fiscally to give them the metals. They are over misspent, misdirected, sometimes lost, improper to adopt this measure, to in- there fighting for the United States of are going without the equipment that sist on accountability by those who are America. It is our constitutional re- they need. being paid just gross sums of money to sponsibility as the Congress of the Every Member in this House has do, in some instances, inappropriate, United States to raise and support the heard from family members and friends ineffective, substandard work. military. That’s in article 1, section 6 about their loved ones serving in Iraq I thank the gentleman from Arkan- of the Constitution for our duty. This sas for yielding, and I appreciate your who require supplies purchased by fam- Congress is able to do that in this. leadership in helping get this measure ily members and friends and sent to Finally, what is so important, we are them, everything from boots to protec- signed into law and bringing account- having in this measure true emergency tive gear, to the proper sunglasses, to ability to these outrageous incidents measures like the children’s health supplies. It’s absolutely inappropriate, that are taking place in Iraq today. program, in which we have $349 million Mr. ROSS. I thank the gentleman and as long as we continue to mis- now for that shortfall to help with the from California for his work within the appropriate money and allow this to SCHIP program, for that lower-income fall into the area of waste, fraud and fiscally conservative Democratic Blue program. abuse, and in sometimes criminal ne- Dog Coalition to write and craft this Many of those children, incidentally, glect or criminal negligence, this issue Iraq war accountability bill known as Mr. ROSS, are children of some of these is only going to be exacerbated and the House Resolution 97. servicemen who are serving in Iraq, be- stories are just far too numerous. In the remaining 3 minutes or so we cause their income level falls too low We’ve heard the little stories that, in have left, I am going to yield to my for Medicaid, yet not high enough to be fact, some of these contractors are sell- friend, fellow Blue Dog member from able to afford the regular practice. The ing soda pop at $45 a case to the men the State of Georgia, Mr. DAVID SCOTT. money is in here for the veterans to and women who are serving in Iraq to Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Thank you, make sure the Walter Reed situation the same contractors who are charging Mr. ROSS. doesn’t happen again. That’s what’s so $100 to do a 15-pound bag of laundry, to I will try to sum up what we have important. That’s what the American the bigger issue, such as trucks, trucks done this evening. It is very important, people want. that are burned in place because as the American people have followed In this measure we have got that, and there’s minor repair problems needed, this process, have seen us with the leg- then plus $2.4 billion more than what to even bigger issues such as pallets of islative process at work, not only in the President asks for the troops. But money, I think it was $12 billion that terms of debating the issue, but they we have got the accountability in, and just disappeared in Iraq. And we have have also witnessed how we are putting it’s geared to moving us in a way to get been trying to get a handle on this for this, hopefully, this final piece to- us out of the crosshairs of this civil a long time, and every effort that we gether that the President will sign. war and in this occupation in Iraq so have made has been short-stopped in First of all, just to wrap up, we have that we can strengthen our military this Congress, and finally, we are going made concessions with the President and put the resources in Afghanistan to be able to get it out. on the issues that he was concerned and Pakistan where we know al Qaeda Mr. Speaker, I have here a Special In- about. The timelines, have, indeed, is and allow the Iraqi people to mani- spector General for Iraq Reconstruc- been removed. Those were his major fest themselves and solve this civil war tion Report. This is a report that’s objections on it. So we have com- among themselves. issued quarterly to Congress. promised on that point. Thank you. It has been wonderful But we also had, then, account- being with you and being a part of our b 1815 ability, and that’s what the American Blue Dog coalition this evening. It tells us very, very little about people want. They want to make sure f what’s happening. It will tell us by that we have accountability in this. contractor name how much we are obli- Mr. THOMPSON from California has DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE IN gated to them. It will tell us by con- played a very leading role in this, and THE UNITED STATES tractor name how much they have ex- it was so good to have him on the floor The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. pended. It will tell us by contractor talking about it. Mr. IKE SKELTON, who SIRES). Under the Speaker’s announced name the percentage of increase in is the chairman of our Armed Services policy of January 18, 2007, the gen- these expenditures, but it doesn’t tell Committee, has incorporated all of the tleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) is us how the contract was let, why the major points of financial account- recognized for 60 minutes.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.142 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5037 Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I want before in our Nation’s history. At the forming procedures, necessary or not. to come to the floor tonight and con- same time, at the other end, are we In fact, not often are the questions tinue on a theme that we were dis- having any problems filling our resi- asked, if those services, not even if cussing last night, and that theme re- dency programs? The answer is yes. they are necessary, but are they, per- volves around delivery of health care in Are we, in fact, encouraging the haps, overvalued. Is Medicare getting this country. young people of this country to look its best value for its dollar? Some of the discussion last night upon health care as a career, as a pro- The current system is indifferent to dealt with the future of medical care in fession? The answer to that question the fact that the procedures or the this country, whether we expand the may not be affirmative either. tests ordered may be questionable or public sector involvement, whether we So we have got an increasing number may have significant merit, may, in encourage and continue the private of physicians who are making early re- fact, be critical for a patient’s well- sector involvement in the delivery of tirement plans. We are not sure it’s dif- being. The fact is that the system health care in this country; and those ficult to measure the number, but it doesn’t work. It doesn’t work for doc- are extremely important questions, doesn’t seem that the younger genera- tors, it doesn’t work for patients, and and questions that I suspect that this tion is showing up in the numbers that certainly not working for the Amer- Congress will be debating at length we would expect. Both of those pose a ican taxpayer. Yet, year in and year over the coming 18 months and well significant concern nationally, because out, Congress allows it to persist. into the next Congress, the 111th Con- we have got a society that’s aging. We Well, if we continue to allow this gress that convenes in 2009. have a society with the so-called baby condition to stagnate, there will be If we don’t pay attention to the phy- boom generation coming up, and the fewer and fewer physicians accepting sician workforce that is going to be demand for services is going to be ever- Medicare payments. This will result in providing that health care, those dis- increasing during that time. reduced access for beneficiaries and a cussions may be all for naught. We are Suffice it to say, whether it’s, again, restriction in the physician workforce obligated, in this Congress, to pay at- the Medicare, SCHIP program, Med- pipeline over a period when the demand tention to access for our patients, pa- icaid, private insurance, cash on the for medical service is projected to ex- tients in Medicare. You heard reference barrel head, patients are going to need plode. to the SCHIP program; patients in the doctors; and it is incumbent upon this Fewer students are pursuing a career SCHIP program are all going to need Congress to make certain that we do in medicine. More and more doctors access to physicians. It doesn’t matter the things necessary to preserve the are retiring early. Even fewer will whether a patient is a participant in physician workforce in this country. choose primary care fields in their the Medicare system, the SCHIP sys- The patients who need care, maybe a study of medicine, and all of this hap- tem, private insurance, pays cash for patient is in a city, or they may be a pens against a backdrop of more and their care, they need access to a doc- patient in a rural area, they may be a more Americans growing older. As tor, and that access will be unavailable patient in an area that has been dev- Americans grow older, they do face if we don’t preserve and protect our astated by gulf coast hurricanes in the greater and greater health challenges. physician workforce going forward. past couple of years. The reasons are So, arguably, our sickest and most This really came home to me about a complex, and we debate them at some complex patients are going to need to year and a half ago in a conversation length up here in Washington in the rely on an ever-dwindling physician with Alan Greenspan. He commented various ways that we can seek to im- workforce. on the concern for the future viability prove our health care system. Now, if, indeed, we do nothing, the and stability of the Medicare program, But even as we engage in these issue, picture I have just painted may, in- of the system as a whole, is it ulti- our physician workforce is crumbling. deed, become a reality. mately sustainable. He felt that it In order to keep this scenario from be- b 1830 would be. But his greater concern was coming worse, I am proposing a series is there going to be anyone there to de- of physician workforce pieces of legis- But again, the three pieces of legisla- liver the services when you require lation that will consist, essentially, of tion that I plan to introduce will start them? Of course, he is talking about three different parts. with one that will ensure stability of our physician workforce, our nursing I would just draw your attention to the physician work force by ensuring workforce, the ancillary health care the cover of Texas Medicine. This is a stability of the payment system within personnel, all of whom we depend upon periodical put out by the Texas Med- Medicare. There is a formula under to deliver health care in this country. ical Association every month. This is which physicians are paid in Medicare, We have an overburgeoning and over- the cover of the March issue. The title and I’m going to talk about this in a regulated governmental system that is, ‘‘Running Out of Doctors: Medical little bit more detail in just a few min- continues to sort of move along. We Schools Unable to Keep Residents in utes, but it’s called the sustainable have got the other aspect of ever-in- Texas.’’ This is one of the things that growth rate. And the net effect of the creasing liability costs. If we have time we really do have to focus on. sustainable growth rate formula is tonight, I do want to touch on that just When you look at the Medicare sys- really anything but growth. It, in fact, a little bit. tem, one of the biggest problems we results in a reduction over time, 5 to 10 But not just the cost of medical li- have is the formula under which physi- percent reduction in physician pay- ability insurance, but also the aggrava- cians are paid, and addressing the de- ments year in and year out. And that tion of dealing with a system that, on clining Medicare physician payment number is brought to us every year by its face, sets doctors and patients issue has almost become an annual rite the Center for Medicare and Medicaid against each other. We do have to deal here in Washington, DC. But every Services out of the Department of with that. time we do that, we actually make it Health and Human Services. We’ll ac- The consequence of this is we have harder to ultimately reform the sys- tually receive data on that, what that physicians who are my age who are tem. Every time we come in at the end number of that percentage cut will be leaving the profession early, earlier game, at the end of the year, to try to this summer, sometime in July. than the generation before them. It prevent further cuts to the physician The first bill that I’m proposing was very common for a physician to reimbursement system and the Medi- would, in fact, eliminate that sustain- practice into their 60s and 70s and not care system, we actually make the able growth rate formula and replace it at all uncommon to continue to read overall solution to that problem harder with a different formula. It’s called the about physicians who continue to prac- and harder. The chance, then, for real Medicare Economic Index, really not so tice right up until the time that they reform, the opportunities for real re- important what it’s called, but it is a no longer could. form, become smaller and smaller with cost of living update, if you will, a You don’t see that as much any each succeeding year. market basket update based upon the more. Physicians are making plans to The current payment system in the cost of input. What does it cost the leave the practice of medicine at an Medicare system, the current payment doctor to run their office, to run their earlier point now than, I believe, ever system rewards ordering labs and per- practice? And if they’re going to be

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:28 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.144 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 able to sustain that over time, obvi- Again, a small bonus update for be- the point. A lot of residencies do exist ously, the Medicare reimbursement ginning in the year 2008 for some in conjunction with large academic rates are going to have to keep up with health information technology imple- medical centers and, as of a con- the cost of living adjustment, or keep mentation. These measures are in a sequence, that’s in a large urban area. up with inflation. It only makes sense. large part well overdue. And this Con- Again, doctors are more likely to We do it in almost every other aspect gress, the last Congress was unable to practice close to where they train and of Medicare. And again, I want to dis- come to an agreement, the House and in similar environments. So most cuss that in some detail in just a mo- the Senate, over the type of health in- American trained doctors, as you ment. formation technology that we wanted would imagine, stay in urban areas and One of the other things that hap- doctors offices to pursue. practice specialty or subspecialty med- pened in 2003 was we reset the SGR But the reality is, delaying that im- icine, which is not a bad thing. And baseline to reduce the level of those plementation further only tends to that’s not to say that that is nec- cuts, and, in fact, that’s a budgetary cost more money to the system. So we essarily wrong, but we do need more maneuver that may well be available do need to get on about the business of physicians who are going to set up to us again this year and, in fact, is encouraging physicians’ offices to do their practices in primary care in more one that I think we should take advan- this work. Not only is it necessary, I of the generalist theme rather than the tage of. think, to provide that bonus payment, specialty theme. So this legislation does, in addition but it’s also necessary to provide some The second bill that would be intro- to repealing the SGR, it does so in the safe harbor provisions in laws that are duced would be the Physician Work year 2010. In the 2 years prior to that known as the Stark clause, the anti- Force and Graduate Education En- time, reset the baseline so that the kickback, and anti-compete laws that hancement Act. And it establishes an depth of those cuts are not so signifi- we know in aggregate as Stark 1 and interest free loan program for eligible cant. In order to protect physician Stark 2. hospitals in rural, small and urban practices against a reduction in income Additionally, if physicians volun- areas to attract residency programs in and, hence, encouraging physicians to tarily report quality data, that addi- specialties like family medicine, inter- leave the Medicare system, in order to tional bonus payment will be there for nal medicine, pediatrics, emergency protect during that 2 years time, allow them as well. So collect an aggregate. medicine, OB/GYN or general surgery. bonus payment of 3 percent for vol- All of that data within the Center for This would require an authorization of untary reporting on quality measures Medicare and Medicaid services, money $25 million over 10 years from 2008 to and 3 percent for those practices that to save from part A, part C and part D 2018. And of course the Secretary of choose to increase or improve their as well. Aggregate, sequester those sav- HHS would report back to Congress on health information technology that al- ings and use that to offset the cost of how the program is doing with achiev- most every practice will be relying on the ultimate repeal of the SGR. ing its stated goals. Well, let me talk for just a moment with greater and greater need in the And in addition to that, there is the about the Medicare payment formula, years to come. Inspector General in Health and So in aggregate, those bonus pay- Human Services, along with the De- because this is an important point, and ments are 6 percent. And by resetting partment of Justice, have gotten very it is difficult to understand. It’s a pro- gram that obviously was created by the baseline, the reduction in payment aggressive about going after areas Congress and Federal agencies and one will be in the 5 percent range. So the where health care monies are spent in- that is understandable by perhaps very net effect will be either a 0 percent up- appropriately, the so-called fraud and few. date or possibly even a 1 percent up- abuse that exists within some aspects But looking at this graph, the col- date, which I think would be welcomed of the Medicare system. ored bars on this graph represent the And a recent newspaper article dis- by most physicians in practice. And years, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, I’m closed a significant amount of money that’s a temporary situation. sorry, 2007, 2006 does not appear on this What is the reason to delay the SGR that was recovered by eliminating an graph because it was actually a 0 per- repeal? Why not just do it straight up? episode of fraud and abuse that was oc- cent, 2006 is the blue bar on the graph. The reason is because of the projected curring I believe in the State of Flor- If you look at the four parts of Medi- cost by the Congressional Budget Of- ida. care, the hospitals representing Medi- fice, and that projected cost makes it Well, those monies need to be, again, care part A, doctors, Medicare part B, almost impossible to do that without reallocated back to the part B part of Medicare Advantage, part C, including making some significant adjustments Medicare again to pay down or buy nursing homes on this graph as well, in other aspects of payments for med- down the cost of that SGR appeal when and you look at the Medicare Advan- ical care that, quite frankly, I don’t the time comes. tage plans, the hospitals and the nurs- know that Congress has the will to do. Now, one of the issues that was ad- ing homes, and each of those year over But the reality is, we are saving dressed in the Texas Medical Associa- year receive a market basket or a cost money year over year in Medicare by tion article is that because of the lack of living upgrade year over year. You providing services in a more timely of residency programs within the State can see for hospitals, for example, it’s fashion. The Medicare prescription of Texas, Texas is doing a good job ranged about 3 percent a year, some- drug benefit passed in 2003, a case in with, they’ve expanded medical schools times a little bit lower, sometimes a point. The trustees, the Medicare and they’re doing a good job with med- little bit higher. The Medicare Advan- trustees report released just a few ical instruction, but the doctors that tage plans have done a little bit better. weeks ago said that in 2005 there were they’re educating in Texas are having Nursing homes very similar to hos- 600,000 hospital beds that weren’t filled to leave Texas to get their specialty pitals. in Medicare. This was a savings to part training or their residency training. But look over at the physician reim- A in Medicare, which really should ac- And the fact is that most physicians bursement. In the year 2002 there was crue to part B and go to offset the cost practice within 100 miles of where they about a 41⁄2 percent reduction in physi- of repealing the SGR formula. did their residency training. So to be cian reimbursement. Then, in 2003, We are not allowed, under the rules able to increase the amount of resi- 2004, 2005, very, very modest, 1.8, 1.7 of the Congressional Budget Office, we dency programs that are available in percent cost of living updates. Lower, I are not allowed to look ahead and say rural areas, in midsize or small urban would point out, than hospitals, nurs- well, we are going to get savings in this areas, it is going to take some effort by ing homes or certainly the Medicare system because of changes that we’ve this Congress for that to happen. Advantage plans. made. But what we can do is sequester The United States does have good In 2005, this was actually part of the and aggregate those savings over the residency programs. They’re the envy Deficit Reduction Act that was passed next 2 years, and then use those actual of the world, and people come from all in 2005 and held physicians at a 0 per- dollars to buy down or reduce the over the world to participate in our cent update. amount of dollars that it’s going to postgraduate education in our aca- Projection for 2007 was for a signifi- cost to repeal the SGR. demic medical centers. But that’s just cant reduction, but the reality was,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.145 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5039 again, we made an adjustment at the The other option, following along the SGR nor am I convinced that the will end of last year to once again hold that lines of 5866 from last year, would just in Congress is to eliminate the SGR in at a 0 percent update. simply be to take the money from one chunk. So extend that timeline out But you would have to ask yourself, other aspects of Medicare and other a little bit and allow that price tag to how long, at running a small business, parts of the Federal payment for be reduced because of the lengthening could you continue without any atten- health care in this country. The prob- of the timeline. But eliminating the tion being paid to what does it cost to lem is that each of those areas finds SGR is the fundamental principle that run the business? At some point, if this great difficulty if indeed a proposal is has to be followed, and the bill that I line stays flat or continues to dimin- made to restrict or reduce the Federal am going to introduce will eliminate ish, at some point you don’t have to expenditures that come their way and, the SGR in the year 2010 and in the have an MBA from an elite Eastern in- as a consequence, 5866 never enjoyed meantime provide incentive payments stitution to figure out that you cannot very widespread support because of the based on quality reporting, technology continue to sustain that. Again, physi- fact that, like so many things here in improvement that could total as much cian offices, in the main, are small Washington, DC, you end up having to as 6 percent to protect the physicians businesses and as a consequence, a con- pick winners and losers. over these next 2 years where the cuts tinued reduction in payment or even a in the SGR arguably will be about 5 b 1845 flattening of payment which when ev- percent. eryone else is seeing a cost of living ad- That is the reason that I have taken In both 2008 and 2009, physicians’ justment of between 2 and 4 percent, the approach that I have for this year practices can opt to take advantages of that’s indicative of the inflation rate to expand out the timeline for the those bonuses and may, in fact, be re- for medical offices. And they in fact elimination of the SGR, to identify turning value back to their businesses, are on a significant downward trajec- pay-fors in advance that are going to and this would be a good thing. If you tory, one that ultimately is not likely be going on anyway, but we just simply expand the ability to monitor patient to be sustainable. sequester them, collect them, attribute care through health information tech- Now, last year, in an attempt to deal them to the part B part of Medicare. nology, that is not just for your Medi- with this, I introduced legislation that Savings that occur in hospitals, if you care patients. That is going to be for was a little bit different from the bill fill 600,000 hospital beds a year fewer all patients. So there would be a gen- that I’ve introduced this year. It was than was intended, that is going to be eral improvement that would permeate H.R. 5866, and it was aimed at tackling a significant savings to the part A part throughout a physician’s practice. this problem with the sustainable of Medicare. But the reality is that Most physicians in this country don’t growth rate formula and replacing it savings occurs because of work that is just see Medicare or don’t just see Med- with a cost of living update, a cost of done in part B. More doctors doing icaid. In fact, they see a mix of pa- living adjustment update. The primary more procedures in their offices, doc- tients, some Medicare and some Med- focus was to ensure that seniors have tors treating disease in a timely fash- icaid, some private insurance; but all better access to the health care that ion so that fewer hospitalizations are they need, that, acknowledging that patients under a doctor’s care would required, doctors doing procedures in benefit from the advances in health in- the SGR reductions of 5 percent every ambulatory care centers so that the year, year over year, makes it less formation technology. high expense item of a hospital expend- Let me digress for just a moment and likely for doctors to continue to see iture is, therefore, avoided. But all of talk a little bit about health informa- Medicare patients. those expenses come back to part B. It The plan then had four main goals. tion technology because I was a late is only fair, then, that the savings that Ensure that physicians receive a full arrival to the concept of the necessity and fair payment for services rendered; result to the system, the integrated of improving health information tech- secondly, to create quality perform- Medicare system, those savings that nology, but it really came home to me ance measures to keep consumers in- come to the Medicare system, need to in October of 2005 when I took a trip to formed. Are you, in fact, getting value be attributed to the part B, especially New Orleans. I was invited by several for your dollar when you purchase when we have got this large price tag of the hospitals down there to come medical care. We have well established, for repealing the SGR that confronts down to see how their doctors were in fact, they’ve been around for 20 us. coping with the after effects of the years or so, institutions in each State Well, again, this year I want to ap- storm, see what had happened to some called quality improvement organiza- proach things a little differently. But, of the physical infrastructure. We tions. again, first and foremost if you are spent part of the afternoon in Charity Well, I wanted to, in fact, embellish talking about preserving the physician Hospital in downtown New Orleans. or augment the quality improvement workforce, you have got to protect Charity Hospital, one of the venerable organizations and increase their ac- those men and women who are on the old training hospitals that has been countability and flexibility so that ground, in the trenches, delivering care around for generations. In fact, most of they would be able to provide the feed- right now. If they get dispirited and my professors at Parkland Hospital back to physicians and to patients as walk off the job or say, I am no longer had trained a generation before at to how they are doing; are they able to going to care for Medicare patients or Charity Hospital in New Orleans. provide the services for a reasonable I am going to restrict Medicare pa- And here is a picture of the medical amount of money? Are they able to tients from my practice or begin re- records department in Charity Hospital provide the services in a timely fash- stricting the procedures that I offer to in October of 2005. Katrina, as you re- ion? Do they provide the services that Medicare patients, we don’t get good call, came through right at the end of people in fact want? value for our dollar that way. August of 2005. It doesn’t show up well, Well, the problem with 5866 is that So getting that Medicare payment but there is still probably three or four once again there was a significant policy right has to be the first aspect inches of water on the floor. Like many number of dollars that would need to of this physicians workforce consor- hospitals, Charity’s medical records de- be identified to offset the cost of going tium that will preserve our medical partment was in their basement. from the sustainable growth rate for- workforce for the future. Paying physi- The lights that you see overhead mula to the cost of living update for- cians fairly will extend the careers of were actually pretty dim. I was able to mula. That figure last year was about many doctors who otherwise will sim- get a good photograph because of a tel- $218 billion. And that is a significant ply opt out of the Medicare program or evision crew that was following along amount of money to come up with over seek early retirement. behind us with their very bright lights. 1 year’s time. Hence, the reason that The principles of the new bill: Again, But look at the medical records, and this year the trajectory that I have in- eliminate the SGR. It is critical that you can see the black mold that has troduced has lengthened that timeline the SGR be eliminated, and we can’t grown on these because of, again, the out a little bit longer in order to iden- lose sight of that fact. The problem is water on the floor and probably 110 per- tify where some of those pay fors may right now I don’t think there is the cent humidity in this hot, damp base- be found. savings identified to eliminate the ment. The records had been flooded.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.146 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 And then after the water had been years that improving the information Well, dealing with the other aspects mostly evacuated, of course, the water technology aspect of medical practice, of the physician workforce, the other damage has already happened and now true in hospitals but also true in physi- two aspects of the three pieces of legis- you have the growth of the black mold cians’ offices as well, why I have be- lation, one would deal with physicians on the records. And, really, I don’t come a believer that that is, indeed, in residency and one would deal with think anyone would be too interested something we do need to be devoting those individuals who are looking to in handling those records. time and resources to. There are cer- become physicians or those individuals And even if you just look at the over- tainly problems with some of the sys- who are in medical school. all arrangement of this medical records tems that are out there, but ultimately The Physician Workforce Graduate department, you can see some records the payoff is going to be that we will be Medical Education Enhancement Act stuffed in on their sides up there. Some able to deliver care faster, cheaper, of 2007 would acknowledge that it is others have fallen down over there. It smarter, and as a consequence, deliver costly to educate medical students and just makes you wonder about how good more care and more value for our pa- it is costly to get medical students this paper system is if everything goes tients. through a residency program. The big well. And if things go badly, as you can One of the other things that again I programs are in more heavily popu- see, they can go very badly indeed. think is important in this endeavor lated areas that tend to attract more Well, another aspect that clarified in and the reason I have included part of residencies, but we need to get the phy- my mind the importance in upgrades of the bonus payment for quality report- sicians out into the smaller and rural health information technology, a cou- ing is that you can’t change a system if communities where the medically un- ple of months ago, of course, when all you don’t know what is going on within derserved populations actually exist of the newspaper stories were going on the system. Now, again, I would stress and get them out there in high-needs out at Walter Reed Hospital, I took a that this would be voluntary quality specialties. So developing a program trip out there to visit with the soldiers reporting, that no physician or physi- that would permit hospitals that do and see for myself firsthand what the cian’s office would be required to pro- situation was in Building 18. And, cor- not traditionally operate a residency vide quality reporting. The risk to run training program would be the second rect, Building 18 was an old building there is that the SGR reduction would and it really wasn’t that nice. And I aspect of establishing and protecting affect that physician’s bottom line in the future physician workforce. So this think we are all better served by the 2008 and 2009. But if a physician or fact that our soldiers who are on med- bill would create a loan fund available medical practice opted not to do qual- to hospitals to create residency train- ical hold are no longer being housed in ity reporting or improvements of Building 18. ing programs where none have operated health information technology, begin- in the past. And, again, that is a crit- But the bigger problem, Master Ser- ning in the year 2010, they would in- geant Blade was kind enough to ex- ical aspect to this. This is not some- deed see a repeal of the SGR, replacing thing that is to go in and layer on top plain to me what he saw as a greater that with the Medicare Economic degree of difficulty for our soldiers who of existing programs, but this would be Index. So beginning a series of positive were on medical hold waiting to see if to create residency programs where updates of about 2 to 21⁄2 percent in the they could rejoin their units or if they none has existed previously. Commu- year 2010, but, again, to forestall the were going to be discharged from the nities like the community of Denton, pain that would go on in the years 2008 service on a disability. And you see Texas, that I represent, a community and 2009, reset that SGR baseline so the this rather large stack of papers that like the community of Lewisville, cuts are not so deep, and then provide he has in front of him. That is his med- Texas, that I represent, smaller com- protection for voluntary reporting ical record. He is going through it with munity hospitals, 150 to 200 beds, no measures on quality, voluntary im- a yellow highlighter to make his case residency program has ever existed in provements in an office’s health infor- in regards to a particular disability those communities. These would be the mation technology, and make these claim. And his largest concern was, types of targeted communities that after spending hour after hour after things so that they are generally avail- perhaps we could look to for estab- hour going through his medical record able, which CMS would be tasked with lishing residencies in primary care, OB/ and documenting the points that he making the quality reporting measures GYN, pediatrics, general surgery. generally available, and really sort of thought were critical for him to re- b 1900 ceive the proper consideration from the zero in on the top 10 conditions or diag- Disability Board, he said it wasn’t un- noses where the bulk of the money is On average, it cost $100,000 a year to common for that medical record to go spent in the Medicare system. Not so train a resident, and that cost for some sit on someone’s desk for a couple of much to emphasize quality reporting institutions can be prohibitive. In addi- weeks and then ultimately be lost. So measures for esoteric diseases or dis- tion, the Balanced Budget amendment, he was advising the men in his unit. In eases that are encountered once in a passed 10 years ago in this Congress, fact, I think it was either the second or career but those things that are en- has a residency cap that limits re- third copy of his medical record that countered over and over and over sources to hospitals, such as smaller he was marking up in this manner so again: hypertension, diabetes, conges- community hospitals. The loan that he wouldn’t run the risk of put- tive heart failure. These are the types amounts available under this bill ting all his time and effort into docu- of things where the concentration of would not exceed $1 million, and the menting the issues surrounding his dis- dollars is going to be located, and these loan would constitute start-up funding, ability only to have the medical record are the areas where the quality report- again, for new residency programs. disappear because the system really ing really needs to be focused. The start-up money is essential. wasn’t well suited to handle that. The part of the issue there is that the Since medical graduate, medical edu- And that really brought home for me quality reporting measures do have to cation funding can be obtained only the fact that, well, of course, the VA be generally available to physicians in once a residency program is estab- system has a relatively forward think- all specialties and all practices. We lished, the cost to start a training pro- ing electronic medical record, but the certainly don’t want to see someone gram for a smaller, more rural and/or problem is the record produced by the who is not able to participate because small urban hospital can be cost pro- Department of Defense doesn’t talk to their particular specialty does not have hibitive because these hospitals do op- the VA record system, and as a con- an identified quality reporting mecha- erate on much narrower margins. sequence, the poor soldier in the mid- nism. CMS and some of the specialty Identifying high-need physician spe- dle has to spend the time and the effort organizations are already pretty far cialties and getting young people to going through their individual record down the road on this, and really at consider medical school, to getting to make certain that, again, their case this point it has not been identified to young medical students to consider gets the proper disability consideration me that there is a problem or would be going into a primary care specialty, to that it deserves. a problem for a particular specialty going into one of those medically un- So just two reasons why I have be- with not having a mechanism to report derserved areas, again, going back to come a believer in the past couple quality. the Texas Medical Association article,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.147 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5041 the Texas Medicine article, most physi- because the climate was so pernicious. we put forth that legislation, the Con- cians practice close by where they did Rates were going up for physicians. For gressional Budget Office scored it as their residency. And as a consequence, those companies that stayed behind, savings of $3 billion over 5 years. Well, there are areas in the country that do their rates were going up, doubling and we are already talking about other lack medical care by trained profes- sometimes tripling. areas in the Federal expenditure of sionals. So the third aspect of this The State of Texas and the State leg- health care funds where that money is three-part health workforce, physician islature passed a bill in the summer of needed. And that $3 billion, in fact, it’s workforce trio of bills, the third part 2003 that actually again was patterned wrong, it is unconscionable to leave would ensure the availability of the after that Medical Injury Compensa- that money on the table and not pro- adequacy of the future physician work- tion Reform Act of 1975 out in Cali- vide that money to other areas of the force in providing medical students fornia that capped noneconomic dam- Federal expenditure for health care with incentives and assistance to prac- ages. The Texas approach was a little where it might come in handy. tice in shortage areas and shortage spe- different from the approach that we And the bigger aspect for me, the cialties in those shortage areas. took in Congress. The approach we more important aspect for me in deal- So the third bill would be to estab- took in Congress had a $250,000 flat cap ing with the problem of the medical lish a mix of scholarships, loan repay- for noneconomic damages. The Texas justice system at the Federal level is ment funds, and tax incentives to en- solution actually took that cap and the dollars that are spent on defensive tice more students into medical school spread it out three ways; a $250,000 cap medicine in the Medicare system, in in the first place, and then create in- for the physician, a $250,000 cap for the the Medicaid system. A study from centives for those students, those hospital and a $250,000 cap for a nursing 1996, so that is 10 years ago, over 10 newly minted doctors, to become the home or a second hospital, if indeed years ago, out in Stanford, California, family physicians, the general sur- there was a second hospital involved. estimated the cost of defensive medi- geons, the OB/GYNs, the pediatricians, That required a constitutional amend- cine in the Medicare system, just in the gerontologists, to become those ment in order to become law. And that the Medicare system, not in the entire practitioners of the future that are constitutional amendment was passed health care system, but just in the going to more likely stay in shortage in September of 2003. It was not passed Medicare system, amounted to about areas, such as rural and small urban by a very large margin. It was essen- $28 billion a year. Again, that is money areas. tially the grass-roots efforts of physi- we can scarcely afford to leave on the There is no question that the issues cians, their families and their patients table. If those savings are available to in front of us as far as the physician that got the constitutional amendment us, indeed, we do need to be getting workforce are serious, they are signifi- passed that allowed the Texas law to those dollars back. cant. But the feeling is that once you take effect. But it is not just a dollars-and-cents have established measures that will But the effect of the Texas law over issue. Nome, Alaska. I happened to be allow the medical workforce of the fu- the ensuing 3 or 4 years has been sig- through there in the summer of 2003, ture, then you can begin to refine other nificant. Medical liability premiums stopping in Nome, Alaska, with a group aspects of the health care system. And, have now fallen 20–22 percent. My last of other Congressmen. You can imagine again, as I stressed last night, we are insurer of record, Texas Liability the Chamber of Commerce wanted to going to have that tension between Trust, has reduced insurance rates by have a big lunch, so they invited us all what is public and what is private. 20 to 22 percent, depending upon the there. And of course being a physician What is paid for by the government, length of time that the doctor has been who was also a Member of Congress, what is paid for by insurance, what is with the company. about the entire medical staff from paid for by people who wish to pay More importantly, insurance compa- their hospital, all 19 physicians turned cash. Is it better to have a health sav- nies have come back, liability carriers out to talk to me during the course of ings account or rely on SCHIP or Med- have come back to the State of Texas. our stopover in Nome, Alaska. And one icaid? Those arguments we are going to We diminished from about 17 carriers of the points that they wanted made have, but those arguments are going to to 2 in 2002. Now there are 13 or 14 car- was that they needed help because they diminish in importance if we don’t do riers back in the State. And most im- couldn’t afford the medical liability the things necessary to create and re- portantly, they have come back to the cost for having an anesthesiologist in tain the physician workforce that is State without an overall increase in their hospital. And the doctor who was going to be necessary to take care of their premiums. telling me this story, I asked, well, people in the future. One of the big beneficiaries of the law what is your specialty, sir? And he One of the greatest frustrations that that was passed in Texas has been the said, well, I am an OB/GYN doctor just I hear all the time from medical profes- smaller community-based not-for-prof- like you. And I said wait a minute, sionals, and since we are on the subject it hospital. The money that they were you’re an OB/GYN doctor and you work of medical professionals and how to previously having to—these hospitals in a hospital that doesn’t provide anes- keep physicians engaged in practicing largely self-insured and the dollars thesia services. How do you do that? medicine and how to get more people that they were having to put in escrow Ignore for a moment the woman who to consider health care as a career, ob- against possible claims was significant. may need an epidural during child viously medical liability plays a big And now these hospitals have been able birth, what do you do if you’re faced part in that. My home State of Texas to put more of that capital back to with having to do a C-section? He said, has done an excellent job of dealing work for them: capital expansions, hir- well, we get that patient and put her with the medical liability issue. We, on ing nurses, paying nurses’ salaries. Ex- on an airplane and take her to Anchor- the floor of this House in Congress, in actly the kinds of things you would age. Anchorage, probably 3 hours away. fact for the last two Congresses over want your smaller community hos- I am given to understand that they the previous 4 years have passed sev- pitals to be able to do they have now sometimes have bad weather in Nome, eral medical liability bills that have been able to do under the legislation Alaska. It just makes no sense that we had at their heart a cap on non- passed in Texas. would allow a system like that to con- economic damages patterned after the Well, if Texas is in such good shape tinue. We are doing nothing to enhance Medical Injury Compensation Reform from its liability reform, is it still im- patient safety; we are doing nothing to Act of 1975 out in California that has portant to consider passing a law at enhance the ability to deliver care by been so effective in keeping the cost of this level, at the Federal level, to deal allowing a system like that to con- providing liability insurance within with our medical justice system? And tinue. reason. the answer still is yes. Legislation in Again, we are talking about the Now, my home State of Texas, the draft form that I had scored by the workforce issues. Talking to a resi- year that I ran for Congress the first Congressional Budget Office right be- dency director from one of the large time in 2002, was in a crisis situation. fore we did our Republican budget a residencies up in New York City a cou- We were losing insurers from the State few months ago, at the request of the ple of years ago, I asked her what ef- liability. Insurers were leaving Texas Budget Committee ranking member, fect the medical liability problem was

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:28 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.149 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5042 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 having on attracting young physicians the United States is the world leader. loan repayment program for generalist into their residency program. And she In the past 10 years, for instance, 12 physicians who agree to serve in medi- replied to me that we are now taking Nobel Prizes in medicine have gone to cally underserved areas. A second au- people into our residency program that American-born scientists working in thorization for an additional $25 mil- 5 years ago we wouldn’t even have the United States, three have gone to lion total would make grants to States interviewed. So these are our children’s foreign-born scientists working in the to provide financial aid to physicians doctors. We are driving away some of United States, and seven have gone to agreeing to serve in medically under- the best and brightest from the desir- researchers outside of the country. served areas and to support patient- ability of the practice of health care, b 1915 centered coordinated care in qualified and we need to do better. medical homes. So once again I would add that, while He goes on to point out that five of There would be additional authoriza- the three bills that will establish and the six most important medical inno- encourage and protect and preserve and vations in the past 25 years have been tions to make grants for board cer- defend the existing physician work- developed within and because of the tified entities to establish or expand force and the physician workforce of American system. geriatric program fellowships in rural, the future in this country, we also need The fact is the United States is not suburban or medically underserved to pay attention to the medical justice Europe. American patients are accus- communities, and, finally, a report to system in this country. tomed to wide choices when it comes to Congress on the efficacy of the pro- We have had a number of hearings in hospitals, wide choices when it comes gram. my committee, the Committee on En- to physicians, and choices in their Then lastly, but certainly not least, ergy and Commerce, and our health pharmaceuticals. Because our experi- amend the Internal Revenue Code so subcommittee on this issue. There are ence is unique and different from other that gross income does not include some other suggestions out there in ad- countries, this difference should be ac- compensation received by a physician dition to or instead of the caps on non- knowledged and certainly expanded from a local government for a qualified economic damages. I am willing to lis- when reforming either the public or the medical service that is performed in a ten to other philosophies, but the re- private aspect of healthcare delivery in medically underserved community and ality is in my home State of Texas. this country. under contract with the local govern- Caps on noneconomic damages again Mr. Speaker, in the time that I have ment for 4 years. This compensation are working. They are delivering lower remaining, let me just recap again the will be taken into account as wages premium rates for physicians. They are three aspects of physician workforce and must still be reported, but it just delivering on the promise of more flexi- that I am going to be introducing. won’t count toward that individual’s bility for capital expenditures for This will be a bill to repeal the so- adjusted gross income. small community-size hospitals be- called sustainable growth rate expendi- cause of the dollars they don’t have to ture and replace that with a Medicare Mr. Speaker, I appreciate very much tie up in escrow because of the way Economic Index or cost of living index the time allotted to me this evening. their self-insurance plans are con- for physicians beginning in the year These are important issues. Again, structed. 2010; protections in the year 2008 and whether one comes down on the side of And, again, we’ve seen the insurance 2009 for voluntary reporting and vol- increased governmental control of companies come back to Texas. And I untary compliance with improvements medical care or continuation of some do from time to time hear people say, in health information technology. aspect of the private practice of medi- well, it’s just the insurance companies The second bill will deal with the cine in this country, the critical thing wanting to make more money. The re- physician workforce and graduate med- is that we have the doctors there who ality is, my old insurer in Texas was a ical education. This will establish an are willing and able and trained to pro- physician-owned company, a physician- interest-free loan program for eligible vide the services that we all want. run company. It was essentially a com- hospitals in rural and small urban Additionally, for those individuals pany where all of the profits were re- areas to establish residency training who would say expansion of the govern- turned back to the insurance company. programs for primary care, family ment program, the government-funded We have several of those in Texas. So I medicine, internal medicine, pediat- side of medical care is the only way to don’t believe it is all just a question of rics, emergency medicine, general sur- adequately cover people in this coun- a profit-driven motive from the liabil- geon and OB/GYN. The authorization try, I think we have to look at how ity insurer. for this will be $25 million over 10 good a job we are doing right now with One of the things that I think we lose years, those 10 years being 2008 through about the 50 percent that is devoted to sight of, and there was an article in 2018 inclusive. Of course, the Secretary the public sector in the practice of one of the papers today that talked of HHS will report to Congress on the medicine. About 50 cents out of every about the fact that America was not efficacy of the programs and how they health care dollar spent in this country the premier as far as the delivery of are going about achieving their stated has as part of its origin the United health care. We can have a lot of argu- goals. States Congress at some point or other. ments around that thought, around Finally, and interestingly enough, we that philosophy. The American health voted on a bill on the floor of this So we have to ask ourselves, are we care system in general, and certainly House just a few hours ago that would doing a good enough job there? And I the Medicare program in particular, be a loan forgiveness package for law- would suggest, particularly when you has no shortage of critics here at home yers who graduate from law school look at things like the sustainable and certainly abroad. But it is the with large student loans and are will- growth rate formula under which phy- American system that stands at the ing to practice as prosecutors in high sicians are paid, I think the answer to forefront of innovation and new tech- need areas. This would be a very simi- that question would have to be no, we nology, precisely the types of system- lar structured bill that would establish can do a better job with that. wide changes that are going to be nec- a scholarship program for physicians So certainly before any consideration essary to efficiently and effectively who are wanting to practice in primary for expanding any part of the public provide care for Americans, and par- care in high need areas to alleviate part of paying for medical care in this ticularly for America’s seniors in the shortages in the fields of family medi- country, we have got to be sure that we future. cine, internal medicine, pediatrics, have our figures straight. We have to There was an article, and please emergency medicine, general surgeon be certain that we are willing to tackle don’t tell anyone back in my home and OB/GYN, again the so-called gener- the tough problems of paying for those State of Texas that I read the New alist physicians. things, and certainly the SGR formula York Times, but there was a New York This authorization would be for $5 needs to be sunsetted and needs to be Times article published last October, million for each of 5 years, fiscal year no longer part of the parlance and dis- October 5, by Tyler Cowan who writes: 2008 through 2015, a $25 million total cussion on the floor of this House of When it comes to medical innovation, authorization that would establish a Representatives.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.150 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5043 CERTIFICATION REGARDING EX- VOTE BY HOUSE ON WHETHER TO that the U.S. will not allow Iran to PORT OF CERTAIN ITEMS TO GO TO WAR WITH IRAN IS NEED- possess nuclear weapons and that the THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ED NOW option of a military attack is not ex- CHINA—MESSAGE FROM THE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cluded.’’ PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED previous order of the House, the gen- Now, he said, again quoting, ‘‘Cheney STATES (H. DOC. NO. 110–34) tleman from Washington (Mr. expressed his conviction that striking Iran may be the best solution for the The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- MCDERMOTT) is recognized for 5 min- fore the House the following message utes. situation in Iraq.’’ Think about it. We are going to solve from the President of the United Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, we our problems in Iraq by attacking Iran. States; which was read and, together need a vote on whether this country is He says, ‘‘because Tehran,’’ the capital with the accompanying papers, without going to go to war with Iran. We have of Iran, ‘‘has the biggest influence in objection, referred to the Committee talked to the Speaker about it. She has the country and is the source of the on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be promised it. But the time is getting arms of the militia.’’ printed: short. Every day that we wait, we allow people down at the White House Now, this is from a man who sent to To the Congress of the United States: Iraq a guy named Bremer who took In accordance with the provisions of to continue to talk about this. The vote we gave in 2002 to allow the down all the guards and all the barriers section 1512 of the Strom Thurmond President to deal with the problems of at the border between Iran and Iraq, National Defense Authorization Act for 9/11 was not a blank check to attack and Iran, of course, has been coming Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105–261), I any country in the world. This war on into Iraq. This administration set it hereby certify that the export to the terror began with some sense in Af- up, or else they were ignorant. You can People’s Republic of China of the fol- ghanistan, and then moved to Iraq to take your choice on that. lowing items is not detrimental to the the absolute chaos we have today. It is He said, ‘‘They do not expect that U.S. space launch industry, and that a quagmire from which we can’t get there will be any retaliation by Iraq’s the material and equipment, including ourselves. And, unfortunately, the Shiite militias. Quite the contrary, the any indirect technical benefit that President and his Vice President are Sunni groups and militias will take the could be derived from such exports, leading us, it appears, toward a war opportunity to settle accounts with the will not measurably improve the mis- with Iran. ruling government in Baghdad under sile or space launch capabilities of the Ask why the urgency? Why do you American support.’’ People’s Republic of China: want to come out here and talk about So what he is saying is that the A four-axis filament winding ma- that tonight? Well, there was an article United States is shifting its support chine for production of spare parts for that appeared today in the Al-Quds Al- from the Maliki government, which is China’s water purification and treat- Arabi, which is an Arabic paper pub- Shiite, and they are now over there ment industries; lished in London. It is a very respect- telling people, well, we are going to A computer control system upgrade able paper, and it is one that most peo- now be supporting the Sunni elements to a three-axis filament winding ma- ple in this body, in fact most people in so that they can get—Mr. Speaker, I chine for production of spare parts for this country, never heard of, nor do include the translation of the Al-Quds China’s water purification and treat- they understand and will never know Al-Arabi article for the RECORD. ment industries; about it because our press won’t pick it Vice-President Dick Cheney yesterday ended his tour of the Arab world that started An isostatic press for manufacturing up. automotive spare parts; and with Iraq and included the capitals of four But I read the Middle Eastern press other Arab countries, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi A four-axis filament winding ma- every day. I have some in my office chine to be used in production of Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who read Arabic, and they translate it amidst a war of words with the Iranian graphite or glass composite golf clubs. for me, and I get a summary every day President Ahamdi Nijad, who launched a dip- GEORGE W. BUSH. in my office of what is going on. This lomatic counter-attack in the form of two THE WHITE HOUSE, May 15, 2007. article I think deserves to be quoted a sudden visits to the Emirates and to Oman. little bit, because people may not get High-ranking Arab diplomatic sources f the Congressional Quarterly or the close to the talks with Cheney confirmed to Al-Quds Al-Arabi that the probability of war CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and read it. became more likely than peace in the region RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF The article says this: ‘‘Vice President after the round of meetings of the vice-presi- COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET Dick Cheney yesterday ended his tour dent, and that the expected meetings be- AND COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN of the Arab world that started with tween the Iranian and American sides in AFFAIRS Iraq and ended in the capitals of four Baghdad might be the last chance to avoid other Arab countries, Egypt, Jordan, military confrontation. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The same sources indicated that Cheney fore the House the following resigna- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. High ranking Arab diplo- was talking to Gulf leaders he met in a very tion as a member of the Committee on confident and self-assured tone, stressing the Budget and the Committee on For- matic sources close to the talks with that the involvement of his country in Iraq eign Affairs: Cheney confirmed to the newspaper does not mean that it is in a weak situation that the probability of war became CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, and cannot launch another war, against Iran. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, more likely than peace in the region.’’ Cheney, who visited the troops of his coun- Washington, DC, May 15, 2007. This is Arabs listening to the Vice try in Iraq and the Gulf during his last Hon. NANCY PELOSI, President of the United States talk. round, made sure that he met American sol- House of Representatives, Office of the Speaker, ‘‘The same sources indicated that diers on an airplane carrier announcing to Washington, DC. Cheney was talking to Gulf leaders he them in a decisive manner that the US will DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI: In light of my elec- met in a very confident and self-as- not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, tion to the Committee on Financial Services and that the option of a military attack is sured way, stressing that the involve- not excluded. The Iranian President replied through passage of H. Res. 393 and pursuant ment of this country in Iraq does not to House Republican Conference rules re- against that with severe threats in a press garding service on certain standing commit- mean it is in a weak situation and can- conference in Abu Dhabi, assuring that if tees, I am compelled to and do hereby resign not launch another war.’’ they (Americans) make that mistake, the from service on the following committees: Think about that. The Vice President reply of Iran will be very strong and they Committee on the Budget and the Com- is telling the Arab leaders, because we will regret it. [Amedinejad said] ‘‘All the mittee on Foreign Affairs. are in this mess in Iraq, just ignore world knows that they cannot beat us and Sincerely, that. We still can go to Iran and have Iran is capable of defending herself, and that THADDEUS G. MCCOTTER, a war. the superpowers cannot stop us from pos- Member of Congress. sessing nuclear energy.’’ Cheney went and talked to soldiers It was observed that Gulf states have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without and sailors on one of the aircraft car- begun searching for alternatives to the Gulf objection, the resignation is accepted. riers, ‘‘announcing to them,’’ and this straits to export their oil abroad. There were There was no objection. again is a quote, ‘‘in a decisive manner suggestions to build pipelines to the Red Sea

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:28 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.151 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 or the Arab Sea across Yemen, due to fears important step forward that this Con- back COPS to $198 million. And by 2005, of closing the Strait of Hormuz through gress took today when it comes to the to $10 million. By 2006, the Congress which 18 million barrels pass daily. Western issue of domestic national security. had completely eliminated COPS fund- analysts expect that Iranian retaliation will We hear a lot and have heard a lot ing. include closing the Strait of Hormuz, bomb- ing American bases, and burning down oil from our President and from this Con- Boots on the street, community po- wells in the Gulf, in addition to bombing gress over the past several months lice officers on the ground, you want to Israel with rockets from Iran directly, about trying to change our course in talk about the first defense against the through Hezbollah in Lebanon or both. Iraq, trying to do the right thing to next terrorist attack on this Nation, it Cheney expressed his conviction that strik- make sure that our troops, that our is the community police officers, our ing Iran may be the best solution for the sit- soldiers there are not put in harm’s law enforcement personnel on the uation in Iraq, because Tehran has the big- way in the middle of a religious civil ground. gest influence in the country and is the war. Today, we made an historic invest- source of arms for militias. The source added For those of us who have been calling that American estimates do not expect Iraqi ment in community policing. For my Shiite retaliation against American troops for a new direction in Iraq, we do so in district alone, it means a 50 percent in- in case war breaks out. Quite the contrary, part based on what our own intel- crease in the number of COPS-sup- the Sunni groups and militias will take the ligence community has told us, ported personnel on the ground. opportunity to settle accounts with the rul- through the National Intelligence Esti- We are going to set a new course in ing government in Baghdad under America’s mate, that the war in Iraq, which has Iraq, and I believe that is going to support and protection. The same source in- become what they call a cause celeb for make this country safer. We are going dicated that Cheney asked his allies (Saudi the terrorist communities, is in fact to put our National Guard and Reserve Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab making this country less safe, not troops protecting their States. That Emirates) to reassure Sunni groups in Iraq and win them to the American side, passing more safe, by creating a breeding will make us safer. a message that the U.S. has lost confidence ground, a training ground for terrorists But today, this Democratic Congress completely in Al-Maliki government because and in fact by growing the undeserved showed that things changed by invest- of its failure to control the security situa- derision for this country across the ing once again in community policing tion and to achieve national reconciliation, world. and the COPS program. including giving the Sunnis a bigger role in It points us to, I think, a misplaced A lot of people wonder whether the decision-making process. allocation of resources. While we have things really are changing in Wash- Cheney assured Gulf leaders that the Ira- been fighting a misguided and bungled ington or whether it is just talk. nian nuclear reactor of Bushahr that lies on the other side of the Gulf will not be a target war in Iraq, we have been leaving our Today, by making an historic invest- for strikes because it has no value and due to own borders, leaving our own homeland ment in community policing, we did the presence of Russian experts at the reac- unsecured. the right thing for our brave law en- tor, and that even if it became a target of We know that the National Guard forcement personnel and national secu- strikes, it would not cause pollution to the and the Reserve troops are stretched to rity. Gulf waters because it does not have de- their limit. I have a GAO report from f pleted plutonium. Gulf states that obtain January of this year stating the high 90% of their water from treatment stations use of National Guard for Federal over- 30-SOMETHING WORKING GROUP on the Gulf shores expressed to American of- seas missions has reduced equipment The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ficials their concerns and fears in the face of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- a water crisis which would be caused if a nu- available for its State-led domestic clear leak pollutes the Gulf waters in case of missions. uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Ohio war with Iran. Governor after Governor is telling us (Mr. RYAN) is recognized for 60 min- The same source also confirmed that Che- that their National Guards are not utes. ney’s talks in the four capitals focused on ready to respond to the national emer- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is Iraq and Iran only and never dealt with the gencies that may confront States. The an honor to be before the House of Rep- Arab-Israeli conflict. This was explained by a Governor of North Carolina says, ‘‘We resentatives once again with the gen- change of roles between Cheney and Rice, rely on the National Guard to respond tleman from Connecticut (Mr. MURPHY) with the latter’s role confined to the Israeli- to share with the American people and Palestinian issue. to natural disasters, a pandemic or ter- In Abu Dhabi, there are currently rumors rorist attack. Currently, we do not our colleagues some of the issues that about Mr. Nijad’s asking the Emirates for have the manpower or the equipment are facing the United States of Amer- mediation with Washington in the current to perform that dual role,’’ of respond- ica today, and that I think will have nuclear crisis, and that he brought forth new ing to both State and Federal needs. ramifications for the future of this ideas that an Emirate delegation will We know that our National Guard is country. present to Washington in the next 2 days. stretched thin. We also know that over The past few weeks here have been The delegation is headed by crown-price and a period of time our local law enforce- very exciting as we continue to try to commander-in-chief of the armed forces, ment personnel have been stretched press the President of the United Sheikh Muhammad bin Zaid. The delegation left for Washington, D.C. already and has thin as well. States to find his way in Iraq and begin among its members the foreign minister of For those of us that watched from the withdrawal of our troops. the Emirates. State legislatures or from our place in I think it is important for the Amer- the private citizenry, we were very ican people to recognize the position of f proud of this Congress in conjunction the majority party in the House of b 1930 with former President Clinton when Representatives and the position of the they instituted the COPS program. majority in the United States Senate IMPORTANT STEP TAKEN ON Over 117,000 additional community po- represented by Speaker PELOSI and ISSUE OF DOMESTIC NATIONAL lice officers were put on the streets of Senate majority leader HARRY REID in SECURITY this country. Every State of the Union which we are trying to begin the proc- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a was a beneficiary of this program. ess of winding down the war in Iraq and previous order of the House, the gen- That program was put by the wayside expanding the global war on terrorism. tleman from Connecticut (Mr. MURPHY) by this Republican Congress and this The war in Iraq does not have any- is recognized for 5 minutes. President. Today a lot of Republicans thing to do with the war on terrorism, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. got up and spoke in favor of the bill and we hear from the President con- Speaker, we still hope to bring a 30- today which basically reinvigorated sistently that if we don’t fight them something hour to the floor this that community policing program. But over there, we are going to have to evening, but we may have to wait for it was a Republican Congress that cut fight them over here. I think it is im- another evening, Mr. Speaker. that program to the bone. portant for us to recognize that only 2 I wanted to briefly rise for a few min- During the Clinton administration to 3 percent of the people fighting in utes, potentially in replacement of our during the 1990s, the COPS program Iraq are al Qaeda. We are in the middle normal 30-something hour this evening, was funded at $1 billion a year. By 2003, of a civil war in a country that 70 per- to talk about what I think is a very the Republican-led Congress had scaled cent of the citizens of that country in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:28 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15MY7.067 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5045 Iraq believe it is okay to shoot Amer- I hope tonight we will talk about how If the whole premise of the Presi- ican soldiers. That is where we are in stressed the National Guard is, bring- dent’s policy was as they stand up, we the middle of this civil war, a religious ing the troops back home to protect stand down, he has been saying that for civil war between religious groups and ourselves on our homefront, and being such a long time, and that was in our ethnic factions in which Americans in able to respond to the natural disasters supplemental bill that we passed a cou- many instances are the targets of this and emergencies that are all too fre- ple of weeks ago. civil war now. quent on our own shore, and begin to I know our good friend Steve Israel We have seen in the last 4 months, focus on places where we can still win. from New York and Ike Skelton have Mr. Speaker, the deaths of more Amer- Afghanistan, a fight that is taking it been promoting this idea for a long icans in that 4-month period than any right to the insurgency that attacked time, and that was in there. That is the other 4-month period during the war. It this country, taking it right to the kind of thing that the Democrats are is getting worse by the day. Many of us training ground of al Qaeda, the place doing. continue to talk to soldiers who come where Osama bin Laden trained and But to focus on the lack of planning, back and go back and forth, and they prepared his forces to attack this coun- not to beat a dead horse, but we now are very discrete with us and they try. Certainly we can win there, but it have soldiers over there who are in share with us information that they is time we start recognizing what that charge of two, three, 400 Iraqi soldiers. are maybe not willing to say publicly. new direction has to be. One person that I know who is in But if I have heard it from one soldier, It was amazing when I listened to the charge of 400 Iraqi soldiers, do you I have heard it from 15 or 20 from my Republican leader say a week or so ago, know how many interpreters he has to district and around the country who I and I am paraphrasing, but the thought communicate with? have talked with. And they inevitably was that the Republicans were willing Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. How say: What is winning? What is winning to hear out the President’s plan to es- many? this war? calate the war for a period of time. Mr. RYAN of Ohio. One. He has one We ask the President time and time But, say, by the fall or later this year interpreter to help him communicate again: What does winning mean? We if it wasn’t working, it was time for with 400 Iraqi soldiers. are beginning to try the process that the President to propose plan B. Now these are all of the things that I am not sure how anyone who has the President keeps vetoing of winding were not accounted for before we went been watching this play out for the last this war down. into this place. That’s what we are say- When you have a scenario where you 4 years could still believe we are on ing. There is a time and a place for have a couple thousand or 3,000 or 4,000 plan A. We are not plan A or B, we are military action. Afghanistan is the one U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in cities of over on like plan triple R right now. We we all cite, where they were harboring 100,000 trying to secure and trying to have tried everything. And guess what, the al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. find out who these insurgents are when every new strategy, every new ap- But now we have put these soldiers in they all dress in civilian clothes, they proach that we take based solely on a position where they are losing their all drive civilian cars. No one has a military might alone, which has been friends. They are in dangerous situa- uniform on. No one is driving a tank. essentially our practice so far, has tions. They don’t know how long they This is a guerrilla war that we are in made the situation even more chaotic are going to be there. Their tours keep the middle of. It is becoming very, very and has plunged Baghdad and its envi- difficult for us to secure it. I believe we rons into greatest chaos. getting extended, and you can’t keep have missed the opportunity to secure Why? Guess what, because the rest of doing this to our soldiers. that country because we lack troops. us, the American public and the Demo- And then you have a natural disaster I don’t want to take all of the time cratic Caucus, the bipartisan Iraq in the United States and you don’t up tonight. I know Mr. MURPHY is such Study Group, retired generals from have enough Guardsmen and -women to a courteous New Englander that he every stripe, have realized that we can- address the local problem. would probably let me, but I think it is not win this conflict. And everyone’s b 1945 important that the citizens of this definition of win is different, I under- Let’s fix this. Let’s work together to stand, but we cannot prove victorious country know that the Democratic fix this problem and let’s work with there on the force of our military Party is trying to end this war. We the President. Let’s work with the might alone. want timetables. We want account- members of the minority party in the ability, and the one thing that we are I got to spend a couple of days on the House and the Senate to say let’s start saying to the President of the United ground in Baghdad with those soldiers. winding this thing down. That’s what States, two things, this is not going to If anyone can fulfill the mission they we want to do, and that’s how I think be an open-ended war and you are not have been given, it is the men and we are going to begin to regain some getting a blank check. women in the Armed Forces that we I yield to my friend. have put on the ground. They are the credibility in the world. We are actu- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Thank bravest and most capable people I have ally going to be pro-troop, pro-soldier you, Mr. RYAN. I am nothing if not a ever been around. But the fact is that by getting them out of a position that fan of New England etiquette. I would we have given them a mission which is they can’t survive in. We see the death let the gentleman speak for as long as nearly impossible. tolls going up and we see what’s hap- he wishes, but he makes great points. We are forcing them one day to be pening at Walter Reed, and when you The American people sent this new soldiers, the next day to be diplomats, look at what we were able to do, imme- Congress in order to set a new direc- and the next day to be civil engineers. diate funding for the troops for the tion. They didn’t imagine on election The reason why plan A through Z has next 60 to 90 days and an evaluation of day that new direction was putting not worked yet is because it doesn’t how we are doing, is that too much to more troops in harm’s way in the mid- recognize the very fact that if we can ask? dle of a civil war. The word ‘‘esca- solve this, if we can somehow bring I yield to my good friend. lation’’ was not in their vocabulary some resolution to Iraq, it will be Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. when they conceived of what that new through diplomatic and political Speaker, we have been in this fight direction would be. might, not sheer military force. over timetables, and so many of us be- They believed it was about time to Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Just to think lieve that we have got to start setting start listening to the bipartisan foreign about the lack of planning and details a deadline on when the Iraqis are going policy community as represented by for the whole deal, as these Iraqi troops to have to stand up for themselves. the Iraq Study Group Report, of the are supposed to stand up, we are sup- Okay, so we passed that, and the Presi- record number of generals coming back posed to stand down. That is why in dent vetoed, and we came back and and telling us we needed to start set- our supplemental we said let’s work said, all right, let’s talk about some- ting a new course. They believed that something out. There was no exact for- thing a little bit less than that. Let’s new direction was about redeploying mula, but as one brigade of Iraqi troops talk about what you outlined. our forces and bringing the National are trained to the level the President Let’s give you all the money you Guard home. certifies, we bring one home. want and more for the next several

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.156 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 months for the conduct of this war, and out of Iraq at the request of a new soldier looked at me inquisitively, sort then after that’s done, let’s see if it’s (Iraqi) government, he said,’’ the Presi- of shocked that I would ask the ques- working. That’s a revolutionary con- dent said, ‘‘ ‘Absolutely. This is a sov- tion. He said, we don’t know who’s cept here. Before we authorize the next ereign government.’’’ shooting at us; if they are shooting at round of several dozen billion dollars May 12, 2007, fast forward, majority us, we shoot back. That’s their job. for the conduct of this war, let’s just of Iraq lawmakers seek timetable for That’s their job, to protect them, to ask some questions. Is it working? Are U.S. exit. Majority of Iraq’s parliament protect the people around them. the Iraqis doing what they need to do members signed a petition for a time- But as you said, the fact is when you to achieve a political settlement? And table governing withdrawal of Amer- can’t tell who it is that’s doing the guess what, the message is to that idea ican troops. The American people want shooting how on earth the next day are as well, that’s not acceptable either; it us out. The Iraqi parliament wants us you going to be expected to sit down is going to get a veto just like the first out. Seventy percent of the Iraqi citi- and try to mend the fences that gave one. zens think it is okay to shoot an Amer- rise to that violence in the first place? There was a word that was just lost ican soldier. This President is the only Like I said, if anybody can do it, I here for a long time. You and the 30- one in the world who thinks it’s a good think that these guys and women can somethings talked about it night after idea for us to stay there, and it’s the do it. They are the most amazing, ca- night, but it was a foreign phrase to same person who told us this slew of pable people that I have ever met in people and it is accountability. It is ac- inaccurate data, information, tactic, my life, but the fact is that if you don’t countability. strategy 5 years ago. know who’s perpetuating the violence, Guess why the Iraqis consider going So we are trying to fix this problem, it’s very hard to heal those wounds the home for the summer? Why the par- and we are having a heck of a time get- next day. And to my mind, if the Iraqis are liament thinks it is okay to stand ting past this President. And he is the telling us that what they believe is down? Because they know they have a President and he does have the veto necessary to make their country safe is crutch to rely on. They know that the power, but he needs to recognize we a precipitous withdrawal of American Americans will be there as long as they want accountability. He’s not getting a forces, if our own intelligence commu- continue to refuse to stand their mili- blank check, and this is not going to be nity is telling us that we are less safe tary up, to stand their political insti- an open-ended war. because of what’s going on there, the tutions up, to stand up their min- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. We Iraq Study Group, retired generals, istries. talk about the enormous and uncon- American public, Iraqi parliament, in- They know that, in fact, we’re going scionable level of American casualties telligence community, there’s a wall to reward their incompetence. Enough there, and the number that we focus on around Pennsylvania Avenue right is enough. are the number of men and women who now, and none of that seems to be I got to spend a couple of days there, don’t come back, and not enough focus going in there. And if we don’t change and in addition to spending some time gets put on the number of American course sooner or later, we’re going to with the troops you get to spend a lit- soldiers who come back with grave, do damage that is not going to be even tle bit of time with the Iraqi military, crippling injuries. But we don’t talk at reversible by this Democratic Con- and you can see that there’s potential all about the number of Iraqis who gress. there. You can see that they are ready have been killed, the immense civilian Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Let’s look at to do this mission but you can also see casualties that mount not by the two what we are just trying to do. All we’re that there’s no incentive there to do it or three or four a day but mount by the saying is we’re going to give the Presi- right now. dozens every day. dent, he wants $100 billion and we’re And so that word ‘‘accountability’’ And so when you see what we are see- saying we want to give you $30-some which has been lost here for so long is ing now, which is an Iraqi parliament billion, and then D.C. lingo, fence the I think a large reason for why Congress standing up and saying enough is rest of the money in, the other $50 or looks a little bit different now, why enough, we need the Americans to go $60 billion, until he comes back, the you have a whole bunch of new Mem- home, what you’re hearing is a bunch President comes back to us in July and bers who were sent here, not just to of people who are realizing that the is able to articulate to the United wrap up this war, not just to bring our best way to keep their own people safe States Congress and the American peo- troops home but to also instill in this is to have the Americans stand down ple and the world what exactly the government a sense that if we are because, on more days than not, we are progress has been. And if you have going to spend taxpayer dollars, we drawing additional fire into the chaos progress, then you will be willing to better have some accounting for how it there. come and make that argument to us is done. We went over and asked the generals here. And then we will have another The two bills that we have passed, there, we said, listen, tell us how much vote, and we will decide if we are going both the first bill that set a timetable of the fire that you are seeing in and to release the rest of the money or do to wrap up this war; the second bill, around Baghdad is a result of Shia and something else, begin winding it down frankly, is as reasonable as you can get Sunni violence and tell us how much of even quicker. in trying to provide some benchmarks the fire is directed at American forces. But I find it very disturbing, Mr. for success, they are both about that And the stat was pretty amazing. Nine- Speaker, that the President of the missing word missing here for a long ty percent of the fire there is fire di- United States is not willing to come to time. It is accountability. rected from one religious civil group to the United States Congress, created by Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Absolutely. We the next, from one sect to the other. Article I, section 1 of the Constitution, have another thing to add to the list of Ten percent of it is directed at Amer- the people’s House, and articulate why the promises that were made that we ican forces. It’s an inexcusable 10 per- our soldiers are still in Iraq, why we’re rehashed here many, many times. cent, but to think that we are asking not having success, why benchmarks When you look at we are going to be our men and women to stand in the aren’t being met, why the Iraqi soldiers greeted as liberators, we only need $50 middle and be a human shield between aren’t being trained. You come back to billion, we can use the oil for recon- Shia and Sunni fighting each other, in the United States Congress and you struction, you know, all of these things fact sometimes Shia and Shia, Sunni tell us what the situation is, and then that were told to us before the war that and Sunni fighting each other, is a mis- we control the money, and if there’s ended up not being true, we have some- erable way to conduct foreign policy. progress we will give you more. If it thing that we can add as we have seen And I asked one of those soldiers, I continues like it’s been going, we’re this week, May 12 edition of the news, said, you know, you’re being asked one going to give you enough to get these and comparing it to this statement day to try to negotiate some political kids back home. that the President made on the Iraqi settlement between religious groups, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. This government, New York Times, January when the day before they were shoot- place has been a one-horse show for a 28, 2005, ‘‘But asked if, as a matter of ing at each other; how on earth do you real long time. You talk about the Con- principle, the United States would pull tell who’s shooting at who? And the stitution. It’s kind of been a document

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.158 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5047 that’s been dead and buried for a long $500 million in there for brain inju- tude. We can’t have it, because it’s not time. People say the United States ries, again a major problem with those us that is suffering; we are in air condi- Congress here is to be an equal branch soldiers who are coming back injured. tioned quarters. We got offices, cars, of the United States Government, to be We’re trying to take care of our vet- nice meals, you know. Our families are able to operate within a structure that erans, and we’re doing a good job, but here with us. recognizes that not every single deci- we keep getting this process and these It’s the soldiers who are suffering, sion gets made by one man sitting in a bills vetoed by the President of the and their families who are suffering, house up the street; that people go out United States, and it is very important bearing the brunt of this war. to elections in record numbers like that we begin to recognize that this This is Lieutenant General Steven they did last November and they can no longer be a stumbling block. Blum, chief of the National Guard Bu- should think, rightfully so, that what In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, the reau: ‘‘The Governors are rightly con- they say and the votes they cast are Democratic-led Congress, in our budget cerned that while the personnel part of going to have some impact on what authorization bill several weeks ago, the Guard has never been better, never happens down there. put in there the largest increase for been more ready, the equipment piece And I understand that the Presi- veterans spending in the history of the to the National Guard back here at dent’s version of working together is us veterans administration. We are trying home has never been less ready, and agreeing with whatever he asks us to to take care of our veterans, and we they are trying to resolve that obvious agree with, but that’s not what the are doing it in spite of what the Presi- disconnect. The message is clear what American people sent us here to do. I dent is trying to do by consistently we have, and the budget does not certainly didn’t get sent here to do this vetoing our bills. produce the level of readiness that they feel comfortable with.’’ as a new Member, and the sooner that b 2000 we recognize that you have a Congress Just being admitted. That’s being ad- for the first time in a long time that is We are putting the money forward, mitted by the chief of the National going to stand up and speak for the we are asking for some accountability, Guard Bureau. This is the Government people that sent us here, the sooner we are taking care of our veterans, we Accountability Office report from 2007, that happens the better. are taking care of our soldiers, we are just a couple of months ago in Janu- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I appreciate it, making sure that they don’t leave to ary. This is a nonpartisan bureau that and you’re absolutely right. go over to Iraq without the proper body we have here: ‘‘The high use of the Na- And we have got an obligation to do armor, the proper Humvee, up-armored tional Guard for Federal overseas mis- that, and the ramifications of this war Humvees, and the proper amount of sions has reduced equipment available are being felt all over. And one of the rest. for its State-led domestic missions. At regrets that we have had is that we Our soldiers are getting worn out by the same time it faces an expanded continue to run up this huge budget continuously extending their tours, by array of threats at home.’’ deficit in order to pay for the war. And sending them back second, third, Reduced equipment available for our it’s time for us to start challenging fourth tours, their families are having National Guard; our soldiers, not hav- those people who have been doing well, problems, high divorce rates. We are ing the proper body armor; our those people that this primarily has seeing it all over. It’s time for us to Humvees not properly up-armored; our been the burden of this war, has pri- refocus. soldiers not getting the proper rest; marily been the responsibility of those Then, when you look at who else is our veterans not getting the kind of families and those soldiers who have being affected by this situation that we health care that they deserve; our de- been fighting in it, and the burden that have in Iraq, you are also seeing the fense, our soldiers in the Defense De- they have faced has been much greater issue with the National Guard readi- partment, not getting the level of than anyone had anticipated. And so I ness. We have seen, unfortunately, over health care and attention that they think it’s important for us to also rec- the last couple of weeks, because of the need and that they deserve; and an ognize in our supplemental bill what natural disasters and the tornados, es- American public that wants this war to we have been able to do and what we pecially in places like Kansas, where be over. Sixty percent say that it was have tried to do with some of this addi- the National Guard does not have the a mistake to go in the first place. tional money. equipment, in many instances they We have an obligation to respectfully Almost $2 billion for defense health don’t have the manpower to try to deal and orderly wind this war down and care for those soldiers who are serving with the issues that they are facing in begin a surge of diplomacy in the Mid- their country currently, that we put an their own State. There are so many dle East, asking our neighbors in the extra couple billion dollars in there issues that are being affected. Middle East, asking the United Nations above the President’s request to deal Let me just share with you some of to take part in a peace-keeping effort with the health care issue for those these problems that we have and what in Iraq, making sure that our soldiers who are serving their country right we are trying to do to address that. We are there and the periphery, a certain now in this most dangerous time. put in, in the last supplemental bill, $2 number, to make sure that we are still We also added an almost additional billion not requested by the President in the region to a certain extent to pro- $2 billion for veterans health care and for a new strategic reserve readiness tect against some kind of Iranian influ- made sure that we are taking care of fund, of which $1 billion is for Army ence. our veterans when they come back. We National Guard equipment shortfalls. I yield to my good friend, who I know are going to see a tremendous surge in We are trying to address it. has been very busy tonight. Thank you veterans health care when these sol- The President vetoed that too. So for taking time out of your schedule to diers get back home, and we want to bad enough you are vetoing health care honor your commitments. make sure that they have the resources for our soldiers, you are vetoing health I yield to my good friend from Flor- necessary to do that. care for our veterans to the tune of $2 ida. We don’t want this to be a country billion; you are vetoing veterans health Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. RYAN, it’s that promises you before you go to war care for post-traumatic stress disorder; always good to be on the floor with all kinds of Cadillac coverage and then you are vetoing health care for those you. It’s like old times, like the 108th when you get back you’re left on your soldiers who come back with brain in- Congress, TIM RYAN from Niles, Ohio, own. The Democratic Party had at- juries. You are also vetoing an extra $1 and KENDRICK MEEK from Miami/Lib- tempted to fix that through the supple- billion for Army National Guard equip- erty City, Florida. mental process, and again, that bill ment. The good thing I like about doing the was vetoed. I mean, come on. We are trying to work, we are working not only with $500 million in there for post-trau- move this process forward. You know, new Members that appeared in the last matic stress disorder, which is going to it’s a typical D.C. move, that if it’s not Congress, but we have a level of con- be a huge problem given the kind of en- your idea, we are against it. You know, sistency, even in the majority. Mr. vironment that these kids are fighting if I didn’t come up with it, I’m against RYAN serves on the very powerful Ap- in. it. That has been the President’s atti- propriations Committee. I serve on a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.159 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 committee called the Ways and Means plan for children? How can we deal If it’s about, you know, dropping Committee and Armed Services. These with an issue as it relates to helping bombs and all of that, we can do that are just committees that have an awful small businesses? How can we prepare better than anyone else on the face of lot of work, and there is a lot to do. ourselves to take on the wave of vet- the Earth. But when you start putting But we are here tonight because it’s eran affairs that we have to take re- our men and women into responsibil- very, very important to the country. I sponsibility for, because we promise ities when a country should take re- don’t have a family member in Iraq. I our veterans that we will stand with sponsibilities for themselves, then we don’t have a family member on their them because they stood with us? are talking about another thing. way to Iraq, but I do have constituents How can we do all of those things I think it’s also important for us to that fall within that circle of individ- when we are carrying on the back an note that the bouncing ball as it re- uals. Iraqi Government that I must add is lates to what the President says and As we move this conference report, looking at going on a 2-month vaca- what he means are two different hopefully, it will go through the con- tion, and the majority members of the things. One minute we listen to the ference session that’s going on to the Iraqi Parliament have already said commanders in the field. The next President, and that the President they want a timeline on when U.S. minute we know what’s good for the doesn’t veto this bill. Now, I am going troops are going to be out of Iraq. commanders. One minute we say that to say this, because one may say politi- When you hear things about building if the Iraqi Government, and I just hap- cally, you probably wanted the Presi- a wall in Iraq, when you hear the re- pened, I asked staff to pull this up, dent to do it, because he will go down ports over the weekend, Mother’s Day when the President was asked, and he further in the polls. It’s not about weekend, as we were celebrating Moth- said, But asked if, as a matter of prin- polls, as far as I am concerned. It’s er’s Day weekend, including myself, on ciple, the United States would pull out about accountability to the men and honoring our mothers, my mother and of Iraq at the request of a new (Iraqi) women in harm’s way. my wife and all, we have to hear the re- Government,’’ he said, this is a ques- One may think, well, this has noth- port about our men and women on pa- tion that was posed to him, ‘‘ Abso- ing really to do with me. We have a trol in Iraq hit by an improvised explo- lutely. This is a sovereign govern- volunteer Armed Forces, and they have sive device as they patrolled at 4-some- ment.’’ signed up and they knew full well, thing in the morning, and an Iraqi re- The elected Parliament, a majority some of them knew full well they sponse team from our military showed of the elected Parliament have said would be deployed. We have Reservists up, 40 minutes after that event, and they want a timeline. Now, in Congress signed up. Some of them knew this come to find a burning Humvee, burn- we are saying we want a timeline, and threat would come one day that they ing, and those that died in that explo- we want benchmarks. The President is would have to be deployed on a third sion, and three of our men that we are saying, I am not going to allow you to and fourth tour. You have National still combing the streets of Iraq for do it. We have a Republican minority Guard men and women that signed up, right now, along with coalition forces. saying we are standing next to the they were going to be federalized. They These are the very things that we President. Then we had 11 Members of had to know they would be federalized talk about in this bill. We talk about the Republican side go talk to the at some point to go out and fight on not only the human loss, and, since President and say, hey, you know behalf of the country. when I always come to the floor, I just something, we can only stand in for so I just would like to make this point want to say that as of May 15 at 10 long. that if one may feel that this has noth- a.m., which is the latest, 10 a.m. re- Now, if I was thinking in political ing to do with your immediate family, port, death toll is up 3,393; wounded in terms and thinking about serving on you have to think about what the war action and returned to duty is 13,975; the committees I am serving on and in Iraq is doing to our country right wounded in action and not returned to staying in the majority and being a now, our financial standing, our finan- duty is 11,270. That number continues part of leadership meetings and so on cial security. We have an administra- to go up. and so on, I would say, fine. Let the Re- tion in the last Congress, which was It’s very, very important. We pay publican minority stick with the Presi- the rubber stamp Republican Congress, very close attention to this. So when dent. Let the President, let’s just sit that passed everything that the Bush we have the legislation to make sure back, let’s be quiet. Let’s just let the White House called for and asked for. the troops have what they need, make President talk because as far as I am Billionaires received tax cuts that they sure that our veterans have what they concerned politically, the gain is going didn’t even see coming, but it was a need, making sure we respond to the to be to Democrats in Washington, D.C. gift to them from the Bush administra- work that was not done in the last two But if it wasn’t war, if it wasn’t the tion. Congresses, we deal with what hap- future of our children and our chil- Now, we have borrowed more from pened in the Gulf States in Katrina, dren’s children, if it wasn’t the amount foreign nations than we ever borrowed doing right by them, doing right by of debt that has been accumulated with in the history of the Republic. I am their children, that their health insur- two wars going on and tax cuts that no from Florida. For those of you who are ance is about to expire, the very chil- one asked for, and the super, super Members from Gulf States and along dren of our country. wealthy are getting tax cuts, subsidies, the eastern seaboard, this is your issue. Just today I was on the steps talking the oil companies that Mr. RYAN tried Even those from the Midwest or even to an elementary school, Phyllis Ruth to address in the first wave of alter- from the west coast, this is your issue, Miller Elementary School, in my dis- native energy and alternative fuel. making sure that we have the bench- trict. I was talking to over 100 kids I am a little glad to see the President marks in place, making sure that we that are elementary kids and some of talk about an energy plan yesterday, have the accountability in place, when their teachers. They were asking about and take our dependency off of foreign you look at the dollars we are spend- Iraq, and they were asking about the oil or energy and focus on America. I ing, how about the billions of dollars, war. They were concerned, and one of am so glad that the President has trillions of dollars we are spending on the young men asked, well, Congress- caught up with the American people this war. It’s your issue. To the small- man, do you believe when I get of the and the Democratic Congress and mov- town mayor, to the big-city mayor, to age that, you know, I would love to be ing in that direction. We have already the county commissioner, or parish or a member, I would love to be a soldier, done that. State legislature, this is your issue. a member of the Army, do you think I So the real issue here is if we just Some folks said, well, in Washington, will be deployed to Iraq? pay attention to what people are say- you all talk about Iraq, Iraq and Iraq I had to have a discussion with him ing, I think that we can figure out why again, and then that other issue, Iraq. about how we are trying to work in a they are doing what they are doing. The reason why on this floor Iraq is ut- diplomatic way. We want a surge in di- The President, yes, he is going to be tered every day, almost once an hour, plomacy. We want a surge as it relates President, his term will be up in 2008. two or three times an hour, is how can to an escalation and other countries We want to support the Commander in we deal with a national health care taking part in what we are doing. Chief as far as we can.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.160 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5049 But as a democracy, as a Congress, most saying to school age children that And so the old saying, if we know we owe it to the people of the United it’s okay, you can go to school, we better, we’ll do better, well, you know, States of America to continue to get won’t grade you on anything. There’ll by now, 5 years in the war, we should good and accurate information out to never be a test. You just, you know, do all know better. And we’re trying to do them and to make sure that every your time and everything will work better. Member of Congress knows exactly out. We have a majority in place right what he or she is voting on or not vot- Everything that we strive for to be now, Mr. RYAN and Members, that are ing on. successful in, even in business or in willing to do better, have the will and You heard me say before, it’s impor- government, you have to have bench- the desire to do it. The good thing that tant that Members of the Congress on marks. You have to have account- I like about, I was listening to what both sides of the aisle, that we go see ability. And what the President and you were saying before I was recog- the wizard, that we get a little leader- some of the Members of the minority nized. Mr. RYAN, I remember the days ship, get a little courage, okay? Go to side of the aisle, some of them, not all that we were on the floor and we used the President and say, hey, listen, this of them, I must add because I know to talk about if we had the oppor- is the way it’s going to be. This is not that there are a number of my Repub- tunity, this is what we’ll do. We’ll going away. The American people are lican colleagues that are saying we’re make sure that veterans have what on the side of what’s good for America. headed down the right track and they they need to have when they return They are not necessarily saying, you have voted in the affirmative, in a bi- back, and those that have served in know, we love Democrats or we love partisan vote to send that message to past wars, that we honor their commit- Republicans. They just want good gov- the White House. ment by honoring them, making sure ernment, and good government is mak- And what the President hasn’t come that they have a VA health care sys- ing sure we have responsibilities. to grips with, including some members tem they can be proud of. Mayors come and speak with me. I of his Cabinet, that this is a democ- We said that we would work to make had a city commissioner come talk racy, and guess what, the whole cake sure that children have health care in with me today. She was sharing with and ice cream thing, you write it, we this country, and we’ve already taken me about, you know, all of the things just follow you kind of thing is over. action on that. that she has to go through to get a It’s over. The people of America voted We said that we would implement the Federal grant. for accountability. They voted for 9/11 Commission recommendations. We standards. They voted for trans- have already done that. Waiting on the b 2015 parency, and they’re going to get it as President’s signature. Well, I don’t hear the Iraqi Govern- long as we have the majority here in We said that we would put rules in ment talking about all the things and this Congress to give the American place within the House rules to bring the loopholes and accountability meas- people what they ask for. That’s what about ethics and have an active ethics ures they have to go through to get the their vote is all about. committee, which has already hap- taxpayer dollar. And I think it’s impor- I think it’s also important for us to pened, Mr. Speaker. It’s not something tant that we pay very, very close at- realize that when you look at these that we said, well, if we get around to tention to that as we move through. States, and this is just Florida, the Na- it. It’s already happened. Let me just speak one more second, tional Guard was down 500 Humvees, So when we talk about the functions Mr. RYAN, not one more second, but 600 trucks, short 4,000 pair of night vi- of good government, those principles several seconds. sion goggles, and needed 30 more are already in place. And so now we Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Take your time. wreckers. This is from Colonel Ron just need the help of the President of Mr. MEEK of Florida. Thank you, sir. Title, who is brass in our Florida Na- the United States to work with the I mentioned earlier, I’m from Flor- tional Guard. He’s not talking on be- Congress and not dictate to the Con- ida. June 1 is a very important date to half of the Democratic Party or Repub- gress about what we should be doing, those of us that are in Hurricane Alley. lican Party. Here’s a man that said, how we should be doing it. He’s had 5 June 1 is the beginning of hurricane I’m going to serve in the Florida Na- years. He’s had 5 years to say, this is season. Hurricane season will be, this tional Guard, and I’m just talking the way it’s going to be. So shall it be hurricane season has been predicted, about preparedness. I’m talking about written, so shall it be done. Mr. Speaker, to be one of the most ac- our ability to be able to respond to a And I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, and tive seasons in recent time. And Flor- natural disaster. being a Member of the past two Con- ida is probably the most prepared State What are we going to do, turn around gresses, serving, Mr. RYAN and I served as it relates to response because we’ve and call Georgia? I’m pretty sure Geor- on the Armed Services Committee. We gone through it so much. And the rea- gia has some of the same issues. don’t want to leave our men and son why we’re able to respond to a Turn around and call Alabama? Ala- women without equipment and the number of natural disasters and hurri- bama, last I checked, there are a lot of things that they need. And canes, which we have a number of wild National Guard men and women there, supplementals in the past, I didn’t like fires that are going on right now in and I guarantee you their equipment, if a lot of the language in it, but I voted Florida, is that we have one of the best not more in Iraq, they don’t have the for it for the greater good, for the National Guard units on the face of the ability to come to Florida. greater good. Earth, period. But 53 percent of the die- And so when you look at these other And we counted on the Defense De- sel or used equipment that they had to States and the response of the National partment to be accountable with the respond to storms, because they’re the Guard, then you have to get active money. We counted on all of the things first responders, they’re already stag- duty troops involved and you have to that we’re being told about the equip- ing outside of the hurricane zone to re- fly things in and carry on. If we had ac- ment being on the ground when the spond as first responders. They don’t countability in place, and we had prop- men and women get there. Now we find even have the equipment that they er planning in place, that’s what this out that some of that was not true, a need to respond. bill calls for. lot of that was not true. And there’s In Kansas, Mr. RYAN, the Governor of Mr. RYAN, this is the last money for been so many things that have been Kansas said, you know, our emergency Iraq and Afghanistan that will not go told and so many apologies that have management plan called for a response through the regular budget process be- been sent out in press releases. from the National Guard. Those that cause, Mr. Speaker, when that happens, Those days are over. We must have are still left in the State of Kansas, accountability is paramount. Trans- accountability in place. So when the but, they’re having to use their per- parency hearings, everything is ac- President, if the President follows sonal vehicles. They’re having to do counted for. Not just giving a check- through on his threat, Mr. RYAN, to other things to make up for the equip- book to someone in Iraq and say, well, veto it, I’m glad that you talked about ment that’s jammed with sand over in in the early days, giving them cash and the things that he will veto; that he’s Iraq. just say go to work. That’s not good going to deny the men and women in We must have accountability now. accounting practices and should not be harm’s way. He’s going to deny chil- We must have benchmarks now. It’s al- encouraged. dren to have health care. He’s going to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.161 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 deny veterans from getting the vet- mission. If you’re not accountable with what we have to do. Accountability erans services that they deserve, and the dollars, we’re going to continue to with the taxpayer dollars and account- he’s going to deny us being able to hold send it to you. ability to those who woke up hearing our head up. I don’t know a police department mortar, hearing improvised explosive But I’m going to hold my head up be- that received Federal assistance from devices going off, looking at these ve- cause I’m doing my part and I’m doing FEMA, okay, who did not do, did not hicles towed in from the streets of my part right now on Memorial Day follow the plan of hiring and training Baghdad because we’re doing the job when we commemorate those that paid and making sure that they can patrol that the Iraqi Government should be the ultimate sacrifice. And vetoing the their own streets, and we sent Federal doing. And we have to stay the course, largest increase in the VA history. law enforcement individuals down and making sure that we stand up for I’m just talking about a few things, there to do the everyday calls for serv- those that don’t have the opportunity leave alone the accountability meas- ice. That doesn’t happen in America. It to walk through this door and put their ures at the Department of Defense. should not happen in Iraq as long as voting card in these machines and vote They already had the rules in place. our taxpayer dollars are being spent, on behalf of their future and their fam- They just weren’t honoring those rules. and dollars that we’ve borrowed, Mr. ilies. We put it in the supplemental, this RYAN, I must add, from foreign na- b 2030 emergency supplemental. So now, tions. within this law and within the dollars This country is in a financial situa- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I appreciate it. that will be flowing into the field and tion as it relates to borrowing from Use www.Speaker.Gov to access our throughout America, they’re going to foreign nations unlike any other time Web site. E-mail have accountability measures in it. in the history of the Republic. So as we [email protected]. So I’m not talking about what the move in this majority body here to cor- Mr. MEEK, as always, it is an honor, Republican Congress did not do or what rect those issues, this is a wonderful a pleasure, and a privilege to just share they call themselves doing, or what the opportunity for this government to this floor with you, my friend. President did not do or called himself correct itself on the legislative branch f doing. I’m just talking about what and the executive branch, to do the RECESS we’re doing now and the opportunity right thing, to be accountable for the that’s presented before us. And I’m so taxpayer dollars, and, Mr. RYAN, the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. happy, Mr. RYAN, that we are moving dollars that we’ve borrowed from other MURPHY of Connecticut). Pursuant to in that direction. I yield back to you, countries, that we have to figure out clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares sir. how we’re going to pay them back, and the House in recess subject to the call Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Well, I appreciate at the same time continue to maintain of the Chair. you coming down and articulating some sort of financial standing within Accordingly (at 8 o’clock and 31 min- that. And it’s been consistent since the world. utes p.m.), the House stood in recess we’ve gotten in with the first 100 hours Mr. RYAN, it’s always a pleasure, sir, subject to the call of the Chair. as to what we’re doing now, what we coming to the floor and working with f plan on doing, what we’ve passed out of you and other members of the 30-some- b 2117 this House, what we’ve passed out of thing Working Group. I know we’ll be this House sometimes on several dif- back a couple of other times this week AFTER RECESS ferent occasions. before we finish on Friday. The recess having expired, the House And if you look at the two major sup- But we have to stay the course. I’m was called to order by the Speaker pro plemental votes, you look at, you going to use one of the administra- tempore (Ms. CASTOR) at 9 o’clock and know, what did we do in the first one is tion’s words; stay the course on behalf 17 minutes p.m. we put timelines in there, deadlines in of those who stood for us to be able to f there, date certain we’re going to get talk here in this air conditioned Cham- out of there. ber, saluting one flag. We have to stand REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- And you stated, I think, so up for those who have sent us here to VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF articulately, that the Iraqi soldiers, if represent them. And there are people H.R. 1585, NATIONAL DEFENSE they know we’re going to be there, who can vote. There are people who AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FIS- then they’re going to continue to rely cannot vote. They’re Republican. CAL YEAR 2008 on us. And if you leave the training They’re Democrats. They’re independ- Mr. WELCH of Vermont, from the wheels on the bike, you’re never going ents. The individuals that are watching Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- to learn how to ride on two wheels. And what happens now, because as we look ileged report (Rept. No. 110–151) on the it’s time to take the training wheels back 20 years from now, folks are going resolution (H. Res. 403) providing for off, Mr. MEEK. to ask, who stood up? Who stood up for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1585) to Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. RYAN, I them? Who stood up for their children? authorize appropriations for fiscal year don’t remember the last story of a Who stood up for their grandchildren? 2008 for military activities of the De- state that continued to receive money, It’s not about my family. It’s about partment of Defense, to prescribe mili- have not been accountable to Federal all of our families. If you want to talk tary personnel strengths for fiscal year dollars, I mean, haven’t been account- about family values, then let’s start 2008, and for other purposes, which was able in spending those Federal dollars. doing things on behalf of the American referred to the House Calendar and or- News report comes out that it actually people, and let’s make sure that future dered to be printed. took place, and then we turn around generations have a better opportunity f and say, oh, well, we know you didn’t than we have. spend the last billions of dollars we When that kid asked me on the steps REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- gave you. We’re going to give you some of the Capitol, Mr. Congressman, I VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF more. As a matter of fact, we’re going want to join the Army; I want to be a H.R. 1427, FEDERAL HOUSING FI- to come down and help you spend this soldier. Am I going to war? That an- NANCE REFORM ACT OF 2007 money, and we’re going to come down swer shouldn’t have been diplomacy Mr. WELCH of Vermont, from the and be a part of this lack of account- and all that. It should have been, we’re Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- ability by your government. And then doing our job and working with the ileged report (Rept. No. 110–152) on the we’re going to reward you with another international community and keeping resolution (H. Res. 404) providing for emergency supplemental that has no America safe and, yes, if you want to consideration of the bill (H.R. 1427) to strings attached. go into the Army, you should go into reform the regulation of certain hous- You can’t reward bad behavior or the Army and serve our country like so ing-related Government-sponsored en- lack thereof. You cannot say, well, it’s many others have done. terprises, and for other purposes, which okay, Governor. It’s okay, mayor. It’s But it’s a sad commentary when was referred to the House Calendar and okay, county commission or city com- we’re here debating the obvious of ordered to be printed.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:56 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.163 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5051 SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED 1755. A letter from the Secretary of the Air six-month periodic report on the national Force, Department of Defense, transmitting emergency with respect to Syria that was By unanimous consent, permission to Notice of the decision to initiate a multi- declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, address the House, following the legis- function standard competition of the Com- 2004; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. lative program and any special orders munications-Information Support Flight at 1767. A letter from the Chairman, Inter- heretofore entered, was granted to: Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, pursuant to national Fund for Ireland, transmitting a (The following Members (at the re- 10 U.S.C. 2461; to the Committee on Armed copy of the 2006 Annual Report of the Fund; quest of Mr. WELCH of Vermont) to re- Services. to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. vise and extend their remarks and in- 1756. A letter from the Principal Deputy 1768. A letter from the Acting Assistant clude extraneous material:) Under Secretary for Personnel and Readi- Secretary for Administration, Department of ness, Department of Defense, transmitting Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. Transportation, transmitting a copy of the authorization of the enclosed list of officers inventories of commercial and inherently Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, for 5 to wear the insignia of the grade of major minutes, today. governmental positions in the Department of general accordance with title 10, United Transportation, as required by the Federal Mr. WELCH of Vermont, for 5 min- States Code, section 777; to the Committee Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998; to utes, today. on Armed Services. the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. 1757. A letter from the General Counsel, ment Reform. Mr. BUTTERFIELD, for 5 minutes, Department of Defense, transmitting a copy 1769. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- today. of legislative proposals as part of the Na- ment of Commerce, transmitting a copy of a Mr. MICHAUD, for 5 minutes, today. tional Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal draft bill to reauthorize the Coral Reef Con- Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Year 2008; to the Committee on Armed Serv- servation Act of 2000 (CRCA); to the Com- ices. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- 1758. A letter from the Chairman and Presi- mittee on Natural Resources. utes, today. dent, Export-Import Bank, transmitting a 1770. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Mr. HARE, for 5 minutes, today. report on transactions involving U.S. exports ment of the Interior, transmitting a copy of Mr. SHERMAN, for 5 minutes, today. to India pursuant to Section 2(b)(3) of the a draft bill entitled, ‘‘National Park Centen- Mr. KAGEN, for 5 minutes, today. Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; nial Challenge Fund Act’’; to the Committee Mr. MCDERMOTT, for 5 minutes, to the Committee on Financial Services. on Natural Resources. today. 1759. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- 1771. A letter from the Program Analyst, (The following Members (at the re- ment of Energy, transmitting a legislative Department of Transportation, transmitting proposal that would amend two sections of the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness quest of Mr. WESTMORELAND) to revise Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes and extend their remarks and include the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA); to the Committee on Energy and [Docket No. FAA-2004-19755; Directorate extraneous material:) Commerce. Identifier 2004-NM-23-AD; Amendment 39- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for 5 minutes, 1760. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- 15003; AD 2007-07-03] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received today. ment of Energy, transmitting a letter to pro- May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Mr. DUNCAN, for 5 minutes, today. pose legislation to implement the Conven- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Mrs. BLACKBURN, for 5 minutes, tion on Supplementary Compensation for tation and Infrastructure. today. Nuclear Damage adopted in Vienna on Sep- 1772. A letter from the Program Analyst, (The following Member (at his own tember 12, 1997, by a diplomatic conference Department of Transportation, transmitting request) to revise and extend his re- convened by the International Atomic En- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness marks and include extraneous mate- ergy Agency, and to which the Senate gave Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC- its advice and consent to ratification on Au- E4A-3( )/E10950( ) Propellers [Docket No. rial:) gust 3, 2006; to the Committee on Energy and FAA-2007-27552; Directorate Identifier 2007- Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, for 5 Commerce. NE-11-AD; Amendment 39-15019; AD 2007-08- minutes, today. 1761. A letter from the Chairman, Nuclear 02] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, f Regulatory Commission, transmitting the pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Commission’s report entitled, ‘‘Report to ADJOURNMENT mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Congress on Abnormal Occurrences: Fiscal ture. Mr. WELCH of Vermont. Madam Year 2006,’’ pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 5848; to the 1773. A letter from the Program Analyst, Speaker, I move that the House do now Committee on Energy and Commerce. Department of Transportation, transmitting adjourn. 1762. A letter from the Assistant Secretary the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness The motion was agreed to; accord- for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Directives; General Electric Company CF34- transmitting pursuant to section 36(d) of the ingly (at 9 o’clock and 20 minutes 1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 Turbofan Arms Export Control Act, certification re- Engines [Docket No. FAA-2007-27687; Direc- p.m.), the House adjourned until to- garding the proposed manufacturing license morrow, Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 10 torate Identifier 2000-NE-42-AD; Amendment agreement for the manufacture of significant 39-15012; AD 2007-07-07] (RIN: 2120-AA64) re- a.m. military equipment in the Government of ceived May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. f United Kingdom (Transmittal No. DDTC 002- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 07); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. tation and Infrastructure. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 1763. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 1774. A letter from the Program Analyst, ETC. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Department of Transportation, transmitting transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) of the Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Arms Export Control Act, certification re- communications were taken from the Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company garding the proposed license for the export of Beech Models 45 (YT-34), A45 (T-34A, B-45), Speaker’s table and referred as follows: defense articles and services to the Govern- and D45 (T-34B) Airplanes [Docket No. FAA- 1752. A letter from the Assistant Secretary ment of Denmark (Transmittal No. DDTC 2006-25105; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-33- of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and 007-07); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Technology, Department of Defense, trans- 1764. A letter from the Assistant Secretary AD; Amendment 39-15016; AD 2007-06-01 R1] mitting the annual status report of the U.S. for Legislative Affairs, Department of State, (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, pursu- Chemical Demilitarization Program (CDP) transmitting pursuant to section 36(c) of the ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee as of September 30, 2006, pursuant to 50 Arms Export Control Act, certification re- on Transportation and Infrastructure. U.S.C. 1521(g); to the Committee on Armed garding the proposed license for the export of 1775. A letter from the Program Analyst, Services. defense articles and services to the Govern- Department of Transportation, transmitting 1753. A letter from the Under Secretary for ment of Turkey (Transmittal No. DDTC 024- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Personnel and Readiness, Department of De- 07); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model fense, transmitting authorization of the en- 1765. A letter from the Assistant Secretary Galaxy Airplanes and Model Gulfstream 200 closed list of officers to wear the insignia of for Legislative Affairs, Department of the Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27757; Direc- the grade of brigadier general accordance Treasury, transmitting a proposal to extend torate Identifier 2007-NM-030-AD; Amend- with title 10, United States Code, section 777; the authorization of appropriations for the ment 39-15014; AD 2007-07-13] (RIN: 2120-AA64) to the Committee on Armed Services. 1998 Tropical Forest Conservation Act received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1754. A letter from the Comptroller, De- (TFCA) through fiscal year 2010; to the Com- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- mittee on Foreign Affairs. tation and Infrastructure. partment’s quarterly report as of March 31, 1766. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- 1776. A letter from the Program Analyst, 2007, entitled, ‘‘Acceptance of contributions ment of the Treasury, transmitting as re- Department of Transportation, transmitting for defense programs, projects and activities; quired by section 401(c) of the National the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Defense Cooperation Account,’’ pursuant to Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and sec- Directives; Honeywell Flight Management 10 U.S.C. 2608; to the Committee on Armed tion 204(c) of the International Emergency Systems (FMSs) Served by Honeywell NZ- Services. Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), a 2000 Navigation Computers Approved Under

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:28 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15MY7.166 H15MYPT1 bajohnson on PRODPC74 with HOUSE H5052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 15, 2007 Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C115a, 1784. A letter from the Program Analyst, Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and IC-800 Integrated Avionics Computers Department of Transportation, transmitting and -800 Series Airplanes [Docket No. FAA- Approved Under TSOs C9c, C52a, and C115a; the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 2006-24369; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-001- as Installed on Various Transport Category Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & AD; Amendment 39-14990; AD 2007-06-09] (RIN: Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27735; Direc- Co KG (formerly Rolls-Royce plc) Dart 528, 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, pursuant to torate Identifier 2007-NM-027-AD; Amend- 529, 532, 535, 542, and 552 Series Turboprop En- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on ment 39-15009; AD 2007-07-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64) gines [Docket No. FAA-2006-25272; Direc- Transportation and Infrastructure. received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. torate Identifier 2006-NE-16-AD; Amendment 1793. A letter from the Deputy Assistant 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 39-14924; AD 2007-03-13] (RIN: 2120-AA64) re- Secretary for International Affairs, and Cli- tation and Infrastructure. ceived May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. mate Change Science Program Acting Direc- 1777. A letter from the Program Analyst, 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- tor, U.S. Climate Change Science Program, Department of Transportation, transmitting tation and Infrastructure. transmitting the annual report of the pro- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 1785. A letter from the Program Analyst, gram entitled, ‘‘Our Changing Planet: The Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Department of Transportation, transmitting U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Gulfstream 200 Airplanes [Docket No. FAA- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Fiscal Year 2007,’’ pursuant to Public Law 2007-27737; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-029- Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B16 101-606, section 102; to the Committee on AD; Amendment 39-15008; AD 2007-07-11] (RIN: (CL-604) Airplanes and Model CL-600-2B19 Science and Technology. 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, pursuant to (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes 1794. A letter from the Administrator, 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on [Docket No. FAA-2006-26378; Directorate Small Business Administration, transmit- Transportation and Infrastructure. Identifier 2006-NM-230-AD; Amendment 39- ting the Annual Report on Minority Small 1778. A letter from the Program Analyst, 14972; AD 2007-05-11] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Business and Capital Ownership Develop- Department of Transportation, transmitting May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ment for Fiscal Year 2006; to the Committee the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- on Small Business. Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes tation and Infrastructure. f [Docket No. FAA-2007-27736; Directorate 1786. A letter from the Program Analyst, Identifier 2007-NM-001-AD; Amendment 39- Department of Transportation, transmitting REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON 15010; AD 2007-07-05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Directives; REIMS AVIATION S.A. Model Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- F406 Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26693 tation and Infrastructure. Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-90-AD; Amend- committees were delivered to the Clerk 1779. A letter from the Program Analyst, ment 39-14970; AD 2007-05-09] (RIN: 2120-AA64) for printing and reference to the proper Department of Transportation, transmitting received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. calendar, as follows: the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Ms. CASTOR: Committee on Rules. House Directives; Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing tation and Infrastructure. Resolution 403. Resolution providing for con- (Previously The Lancair Company) Models 1787. A letter from the Program Analyst, sideration of the bill (H.R. 1585) to authorize LC40-550FG, LC41-550FG, and LC42-550FG Department of Transportation, transmitting appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for mili- Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2007-27628; Direc- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness tary activities of the Department of Defense, torate Identifier 2007-CE-025-AD; Amendment Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 39-15011; AD 2007-07-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) re- to prescribe military personnel strengths for Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26048; Direc- ceived May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes (Rept. torate Identifier 2006-NM-191-AD; Amend- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- 110–151). Referred to the House Calendar. ment 39-14967; AD 2007-05-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) Mr. WELCH: Committee on Rules. House tation and Infrastructure. 1780. A letter from the Program Analyst, received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Resolution 404. Resolution providing for con- Department of Transportation, transmitting 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- sideration of the bill (H.R. 1427) to reform the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness tation and Infrastructure. the regulation of certain housing-related 1788. A letter from the Program Analyst, Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4- government-sponsored enterprises, and for 600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Department of Transportation, transmitting other purposes (Rept. 110–152). Referred to Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collec- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness the House Calendar. Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 1000, tively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes) f [Docket No. FAA-2006-26250; Directorate 2000, 3000, and 4000 Airplanes [Docket No. Identifier 2006-NM-104-AD; Amendment 39- FAA-2006-26044; Directorate Identifier 2006- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 15001; AD 2007-07-01] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received NM-098-AD; Amendment 39-14960; AD 2007-04- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 27] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, bills and resolutions were introduced pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- and severally referred, as follows: tation and Infrastructure. mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- 1781. A letter from the Program Analyst, ture. By Mr. CANTOR (for himself, Mr. RYAN Department of Transportation, transmitting 1789. A letter from the Program Analyst, of Wisconsin, Mr. ENGLISH of Penn- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Department of Transportation, transmitting sylvania, and Mr. BLUNT): Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, -500, the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness H.R. 2312. A bill to make permanent the in- -600, -700, -800 and -900 Series Airplanes; and Directives; Fokker Model F.28 Mark 0070 and dividual income tax rates for capital gains Model 757-200 and -300 Series Airplanes 0100 Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26709; and dividends; to the Committee on Ways [Docket No. FAA-2006-25336; Directorate Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-202-AD; and Means. Identifier 2006-NM-070-AD; Amendment 39- Amendment 39-14968; AD 2007-05-07] (RIN: By Ms. HOOLEY: 15002; AD 2007-07-02] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, pursuant to H.R. 2313. A bill to establish research, de- May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on velopment, demonstration, and commercial 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Transportation and Infrastructure. application programs for marine renewable tation and Infrastructure. 1790. A letter from the Program Analyst, energy technologies; to the Committee on 1782. A letter from the Program Analyst, Department of Transportation, transmitting Science and Technology. Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness By Mr. WELLER: the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Air- H.R. 2314. A bill to amend part E of title IV Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 planes [Docket No. FAA-2006-26684; Direc- of the Social Security Act to increase pay- and -11F Airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2006- torate Identifier 2006-NM-193-AD; Amend- ments to States for expenditures for short 25850; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-128-AD; ment 39-14969; AD 2007-05-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) term training of staff of certain child welfare Amendment 39-15004; AD 2007-07-04] (RIN: received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. agencies; to the Committee on Ways and 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, pursuant to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Means. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on tation and Infrastructure. By Mr. POMEROY (for himself, Mr. Transportation and Infrastructure. 1791. A letter from the Program Analyst, BLUNT, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mrs. 1783. A letter from the Program Analyst, Department of Transportation, transmitting CUBIN, Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Ms. Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes MARSHALL, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. PEARCE, Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, [Docket No. FAA-2006-26324; Directorate Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. PETRI, Mrs. -103, and -106 Airplanes and Model DHC-8-200 Identifier 2006-NM-214-AD; Amendment 39- CAPITO, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. KING of Iowa, and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes [Docket No. 14993; AD 2007-60-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Mr. BONNER, and Mr. SALAZAR): FAA-2006-26725; Directorate Identifier 2006- May 10, 2006, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. H.R. 2315. A bill to enhance the State in- NM-161-AD; Amendment 39-15000; AD 2007-06- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- spection of meat and poultry in the United 19] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 10, 2007, tation and Infrastructure. States, and for other purposes; to the Com- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 1792. A letter from the Program Analyst, mittee on Agriculture. mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Department of Transportation, transmitting By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mr. ture. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness EMANUEL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. HALL

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of New York, Mr. KAGEN, and Mr. ervation in Nevada, to require the Secretary LOEBSACK, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, SHERMAN): of the Interior to carry out the settlement, Mr. WAXMAN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. H.R. 2316. A bill to provide more rigorous and for other purposes; to the Committee on WYNN, Mr. YARMUTH, and Mr. requirements with respect to disclosure and Natural Resources. LANGEVIN): enforcement of lobbying laws and regula- By Mr. INSLEE (for himself, Mr. H.R. 2333. A bill to amend title 10, United tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- LOBIONDO, and Mr. DICKS): States Code, to expedite the prompt return mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to H.R. 2327. A bill to amend the Marine of the remains of deceased members of the the Committees on Rules, and House Admin- Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to strength- Armed Forces to their loved ones for burial; istration, for a period to be subsequently de- en polar bear conservation efforts, and for to the Committee on Armed Services. termined by the Speaker, in each case for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself consideration of such provisions as fall with- Resources, and in addition to the Committee and Mrs. MUSGRAVE): in the jurisdiction of the committee con- on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- H.R. 2334. A bill to designate as wilderness cerned. quently determined by the Speaker, in each certain land within the Rocky Mountain Na- By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself, Mr. case for consideration of such provisions as tional Park and to adjust the boundaries of MEEHAN, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. EMANUEL, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Arap- aho National Recreation Area of the Arap- Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. BISHOP of New concerned. aho National Forest in the State of Colo- York, and Mr. WAXMAN): By Mrs. LOWEY (for herself, Mr. HALL H.R. 2317. A bill to amend the Lobbying of New York, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. rado; to the Committee on Natural Re- Disclosure Act of 1995 to require registered SHAYS): sources. lobbyists to file quarterly reports on con- H.R. 2328. A bill to amend title 49, United By Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico: H.R. 2335. A bill to prohibit price gouging tributions bundled for certain recipients, and States Code, to exempt certain local restric- in the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, for other purposes; to the Committee on the tions from review under the airport noise and home heating oil, and for other purposes; Judiciary. and access restriction review program; to the Committee on Transportation and Infra- to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. ANDREWS (for himself and Mr. By Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- LOBIONDO): structure. ida (for himself, Mr. MACK, Mr. H.R. 2318. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York (for CRENSHAW, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. BUCHANAN, enue Code of 1986 to allow the deduction for herself, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. VAN Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, State and local income and property taxes HOLLEN, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Min- Mr. REYES, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. MCIN- under the alternative minimum tax; to the nesota, Mr. TERRY, Mr. SENSEN- TYRE, Mr. EHLERS, Mr. MILLER of Committee on Ways and Means. BRENNER, Mr. WALSH of New York, Florida, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. PICK- By Mr. BILIRAKIS: Mr. WEXLER, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. ERING, Mr. YOUNG of Florida, Mr. H.R. 2319. A bill to establish a Mail-Order GRIJALVA, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. ETHERIDGE, Mr. MAHONEY of Florida, Pharmacy Pilot Program; to the Committee WU, and Mr. PAUL): Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida, on Armed Services. H.R. 2329. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. FEENEY, Mr. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Ms. enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against KLEIN of Florida, Mr. KELLER, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. GEORGE income tax for the purchase of hearing aids; ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. MILLER of California, Mrs. MALONEY to the Committee on Ways and Means. LAMPSON, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. TAY- of New York, Mr. RANGEL, Ms. By Mr. MCCOTTER (for himself, Mr. LOR, Mr. WICKER, Mr. JONES of North SCHAKOWSKY, and Ms. NORTON): CARTER, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. RENZI, Mr. Carolina, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. H.R. 2320. A bill to restore the jurisdiction PORTER, Mrs. MILLER of Michigan, BRADY of Texas, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. JONES of North FORTUN˜ O, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. BISHOP over amusement park rides which are at a Carolina, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. PAUL, of Georgia, Mr. BOYD of Florida, Mr. fixed site, and for other purposes; to the and Mrs. MYRICK): HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. MEEK of Committee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 2330. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Florida, and Mr. BONNER): enue Code of 1986 to allow employers a credit By Mr. CARDOZA (for himself, Mr. H. Res. 402. A resolution supporting the RADANOVICH, Mr. COSTA, and Mr. against income tax for hiring veterans; to goals and ideals of National Hurricane Pre- NUNES): the Committee on Ways and Means. paredness Week; to the Committee on H.R. 2321. A bill to authorize the designa- By Mr. MELANCON (for himself and Science and Technology. tion of the facility under development by the Mr. PICKERING): By Mr. BILIRAKIS (for himself, Mrs. H.R. 2331. A bill to amend the Robert T. Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation, in MALONEY of New York, Mr. SPACE, Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- Stanislaus County, California, as the Na- and Mr. SARBANES): tional Ag Science Center; to the Committee sistance Act to support efforts by local or re- H. Res. 405. A resolution expressing the on Agriculture. gional television or radio broadcasters to strong support of the House of Representa- By Mr. DAVIS of Alabama: provide essential public information pro- tives for implementation of the July 8, 2006, H.R. 2322. A bill to amend title XVIII of the gramming in the event of a major disaster, United Nations-brokered agreement between Social Security Act to reduce the 35-mile and for other purposes; to the Committee on President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos drive requirement for designations of critical Transportation and Infrastructure. Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader access hospitals to 30 miles; to the Com- By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunifica- mittee on Ways and Means. Mr. ENGEL, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. HOEK- tion of Cyprus; to the Committee on Foreign By Mr. HOYER: STRA, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. Affairs. H.R. 2323. A bill to amend the Elementary MCCOTTER, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. BURTON By Ms. HIRONO (for herself, Mr. ABER- and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to au- of Indiana, Mr. PENCE, Mr. ROHR- CROMBIE, Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. ANDREWS, thorize the Secretary of Education to award ABACHER, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. WILSON Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. BEAN, Mr. BECER- grants for the support of full-service commu- of South Carolina, Mr. MACK, Mr. RA, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. BERMAN, Mrs. nity schools, and for other purposes; to the POE, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. BUR- BIGGERT, Mrs. BONO, Mr. BOSWELL, Committee on Education and Labor. GESS, Mr. TIBERI, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Mr. BRALEY of By Mr. DUNCAN (for himself, Mr. BUR- GERLACH, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. Iowa, Mrs. CAPPS, Ms. CARSON, Ms. TON of Indiana, Mr. DAVID DAVIS of TERRY, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. GOOD- CASTOR, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Ms. Tennessee, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. LATTE, Mr. LINDER, Mr. KLINE of Min- CLARKE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONYERS, CONAWAY): nesota, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. MARIO DIAZ- Mr. CROWLEY, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- H.R. 2324. A bill to require each Federal BALART of Florida, and Mr. MCHUGH): fornia, Mr. DELAHUNT, Ms. DELAURO, agency to include its address and phone H.R. 2332. A bill to strengthen sanctions Mr. DINGELL, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. ELLS- number on any agency stationery; to the against the Government of Syria, to enhance WORTH, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. ETHERIDGE, Committee on Oversight and Government multilateral commitment to address the Mr. FARR, Mr. FILNER, Mr. FRANK of Reform. Government of Syria’s threatening policies, Massachusetts, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. By Mr. GOHMERT (for himself, Mr. to establish a program to support a transi- GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, SMITH of Texas, and Mr. FORBES): tion to a democratically-elected government Mr. HARE, Ms. HARMAN, Mr. HASTINGS H.R. 2325. A bill to provide adequate pen- in Syria, and for other purposes; to the Com- of Florida, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. HIN- alties for crimes committed against United mittee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to CHEY, Mr. HODES, Mr. HOLT, Mr. States judges and Federal law enforcement the Committees on Ways and Means, Finan- HONDA, Ms. HOOLEY, Mr. HOYER, Ms. officers, to provide appropriate security for cial Services, and Oversight and Government JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Ms. EDDIE judges and law enforcement officers, and for Reform, for a period to be subsequently de- BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- termined by the Speaker, in each case for KAGEN, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. KENNEDY, diciary. consideration of such provisions as fall with- Mr. KILDEE, Ms. KILPATRICK, Mr. By Mr. HELLER: in the jurisdiction of the committee con- KLEIN of Florida, Mr. LANTOS, Ms. H.R. 2326. A bill to approve the settlement cerned. LEE, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. of the water rights claims of the Shoshone- By Mr. STUPAK (for himself, Mr. LOEBSACK, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Res- LEVIN, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. fornia, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. MAHONEY of

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Florida, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, H.R. 522: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. H.R. 1391: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Ms. MATSUI, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New H.R. 524: Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 1399: Mr. HERGER, Mr. GARY G. MILLER York, Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, H.R. 549: Mr. BAKER. of California, and Mr. CARNEY. Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MICA, Mr. H.R. 550: Mr. WALBERG, Ms. HARMAN, Ms. H.R. 1420: Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. SMITH of Texas, SHERMAN, Mr. NADLER, Mr. ELLISON, and Mr. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. MORAN of Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. BECERRA, DELAHUNT. Virginia, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, Mr. WELDON of H.R. 1439: Ms. CLARKE and Mr. WALBERG. Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Pennsyl- Florida, and Mr. ISRAEL. H.R. 1461: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. vania, Mr. NADLER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, H.R. 583: Mr. WALSH of New York, Mr. CON- H.R. 1512: Mr. ISSA, Mr. FILNER, Mr. SPACE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. YERS, Mr. CLAY, Mr. SHULER, and Mr. DICKS. Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, Mr. GON- H.R. 620: Mr. HIGGINS. OLVER, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. ZALEZ, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. CLEAVER, and Ms. H.R. 698: Mr. WAMP. PAYNE, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. PERLMUTTER, SLAUGHTER. H.R. 741: Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 1532: Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. PLATTS, and Mr. RANGEL, Mr. REYES, Mr. ROTH- H.R. 782: Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. Mr. GRIJALVA. MAN, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. RUSH, ADERHOLT, and Mr. CHABOT. H.R. 1537: Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, H.R. 829: Mr. UDALL of New Mexico and Mr. H.R. 1561: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. GEORGE Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California, FILNER. MILLER of California. Mr. SARBANES, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. H.R. 897: Mr. LOEBSACK. H.R. 1600: Ms. NORTON, Mr. INSLEE, and Ms. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, H.R. 926: Mr. WALBERG and Mr. KUHL of JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. SIRES, Mr. SKELTON, Ms. SLAUGH- New York. H.R. 1618: Mr. KIRK. TER, Ms. SOLIS, Mr. STARK, Ms. SUT- H.R. 969: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. NAD- H.R. 1623: Mr. BISHOP of New York. TON, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. LER, and Mr. EMANUEL. H.R. 1627: Mr. WELDON of Florida. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, H.R. 971: Mr. ELLSWORTH, Ms. ROYBAL-AL- H.R. 1636: Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. WALZ of Minnesota, Ms. LARD, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. H.R. 1645: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. LOWEY, WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. WATERS, CARTER, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. CHANDLER, and and Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Ms. WATSON, Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Mr. MICHAUD. H.R. 1647: Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Mrs. Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. WU, and Mr. H.R. 1023: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. PICK- BIGGERT, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. YARMUTH): ERING, Mr. HOBSON, Mr. GARRETT of New Jer- BLUMENAUER, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. TERRY. H. Res. 406. A resolution celebrating the sey, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mrs. MUSGRAVE, Mr. H.R. 1655: Ms. MATSUI and Mr. DOYLE. accomplishments of title IX of the Education SHAYS, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. H.R. 1673: Mr. CLAY. Amendments of 1972, also known as the PLATTS, and Ms. WATSON. H.R. 1688: Mr. TOWNS, Mr. MEEKs of New Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in H.R. 1042: Mr. COLE of Oklahoma, Mr. York, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. KIL- Education Act, and recognizing the need to WELDON of Florida, Mr. CAMPBELL of Cali- PATRICK, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, and Ms. continue pursuing the goal of educational fornia, Mr. PEARCE, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. CARSON. opportunities for women and girls; to the PITTS, Mr. PENCE, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of H.R. 1705: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. LOEBSACK, Committee on Education and Labor. Texas, Mr. WALBERG, Mr. AKIN, Mr. FORTUN˜ O, and Mr. HODES. By Mrs. MALONEY of New York (for Mr. FEENEY, Mr. CARTER, Mr. MARCHANT, and H.R. 1732: Mr. SOUDER. herself, Mr. BILIRAKIS, and Mr. Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. H.R. 1735: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- SPACE): H.R. 1064: Mr. KAGEN, Mr. FRANK of Massa- ida and Mr. MICA. H. Res. 407. A resolution expressing the chusetts, Mr. TANNER, Mrs. MCMORRIS ROD- H.R. 1756: Mr. CRAMER and Mr. WELDON of strong support of the House of Representa- GERS, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. Florida. H.R. 1774: Mr. CAMP of Michigan, Mr. TIM tives for the positive actions by the Govern- BLUMENAUER, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, and Mr. VAN ment of the Republic of Cyprus aimed at ELLSWORTH, and Mr. RAHALL. HOLLEN. opening additional crossing points along the H.R. 1072: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia and Mr. H.R. 1776: Mr. SIRES, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. cease-fire line, thereby contributing to ef- SCOTT of Virginia. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. KAN- forts for the reunification of the island; to H.R. 1078: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. JORSKI. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 1108: Mr. SARBANES and Mr. POMEROY. H.R. 1142: Mr. SPACE, Mr. PASTOR, Mr. H.R. 1819: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. By Mr. WELCH of Vermont: SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. H.R. 1820: Mr. SIRES, Ms. DEGETTE, Ms. H. Res. 408. A resolution recognizing and DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. BALDWIN, and Mr. PATRICK MURPHY of Penn- honoring the Cathedral Square Corporation CLAY, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. MORAN sylvania. on its 30th anniversary; to the Committee on of Virginia, Mr. MARSHALL, Ms. LINDA T. H.R. 1823: Mr. RAHALL and Mr. WILSON of Financial Services. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mrs. TAUSCHER. South Carolina. f H.R. 1154: Mr. LAMPSON, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. H.R. 1851: Mr. DELAHUNT and Mr. PAYNE. ISRAEL, Mr. LANGEVIN, and Mr. CUMMINGS. H.R. 1853: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. DOGGETT, and ADDITIONAL SPONSORS TO PUBLIC H.R. 1192: Mr. GALLEGLY and Mr. SCOTT of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Virginia. H.R. 1881: Mr. REYES, Mr. MCINTYRE, and Mr. EDWARDS. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 1225: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Mr. JEFFER- SON. H.R. 1932: Mr. WYNN and Mr. JINDAL. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 1232: Mr. TOWNS. H.R. 1947: Mr. ROTHMAN. tions as follows: H.R. 1236: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. H.R. 1954: Mr. MOORE of Kansas and Ms. H.R. 36: Mr. SHULER. SMITH of Washington, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. H.R. 1957: Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. H.R. 37: Mr. SHULER. Florida, Mr. ELLSWORTH, Mr. ROTHMAN, and MCNULTY, and Mr. BISHOP of New York. H.R. 67: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. Mr. RAHALL. H.R. 1965: Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. ELLISON, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New H.R. 1239: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN and Ms. PAUL, Mr. GORDON, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. MCCAUL York, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. WALZ of Minnesota, SCHAKOWSKY. of Texas, and Mr. KIND. Mr. DEFAZIO, and Mr. COBLE. H.R. 1247: Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 1975: Mr. WYNN. H.R. 78: Mr. BOOZMAN. H.R. 1261: Mr. SMITH of Texas. H.R. 1264: Mrs. CAPITO. H.R. 1992: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. H.R. 111: Mr. RODRIGUEZ, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. H.R. 1283: Mr. SHAYS. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. CANNON, Ms. H.R. 1293: Mr. PLATTS, Mr. CAMPBELL of HIGGINS, Mr. CHANDLER, Ms. KILPATRICK, and SLAUGHTER, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. CARTER, and California, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. KAGEN. Mr. WALBERG. and Mr. MICA. H.R. 2017: Mr. RAHALL and Ms. MATSUI. H.R. 154: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. HOLT. H.R. 1304: Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. HILL, Mr. H.R. 2036: Mr. VAN HOLLEN and Mr. ROHR- H.R. 197: Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. OLVER, Ms. ZOE HAYES, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. GOODE, ABACHER. LOFGREN of California, Mr. LOEBSACK, and and Mr. MANZULLO. H.R. 2038: Mr. COSTA and Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. H.R. 1330: Mr. NADLER. H.R. 2042: Mr. THOMPSON of California. H.R. 370: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. H.R. 1343: Mr. SPRATT, Mr. WALSH of New H.R. 2060: Mr. RAHALL, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. H.R. 406: Mr. FARR, Mr. BERMAN, and Mr. York, Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. GORDON, MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of SNYDER. Ms. ESHOO, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mrs. EMERSON, California, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. GILLMOR, Mr. H.R. 451: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. KIND, Mr. KUCINICH, and Mr. SIRES. MEEKS of New York, and Mr. UDALL of New LOEBSACK, Mr. HODES, and Mr. CONAWAY. H.R. 2084: Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. Mexico. H.R. 1354: Ms. KILPATRICK and Mr. PRICE of MARCHANT, and Mr. WALBERG. H.R. 503: Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Ms. ROY- North Carolina. H.R. 2086: Mr. ELLSWORTH. BAL-ALLARD, and Mr. PASCRELL. H.R. 1369: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. H.R. 2095: Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. NADLER, H.R. 506: Mr. WALSH OF NEW YORK. H.R. 1385: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 507: Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. PORTER, Mr. and Mrs. MALONEY of New York. GRIJALVA, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. FILNER, Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. H.R. 1386: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Ms. PALLONE, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. HIG- ALTMIRE, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. WALSH of New ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. WALZ of Min- GINS, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. RAHALL, and Mrs. York, and Mr. LARSEN of Washington. nesota, and Mr. DOGGETT. NAPOLITANO.

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H.R. 2104: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. H.R. 2302: Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. H. Res. 341: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. JONES of North Carolina, and Mr. DAVID H.R. 2303: Mr. HILL and Mr. BOOZMAN. H. Res. 343: Mr. SESSIONS. DAVIS of Tennessee. H. J. Res. 6: Mr. KNOLLENBERG. H. Res. 351: Mr. JONES of North Carolina H.R. 2108: Mr. KAGEN, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. H. Con. Res. 21: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. and Mrs. BLACKBURN. BERMAN, and Mr. WEXLER. H. Con. Res. 40: Mr. BOOZMAN. H. Res. 362: Mr. BAKER, Mr. JINDAL, Mr. H.R. 2109: Mr. POE. H. Con. Res. 75: Mr. LOEBSACK. MELANCON, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. H.R. 2116: Mr. SPACE, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. SHU- H. Con. Res. 77: Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of JEFFERSON, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. STER, and Mr. RAMSTAD. Florida. SHULER, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. CARSON, H.R. 2125: Mr. REHBERG. H. Con. Res. 108: Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. and Mr. KUHL of New York. H.R. 2126: Ms. HIRONO. H. Con. Res. 115: Mr. MCNULTY. H. Res. 386: Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 2140: Mr. SESSIONS. H. Con. Res. 135: Mr. TIM MURPHY of Penn- H.R. 2144: Mr. BISHOP of New York. sylvania. f H.R. 2163: Mr. PENCE and Mr. JACKSON of Il- H. Con. Res. 142: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. linois. H. Res. 111: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. AMENDMENTS H.R. 2183: Mr. MARSHALL. H. Res. 123: Mr. PAYNE. H.R. 2187: Mr. BAKER and Mr. JINDAL. H. Res. 128: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York Under clause 8 of rule XVIII, pro- H.R. 2189: Mr. BOSWELL. and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. posed amendments were submitted as H.R. 2210: Mr. STARK, Mr. REYES, Mr. H. Res. 146: Mr. LOEBSACK. follows: MCHUGH, Mr. KILDEE, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. CLAY, H. Res. 226: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. H.R. 1427 Mr. TERRY, and Mr. ETHERIDGE. H. Res. 231: Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. MACK, Mr. H.R. 2214: Mr. NADLER and Mr. DAVIS of Il- DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee, and Mr. BLUNT. OFFERED BY: MS. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON OF linois. H. Res. 233: Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. TEXAS H.R. 2225: Ms. HARMAN. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, and Mr. AMENDMENT NO. 2: Page 140, line 3, before H.R. 2266: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. CROWLEY. the semicolon insert the following: ‘‘and a H.R. 2287: Mr. COHEN, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. H. Res. 235: Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. GENE GREEN program of financial literacy and education TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Mr. SHAYS, of Texas, Mr. MCCOTTER, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, to promote an understanding of consumer, Mr. PUTNAM, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mrs. EMERSON, and Mr. ROTHMAN. economic, and personal finance issues and and Mr. DENT. H. Res. 258: Ms. DELAURO. concepts, including saving for retirement, H.R. 2292: Mr. KUCINICH, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, H. Res. 295: Mr. FORTUN˜ O, Mr. managing credit, long-term care, and estate Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. HILL, and Ms. BERKLEY. FALEOMAVAEGA, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. CROW- planning and education on predatory lend- H.R. 2295: Ms. ESHOO, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. LEY, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mrs. MALONEY of ing, identity theft, and financial abuse BOOZMAN, and Mr. HAYES. New York, and Mr. MEEKs of New York. schemes, that is approved by the Director’’.

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Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2007 No. 80 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was U.S. SENATE, legislation. That vote will occur at a called to order by the Honorable JON PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, time to be determined on Wednesday. TESTER, a Senator from the State of Washington, DC, May 15, 2007. I am certain every Member of the To the Senate: Montana. Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, Senate is conscious of the fact that we of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby have a Memorial Day recess fast ap- PRAYER appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- proaching at the end of next week. We The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- ator from the State of Montana, to perform have an ambitious goal we hope to fered the following prayer: the duties of the Chair. reach by that time. We hope to deal Let us pray: ROBERT C. BYRD, with these outstanding pieces of legis- President pro tempore. Thank you, dear God, for new oppor- lation and to, of course, provide supple- tunities. We are grateful that the best Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the mental appropriations for the war in is yet to be, that our labors are moving chair as Acting President pro tempore. Iraq. us closer to the desired destination. f At the outset, I will say that the Thank You for landmarks past and new RECOGNITION OF THE ACTING Water Resources Development Act, vistas opening ahead. Thank You for MAJORITY LEADER which Senator BOXER of California and Senator INHOFE of Oklahoma will bring time to mend broken relationships, to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- form fresh alliances, and to build new to the floor in a few moments, is a bill pore. The acting majority leader is rec- that has been pending before the Con- bridges. Thank You for Senators with ognized. new hopes, new desires, new inspira- gress for, I believe, 7 years—at least 6 tion, and new determination to serve f years. Our failure to enact this bill has You with greater faithfulness. Lord, SCHEDULE delayed the construction of critical in- thank You for another day to abide Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, today frastructure across America for 6 or 7 with You so that we can reap the boun- the Senate will be in a period of morn- years. This is infrastructure that is im- tiful harvest found only in You. ing business for 60 minutes, with the portant to every part of America—in And, Lord, today as we honor the law majority controlling the first half and the Midwest, dams on the Mississippi enforcement officers who lost their the Republicans controlling the second and Illinois Rivers, which are vital ar- lives in the line of duty, comfort and portion. teries when it comes to agribusiness bless their families and loved ones. Use Following morning business, the Sen- and other uses to create profitability the 26th annual National Peace Officers ate will resume consideration of the and employment. All of these are in a Memorial Service to remind us of the water resources legislation. Several state of disrepair, and we want to ad- sacrifices our law enforcement people amendments were offered to this bill dress the modernization and safety make each day to protect our freedom. yesterday, and this morning one of measures for these locks and dams and We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen. those amendments—the one offered by many other projects. For 6 or 7 years, the debate has gone f the Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. COBURN, No. 1090—will be debated until on unresolved. The House passed over- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 11:45, and then a vote will occur with whelmingly the Water Resources De- The Honorable JON TESTER led the respect to that amendment. velopment Act. The Senate has the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: The Senate will recess, as usual, from same opportunity, but we need to do it I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the 12:30 to 2:15 for the party conferences. on a timely basis. United States of America and to the Repub- Other votes with respect to amend- I thank the Senator from Oklahoma, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ments to the water resources legisla- who is offering an amendment this indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tion will occur this afternoon. morning. I am told by the manager of f As the majority leader mentioned the bill, Senator BOXER, that he has yesterday, a lot of work needs to be been cooperative in terms of reducing APPOINTMENT OF ACTING done prior to the Memorial Day recess, the debate time, giving enough time to PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE so Members should plan accordingly. explain his amendment, for others to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The majority leader has offered two speak to it, and bring it to a vote. clerk will please read a communication amendments on the issue of Iraq, and I urge every other Senator that this to the Senate from the President pro cloture votes will occur on those is the day; if you have an amendment tempore (Mr. BYRD). amendments on Wednesday. to the Water Resources Development The assistant legislative clerk read Additionally, cloture was filed on the Act, bring it to the floor today. After the following letter: motion to proceed to the immigration 2:15, bring your amendments to the

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

S6079

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6080 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 floor. Let’s have the debate and have tion laws that prohibit hiring undocu- that this bill is going to change once it the vote. By the end of the day, let’s mented immigrants. comes to the floor. If they object to have all of the relevant amendments Immigration is a complicated issue even bringing the measure to the considered to this legislation. I think that ignites strong passions. Some floor—the same bill they voted for last we owe it to the people who have would rather avoid this issue because it year—one has to question whether they worked so hard to bring us to this mo- is so sensitive. But Congress has an ob- are committed to comprehensive immi- ment, and now individual Senators ligation to fix our broken immigration gration reform. should know that, to delay this, there system. We need a comprehensive ap- Some on the Republican side argue is no excuse. Bring the Water Re- proach, one that is tough but fair. We that backroom negotiations between sources Development Act amendments need, first, to improve border security the White House and Republican and to the floor. by increasing manpower and deploying Democratic Senators are close to a In addition, the majority leader filed new technology. We need to enforce the deal and that starting debate on immi- two amendments relative to the war in law against employers who are hiring gration before that deal is reached is Iraq, which will be considered on a pro- millions of undocumented workers. We premature. I don’t think that is a le- cedural basis to this Water Resources need a realistic approach to the 12 mil- gitimate argument. I have been in Development Act. It is a way to meas- lion undocumented workers who live many of these negotiations, and I will ure the sentiment of the Senate on two and work in our country. say a great amount of effort has been different approaches to resolving our I commend our majority leader, Sen- expended to move this bill forward. difficulties between the White House ator REID of Nevada. He is not afraid of Some parts of it are very positive. An and Congress on the funding in Iraq. tackling tough issues, including immi- agreement between the White House There will be a cloture vote on those gration reform. He knows it is an im- and the Senate is a step forward. There amendments tomorrow. That is an op- portant national priority. Last week, are some parts that are very controver- portunity for Members to express their Senator REID introduced immigration sial. feelings. reform legislation that the Senate will Human nature and political nature As everybody knows, it takes 60 votes begin debating this week. Senator REID are interesting. People will not move to invoke cloture. We hope we will did a reasonable thing. He said we toward a goal unless they face a dead- have a strong bipartisan vote for one of should begin the debate where it ended line. How many people wait until the those two approaches. I urge my col- last year, with the bipartisan Kennedy- last minute to file their tax returns or leagues to understand this is a very im- McCain, Hagel-Martinez bill. wait too long for the checkup at the This bill, sponsored by Republican portant and timely matter. We have dentist? When we know we are facing a Senators CHUCK HAGEL, MEL MARTINEZ, little time left to deal with the re- deadline and time is running out, we ARLEN SPECTER, JOHN MCCAIN, SAM quirements of funding our troops be- make important decisions. The same BROWNBACK, and LINDSEY GRAHAM, and fore the Memorial Day recess. The will be true for the immigration de- many Democrats, passed the Senate Democratic majority, as well as the bate. Bringing last year’s bill to the last year on a bipartisan vote of 62 to Republican side, has made it clear we floor, which passed with an over- 36. will fund our troops. At the end of the whelming bipartisan rollcall vote, as Of course, that Hagel-Martinez bill day, our troops will not go without the the base bill is going to move those ne- was only the starting point for the resources they need to provide for their gotiators in that room to a conclusion Senate’s debate. Senator REID has set own safety and a safe return home. more quickly. To leave this open-ended aside 2 full weeks to complete that de- Also, we hope this week to initiate a and say that at some time in the future bate. Members will have ample oppor- conversation on the immigration bill. we will get back to it is an invitation tunity to offer amendments. This is the for talks to break down and for the f right place to start. participants to disappear. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME This is not a perfect bill. I voted for it, realizing there were real imperfec- We don’t want that to happen. We The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- tions, but it reflects the culmination of cannot afford to wait. The Senate’s cal- pore. Under the previous order, leader- months of work last year, including endar is full this year. There are so ship time is reserved. hearings and marathon markups in the many things we need to do to make f Judiciary Committee, on which I serve, sure this congressional session is much more productive than those in the past, MORNING BUSINESS and over 30 rollcall votes on the floor of the Senate. not the least of which is passing impor- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The bill is flawed, but it is com- tant appropriation bills, which now pore. Under the previous order, there prehensive. It includes provisions to se- must be accomplished in order to fund will be now a period for the transaction cure our borders, strengthen enforce- the Government. We don’t want to fall of morning business for 60 minutes, ment of our immigration laws, and ad- into the same circumstance as the pre- with the first half of the time under dresses undocumented immigrants liv- vious Republican Congress, when they the control of the majority and the sec- ing in our country. failed to pass appropriation bills and ond half of the time under the control I am confident that over the next 2 tried to play catchup and failed, leav- of the Republicans. weeks, through the amendment proc- ing it to the new Congress, the Demo- The Senator from Illinois is recog- ess, we can improve this bill and pass cratic Congress—an awesome responsi- nized. legislation that will be an important bility—to fund the Government for the f step in fixing our broken immigration remainder of this fiscal year. system. There are some who feel it is now or IMMIGRATION REFORM Unfortunately, there has been a hue never for immigration. What the ma- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is ob- and cry from the other side of the aisle. jority leader has done is to tell the ne- vious to most Americans our immigra- Some object to debating this bill. It is gotiators this is the time to wrap tion system is broken. There are 12 ironic, to say the least, that those on things up. This is the time to reach an million undocumented immigrants liv- the other side who don’t want to de- agreement. This is the time to decide ing in the United States today, and bate bipartisan legislation are object- who at that table is there in good faith hundreds of thousands are arriving ing to a bill written, in large part, by and who is there to stop the process. If each year. In America today, unscrupu- their own side of the aisle—a bill that they reach an agreement, it can be con- lous employers hire undocumented im- was passed when the Republican side of sidered on the floor of the Senate as an migrants because they can pay them the aisle controlled the Senate last amendment to the bipartisan Kennedy- less than American workers and force year. It is hard to understand how 21 McCain, Hagel-Martinez bill, which is them to work in conditions that Amer- Members of the Senate who voted for being offered as the starting point of icans would not tolerate. Employers this bill last year now object to even this debate. If there is no agreement, can do this with impunity because our proceeding to it now as the base bill for these differences can be debated and Government doesn’t enforce immigra- our debate. They understand, as we do, voted on over the next 2 weeks.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6081 I understand negotiations continue war in Iraq. Another five were killed ranks behind them, stop the debate. as I speak. I hope they reach an agree- yesterday. Over the weekend, three They volunteered, they are serving our ment that is comprehensive, tough but American soldiers were kidnapped. country, they didn’t write this policy. fair, and one every Member can seri- There is a manhunt underway to try to They are risking their lives right now, ously consider supporting. But these find them and rescue them as quickly and we should stand behind them. So negotiations are no excuse for avoiding as possible. And to all those involved, many of us, even those who opposed public debate. they have our prayers and our wishes this war and voted against it from the At some point, you have to move be- for Godspeed. outset, voted year after year for the yond the closed doors of the rooms in But we understand the reality of this emergency appropriations President the Capitol and into the bright lights war, a war where almost 30,000 Ameri- Bush sent to Congress, money for our of the Senate Chamber and let Mem- cans have been killed or disabled, a war troops in the field. Now we are in the bers speak to their wishes and their in- where many soldiers have returned fifth year, and there is no end in sight. tentions on this important legislation. home with injuries that they will have We have been told by our military I disagree with some of the ideas to cope with for a lifetime. This war leaders that even the best military in being proposed by those on the other has cost us over $500 billion, $500 bil- the world in the United States cannot side of the aisle. I am sure they dis- lion that could have been spent in save Iraq. Only the Iraqis can save agree with some of my approaches. I America for many issues important to Iraq. It has to be the Iraqi people respect their views, and I hope they us—improving our schools and edu- through their Government who decide will look at this as a constructive op- cation, making certain every American to move forward toward stability. We portunity. has basic health insurance, making cannot police a civil war. We cannot Should the Senate tomorrow fail to sure our children all across America contain the violence in Iraq even with invoke cloture and to move forward on have the kind of health care and atten- 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 more American sol- the immigration bill, it will be a lost tion they need at an early age to be diers. That is a reality and one we opportunity. If the 21 Senators who healthy through the rest of their life, should face. Regardless, the President voted for comprehensive immigration money that could have been spent at concluded a few months ago that he reform will not even allow us to bring the National Institutes of Health look- would escalate this war and send even the matter to the floor at this moment, ing for new cures for diseases and ill- more American soldiers into harm’s it will be difficult to explain. They will nesses from which we suffer in Amer- way. I think that was a mistake. I have their chance to amend. They will ica. There are so many programs in think the President was moving in the have their chance to make changes which we could have invested that wrong direction. As I said, I don’t be- they think are important. They will money. lieve our military, though it be the have their chance to act as Senators Instead, we have invested that money best in the world, can really contain considering important measures. in a war with no end, a war that is now the violence of the civil war in Iraq. I There has been a lot of criticism of in its fifth year. The war in Iraq has certainly don’t believe our military, as Congress for good reason. When we lasted longer than the Korean war, has good as it is, can give spine to Iraqis look at the list of issues the American lasted longer than World War II. It is leaders who can’t seem to reach con- people think are important, very sel- the most expensive war in the history clusions and decisions on timetables dom do we find those issues being de- of the United States, save World War about their future. bated on the floor of the Senate. We II, which was, in fact, a world war So the war continues. The President need to change that situation. One of where the United States made a total asked for more money, $80 billion, $90 the issues on which most Americans national commitment. But we now find billion at a time to continue this war agree is that our immigration system that second in rank in terms of cost is in Iraq. Many of us believe we should cannot be sustained. There are too this war in Iraq. do two things: fund the troops, make many undocumented workers in this There are many of us who understand sure they have all that they need, but country living in fear, being exploited that Americans across the board may change the policy, start bringing in the workplace, uncertain of their fu- have supported the initial invasion but American soldiers home. Tell the ture. There are too many still stream- had second thoughts. I was one of 23 Iraqis once and for all that we will not ing across our borders, borders that are who voted against this war at the out- be there indefinitely. We are not going too porous. There are ways to deal with set in October 2002. There were col- to stay until you work up the political those issues and ways this bill will ad- leagues on both sides of the aisle who courage to make decisions to govern dress them. in good faith thought the President your country. We are going to start The Senate can offer, debate, and should have the authority to deal with coming home. As we come home, these vote on amendments on all these Saddam Hussein. They were misled, as Iraqi soldiers whom we have spent mil- issues. That is how the Senate is sup- the American people were misled by in- lions of dollars to train and equip need posed to work. Some of my colleagues telligence estimates that were just to stand up and defend their country. have suggested they will block this de- wrong, intelligence estimates that said The Iraqi Parliamentarians and leaders bate from taking place by filibustering Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass of their Government need to stand up this bipartisan bill which passed over destruction and threatened the United and make the hard political decisions. the past year. I hope they don’t. It States, fear of nuclear holocaust, fear That is the reality of Iraq today. It is reaches the point where we need to be of mushroom-shaped clouds. All of a reality we are reminded of every held accountable. I hope that point will these images were paraded before the morning with the newscasts that tell be this week and next, as Senator REID, American people a short time after we us of the suffering and death which the majority leader, has set aside a had gone through the tragedy of 9/11. It takes place in that country. reasonable amount of time to debate it. is understandable the American people I wish to say a word, too, about the The American people deserve more were concerned and fearful, and they Iraqi people. I was reminded over the than closed-door, backdoor negotia- supported the idea of invading Iraq in weekend when I was home in Illinois— tions. The time has come for Congress the hopes of keeping America safe. and a good reminder it was—that when to fix our broken immigration system. We learned that in so many ways the we speak about the loss of life in Iraq, f information given to the American don’t forget the innocent Iraqis who people before the invasion of Iraq was have lost their lives as well. We don’t IRAQ wrong. There were no weapons of mass even know what that number is today. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, time is destruction, there were no nuclear We know that close to 3,500 American running out to fund the troops. There weapons, there was no connection be- soldiers have lost their lives, and we are many of us who believe the policy tween Saddam Hussein and the events know the coalition forces who have in Iraq is a failed policy. The numbers of 9/11 that were sponsored by al-Qaida. lost their lives. We don’t know how we are given every week are stark and But the invasion took place. many innocent Iraqis have lost their frightening: Over 3,370 American sol- Many of us felt that once our soldiers lives as victims in the civil war or even diers have now lost their lives in the were in the field, it was time to close of our invasion.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6082 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 Mr. President, ‘‘60 Minutes’’ on Sun- change that policy. Two Republican The Senator from Utah. day night had a gripping story about a Senators—the Senator from Oregon, Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask youngster, 12-year-old, who, during the Mr. SMITH, and the Senator from Ne- unanimous consent that the time on bombing of our invasion of Iraq, lost braska, Mr. HAGEL—have stepped for- the Republican side be equally divided both his arms. This young boy, whose ward and joined us on the Democratic among myself, Senator CORNYN, and name is Ali, came to the attention of side. We need nine more. With nine Senator GREGG. people across the world and was given more Republican Senators, the failed The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- a chance to go to England, where he policy in Iraq will change. Why does it pore. Without objection, it is so or- goes to school now. He was really in- take so many? It takes 60 votes in the dered. spiring when he talked about how he Senate to move forward a significant f was going to make something of his and controversial measure such as a BUSH TAX CUTS life even though he lost both his arms. change of policy in the war in Iraq. Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, we cel- I was heartened to learn last week He is just an innocent victim of this ebrate anniversaries around here. We that some Republican House Members war who lost family and friends in a find times to look back. Today happens met with the President. There were bombing, a tragic incident we wished to be the fourth anniversary of the press reports afterward that they told never occurred. Senate passage of the last of the Bush Keep in mind that these innocent him point blank that they can no tax cuts. We have heard a lot of rhet- Iraqis are part of this calculation longer continue to support his policies. oric around here about those tax cuts. about the future of Iraq as well. If this Change has to take place. The Presi- We heard it in advance, we heard it as civil war is to come to an end, we not dent needed to hear that. I hope Repub- they have gone along, we continue to only need to start bringing American lican Senators who feel the same way hear it. troops home, we need for the Iraqi Gov- will step forward. I thought on the fourth anniversary ernment to start making decisions to It is not enough for them to say we of the Senate passage of the tax cuts it protect their people and project their will come up with 11 different ideas and might be a wise idea to spend some future in a positive way. vote one at a time for each of them. time with some facts. I sincerely hope that at the end of That isn’t the way this works. We have Our former colleague, Senator next week when we present to the to put our minds together and try to Gramm of Texas, always used to say: I President the money necessary for the find compromise and cooperation so tell my children never argue about the troops, we will also make it clear that that we can serve the best needs of facts. Facts are things you can look up. we are taking a step forward to correct America—not only our national secu- Argue about what the facts might this failed policy in Iraq. rity needs but the needs of our troops mean, but don’t argue about the facts. I might also add that if we are not in the field and the needs of the Iraqi We don’t take his advice as much as successful in changing the policy with people. If 11 Republican Senators will I think we should. We spend too much this bill, it is not the end of the debate. join the 49 Democrats, this policy can time arguing about the facts. Let’s We are 4 months into this new Con- change. We will give them that oppor- look them up. gress, 4 months since the Democratic tunity tomorrow with two cloture One of the things we are told con- majority took control of the House and votes and then beyond that some votes stantly is that since the passage of the Senate. In a little over 4 months, we I am sure next week on a conference re- tax cuts, the rich have gotten richer, have seen a dramatic change in the na- port when we reach that stage in the the tax burden has shifted from the tional debate on the war in Iraq. For proceedings, and then in subsequent rich to the poor, and that this is ter- the last 4 years, we have been sleep- legislation. rible and we need to reverse that trend. walking through this policy in this war I urge my colleagues on both sides of Well, let’s look at a few facts. Let’s go in Iraq with few challenges from Cap- the aisle in the spirit of compromise back to the 8 years prior to the time of itol Hill. The legislative branch of our and cooperation to try to find ways the Bush administration and see what Federal Government did little or noth- that we can end this war in an honor- happened in terms of the rich getting ing to meet its constitutional responsi- able way, bring our troops home to the richer and the poor getting poorer. bility, to challenge the Executive when heroes’ welcome they deserve, and say While President Clinton was the it came to policy and execution of that to the Iraqi people: The Americans President, dividing into five quintiles, policy. have given you more than any nation which is what economists do, we see Now things have changed. Now, with could ever ask for. We have given you what happened to pretax income. Dur- a Democratic majority in the House over 3,300 American lives of the best ing the Clinton years, in the lowest 20 and the Senate, the debate is under- and bravest soldiers in the world. We percent, the bottom quintile, pretax in- way, as it should be, a debate on pol- have given you 25,000 injured soldiers, come went down. In the second quin- tile, the pretax income went down. The icy. I think most Americans would some with serious injuries they will red bars are prior to Clinton and the agree that over the last 4 months with carry for a lifetime. We have spent $500 blue bars are after. In the middle 20th this new Congress, we have had a more billion. We have stood behind your percentile, the pretax income went active and vigorous debate on Iraq country as you deposed your dictator, than any time since this war started. down. In the second highest quintile, put him on trial, and executed him. We pretax income went down. In the top That is the way it should be. The have stood behind your country when quintile, pretax income went up be- American people believe Iraq is the pri- you wrote your Constitution and held tween the time when Clinton was elect- mary issue on which we should focus, your elections. We have been there for ed and the end of the Clinton adminis- and we have, and we will continue to more than 4 years. Now it is your turn. tration. focus on Iraq. Even beyond the supple- Now it is the turn of the Iraqis to step Our source for this is the Congres- mental appropriations bill, we will forward and guide their nation forward. sional Budget Office. These are the move to a Defense authorization bill We need to understand that we won’t facts. and a Defense appropriations bill, giv- have a change in policy unless the What has happened since President ing ample opportunity for Members on President agrees to change—and it is Bush has been in office? Let’s take a both sides of the aisle to come up with unlikely he will—or this Congress look at the same areas and look with alternatives to deal with this failed forces a change. The only way that oc- the new data plugged in. It is very in- policy. curs is when 11 Republican Senators teresting. In conclusion, there is one key to join 49 Democrats to make it happen Since Bush has been elected, the low- changing the failed policy in Iraq. The and make it a reality. est quintile has seen their pretax in- key to changing the failed policy in Mr. President, I reserve the remain- come go up. The second lowest quintile Iraq is 11 Republican Senators. When 11 der of the time for the majority in has seen their pretax income go up. Republican Senators reach the point morning business. I yield the floor. The middle quintile has seen their that they want this policy changed, it The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pretax income go up. The second high- will happen. We have 49 Democratic pore. Without objection, it is so or- est quintile has seen their pretax in- Senators who have voted repeatedly to dered. come go up, but the top quintile, the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6083 top 20 percent, has seen their pretax in- What about fiscal sustainability? I Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President. come come down. remember when I ran for reelection in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Once again, the source for these facts 2004, right after the tax cuts, my oppo- pore. The Senator from Texas is recog- is the Congressional Budget Office. On nents said, we have to bring down the nized. this side of the chart, we see the share deficit. The deficit is too high. I said: Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I wish of pretax income. This is the number of Not only is it going to come down, it is to join the distinguished Senator from people to focus on. coming down. We see year after year, Utah, Mr. BENNETT, who gives, to my The share of income is very high for since the passage of the tax cuts, that mind, one of the most cogent and un- the top 20 percent and low for the bot- the deficit has shrunk. It has shrunk in derstandable explanations for the econ- tom 20 percent. So we look at share absolute dollars and it has shrunk as a omy given around here, and I wish to and ignore the trend if we want to percentage of GDP. We have the same add a few comments about the fourth make the case that the tax cuts have word out of the Congressional Budget anniversary of the Jobs and Growth been bad for people at the bottom. In Office and OMB at the end of the first Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. fact, since Bush has been President, we quarter. While we have a lot of people trained see things have gotten better for people Why would we get a shrinking deficit in a lot of disciplines who make their at the bottom. when we have cut tax rates? The an- way to the Senate, I daresay there are This comes as somewhat of a surprise swer lies in the dynamism of the Amer- not very many of us who have a back- to those who were advising us when we ican economy, and we look back again ground in economics or accounting or passed the Bush tax cuts. I would like on this anniversary date to see what the type of disciplines that would help to quote from the Brookings Institu- them make good economic decisions. tion. They viewed the tax cuts, as they has happened to people’s predictions. The red bars are the predictions that The good news is that I think the fun- were proposed, and they had this co- damentals are pretty clear when it gent statement to make about the fu- the Congressional Budget Office made comes to what provides people an in- ture, and I quote: of the amount of revenue we would re- ceive from capital gains. They pre- centive to work hard and save, and Our findings suggest that the tax bill will what Government policies—particu- reduce the size of the future economy, raise dicted that the capital gains revenue interest rates, make taxes more regressive, would stay flat or barely increase as a larly tax increases—make it harder for increase tax complexity, and prove fiscally result of the reduction in capital gains people to save their hard-earned money unsustainable. These conclusions question tax rates. and invest it as they see fit—whether it the wisdom and affordability of the tax cut We reduced the capital gains tax is spending it on their family, invest- and suggest that Congress reconsider the leg- rates, and guess what happened. That ing in their children’s college edu- islation, especially in light of the economic is shown in the blue lines. The capital cation or perhaps buying things that downturn and terrorist attacks that have oc- curred last summer. gains realizations—that is the money they would prefer—rather than having Uncle Sam stick his hand in their Very interesting. Reduce the size of that came in—went up in 2003, higher pocket and spend it on things the Fed- the future economy? Since Bush has than the CBO projection. It went up in eral Government wants. been President, the U.S. economy has 2004 even higher. It went up in 2005 even higher. In 2006, it knocks your It is important to go back and high- grown more than the entire Chinese light some of the challenges our econ- economy. Under the Bush Presidency, socks off. They had predicted $54 bil- omy was facing when the Senate first the U.S. economy has grown $2.7 tril- lion in realizations, and the fact is, it passed this protaxpayer legislation 4 lion in GDP. The total Chinese econ- was $103 billion. The actual capital years ago. The economy was hit with omy is $2.3 trillion. They missed that gains tax receipts were substantially not just a one-two punch but with a one. higher than projected by CBO. Raise interest rates? No. Make taxes Well, how can that be? If we cut the one-two-three punch. We were dealing more regressive? Well, let’s look at tax rates, how can we get more rev- with the fallout from the corporate ac- that one in another chart. Increase tax enue? The answer to that, of course, is counting scandals of the late 1990s, the complexity? I will grant them that. a reality that we so often forget around bursting tech bubble and, of course, the Congress increases tax complexity here, and that is the economy is not horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. every time we pass a law. That is an static. The economy is not a sum zero All these events combined would have easy prediction to make. And prove fis- game that says: All right, if you cut it knocked out any other economy in the cally unsustainable? I don’t think so. here, then you have to see it rise there. world. But because we acted with well- Here is the relative income tax bur- If we cut tax rates, we have to see the timed tax relief that put money back den by income group, taking the spe- deficit go up. in the pockets of working men and cific prophecy made by the people at We have seen exactly the opposite. women, small businesses and entre- the Brookings Institute. The people in We have cut tax rates, and we have preneurs, our economy bounced back. the lowest quintile were receiving that seen the deficit go down. Why? Because Indeed, our economy has roared back. much earned income tax credit. In people respond to economic incentives. The 2003 act accelerated a number of other words, their tax payments were When they have an economic incentive individual and small business tax relief negative. They received money in to form a new business, create a new provisions Congress passed 2 years ear- transfers. Now, since the passage of the opportunity, modernize a plant—be- lier. We allowed parents to take the tax cut, the amount of money they cause they would not have to pay so $1,000 tax credit sooner. We accelerated have received has been greater. The much in taxes as they previously had relief from higher marginal tax rates— second lowest quintile used to pay a to pay—the new business, the new op- the marriage tax penalty and the alter- little taxes; now they receive transfer portunity, the modernized new plant native minimum tax. This legislation, payments. The middle quintile paid will create new jobs and creates new passed 4 years ago, provided capital that much taxes; now they pay less. income and, therefore, more taxes, gains and dividends tax relief, which The second highest quintile, virtually more tax revenue, even as the tax rates has helped increase economic activity identical, but the trend line is down. come down. and fill the Federal Government’s cof- Who has paid the most taxes? Who has We have seen this historical fact fers. had the greatest increase in taxes? It is again and again for decades, yet we How could it be that Federal revenue the top 20 percent. continue to ignore it. The computers at has seen historic highs even as we cut At the end of the Clinton administra- the Congressional Budget Office are taxes 4 years ago? Well, it is for all the tion, this is where it was, and at the programmed not to take into account obvious reasons: People respond to fi- end of the Bush term, this is where it the growth in the economy and not to nancial incentives when they know is. Brookings was wrong on virtually predict this kind of result. they are going to be able to keep more every point, except their prediction So on this anniversary date, I of what they earn. They work harder, that we would make the tax law more thought I would simply share with the risk takers and entrepreneurs invest in complex. That, as I say, is a prediction Senate a few facts that demonstrate ventures that generate revenue not one can always make and always be that the tax cuts have been good for only for them—and create new jobs— sure of. America. but generate a lot more revenue for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 Uncle Sam as well. That is exactly I yield the floor. They are willing to go out and take what happened here. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- risks. They are willing to work harder Since 2004, Government revenues pore. The Senator from New Hamp- because they know they are going to have outpaced projections by the non- shire. get to keep more of what they earn. partisan Congressional Budget Office, Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, first I What does that do? That creates a and the deficit this year could tumble thank the Senator from Texas for his stronger economy which puts more to $150 billion, or about 1 percent of our elegant statement and accurate state- people to work, and that is what we Nation’s gross domestic product. ment. I want to pick up where the Sen- want, more jobs for people and, of Things such as bonus depreciation and ator has left off. course, the more jobs you have the the $100,000 expensing provision have The Senator talks about the facts— more tax revenues you end up getting. allowed entrepreneurs and small busi- and this is a fact—that revenues to the In addition, especially in the area of nesses to grow and create jobs. This Federal Government have jumped dra- capital gains, if you have a fair capital tax relief has helped produce 22 matically in the last 3 years. In fact, in gains rate, which is what we have straight quarters of growth, with 7.8 the last 3 years we have seen more rev- today, it causes people to go out and million new jobs over the past 44 con- enues flowing into the Federal Govern- sell an investment which they might secutive months. That is an out- ment than ever in history, and the per- otherwise hold on to. If a person has an standing accomplishment, which centage of increase in those revenues asset, say, a home or small business or makes America the envy of the world, has also been historic. As this chart stock, they don’t want to sell that asset when they are going to have to and it is a trend we must continue as clearly shows, we are now seeing reve- pay 30 percent or 25 percent in taxes on we face significant fiscal challenges nues to the Federal Government which that sale because they don’t want to ahead. actually exceed the historic revenues have to pay all those taxes for that We can and we should take great to this Government. Historically, the asset they spent their whole life build- pride in the economy’s performance Federal Government has gotten about ing up, trying to make ends meet, try- and look with optimism toward the fu- 18.2 percent of the gross national prod- uct in revenue. Today we are up around ing to create a nest egg for themselves. ture. As we move forward, the last When you put a fair capital gains rate 18.5 percent. We are headed towards thing we should consider is reversing on that sale, which is today 15 per- 18.7 percent. That is a significant in- the policies that have generated this cent—which is the fair rate which was crease in revenues to the Federal Gov- kind of beneficial economic activity put into place by President Bush’s pro- ernment. and created so many jobs in America. posals—then people are willing to go What effect does that have? As the Unfortunately, this tax relief will soon out and sell that asset. expire, resulting in a tax increase for Senator from Texas said, it has had a When they sell that asset, what hap- all taxpayers without a single vote on dramatic effect on the deficit. Because pens? Two things which are very good the floor of the Senate. we have gotten all this additional rev- for the Federal Government happen. The other side is now pushing a budg- enue, it has caused the deficit to drop No. 1, capital gains occur so we get rev- et that will result in a $736 billion tax dramatically. enues; otherwise, we would not get hike for taxpayers over the next 5 The other side of the aisle argues: So those revenues because people would years. This, unless it is reversed, will what. Taxes are still too low on Ameri- just sit on those assets; they are not not only jeopardize future economic cans. We should raise the taxes on going to sell them and pay the high tax growth but also the financial well- Americans. So they brought out a rate. When you have a fair tax rate, being of millions of Americans—fami- budget which is going to increase taxes they sell them, the Federal Govern- lies, small businesses, and seniors. If on Americans by about $700 billion. It ment gets the revenues, and the second Congress fails to make this tax relief is the largest tax increase in the his- thing that happens is they take that permanent, the fourth anniversary of tory of the country, should that budget new money they have from the sale of which we are celebrating today, every actually come to fruition—and it looks that asset and reinvest it. By human American taxpayer will see their taxes like it is going to pass, and I assume nature, they reinvest it in something go up. For instance, a family of four they are going to follow up on it. They that is more productive. So you have a with two children, making $50,000 in mean what they say, on the other side more productive society, where capital annual income, would see an increase of the aisle. assets are being used more effectively, of $2,092 a year in their tax bill, or a What will that do to Federal reve- and as a result you get this great job 132-percent hike. nues, that dramatic increase in taxes? creation and this economic growth. Four years ago, many of our col- What will that do to the economy? We In fact, in the area of capital gains, leagues on the other side of the aisle are not sure, but we suspect it will slow we have seen a dramatic increase in argued that the Jobs and Growth Tax the economy dramatically. Some of revenues. Capital gains have increased Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 would these great gains that we have seen in over what the projection was by CBO, not only not benefit our economy, they the economy, the 22 months of expan- the Congressional Budget Office, by 47 actually said it would endanger the sion, the 7.4 million new jobs, may be percent. It is a huge jump in revenues economy. For example, the now-major- significantly impacted by that type of we didn’t expect—or at least the Con- ity whip said: a tax increase. gressional Budget Office didn’t ex- We also know it will create a Tax The Republicans who push this tax plan pect—but which we received because have to face stubborn facts, and facts can be Code that is taking a lot more money human nature kicked in and people stubborn. The last time they got a tax cut out of Americans who work hard. We were willing to sell assets, take that through, the American economy fell back- happen to believe, on our side of the money and reinvest it in things that wards. We did not make progress. We lost aisle, we should let Americans keep the are productive, create jobs, and as a re- jobs. We lost opportunity. We lost a lot of money they earn as much as possible, sult we got those revenues. That is why hope in this country. have a fair tax system, and as a result today the Federal Government is actu- There is one thing I agree with the generate a benefit to working Ameri- ally getting more in revenues than it distinguished majority whip about, and cans by saying: Listen, if you are going got under the old tax law where the that is facts are, indeed, stubborn to work hard, we are going to give you rates were a lot higher. That is why we things. Four years ago, the Senate more money. We are also going to get have gotten more economic expansion, voted for hope and against fear. It more revenues, which is the way this more jobs. That is the good news. voted for progress and against stagna- has worked out. From the other side of the aisle we tion. It voted for the entrepreneurial Why have we gotten more revenues hear this constant patter: The rich are spirit and against command and con- even though we reduced the tax burden not paying enough taxes, and these tax trol out of Washington, DC. on the American people? The answer is laws are disproportionate in their ap- I think 4 years later we all have seen pretty simple. It is called human na- plication. I think we need to talk about and can celebrate tremendous results ture. When you set tax levels at a fair that a little bit because let’s see what as an outcome of this important legis- level—which is what we have today— has happened as a result of reducing lation. people are willing to go out and invest. these tax rates.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6085 Basically, what has happened is that enue of 11 percent, 9 percent, 15 per- because they don’t want to have to pay even with the lower tax rates today, cent—we actually have a tax law today all of their money to the Federal Gov- wealthy people are paying more in rev- that is generating more revenue but is ernment. enues to the Federal Government than also more progressive. High-income in- President Kennedy knew that and at any time in history. Today the top dividuals are paying more of the tax that is why he cut income tax rates 20 percent of people in this country burden. Low-income people are getting and was successful in generating rev- who have income are paying about 85 more money back from the Federal enue to the Federal Government. Presi- percent of the tax burden. Government. dent Reagan knew that and he cut in- Let me restate that. The top 20 per- There is another factor that needs to come tax rates. As a result, the rev- cent of people with income in this be pointed out, and that is what is hap- enue to the Federal Government country are paying 85 percent of the pening to senior citizens. Senior citi- jumped and the economy expanded. Federal tax burden. Under the Clinton zens disproportionately benefit from a President Bush has shown it once years, the top 20 percent of people with low dividend tax rate. Why? It is log- again: Cut income tax rates, expand income paid 81 percent of the Federal ical, obviously. Most seniors are re- the economy, and as a result get a fair tax burden. So even though we have tired. If they have income, it is going tax level and human nature kicks in cut rates, we have actually created to be Social Security, some pension and revenues flow into the Federal more revenues from high-income indi- program, or dividends, and most pen- Treasury. viduals. sion programs also involve dividends. What is unique about President Again, you are going to say: How So senior citizens are really the people Bush’s initiatives is that at the same does that happen? Again, it is called who are benefiting the most from a low time he has cut rates, he created this human nature. If you have a high-in- dividend tax rate. Yet the folks on the much more progressive system which I come situation, individuals with a high other side of the aisle have just passed just outlined. The fact that high-in- income, they could either invest in op- a budget where they want to jump the come taxpayers are now paying so portunities which are going to produce tax rate on dividends by 100 percent. much more of the Federal share of in- taxable events or not produce taxable They want to go from a 15-percent tax come taxes than they did under the events. They have the position to do rate to a 30-percent tax rate on divi- Clinton years, and lower income indi- that. So if you have a fair tax rate they dends. Who are they going to hit? They viduals are getting much more back will take the risk. They will make the are going to hit senior citizens, pri- than they did under the Clinton years, decision. They will be the entre- marily. That is the people they are makes for a more progressive system. preneurs who create the job. As a re- going to hit. It also disproportionately benefits sen- sult, they will make an investment If you look at the proposals from the ior citizens, people on fixed incomes, which is taxable. But if you have a tax other side of the aisle, they come out because of the dividend rate. rate that is too high, which is what the of a 1930s philosophy of economics, Unfortunately, though, we now have other side of the aisle likes to have, which was pretty soundly rejected in the Democrats presenting to us a budg- then you basically create an atmos- the 1960s, the 1970s, the 1980s, and the et which wants to take us to the phere where these folks are going to go 1990s, but they are still attracted to it. French path, which essentially is going It is a theory that says you just raise out and invest a fair amount of their to dramatically increase the cost to taxes. The Federal Government will money in things that are tax avoid- the Federal Government, to Ameri- get more money, and we will spend it ance, legal tax avoidance but tax cans, and as a result dramatically in- for you. In other words, there is a the- avoidance. They are going to invest in crease the tax level on Americans. We ory that says we are smarter than you. nontaxable events, stocks and bonds will go down that path that France has We have been elected to the Senate. We that do not generate income to them gone down. that is taxable. are good members of the Democratic What we have done is we have cre- Party. We know more than you know. I have to tell you, it doesn’t work in ated a tax law where essentially high- Therefore, we should take your money France. Productivity is not up in income people are willing to go out and and we should spend it for you and we France. Jobs are not being created in take risks and do it in a taxable way can spend it more effectively than you France. People don’t want to go out that generates revenue back to the can spend it. and work harder in France. And they United States. As a result, we have the That is a philosophy that should and certainly do not have a more progres- top 20 percent of American income has been rejected as we move toward a sive or effective economic system than earners pay more in taxes today, sig- much more market-oriented economy. we have in the United States. nificantly more than they did under It is also a philosophy that presumes I think we should reject the Demo- the Clinton years. the higher taxes always generate more cratic approach under their budget of The alternative is also fairly inter- revenue to the Federal Government, raising taxes and stay with this tax law esting. At the low end of the income which is not true. Higher taxes, actu- that is raising so much new revenue scale, the bottom 40 percent of people ally, in many instances reduce reve- and is so progressive and has such a who have income do not basically pay nues to the Federal Government be- strong benefit for senior citizens. income taxes. Obviously, they pay cause they reduce economic activity. I yield the floor. withholding taxes, but as a practical They certainly reduce expansion of the I make a point of order a quorum is matter that segment of our society economy, and they reduce the creation not present. pays virtually nothing in income taxes. of jobs. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- They get money back, in fact, on the Three Presidents have proved beyond pore. The clerk will call the roll. earned-income tax credit and other any reasonable doubt when you lower The assistant legislative clerk pro- benefits the Federal Government puts income tax rates, you generate eco- ceeded to call the roll. in place. nomic expansion because people are Mrs. BOXER. I ask unanimous con- Under the law today, under President just people. They just have common sent that the order for the quorum call Bush’s law, those bottom 40 percent of sense. If they know they are going to be rescinded. income earners are now getting about be able to keep more of their money, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. twice as much back from the Federal they are willing to go out and work CASEY). Without objection, it is so or- Government as they did under the Clin- harder to get more money. But they dered. ton years. So what is the combined ef- also know if the Federal Government is fect of these two facts, of these two going to take more of their money, and f things? The tax law—even though we a disproportionate amount of their are generating a lot more revenue for money, they are not going to work the Federal Government, even though quite so hard. They are not going to CONCLUSION OF MORNING we are well over that mean number of take that risk. They are not going to BUSINESS 18.2 percent of gross national product, create that restaurant or open that lit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning even though we have had jumps in rev- tle small business, create those jobs, business is closed.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 WATER RESOURCES trol projects, wetlands restoration, en- of the Environment and Public Works DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 vironmental projects, clean water Committee have not agreed on them, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under projects—so many of these projects we will be forced to vote no. This is not the previous order, the Senate will re- have been delayed. When we are talk- a pleasant situation for either of us. sume consideration of H.R. 1495, which ing about the Nation’s economy and We think it is the way to maintain the the clerk will report. public safety and the environment, delicate balance of the legislation, be- The legislative clerk read as follows: these are things we all want to address. cause the bill is a product of biparti- We address them in this bill. The beau- sanship. A bill (H.R. 1495) to provide for the con- ty of it is that although Senator servation and development of water and re- I mentioned the other two members lated resources, to authorize the Secretary INHOFE and I have some deep dif- of the committee who have worked so of the Army to construct various projects for ferences on issues, this is one bill we hard, Senators BAUCUS and ISAKSON. I improvements to rivers and harbors of the both strongly support, and across the thank them. United States, and for other purposes. board we see support. The whole country is looking to see Pending: Every day I have come to the floor to what we do to help the victims of Hur- talk about WRDA. I have stressed the Boxer/Inhofe amendment No. 1065, in the ricane Katrina and what we do to move nature of a substitute. strong support in the country for this forward so that we don’t see another Boxer (for Feingold) amendment No. 1086 legislation. I read yesterday from var- tragedy as we witnessed recently. (to amendment No. 1065), to establish a ious letters of support. I want to call to About 25 percent of this bill is directed Water Resources Commission to prioritize Senators’ attention—when they arrive at Louisiana. We have gone very far to water resources projects in the United to vote on the first amendment, which meet their needs. We do understand we States. I hope we will all be opposing, or at haven’t done 100 percent of what they Reid (for Levin/Reid) amendment No. 1097 least the vast majority of us—on their need, but there will be other WRDAs, (to the language proposed to be stricken by desks they will find, due to the good amendment No. 1065), to provide for military and there may well be a couple of readiness and benchmarks relative to Iraq. work of our pages, the letters of sup- amendments on which we can move Reid amendment No. 1098 (to amendment port I referred to yesterday. We have forward. We don’t know at this par- No. 1097), to provide for a transition of the an amazing coalition. We have the Na- ticular point. Iraq mission. tional Association of Manufacturers We have waited 7 long years for this Coburn amendment No. 1089 (to amend- supporting this bill. We have the Amer- bill. We are going to be having a vote ment No. 1065), to prioritize Federal spending ican Farm Bureau Federation sup- at a quarter of 12. to ensure the needs of Louisiana residents porting this legislation, with a direct Before I yield to my good friend and who lost their homes as a result of Hurri- letter. We have a letter from the Na- colleague, the ranking member of the canes Katrina and Rita are met before spend- ing money to design or construct a non- tional Waterways Conference sup- committee, for his comments, I hope essential visitors center. porting this bill. We have the Audubon everyone will join in voting no on the Coburn amendment No. 1090 (to amend- Society supporting this legislation. For Coburn amendment. What he does in ment No. 1065), to prioritize Federal spending those who may not be aware, it is a so- his amendment is, he has decided—and to ensure the residents of the city of Sac- ciety of more than 1 million members he is here in the Chamber now—that ramento are protected from the threat of and supporters who work very hard to one of the projects in California should floods before spending money to add sand to restore America’s natural resources. wait until another project in California beaches in San Diego. We have them supporting this bill. We is totally funded. AMENDMENT NO. 1090 have the American Society of Civil En- I call this amendment the Russian The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under gineers supporting this bill. We have roulette amendment because the the previous order, the time until 11:45 the National Construction Alliance, project he wants to delay is an impor- a.m. shall be equally divided for debate which is made up of the Laborers Inter- tant project in the San Diego area. It is with respect to amendment No. 1090 be- national Union, the International the city of Imperial Beach. There is a tween the Senator from California and Union of Operating Engineers, and the very important project the Corps is the Senator from Oklahoma or their United Brotherhood of Carpenters and recommending where the local match designees. Joiners of America. This is about as will be paid—the initial stages, 30 per- The Senator from California. broad a coalition as we can have. It cent; the final stages, 50 percent. We Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I have a concludes with a letter from the Asso- are talking about protecting 2,083 busi- parliamentary inquiry because I don’t ciated General Contractors of America. nesses. There are 812 nonrental prop- know when my ranking member will be We have a bill that, as the National erty businesses and 1,271 rental prop- here. Do I understand the Chair cor- Construction Alliance says, is a $13.9 erties. We are talking about 22 retail rectly that I would have 15 minutes billion authorization of Corps projects businesses, 217 businesses located along and he would have 15 minutes, so I which is a necessary first step in ad- the beachfront, 195 are rental, and 19 should conclude my remarks after such dressing our country’s serious backlog businesses near the shoreline. What we time? of water projects, from harbor improve- are talking about doing is a project The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ment, to flood protection, to lock and that is so cost-effective, it has met ator from California has 13 minutes. dam construction, dredging, and envi- every criteria. It has gone through Mrs. BOXER. Will the Presiding Offi- ronmental infrastructure. every phase. We received a letter from cer please let me know when that time That is what we address in this very the mayor which clearly states they has come? important bill. will be picking up their share. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Yes. We certainly have many contentious This is a project which needs to move Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am debates on the floor of this Senate. We forward. You don’t say to somebody in pleased that the Water Resources De- are going to have one again on Iraq. It the southern part of a State: You don’t velopment Act of 2007 is on the floor of tugs at the heartstrings. It is very dif- deserve this flood protection until the Senate and that Members on both ficult. But this is one piece of legisla- someone in the northern part of the sides of the aisle are very supportive of tion which should not be difficult for State gets flood protection. We have to this legislation. This legislation au- us. Senator INHOFE and I share a com- do it all. This is the United States of thorizes the projects and policies of the mitment to shoring up our Nation’s in- America. California, if we were a na- Civil Works Program of the Army frastructure, including our water re- tion, would be the fifth largest econ- Corps of Engineers. Again, it has very sources. We have a true partnership on omy in the world. strong support across party lines. this issue. I hope colleagues will join All Members have a right to their I think it is important for the Senate with us, as we work through the opinion and a right to offer amend- to know, as well as the American peo- amendments. There will be some ments. I support my colleague’s right ple, that this bill is long overdue. amendments we can support, but we to do so. But it is absolutely wrong. He Seven years ago, we passed the last have made a pact that even if there are will present it as some kind of a beach WRDA bill. What does that mean? It some amendments each of us individ- project. He makes it sound as if what means that very important flood con- ually supports, if the four top members we are doing is protecting a beach.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6087 Nothing could be further from the But all we are doing through the We thank you for your continued interest truth. We are using the replenishment WRDA bill is we allow ourselves the in this worthwhile project. in this project as a way to absorb the opportunity to make sure there is some Sincerely, floodwaters. level of discipline in putting projects DIANE ROSE, Mayor. I will speak for a minute on this forward that people will eventually be later. I hope we will have a resounding voting on. They are not going to be Mr. INHOFE. Hopefully, when we get ‘‘no’’ vote. Every Member has a right voting on them today. This is the au- down toward the end of the debate, after I hear what my colleague says to say what he or she thinks belongs in thorization process. about this issue, I will use more time. this bill. But this bill has gone through Now, we have criteria. We have to a rigorous process. We don’t have any- I yield the floor. have an engineer’s report from the Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I thing in here that doesn’t meet the cri- Corps of Engineers. It has to say it is rise today with Senator BOXER in oppo- teria. Senator INHOFE was very strong economically feasible, it takes care of sition to the Coburn amendment. This on that. I agreed with him completely. the environmental problems—all these With my time waning, I yield the amendment limits our ability to appro- things—and it ensures there is cost priate funding to projects in our State, floor and look forward to a strong ‘‘no’’ sharing. vote on the Coburn amendment in 15 and I would ask all Senators to vote Let me tell you what would happen if against the amendment. minutes. we did not do this. If we did not do it, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who My colleagues may remember that and we had everyone coming up, swap- during consideration of the fiscal year yields time? ping out their deals, and saying: I have The Senator from Oklahoma. 2006 emergency supplemental, we had Mr. INHOFE. I yield myself such a project over here; it is my sweetheart an extended debate over flood control time as I may consume. As I under- project; the Corps of Engineers has projects in the bill for California be- stand, we are now dividing time equal- never been there. We don’t care. No one cause Senator COBURN offered an ly between the junior Senator from has ever evaluated it, but this is my amendment to strip them out of the Oklahoma and the committee; is that humble opinion, since we are here in bill. I understand that yesterday, Sen- correct? Washington making all these decisions ator COBURN acknowledged that he The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is in violation of what people back home made a mistake in opposing the Sac- correct. want. Then we will have a project. ramento River Bank project, which he Mr. INHOFE. How much time re- That is the alternative. This is the now believes was legitimate emergency mains? same as the transportation authoriza- funding. However, he has now offered The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion bill. There we had criteria where another amendment affecting Cali- ator from California has 3 minutes 20 we would talk about the qualifications fornia and this same project. seconds remaining. of various projects, and they would Senator COBURN’s amendment would Mr. INHOFE. We have a total of 3 have to be in that criteria. Then we require that the Army Corps complete minutes left? would bring it up later on and decide its work on the Sacramento riverbank The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- whether we were going to fund these flood control project before it can ator from California has 3 minutes 20 things. begin any work on the Imperial Beach seconds. The junior Senator from Okla- Now, on the project that is going to replenishment project. These two homa has 13 minutes. The time is di- take place at Imperial Beach, it was projects are separated by 500 miles and vided between Senator COBURN and authorized. The Corps recommended have no relation to each other, except Senator BOXER. Senator COBURN has 13 this storm damage reduction project that both protect homes and families. minutes. because it is technically sound, eco- I would like to briefly discuss these Mr. INHOFE. The main thing I want nomically justified, environmentally two projects. The Sacramento river to get across, I can’t get across in 3 acceptable, and it will have the local bank flood protection project is a long- minutes. But I can tell you right now— cost share. term levee restoration project. The and by the way, the reason I wasn’t I have a letter from the mayor of Im- project area is along 210 miles of the here earlier is that I have been, in the perial Beach saying this is what they Sacramento River that is constantly at last 3 days, in Iraq. And by the way, want out there. It may not be what risk of erosion. Areas protected by the good things are happening there in they want in Washington, but this is levees comprise over 1 million acres, 50 spite of what the press will tell you. what they want. communities, $38 billion worth of im- I came back somewhat shocked to see Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- provements, and approximately 2.3 mil- some of these amendments because, sent that the letter be printed in the lion people. quite frankly, a lot of people don’t un- RECORD. The Corps of Engineers is dan- derstand the process. I don’t want any- There being no objection, the mate- gerously close to the ceiling set in the one out there watching what we are rial was ordered to be printed in the current authorization, with many more doing today saying that we are killing RECORD, as follows: projects to be done. Senator BOXER and some useless project. It has nothing to I support language in this bill to in- CITY OF IMPERIAL BEACH, CA do with that. This is an authorization OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, crease the Corps’ authorization by an- bill. I will make this clear, but I can’t July 18, 2002. other 80,000 linear feet. It will be sev- do it in this time unless the Senator Colonel RICHARD G. THOMPSON, eral years before the Corps will reach from Oklahoma would like to yield 5 Los Angeles District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps that threshold if we are able to fund minutes of his time. of Engineers, Los Angeles, CA. the project at full capability annually. Mr. COBURN. Sure. DEAR COLONEL THOMPSON: This letter Yesterday, Senator COBURN referred Mr. INHOFE. I thank the Senator. should serve as a formal indication of inter- to our discussion last year and that I The amendment we will be talking est and intent by the City of Imperial Beach had said that life and property lay in about is the Imperial Beach amend- to proceed with the recommended project in- the balance with the restoration of ment. I have to remind my colleagues, dicated in the Silver Strand Shoreline, Impe- rial Beach, California Draft General Re- these levees. I would say to my col- as I did in the steering committee last evaluation Report dated, June 2002. leagues that statement also holds true Thursday, this is not an appropriations The City of Imperial Beach is willing and on other projects to protect homes in a bill. What we are doing here today is able to provide all non-Federal requirements different part of my State that Senator not going to change anything at all in of the project including 36% of the cost to COBURN will inhibit with this amend- terms of money. I don’t want anyone construct the initial project and 50% of the ment. thinking we will have some useless construction costs for each renourishment Imperial Beach is a small city adja- project or spend money on it. We are cycle. cent to the U.S./Mexico border and just not doing it with this bill today. We It is anticipated that funds for the local south of San Diego Bay and the naval share of initial construction will come from may be doing it in the future. We may $4.2 million currently earmarked for this installations on Coronado. Its beach, be doing it when the appropriations project in the California State Department the Silver Strand, is losing 100,000 bills come up. I may be opposing it at of Boating and Waterways FY 2002/2003 budg- cubic yards of sand per year, cor- that time. et. responding to a loss of 6.6 feet of beach.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 So much shoreline has been lost that Oklahoma yesterday, the idea behind way of priorities, the priority that there is no longer dry beach at high this amendment is to make priorities. ought to go first is fixing the levee sys- tide, leaving only a small embankment What do we know? We know the tem in Sacramento. It is not to degrade between the ocean and homes. At the Corps has a $58 billion backlog right that this is not needed. I am not saying current retreat rate, the shoreline now. That is 271⁄2 years of work at the it is not needed. I am saying, with lim- could reach homes within the year. A way the Corps is funded now. All this ited funds, we ought to have a priority. high-tide storm event in Imperial amendment says is, if you are in a fam- Many people will argue they will Beach could affect 3,000 homes within 3 ily and you need a new roof, and you make that decision at the Appropria- blocks of the coast. Already these want to build a swimming pool, prob- tions Committee. The authorizing bill homes have experienced flooding and ably most American families are going right now is on the floor. I support structural damage and the soil is high- to put the roof on before they build the many of the projects in this bill. But I ly erosive and receding—the problem in swimming pool. think a case can be made, and the Imperial Beach is now, and we cannot Sacramento has 1.8 million people. It American people would demand, we wait years to address it. is the largest city in this country at cannot quit ducking priorities. It is The problem is that the beach is no risk for flood damage. The canals and easy to say to do everything, as the longer the recipient of sand from its levees up there need to be reworked. Senator from California said yesterday. natural sources. First, there is a lack All this amendment says is before we The only problem with that is, we can- of sediment transfer from the Tijuana restore beaches—by the way, let me not do everything. We cannot do every- River because of three dams, two on give a little background. The last time thing, so we have to make a choice. We the American side and one on the Mexi- there was any flood damage at Imperial ought to do those things that will pro- can side, which have stopped the his- Beach was 1988. The total damage was tect the most people, solve the biggest torical flow of sediment to the shore- $500,000 in 1988. problems first, and then work to the line. Second, the Army Corps-built What we do know is, when you re- smaller problems. jetty that protects San Diego harbor store the sand, one winter storm will In 1988 was the last time we ever had also disrupts the flow of sand. wipe it all out. That is why this is a 50- any storm damage at Imperial Beach, Yesterday, Senator COBURN stated year project. This is planned to restore CA. It was in the midst of storm dam- that he believes the replenishment of sand after sand after sand after sand age that was less than $500,000. We are this beach is a State responsibility. As for the next 50 years. It may be the going to be talking about in excess of we all know, all of these projects are right thing to do, but in terms of mak- $20 million for this beach at the same cost-shared with the State or localities ing a choice about priorities, wouldn’t time we have levees that need to be re- involved. The State of California al- we think that before we restore sand worked and reaffirmed in Sacramento. ready has $4.2 million on the table for that is going to be washed away by the This amendment is common sense. this project as soon as it is authorized. next winter storm, maybe we ought to Let’s do what is most important first, So the State’s commitment is there. ensure ourselves that the people in and when we have done that, then go The residents and local government Sacramento are safe. So this does not do this. Let’s do not do them both at are also doing their fair share to shoul- eliminate this project. the same time, quite frankly, because der the costs. The Army Corps of Engi- I also go back to the history on this it will never happen at the same time, neers has determined that every dollar project. What is the Corps’ No. 1 way of because we only have $2 billion a year spent avoiding storm damage through fixing this project? It is not to con- for the Corps now and there are hun- beach nourishment will save taxpayers tinue to pump sand onto the beach. It dreds of projects in this country that close to $2.00. The total net benefit this is to have an extended growing out should be done before this project. project provides due to annual costs until the beach redevelops and replen- With that, Mr. President, I yield from structural damage due to erosion, ishes itself, which was proposed and back the remainder of my time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who wave attack, or inundation costs, util- never finalized before they completed the environmental impact statement yields time? ity relocation costs, land loss, cleanup The Senator from California. costs and other items related to the on it. That is the way to restore the Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, there loss of sand will be at least $1.8 million. sand to the beach in a natural way. has been some misinformation. The So what we have is we are going to There are hundreds of very important last flooding and very bad winter storm take a low-priority item—very high- projects authorized in this bill, and was in 2004, and we have all that docu- priority item for some of the people of many States have multiple projects. mented—in the hundreds of thousands Imperial Beach, CA, not all of them— This amendment would set the dan- of dollars—in this area. I understand gerous precedent of requiring vital we were submitted a letter yesterday Senator COBURN wants to substitute by a large group of people who oppose projects to wait until other projects in his opinion for the opinion of the this—and we are going to say that is as the same State are completed. Not Corps, but I want to go through, with important in terms of authorization as only does this have the potential to in- my colleagues who might be listening fixing the levee system in Sacramento. crease Federal costs if we have to re- to this debate, how many steps this spond to disasters that could have been It is not. All this amendment says is before project has already been through, as prevented, but it removes our discre- have all the projects we have agreed to tion to evaluate projects independ- you start spending money on restoring sand that is going to be washed away fund. ently, regardless of where they are lo- So the WRDA bill is 7 years in the by the next winter storm, you ought to cated. making. Senator COBURN has now decided that fix the levees where you have 1.8 mil- Mr. President, will you tell me when securing levees in my State is a high lion people at real risk for flood. It is I have 1 minute remaining because I priority. It certainly is. However, I do the largest city in the United States at want to yield that minute to Senator risk. It has a greater risk of flood than not agree with him that homes and INHOFE. families behind river levees are more New Orleans. It has an 85-year risk The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are important than homes and families be- compared to a 250-year risk in New Or- at 1:10 now. hind an ocean beach. I hope that my leans. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, 1:10 re- colleagues will join with us to oppose By this amendment, we are not say- maining? I thought I had 3 minutes. this amendment. ing do not do this. We are saying, let’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who add some priorities. Let’s fix what is INHOFE used a minute of that. yields time? wrong in a major levee system first. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask The Senator from Oklahoma. Let’s have, in this bill, that we are unanimous consent that we be given an Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, to make going to choose a priority rather than additional 3 minutes, and the same for sure everybody understands, this is not to send all this to the Corps, which is Senator COBURN, if he wishes to re- an amendment that eliminates this 27 years behind right now on their spond. project. As I complimented the Senator projects—will be another 71⁄2 to 8 years The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without from California and the Senator from after this bill passes—and say, on the objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6089 Mrs. BOXER. I am going to take 2 which No. 1 in my mind, besides what Stabenow Thune Webb minutes, and then we will see if Sen- we need to do in Louisiana, is to re- Stevens Vitter Whitehouse Tester Voinovich Wyden ator COBURN wants to respond, and store the levee system in Sacramento. Thomas Warner then we will give the last minute to With that, Mr. President, I yield NOT VOTING—11 Senator INHOFE. back. There is a lot of misinformation Biden Dole McCain The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who Brown Graham Obama about the flooding here. There is also yields time? Brownback Isakson Rockefeller the implication that this is not an im- The Senator from Oklahoma. DeMint Johnson portant project, when I have already Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, is the The amendment (No. 1090) was re- pointed out how many businesses are Senator yielding back time? jected. at risk, how many residences. All right. In deference to some other Mrs. BOXER. I move to reconsider This project has gone through so things that are going on right now, I the vote. many steps. First, the local people will go ahead and yield back my time Mr. DURBIN. I move to lay that mo- said: We want to step forward and pay at this moment. tion on the table. toward solving this problem. Then, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time The motion to lay on the table was Corps said: You are right. Let’s do a has expired. agreed to. cost-benefit study and see if it makes Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sense for Federal dollars to go into the the yeas and nays. ator from California. mix. Well, it came back: Absolutely. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank Then they said: What is the best type sufficient second? my colleagues for that overwhelming of project? Should we build walls? There appears to be a sufficient sec- vote. I view it as a vote that basically What should we do? No. They said: The ond. says this bill is a good bill. Let’s not best type of project is to utilize the The question is on agreeing to tinker with this bill unless there is sand as a natural barrier to these amendment No. 1090. pretty quick agreement on both sides floods. The clerk will call the roll. that it is the right kind of amendment. What we are desperately trying to do The legislative clerk called the roll. This wasn’t the right kind of amend- is complete this project because we are Mr DURBIN. I announce that the ment. We appreciate this vote. very concerned we could have even a Senator from Delaware (Mr. BIDEN), Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- worse problem than we had in 2004. the Senator from Ohio, (Mr. BROWN), sent that at 2:15 p.m. today, Senator As much as I respect my colleague, I the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. CARDIN be recognized to call up amend- feel his judgment is not something I JOHNSON), the Senator from Illinois ment No. 1072; that once the amend- can accept. I cannot look in the eyes of (Mr. OBAMA), and the Senator from ment is reported by number, there be 5 the people who have been fighting for West Virginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), are minutes under the control of Senator this project since 2003 and say to them necessarily absent. CARDIN, and that upon the use or yield- they do not deserve to get any atten- Mr. LOTT. The following Senators ing back of time, the amendment be tion paid to their problem until Sac- are necessarily absent: the Senator withdrawn; that the Senate then re- ramento is taken care of. from Kansas (Mr. BROWNBACK), the sume consideration of the Coburn I have to say to my friend, in going Senator from South Carolina (Mr. amendment No. 1089, and there be 2 after this project the way he is, it DEMINT), the Senator from North Caro- minutes of debate prior to a vote in re- seems to me he is picking one project lina (Mrs. DOLE), the Senator South lation to the amendment; that upon out of a hat, which is extremely dis- Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM), the Senator disposition of the Coburn amendment turbing. from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), and the No. 1089, the Senate consider the Fein- Mr. President, I know there are those Senator from Arizona, (Mr. MCCAIN). gold amendment No. 1086, and there be who need to go over to the White Further, if present and voting, the 5 minutes of debate prior to a vote in House, so I will stop my discussion. I Senator from South Carolina (Mr. relation to the amendment, with all de- think I have enough information in the DEMINT) would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and bate time equally divided and con- RECORD to have colleagues join with the Senator from North Carolina (Mrs. trolled in the usual form; that prior to me. DOLE) would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ a vote in relation to the amendments I say, if Senator COBURN has any- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there covered in this agreement, no inter- thing to add at this time, I will reserve any other Senators in the Chamber de- vening amendments be in order. the minute for Senator INHOFE. siring to vote? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The result was announced—yeas 12, objection, it is so ordered. ator from Oklahoma. nays 77, as follows: Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I am [Rollcall Vote No. 163 Leg.] unanimous consent that the following not going after the project. The project Members be recognized to speak as in YEAS—12 stays. I think the Senator from Cali- morning business: Senators DODD, fornia misses the point. This beach had Bunning Ensign Lugar INOUYE, ALEXANDER, and LEVIN and restoration done by the city last year. Burr Feingold Sessions Chambliss Gregg Smith that after that the Senate stand in re- It washed away. The sand they put up Coburn Lott Sununu cess. there will wash away. It is a temporary NAYS—77 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fix to a long-term program. That is objection, it is so ordered. why they have a 50-year authorization Akaka Crapo Levin Alexander Dodd Lieberman Mrs. BOXER. I yield the floor. for restoring this beach, because it is Allard Domenici Lincoln The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- going to continue to wash away be- Baucus Dorgan Martinez ator from Connecticut. Bayh Durbin McCaskill cause they are not fixing it in the way f the Corps originally recommended it be Bennett Enzi McConnell Bingaman Feinstein Menendez 100TH BIRTHDAY OF FORMER fixed. Bond Grassley Mikulski It is not about picking on this Boxer Hagel Murkowski SENATOR THOMAS DODD project. It is about, again, shouldn’t we Byrd Harkin Murray Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I am Cantwell Hatch Nelson (FL) have priorities? Isn’t it more impor- Cardin Hutchison Nelson (NE) speaking today, as I have for the past tant to fix Sacramento and the levee Carper Inhofe Pryor 26 years, at the desk my father used system there than this particular Casey Inouye Reed during his 12 years as a Member of the Clinton Kennedy Reid project, which has been repaired of late Cochran Kerry Roberts Senate, from 1959 to 1971. I would like by the city with their own funds? I am Coleman Klobuchar Salazar to think that this surface still bears not saying we should eliminate it; I am Collins Kohl Sanders some of the marks he might have made saying we should not do this until we Conrad Kyl Schumer in an idle moment. As he did almost 50 Corker Landrieu Shelby have done the other things that are Cornyn Lautenberg Snowe years ago, I too have etched my name higher priority on the Corps’ list, Craig Leahy Specter in this desk drawer.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 Today I rise to speak of my father, ers of human rights in his day and an feel sure we will not regret it. I will never do for it was on this day, May 15, 1907, 100 outspoken crusader against tyranny in anything as worthwhile. Some day the boys years ago, that my father was born. I all its forms. To those who suffered will point to it, I hope, and be proud and in- have two young daughters, Grace and under the domination of the Soviet spired by it. Christina. They never knew their Union, there was no more valiant Only a few weeks before his death, in grandfather. For my girls, he is a voice. To this day, he is remembered May of 1971, my father did an interview painting that hangs in my office, warmly by those who suffered under with a local Connecticut reporter. I photos in our home, or stories over din- dictatorial regimes. was sitting in the room that day when ner. During his 16 years in Congress, first the reporter asked if my father had I try to explain, as parents and in the House of Representatives and 12 known at the outset of his public life, grandparents do, what their grand- years in the Senate at this very desk, when it began in 1932, how it would father meant to me, who he was, what Thomas Dodd worked hard to make a end, would he do it over again? I shall he did. I must say, it is hard to find the difference in the lives of people every- never forget his unhesitating answer: words. Some of my father’s 12 grand- where who needed a champion. I would do it again in a minute, for there children were lucky enough to know Your grandfather’s and great-grand- is no other calling where you can do as much him. Even so, memory fades; but on father’s career did not end as he want- for as many people as you can in a public this day, his 100th birthday, I wish to ed it. He did not leave this desk as he life. call up his memory as a gift to you, his would have liked. In 1970, he ran for an- My father’s answer has been the grandchildren, and 17 great-grand- other term and lost. ‘‘Those who fight source of inspiration for me over these children. the times,’’ it was said of him, ‘‘do not past 32 years in public service. So on Like so many of his generation, born always have an easy end.’’ this, your 100th birthday, from all of in the early years of the last century, He returned to his home in Con- us—your six children, your son and my father, Thomas Dodd, had to over- necticut, and shortly after he died, 30 daughters-in-law, your 12 grand- come hardships—the death of his moth- years before you were born, Grace and children and 17 great grandchildren— er at an early age, the collapse of his Christina. At the end of his life, his we say thank you, we love you, and father’s business, the Depression years. obituary was headlined ‘‘A Lonely happy birthday. Yet so much like his generation, hard Fighter.’’ It struck me as such an odd Mr. REID. Mr. President, I didn’t jolts and trying experiences trans- word for my father, who was such a know Senator Thomas Dodd, but I formed and molded a man who would wonderful storyteller, surrounded cra- know Senator CHRISTOPHER DODD, and I make a significant contribution to his dle to grave by a great big Irish Catho- am sure Senator Thomas Dodd is smil- country and our world. lic family. I don’t recall my father ing today. As the Connecticut State director of being alone a day of his life. And yet in This wonderful family that Senator the National Youth Administration in his public life he had the politician’s CHRIS DODD has includes a wonderful the early days of the New Deal at the rarest virtue: he wasn’t afraid to be wife, Jackie, whom we know, she height of the Great Depression, he alone. worked in the Senate and was part of helped young men and women find However important and interesting the Senate family before she married work—any work. As an FBI agent and your grandfather and great grand- CHRIS DODD: and these two beautiful then lawyer in the Justice Department, father’s life was, it is a terrible injus- children, whom we in the Senate feel your grandfather and great-grand- tice to merely recite the chronology of are part of us, Christina and Grace, we father pursued notorious gangsters and his experiences. Even more important have watched them from the day they prosecuted those who denied others than what he did was the kind of per- were born to now in the Senate gallery, their civil rights. He helped create the son he was. Thomas Dodd was prin- and we really do feel they are partly Civil Rights Division of the Justice De- cipled and courageous, fearless in the ours. partment and brought to justice those face of injustice, and outspoken in his It is a rare person we find in Senator who committed fraud and espionage. defense of those in need. He was ahead CHRIS DODD, who now is chairman of All those experiences were valuable of his time in so many ways—as an ad- the Banking Committee and doing a contributions to helping those in need vocate for national health care, a pro- wonderful job, that committee working and bringing to justice those who did ponent of sensible gun safety laws, an with the ranking member, the Senator harm. early voice warning of the effect of vio- from Alabama, Mr. SHELBY; and then But none of those experiences com- lence on television and the dangers of also running for the Presidency of the pared to what he called the most im- drug addiction, and a defender of those United States. portant work of his life: his role as ex- whose human rights were being denied. So I say to Senator CHRISTOPHER ecutive counsel under Justice Robert Your grandfather and great-grand- DODD, I didn’t have the opportunity to Jackson at the Nuremberg trials. By father loved your grandmother and serve with Senator Thomas Dodd, but his own admission, this was the most great-grandmother so much. He loved in this audience today, here in the Sen- important work of his career. It also his children very much, as well. But ate, are men—and I look and see two— was his most important, most life- the deep love for my mother was spe- who served with Senator Thomas Dodd: changing event. cial to behold. Senator DAN INOUYE and Senator ROB- For almost 18 months, from the sum- He was loyal to his hometown of Nor- ERT BYRD. I have spoken to them about mer of 1945 to the fall of 1946, he con- wich, CT, and he cared deeply about Senators in the past and, of course, fronted those who were the authors of the people of our home State. Thomas they have always mentioned Senator the worst evil of the 20th century, Dodd was a person of deep faith and a Thomas Dodd because he certainly is a maybe ever. As one of the leading pros- lifelong friend to many. He was proud man who made a difference in the Sen- ecutors in the most important trial of of his family, and how proud he would ate, as his son is doing. the 20th century, your grandfather and be of his grandchildren and what they One of the things that goes without great-grandfather demonstrated the su- have accomplished and of the contribu- saying is the ability of Senator CHRIS- premacy of the rule of law over venge- tion you and his great grandchildren TOPHER DODD to express himself. What ance. Or, as Justice Robert Jackson will make to your world. an eloquent speaker he is. This is one said at the opening of those trials: Sixty-one years ago next month my of the rare times, because of the emo- That four great nations, flushed with vic- father wrote the following words to my tion involved with the words that he tory and stung with injury, stay the hand of mother about his experience at Nurem- spoke, in which he spoke from written vengeance and voluntarily submit their cap- berg. He was proud of what he had done text. He usually speaks off the cuff, tive enemies to the judgment of law is one of at Nuremberg. While the words were and he is very good. I understand how the most significant tributes that power has addressed to his children, they also difficult this was for him. I could tell, ever paid to reason. speak to his grandchildren and great from the tears in his eyes and the lump From the Nuremberg years, your grandchildren. in his throat, how much he loved his grandfather and great-grandfather I feel badly about you being alone with the father, his family, and how much he emerged as one of the sharpest defend- children, but I’m doing the right thing and I loves his family today.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6091 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise years. In the face of enormous opposi- ate for ten years. He is a fine Senator today to join my leader to honor the tion, he passed America’s first com- and a fine man. distinguished Senator from the State prehensive gun control law. He fought The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- of Connecticut, and one who I was drug abuse and juvenile crime and vio- sistant majority leader is recognized. proud to call friend: Senator Thomas lence on television. He protected the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I had Dodd. homeland on the Internal Security not planned to speak until I heard Sen- Senator Tom Dodd, the father of Con- Subcommittee and was one of our most ator CHRIS DODD with his tribute to his necticut’s senior Senator, CHRISTOPHER eloquent voices in support of the Inter- father. It brought back, quickly, an DODD, would have been 100 years old national Genocide Convention. Tom early memory, my own memory of his today. I would like to take a moment Dodd said had it been in force in the father. It goes back to an earlier time to reflect upon his remarkable career. 1930s, the crimes of Hitler might have when I was a college intern in the of- Tom Dodd was, in many ways, the been deterred. fice of Senator Paul Douglas, whose of- picture of a Senator. In a tribute short- For the rest of his life, Tom remem- fice was next-door to Senator Dodd’s ly after his death in 1971, a colleague bered what he had seen at Nuremberg. office. I can recall, as a college stu- said: He had seen tyranny face to face; he dent, watching as Senator Dodd would His ability was outstanding and his appear- had seen, as he put it, an ‘‘autopsy of come and go. ance was striking. With the dignity of his history’s most horrible crime.’’ And he Of course, we all knew his name. We bearing and the gray of his hair and his remained an enemy of tyranny for the all knew what a great contribution he booming resonant voice, he made an impres- rest of his life. He knew, as one author had made to the Senate. It was not sive figure on the Senate Floor. put it, that the Nazis’ ‘‘corruption of until later that I read about what a But there was much more to Tom spirit, the irresistible human addiction great contribution he had made to the Dodd than style. Through a lifetime of to power, were like first drafts of a ter- world. service, he brought a dedication of rible future.’’ So he spoke out against I recall, when Senator CHRIS DODD, fighting evil in all its forms: in racism, that corruption wherever it showed his son, came to the floor when we in greed, in sabotage, genocide, and itself, and against Communist tyranny were in the midst of debating how we tyranny. Few have piled up such an im- above all. would conduct ourselves on this war on pressive record. One colleague remembered that Tom terror and gave one of the most memo- Tom Dodd began his career as an FBI Dodd’s many foreign policy speeches rable speeches in the history of the agent tracking down some of our Na- ‘‘were memorable in the annals of the Senate, talking about the standards tion’s worst criminals. In a way, he had Senate for their scope and their schol- that a nation should live by even in the something of the FBI agent about him arship, their philosophical consistency, midst of a war. He recalled the inspira- for the rest of his life. He was deter- and their nonpartisan nature.’’ tion of his father, an inspiration that mined to give wrongdoers no quarter, True, Tom’s career did not end as he has been mentioned several times this in word or in action. would have wanted it. In 1970, he ran morning—the service his father gave to During the Great Depression, he led for another term as an Independent and America and to the world at the Nur- the National Youth Administration of lost. He returned to his home in Con- emberg trials. Connecticut, putting thousands of his necticut, and shortly after passed Senator CHRIS DODD said on the floor: fellow citizens to work, and then he away. But through those last, difficult To watch the U.S. Senate, on the anniver- joined the Department of Justice as a months—and I remember it well even sary of the Nuremberg trials, step away from prosecutor. He fought the Ku Klux today—he held his head high. the great principles enshrined at that time is Klan, long before any Americans saw Tom’s steadfast example and his elo- one of the saddest days I’ve ever seen in . . . its true nature. quent words remain with me still. In my almost 30 years in serving in this body. In later years, he prosecuted union 1950, Tom Dodd said the following: I remembered that speech, and I busters who kept workers from bar- At Nuremberg, we laid down the doctrine wanted to enter this quote in the gaining together for fair conditions. that individuals are responsible for some of- RECORD for one simple reason. We all And when the Second World War came, fenses. It always seemed to me that it is the wonder what our legacy will be, those he served with devotion on the home people who make up the government. Indi- of us who are fortunate enough to serve front, bringing prosecutions against vidual people. in the Senate. In the history of this German American Bundists, Nazi sym- What holds true for the worst surely country, 1,895 men and women have had pathizers who tried to sabotage the war holds for the best. Behind all of Tom’s this high honor to serve here. Some effort. achievements there was an indelible in- have faded into obscurity. Their names When the Nazis had been defeated, dividual—passionate, strong, wise, and can hardly be recalled. Others left his country called Tom Dodd to Nur- brave. I was privileged to call him great legacies. Certainly, Senator emberg, Germany, to help lead the his- among my friends. I have no doubt that Thomas Dodd did, in his public service, toric prosecution of Nazi war crimi- he would be so proud of his children both before the Senate and the House, nals. And Tom Dodd said yes because today. and after and during. he knew that Nuremberg was Amer- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I But he also left another piece of leg- ica’s chance to prove its commitment think I am next in order, but I see acy which we in the Senate appreciate to the rule of law. If we simply gave in some of Senator DODD’s colleagues, and today. He left a son dedicated to public to vengeance, we would be walking in if they want to speak to Senator DODD, service, a son who has not only carried the footsteps of those we despised, and I would be happy to defer. on in his tradition of public service but Tom knew intuitively that America Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would has honored his father’s memory with stood for something more. be happy to defer to the Senator from that service. When CHRIS DODD came to He was quickly promoted to execu- West Virginia, if he wishes to speak. the floor and recalled his father’s con- tive trial counsel, second only to the Mr. BYRD. Mr. President. tribution in the Nuremberg trials, in a lead prosecutor, Robert Jackson. Lay- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- war-torn world trying to find some ing before the world indisputable proof ator from West Virginia is recognized. peace and some direction, he remem- of the Nazis’ crimes, Tom and his col- Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I knew bered his father’s work and brought it leagues succeeded. They had sacrificed Tom Dodd. I served with Tom Dodd. He with him to work that day in the Sen- the certainty of an execution for the reminded me of a Roman Senator. God ate. His voice on the issue of habeas uncertainty of a trial. The test was one bless him. It has been quite some time corpus and the treatment of prisoners of principle over power—and America since Senators talked about the case has been an inspiration to all of us. passed. for censure against Senator Tom Dodd. As I listened to him pay tribute to Tom’s lifetime of service was These remarks on the floor today bring his father, a tribute which his father crowned with two terms in the House back to mind those difficult days. richly deserved, I wanted to join pay- and then election to the Senate. He I have grown quite close to Tom ing tribute to his father and to his fa- served in this Chamber—at the desk Dodd’s son, Senator CHRIS DODD. We ther’s son who carried on in such a now occupied by his son CHRIS—for 12 have sat next to each other in the Sen- great tradition of public service.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 I yield the floor. with Senator CHRIS DODD. It is a tre- (1) by striking the section heading and des- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mendous pleasure to see how he cares, ignation and all that follows through ‘‘cre- ator from North Dakota. especially for children and families in ation’’ and inserting the following: Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I will be the workplace and contributions he has ‘‘SEC. 10. OBSTRUCTION OF NAVIGABLE WATERS; WHARVES AND PIERS; EXCAVATIONS very brief, I say to the Senator from made here. AND FILLING IN. Tennessee. I was in the Chamber when This is a day for a tribute to the fa- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The creation’’; and Senator DODD was paying tribute to his ther and a day that we are sure his fa- (2) by adding at the end the following: father on what would have been his ther would have great pride in his own ‘‘(b) SITING, CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, AND 100th birthday. I didn’t want to let this son. OPERATION OF LNG TERMINALS.—The Sec- Mr. DODD. I thank the Senator. retary shall not approve or disapprove an ap- moment slip by without telling Sen- plication for the siting, construction, expan- ator DODD, when I was a young boy, I Mr. ALEXANDER. If there are no sion, or operation of a liquefied natural gas was up in this gallery. I don’t know if other comments regarding Senator terminal pursuant to this section without it was this gallery or this one, but I Dodd, I would like to talk about immi- the express concurrence of each State af- was looking down and I remember see- gration. fected by the application.’’. ing your father. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. CARDIN. I ask unanimous con- I asked the people who were sitting ator from Tennessee is recognized. sent that Senators LIEBERMAN and with me: Who is that Senator? Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the Chair. DODD be added as cosponsors of amend- They said that was Senator Tom (The remarks of Mr. ALEXANDER per- ment No. 1071. Dodd. taining to the introduction of S. 1393 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I said: That man looks like a Sen- are located in today’s RECORD under objection, it is so ordered. ator. ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and The Senator is recognized for 5 min- Mr. DODD. Right. Joint Resolutions.’’) utes. Mr. CONRAD. He had that booming Mr. ALEXANDER. I yield the floor. Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this voice, and he had an air about him, an The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- amendment would restore the author- air of authority. It was very inter- ator from Michigan. ity of State and local governments to esting to see others’ reaction to him. (The remarks of Mr. LEVIN pertaining protect the environment and public You could see they had respect for him to the introduction of S. 1395 are print- safety of the sitings of liquefied nat- in the way he was addressed. ed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘State- ural gas, LNG, terminals within their I later, then, read a book about him. ments on Introduced Bills and Joint own State. The amendment is drafted I don’t think I have ever told Senator Resolutions.’’ to be an amendment to the Rivers and Mr. LEVIN. I yield the floor. DODD this, but I read a book about your Harbors Act of 1899, which gives the father, about the life he had led. I re- f Army Corps authority on section 10 permits. The current law on the siting member distinctly about his being an RECESS FBI agent and the Nuremberg trials. of LNG plants basically allows the Fed- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under eral Energy Regulatory Commission to That made a great impression on me. the previous order, the Senate will Then, when I came to the Senate and site without the consultation or ap- stand in recess until the hour of 2:15 proval of State or local governments. had the opportunity to serve with Sen- p.m. This amendment is an effort to restore ator CHRIS DODD, I thought: You know, Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:54 p.m., federalism to the process of siting LNG you couldn’t be more proud. Your fa- recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- plants. ther, looking down on all of this—he bled when called to order by the Pre- There are now dozens of proposals to could not be more proud than to have siding Officer (Mr. CARPER). site new LNG plants in the United his son in his seat in the Senate, some- f States. Some are being suggested to be body who also looks like a Senator— sited near population centers, which WATER RESOURCES DEVELOP- but much more than that, someone raises serious concern about public MENT ACT OF 2007—Continued who, similar to his father, commands safety. respect from other Senators because of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Let me point out that LNG plants the quality and the character of his the previous order, the Senator from and the tankers that bring in the nat- work. Maryland, Mr. CARDIN, is recognized. ural gas are very much targets of ter- I yield the floor. AMENDMENT NO. 1071 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1065 rorism. Richard Clarke, a former Bush Mr. DODD. I thank the Senator very Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask administration counterterrorism offi- much. unanimous consent that the previous cial, said LNG plants and tankers are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- order be modified to provide that the ‘‘especially attractive targets’’ to ter- ator from Tennessee. amendment I intend to call up is rorists. The risks are great. We know Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I amendment No. 1071. LNG plants can spark pool fires, which am glad I have had an opportunity to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without are high-intensity fires, extremely dif- hear this and will only say, to make objection, it is so ordered. ficult to extinguish. CRS has reported certain the same sentiment is ex- Mr. CARDIN. I ask unanimous con- in the last six decades there have been pressed from this side of the aisle—I sent that the pending amendment be 13 serious accidents involving LNG knew Senator DODD’s father. I didn’t set aside, and I call up amendment No. plants, including one in the State of know him well or personally, but I 1071. Maryland in 1979 that had a fatality as- knew him because I was Senator How- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sociated with it. ard Baker’s legislative assistant at a objection, it is so ordered. Maryland has one of the six LNG time when Senator Dodd served here. I The clerk will report. plants in our country, and there is a admired him. I respected him. More The bill clerk read as follows: proposal to add another LNG plant in importantly, I remember the respect The Senator from Maryland [Mr. CARDIN], Maryland. AES Sparrows Point LNG Senator Baker and others had for him for himself, and Ms. MIKULSKI, proposes an and Mid-Atlantic Express intend to site and for his long and distinguished ca- amendment numbered 1071 to amendment a new LNG plant at Sparrows Point in reer. No. 1065. the Baltimore metropolitan area. This My own father would be 100 years old The amendment is as follows: is right in the middle of a population this year, so I understand the enor- (Purpose: To provide for the siting, construc- center. It is opposed by the congres- mous pride this Senator DODD has for tion, expansion, and operation of liquefied sional delegation. It is opposed by the his father, Senator Dodd. Senator DUR- natural gas terminals) Governor. It is opposed by the county BIN and Senator CONRAD and others At the appropriate place in title V, insert executive in the jurisdiction in which said this as well: The father would be the following: the LNG plant is to be sited. It is unac- proud of the son. SEC. 5lll. SITING, CONSTRUCTION, EXPAN- ceptable public safety, an economic SION, AND OPERATION OF LNG TER- I had the privilege of serving as MINALS. and environmental risk. Yet there has sometimes the chairman, sometimes Section 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 been no consideration given by the in- the ranking member, of committees U.S.C. 403), is amended— dividuals who want to site this plant to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6093 the concerns of local government. It is There being no objection, the mate- The bill clerk called the roll. totally up to FERC to make the deci- rial was ordered to be printed in the Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- sion, and that is wrong. State and local RECORD, as follows: ator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN), the Sen- governments should have a meaningful From: Greer, Jennifer A HQ02 ator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN), the opportunity to participate in decisions Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 12:05 PM Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- of siting LNG terminals. That is ex- To: Treat, Brian (Coburn) SON), and the Senator from West Vir- actly what this amendment would do. Subject: Info ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) are nec- I see the distinguished chairman of Brian, wanted to check in. I know people essarily absent. the Environment and Public Works are working this, but I am out of town and Mr. LOTT. The following Senators have a bit of trouble coordinating. Just Committee on the Senate floor. I re- are necessarily absent: the Senator spect her judgment as to the impor- wanted to let you know we didn’t forget. I will send an update on status asap. Jennifer from Kansas (Mr. BROWNBACK), the tance of moving forward on this bill. Senator from South Carolina (Mr. This amendment, because it hasn’t From: Treat, Brian To: Greer, Jennifer A HQ02 DEMINT), the Senator from New Mexico been cleared, could add some difficulty Sent: Mon May 07 21:41:09 2007 (Mr. DOMENICI), the Senator from to that process. It is within the juris- Subject: RE: Info South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM), the Sen- diction of the Environment and Public Thanks Jennifer. Any word on when we’ll ator from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN), and Works Committee on which I serve, receive the information? the Senator from North Carolina (Mrs. I will be updating my boss in the morning and I hope our committee would hold DOLE). hearings on this issue and consider an- and just wanted to make sure. Further, if present and voting, the other vehicle which may be more ap- Thanks again for your help. Brian Senator from South Carolina (Mr. propriate than the bill currently before DEMINT) and the Senator from North us to deal with the appropriate input of From: Greer, Jennifer A To: Treat, Brian (Coburn) Carolina (Mrs. DOLE) would have voted State and local governments on the Sent: Mon May 07 21:51:59 2007 ‘‘yea.’’ siting of LNG plants. We have a respon- Subject: Re: Info The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there sibility to do that. We have a responsi- I think tommorrow. will stay in touch. any other Senators in the Chamber de- bility to our communities. We have a From: Treat, Brian siring to vote? responsibility for public safety. We To: Greer, Jennifer A HQ02 The result was announced—yeas 11, have a responsibility to make sure it is Sent: Mon May 0722:44:24 2007 nays 79, as follows: done right. Allowing FERC to do that Subject: Re: Info [Rollcall Vote No. 164 Leg.] One other question. In WRDA, the bill is without the input of State and local YEAS—11 government is wrong. authorizing an upgrade to the Morgan City, LA visitor center. Do you know if the origi- Bunning Craig Kyl I hope there will be another oppor- Burr Crapo Smith tunity that I will be able to either have nal type B center was ever built or if this is merely changing the 86 authorization? Chambliss Ensign Sununu a public hearing or an opportunity to Thanks. Coburn Hutchison discuss this amendment further. NAYS—79 I am pleased several of my colleagues From: Greer, Jennifer A Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 9:16 AM Akaka Grassley Nelson (FL) have expressed interest in the amend- To: Treat, Brian (Coburn) Alexander Gregg Nelson (NE) ment. This certainly will not be the Subject: Re: Info Allard Hagel Obama last time I will have an opportunity to Brian, the center was never built. Jennifer Baucus Harkin Pryor talk about it. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time Bayh Hatch Reed Bennett Inhofe Reid AMENDMENT NO. 1071 WITHDRAWN of the Senator has expired. Biden Inouye Roberts With that, I ask unanimous consent The Senator from California. Bingaman Isakson Salazar Bond Kennedy to withdraw the amendment. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I hope Sanders Boxer Kerry Schumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without we will do what we did on the last Byrd Klobuchar objection, it is so ordered. amendment, which is to say no to it be- Cantwell Kohl Sessions cause, as we learned from the Senators Cardin Landrieu Shelby AMENDMENT NO. 1089 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1065 Snowe from Louisiana, this particular amend- Carper Lautenberg Under the previous order, there will Casey Leahy Specter now be 2 minutes of debate equally di- ment is directed at the local people Clinton Levin Stabenow vided on amendment No. 1089 offered by who are willing to pay 100 percent for Cochran Lieberman Stevens the Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. this center. The fact is, Louisiana is Coleman Lincoln Tester Collins Lott Thomas COBURN. never going to get on its feet if it does Conrad Lugar Thune Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, the not revive tourism. Let’s face it. It Corker Martinez Vitter amendment is very simple. There are isn’t that we can say: Let’s just build Cornyn McCaskill Voinovich three visitor centers now within 77 the flood protection and worry about Dodd McConnell Warner Dorgan Menendez miles of the proposed site of this visi- the visitor centers later. There is a cer- Webb Enzi Mikulski Whitehouse tors center. Thousands of people, tens tain amount of linear thinking going Feingold Murkowski Wyden of thousands of people in Louisiana on behind this amendment and the one Feinstein Murray still live in trailers. We are going to before. NOT VOTING—10 add a fourth visitors center, and that This is the United States. We have to Brown Domenici McCain duplicates exactly the same thing in do everything; we can’t just do one Brownback Durbin Rockefeller the area. thing. We have to build the flood pro- DeMint Graham It may be a good idea. I am not tection, and we have to revive Louisi- Dole Johnson against it. But how dare we spend ana’s economy. This is a rather mean- The amendment (No. 1089) was re- money and authorize a project when we spirited amendment in the sense that jected. haven’t taken care of the folks of Lou- not even a penny of Federal money is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under isiana. All this says is, we set prior- involved in the building of this par- the previous order, there will now be 5 ities. We make sure the people of Lou- ticular center. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. minutes of debate equally divided on isiana are out of their temporary hous- I yield back all time. amendment No. 1086 offered by the Sen- ing and into permanent housing before The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time ator from Wisconsin, Mr. FEINGOLD. we go about spending millions of dol- has expired. The Senator from Wisconsin is recog- lars on a visitor center. It has been Mr. COBURN. I ask for the yeas and nized. stated that there would be no cost, as nays. Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, last the center has already been built. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a week I spoke at length on my I ask unanimous consent to print in sufficient second? prioritization amendment. I urge all the RECORD an e-mail I received today There appears to be a sufficient sec- my colleagues to support the Feingold- from the Corps of Engineers saying this ond. McCain-Coburn-Carper-Gregg-Sununu- center has not been built and will, in The question is on agreeing to DeMint amendment. fact, expend a great deal of Federal amendment No. 1089. The clerk will This important amendment would taxpayer money when it is. call the roll. help jump-start a process for ensuring

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 that limited taxpayer dollars go to the scarce Army Corps dollars and whether appointed cost-share sponsors that do not most worthy water resources projects. or not they are actually reaching our know what they can count on, is not the best Right now, Congress does not have most critical projects. path to continued national prosperity. The prioritization process is not trans- any information about the relative pri- Our current system for funding Corps parent. At several points, within both the ex- ority of the nearly $60 billion author- projects is not working. Under today’s ecutive and legislative branches, the deci- ized but unbuilt corps projects. What practice, Members of Congress com- sion process is not sufficiently open or docu- we do have is individual Members argu- monly submit requests for pet projects mented so that the public can readily under- ing for projects in their States or dis- important to their constituency, and stand the reasons for funding or not funding tricts, but no information about which those requests are essentially horse- projects. Larger questions emerged that bear on the projects are most important to the traded by committee and party leaders. future sustainability of the nation’s water country’s economic development or Too often a Member’s seniority and resources . . . The answer to these questions transportation systems, or our ability party position dictates which projects should begin with a fundamental reassess- to protect citizens and property from will be funded. Instead of relying on po- ment of national water resources needs, natural disasters. litical muscle, we should fund projects goals, and strategies. It should end with a This amendment would create a tem- based on national priority. But under substantially reshaped planning and budg- porary group of water resources ex- the current regime, requests are made eting process . . . perts to do two things: (1) make rec- and filled without having a clear pic- Our amendment is designed to ad- ommendations on a process for ture of how a project affects the overall dress these problems and shed light on prioritizing corps projects; and (2) ana- infrastructure of our Nation’s water- the funding process. It would allow lyze projects authorized in the last 10 ways or where it fits within our na- both Congress and the American people years or that are under construction, tional waterway priorities. That to have a clearer understanding of and put similar types of projects into shouldn’t be acceptable to anyone in where our funding should be directed to meet the most pressing water infra- tiers that reflect their importance. this Chamber, and it isn’t acceptable to This would be done with clear direction structure needs of the country. the American public. Last year, we proposed a related to seek balance between the needs of Now, many of my colleagues are amendment during debate on the Water all States. thinking, ‘‘there he goes again, railing Resources Development Act. While This information will be provided to against earmarks.’’ But earmarks that amendment was intended to help Congress and the public in a nobinding aren’t the full story here. There is a $58 Congress make clear and educated de- report. That is—Congress and the pub- billion backlog of Corp projects today, cisions on which Army Corps projects lic get information to help them make and the bill before us proposes to add should be funded based on our nation’s decisions involving millions, even bil- another $15 billion, according to the Of- priorities, concerns were raised about lions, of dollars. We need to get ideas fice of Management and Budget. Unfor- specific provisions of the amendment on the table, and I think my colleagues tunately, the Corps receives $2 billion and it eventually was rejected. There- will agree that a report with rec- annually on average, so there is no way fore, we have revised our amendment ommendations to Congress is a good, to fund most of these projects. What is to address the concerns we heard on commonsense first step. more troubling is that there is no way the floor last July. The New Orleans Times Picayune to know which projects warrant these For example, there was concern that certainly does. Just yesterday, the limited resources because the Corps re- our previous amendment gave too paper editorialized in favor of my fuses to tell Congress what it views as much power to the administration by amendment and stated: national priorities. In fact, every time placing the power of prioritization in Using objective criteria rather than polit- Congress specifically requests a list of the hands of a multi-agency com- ical clout to decide what should be done is a the Corps’ top priorities, the Corps mittee. The amendment before us re- smart, reform-minded step. claims it’s unable to provide an an- sponds to those concerns by estab- This amendment also has the support swer. This is clearly unacceptable and lishing an independent commission of a number of taxpayer and conserva- cannot result in the best interests of that would review Corps projects that tion groups. public safety. are currently under construction or I thank the chairman and ranking The sponsors of this amendment are have been authorized during the last 10 member for their efforts to retain key not the only ones who are concerned. years. These projects would be evalu- reforms in the underlying bill; how- Let me quote Representative HOBSON, ated by several commonsense, trans- ever, this is a critical reform compo- former chairman of the House Energy parent criteria. They would also be di- nent and I urge my colleagues to sup- and Water Appropriations Committee, vided and judged within their own port this amendment. from his statement on the floor on May project category such as navigation, I yield the floor. 24, 2006: flood and storm damage reduction, and ∑ Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am Last fall, we asked the Corps to provide environmental restoration. Each pleased to join Senator FEINGOLD, Congress with a ‘‘top 10’’ list of the flood project category would be broken into along with Senators COBURN, CARPER, control and navigation infrastructure needs broad, roughly equal-sized tiers with GREGG, SUNUNU, and DEMINT, in offer- in the country. The Corps was surprisingly the highest tiers including the highest ing this important amendment. It is unable or not allowed to respond to this sim- priority projects and on down the line. designed to help Congress make in- ple request, and that tells me the Corps has The commission would prepare an advi- formed decisions on which Army Corps lost sight of its national mission and has no sory report detailing its findings that projects should be funded based on our clear vision for projects it ought to be doing in the future . . . frankly, what is still lack- would be sent to Congress and be made national priorities. ing is a long-term vision of what the Na- available to the public. Similar to our In August 2005, our Nation witnessed tion’s water resources infrastructure should prior proposal, the prioritization report a devastating natural disaster. When look like in the future. ‘‘More of the same’’ required under our amendment is an ef- Hurricane Katrina hit the shores of the is not a thoughtful answer, nor is it a respon- fort to inform Congress, but it does not gulf coast, it brought destruction and sible answer in times of constrained budgets. dictate spending decisions. tragedy beyond compare; more so than In February of this year, the Na- To more fully understand the need we have seen in decades. Almost 2 tional Academy of Public Administra- for a prioritization system, let’s con- years later, the gulf coast is still try- tion, NAPA, issued its report, sider funding for Louisiana in the fiscal ing to rebuild and our Nation continues ‘‘Prioritizing America’s Water Re- year 2006 budget. The administration’s to dedicate significant resources to the sources Investments, Budget Reform budget request included 41 line items reconstruction effort. One of the many for Civil Works Construction Projects or projects solely for Louisiana that lessons we learned from Katrina is that at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.’’ totaled $268 million. That works out to we must ensure that our Army Corps The Report included the following find- $6.5 million per project on average. The resources are being used in the most ings: House Energy and Water Appropria- productive and efficient manner pos- The present project-by-project approach, tions bill included for Louisiana 39 line sible. It is time that this Congress took with lagging project completions, on-again- items or projects totaling $254 mil- a hard look at how we are spending our off-again construction schedules, and dis- lion—again in the neighborhood of $6.5

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6095 million per project. The Senate bill in- Congressional system for funding Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask for cluded 71 line items or projects to the projects, are broken, but they can be the yeas and nays. tune of $375 million—averaging out to fixed. This amendment is a step toward The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a $5.3 million per project. So, while even a more informed public and a more in- sufficient second? There is a sufficient more money was proposed for Lou- formed Congress. We owe the American second. isiana under the Senate version, indi- public accountability in how their tax The question is on agreeing to the vidual projects would receive less dollars are spent. Literally, lives de- amendment. money and, inevitably, this would re- pend on it. The clerk will call the roll. sult in delays in completing larger I urge my colleagues to support this The legislative clerk called the roll. projects. This all comes down to the amendment.∑ Mr. REID. I announce that the Sen- real-world consequences of ear- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I yield ator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN), the Sen- marking. Communities actually lose myself 1 minute 20 seconds, and I will ator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN), the under the earmarking practice. yield the rest of the time to Senator Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- Can we really afford long, drawn out INHOFE. SON), and the Senator from West Vir- delays on flood control projects that I thank Senator FEINGOLD for being a ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) are nec- people’s lives depend on simply because leader on Corps reform. I don’t view essarily absent. too many members are fighting to ear- this amendment as reform. My col- Mr. LOTT. The following Senators mark projects important to them, but league says we have to take the poli- are necessarily absent: the Senator without the benefit of how such tics out of the decisionmaking process. from Kansas (Mr. BROWNBACK), the projects fit into the country’s most Well, the fact is, his commission is a Senator from South Carolina (Mr. pressing needs? We lack the informa- political commission appointed by the DEMINT), the Senator from North Caro- tion we need to offer us guidance in President, appointed by the Speaker, lina (Mrs. DOLE), the Senator New Mex- funding Corps projects. Without such the minority leader, and so on. So he is ico (Mr. DOMENICI), and the Senator guidance, we will only further the risks taking the decisions, in many ways, from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). to public safety and continue to delay away from us. Therefore, I call this the Further, if present and voting, the the timely completion of critical ‘‘we have met the enemy, and it is we’’ Senator from South Carolina (Mr. projects. Now, some may believe that amendment—taking the power away DEMINT) would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ under our amendment smaller projects from us to decide what is important in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. will lose out. However, the size of the priorities and adding another layer of MCCASKILL). Are there any other Sen- project has no impact on the bureaucracy in political appointees, ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? prioritization system. In fact, this ob- who are now going to slow things down. The result was announced—yeas 22, jective system will help find the hidden We do have problems. It has taken 7 nays 69, as follows: gems in the Corps project list and high- years to get to this point with WRDA. [Rollcall Vote No. 165 Leg.] light their importance. There are checks and balances every YEAS—22 It is time that we end this process of step of the way. We have very tough Allard Corker McCaskill blind spending, throwing money at criteria in this bill. I know the occu- Bingaman Dodd Nelson (FL) projects that may or may not benefit pant of the chair knows that because Burr Ensign Sanders he is on the committee. Carper Feingold Sununu the larger good. It is time for us to Casey Gregg Senator INHOFE and I have said the Voinovich take a post-Katrina look at how we Clinton Kohl Webb fund our water resources projects. locals have to pay their share. The Coburn Landrieu Shouldn’t we be doing all that we can cost/benefit ratio has to be in place. Collins Lieberman to reform the Corps and ensure that Everything has to be thought through. NAYS—69 most urgent projects are being funded The Corps has to make their report. Akaka Grassley Murray and constructed? Or, are we going to be They come to the committees, and Alexander Hagel Nelson (NE) content with business as usual? As they go through authorization and ap- Baucus Harkin Obama propriation. Bayh Hatch Pryor stated in a letter signed by the heads of Bennett Hutchison Reed Tax Payers for Common Sense Action, I hope we will vote no on this amend- Biden Inhofe Reid the National Taxpayers Union, and the ment. Bond Inouye Roberts Council for Citizens Against Govern- I yield to my friend. Boxer Isakson Salazar Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, first of Bunning Kennedy Schumer ment Waste in support of our amend- all, I agree with what the Senator just Byrd Kerry Sessions ment: Cantwell Klobuchar Shelby said. We have plowed this field before. Enough is enough . . . we need a system- Cardin Kyl Smith Chambliss Lautenberg Snowe atic method for ensuring the most vital The votes were 88 votes against last time. Nothing has changed. I know the Cochran Leahy Specter projects move to the front of the line so lim- Coleman Levin Stabenow ited taxpayer funds are spent more pru- intentions of the Senator proposing Conrad Lincoln Stevens dently. this are right, but the amendment as- Cornyn Lott Tester I commend Senator FEINGOLD for his sumes there is one, and only one, cor- Craig Lugar Thomas rect rank list of projects, and we need Crapo Martinez Thune efforts to build on and improve upon Dorgan McConnell Vitter the Corps reforms that we’ve worked to to have somebody else write it down. Enzi Menendez Warner advance during the reauthorization de- We already have the Corps of Engineers Feinstein Mikulski Whitehouse bate. Corps modernization has been a going through and determining, as Sen- Graham Murkowski Wyden priority that Senator FEINGOLD and I ator BOXER said, what the criteria is NOT VOTING—9 have shared for years, but never before and why these things should be consid- Brown Dole Johnson has there been such an appropriate at- ered, and normally it would then come Brownback Domenici McCain mosphere and urgent need to move for- to us. I think that is what we are sup- DeMint Durbin Rockefeller ward on these overdue reforms. posed to be doing; it is why we are The amendment (No. 1086) was re- This important prioritization amend- elected. So now we would have, if we jected. ment has been endorsed by many out- pass this amendment, one more bu- Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I ask side groups, including Taxpayers for reaucracy between the Corps and us. If unanimous consent that there be 20 Common Sense Action, National Tax- there is anybody on the conservative minutes equally divided between the payers Union, Citizens Against Govern- side who thinks it inures to anyone’s Senator from Connecticut and the Sen- ment Waste, American Rivers, Na- benefit to have one more layer of bu- ator from Nebraska prior to the time of tional Wildlife Federation, Earth- reaucracy, then this is your chance to taking up consideration of the Kerry justice, Environmental Defense, Re- vote for it. amendment. publicans for Environmental Protec- I ask that you oppose this amend- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tion, Sierra Club, and Friends of the ment. objection? Earth. I yield back my time. Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I The Corps procedures for planning The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time would say it would be Senator HAGEL and approving projects, as well as the has expired. first, followed by Senator DODD.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 Mr. INHOFE. No objection. ican face off of Iraq. Get America out incorporating a new UN mediator we The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the middle of the Iraqi political can support and frame and be a part of, objection, it is so ordered. process. We are exacerbating, we are and taking the American face off of the The Senator from Nebraska is recog- complicating the problem; not because political process in Iraq. These are the nized. we are not well-intentioned and have issues we must debate and find con- IRAQ not made tremendous sacrifices but be- sensus on. Mr. HAGEL. Madam President, I rise cause the people of Iraq and the people I would hope as we work our way today to address the issue of Iraq. The of the Middle East believe we are still through the differences on the $100 bil- debate on Iraq over the last few weeks an occupying power after 4 years in lion in additional spending for Iraq and in our country and the Congress has Iraq. Afghanistan that we will move to that been centered on conditions for Amer- We must engage, as the Baker-Ham- next series of significant consequences ica’s continued involvement in Iraq. ilton report recommended, Iran and and seriously find a new strategy and Unfortunately, it has been defined by Syria. The Bush administration de- policy for Iraq and America’s interests many in the context of political win- serves credit in beginning the engage- in Iraq and the Middle East. ners and losers. Either President Bush ment; however, it needs to be done in a Madam President, I yield the floor. wins or Congress wins. That is not re- regional framework, not a series of bi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- sponsible legislation. That is not a re- lateral talks with unclear or disjointed ator from Connecticut. sponsible approach to a serious issue purposes and objectives. The time has Mr. DODD. Madam President, before such as a war, when today we have come to consider an international me- he leaves the floor, let me commend crossed over to 3,400 Americans killed diator for Iraq—probably under the my colleague from Nebraska. He and I in Iraq. auspices of the United Nations—to have worked on a number of issues over The troops will get their money. begin a new process for achieving some the years. In fact, in my remarks—and They need to get their money. We will form of political accommodation in I had no knowledge when I prepared find a center of gravity that will ac- Iraq. The Iraqis are obviously incapa- these remarks that I would be fol- commodate the President and the Con- ble of bringing that consensus, that ac- lowing my colleague from Nebraska—I gress with the appropriate language or commodation together. Only a credible quote some of the statements he has conditions for America’s continued in- and trusted outside influence can bring made about the situation in Iraq. volvement in Iraq. The question we this political reconciliation about in I commend him for his candor and his need to focus on now is: Where is Iraq Iraq. If it can be done, it will be up to directness. He brings a lot of experi- headed? The answer will require an the Iraqis to support it and to sustain ence and knowledge to these issues, honest and clear analysis of the facts, it. America cannot do that for them. and is as deeply committed as anyone as the facts are on the ground in Iraq There are significant political, cul- here to the well-being of our men and today. tural, historical, religious, and re- women in uniform, regardless of where I returned 3 weeks ago from my fifth gional differences between Iraq and they serve. He has clearly pointed out trip to Iraq, and there is not much other countries that have had UN me- what is necessary here, not only the good news in Iraq. There is no point diators, such as Afghanistan, Kosovo, resolution of our military presence in unraveling the last 4 or 5 years of mis- East Timor, and Northern Ireland. But Iraq but, just as importantly, what takes and bad decisions or assigning they have been tailored to work, and comes afterward: How do we then move blame. We are where we are. We are they have worked. beyond the military question to the po- where we are, and we must get beyond We have to understand we have no litical, diplomatic, and economic issues the immediacy of today and the debate options in Iraq today. There is chaos that offer some hope to the Iraqi people over the conditions of our continued today in Iraq. We must change direc- and ourselves for reemerging in peace involvement. We need to ask the ques- tion, strategy, and policy. America can and stability in that part of the world. tion: What happens next? What hap- continue to support this process and I commend him for his comments. pens in September and October? What help ensure the success of this medi- I rise today to urge my colleagues to comes after, hopefully, a reduction in ation, but we can’t, and we won’t, con- support the Feingold-Reid-Dodd violence? Where are we going in Iraq? tinue to be the occupying power in amendment, which will come up at How do we get there? Do we need a new Iraq. some point on this water bill under ar- strategy in Iraq, new thinking? America has an important strategic, rangements that the leader has pro- As Secretary of Defense Gates has geopolitical, energy, and economic in- vided, along with others. I would have said, America’s continued support is terest in the Middle East. It would be preferred a freestanding proposal by not open-ended, and the American peo- irresponsible to abandon Iraq and other my colleague from Wisconsin, whom I ple have registered that fact very interests in the region. But if we don’t am pleased to join today, but under the clearly. Iraq is caught in a vicious find a new direction soon, and a respon- circumstances, I recognize this may be complicated cycle of violence, despair, sible and workable policy to help the the best opportunity we will have to and no solutions. This cycle must be Iraqis find some core stability, bring- actually debate his amendment, and I broken. American military power alone ing some political consensus, America urge my colleagues to be supportive of will not be the solution in Iraq. Gen- will leave and the Middle East could his proposal. I realize it is a proposal eral Petraeus and all of our military then erupt into a very dangerous re- that has some critics, but I believe it is leaders have stated this. gional conflagration. Reality and clear the most honest, straightforward an- Iraq’s political system and leaders new strategic thinking being incor- swer to the present situation in Iraq, seem incapable of finding a political porated in a new direction and policy one that is deteriorating by the hour, I accommodation to move Iraq toward a in Iraq is now required. These are the would point out. political reconciliation. Our civilian essential dynamics the Congress must We need to reverse 4 years of a failed and military leaders all agree there is now engage in—the Congress, with the policy by safely redeploying our troops no military resolution. That is only a President—and we must put aside the out of harm’s way, out of the middle of temporary holding pattern for the partisan dynamics, the partisan dif- Iraq’s civil war. Despite our best wish- Iraqis to find that new consensus of ficulties and differences. War should es, and our military’s best efforts, we governance, and only a political resolu- never be held captive to partisanship. are unable to solve Iraq’s problems and tion in Iraq will sustain that new cen- It should never be a wedge issue for ei- their civil war. That has become clear. ter of gravity and that new consensus. ther political party. This is too serious. We cannot do that with military force. Some strategic new thinking must be It is very serious. That was the conclusion of our mili- found in Iraq for our policies, not un- As we enter our fifth year, with the tary leaders 4 years ago, and they have like what Ambassador Carlos Pasqual, kind of money and casualties we have never wavered in that conclusion. Larry Diamond, and many others, have invested in Iraq, we must ask our- There is not a military solution to been thinking and writing about and selves: Where do we go next? How do Iraq’s civil war. putting forward over the last few we get there? I think that will depend After invading over 4 years ago, we weeks. First we must take the Amer- on some bold new strategic thinking, still lack a coherent strategy, and our

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6097 military presence has not improved the ism activities to protect the Iraqi pop- can, by training and equipping reliable security situation in Iraq. The valor, ulation from terrorists, to expunge al- and accountable Iraqi security forces the determination, the courage of our Qaida from Iraq, and help ensure Iraq that will serve the greater Iraqi nation, service men and women has been re- does not become a terrorist safe haven. not their own tribe or their own sect. markable, and all of us in this Cham- I note that while I agree with Senator According to a recent CBS poll, 70 ber, I believe, share that view. Yet the LEVIN that military readiness is cur- percent of Shiites and nearly all of the situation in Iraq grows worse, literally rently lacking, I am concerned by the Sunnis think the presence of U.S. by the hour. This is simply unaccept- waiver provisions included in the forces in Iraq is making security worse. able. amendment of my colleague from The vast majority of Iraqis, regardless The President of our country con- Michigan. It is true that due to the ad- of their sect, believe American troop tends now, as he contended for the last ministration’s defense policies many presence in Iraq is making Iraq less 4 years, and I quote him: U.S. combat forces are not mission safe. Absolutely we’re winning. Things are get- ready, are not adequately trained, and Madam President, 78 percent of Iraqis ting better. We do have a strategy, but it have not been given appropriate rest- oppose the presence of U.S. forces on just needs more time. ing periods between deployments. their soil, and 51 percent of Iraqis sup- Those statements are false, unfortu- I recently visited some soldiers at port attacks on coalition forces. nately. We have no strategy in Iraq, in Walter Reed Hospital who had been in- Slightly more than half of the popu- my view, just a surge tactic in search jured in Iraq. I asked them how much lation we are trying to protect approve of a strategy. We had a surge in late cooperation they were getting from the of the attacks on U.S. soldiers. That is 2005, and the result was the worst year Iraqi people and what their observa- just not acceptable. of violence in Iraq since the war began. tions were. But it is not just the Iraqi public who We also had two additional surges in Without quoting them directly, let want American forces out of their na- Operation Together Forward I and II, me paraphrase their comments. They tion. The Iraqi Government does as and both of those surges failed as well. said while the Iraqi people seem to be well. A majority of the Iraqi Par- My colleague, Senator HAGEL from pleasant people and many seem to be liament recently signed a petition for a Nebraska, recently argued, and I quote interested in doing what they could to timetable governing a withdrawal of him here: be helpful, in too many instances they American forces, and in a recent high- The President’s strategy is taking America pointed out that the civilian popu- level meeting, Iraq and its neighbors deeper and deeper into quagmire, with no lation knew where these IEDs were, signed what they called the Marmara exit strategy. The strategy to deepen Amer- these roadside devices. They knew Declaration, reaffirming this senti- ica’s military involvement in Iraq will not where the ‘‘ammo dumps,’’ or the am- ment. They declared in this declaration bring about a resolution in Iraq. munition stockpiles were. Yet they that ‘‘a timetable should be established I wholeheartedly agree with that never ever shared this information for the Government of Iraq to take full conclusion. As the Baker-Hamilton re- with our military in the communities authority and responsibility, including port rightly concluded, there will be no where we were trying to provide secu- for security throughout the country.’’ military victory in Iraq. Iraq’s civil rity. The declaration went on to say: war cannot be solved with military One soldier pointed out that we The United States should commit to a force alone. Only Iraqis can solve the would spend a month and a half clean- comprehensive strategy for responsible with- quagmire now facing their country. ing out an area with problems, and an drawal, consistent with Iraq’s security and Only Iraqis can chose to reconcile, to hour and a half after they had left, stability based on milestones and a general reach power-sharing agreements, to things were right back where they were time horizon. govern and police collectively, and to a month and a half before. Those are It also says: share the country’s oil wealth. their words, not mine. Iraq’s Armed Forces need to be nationally But despite our best hopes that is not We know hear that these missions, representative, Iraq’s police should be cred- happening, and our military is unable despite the Herculean efforts of our ible to its citizens, and representative to the to make that happen. This is why the military, are not getting this job done communities they serve. surge tactic is fundamentally flawed. because of the raging civil war in that The Feingold-Reid-Dodd amendment We cannot implement a military solu- country. But providing a waiver to the does just that. It does what the Iraqi tion to what is fundamentally a polit- President under the Levin amendment people and the American people want, ical conflict in that country. is tantamount, in my view, to re-au- and it does it in a responsible way. I believe we have a moral obligation thorizing the war. It doesn’t hold the This legislation mandates that the re- to protect Iraqis and to help them administration or the Iraqi Govern- deployment of U.S. forces should begin, reach these compromises, but we are ment accountable. It doesn’t force a as I mentioned, within a 120-day period not succeeding in doing that. In fact, change in mission, and it doesn’t begin and be completed within a year. Simul- for 4 years now we have not succeeded to redeploy our forces. Instead it al- taneous to this redeployment, the leg- in doing that as well. An objective look lows the administration to stay the islation calls for continued counterter- at key indicators since our invasion course, full speed ahead, to use the rorism operations, and the training and will demonstrate that the situation has words of Vice President RICHARD CHE- equipping of reliable and accountable steadily deteriorated each year under NEY. The Feingold-Reid-Dodd amend- Iraqi security forces to take over the the Bush administration. Whether you ment provides the best means, in my responsibility of safeguarding the Iraqi examine the number of civilian deaths, view, for changing our mission in Iraq. population. the number of internally displaced ref- As much as I wish we were able to se- It is up to us to change the Presi- ugees, the number of Iraqis who fled cure Iraq ourselves, that the surge dent’s failed course in Iraq and to hold their country, now in excess of 2 mil- would work, or that our military pres- our President and the Iraqi Govern- lion, or in the amount of power and ence in Iraq would bring about the ment accountable. It is up to us to water flowing into Iraqi homes, all of compromises necessary, I think the mandate a change in direction, to these indicators demonstrate the over- evidence is clear it is not happening, begin to responsibly bring our troops all situation in Iraq has not improved. and it will not happen. The American home, to continue to help the Iraqis In fact, it has deteriorated during the people know this, our troops who have battle terrorists, and to train and last 4 years. That is why I believe we served and sacrificed in Iraq know it, equip reliable Iraqi security forces ,so must begin redeploying our forces out and I believe the Iraqi people know it Iraqis can police their own country and of Iraq within the next 120 days and as well. Only when Iraqis themselves decide their own future. complete the redeployment within the decide they will no longer tolerate vio- We cannot afford another day of esca- next year. lence and destruction, only when their lation, $2 billion a week, $8 billion a That is why I also believe that simul- leaders come together will this vio- month, lives lost, lives completely ru- taneous to redeployment, and after the lence be reduced. That is what needs to ined in many cases. But also what is redeployment has been completed, we happen across that plagued country. happening in Iraq itself, with the dis- must conduct targeted counterterror- The United States should help where it location of the Iraqi people, the 60,000

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 who have lost their lives—the situation What we are really talking about is are sitting down talking about micro- is not improving. A true change in di- the difference of 15 minutes, which I managing a war with 435 Members of rection is needed. The price our Nation may or may not use. But I say to my the House and 100 Members of the Sen- is paying, the price our men and friend from Oklahoma, I think it is not ate, when we have a President who is women in uniform are paying, is too asking too much of the Senate to have doing the job that the Constitution high for a failed policy, a policy that that protection of the extra 15 minutes. tells him to do. Yet we are trying to has not succeeded because it cannot If we don’t use it, we can both—— interfere with that process. succeed. Mr. INHOFE. Let me ask for clari- Going back to some of the previous I urge my colleagues at an appro- fication. What you are saying is, in- trips, I watched as time went by over priate time when Senator FEINGOLD stead of 2 hours equally divided, it the last 5 years, each time I go back, a will offer his amendment to support would be 21⁄2 hours equally divided? I greater level of cooperation that we are this amendment. None of us can guar- have no objection, with the under- finding from the Iraqis. This last antee it is going to produce the desired standing that I can count against my time—I think I have to give credit to result of convincing the Iraqi people time and talk for up to 10 minutes on some of the people who are talking what they should have been doing all the subject of Iraq. about—the-cut-and-run crowd. The sur- along, instead of proposing a 2-month Mr. KERRY. I have no objection to render crowd, has got the Iraqi’s atten- vacation, but rather sitting down and that. I propound that request: 2 hours tion. I see that they are, in fact, be- trying to come up with the political of debate initially equally divided and coming a lot more aggressive in what reconciliation for their country. a subsequent half hour equally divided, they are doing right now. But I am Our hope is by beginning a clear rede- and with the first 10 minutes to be going to share with you—this is new ployment and setting a termination taken by the Senator counted against stuff, this just happened 2 days ago. date—this must or this may convince him to speak on Iraq. Then I add, if I This isn’t something that might have the Iraqi people and their leaders that may, that no second-degree amend- happened 5 years ago or longer than they should come to terms with their ment be in order prior to the vote and, that. own political future. For those reasons upon the use or yielding back of time I remember a couple of weeks ago I urge the adoption of the Feingold but not before 5:35 p.m, the Senate when General Petraeus came to Con- amendment. would then proceed to vote in relation gress. He gave a report. It was a classi- I urge, as well, consideration of what to the amendment; that the amend- fied briefing on the fourth floor and Senator HAGEL has suggested: talking ment by agreement must receive 60 af- then he had some news conferences. He about moving beyond the military firmative votes to be agreed to; if it gave some positive comments. I carry issue, to utilize the tools available to does not it would be withdrawn with- those around with me. us, the political, economic, diplomatic out further intervening action or de- He said: tools that are the means by which we bate. Anbar has gone from being assessed as should try to achieve reconciliation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there being lost to a situation that is now quite But a continuation of our military objection? No objection. heartening. presence under its present structure is Mr. KERRY. I thank the Chair. He said: not working. It should come to an end. Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, first, We have, in Ramadi, reclaimed that city. This is the best effort to achieve that I thank the Senator from Massachu- He said: goal. setts for working out this unanimous Again, I urge the adoption of the We are ahead with respect to reduction of consent agreement. These things are Feingold amendment. sectarian violence and murders in Baghdad I yield the floor. sometimes complicated. I know he has by about a third, about 33 percent. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- just as strong beliefs about his amend- These are the things that were hap- ator from Oklahoma. ment as I do in opposition. I think this pening at that time. I thought, you Mr. INHOFE. I think the Senator will accommodate it. Let me go ahead, know, a lot of the people who really from Massachusetts has a unanimous if I might, and take a few minutes. just do not think we need a military to consent request. I ask he be recognized It would be disrespectful for me to start with and aren’t concerned about for that. walk in here and ask the last two Sen- what is happening to us over there The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ators who were talking what they have might say General Petraeus was overly ator from Massachusetts. been smoking recently. I do not under- optimistic; he was not being conserv- Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I ask stand how someone can say they came ative; and he is telling us things that unanimous consent that there be 2 back a few weeks ago from Iraq and flat aren’t true. So I thought I would hours of debate. I don’t think this is then have a report like this. It is just go over and find out. correct, the way I have been given it. I incredible. I went over. I was there this week- think we had a unanimous request that I have to say, I know I have been in end. I spent most of my time, not in we have 2 hours of debate, initially the Iraqi AOR more than any other Baghdad, not in places where people go, equally divided, with 10 minutes to Member of the House, any other Mem- but in Anbar Province. I spent my time begin—the Senator from Oklahoma ber of the Senate, anybody else. I take in Taqaddum—an area nobody else goes will speak in response to the Senator this very seriously. I am on the Senate to, to my knowledge, nobody has been from Connecticut on Iraq. That will Armed Services Committee. I spend to—and Ramadi and Fallujah. That is count against the time for the debate time studying this issue, the most crit- what we are talking about when we on my amendment. Then after those ical issue facing Americans today, and talk about Anbar Province. first 2 hours, we would again equally that is this war on terrorism. It is one The reason that is important is that divide—— that we are winning and we can win. is where most of the violence has taken Mr. INHOFE. Reserving the right to I have to tell you, I spent this last place. That is where we have watched, object, it is my understanding we weekend with—it was my 14th trip as time went by—where we lost the started out at 45 and 45. We are down there. I was there. I was walking most lives. We remember so well hear- now to 2 hours where you are increased around, rolling around in the sand in ing the stories about our marines in from 45 minutes to an hour. That would Anbar Province. I was shocked at what Fallujah going door to door, very simi- be equally divided. I probably will yield I saw. Maybe someone, giving them the lar to what was happening in World back some of my time. benefit of the doubt, if they have been War II. And that is a fact, they were. Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I may there and it has been a few weeks— And that is a fact. They were. But also. But this is an important subject, maybe this really hasn’t worked. But then along came the surge and along and I do not want to get squeezed on lets keep in mind the surge policy came General Petraeus. I have to tell the time. came in in February. So we need to you, General Petraeus was being very I had originally requested 1 hour, ini- look and see what it is that has hap- conservative when he was here 10 days tially, and then 15 minutes at the back pened since February that is working. ago or 2 weeks ago, whatever it was. end, a half hour equally divided. I I have to say this also: General I am going to tell you exactly what is would like to stay with that. Petraeus is the guy in charge. Here we happening there now. And these people

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6099 who are the prophets of doom, I hope means they are providing their own se- Baghdad, there are 27 of them. So the they are listening. curity. Now, this was not true a few night before last, late at night, I went First of all, let’s just take Ramadi. years ago when I first went there. No out there and I saw how they worked. That is the area which was supposed to one could get anywhere near anything Instead of our troops going out on raids be the toughest area. You might re- in town. You would not take the risk of during the day and then coming back member a year ago al-Qaida controlled going in. to the Green Zone where they will be that city. They held a parade a year I was there during both of the elec- safe, our troops are now staying out ago, and they declared—after that pa- tions, and I saw the Iraqi security there in those areas in these joint secu- rade, they said now Ramadi is their forces go to vote the day before the rity stations. They are there with the capital, the capital of terrorism, the public would vote. When they did this, Iraqis. They are sleeping there with capital of al-Qaida. they found themselves in a situation them, they are eating with them, and Well, that is what happened a year that was very dangerous. They voted they are developing close relationships. ago. A year ago, we had a total of 2,000 the day before so they could provide That is the key to this thing. This all Iraqi security forces. You know the the security for the populous of came from General Petraeus, that we whole idea here is to get Iraqi security Fallujah. Well, several of them were have relationships in these areas. If forces trained, equipped, and let them killed, as you recall. But I talked to you talk to our troops—you don’t talk take care of their own problems and them each night after they went to to the guys on the Senate floor here; their own terrorism that is coming in. vote, and they were overjoyed in doing talk to the troops, find people who are Keep in mind that these terrorists are it. They said: The day is coming when coming back. You ask them what their not after Americans; they are after we are going to be able to take care of relationship is now with the Iraqi secu- Iraqis. They do not want freedom in the security in Fallujah. rity forces. that country. Back then, at that time, All right, that was 4 years ago and 3 I have to say this also—even though when they bragged, when al-Qaida years ago and 5 years ago on different we heard this before, we did verify it is bragged that Ramadi was their capital, trips I made there. This weekend, just actually more than this—the sectarian we only had 2,000 Iraqi security forces. 2 days ago, we have now officially murders in Baghdad are down by 30 That is all. Do you know how many we turned over the security of Fallujah to percent. Now, that is not quite as good as it is in Anbar Province. One of the have now? We have 12,200 trained and the Iraqis. They are providing the secu- reasons is Anbar Province is where all equipped Iraqi security forces in rity. of the problems were, and we are con- Ramadi. If you look in the whole province of Things are happening there. They Anbar, you see another thing that is centrating more and the Iraqis are con- had 1,200 people volunteer from Ramadi happening. A lot of people think—we centrating more there. I went to the marketplace there. I did not have any for the Iraqi security forces, more than hear a lot from the Prime Minister, helicopters over the top. I went they could train and handle—in 1 day, Maliki; we hear about the Minister of through, I took an interpreter, I 1 day. Well, they have things that are Defense, Jasim; we heard about Dr. stopped and talked to people on the going on, showing them support for the Rubaie—all of these people who were street, and they are so appreciative of Iraqi people. appointed or elected to be the leader- what we are doing there, and it is no We all know that in our own home- ship of Iraq. They are not the ones who wonder that they are. towns, we have this thing called Neigh- are really making the decisions as far I just have to say that these relation- borhood Watch Programs where we are as the people are concerned. It is a dif- ships have formed. The term they are going to try to stop crime. They have ferent culture. It is the clerics and the using is the ‘‘brotherhood of the close one there too; it is called the neighbor- imams in the mosques. fight.’’ I give General Petraeus credit Now, we measure what goes on in the hood security watch. This is where ci- for engineering a lot of these things. vilians—not military, not armed— mosques. It is just like we would hear Lastly, I would say—you may not be- these people put on little orange jack- a sermon in the United States in a lieve me because you know I have a ets and go out, and they try to find church—we go there and find out what strong feeling about defending Amer- where IEDs are hidden, where explosive they are talking about. Prior to Feb- ica, and you might say I am prejudiced. devices are hidden. They have spray ruary, 80 percent of the mosques had Yes, I was on the House Armed Serv- paint, orange spray paint, and they messages that were delivered by the ices Committee for years and then on will put a circle around where they are. clerics there or the imams there that the Senate Armed Services Committee Then our troops will go in there and were anti-American, getting everyone for the last 12 years, and so I watch and detonate them, and then everyone is stirred up every Saturday or whenever see what is happening. I recognize we fine. Before that, we were losing Amer- they get together. In April, it was zero. need to rebuild America’s military now ican lives by walking into these situa- There wasn’t one mosque, of the hun- to be able to meet future challenges tions. That is not happening now. This dreds of mosques, that had an anti- like this. is because of the neighborhoods. These American message. For that reason, I would only say this: Everything are the Iraqi people. you have all of the populous coming in that I have now said, if you don’t be- The troops have reclaimed Ramadi, and saying: We want in on this thing. lieve it—and I thought I would never very clearly. If you just look at We are going to actually get something recommend to my conservative friends Ramadi—one city—since February, done here. We are tired. that they ever watch CNN, but I am overall attacks are down 74 percent. They are the ones who have been the going ask them to go ahead and watch That is since February. That is when targets for the terrorists. They know CNN this time, and there is someone the surge was announced. The IED at- that. Certainly the clerics know that. named Nick Robertson who asked to go tacks are down 81 percent—not 10 per- That is why we are getting this surge along to some of these stations I went cent, not 15 percent, 81 percent. It is a of cooperation. to two nights ago, the joint security huge success story. In March of 2006, there were only stations. They are giving a report, and In Fallujah, you know, I can remem- 4,000 what they call Iraqi security you will be shocked to find out that ber going to Fallujah years ago— forces. Today, there are 27,500 trained even CNN, which has been no friend of Madam President, I ask unanimous and equipped Iraqi security forces. The our President and no friend of our ef- consent that if I go over my 10 min- Sunni tribal coalition is fighting al- forts in Iraq, is now coming out with utes, I have a few extra minutes and it Qaida. That is something new. That reports that are saying exactly what I will be deducted from my time. wasn’t happening 3 weeks ago. It cer- am saying right here. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tainly was not happening in February. So have your good time. Stand up objection, it is so ordered. I did stop in Baghdad. I spent most of and take your bows and criticize the Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, in the time in Anbar Province. But in President and criticize the effort in Fallujah right now, one Iraqi brigade Baghdad, I was heartened to see some- Iraq and criticize our soldiers. Let me owns the battlespace. This is the term thing new—and I did not know how it tell you, they are doing a good job, we which we use in the Armed Services worked—is being put in place. It is are winning there, and this informa- Committee, ‘‘owns the battlespace.’’ It called a joint security station. Now, in tion I share with you is just 1 day old.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 With that, I yield the floor. (1) wetland, stream, and river restoration; factored into our public policy in al- Let me ask how much time I used off (2) avoiding development or increased de- most everything we do. If we are going of my amendment time. velopment in frequently-flooded areas; to build buildings, those buildings have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- (3) adopting flood-tolerant land uses in fre- to be designed to a whole new set of quently-flooded areas; or ator has used 131⁄2 minutes. (4) acquiring from willing sellers floodplain specifications in terms of carbon emis- The Senator from Massachusetts is land for use for— sions, in terms of energy use, because recognized. (A) flood protection uses; all downstream energy use will have an AMENDMENT NO. 1094 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1065 (B) recreational uses; impact on how much coal and how Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I (C) fish and wildlife uses; or much oil, alternative fuels, and other thank the Republican manager, the (D) other public benefits. resources we need to consume. Senator from Oklahoma. Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I ask The fact is that other countries are I call up amendment No. 1094. unanimous consent that this be consid- moving much more rapidly than we are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ered as an amendment to the Boxer as a Federal Government. In fact, the clerk will report. substitute. States in the United States and cities The assistant legislative clerk read The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in the United States are already mov- as follows: objection, it is so ordered. ing with greater authority and deter- The Senator from Massachusetts [Mr. Mr. KERRY. Madam President, this mination than the Federal Govern- KERRY], Mr. FEINGOLD, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. amendment is a bipartisan amendment ment. So this is a chance finally for SANDERS, Mr. CARPER, Mr. REED, Mr. BIDEN, introduced with Senator COLLINS, Sen- Senators to put themselves on record. Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Ms. CANTWELL proposes ator FEINGOLD, Senator CARPER, Sen- an amendment numbered 1094 to amendment Now, you can disagree on what—for ator REED of Rhode Island, Senator No. 1065. instance, former Speaker Newt Ging- BIDEN, Senator WHITEHOUSE, and Sen- Mr. KERRY. Madam President, I ask rich and I held a debate a couple of ator CANTWELL. unanimous consent that the reading of weeks ago in which the former Speaker This is an amendment regarding the changed his position and agreed that the amendment be dispensed with. impact of global climate change and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without climate change is taking place and the need for the Congress, as we con- that human beings are having an im- objection, it is so ordered. sider spending money and requiring the The amendment is as follows: pact on that climate change. He agreed Corps of Engineers to undertake cer- that we need to act, and urgently. (Purpose: To require the consideration of tain projects across the country—it certain factors relating to global climate Where we differed is in what actions to just seems logical as a matter of pro- change) take, how those actions might be im- tecting the taxpayers’ dollars as well At the appropriate place in title II, insert plemented, but there was no disagree- the following: as thinking about the future that we ment about the need to factor this into ask the Corps to include in their anal- SEC. 2lll. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE. the policies in our country. ysis of these projects judgments about (a) PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS.—To account As we contemplate these steps we the potential impact or the real impact for the potential long- and short-term effects need to take, we really need to under- of global climate change on that par- of global climate change, the Secretary shall stand that everything we do here is to ensure that each feasibility study or general ticular project. reevaluation report prepared by the Corps of Now, I am going to speak more about inform our decisions as we go down the Engineers— the common sense of doing that, why it road. That is really the message this (1) takes into consideration, and accounts is important, but I will just say very amendment ought to send, that when it for, the impacts of global climate change on quickly, if you look at New Orleans comes to public policy, we understand flood, storm, and drought risks in the United where we had a breach of the levees as the warnings of our scientists, the States; warnings of the Intergovernmental (2) takes into consideration, and accounts a consequence of the hurricanes and the rise of the seas, it is clear that Panel on Climate Change, and we are for, potential future impacts of global cli- going to respond effectively at the na- mate change-related weather events, such as much of the infrastructure of America increased hurricane activity, intensity, is designed without reference at all to tional level. storm surge, sea level rise, and associated what is now happening to climates, to The fact is, for too long this has been flooding; water bodies, to the various challenges the subject of paid-for studies by indus- (3) uses the best-available climate science we face with respect to global climate tries that wanted to resist, but we in assessing flood and storm risks; change. So you need to sort of lay out know that in America, many of those (4) employs, to the maximum extent prac- industries have changed. ticable, nonstructural approaches and design the parameters within which we ought modifications to avoid or prevent impacts to to be making a judgment about this USCAP is a partnership of some of streams, wetlands, and floodplains that pro- particular issue. That begins by sort of the major corporations in America vide natural flood and storm buffers, im- setting forth the facts. We ought to that have come together responsibly to prove water quality, serve as recharge areas deal with facts with respect to the situ- take action with respect to climate for aquifers, reduce floods and erosion, and ation on global climate change. change. Companies such as General provide valuable plant, fish, and wildlife This will be the first time Senators Electric and Florida Power & Light, habitat; in the 110th Congress have been asked American Electric Power, DuPont, (5) in projecting the benefits and costs of Wal-Mart, many others are now re- any water resources project that requires a to vote on the floor in some way with benefit-cost analysis, quantifies and, to the respect to this issue of climate change. sponding to the needs of this issue. It maximum extent practicable, accounts for— But it is an important opportunity for would be stunning indeed if the Senate (A) the costs associated with damage or Senators to stand up and be counted somehow stood apart from what the loss to wetlands, floodplains, and other nat- with respect to this issue. private sector and these States and ural systems (including the habitat, water All this amendment seeks to do, as a local communities are now engaged in. quality, flood protection, and recreational matter of common sense, is to ask the Let me summarize quickly some of values associated with the systems); and Army Corps of Engineers to factor cli- the findings of the IPCC, the Intergov- (B) the benefits associated with protection of those systems; and mate change into their future plans. ernmental Panel on Climate Change. (6) takes into consideration, as applicable, By doing that, we are taking a small The most recent report was written by the impacts of global climate change on corrective measure to a process that is about 600 scientists. It was reviewed by emergency preparedness projects for ports. currently flawed because it does not do 600 experts. It was edited by officials (b) ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR FLOOD that. Secondly, we are making a state- from 154 governments. So you have DAMAGE REDUCTION PROJECTS.—For purposes ment here in the Senate about the need Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, of planning and implementing flood damage to finally, once and for all, recognize Economic Ministers, Trade Ministers, reduction projects in accordance with this Environment Ministers, Presidents of section and section 73 of the Water Re- the reality of what is happening with sources Development Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. respect to climate change. countries all across the globe, who are 701b–11), the term ‘‘nonstructural approaches The guiding principle behind this engaged in moving forward. Only the and design modifications’’ includes measures amendment is obvious: It is that cli- United States has remained signifi- to manage flooding through— mate change is real and it must be cantly on the sidelines.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6101 The basic facts are these: At both gases have increased at a rate that is dence they are getting as a con- poles and in nearly all points in be- ‘‘very likely to have been unprece- sequence of what is already happening tween, the temperature of the Earth’s dented in more than 10,000 years.’’ all over the planet. All over the planet surface is heating up. It is heating up These are some of the facts. I will re- you can see the sea drying up. You can at a frightening and potentially cata- late more, if necessary, later. The bot- see the southern portion of the Sahara strophic rate. The temperature we tom-line point to be made is, the oppo- Desert getting dryer. You can see know has already increased about .8 de- nents, those who say that it isn’t hap- ocean currents shifting, species mi- grees centigrade, 1.4 or so degrees pening, those who say that somehow grating. In South Carolina, they Fahrenheit, and the warnings of the we can’t be certain that this is a con- wouldn’t have any duck hunting today scientists I alluded to are that because tributing activity, have yet to produce if they didn’t have farmed ducks be- of the carbon dioxide already in the at- one peer review study—not one—that cause the patterns have changed. The mosphere, about which we have the conclusively shows why what is hap- same thing in Arkansas, where it has ability to do nothing, there will be an pening is happening and what is caus- significantly altered. Hunters across additional warming as a consequence of ing it, if it isn’t the human activity the Nation are noticing changes in the the damage that that does. So we are that has been alluded to by these 154 migratory patterns of the prey they locked in, whether we like it, to a countries and thousands of scientists. used to hunt. We are seeing 20 percent warming of somewhere between 1.4 and They certainly have an obligation to of the ice sheet in the Arctic has al- 1.6 degrees centigrade. These same sci- do that. ready melted and predictions are the entists have reported to us through Here is what is most alarming. I have entire ice sheet will disappear within some 928 or so peer-reviewed studies. A been listening to and working with the next 30 years. The Greenland ice lot of people are not sure what a peer- these same scientists since then-Sen- sheet, go up there and visit, see the reviewed study is. After scientists have ator Al Gore and I and a few others torrents of water rushing through the done their study and they have put it held the first hearings on global cli- ice itself. The danger of that is, this is out to the public, that study is re- mate change in the Senate in 1987. In on rock. This is not floating on sea ice, viewed anonymously by another group 1990, we went to Rio to take part in the where the displacement is already rec- of scientists with similar backgrounds Earth summit which George Herbert ognized in the ocean because it is float- and discipline. They then anonymously Walker Bush participated in as then ing in the ocean. This is ice on rock. As make an analysis of the methodology President of the United States and it melts, if it melts rapidly, it does of those studies and of the conclusions signed a voluntary agreement to deal spill into the ocean and it alters the that were drawn. What is interesting is with the framework for global climate levels. that all 928 studies have determined change. In the 17 years since we at- In addition, the warming of the ocean that human beings, through our green- tended that conference, I have attended itself alters the levels. The warming house gas emissions, are causing some other conferences in Buenos Aires, in expands the water, and as the water ex- of the increase of this temperature, and The Hague, and in Kyoto. I have pands, the sea level rises and we are al- they have concluded similarly that watched while we have learned more ready seeing a measured level of in- there is a tipping point—nobody can and more with greater certainty about crease of sea level according to all of predict precisely where it is—at which the impact of this science. Throughout our scientists. They don’t doubt that. we get a catastrophic series of con- that journey of 17 years, I have never That is a stated fact. Sea level is ris- sequences which will then be too late heard the scientists as alarmed as they ing. to change. are today. The reason they are alarmed Are we going to have the Corps of En- Scientists are inherently conserv- today is that what they have predicted gineers go out and build a project that ative people. They are people who for those 17 years is happening at a has to do with rising sea level and not make judgments based on facts, as faster rate and in a greater quantity take into account how much it may they discern them, through their anal- than they had predicted. rise, over what period of time it may ysis, research, and experiments. They What is our responsibility as public rise? What the consequences might be don’t make wild pronouncements that people? If the scientists, 928 studies of a storm that is more intense, cou- can’t be substantiated. Where there is strong, are saying to us, Senators, pled with an increase of sea level? It is doubt, they have expressed doubt every Presidents, Congressmen, here is what common sense that we ought to be tak- step of the way. Where something is is happening, and they say it with con- ing those kinds of things into account. not conclusive, they have said it is not clusive evidence of exactly what is con- The scientists now tell us we can tol- conclusive. tributing to it, I believe we, as public erate not 550 parts per million but 450 But now in this most recent report, people, have a responsibility to listen parts per million, and we can tolerate they have reported to the world that on behalf of the citizens. It is prudent not 3 degrees centigrade increase but a there is a 90-percent likelihood that to think about those things that we 2 degrees centigrade increase. Why is emissions of heat-trapping gases from can do and ought to do in order to re- that important? That is important be- human activities have caused ‘‘most of spond to this evidence. cause we can trace from before the in- the observed increase in global average Here is what those scientists tell us. dustrial revolution the levels of carbon temperature since the mid 20th cen- Jim Hansen is the leading climatolo- dioxide and temperatures of the Earth. tury. Evidence that human activities gist of our country at NASA. He start- Preindustrial revolution, the levels of are the major cause of recent climate ed warning about this in 1988. Since greenhouse gases were at about 270 change is even stronger than in prior 1988, those warnings have become more parts per million. It was about 500 or so assessments.’’ urgent. He now says we have a 10-year billion tons of carbon dioxide in the at- In addition, they have said that the window within which to get this right. mosphere. It is measured by taking ice warming is unequivocal. The report If we want to avoid the potential of a cores which we drill. You bore into the concludes that it is ‘‘unequivocal that tipping point, we have 10 years to act. ice. You can go back tens of thousands earth’s climate is warming as it is now We also know the scientists have re- of years, bore the ice and measure the evident from the observations of in- vised their own estimates of what the levels of carbon dioxide, which also creases in global averages of air and tolerable range is with respect to glob- gives you an indicator of the tempera- ocean temperatures, widespread melt- al warming. A year and a half, 2 years ture of the Earth. We see a complete ing of snows and ice, and rising global ago, they were telling us we could tol- parallel between the rise of the Earth’s mean sea level.’’ erate 550 parts per million of green- temperature, the rise of carbon dioxide The report also confirms that the house gases in the atmosphere and that and the industrial revolution itself current atmospheric concentration of translated to a 3 degrees centigrade over those 100 years. carbon dioxide and methane, two im- warming that could be allowed before We have now changed the level of portant heat-trapping gases, ‘‘exceeds you reached this catastrophic potential greenhouse gases from 270 parts per by far the natural range over the last tipping point. They have changed that million to 380 parts per million. That is 650,000 years.’’ Since the dawn of the now. Those same scientists have now what we are living with today. So if we industrial era, concentrations of both revised their estimate based on the evi- are living with 380 parts per million

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 today and over 100 years plus we saw it munities and habitats with rising sea in Sacramento, CA, and port projects go from 270 to 380, we only have a cush- levels, more intense storms, storm up and down our coasts, east and ion of up to 450. If we have already in- surges, and flooding, especially along west—these are just a few of the sites creased the Earth’s temperature .8 de- the gulf and Atlantic coasts. In many that are in danger. All of these Corps grees and it is going to go up automati- places, climate change is going to put projects and many hundreds more will cally another .8 degrees, that is 1.6, we added pressure on our water resources, feel the strain, impact, and con- only have a cushion of .4 to .5 degrees increasing competition among agricul- sequences of global climate change. before we get to a tipping point. tural, municipal, industrial, and eco- We also recognized, in the wake of I can’t tell you with 100 percent cer- logical uses. Hurricane Katrina, the inadequacy of tainty that is what is going to happen. That is why this bill is an appro- some of the projects in New Orleans But the scientists, the best we have in priate place for us to have an amend- that simply did not stand up. Just the this country, have told us it is a 90-per- ment that merely asks for the Corps of other day, in the New York Times— cent likelihood this is happening as a Engineers—which is federally char- Madam President, I ask unanimous consequence of the things we are doing. tered, and we spend Federal dollars consent that the article of May 7, enti- If you went to the airport today and on—to make certain what they choose tled ‘‘Critic of Corps of Engineers Says got on an airplane and the pilot got on to do is thoughtful about what the im- Levee Repairs for New Orleans Show and said: Folks, we are about to leave pacts may be that are predictable or Signs of Flaws’’ be printed in the and there is a 10-percent chance we are ascertainable. RECORD. going to get where we are going, are We know, obviously, what it looks There being no objection, the mate- you going to stay on the plane? This is like when we do not prepare for emer- rial was ordered to be printed in the a 90-percent certainty what scientists gencies. We had it seared into our RECORD, as follows: are telling us. memories with the horrifying images [From the New York Times, May 7, 2007] We went to war in Iraq on a 1-percent of Hurricane Katrina. We saw the an- CRITIC OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS SAYS LEVEE doctrine. As Vice President CHENEY guish of everybody who lived there and REPAIRS FOR NEW ORLEANS SHOW SIGNS OF said, if there is a 1-percent chance that people across America. FLAWS harm could be done to our Nation, then The fact is, we are especially vulner- (By John Schwartz) we have to be willing to go to war and able to changes of weather and climate Some of the most celebrated levee repairs take the steps. Well, here you have a extremes because of severe storms, by the Army Corps of Engineers after Hurri- 90-percent chance that harm could be hurricanes, floods, and droughts. Now cane Katrina are already showing signs of se- done to our Nation, and we are doing we need to begin planning for those rious flaws, a leading critic of the corps says. next to nothing at the Federal level. emergencies that global climate The critic, Robert G. Bea, a professor of That is the cushion. change is likely to produce. engineering at the University of California, So when the scientists say to us we Over the last 100 years, we have seen Berkeley, said he encountered several areas of concern on a tour in March. need to have a response, when the CEO an increase in heavy precipitation that The most troubling, Dr. Bea said, was ero- of DuPont, the CEO of Wal-Mart, the has strained the infrastructure we have sion on a levee by the Mississippi River Gulf CEO of 3M, the CEO of General Elec- in place to deal with flooding. All Outlet, a navigation canal that helped chan- tric, and a host of other companies across America, combined sewer over- nel water into New Orleans during the across our country are already taking flows wind up putting raw sewage out storm. steps because they recognize this has into our rivers and lakes, which wind Breaches in that 13-mile levee devastated to happen, and we have to respond, we up poisoning and polluting those water communities in St. Bernard Parish, just east ought to be listening and responding bodies. of New Orleans, and the rapid reconstruction of the barrier was hailed as one of the corps’ ourselves. Thirty-nine percent of the rivers in most significant rebuilding achievements in Let me comment that, obviously, in the United States of America are con- the months after the storm. California we already see a State tak- taminated. Forty-five percent of the But Dr. Bea, an author of a blistering 2006 ing action. California passed a land- lakes in the United States are contami- report on the levee failures paid for by the mark bill that establishes a first-in- nated. Forty-nine percent of the estu- National Science Foundation, said erosion the-world comprehensive program of aries in America are contaminated. furrows, or rills, suggest that ‘‘the risks are regulatory and market mechanisms to In 19 States in our country parents still high.’’ Heavy storms, he said, may cause achieve a reduction in greenhouse and children are warned: Don’t eat the ‘‘tear-on-the-dotted-line levees.’’ Dr. Bea examined the hurricane protection gases. fish because of the levels of toxins, system at the request of National Geo- The mayor of New York is working chemicals that are in the water—19 graphic magazine, which is publishing photo- on a congestion pricing scheme to States. In 44 States there are warnings graphs of the levee and an article on his con- lower emissions and pollution. Today, about specific locations where you are cerns about the levee and other spots on its as we stand in the Senate, he is hosting not allowed to eat the fish. Web site at ngm.com/levees. a meeting of the mayors of the world’s So these are the kinds of con- Corps officials argue that Dr. Bea is over- largest cities, from Copenhagen to Cal- sequences we see up and down the line. stating the risk and say that they will rein- cutta, on how to achieve the same The number of days each year now spect elements of the levee system he has with more than 2 inches of precipita- identified and fix problems they find. The ends. disagreement underscores the difficulty of Recently, my home State of Massa- tion has risen by 20 percent. If we know evaluating risk in hurricane protection here, chusetts, under the leadership of Gov- the precipitation levels have risen by where even dirt is a contentious issue. And ernor Deval Patrick, has rejoined the 20 percent in the last 100 years, doesn’t discussing safety in a region still struggling Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. it make sense, as we conjure up levees with a 2005 disaster requires delicacy. Now you have eight States that have or other projects to prevent flooding, Hurricane season begins again next month. come together specifically to try to re- to understand what the likelihood is of The most revealing of the photographs, duce global warming pollution from the size of that flooding, the extent of taken from a helicopter, looks out from the powerplants. Across the Nation, 500 levee across the navigation canal and a skin- it, and the intensity, as it grows? ny strip of land to the expanses of Lake mayors from 50 States have signed on The Southwestern United States is in Borgne. From the grassy crown of the levee, to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection the midst of a drought that is projected small, wormy patterns of rills carved by rain Agreement, which is an initiative to to continue well into the 21st century make their way down the landward side, wid- advance the goals of the Kyoto Pro- and may cause the area to transition ening at the base into broad fissures that ex- tocol. Even President Bush finally saw to a more arid climate. tend beyond the border of the grass. fit to mention in his State of the Union The Corps of Engineers stands on the Dr. Bea, who was recently appointed to an Address ‘‘the serious challenge of glob- front lines of all of these threats to our expert committee for plaintiffs’ lawyers in water resources. They are our first re- federal suits against the government and pri- al climate change.’’ vate contractors over Hurricane Katrina We know specifically that climate sponders in the fight against global losses, said that he could not be certain the change will challenge the way we man- warming. Hurricane and flood protec- situation was dangerous without further in- age water resources in the United tion for New Orleans, levees along the spection and that he wanted to avoid what States. It threatens our coastal com- Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, levees he called ‘‘cry wolf syndrome.’’ But, he

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6103 added, he does not want to ignore ‘‘poten- were written in 1983, long before sci- the Corps of Engineers to come out tially important early warning signs.’’ entists were focusing on the existence with a report as to how anthropogenic He praised the corps for much of the work as well as the threat and impacts of cli- gases would be affected by each project it had done since the storm, but he added that the levee should be armored with rock mate change. So I believe it is critical that is constructed around the country, or concrete against overtopping, a move the for the Corps to begin to account for let me suggest we have a $14 billion bill corps has rejected in the short term. that. we are going to be voting on at about Another expert who has viewed the photo- This amendment directs them to sim- 5:30, 6 o’clock tonight. It is one that we graphs, J. David Rogers, called the images ply take climate change into account desperately need. We have been debat- ‘‘troubling.’’ Dr. Rogers, who holds the Karl when conducting project feasibility ing this issue. F. Hasselmann chair in geological engineer- studies or general evaluation reports. But I can assure you, if for some rea- ing at the University of Missouri-Rolla, said It ensures that Corps projects, particu- son the Kerry amendment was adopted, it would take more work, including an anal- it would kill the bill. There is no ques- ysis of the levee soils, to determine whether larly those that provide the first line of there was a possibility of catastrophic fail- defense against climate impacts, are tion about it. But it is not going to be ure. designed with global warming in mind. adopted. It is a good forum to stand But he said his first thought upon viewing This amendment is supported by doz- out here and talk about how everyone the images was, ‘‘That won’t survive another ens of groups that represent coastal should be hysterical and should be wor- Katrina.’’ Dr. Rogers worked on the 2006 re- communities and resources, from the ried. port on levee failures with Dr. Bea. National Wildlife Federation and It is interesting to me that the same John M. Barry, a member of the Southeast American Rivers, to the Association of people today who are saying the world Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East who has also seen the photographs, also ex- State Floodplain Managers, regional is coming to an end, we are all going to pressed worry. ‘‘If Bea and Rogers are con- groups that represent coastal interests, die, just back in the middle 1970s were cerned, then I’m concerned,’’ he said. including the Coalition to Restore saying another ice age is coming and Mr. Barry, the author of ‘‘Rising Tide: The Coastal Louisiana, and the Great we are all going to die. Which way do Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Lakes States Coalition. They all you want it? Changed America,’’ said it was important to strongly support this amendment. On this one, he is asserting, I guess, seek balance when discussing the levees in They support it because it protects our that somehow the climate is changing. the passionately charged environment of Let me suggest, in 2006 the World Mete- New Orleans since the storm. wetlands. They support it because it ‘‘I don’t want anybody to have any false advances our policy response on a sub- orological Organization issued state- confidence’’ in the system, he said. ‘‘On the ject where the politics has often strug- ments refuting claims about a con- other hand, if things are improving, people gled to keep pace with the science. sensus that global warming is and will need to know that, too. And things have been On a weekly basis, we see mounting cause more frequent and intense improving.’’ evidence and mounting alarm bells storms, saying no such consensus ex- After being informed of the safety ques- going off highlighting our need to act. ists. Even Al Gore has now backed tions, Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Democrat This is our opportunity to do so for the away from claiming that global warm- of Louisiana, prepared a letter to send today ing will cause more frequent storms. to the corps commander, Lt. Gen. Carl A. first time. Strock, asking whether the work by the I reserve the remainder of my time. I have a chart in the Chamber, a plot corps was sufficient to protect the levee sys- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of the hurricanes going back to 1851. As tem. ator from Oklahoma. you can see, this is constant. This has At the corps, Richard J. Varuso, the assist- Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, for been going on for a long period of time. ant chief of the geotechnical branch of the clarification on the time, it is my un- Now, if a surge of anthropogenic district’s engineering division, said that derstanding that we each started off gases—this CO2, methane, or whatever some erosion could be expected after a levee with 30 minutes, and then we each get it is—were causing a warming period, was constructed. ‘‘If it rains, we get some then you would think right during the rutting,’’ Mr. Varuso said, adding that as 15 minutes after that time has expired, vegetation grows in, the levee ‘‘heals itself.’’ and that I used 13 minutes of my time period around 1945 we would have a Walter O. Baumy Jr., the chief of the engi- on my Iraq discussion. warming period because in the middle neering division for the New Orleans district Mr. KERRY. Madam President, it is 1940s, after the Second World War, we of the corps, said the new levees were made my understanding we asked for 21⁄2 had the greatest increase in greenhouse with dense, clay-rich soil that would resist hours equally divided. gases, with an increase of about 85 per- erosion. Although the stretches of the St. Mr. INHOFE. OK. So it would be an cent during that time. Bernard levee that were still standing after hour and 15 minutes for each side. But what happened? It did not pre- the storm are composed of more porous soils Mr. KERRY. An hour and 15 minutes, cipitate a warming period. It precip- dredged from the nearby canal, Mr. Baumy said a reinforcing clay layer on top some 10 but we may well wind up yielding much itated a cooling period so bad that by feet thick would keep the fissures from of that back. the middle 1970s everyone thought we reaching the weaker soils. Mr. INHOFE. OK. So in this period were going to die from another ice age Still, he said that ‘‘we will take a look at now, I would have an hour, less 13 min- coming. this’’ and that the corps would make repairs utes. Now, as far as this bill is concerned— where necessary. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Correct. I will probably repeat this in a little Dr. Bea, who wrangled with the corps last The Senator would have 1 hour minus more detail in the final remarks, but I year about construction standards on the the approximately 13, 14 minutes the have to say this: We have $14 billion of same levee, countered that recent work in the Netherlands suggested that clay-capped Senator has already used. projects. These are Corps of Engineers levees with a porous core, which are com- Mr. INHOFE. All right. That is fine. projects that are desperately needed. mon, were prone to failure in high water. I do not think I will use all of this time We have not had a Water Resources De- Another official who viewed the photo- right now. But in the event I get close velopment Act reauthorization bill for graphs, Robert A. Turner Jr., the executive to it, if the Chair would let me know 7 years. We finally have the oppor- director of the Lake Borgne basin levee dis- when I have 3 minutes left, I would ap- tunity to have it. trict, east of New Orleans, said he was con- preciate that. Now, if this amendment should be cerned, but not necessarily alarmed, about I don’t know where to start. I really adopted, it would delay all these the rills toward the crown of the St. Bernard levee, calling them a common sight on new don’t. I don’t have all my stuff I nor- projects by at least a year because the levees in the area. mally would have in talking about this Corps would have to go back and re- Mr. Turner said he was more concerned by subject right now because I did not study all these projects. So I think we the images of larger ruts toward the base of know this was going to come up. should keep that in mind in terms of the levee, and said of the corps, ‘‘We’re just Certainly, everyone has a right to how it affects the bill we have. going to keep on them.’’ bring up amendments. This amendment Now, the junior Senator from Massa- Mr. KERRY. There is evidence in is totally out of place for this bill. chusetts talked about this great coali- some of those levees they are not going There is no justification for having it. tion called the U.S. Climate Action to be able to withstand the intensity of Let me make one comment about it. Group. Well, I can tell you about this the storms we now project. The current If the idea is—and apparently it is— great coalition. I do not know how guidelines for Corps project planning this amendment is going to instruct many there are. There are about maybe

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 seven or eight companies, corporations change. That is all you read in the real believers, an alarmist. He thought that have joined this saying: Yes, we media and all you heard about on radio the world was coming to an end and want to have some kind of a cap and and TV. I assumed it was right, until that we are going to be warming up trade on CO2. We want to do some- they showed us how much this would and that we have to do something thing, maybe have a tax on them be- cost to the average American taxpayer. about it. But he now points to growing cause we are good citizens. We are con- Then we said: Let’s look at the science, peer-reviewed evidence that—the Sen- cerned about the environment. only to find out that the science has ator from Massachusetts said there is Well, we had a hearing about that, been reversed. no peer review evidence. Yes, there is. only to find out every last one of them Scientists always talk about Jim Shaviv refers to it here: that we could research would end up Hansen. I have been on several shows, Peer reviewed evidence shows that the sun making not just millions but in some and there is Jim Hansen. He has been has actually been driving the temperature cases billions of dollars if something more exposed on this than any other change. like Kyoto would go through. I will be scientist. That is a shocker. You don’t have to specific. DuPont would make $500 mil- I remind you that Jim Hansen was be a scientist to know that the Sun can lion a year in credits. DuPont, no won- given a grant from the Heinz Founda- have something to do with climate der they are for it. If I were a member tion of $250,000. I cannot say there is no change. He has now come to the other of the board of directors of DuPont, I relationship between that and his opin- side and is a skeptic. That was Nir would also do the same thing they are ion. I think there is and I will tell you Shaviv from Israel, who was on the doing. why. I am going to talk about sci- other side. They are all shifting. These are being paid for reductions in entists. David Bellamy from the United King- greenhouse gases as a result of things Let’s start off in Canada, which was dom was another environmental cam- they have already done, so they do not one of the early signers of the Kyoto paigner at one time. He recently con- have to do anything more. I am saying Treaty. Canada was taking the advice verted into a skeptic after reviewing the $500 million a year—this came from of a famous group called the 60 sci- the new science. Keep in mind that he an internal study, so this is not some- entists in Canada. These are the 60 sci- is a Brit. He now calls global warming one making an accusation—is based on entists who, at that time, rec- theories ‘‘poppycock.’’ $10 a ton. If it goes up to $20 a ton, then ommended to the then-Prime Minister These are actually, I would say, a few it is going to be $1 billion a year. So of Canada that they sign onto and rat- months old. Let me tell you what is DuPont is for that. GE and BP, they ify the Kyoto Treaty. Well, since that happening recently. This is all in the are doing the solar panels and the wind time, the scientists—that same group last few days and weeks, and this is tunnels. Well, sure, they would make a of people—have reevaluated the why all these people who want to scare science. I will read some of these lot of money. people with global warming are in such We can quantify all this. There is not things they come up with. The one I a panic. They see that the science is time to go through all of that. know by heart is the most revealing. It slipping away. Think about this fact: The other assertion that was made by says: Many people think their ticket to the the distinguished junior Senator from Observational evidence does not support White House is to scare people with Massachusetts was that the sea level is today’s computer climate models, so there is little reason to trust model predictions of global warming. Talk to anybody run- going to come up. There are so many the future. ning for President. Watch it on the de- people who have watched the Gore Significant scientific advances have bates tonight. If they can scare you movie, and a lot of the teachers have been made since the Kyoto Protocol good enough, you may vote for them gotten into this, and it makes teaching was created, many of which are taking because they say they are going to do real easy. There is one school in Mary- us away from the concern about in- something about this. land, and a parent came by to see me creasing greenhouse gases. Listen to Here is a brandnew one. Dr. Chris de after we had our confrontation with this. These are the 60 scientists in Can- Freitas of the University of Auckland, Senator Gore about 3 weeks ago and ada who were the ones responsible for New Zealand, said: said: Do you realize in my child’s ele- advising the Prime Minister 15 years At first, I accepted that increases in mentary class, his teacher makes them ago to sign the Kyoto Treaty. They human-caused additions of carbon dioxide watch this movie once a month? They and methane in the atmosphere would trig- say: ger changes in water vapor, et cetera, and said the scary part is—for little kids If back in the 1990s we knew what we know who do not know any better, they lead to dangerous ‘‘global warming’’. But today about climate, Kyoto most certainly with time, and with the results of research, think it is true, when it is not true. would not exist, because we would have con- I have formed the view that although it They said the scary part is the sea cluded it wasn’t necessary. makes for a good story, it is unlikely that level rise. They are now petitioning Prime Min- manmade changes are drivers of significant This is what the Senator is saying: ister Harper to change their position climate variation. The sea level rises. I would suggest the on climate change. We have scientist He wrote that in August of 2006. He IPCC, that is behind all of this—that is after scientist. This is a good one. I was one who was on the other side of where it all started, like a lot of things used this the other day. Of the three this issue. in this country; it started with the strongest supporters of the alarmists— Here is another one. Dr. Jan Veizer, United Nations—they came out in 2007, I am talking about the environmental professor emeritus of the University of this year, and they have downgraded alarmists who want to scare people— Ottawa, converted from being a be- the sea level rise from 39 inches to 23 representing countries in a formidable liever to a skeptic after conducting sci- inches. They have cut it in half. They fashion, one was Claude Allegre, a entific studies of climate history. He said further, in a report this year, the French Socialist, a geophysicist, a said: release of anthropogenic gases by live- member of both the French and Amer- I simply accepted the global warming the- stock is greater than our entire trans- ican Academies of Science. He was one ory as given. portation segment. who marched in the aisles with Al Gore He said that in April 2007. He said: So we watch these things. Jim Han- 10 or 15 years ago, saying global warm- The final conversion [to a skeptic] came sen—I am going to talk a little about ing is happening and it is caused by when I realized that the solar/cosmic ray the scientists. I hear this thing, and human discharges. Now he is saying connection gave far more consistent picture the reason we are seeing so many peo- that it was wrong. He has completely of climate, over many time scales, than it ple now in a panic is they realize the gone over to the other side. He says did the CO2 scenario. science has been changing on a regular that the cause of climate change is un- Here is another recent one. This is a basis for the last 3 years. known. He has accused the proponents paleo climatologist, Ian D. Clark, pro- In fact, I have to tell you, when I be- of manmade catastrophic global warm- fessor of the Department of Earth came chairman of the Environment ing of being motivated by money. I will Sciences at the University of Ottawa, and Public Works Committee in Janu- talk about that in a minute. who said: ary, 4 years ago, I assumed that man- Let’s go from France to Israel. Astro- I used to agree with these dramatic warn- made gases were causing climate physicist Nir Shaviv was one of those ings of climate disaster. However, a few

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6105 years ago, I decided to look more closely at and Senator SANDERS, would impose a I am going to go over something we the science and it astonished me. In fact, tax equivalent of $4,560 on every Amer- did a few weeks ago. A few weeks ago there is no evidence of humans being the ican family of four. The Lieberman- the distinguished chairman of the En- cause. There is, however, overwhelming evi- McCain proposal, which is more mod- vironment and Public Works Com- dence of natural causes, such as changes in est, would cost the same American mittee—the committee I used to the output of the sun. family more than $3,500 in 2015 and al- chair—decided she would have a hear- Here is another new one, Bruno most $5,000 a year by the year 2050. ing and have Al Gore come in and give Wiskel, from the University of Alberta. This is huge. his pitch, talk about his accomplish- He once was a believer in manmade I can remember, in 1993, the largest ments, and so forth. I felt it wasn’t global warming. He set out to build a tax increase in modern history was going to go too well, so all I could do ‘‘Kyoto house’’ in his own yard in proposed and passed by the Clinton- was use the opening statement I had. I honor of the U.N.-sanctioned Kyoto Gore administration. It increased the had 10 minutes for an opening state- Protocol. That is how much of a be- marginal rates on all Americans by ment. This is what I did. liever he was. This was said about him: huge amounts. I could describe it, but I said: I am going to state seven posi- After further examining the science behind it was a huge tax increase. It would tions and, Mr. Gore, I would like to Kyoto, Wiskel reversed his scientific views cost $32 billion a year. Now, while that have you, since you are going to have completely and became such a strong skeptic would cost $32 billion a year, the Kyoto all the time in the world to respond that he wrote a book entitled ‘‘The Emperors elements that came out of the survey and I won’t have nearly as much time, New Clay Markets,’’ debunking the myth of would cost over $300 billion a year. In global warming. I want you to refute, if you can, any other words, what I am saying is that one or two or seven of these seven. He I could go on. I could spend 3 hours the cost of cap on trade systems, or could not do it and did not do it. So we talking about scientists who were on these reductions they are talking accept as fact those issues which I stat- the other side of the issue. I don’t about, is far greater than 10 times the ed and he didn’t refute. Let me go over know where these guys came up with largest tax increase of 1993 in modern them quickly. this idea. This is one that gets personal history. You can argue the science. One No. 1, this is somewhere between a with Senator Gore. Keep in mind the thing you cannot argue is the money. $300 billion and $380 billion tax increase source of this. This is MIT, Massachu- It will cost that amount of money. on the American people annually. That setts Institute of Technology, and the I am going to go and cover a couple is there. No one is going to deny that. Senator from Massachusetts is making of things that I think are of interest. That has already been verified. He did these statements. MIT climatologist We will put up the EU chart. When not refute that point. Richard Lindzen, in June of 2006, said: Kyoto was passed, and prior to being No. 2, if all these things happen, it A general characteristic of Mr. Gore’s ap- ratified by a number of different coun- would be like the chart we saw: It proach is to assiduously ignore the fact that tries, of the 15 Western European coun- would only reduce the temperature by the earth and its climate are dynamic. They tries, only 13—all signed on, I say to seven one-hundredths of 1 degree Cel- are always changing, even without any ex- the Chair, and ratified the Kyoto Trea- sius in a period of 50 years, and every- ternal forces. To treat all change as some- ty—all 15 countries of Western Europe. body understands that is true. He thing to fear is bad enough. To do so in order Out of those 15 countries, only 2 actu- to exploit that fear is much worse. didn’t refute that. ally have met their emission require- No. 3, there is no link between hurri- We can go on and on and on. I have ments. Everybody can pat themselves cane intensity and global warming. I found one thing to be probably easier on the back and say I am going to pass don’t think anybody wants to get into to discuss with people than the science. this thing, but only 2 out of 15 met the that debate. I can and I will, perhaps— I think at least people know that the requirements. These are the countries, I won’t get around to it until the sec- science is not established, and there is and the United Kingdom and Sweden ond go round—very carefully and suc- no question that the trend now is that were the only two out of all those cinctly talk about the fact that sci- those scientists who were alarmists are countries that reduced the amount of entists are now saying the linkage now skeptics. emissions and tried to reach a target. doesn’t exist, and even Senator Gore is While you could debate the idea of The rest of them had increases in emis- not talking about that anymore. That how accurate the science is on this sions. There it is right there on the is No. 3. thing, there are things that you cannot chart. No. 4, the sea level rise scenario is debate. This is from the Wharton So let me suggest to you something bogus. That movie a lot of kids are re- School of Economics. When I was else that is significant. During the quired to watch—kids are impression- chairman of the committee and I was a Clinton-Gore administration, when able. They don’t understand. They believer that this was true, this caused they had the various meetings with don’t know it is science fiction. They me to start looking into it. This is the people trying to sign onto the Kyoto think this is something that is going to Wharton Econometrics Forecasting As- Treaty, we talked about how much happen, and those kids have night- sociates: money this was going to cost. Thomas mares. I have parents tell me—similar Implementing Kyoto would reduce the av- Wigley was the scientist chosen by Al to the lady from Maryland whose erage annual household income nearly $2,700, Gore during the Clinton-Gore adminis- daughter had to watch that movie once at a time when the cost of all goods, particu- tration. He was charged with the re- a month—we are all going to drown. It larly food and basic necessities, would rise sponsibility. He said if all developed is a horrible thing, but they believe sharply. nations—not some but all—signed on that. That is bad enough, that it would be to the Kyoto treaty and lived by its Now we know the sea level rise sce- $2,700. I don’t know, in this particular emissions requirements ratified by the nario is bogus, and we have the docu- amendment, what it would be. This treaty, how much would it reduce the mentation that says it is. He didn’t re- amendment is clearly aimed at causing temperature in 50 years. I finished say- fute that. us in this country to somehow get into ing of the 15 western European coun- No. 5, it is all about money. You this mode of having either a tax on car- tries, only 2 have made the targets. It could put this in a lot of different cat- bon or a cap on the trade program. is not going to happen, but if it did egories. Yes, there are huge amounts of Keep in mind, this is old stuff here, happen in never-never land, let’s as- money involved. We already talked which has been around a while. More sume all the developed nations, all of about the corporations supposedly join- recently, we have had studies that were us sign on to it and live by the emis- ing in this coalition to reduce green- done by others. sions requirements, how much would it house gases because they are good citi- Here is the MIT study that was re- reduce the temperature in 50 years? zens, only to find out they are making leased last month. This study analyzed The result at the end of 50 years was millions and, in some cases, billions of the economic impact of some of the seven one-hundredths of 1 degree Cel- dollars by doing it. Every time I say carbon cap on trade proposals. We have sius. It is not even measurable. So we this, I say I don’t criticize them be- looked at this. The study found that have had the largest tax increase for 50 cause if I were chairman of a board of the Boxer-Sanders bill, which is the years and yet nothing has come from any of those companies, I would do the one to be taken up by Senator BOXER it. same thing.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 I already said how much money we Another is Margot Wallstrom. She Republican President of the United are talking about. There are huge was the environmental minister for the States who signed us on to a voluntary amounts of money to be made. Al European Union. Margot Wallstrom framework over the years. And since Gore—and this is a small thing—after said: then, Europe has reduced their emis- his little award the other day, his We are not talking about climate change, sions by .8 percent. Guess what. The speaker’s fee went up to $200,000 a we are talking about— United States has increased its emis- speech. That is money. Obviously, Listen to this, Margot Wallstrom— sions by 15.8 percent. So Europe is re- there are a lot of people who would like Kyoto is about the economy, about lev- ducing; the United States is not. to get in on that deal. eling the playing field for big business world- The Senator mentioned a certain There is also George Soros, the Mi- wide. number of ‘‘scientists,’’ et cetera. chael Moores, and these various foun- There you have it, Madam President. First, we have done some research on a dations such as the Heinz Foundation My wife and I have been married for 48 number of those folks previously. Some that put in thousands and thousands years. We have 20 kids and grandkids. I don’t even qualify as legitimate sci- and thousands of dollars, contribute to am doing this today for them. I don’t entists, No. 1. But No. 2, not one of campaigns, buy off scientists. That want them to have to pay huge tax in- them has ever produced a legitimate, group is very busy. That is No. 5. That creases the rest of their lives for some- scientific, peer-reviewed study that has wasn’t refuted. thing where most of the science has al- met with scientifically peer-reviewed No. 6, the believers are converting. ready been refuted. analysis that signs off on their conclu- That is what I started off this presen- I reserve the remainder of my time. sions. Not one of them, not one, com- tation with, that the believers who are The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who pared to 928 peer-reviewed studies that out there, who were strong believers 12 yields time? have been put forward all over the years ago, are now saying the science The Senator from Massachusetts. globe by scientists from all kinds of isn’t there. I have given the docu- Mr. KERRY. I ask the Chair if she countries. mentation, I have given the quotes, I will share with me what the time is He says scientists are changing their have given their names and titles. now at this point. minds and moving in a different direc- They are all distinguished scientists The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion. I don’t know what scientists the from all over, and they are coming the ator from Massachusetts has 47 min- Senator listens to or who he is talking other way. That is why I say panic is utes remaining, and the Senator from about because the most recent analysis setting in because all of a sudden peo- Oklahoma has 31 minutes remaining. of scientists is several thousand sci- ple realize people are catching on. Mr. KERRY. I thank the Chair. entists who make up the intergovern- Madam President, let me try to find Then the last point, No. 7. If you look mental panel on global climate change. at the movie—I confess, I have not seen a place to begin. That is a pretty ex- I know I heard the Senator talk it—the last frame of the movie says—I traordinary set of statements that has about how this represents some kind of believe this is going to be accurate be- been set forth here. I suppose the first global conspiracy and global govern- cause I have it pretty well memorized: place to begin is by setting the record ment and all of this, but it is some- Are you ready to change the way you clear that the amendment has been thing called the United Nations which live? completely and totally mischaracter- The whole idea of the movie was to ized. This amendment does not affect Republican Presidents have used, con- get people to start not using toilet the projects that are in the WRDA bill. servative Republican Presidents, such paper and all this stuff the elitists in The Senator has said this would kill as Ronald Reagan, often went to and Hollywood want everybody else to do the WRDA bill and every project in the found the ability to work cooperatively except for them. Then we find out Sen- bill would have to go back and be to achieve things. Whether it was ator Gore’s house in Tennessee emits 20 redone. That is specifically not true be- President Jerry Ford, President Rich- times the greenhouse gases of the aver- cause this is targeted toward future ard Nixon, or others, they respected age home in America—20 times. I said: projects, and it specifically leaves out the United Nations and have tried to You are asking everyone else are you those projects currently approved and enhance its ability to do some things ready to change the way you live. So I in the process. So it doesn’t touch any- on an international basis. asked him to take a pledge, giving him thing in this bill. That is No. 1. That is These several thousand scientists a full year to comply, saying at the end the first mischaracterization. have put out four reports. Each report of a year I will have my house emis- Secondly, the Senator from Okla- has been stronger than the next, and sions down so it will be the same as av- homa spent a lot of time talking about those scientists who are part of that erage America. This is day 51, by the Kyoto and how Kyoto would be ter- process have not been leaving, depart- way, and he hasn’t signed that pledge. rible, Kyoto would require people to do ing, changing their minds, recanting, I say these not in a light vein, be- this. We are not doing Kyoto. Kyoto is or asking to rescind their opinions. In cause this isn’t light. This is serious sort of out of the picture, in a sense, fact, they have strengthened those stuff. The science is there. The money for us because we are well beyond the opinions. is there. The taxes are there, the cost ability to ever meet Kyoto. The most recent statement is pretty to the American people. Fortunately, More importantly, when he cites the clear. It is unequivocal that the the American people are catching on. European community not living up to Earth’s climate is warming. Evidence A lot of people have said: All right, Kyoto, Kyoto doesn’t go into effect from observations of increased global INHOFE, so you got into this thing after until next year. They don’t have to air and ocean temperatures—and I you were once a believer in the fact meet it until next year and they have quoted earlier the 90-percent likelihood that manmade gases were causing cli- until 2012 to meet it. To be throwing they quote that it is human beings who mate change, and you changed when around comparisons to Kyoto today are causing that. you found out what it was going to and saying, well, they haven’t met it; You can choose to ignore evidence or cost. If the science isn’t there and it is of 15, 2 actually made the target—that not. All through history there were going to cost the American people 10 is pretty good, that 2 have made the people who argued man could never fly, times the largest tax increase in his- target before it even goes into effect. and we did. There were people who ar- tory, then why would people be for it? Moreover, over the years, since 1990 gued we couldn’t have a vaccine for a I suggest there are a lot of people when we began this process in Rio—and disease. There were people who argued outside who are very vocal. One state- I might add, President George Herbert putting fluoride in the water was going ment is from France, from Jacques Walker Bush and Republican EPA Ad- to kill you. There were people who ar- Chirac. Jacques Chirac said Kyoto is ministrator Reilly and Republican gued all kinds of things. There were not about climate change. He says: Chief of Staff and former Gov. JOHN people who argued the Earth is flat. Kyoto represents the first component of an SUNUNU all signed on and agreed we But the fact is there were always bod- authentic global governance. needed to take this seriously and re- ies of evidence based on real science That is not INHOFE, that is Jacques spond. That is not George Soros, that that found a consensus, and that con- Chirac. is not some Hollywood crew. That is a sensus has never been more powerful

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6107 than it is today that what is happening is legitimate and bona fide, and tell us has been taking steps as a CEO with a is happening. Eleven of the last 12 there is no greenhouse effect. Sci- sense of civic responsibility to try to years rank among the 12 hottest years entists agree there is a greenhouse ef- respond to this science. on record since 1850, when sufficient fect. The fact is all of these scientists, and worldwide temperature measurements In fact, life on Earth would not exist I might add the presidents of these began. Quoting from the IPCC: without the greenhouse effect. It is other countries, are speaking, obvi- Over the last 50 years, cold days, cold this thin layer of gases in our atmos- ously, out of concern for their own nights, and frost have become less frequent, phere that in fact preserves the ability countries, out of concern for their own while hot days, hot nights and heat waves for all of us to live on Earth, and those constituencies, and for the threats have become more frequent. greenhouse gases contain heat within they face in those nations. Prime Min- The Senator said people are saying the Earth that keeps the average tem- ister Blair, who is leaving office short- there is doubt about the increased in- perature of the Earth at 57 degrees ly, has made this one of his major tensity of storms, so let me quote what Fahrenheit. If you didn’t have a green- issues, one of his major crusades, and 2,000 scientists from over 154 nations, I house effect, the Earth would be 60 de- obviously has done so at some risk. But think is the number, have concluded. grees cooler. The greenhouse effect got the fact is he and many other leaders The intensity of tropical cyclones, hurri- its name because it behaves like a of countries accept the science and un- canes in the North Atlantic, has increased greenhouse at a nursery or in a garden, derstand their responsibility to try to over the past 30 years, which correlates with where the light can come in through meet it and to do so in a responsible the increase in tropical sea surface tempera- the glass, and it comes through trans- way. tures. Storms with heavy precipitation have I have spoken to the sea level rise increased in frequency over most land areas. parently, the light hits the pots of Between 1900 and 2005, long-term trends show earth and things that are in there, re- and to the United Nations, but there is significantly increased precipitation in east- flects, and creates its own energy. one thing I might clarify very quickly. ern parts of north and South America, north- That energy then goes back out, re- Mr. Hansen did not get a grant from ern Europe, and north and Central Asia. Be- verberates the light, and comes back in the Heinz Foundation. Mr. Hansen was tween 1900 and 2000, the Sahell—that is the a shortwave emission from the sun— presented a Heinz award in honor of boundary between the Sahara Desert and and it is transparent—and it goes back former Republican Senator John Heinz, some of the fertile regions of Africa to the in a longwave emission, which is less who was a great leader on this issue. south—the Mediterranean, Southern Africa Senator Heinz knew global climate and parts of southern Asia have become powerful. It is opaque. The veneer of dryer, adding stress to water resources in the atmosphere, the greenhouse gas ve- change was happening, he knew we those regions. Droughts have become longer neer is opaque to that energy trying to needed to respond to these things, and and more intense and have affected larger be released, which means it can’t break Mr. Hansen received an award, with no areas since the 1970s, especially in the trop- through. It blocks it. A certain amount strings attached, no communication ics and subtropics. of that gas is trapped, and that is what whatsoever, as a recognition of his The Senator mentioned the scientists creates the greenhouse effect, and it work. He has received awards from had revamped or revised their conclu- warms over a period of time. many other organizations and entities sion about ice melting from 39 inches That warming is now absolutely con- over the course of his lifetime, and I to 23 inches. What they did was take clusive. It is incontrovertible. As Pro- would put his credentials and his expe- out of that assessment the ice melting fessor John Holden, who is a professor rience up against any of the other so- and looked simply at temperature—at of government and earth science at called scientists we sometimes hear re- the sea level rise that was occurring as Harvard, and also affiliated with Woods ferred to. a consequence of expansion and the Hole Marine, states very clearly, the I might also add we have heard a lot other phenomena we are witnessing, folks on the other side of this argu- about the implementation of Kyoto. I and they found that is between 7 and 23 ment have two major obligations, nei- led the floor effort on Kyoto when the inches. Maybe people think 7 and 23 ther of which they have ever met. Obli- so-called Byrd-Hagel amendment was inches doesn’t make a difference, but if gation No. 1: They have to show the brought to the floor, so I know some- you are in southern Florida, if you are warming that is taking place is caused thing about that particular process. on the islands, if you are in a port city, by other than the greenhouse gases. In The fact is those who have always op- there are 100 million people who live other words, they have to show what is posed doing something about global within 3 feet of sea level. So you are causing it if the greenhouse gases climate change have tried to use that looking at a potential threat of great aren’t. And No. 2, they have to prove vote and Kyoto itself as an excuse to significance. Those scientists have not the greenhouse gases that are going up sow fear in their own party, saying how walked away from that prediction. If and behaving in the way I just de- much it is going to cost Americans and you include the melting of the ice, scribed are not what is creating the how terrible it is going to be, how it which our best scientists are now tell- warming. And they have never, ever, will ruin our economy and take us ing us may well happen, it is even ever, ever met that standard. They backwards. These are exactly the same worse. It has the potential of 16 to 23 have never provided a study that meets arguments we heard in 1990 when we feet. either of those tests. They can’t show did the Clean Air Act. When a doctor tells you that you you what is doing it and they can’t I sat in the room right back here, have indications you have a cancer, show you why the gases we create which is now the majority leader’s you usually go and try to find treat- aren’t doing it. We do have, however, a room. It was then Senator Mitchell’s ment. Well, the doctors are telling us group of scientists who are warning us office. We sat with EPA Administrator something is going on and we ought to about what we ought to do. Reilly, with JOHN SUNUNU, and with be concerned about it, and they are The Senator dismisses very quickly others. Republicans and Democrats pointing to what it is. the companies that are involved in alike sat at that table and we nego- I want to speak about the greenhouse this. Well, I have never met a company tiated out the Clean Air Act. I remem- gas concept for a minute, because it al- that goes off to do something and cre- ber all the ‘‘Chicken Little’’ cries we lows us to use our minds, the minds ates a storm about science based on heard as people came and said, well, God gave us. It allows us to think complete fraud with respect to what you know, if you make us do this, it is about consequences. Why do we call it they are doing. None of them came to going to cost $8 billion to the industry greenhouse gas? Where does the word the table willingly, may I add. They and it is going to destroy the industry, greenhouse gas come from? It came have come to the table because they and it will reduce American jobs, and long before we talked about climate understand the science. They have we are going to be noncompetitive. The change. The word greenhouse gas has come to the table because they under- environmental community came in and been applied to these gases because stand companies all over the world are said, no, no, no, those guys are wrong, they have the impact of creating a exerting responsibility. it is not going to cost $8 billion, it is greenhouse effect on the earth, and the The former Treasury Secretary, Paul going to cost $4 billion. And it won’t science is absolutely unequivocal. I O’Neill, was president and CEO of take 8 years, we can do it in 4 years. defy any scientist to come in here, who Alcoa, and for some 15 years now he Guess what. It cost about $2 billion and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 took half the time. They were wrong, Let’s say it wasn’t just the green- a result of his offering this amend- too. house gases, because we are not doing ment, we were able to get the Corps to All the statements about how it was anything in this amendment to deal focus on everything they have been going to ruin America’s economy? We with greenhouse gases. Let’s say it doing to address climate change. I wound up growing our economy by 123, isn’t the greenhouse gases but that the think the Senator will be pleased to see or whatever, percent over those years. Earth is warming. Isn’t it smart to some of the steps they are already tak- More jobs were created and Americans have the Corps of Engineers at least ing. I think his amendment is really did better. We did it and we breathed make a judgment about what the effect consistent with what the Corps has al- cleaner air at the same time. of the warming may be with respect to ready begun to do. The fact is, nobody has the ability to water, since they are going to be deal- I thank Senator KERRY. I thank Sen- predict what is going to happen when ing with water resources? This is, after ator INHOFE for engaging in this debate you start down this road. Once you all, the bill that deals with water re- with him. It is a little more pleasant begin to kick these technologies into sources for our country. It would be for me to see the debate between Sen- gear, then the entire basis of the judg- smart for the Corps of Engineers to be ator KERRY and Senator INHOFE rather ments you are making begins to able to make some judgment with re- than Senator BOXER and Senator change, because the technology moves spect to that. INHOFE. It is a little bit of a rest for far more rapidly than anybody can sur- The Chair of the committee has come me. I thank both of them for their in- mise, and some things are going to ap- to the floor and has some information telligent approach to this debate. pear that we don’t even know about with respect to the Corps of Engineers’ I send this letter to the desk and ask today. willingness to do that, so I yield such unanimous consent that it be printed Let us assume the Senator from time as the Chair might use, and I re- in the RECORD. Oklahoma is correct and I am wrong, serve the remainder of the time after There being no objection, the mate- and the scientists are all wrong, and Al that. rial was ordered to be printed in the Gore is wrong, and everybody who has Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, how RECORD, as follows: spoken out on this all through the much time remains for Senator KERRY? DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, years is wrong, and that we went down The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, Washington, DC, May 10, 2007. this road in order to deal with some of WEBB). The Senator has 26 minutes. Hon. BARBARA BOXER, these issues. What is the worst that Mrs. BOXER. If the President could Chairman, Committee on Environment and Pub- could happen? just tell me when I have used 4 min- lic Works, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Given past experience with the Clean utes, I will yield the rest of the time DEAR SENATOR BOXER: This is in response Air Act, and given experiences with back to Senator KERRY. to your letter of May 8, 2007, to Lieutenant where the world is moving on this I think, again, this gives us the sense General Strock requesting information on issue, we are going to create a whole of some of the debate that has been how the Corps addresses the potential im- bunch of new technologies, create a going on inside the environment com- pacts of global warming in our planning process. bunch of new jobs, where we will have mittee and across the various commit- There are many avenues through which the cleaner air to breathe, a population tees. I certainly believe these kinds of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil that is less impacted by asthma and debates are helpful because we get the Works program addresses the difficult sci- emphysema and by other airborne par- charges, if you will, out in the open. entific, technical and operational issues ticulate diseases, there will be less can- People on one side or the other can raised by the uncertainty associated with cer, and we will wind up more energy have this free debate. climate change and its potential impacts on independent, with cleaner fuels, and I thank the Senator from Massachu- planning and management of water resources the United States will have greater se- setts. When I learned he was going to infrastructure. Attached please find a discus- sion of some actions we are taking to address curity. We will lead the world in these offer this amendment, I wrote to the climate change in all of our activities. technologies, because these other coun- Corps and I asked them whether they The Corps planning process has been con- tries are committed to buying them. are considering the impact of global sidering the physical impacts of global cli- If they are wrong, what is the worst? warming already as they do their work. mate change for over twenty years, initially Global catastrophe, according to every I will ask consent to have printed in through the consideration of sea level rise in prediction. That is the ledger here. You the RECORD their answer to me. It is project planning. As part of the evolution in can take your choice. You can be pru- dated May 10. I will just read a little our approach to incorporating the impacts of dent and take the steps we need to global climate change, we are including bit of it. more risk and uncertainty analyses in our take, or you can continue to keep your The Corps planning process has been con- planning process. We continue to collaborate head in the sand and ignore the work of sidering the physical impacts of global cli- with Federal agencies to ensure that we are these thousands of scientists and these mate change for over 20 years, initially up to date on the current interpretations of leaders around the world and these cor- through the consideration of sea level rise in climate change scenarios and to refine our porate citizens and others who have project planning. As part of the evolution in processes as more aspects of global climate come to the table. our approach to incorporating the impacts of change are understood. This is imperative All we are asking for here is that our global climate change, we are including because the water resources public works more risk and uncertainty analyses in our Corps of Engineers makes a judgment. projects being planned and designed today planning process. We continue to collaborate must protect against and be resilient to fu- I mean, are we saying they shouldn’t with Federal agencies to ensure that we are ture extreme events, which could be exacer- make a judgment; that they shouldn’t up to date on the current interpretations of bated by global climate change. make an analysis? Maybe the judgment climate change scenarios and to refine our In conclusion, we believe the USACE is a they will make is they will agree the processes as more aspects of global climate leader in developing an innovative, yet prac- science is wrong. But shouldn’t they be change are understood. This is imperative tical, cost-effective approach to addressing asked to make that judgment? because the water resources public works climate change impacts in our planning and Shouldn’t they be asked to measure projects being planned and designed today management of our key water-based infra- must protect against and be resilient to fu- what in fact is possible, as a con- structure. We are well positioned to respond ture extreme events, which could be exacer- to the Nation’s needs now and in the future. sequence of the evidence on the table? bated by global climate change. Sincerely, Wouldn’t it be helpful to all of us to They are basically saying: STEVEN L. STOCKTON, P.E., have them making those kinds of judg- We believe the [Corps] is a leader in devel- Deputy Director of Civil Works. ments? oping an innovative, yet practical, cost-ef- Mrs. BOXER. I yield the remainder of I think when we look behind the cur- fective approach to addressing climate the time to Senator KERRY. tain of the sort of red herrings that get change impacts in our planning and manage- Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I reserve thrown out here, there isn’t one that ment of our key water-based infrastructure. the remainder of the time. stands up; not one peer-reviewed sci- We are well positioned to respond to the Na- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who entific analysis, not one legitimate, co- tion’s needs now and in the future. yields time? The Senator from Okla- gent statement to the contrary to ex- I want to have this letter printed in homa. plain why what is happening is hap- the RECORD because I want to say to Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, since we pening and what the impact is. my friend from Massachusetts that as are having so much fun here, let me go

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6109 back and respond to the Senator’s re- storms, would also rise. These winds would gradually they are coming over to our sponse. After this, I have a very signifi- decrease the number and severity of storms side. cant meeting I am going to have to at- we would otherwise have. The next thing the Senator from tend. I am going to have to reserve the In other words, it would actually Massachusetts was criticizing me for remainder of my time, go attend that, have a decreasing effect. Again, it is was talking about minimizing the sea and come right back here. I have to peer reviewed. level rise. I am not. That is the IPCC. leave temporarily. Let me go ahead We had a third one, too. We have sev- That is the United Nations. They said and cover these last 12 things the Sen- eral of those which are peer reviewed. prior to this year’s report that it was ator from Massachusetts has said. So that statement is not correct. going to rise 39 inches over the next 100 First of all, I think he is right on Let’s see, the fourth point is INHOFE years—until this year. They came out this—I found out he was right. I had said this is some kind of a global con- and they said: We will reduce that. In- said the cost of this and the effect of spiracy. No, INHOFE didn’t say that; stead of 39 inches, it will be somewhere this would be to delay projects. I found Jacques Chirac said that, and I quoted between 7 and 23 inches. Every time out, after he said it and I found out it him. I have quoted him, so there would they come out with a new report, they is true, that his bill starts from this be no reason to repeat it; it would be reduce that sea level rise. Again, it is point forward. The reason I didn’t redundant, although it might be worth not INHOFE saying it; it is the IPCC know that is because his amendment redundancy here. Jacques Chirac said— talking about it. was not filed until last night, and I was and he wasn’t talking about Kyoto No. 8, the greenhouse gas effect. I on my way back from Iraq last night, having anything to do with climate agree with this. The greenhouse gas ef- so I was not aware of this. It doesn’t change. fect gives life. We need to have that. change my argument, though. The ar- Kyoto represents the first component of an The question is, What are the man- gument is this is another step which authentic global governance. made gases? We call them anthropo- has to be taken any time we have to go That is not Senator JIM INHOFE say- genic gases, CO2, methane, some oth- through any kind of a process. ing that; that is Jacques Chirac. ers. These are primarily what they are I am sure, when we have the next I quoted other people—Margot talking about. Do these have a result Transportation reauthorization bill, he Wallstrom, who is the Environmental of increasing temperatures? Is it in- will have an amendment saying we Minister from the EU, or was at that creasing from natural causes or is it in- have to know for each project how this time. She said it is about leveling the creasing from manmade causes? could affect climate change. It really playing field worldwide. Again, the Keep in mind, we have charts that doesn’t make that much difference. Senator from Massachusetts is wrong. show throughout the beginning of re- The second thing, he said Kyoto is It wasn’t Senator INHOFE; it was corded history it has been like this. not really on the table. I am glad to Jacques Chirac. You know, people don’t understand. know that because whether you call it No. 5—I always enjoy this one—they God is still up there. We have natural Kyoto or something else is not impor- use the consensus that the world—you things that are taking place. It gets tant. It is still going to have to be know, the Flat Earth Society. They warmer, gets cooler, gets warmer, gets some kind of restriction, some kind of have it backward. In fact, this is what cooler. Every time it does, I have an in- carbon tax, some kind of cap-and-trade we are faced with, the same thing teresting presentation where we talk policy. When you do, it is going to cost science was faced with back when they about the hysteria we see in the press, money. So, yes, I used the Wharton thought the world was flat. They only to find out this was something in Econometric Survey to demonstrate thought the Earth was flat, and that the New York Times in 1895, the same clearly that this is a tax increase of was the consensus. All the experts thing as they are talking about today. $2,700 on each family of four. However, agreed on that at that time. Then we This happens, natural causes are out the more recent bills—I grant to the found out with new science that it was there, and, yes, you need to have the Senator from Massachusetts, we are not. That is exactly, precisely what is greenhouse effect. It gives life. The talking about this. We are talking happening in this case. question is, What do manmade gases— about the ones that are more recent They all thought at that time that how do they increase it? than this. The more recent ones, done manmade gases were causing climate Put that Wiggly chart up one more by MIT, the Massachusetts—I stress change. Now they readily admit and time, the Tom Wiggly chart. This is that—Institute of Technology, show say—and I will be glad to read them the scientist who was commissioned by that the Sanders-Boxer bill’s cost is again. I plan on yielding back a bunch Al Gore during the Clinton-Gore ad- about $4,500 for each family of four. of time because we do want to get to ministration. He said that if all devel- McCain-Lieberman would be $3,500. So voting before too long. But I read all oped nations signed the Kyoto treaty if you would rather not use Kyoto, that the scientists who are very strong in and lived by its emission requirements, is fine. We will use some of the more their consensus, and these were the sci- it would reduce the temperature only recent ones. Nonetheless, it will be entists who were the strongest pro- by seven one-hundredths of 1 degree in something equal to 10 times the largest global-warming extremists around 10 50 years. It is not even measurable. tax increase in contemporary history. years ago, but they have changed their This is not me talking. Again, these He said also that there is not one minds. It is in the record. I already are the scientists. They are scientists I peer-reviewed scientist—or study that read it about an hour ago. didn’t commission. That was done by substantiates what we are talking Then, No. 6, the statement the Sen- Al Gore. about. So let me just read them again ator from Massachusetts said, the IPCC I am glad for the correction on Jim here to make sure we understand what survey—that is the United Nations— Hanson. He said Jim Hanson was not this is. was talking about 2,000 scientists agree given a grant by the Heinz Foundation. Two weeks ago, the top hurricane to it. It is not 2,000 scientists. What he Instead of that, he was just given a scientist in the U.S. Government—in- is quoting from is the summary for pol- check. I recant what I said. He was not deed, one of the top hurricane sci- icymakers. Every time they have an given a grant for $250,000; he was given entists in the world—published a peer- IPCC meeting—they have had five now, a check for $250,000. reviewed study in the scientific Jour- I believe—they start out with a policy The Senator from Massachusetts nal EOS that concluded from the evi- summary for policymakers. These are talked about the Byrd-Hagel amend- dence that ‘‘hurricanes in the Atlantic the politicians, not the scientists. They ment. Let’s remember what that have not increased for more than a cen- are the ones who believe it. Yet, even amendment was. The amendment tury.’’ Peer reviewed. There it is. though they are strongly on the other said—and this passed by 95 to nothing Another one is a peer-reviewed study side, they have to defend their posi- in this Senate. I was standing here. I published in the April 18, 2007, issue of tion. It was the United Nations that voted. I don’t know whether the Sen- the science journal Geophysical Re- started this whole thing. The IPCC was ator from Massachusetts was here. I as- search Letters which found: the group that did it. sume he was. If the world continues to warm, vertical It is going to be very difficult for Anyway, what it was, after they wind sheer, which literally tears apart them to change their position, so signed this protocol, they wanted to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 submit it to the Senate for ratifica- Look, I know I am not as smart as The Senator, obviously, missed the tion. That is the process you have to go most of you guys around here. So I go fact that I said—I led the effort on our through. The President and adminis- to the areas where they are smart. I side on the Kyoto agreement with re- tration can sign it, but it has to be know where the scientists are. I would spect to Byrd-Hagel. I advised my col- ratified. Thank God it has to be rati- rather quote scientists who do know leagues to vote for it. I voted for it. fied, and all these other treaties do, so rather than stand here and tell you And we voted for it because there was we at least read them. So the Byrd- how smart I am because I am not. But a simple principle at stake, which is Hagel amendment was passed by 95 to I know how to read these papers. I do whether we were going to treat this on 0—that is unanimous from everyone know for a fact the scientists have a global basis, whether we were going who was here—that said we will not come over to our side. to, all of us, join in. If the United ratify the Kyoto treaty if either of the I would suggest anyone who wants to States was going to be part of the solu- two following is true: No. 1, that we are really get into this thing, I have got a tion, we could not be a solution by our- not requiring the developing nations to Web site, which is www.epw.senate.gov. selves. We needed to have the less de- do the same thing the developed na- Now, go to that. We have literally veloped countries and others join in. tions do, and No. 2, that it would be thousands, not hundreds but thousands That has been a fight we have been economically devastating for our coun- of scientists who are now saying the involved in now for a number of years. try. science is not there. You cannot say But, please, I ask the Senator, do not We know what it is going to cost in there is a consensus. misinterpret what we were doing in terms of how it relates to the largest Lastly, Senator BOXER, we are get- that. We were not suggesting that it tax increase in history, and we know ting along real fine on this bill. She was the cost factor or because we did also that China and the developing na- does not want to kill it; I do not want not need to do it. It is because we need- ed to do it in the most sensible way, tions have no interest. China will be- to kill it. This amendment is not going and we needed to do it within a global come the largest emitter of CO this to pass. So I think the bill will pass. 2 But they say the Corps of Engineers framework. We still need to do that. year, way ahead of schedule. They are Now, each of the statements the Sen- going to be the largest emitter, and is already doing this. If the Corps of Engineers is already making this eval- ator just made is flat incorrect—most they are sitting back laughing at us. I of them, 90 percent. I will be very spe- think we have only put on line one uation on projects as to what effect they are going to have, then why do we cific. He talked about how it was poli- coal-fired generating plant to give this need this amendment? I would suggest ticians who wrote this, not scientists. country the energy to run this country we do not need this amendment. Well, in fact, that is not true. This re- in the last 15 years—let me correct I reserve the remainder of my time. port was created by scientists. And the that. In the 15 years between 1990 and How much time do I have remaining? EPW Committee itself had a briefing in 2005, we didn’t put on line any new The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- which those scientists, including the coal-fired generating plants. At the ator has 16 minutes 45 seconds. The cochair, Susan Solomon of NOAA, pre- same time we are not doing anything, Senator from Massachusetts has 22 sented the results. China is cranking out one every 3 days. minutes 41 seconds. The first page of the summary for Now, of the people standing on the Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I re- policymakers lists the lead authors, floor of the Senate, I know Senator serve the remainder of my time. I am every single one of whom are sci- DORGAN is concerned about jobs, life in going to go to an appointment that I entists. So let’s get our facts straight. this country and other countries as have right now and try to return in a Moreover, the Bush administration well when we run out of electricity. few minutes. made the following statement in sup- Right now we are dependent upon coal The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. port of the IPCC. They said that they for 53 percent of the energy it takes to WEBB). The Senator from Massachu- continue to support and embrace the run this great machine we call Amer- setts. work of the IPCC and the science be- ica. Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, let me hind their most recent report. Now, if you pull 53 percent out, this respond, if I can, to the Senator from So the Senator is at odds even with is where the corporations make money, Oklahoma. I regret that he has to an administration that has been reluc- those who are competing with coal. leave. tant to deal with this issue. Let me They make a fortune. Who pays? The Almost every single one of the state- also point out that—he pointed out this poor pay. There was a very interesting ments he just made does not apply to question of the discrepancy of the 7 and study done not too long ago. It is not the question of global warming itself. 23 inches in the change in sea level. In- just a matter of the tax increase, CBO, Let me give you an example. The cidentally, these little sort of twists of 2 weeks ago, came out with a report Senator just cited two peer-reviewed fact are not so little in the summary that said, yes, it is going to cost this studies. One of the peer-reviewed stud- because they are being used in the con- amount of money. But the worst part ies he talked about talks about hurri- glomerate, one after the other, to try of it is it is going to cost the poor, peo- canes and the scientists who found that to confuse people and pretend that ple on fixed incomes. Those are the hurricanes have not increased. somehow this issue is not real. people who have to spend a larger per- We never asserted they have in- Each one of them gets blown away by centage of their income on energy, on creased. I didn’t come here and say the real facts, but they still keep com- heating their homes and those things they have increased. Maybe some peo- ing back, something I learned a lot that are a necessity. ple have talked about the increase in about a few years ago, where the facts So, anyway, the Senator from Massa- the number of hurricanes, but he has a don’t matter. You just repeat some- chusetts talked about the Byrd-Hagel peer-reviewed study, supposedly, that thing enough even if it is not true. amendment. It is still out there. It still talks about hurricanes have not in- Well, the fact is, with respect to the has 95 Senators who said: We don’t creased. He does not have a peer-re- sea level rise, they try to make a big want to ratify any program that is not viewed study that says global climate deal and say: Well, they have reversed going to apply equally to Mexico and change is not happening because of the science; the scientists are going India and China and other developing human-induced greenhouse gases. Not backwards. No, they are not. The sea nations. one. level rise is still predicted to go up be- Then, I guess, No. 11, the point he The second study he cited as a peer- tween 7 and 23 inches by 2100. That is made when he was talking about the reviewed study was vertical wind what the IPCC report still says. The economy, saying, oh, this is not true, shear, decreasing the effect of wind. upper limit is lower than the previous well, I have a great deal of respect for Well, I am not here to debate vertical report because they took out the con- the junior Senator from Massachu- wind shear. Yes, there are certain indi- tributions from Greenland and the Ant- setts, but would you rather believe him cators within the framework of models arctic ice sheet. The reason they took or would you rather believe the Whar- that cannot predict accurately exactly them out is because the scientists be- ton Econometric Survey in conjunction what is going to happen as a con- lieved, in keeping with their notion of with the Massachusetts Institute of sequence of climate change. We have accuracy and of trying to not be alarm- Technology? admitted that for 17 years. ists, that there was a lack of a reliable

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6111 model to accurately estimate the melt- ahead and burn dirty coal and not be where the marketplace is, in fact, ing rate. smart about the future. working. That is why people believe— Now, you do not have a reliable The fact is, Sir Nicholas Stearn, who incidentally, this amendment has noth- model to accurately reflect the melting is one of the leading economists in ing to do with cap and trade. I happen rate. But, guess what. To your eye, you Britain, former head of the Bank of to support it. We will have that debate can go up and see the melting. You can England and one of the people whom down the road. But this amendment look at a satellite photo of 1979 and a Prime Minister Blair tapped to give has nothing to do with it. This merely satellite photo today, and your eye will them an analysis, wrote this in a re- suggests if we are going to spend Fed- tell you 20 percent of the ice is gone. It port last fall: eral dollars on water projects in Amer- is not getting colder, it is getting The scientific evidence is now over- ica and levees and other kinds of warmer. The ocean is getting warmer. whelming. projects, that we ought to know for So what is the logical conclusion? This an economist. certain every one of those projects is The logical conclusion is more ice is Climate change is a serious global threat, being judged specifically as to the im- going to melt. And what happens when and it demands an urgent global response. pact of global climate change. more ice melts? What was a reflectent The review has assessed the wide range of With respect to the cap and trade to the rays of the sun—the ice—no evidence on the impacts of climate change issue, the fact is, those companies longer is there to reflect. The sunlight and on the economic costs, and has used a don’t want to proceed ahead until they goes into the water. Guess what it does number of different techniques to assess cost and risks. From all of those perspectives, the have the same kind of certainty that in the water. It is absorbed, it warms evidence gathered by the review leads to a the marketplace will give them when up the water, and then guess what hap- simple conclusion. The benefits of strong and there is a uniform standard throughout pens. The ice melts faster. You do not early action far outweigh the economic costs the marketplace. That is far from a need to be a scientist to do this. Any of not acting. Climate change will affect the bottom-line, profit-seeking motive. kid in school can figure that out, which basic elements of life for people around the I reserve the remainder of my time. is why young people get this. world, access to water, food production, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who The Senator should not distort these health, and the environment. Hundreds of yields time? facts. One after another he lays out millions of people could suffer hunger, water If neither side yields time, time will something that suggests something shortages, coastal flooding as the world warms. Using the results from formal eco- be charged equally to both sides. that is happening that is not. nomic models, the review estimates that if Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I suggest Take Jacques Chirac’s comment. we don’t act, the overall costs and risks of the absence of a quorum and ask unani- First of all, he is the only person I climate change will be equivalent to losing mous consent that time be charged know of who ever suggested that at least 5 percent of global GDP each year equally. Jacques Chirac speaks for America. now and forever. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without But having said what he said about Losing 5 percent of GDP now and for- objection, it is so ordered. Jack Chirac and global governance, ever, that is the economic prediction of The clerk will call the roll. global governance is something that not acting. And they say if a wider risk The legislative clerk proceeded to Presidents have dealt with in the con- of impacts is taken into account, the call the roll. text of the U.N. without ever consid- estimates of damage could rise to 20 Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous con- ering giving up the sovereignty of the percent of GDP or more. In contrast, sent that the order for the quorum call United States. the cost of action, reducing greenhouse be rescinded. You can have global governance. gas emissions to avoid the worst im- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Anytime you have a treaty, it is global pacts of climate change can be limited objection, it is so ordered. governance. When you had the World to around 1 percent of global GDP each Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I am War II treaty on the battleship Mis- year. sorry I had to leave at a very conten- souri, with Japan, that was govern- That is an economic standard that, tious time. Notes were given to me of ance. in fact, MIT economists have also con- what the distinguished Senator from When the United States went over firmed, not quite the same figures but Massachusetts said, that 90 percent of and Douglas MacArthur helped to cre- very similar. The bottom line is there everything that INHOFE said is wrong. I ate a constitution and create a democ- is a consensus that the cost of not act- didn’t say anything. I am quoting sci- racy, that was global governance. It ing is far more expensive to the Amer- entists. I am quoting groups that are turned out it was a pretty darn good ican people than the cost of acting. making analyses, and three of the result as we rebuilt Europe and a lot of I go back to the experience we had on quotes I made were from the Massachu- other places. the Clean Air Act in 1990. I don’t re- setts Institute of Technology. He can Global governance does not have to member Senator INHOFE being part of say what I said is wrong, but he is say- be this bugaboo word that is used to that discussion. But the fact is, in 1990, ing that the scientists were wrong, and scare people that somehow we are giv- when we did that act, the same argu- they never asserted that hurricanes ing up the sovereignty of the United ments were put forward about not pro- have increased. It is a little confusing States. Every one of these arguments ceeding forward, and every one of those to me because maybe in the last few just kind of melts away like the ice arguments was blown away by the re- days he hasn’t asserted that, but look itself. I think we ought to have a real ality of what happened as well as by at the movie. It talks about hurri- debate about what is happening. the judgments of Republicans and canes. Those statements are made with Let’s go to the economy. That is the Democrats alike that it was important regularity. In fact, they made the pre- big one that they love to pick on and to act. diction that this past year was going to say to Americans: Oh, this is going to Back then, incidentally, DuPont, have more and more severe hurricanes. cost you so much money if you do this, which has already been castigated by As it turned out, we had less and less and it is going to wind up being ter- the Senator as somehow being in this severe hurricanes. I agree the models rible. Well, that is not what the best for the money—DuPont was the prin- aren’t perfect. economists in the world say. That is cipal producer of the chlorofluoro- I don’t know what he said about the not what the best business leaders in carbons that were part of the Montreal Byrd-Hagel amendment but, again, you the world say. Protocol. DuPont was unwilling to can’t find any of these studies on any In fact, they have concluded if you do move until they knew that the market- of the plans—— not do something, it is going to cost a place was going to be the same for ev- Mr. KERRY. Will the Senator yield? lot of money. You want to pay a lot erybody, which is what happened when Mr. INHOFE. No, I will not. You more money for insurance? You want the protocol went into effect. Once can’t find any of the studies that are to pay a lot more money for dams that they knew what the marketplace was out there that haven’t somehow talked are bigger, pay a lot more money for going to do, then they proceeded for- about the fact that it is going to do hospitalizations, more cancer, for more ward with an alternative to the CFCs. economic damage. We know it is. No asthma, for more problems of the par- So they proved that, No. 1, you can one can possibly say that there is a ticulates in the air? Then you can go do it, but, No. 2, you have to do it way to approach this where it is not

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 going to cause the economy to be dam- sign onto, ratify the Kyoto treaty. Now wants to speak as in morning business aged. So that was in the Byrd-Hagel they say: but not to be charged against our time. amendment. The Byrd-Hagel amend- If back in the mid-1990s we knew what we If he wants to take it off the Senator’s ment also said we don’t want to ratify know today about climate, Kyoto would al- time, he can. anything. We are not going to ratify most certainly not exist because we would Mr. INHOFE. All right. I ask unani- anything. Every Senator said: We are have to conclude that it was not necessary. mous consent that the Senator from not going to ratify anything that does That is 60 scientists there. You can Virginia be recognized for up to 4 min- not require that the developing nations try to discredit all 60 of them at one utes to speak as in morning business do the same thing that the developed time and maybe you can do it. I don’t and his 4 minutes not be charged nations do. Obviously, we have not know. But there are others. You can’t against either Senator KERRY or my- seen one plan that has come along that look at these guys with the qualifica- self. addresses the cap and trade and green- tions they have. Read what they have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without house gas, anthropogenic gas emis- said. The fact that they have reversed objection, it is so ordered. sions, that doesn’t inflict damage that their positions and say the scientists The senior Senator from Virginia. the developing nations are willing to are not, there is some consensus be- f do. cause there is no consensus. REVEREND JERRY FALWELL IPCC was not written by politicians. Senator KERRY quoted the Stern re- Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise I never said the report was. I said the port, which has been discredited by to say a few brief words about the Rev- summary for policymakers was written even the economists who are climate erend Jerry Falwell, who passed away by politicians. change believers. I guess he was saying earlier today at the age of 73. Sea level rise is not going backward. that I said there is a group of indus- I have personally known Reverend All I can say is, if you are going to tries and we had a hearing on this. I Falwell since I first ran for election to hang all your hopes on the IPCC, look wish the Senator from Massachusetts the U.S. Senate in 1978. And, since that at the report. This was this year, 2007. had attended the hearing. Yes, it is time, I have come to befriend a man I have said this several times. I don’t true there are several large corpora- who in many ways became a pillar of know why I have to keep repeating it. tions in America that are now embrac- strength and inspiration not only to Yes, it has been cut in half, their esti- ing any kind of reduction, cap and his community of Lynchburg, VA, mate as to how much sea level rise was trade or a tax or anything else because where he was born but indeed to people going to take place. This isn’t the first it inures to their benefit. I was specific around the world. time that has happened. This happens as to how many millions and how many Throughout the 28-plus years that I almost every time they have it in one billions of dollars each one of these have had the good fortune of rep- of the reports. So the sea level rise, no corporations would have. How dare me resenting the citizens of the Common- sense repeating that. say that. wealth of Virginia in the U.S. Senate, INHOFE shouldn’t distort. He is the Again, if I were on the board of direc- Reverend Falwell was always a con- only one I know of who says Chirac tors of any of these, I would say: Let’s stituent of mine, and he would often speaks for America. Chirac speaks for do the same thing. The whole idea is to offer his counsel to me about pressing America—ye gods. Since he accused me make money. The problem is, it is as if matters of the day. He would always do of saying that this is some kind of a no one is paying for all this fun we are so in a polite, yet firm manner. global conspiracy, I was quoting the having. Yes, it would have to be more While I might not have always agreed person who said that, who I am sure is money. But if we did that, somebody with him, I have always admired Rev- a much better friend of the Senator has to pay for it. Again, even the CBO erend Falwell, particularly for his un- from Massachusetts than he is of mine, says that all this money it is going to wavering commitment to what he and that was Jacques Chirac. Jacques cost, the tax increase on the American thought was right. Jerry Falwell never Chirac said: people, whichever of these schemes we ran from controversy, and he always Kyoto represents the first component of an decide on, is going to be disproportion- stuck to his beliefs. authentic global governance. ately on the poor and those who are on Indeed, I believe it was the firmness That is not me. That is Jack Chirac. fixed incomes. of his convictions that, in part, allowed It answers the question why are these By the way, one of the statements on Jerry Falwell to achieve so much suc- countries over in Europe so interested here was that no one has said we were cess in whatever he undertook in life. that we do something in this country going to have a worse hurricane sea- He was an intensely driven man. that is going to hurt our economy. The son. I will quote one person I think the At the age of 22 he started a Baptist answer came from Margot Wallstrom, junior Senator from Massachusetts church in Lynchburg, VA, with 35 Minister of the Environment for the would know. It is Teresa Heinz-Kerry. members. Reportedly, on the first Sun- European Union. She said: Teresa Heinz-Kerry, the chair of the day his congregation met in 1956, the Kyoto is about the economy, about lev- Heinz Foundation, has helped finan- first offering totaled $135. Today, that eling the playing field for big business world- cially bankroll the Environment2004 same church has upwards of 24,000 wide. campaign coalition, which is placing members and annual revenues of all of Yes, there are other countries that billboards throughout Florida claiming his ministries total over $200 million. would love to have America be over- ‘‘President Bush’s environmental poli- In 1971, Jerry Falwell founded Lib- taxed and have all these economic cies could result in stronger and more erty University—a liberal arts, Chris- problems that we don’t have right now. frequent hurricanes.’’ That is a quote. tian institution of higher education. It could inure to their benefit; there is I don’t know how much time we have Today, Liberty University employs no question about that. No one would left. We are now repeating each other. more than 1,000 Virginians and edu- deny that. Nothing new has come out. I will have cates more than 20,000 students a year Best economists don’t say control- maybe a short final statement. I am either on its campus or through dis- ling carbon will be costly. How many willing to yield back the balance of my tance learning programs. economists and how many scientists do time. In my view, the thousands and thou- I have to quote? I could use the rest of I ask unanimous consent at this sands of students who Liberty has edu- my time and not repeat one of the sci- point, while we are both resting, that cated these many years will undoubt- entists, read another whole list, but I Senator WARNER be recognized for up edly be one part of Reverend Falwell’s have done it so many times. Here are to 4 minutes to make a statement as in strong legacy that will last for genera- some I haven’t talked about. This is morning business and that those 4 min- tions. the cost. utes be equally charged to both sides. My thoughts and prayers today go Going back, if you want to catch 60 Mr. KERRY. Reserving the right to out to the Falwell family, including his at one time, let’s take the 60 scientists object, I respect the Senator. I would beloved wife of nearly 50 years, and his in Canada, the ones I said earlier were like to give him the time to speak but three children. the ones who recommended to the outside of my time. I would be happy While I am up, I wonder if I could in- Prime Minister, 15 years ago, that they to yield at this point in the day if he dicate to the managers that I intend to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6113 file an amendment tonight along the curbing greenhouse gas emissions and We do not have to peer into a crystal lines established by the distinguished even from those who remain skeptical ball to see the dangers of allowing the majority leader regarding amendments about the causes of global climate Corps to continue to plan projects to be considered on this bill which re- change. without accounting for the changes late to the appropriations bill now Our amendment ensures that Corps that will be wrought by climate being formulated to provide for the of Engineers projects will take into ac- change. The Nation bore witness to funds for the troops. I think it is the count the impacts of climate change, those dangers when Hurricane Katrina wisdom of the two leaders jointly that regardless of its cause. It also ensures slammed into the gulf coast. The dev- on this bill those Senators who wish to that the Corps will take more aggres- astation of New Orleans is a horrific have language attached to any appro- sive steps to protect natural systems example of the tragic consequences of priations bill would make known their that can help buffer the impacts of cli- an intense storm hitting a region desires through adding an amendment mate change and that provide a host of where Corps projects have destroyed on this bill. Cloture will be filed on other vital benefits. vital natural wetland buffers and have such amendments for tomorrow. If my Scientists clearly agree that the cli- not properly accounted for the risk of amendment is selected by the Repub- mate is changing. They also agree that, severe storms. as a result of that change, we can ex- lican leader, then I understand it would Our amendment requires the Corps to pect an increase in extreme weather be subject to a cloture vote tomorrow. immediately begin to address these events. A recent report of the Intergov- But it would at least give me and my types of issues. ernmental Panel on Climate Change Our amendment would require the principal cosponsor, Senator COLLINS, expresses this consensus. Climate sci- Corps to utilize the best available cli- the opportunity to express our two entists agree that global warming will views and others who have been associ- mate science in assessing flood and cause stronger storms, more frequent storm risks. This seems like plain com- ated with us to likewise join in ex- floods, increased sea level, and ex- pressing their views. I will do that fol- mon sense to me, but as we have sadly tended droughts. This report concludes, witnessed again and again, common lowing the vote tonight. among other things, that: Climate I yield the floor and thank the man- sense does not always guide the Corps change will lead to more intense and its decisionmaking processes. agers. storms and increasing sea levels, par- Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise Our amendment would require the ticularly along the gulf and Atlantic today to encourage my colleagues to Corps to more fully account for the coasts, which will pose significant value of the services provided by support Senator KERRY’s amendment risks to coastal communities from to the Water Resources Development healthy rivers, streams, wetlands, and storm surges and flooding; climate Act. This amendment is quite simple, floodplains. change will lead to more flooding in Of special importance to me, our and if enacted, would contribute to the the winter and early spring due to ear- amendment also builds on existing law modernization of the Army Corps of lier snowmelt and increased rainfall, and policy to require the Corps to use Engineers, something I have been followed by more water shortages dur- nonstructural approaches, where ap- fighting for for many years. ing the summer, particularly in the propriate, in project planning. This is The Kerry-Feingold amendment Western States; and climate change critical for ensuring the best possible would require the Corps to account for will lead to lower water levels in major protection for those natural systems the potential long and short term ef- river systems and the Great Lakes that that are so important for our current fects of global climate change when will exacerbate existing water re- and future health, safety, and welfare. planning projects. This commonsense sources challenges. While the Corps is currently required amendment is vital for safeguarding The Scientific Expert Group on Cli- to consider nonstructural approaches, communities and the environment mate Change to the United Nations it rarely recommends them. This is since virtually every water resource also recently concluded that human true even when nonstructural ap- project designed and built by the Corps health ‘‘will be threatened’’ by the proaches would provide the same or sits on the front lines of global warm- global climate change-induced in- better project benefits while avoiding ing. creases in the intensity and frequency damages to these vital resources. All Corps projects are going to feel of storms, floods, droughts, and heat- This provision would not—let me say the strain, the impact, and the con- related mortality. These changes will this again, it would not—prevent the sequences of global warming. This is clearly complicate water resource Corps from using structural approaches true whether we are talking about en- planning for the foreseeable future. like levees and floodwalls where they suring that flood damage reduction But we also know that there are ways are needed. But it would require the projects will in fact provide commu- to buffer the effects of these changes. Corps to be more aggressive in its ef- nities with the promised levels of pro- Healthy rivers, streams, floodplains, forts to utilize natural systems that on tection; ensuring that port projects and wetlands reduce the impacts of their own provide vital flood protection take climate change into account for flooding by acting as natural sponges and water quality benefits. And it emergency preparedness purposes; or and basins, absorbing flood waters, and would also help the Corps overcome ensuring that ecosystem restoration releasing them slowly over time. what the Department of the Army in- projects are properly designed. Coastal wetlands provide vital barriers spector general concluded was an ‘‘in- Along with many of my colleagues, I between storm surges and commu- stitutional bias’’ for constructing cost- believe it is essential to take bold steps nities. When these wetlands are lost, ly, large scale structural projects. to address global climate change. Sen- coastal communities are far more vul- We can no longer rely on the status ators SANDERS and BOXER are leading nerable to disaster, as we saw so trag- quo to protect our future. We can no the most comprehensive, scientifically ically during Hurricane Katrina. longer rely solely on the Corps’ tradi- based global warming pollutant bill to Healthy streams and wetlands also tional approaches to water projects. address the emission of carbon dioxide. help minimize the impacts of drought These approaches have too often sev- I am proud to cosponsor that bill. by recharging groundwater supplies ered critical connections between riv- The Kerry-Feingold amendment does and filtering pollutants from drinking ers and their wetlands and floodplains, not address the emissions of global water. And all of these resources pro- and produced unanticipated wetland warming, but rather simply makes sure vide critical habitat for fish and wild- and floodplain losses. These approaches that future water resources projects life, and important recreational oppor- have left coastal communities, like take into account the effects of global tunities. New Orleans, far more vulnerable. warming. There are a lot of necessary Even without global climate change, These approaches have exacerbated policy changes needed to respond to it is imperative that we take a more flood damages by inducing develop- global warming and we need to move aggressive approach to accounting for ment in high risk, flood prone areas forward on all fronts. This proposed and protecting these resources that are and by increasing downstream flood- amendment should gain broad bipar- so essential for the Nation’s health, ing. tisan support, even from those who re- safety, economic prosperity, and well- This amendment will change the sta- main unsure of the best approach for being. tus quo by removing blinders that have

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 plagued water resources planning for the consensus, globally, of leaders, of The United States Army Corps of Engi- too long. I urge my colleagues to sup- scientists, is clear about what is hap- neers has the capacity and necessary au- port our amendment and the common- pening and why it is happening, No. 1. thorities to comprehensively examine the sense changes it would bring about. No. 2, what we are trying to do is not uncertainties, threats and vulnerabilities on water infrastructure and to implement the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. even respond to that, even though I be- necessary adjustments as part of a proactive MENENDEZ). Who yields time? lieve we ought to be; we are simply try- adaptive management program. The Senator from Massachusetts. ing to guarantee there is an adequate They can do it now. They can do it. Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, what is level of congressionally mandated—not This is the head of the Corps of Engi- the time allocation at this point? How voluntary but congressionally man- neers. So they do not need this amend- much time remains? dated—review with respect to this in ment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the activities of the Corps of Engi- Now, I wish to say this. We were sup- ator from Massachusetts controls 9 neers. posed to have this vote at 5:30. It is minutes 9 seconds. The Senator from The fact is that climate change, obvi- now 10 after 6. I am prepared not to say Oklahoma controls 5 minutes 58 sec- ously, relates to risk-based analysis. anything else and to yield back the re- onds. There are many climate change events mainder of my time, if the Senator Mr. KERRY. Well, Mr. President, I that are taking place, all of which from Massachusetts will do the same will try to speed up and use such time could affect the reliability of Corps thing. as I may use quickly. projects. In this bill there is a program Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I would Again, let me respond very quickly for ecosystem restoration in the Lou- like to ask the Senator a question, if I to some of the assertions that have isiana coastal area. Key is going to be may. been made. I want to try to get back to ultimately developing a strategy for Mr. INHOFE. On your time, go ahead. the bigger picture, but I will be very restoration that understands what hap- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without specific about a couple things. pens with respect to coastal erosion objection, it is so ordered. First of all, I never have suggested, and sea level rise. The Mississippi Mr. KERRY. On my time. nor have I heard anybody who has ar- River Gulf Outlet in Louisiana, right The Senator said he had a whole lot gued in favor of actions suggesting, along the coast, is dependent on storm of peer-reviewed studies. I would ask there would be no cost, which is the surge information, hurricane pre- the Senator a simple question: Does he term the Senator from Oklahoma used. diction, sea level rise. Virtually every have one peer-reviewed study that says We are not talking about no cost. We single beach replenishment project— conclusively global climate change is are talking about relative costs. It is what good is it going to do to replenish not happening as a consequence of clear from all the best analyses of beaches in certain ways if the sea level human activity, and, No. 2, that it is every economic model that the costs of is going to be rising and the intensity not happening. Does he have a peer-re- not acting are much greater than the of those storms may increase? viewed study that says that? costs of acting. With respect to that, I would say to Mr. INHOFE. Let me respond to that That has become true, we have seen, my friend from Oklahoma, the pre- question. Of course I do not have that. in what has happened with respect to diction was there would be more named Mr. KERRY. That is what I said. damages, migrations of species, other storms, more hurricanes, and indeed Mr. INHOFE. But I do have peer-re- things that are already occurring and there were more named storms. The viewed studies that say specifically the being observed as a result of the warm- level of predictions of storms was met, amount of change that is attributable ing that is taking place. they just did not hit the United States. to human activity is so small it is not In addition to that, I still say to my We lucked out. But the total numbers, measurable, like .07 of 1 degree in 50 colleague from Oklahoma, despite the in fact, were high. years. Now, that is significant. I have scientists he quotes, he still cannot So you can play with these possibili- several peer-reviewed studies. I would produce one peer-reviewed study that ties. You can ignore science, if you be glad to respond to your question by says global climate change is not hap- choose to. But I think responsible leg- reading those. pening as a consequence of human ac- islation at this point, given the sci- I have a peer-reviewed study pub- tivity. He cannot produce one peer-re- entists and the level of information we lished in the April 18, 2007, issue of the viewed report that does not say it is have, requires us to act, and this is one science journal Geophysical Research happening, period—not one. very small way to act responsibly. Letters, which found that if the world So he can come in with a report that I yield the floor. continues to warm, vertical wind says some little thing here, some little The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- shear—which literally tears apart thing there, but that does not go to the ator from Oklahoma. storms—will also rise. These winds will fundamental question of who is causing Mr. INHOFE. Well, here we go again. decrease the number and severity of what. This is exactly the same thing. If I re- storms we would otherwise have. As I said earlier in this debate, they sponded to everything he said then, I Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, may I in- have a fundamental responsibility, if have already done it before. I have read terrupt my friend from Oklahoma and they are going to stand up and say to and I have talked about this. I have reclaim my time. Americans we do not need to do any- more scientists, if anyone wants to Mr. INHOFE. We have approximately thing; and that responsibility is to an- hear from more scientists. Also, as far 20 peer-reviewed studies. swer what is causing the warming if it as peer-reviewed studies, I have docu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- is not the human-induced activity; and, mented it, I have said where they are. ator from Massachusetts controls the secondly, how can the human activity So I can just say that so many times. time at this point. that is being created not be doing what But here is what I would suggest: Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, again, the scientists allege it is doing. On What we are talking about is an the Senator is making my point. I con- both counts, they have never, ever had amendment to this bill, an amendment ceded there are studies that will assert a sufficient scientific explanation. to the bill which addresses the Corps of there is some change of a variation of Moreover, again, I would point out— Engineers and asks them to report to what may or may not be happening but I did earlier; the Senator was not us on every project, from this point none that suggests it is not happening here—as to the so-called SPM, as it is forward, certain types of things, and it as a result of our activity or that it is called, the policymaker’s summary, describes what they are. not happening. there is a list on the first page of that We had a hearing the other day, I say The Senator talks about this .07-of-a- summary, and all the people who wrote to my good friend from Massachusetts. degree change. What he says is a reduc- it are scientists. They are the ones who It was May 11, 2007. That was, what, tion. But what we are looking at is an put that report together. last week. We have had John Paul automatic increase in rate of increase So there is a point where you can Woodley, who is the Assistant Sec- that is going to occur no matter what. sort of be debating all the red herrings retary of the Army for Civil Works. So somebody can doubt whether you here, which is not what is important. This is a quote from his testimony. are going to have a reduction. That is What is important in the end is that He said: not the point. The point is, there is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6115 going to be a level of increase that goes Mr. LOTT. The following Senators A bill (H. R. 2206) making emergency sup- up to a percentage which varies from are necessarily absent: the Senator plemental appropriations and additional sup- about 2 degrees centigrade to 3 degrees from Kansas (Mr. BROWNBACK), the plemental appropriations for agriculture and centigrade, up to 7.7 degrees Fahr- Senator from South Carolina (Mr. other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other enheit. And .07 of a degree from that is DEMINT), the Senator from North Caro- purposes. not going to make a difference with re- lina (Mrs. DOLE), and the Senator from AMENDMENT NO. 1123 spect to the fundamental issue of the Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Earth warming. Further, if present and voting, the Mr. REID. Mr. President, on behalf of So again, let’s debate apples and ap- Senator from North Carolina (Mrs. Senator REID and Senator MCCONNELL, ples, not something else. I think that is DOLE) would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ I send a substitute amendment to the important in this debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there desk. I yield the floor. any other Senators in the Chamber de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- siring to vote? clerk will report. ator from Oklahoma. The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 51, The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, at this nays 42, as follows: The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID], for time, if the Senator wants, we can [Rollcall Vote No. 166 Leg.] himself and Mr. MCCONNELL, proposes an amendment numbered 1123. yield back our time. YEAS—51 Mr. President, I yield back the re- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Akaka Feinstein Mikulski mainder of my time. Bayh Gregg Murray imous consent that the reading of the Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I yield Biden Harkin Nelson (FL) amendment be dispensed with. my time, except for 1 minute for the Bingaman Inouye Obama The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without chairman of the committee. Boxer Kennedy Reed Cantwell Kerry Reid objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cardin Klobuchar Sanders The amendment is as follows: ator from California. Carper Kohl Schumer (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I wish to Casey Landrieu Smith gress that no action should be taken to un- talk about something else for a mo- Clinton Lautenberg Snowe dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of Coleman Leahy Specter ment to let Senators know where we Collins Levin Stabenow the United States or impact their ability are. We have been working staff to Dodd Lieberman Sununu to complete their assigned or future mis- staff. We are so close to completing Domenici Lincoln Tester sions Dorgan Lugar Warner Since under the Constitution, the Presi- this WRDA bill. Once we vote on this Durbin McCaskill Whitehouse 60-vote issue, we are down to a few dent and Congress have shared responsibil- Feingold Menendez Wyden ities for decisions on the use of the Armed amendments. There is a managers’ NAYS—42 Forces of the United States, including their package that has been signed off on by Alexander Craig McConnell mission, and for supporting the Armed the leaders of the committee. We would Allard Crapo Murkowski Forces, especially during wartime; like to get that done. Baucus Ensign Nelson (NE) Since when the Armed Forces are deployed What we want to say to colleagues on Bennett Enzi Pryor in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and both sides is, if you want to participate Bond Graham Roberts the Nation should give them all the support Bunning Grassley Salazar they need in order to maintain their safety in this bill, tonight would be the night Burr Hagel Sessions and accomplish their assigned or future mis- to do it because we are wrapping this Byrd Hatch Shelby thing up tomorrow. Our hope is we can Chambliss Hutchison Stevens sions, including the training, equipment, lo- Coburn Inhofe Thomas gistics, and funding necessary to ensure complete it. We have this managers’ Cochran Isakson Thune their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- package. If you have something you Conrad Kyl Vitter port is the responsibility of both the Execu- need to say about this bill, if you have Corker Lott Voinovich tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of a last-minute amendment you want to Cornyn Martinez Webb Government; and show us, this would be the time, this NOT VOTING—7 Since thousands of members of the Armed would be the moment. Brown Dole Rockefeller Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and I would be happy to yield some time Brownback Johnson Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of to my colleague if he wishes to make DeMint McCain medical care and other support this Nation owes them when they return home: Now, some comments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this therefore, be it Mr. INHOFE. No. Mr. President, I vote, the yeas are 51, the nays are 42. Determined by the Senate (the House of thank the chairman of the committee Under the previous order, requiring Representatives concurring) and the manager of this bill. Let me 60 votes for the adoption of this amend- That it is the Sense of Congress that— say I agree with everything the Sen- ment, the amendment is withdrawn. (1) the President and Congress should not ator said. I thought we were going to Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest take any action that will endanger the finish it tonight, but if it is tomorrow, the absence of a quorum. Armed Forces of the United States, and will it is tomorrow. It is too significant not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The provide necessary funds for training, equip- clerk will call the roll. ment, and other support for troops in the to finish it. field, as such actions will ensure their safety I appreciate the Senator from Massa- The legislative clerk proceeded to and effectiveness in preparing for and car- chusetts joining me in yielding back call the roll. rying out their assigned missions; the remainder of our time. We are Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation going to be ready to take a vote here imous consent that the order for the have an obligation to ensure that those who shortly. quorum call be rescinded. have bravely served this country in time of Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without war receive the medical care and other sup- the yeas and nays. objection, it is so ordered. port they deserve; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a (3) the President and Congress should— f (A) continue to exercise their constitu- sufficient second? U.S. TROOP READINESS, VET- tional responsibilities to ensure that the There appears to be a sufficient sec- ERANS’ CARE, KATRINA RECOV- Armed Forces have everything they need to ond. ERY, AND IRAQ ACCOUNT- perform their assigned or future missions; The question is on agreeing to and amendment No. 1094. ABILITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, (B) review, assess, and adjust United The clerk will call the roll. 2007 States policy and funding as needed to en- The assistant legislative clerk called Mr. REID. Mr. President, with the sure our troops have the best chance for suc- the roll. concurrence of the Republican leader, I cess in Iraq and elsewhere. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the now ask that the Senate turn to the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask for Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN), the consideration of H. R. 2206. the yeas and nays. Senator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHN- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a SON), and the Senator from West Vir- clerk will report the bill by title. sufficient second? ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) are nec- The assistant legislative clerk read There appears to be a sufficient sec- essarily absent. as follows: ond.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 The yeas and nays were ordered. AMENDMENT NO. 1125 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1124 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AMENDMENT NO. 1124 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1123 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I call up a objection, it is so ordered. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I call up an second-degree amendment. The amendment is as follows: amendment at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The AMENDMENT NO. 1126 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: gress that no action should be taken to un- The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of poses an amendment numbered 1125 to the United States or impact their ability The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID], for amendment No. 1124. to complete their assigned or future mis- himself and Mr. MCCONNELL, proposes an amendment numbered 1124 to amendment Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- sions) No. 1123. imous consent that the reading of the Strike all after the first word and insert the following: The amendment is as follows: amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Since under the Constitution, the Presi- (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- dent and Congress have shared responsibil- gress that no action should be taken to un- objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: ities for decisions on the use of the Armed dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of Forces of the United States, including their the United States or impact their ability (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- mission, and for supporting the Armed to complete their assigned or future mis- gress that no action should be taken to un- Forces, especially during wartime; sions) dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of Since when the Armed Forces are deployed In the amendment strike all after the first the United States or impact their ability in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and word and insert the following: under the to complete their assigned or future mis- the Nation should give them all the support Constitution, the President and Congress sions) they need in order to maintain their safety have shared responsibilities for decisions on The President and Congress have shared and accomplish their assigned or future mis- the use of the Armed Forces of the United responsibilities for decisions on the use of sions, including the training, equipment, lo- States, including their mission, and for sup- the Armed Forces of the United States, in- gistics, and funding necessary to ensure porting the Armed Forces, especially during cluding their mission, and for supporting the their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- wartime; Armed Forces, especially during wartime; port is the responsibility of both the Execu- Since when the Armed Forces are deployed Since when the Armed Forces are deployed tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and Government; and the Nation should give them all the support the Nation should give them all the support Since thousands of members of the Armed they need in order to maintain their safety they need in order to maintain their safety Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq an and accomplish their assigned or future mis- and accomplish their assigned or future mis- Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of sions, including the training, equipment, lo- sions, including the training, equipment, lo- medical care and other support this Nation gistics, and funding necessary to ensure gistics, and funding necessary to ensure owes them when they return home: Now, their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- therefore, be it port is the responsibility of both the Execu- port is the responsibility of both the Execu- Determined by the Senate (the House of tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of Representatives concurring), Government; and Government; and That it is the Sense of Congress that— Since thousands of members of the Armed Since thousands of members of the Armed (1) the President and Congress should not Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and take any action that will endanger the Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of Armed Forces of the United States, and will medical care and other support this Nation medical care and other support this Nation provide necessary funds for training, equip- owes them when they return home: Now, owes them when they return home: Now, ment, and other support for troops in the therefore, be it therefore, be it field, as such actions will ensure their safety Determined by the Senate (the House of Determined by the Senate (the House of and effectiveness in preparing for and car- Representatives concurring), Representatives concurring), rying out their assigned missions; That it is the Sense of Congress that— That it is the sense of Congress that— (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation (1) the President and Congress should not (1) the President and Congress should not have an obligation to ensure that those who take any action that will endanger the take any action that will endanger the have bravely served this country in time of Armed Forces of the United States, and will Armed Forces of the United States, and will war receive the medical care and other sup- provide necessary funds for training, equip- provide necessary funds for training, equip- port they deserve; and ment, and other support for troops in the ment, and other support for troops in the (3) the President and Congress should— field, as such actions will ensure their safety field, as such actions will ensure their safety (A) continue to exercise their constitu- and effectiveness in preparing for and car- and effectiveness in preparing for and car- tional responsibilities to ensure that the rying out their assigned missions; Armed Forces have everything they need to rying out their assigned missions; (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation perform their assigned or future missions; have an obligation to ensure that those who have an obligation to ensure that those who and have bravely served this country in time of have bravely served this country in time of (B) review, assess, and adjust United war receive the medical care and other sup- war receive the medical care and other sup- States policy and funding as needed to en- port they deserve; and sure our troops have the best chance for suc- port they deserve; and (3) the President and Congress should— (3) the President and Congress should— (A) continue to exercise their constitu- cess in Iraq and elsewhere. This section shall take effect 5 days after (A) continue to exercise their constitu- tional responsibilities to ensure that the date of enactment. tional responsibilities to ensure that the Armed Forces have everything they need to Armed Forces have everything they need to perform their assigned or future missions; Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask for perform their assigned or future missions; and the yeas and nays. and (B) review, assess, and adjust United The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a (B) review, assess, and adjust United States policy and funding as needed to en- States policy and funding as needed to en- sufficient second? sure our troops have the best chance for suc- There appears to be a sufficient sec- sure our troops have the best chance for suc- cess in Iraq and elsewhere. cess in Iraq and elsewhere. This section shall take effect 2 days after ond. This section shall take effect 1 day after date of enactment. The yeas and nays were ordered. the date of enactment. MOTION TO COMMIT AMENDMENT NO. 1127 TO THE INSTRUCTIONS OF Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask that Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send a THE MOTION TO COMMIT it be reflected that this amendment is motion to the desk. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send an on behalf of Senator REID and Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment to the motion to the desk. MCCONNELL. clerk will report. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The legislative clerk read as follows: clerk will report. objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] moves The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and to commit H.R. 2206 to the Committee on The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- nays. Appropriations with instructions to report poses an amendment numbered 1127 to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a back forthwith with the following amend- instructions of the motion to commit H.R. sufficient second? ment numbered 1126. 2206. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent ond. imous consent that the reading of the that the reading of the amendment be The yeas and nays were ordered. amendment be dispensed with. dispensed with.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6117 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The amendment is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- objection, it is so ordered. (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- ture motion having been presented The amendment is as follows: gress that no action should be taken to un- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the (Purpose: Expressing the sense of the Con- dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of clerk to read the motion. gress that no action should be taken to un- the United States or impact their ability The legislative clerk read as follows: to complete their assigned or future mis- dermine the safety of the Armed Forces of CLOTURE MOTION sions) the United States or impact their ability We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- At the end of the amendment add the fol- to complete their assigned or future mis- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the sions) lowing: Since under the Constitution, the Presi- Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move In the amendment strike all after Congress dent and Congress have shared responsibil- to bring to a close debate on Calendar No. in line 1 and insert the following: ities for decisions on the use of the Armed 146, H.R. 2206, the Emergency Supplemental ‘‘have shared responsibilities for decisions on Forces of the United States, including their Appropriations Act. the use of the Armed Forces of the United mission, and for supporting the Armed Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, Jeff Binga- States, including their mission, and for sup- Forces, especially during wartime; man, Patty Murray, Patrick Leahy, porting the Armed Forces, especially during Since when the Armed Forces are deployed Carl Levin, Dianne Feinstein, Daniel K. wartime; in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and Inouye, Byron L. Dorgan, Benjamin L. ‘‘Since when the Armed Forces are de- the Nation should give them all the support Cardin, Max Baucus, Bill Nelson (FL), ployed in harm’s way, the President, Con- they need in order to maintain their safety Charles Schumer, Debbie Stabenow, gress, and the Nation should give them all and accomplish their assigned or future mis- Richard J. Durbin, Daniel K. Akaka, the support they need in order to maintain sions, including the training, equipment, lo- Jack Reed. their safety and accomplish their assigned or gistics, and funding necessary to ensure Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now ask future missions, including the training, their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- equipment, logistics, and funding necessary unanimous consent that the cloture port is the responsibility of both the Execu- vote on the Reid-McConnell amend- to ensure their safety and effectiveness, and tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of such support is the responsibility of both the Government; and ment to H.R. 2206 occur on Thursday 1 Executive Branch and the Legislative Since thousands of members of the Armed hour after the Senate convenes and Branch of Government; and Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and notwithstanding the provisions of rule ‘‘Since thousands of members of the Armed Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of XXII, and that if cloture is invoked, Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and medical care and other support this Nation the Senate remain on H.R. 2206 until it Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of owes them when they return home: Now, is disposed of, notwithstanding the pro- medical care and other support this Nation therefore, be it owes them when they return home: Now, Determined by the Senate (the House of visions of rule XXII. therefore, be it Representatives concurring), The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘Determined by the Senate (the House of That it is the Sense of Congress that— objection, it is so ordered. Representatives concurring), (1) the President and Congress should not The Republican leader. ‘‘That it is the sense of Congress that— take any action that will endanger the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, let ‘‘(1) the President and Congress should not Armed Forces of the United States, and will me for my side of the aisle describe provide necessary funds for training, equip- take any action that will endanger the what we have just done. Senator REID ment, and other support for troops in the Armed Forces of the United States, and will and I have entered into an agreement, provide necessary funds for training, equip- field, as such actions will ensure their safety and effectiveness in preparing for and car- which I previously described to my ment, and other support for troops in the conference, under which we will be able field, as such actions will ensure their safety rying out their assigned missions; (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation and effectiveness in preparing for and car- to smooth the passage of the supple- have an obligation to ensure that those who rying out their assigned missions; mental appropriations bill into con- have bravely served this country in time of ‘‘(2) the President, Congress, and the Na- ference. The majority leader, with my war receive the medical care and other sup- tion have an obligation to ensure that those port they deserve; and concurrence, has filled up the tree and who have bravely served this country in time (3) the President and Congress should— filed cloture. This should give us an op- of war receive the medical care and other (A) continue to exercise their constitu- portunity Thursday afternoon on a support they deserve; and tional responsibilities to ensure that the broad bipartisan basis to move this ‘‘(3) the President and Congress should— Armed Forces have everything they need to troop funding bill into conference ‘‘(A) continue to exercise their constitu- perform their assigned or future missions; where we will continue our discussions. tional responsibilities to ensure that the and Armed Forces have everything they need to (B) review, assess, and adjust United The majority leader and I have had perform their assigned or future missions; States policy and funding as needed to en- several meetings with the President’s and sure our troops have the best chance for suc- designee, Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, ‘‘(B) review, assess, and adjust United cess in Iraq and elsewhere. and we will have additional meetings— States policy and funding as needed to en- This section shall take effect 3 days after as well as with House Democrats and sure our troops have the best chance for suc- date of enactment. Republicans—and hopefully achieve cess in Iraq and elsewhere.’’ CLOTURE MOTION what I think we all want to achieve at This section shall take effect 4 days after Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send a the date of enactment. this point, which is a signed troop cloture motion to the desk. funding bill before Memorial Day. Mr. REID. I ask for the yeas and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- nays. ture motion having been presented jority leader. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Repub- sufficient second? clerk to read the motion. lican leader and I have worked very The legislative clerk read as follows: There appears to be a sufficient sec- closely in the past week or two on the ond. CLOTURE MOTION process we are following this evening. The yeas and nays were ordered. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- We both agree it is imperative that we AMENDMENT NO. 1128 TO AMENDMENT NO. 1127 ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move get to conference with the House as Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now send to bring to a close debate on the Reid- quickly as possible, and adoption of the a second-degree amendment to the McConnell amendment No. 1123 relating to Murray amendment, which is the desk. Iraq to H.R. 2206, the Emergency Supple- amendment which was offered here, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mental Appropriations Act. will allow us to do just that. This is a clerk will report. Harry Reid, Debbie Stabenow, Daniel K. procedural step. The legislative clerk read as follows: Inouye, Jon Tester, Bill Nelson (FL), We are anxious to get to conference Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Patty The Senator from Nevada [Mr. REID] pro- to work with the President’s Chief of Murray, Frank R. Lautenberg, Ben- poses an amendment numbered 1128 to jamin L. Cardin, Tom Carper, Charles Staff Josh Bolten. He has been avail- amendment No. 1127. Schumer, Maria Cantwell, Carl Levin, able any time we have asked for his Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Daniel K. Akaka, Ted Kennedy, Amy presence. He realizes there is going to imous consent that the reading of the Klobuchar. have to be some serious negotiations. amendment be dispensed with. CLOTURE MOTION We also understand that it is not just The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send a the Senate. The House has to be in- objection, it is so ordered. second cloture motion to the desk. volved in these negotiations, and we

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 certainly understand that and Mr. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask their constituencies largely this morn- Bolton understands that. unanimous consent that the order for ing, and the fact that we have been try- We have a long way to go, but this the quorum call be rescinded. ing to work out the procedure just was a tremendous step forward. We Mr. REID. Objection. adopted by the Senate by the two lead- may disagree on a lot of issues dealing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- ers, it has not been possible for me to with the policy in Iraq, but the one tion is heard. The clerk will continue isolate a fixed set of cosponsors. Never- point on which we agree—both Demo- with the call of the roll. theless, I do know of a number, cer- crats and Republicans—is that the The assistant legislative clerk con- tainly on this side, and I am hopeful on troops must have everything they need tinued with the call of the roll. the other side, and now that this and more, and we are going to make Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask amendment is filed tonight, it is my sure that is the case. unanimous consent that the order for expectation and hope that Senators The Republican leader and I agree, the quorum call be rescinded. will be adding their names as cospon- and I have spoken with the Speaker of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sors. I urge that be done at the earliest the House at 5 o’clock today, and she objection, it is so ordered. opportunity because, as I understand agrees with me, that we are going to f it, and the leadership will subsequently finish this bill and this conference re- address, I think, the Senate tonight re- WATER RESOURCES specting the legislative program to- port prior to our leaving for the Memo- DEVELOPMENT ACT—Continued rial Day recess. Everyone should rest morrow as to when my amendment, assured we are going to do that. I hope WARNER AMENDMENT NO. 1134 with such cosponsors that are able to we can do that without causing a lot of Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask add their names, and the two amend- discomfort to Senators and Members of unanimous consent that the Senate re- ments pending from the other side— the House if we finish this bill at a rea- turn to consideration of H.R. 1495. and I believe a fourth that is to be sonable time a week from Thursday or The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without brought up by our distinguished Repub- Friday, but if we can’t, we are going no objection, it is so ordered. lican leader sometime this evening— will be debated, voted upon, and sub- place until we finish this legislation Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I think we have just seen an extraordinary ject to a cloture motion. and it gets to the President’s desk. Let me now turn to addressing the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- chapter of how two leaders can come together and structure a procedure by specifics of this amendment at this ator from California. time. This amendment, in its pre- f which this Senate can go forward and achieve its objectives. I am totally sup- amble, has the following: We entitle it CONCLUSION OF WRDA portive of the procedure enunciated by the ‘‘President’s Strategy In Iraq.’’ Section 1. Findings regarding progress Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I want our two distinguished leaders because I in Iraq, the establishment of bench- to take less than a minute to tell col- strongly support the need for getting marks to measure that progress, and leagues where we are. I thank the ma- this appropriations legislation through and on to the President’s desk so that reports to the Congress. jority leader for his assistance on the The recitation in the first section of we can fund adequately our Armed WRDA bill. Our understanding is that this amendment is a series of state- Forces, particularly those engaged in we have a managers’ package with sev- ments factually describing the situa- eral amendments. There may be only Iraq and Afghanistan. tion as we, the sponsors of this amend- The leadership further decided that one or two that are contentious. Our ment, feel have taken place, largely those Senators who wish to address the goal for tomorrow, once we complete since January 10 of this year. Foremost the Iraq votes, is to go to the man- conferees could do so by adding amend- among those obligations is, of course, agers’ package without the contentious ments to this bill. My understanding is our recognition of the enormity of the one or two amendments in it. By the that there are two amendments that sacrifice of the men and women of the way, I don’t think any of them are con- have been filed on the other side of the Armed Forces and their families and tentious, but one Senator is saying aisle: one by Mr. FEINGOLD and another others who have taken an active role in they are. by Mr. LEVIN. And in consultation with carrying out our strategies in Iraq, not We will adopt that managers’ pack- the distinguished Republican leader, I just since January 10 of this year but age hopefully by a voice vote, and then now file an amendment on this side of prior thereto, in the regrettably long if it is necessary to have a recorded the aisle, although I am hopeful my period of time that this conflict in Iraq vote on these one or two additional amendment would not be viewed purely has persisted. amendments, we will do that and then as a Republican amendment but that it Following those statements, we then move to final passage of WRDA, some- could be a vehicle by which we can go to section 2, which is entitled, ‘‘Con- thing we can be very proud of after 7 reach some level, hopefully a signifi- ditioning of Future United States long years of not having a bill. cant level, of bipartisan consensus on Strategy in Iraq on the Iraqi Govern- I thank my colleagues in advance for the several principles I have enun- ment’s Record of Performance on its their cooperation. ciated in this amendment. Benchmarks.’’ To the Senator who may have a prob- Throughout the course of this debate In General. The United States strategy in lem with one or two of these amend- on Iraq, since the President’s an- Iraq, hereafter, shall be conditioned on the ments, please take another hard look nouncement of a new strategy on Janu- Iraqi government meeting benchmarks as because they are noncontroversial, and ary 10 of this year, there have been told to Members of Congress by the Presi- I hope that Senator can join with us. groups of Republicans and Democrats dent, the Secretary of State, the Secretary We can finish this bill tomorrow in the that have voiced our concerns about of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reflected in the Iraqi very early afternoon or the late morn- the strategies being employed in Iraq, Government’s commitments to the United ing, and both sides can be very proud. and we continue to do so by virtue of States, and to the international community, Again, this is a bill that is endorsed this process now decided upon by the including . . . by just about everyone in the country. leadership whereby amendments to For example, benchmarks—and I I say to my colleagues, our intention this bill can be brought up, which shall read but several. First and fore- is to conclude this bill tomorrow. Sen- amendments reflect the sentiments of most: ator INHOFE and I are very strongly in- those who are sponsoring them. Forming a Constitutional Review Com- terested in concluding it tomorrow. At the present time, my amendment mittee and then completing the Constitu- The bipartisan members of the com- is sponsored by my principal cosponsor, tional review; mittee are very strongly interested. the Senator from Maine, Ms. COLLINS, Enacting and implementing legislation on I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- although I have been in consultation de-baathification; with a number of other Senators on Enacting and implementing legislation to sence of a quorum. ensure the equitable distribution of hydro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this side of the aisle, as well as Sen- carbon resources of the people of Iraq with- clerk will call the roll. ators on the other side of the aisle. out regard to the sect or ethnicity of recipi- The assistant legislative clerk pro- Given the brevity of the time today, ents, and enacting and implementing legisla- ceeded to call the roll. since Senators have returned from tion to ensure that the energy resources of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6119 Iraq benefit Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, Kurds, I will now refer to the section titled sector entity with the advice and par- and other Iraqi citizens in an equitable man- ‘‘Limitations on Availability of Funds’’ ticipation of at least one senior retired ner. in this appropriations bill. military officer, and maybe others, so Enacting and implementing legislation on procedures to form semi-autonomous re- Limitation. No funds appropriated or oth- that we can have a report to put side gions; erwise made available for the ‘‘Economic by side with the periodic evaluations of Enacting and implementing legislation es- Support Fund’’ and available for Iraq may be the Department of Defense as to the tablishing an Independent High Electoral obligated or expended unless and until the military—professional ability, capa- Commission; provincial elections law; pro- President of the United States certifies in bility, training, and equipment of the vincial council authorities; and a date for the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(1) Iraqi security forces. That is essential. provincial elections. above and makes a further certification in the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(4) So that is the essence of this provision I shall not read further from this doc- which I now read. ument. It will be a matter of record. above that Iraq is making progress in each of the benchmarks set forth in section 2 above. (1) In General.—There is hereby authorized But these benchmarks were ones put to be appropriated for the Department of De- forth by the Iraqi Government, in large To give the President a certain amount of flexibility—and this is the fense, $750,000, that the Department, in turn, measure. What we are doing now is re- will commission an independent private sec- quiring the following: provision I am particularly indebted to tor entity which operates as a 501(c)(3) with The President shall submit reports to the our distinguished colleague, Ms. COL- recognized credentials and expertise in mili- Congress on how the sovereign government LINS of Maine, who has worked with me tarily affairs, to prepare an independent re- of Iraq is, or is not, achieving progress to- on it, as well as Senator COLEMAN and port assessing the following: wards accomplishing the aforementioned others who have been working with (A) The readiness of the Iraqi security benchmarks, and shall advise the Congress me—we provide the following: forces—ISF [referred to] to assume responsi- bility for maintaining the territorial integ- on how that assessment requires, or does not The President may waive the requirements require, changes to the strategy announced rity of Iraq, denying international terrorists of this section if he submits to Congress a a safe haven, and bringing greater security on January 10, 2007. written certification setting forth the de- Reports Required. to Iraq’s 18 provinces in the next 12–18 tailed justification for the waiver, which (1) The President shall submit an initial months, and bringing an end to sectarian vi- shall include a detailed report describing the report, in classified and unclassified format, olence to achieve national reconciliation. to the Congress, not later than July 15, 2007, actions being taken by the United States to (B) The training, equipping, command, assessing the status of each of the specific bring the Iraqi government into compliance control and intelligence capabilities and lo- benchmarks established above, and declar- with the benchmarks set forth in section 2 gistics capacity of the ISF [Iraqi Security ing, in his judgment, whether satisfactory above. The certification shall be submitted Forces]. progress towards meeting these benchmarks in unclassified form, but may include a clas- (C) The likelihood that given the ISF’s is, or is not, being achieved. sified annex. record of preparedness to date, following (2) The President, having consulted with We proceed to a section entitled ‘‘Re- years of training and equipping by U.S. the Secretary of State, the Secretary of De- deployment of U.S. Forces from Iraq.’’ forces, the continued supports of U.S. troops fense, the Commander, Multi-National There has been considerable publicity will contribute to the readiness of the ISF to Forces-Iraq, the United States Ambassador attached to certain actions having fulfill the missions outlined in subparagraph to Iraq, and the Commander of U.S. Central (A). Command, will prepare the report and sub- been taken by the Council of Rep- (2) Report.—Not later than 120 days after mit the report to Congress. resentatives in Iraq—that is their basic the enactment of this Act, the designated (3) If the President’s assessment of any of name for their parliament—and to clar- private sector entity shall provide an unclas- the specific benchmarks established above is ify that we have put in the following sified report, with a classified annex, con- unsatisfactory, the President shall include in requirement: taining its findings, to the House and Senate that report a description of such revisions to The President of the United States, in re- Committees on Armed Services, Appropria- the political, economic, regional, and mili- specting the sovereign rights of the nation of tions, Foreign Relations/International Rela- tary components of the strategy, as an- Iraq, shall direct the orderly redeployment tions, and Intelligence. nounced by the President on January 10, of elements of U.S. forces from Iraq, if the Having worked on this report some 2 2007. In addition, the President shall include components of the Iraqi government, acting months now, I submitted it to col- in the report, the advisability of imple- in strict accordance with their respective menting such aspects of the bipartisan Iraq leagues in the House of Representa- powers given by the Iraqi Constitution, Study Group, as he deems appropriate. tives. I am pleased to say that those reach a consensus as recited in a resolution, colleagues saw fit to include that basic And, as is well documented in the directing a redeployment of U.S. forces. Senate, and well-respected, if I may language on reporting and establishing Now, proceeding to another section, this independent entity and individuals say, by the Senate—the work of the ‘‘Independent Assessments.’’ Iraq Study Group. to study the Iraqi security forces. This Assessment by the Comptroller General. provision which I have just read was (4) The President shall submit a second re- Not later than September 1, 2007, the port to the Congress, not later than Sep- contained in the House appropriations Comptroller general of the United States bill. It is my hope and expectation that tember 15, 2007, following the same proce- shall submit to Congress an independent re- dures and criteria outlined above. port setting forth— it will be included by this Senate, the (5) The reporting requirement detailed in (A) the status of the achievement of the appropriators, in their bill such that it section 1227 of the National Defense Author- benchmarks specified in section 2 above; and will emerge as part of the final con- ization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 is hereby (B) the Comptroller General’s assessment ference report of the House and the waived from the date of the enactment of whether or not each such benchmark has [or Senate. this Act through the period ending Sep- has not] been met. I once again thank many individuals tember 15, 2007. (b) Assessment of the capabilities of Iraq who have worked with me and their re- That is put in there for the reason Security forces. spective staffs, who worked beginning that we believe these reports by the This is a section which I worked on, last week on the final draft. They President will supplant whatever re- now, for over 2 months, laying a foun- worked over the weekend, worked on ports had been required by that act. dation, with consultations with the Monday, worked today to create this The force and effect of the requirement White House senior staff, the Secretary document. I am hopeful a good number for those reports will pick up and con- of Defense, and indeed a private organi- of our colleagues will see fit to cospon- tinue after September of this year. zation here, a well-respected organiza- sor this document, which document (c) Testimony before Congress. tion, independent of any affiliation (1) Prior to the submission of the Presi- and amendment will be discussed to- with the Government, to participate in morrow in such brief period as outlined dent’s second report on September 15, 2007, performing this report, as well as a and at a time to be agreed upon by the lead- by the leadership. They will define it ership of the Congress and the Administra- very senior and highly respected re- tonight, and then it will be voted upon. tion, the United States Ambassador to Iraq tired military officer who, hopefully, I send the amendment to the desk. and the Commander, Multi-National Forces will be designated to head up this re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Iraq— port. clerk will report. That is General Petraeus— I believed it was imperative that the The assistant legislative clerk read will be made available to testify in open and Congress needed to have an inde- as follows: closed sessions before the relevant commit- pendent report, and by ‘‘independent,’’ The Senator from Virginia [Mr. WARNER], tees of the Congress. I mean a report performed by a private for himself and Ms. COLLINS, proposes an

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 amendment No. 1134 to the language pro- (12) The President’s January 10, 2007 ad- (R) Ensuring that Iraq’s political authori- posed to be stricken by amendment No. 1065. dress had three components: political, mili- ties are not undermining or making false ac- The amendment is as follows: tary, and economic. Given that significant cusations against members of the ISF. (2) The President shall submit reports to (Purpose: Relating to the President’s time has passed since his statement, and rec- Congress on how the sovereign Government strategy in Iraq) ognizing the overall situation is ever chang- ing, Congress must have timely reports to of Iraq is, or is not, achieving progress to- TITLE—PRESIDENT’S STRATEGY IN IRAQ evaluate and execute its Constitutional over- wards accomplishing the aforementioned SEC. 1. FINDINGS REGARDING PROGRESS IN sight responsibilities. benchmarks, and shall advise the Congress IRAQ, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEC. 2. CONDITIONING OF FUTURE UNITED on how that assessment requires, or does not BENCHMARKS TO MEASURE THAT STATES STRATEGY IN IRAQ ON THE require, changes to the strategy announced PROGRESS, AND REPORTS TO CON- IRAQI GOVERNMENT’S RECORD OF GRESS. on January 10, 2007. PERFORMANCE ON ITS BENCH- (b) REPORTS REQUIRED.— (a) Congress makes the following findings: MARKS. (1) Over 145,000 American military per- (1) The President shall submit an initial (a) IN GENERAL.—(1) The United States sonnel are currently serving in Iraq, like report, in classified and unclassified format, strategy in Iraq, hereafter, shall be condi- thousands of others since March 2003, with to the Congress, not later than July 15, 2007, tioned on the Iraqi government meeting the bravery and professionalism consistent assessing the status of each of the specific benchmarks, as told to members of Congress with the finest traditions of the United benchmarks established above, and declar- by the President, the Secretary of State, the States armed forces, and are deserving of the ing, in his judgment, whether satisfactory Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of strong support of all Americans; progress toward meeting these benchmarks (2) Many American service personnel have the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reflected in the is, or is not, being achieved. lost their lives, and many more have been Iraqi Government’s commitments to the (2) The President, having consulted with wounded in Iraq; the American people will United States, and to the international com- the Secretary of State, The Secretary of De- always honor their sacrifice and honor their munity, including: fense, The Commander, Multi-National families; (A) Forming a Constitutional Review Com- Forces-Iraq, the United States Ambassador (3) The United States Army and Marine mittee and then completing the Constitu- to Iraq, and the Commander of U.S. Central Corps, including their Reserve components tional review; Command, will prepare the report and sub- and National Guard organizations, together (B) Enacting and implementing legislation mit the report to Congress. with components of the other branches of on de-Baathification; (3) If the President’s assessment of any of the military, are performing their missions (C) Enacting and implementing legislation the specific benchmarks established above is while under enormous strain from multiple, to ensure the equitable distribution of hy- unsatisfactory, the President shall include in extended deployments to Iraq and Afghani- drocarbon resources of the people of Iraq that report a description of such revisions to stan. These deployments, and those that will without regard to the sect or ethnicity of re- the political, economic, regional, and mili- follow, will have a lasting impact on future cipients, and enacting and implementing leg- tary components of the strategy, as an- recruiting, retention, and readiness of our islation to ensure that the energy resources nounced by the President on January 10, Nation’s all volunteer force; of Iraq benefit Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, 2007. In addition, the President shall include (4) Iraq is experiencing a deteriorating Kurds, and other Iraqi citizens in an equi- in the report, the advisability of imple- problem of sectarian and intrasectarian vio- table manner; menting such aspects of the bipartisan Iraq lence based upon political distrust and cul- (D) Enacting and implementing legislation Study Group, as he deems appropriate. tural differences among factions of the on procedures to form semi-autonomous re- (4) The President shall submit a second re- Sunni and Shia populations; gions; port to the Congress, not later than Sep- (5) Iraqis must reach political and eco- (E) Enacting and implementing legislation tember 15, 2007, following the same proce- nomic settlements in order to achieve rec- establishing an Independent High Electoral dures and criteria, outlined above. onciliation, for there is no military solution. Commission; provincial elections law; pro- (5) The reporting requirement detailed in The failure of the Iraqis to reach such settle- vincial council authorities; and a date for Section 1227 of the National Defense Author- ments to support a truly unified government provincial elections; ization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 is waived greatly contributes to the increasing vio- (F) Enacting and implementing legislation from the date of the enactment of this Act lence in Iraq; addressing amnesty; through the period ending 15 September, (6) The responsibility for Iraq’s internal se- (G) Enacting and implementing legislation 2007. curity and halting sectarian violence rests establishing a strong militia disarmament (c) TESTIMONY BEFORE CONGRESS.— with the sovereign Government of Iraq; program to ensure that such security forces (1) Prior to the submission of the Presi- (7) In December 2006, the bipartisan Iraq are accountable only to the central govern- dent’s second report on September 15, 2007, Study Group issued a valuable report, sug- ment and loyal to the Constitution of Iraq; and at a time to be agreed upon by the lead- gesting a comprehensive strategy that in- (H) Establishing supporting political, ership of the Congress and the Administra- cludes new and enhanced diplomatic and po- media, economic, and services committees in tion, the United States Ambassador to Iraq litical efforts in Iraq and the region, and a support of the Baghdad Security Plan; and the Commander, Multi-National Forces change in the primary mission of U.S. forces (I) Providing three trained and ready Iraqi Iraq will be made available to testify in open in Iraq, that will enable the United States to brigades to support Baghdad operations; and closed sessions before the relevant com- begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq (J) Providing Iraqi commanders with all mittees of the Congress. responsibly; authorities to execute this plan and to make SEC. 3. LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF (8) The President said on January 10, 2007, tactical and operational decisions, in con- FUNDS that ‘‘I’ve made it clear to the Prime Min- sultation with U.S commanders, without po- (a) LIMITATION.—No funds appropriated or ister and Iraq’s other leaders that America’s litical intervention, to include the authority otherwise made available for the ‘‘Economic commitment is not open-ended’’ so as to dis- to pursue all extremists, including Sunni in- Support Fund’’ and available for Iraq may be pel the contrary impression that exists; surgents and Shiite militias; obligated or expended unless and until the (9) It is essential that the sovereign Gov- (K) Ensuring that the Iraqi Security President of the United States certifies in ernment of Iraq set out measurable and Forces are providing even handed enforce- the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(1) achievable benchmarks and President Bush ment of the law; above and makes a further certification in said, on January 10, 2007, that ‘‘America will (L) Ensuring that, according to President the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(4) change our approach to help the Iraqi gov- Bush, Prime Minister Maliki said ‘‘the Bagh- above that Iraq is making progress on each ernment as it works to meet these bench- dad security plan will not provide a safe of the benchmarks set forth in Section 2 marks’’; haven for any outlaws, regardless of [their] above. (10) As reported by Secretary of State Rice, sectarian or political affiliation’’; (b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The President Iraq’s Policy Committee on National Secu- (M) Reducing the level of sectarian vio- may waive the requirements of this section rity agreed upon a set of political, security, lence in Iraq and eliminating militia control if he submits to Congress a written certifi- and economic benchmarks and an associated of local security; cation setting forth a detailed justification timeline in September 2006 that were (a) re- (N) Establishing all of the planned joint se- for the waiver, which shall include a detailed affirmed by Iraq’s Presidency Council on Oc- curity stations in neighborhoods across report describing the actions being taken by tober 6, 2006; (b) referenced by the Iraq Study Baghdad; the Unites States to bring the Iraqi govern- Group; and (c) posted on the President of (O) Increasing the number of Iraqi security ment into compliance with the benchmarks Iraq’s Web site; forces units capable of operating independ- set forth in Section 2 above, The certifi- (11) On April 21, 2007, Secretary of Defense ently; cation shall be submitted in unclassified Robert Gates stated that ‘‘our [American] (P) Ensuring that the rights of minority form, but may include a classified annex, commitment to Iraq is long-term, but it is political parties in the Iraqi legislature are SEC. 4. REDEPLOYMENT OF U.S. FORCES FROM not a commitment to have our young men protected; IRAQ. and women patrolling Iraq’s streets open- (Q) Allocating and spending $10 billion in (a) The President of the United States, in endedly’’ and that ‘‘progress in reconcili- Iraqi revenues for reconstruction projects, respecting the sovereign rights of the nation ation will be an important element of our including delivery of essential services, on of Iraq, shall direct the orderly redeploy- evaluation’’; an equitable basis; and ment of elements of U.S. forces from Iraq, if

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6121 the components of the Iraqi government, following amendments: Feingold sec- Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move acting in strict accordance with their respec- ond-degree amendment No. 1098, Levin to bring to a close debate on the Levin tive powers given by the Iraqi Constitution, amendment No. 1097, Warner amend- amendment No. 1097 to H.R. 1495, the Water reach a consensus as recited in a resolution, ment No. 1134, and the Cochran amend- Resources Development Act. directing a redeployment of U.S. forces. ment No. 1135, with the time equally Carl Levin, Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer, SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENTS. Amy Klobuchar, Sheldon Whitehouse, divided and controlled between the ma- Ted Kennedy, Patty Murray, Richard (a) Assessment by the Comptroller Gen- jority and Republican leaders or their eral. J. Durbin, Jon Tester, Max Baucus, (1) Not later than September 1, 2007, the designees; that the votes occur in the Tom Carper, Daniel K. Inouye, Ben Comptroller General of the United States order listed above; and that there be 2 Nelson, Ron Wyden, Debbie Stabenow, shall submit to Congress an independent re- minutes of debate prior to each vote, Byron L. Dorgan, Claire McCaskill. port setting forth— equally divided and controlled, and AMENDMENT NO. 1135 (A) the status of the achievement of the that each vote in this sequence after Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I benchmarks specified in Section 2 above; and the first be limited to 10 minutes; that ask unanimous consent that the pend- (B) the Comptroller General’s assessment if cloture is not invoked, then the ing amendment to the bill be set aside, whether or not each such benchmark has amendment be withdrawn; that no and on behalf of Senator COCHRAN, I been met. other amendments be in order prior to call up an amendment to the bill, (b) Assessment of the Capabilities of Iraqi the cloture votes; and that second-de- Security Forces. which is at the desk. gree amendments may be filed until (1) IN GENERAL.—There is hereby author- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ized to be appropriated for the Department 9:30 a.m.; further, that the mandatory objection, it is so ordered. The clerk of Defense, $750,000,000, that the Department, quorums, as required under rule XXII, will report. in turn, will commission an independent, pri- be waived with respect to the cloture The legislative clerk read as follows: vate sector entity, which operates as a motions covered under this agreement; The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- 501(c)(3), with recognized credentials and ex- further, that the 20 minutes imme- NELL], for Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. WARNER, and pertise in military affairs, to prepare an diately prior to the first vote be under Mr. BOND, proposes an amendment numbered independent report assessing the following: the control of the majority and Repub- 1135. (A) The readiness of the Iraqi Security lican leaders, with the time equally di- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Forces (ISF) to assume responsibility for vided, with the majority leader con- maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq, ask unanimous consent that the read- denying international terrorists a safe trolling the final 10 minutes. ing of the amendment be dispensed haven, and bringing greater security to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there with. Iraq’s 18 provinces in the next 12–18 months, objection? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and bringing an end to sectarian violence to Without objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. achieve national reconciliation. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now ask The amendment is as follows: (B) The training, equipping, command, unanimous consent that upon disposi- (Purpose: To express the sense of the Senate control and intelligence capabilities, and lo- tion of the amendments covered under that Congress must send to the President gistics capacity of the ISF. this agreement, the Senate resume de- acceptable legislation to continue funds (C) The likelihood that, given the ISF’s bate on the motion to proceed to S. for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation record of preparedness to date, following 1348, comprehensive immigration legis- Enduring Freedom by not later than May years of training and equipping by U.S. lation, with the time until 2 p.m. for 28, 2007) forces, the continued support of U.S. troops debate prior to a vote on the motion to At the appropriate place, insert the fol- will contribute to the readiness of the ISF to lowing: fulfill the missions outlined in subparagraph invoke cloture on the motion to pro- SEC. ll. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON FUNDING (A). ceed—Mr. President, I withdraw this aspect of the consent request at this FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (2) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after AND OPERATION ENDURING FREE- the enactment of this Act, the designated time, and stop where I was where there DOM. private sector entity shall provide an unclas- was no objection. (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the fol- sified report, with a classified annex, con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is lowing findings: taining its findings, to the House and Senate withdrawn. (1) The President is the commander in Committees on Armed Services, Appropria- CLOTURE MOTION chief of the United States Armed Forces. tions, Foreign Relations/International Rela- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send a (2) The United States Armed Forces are tions, and Intelligence. cloture motion to the desk. currently engaged in military operations in Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I yield The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation En- the floor. I suggest the absence of a ture motion having been presented during Freedom on behalf of the national se- curity interests of the United States. quorum. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the (3) The funds previously appropriated to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. clerk to read the motion. continue military operations in Operation WHITEHOUSE). The clerk will call the The legislative clerk read as follows: Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Free- roll. CLOTURE MOTION dom are depleted. The assistant legislative clerk pro- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- (4) The President requested more than 100 ceeded to call the roll. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the days ago supplemental appropriations to Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Standing Rules of the Senate, hereby move continue funding for Operation Iraqi Free- imous consent that the order for the to bring to a close debate on the Feingold dom and Operation Enduring Freedom. amendment No. 1098 to amendment No. 1097 (5) Congress has not passed a supplemental quorum call be rescinded. to H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Develop- appropriations bill to continue funding for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ment Act. Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation En- objection, it is so ordered. Russell D. Feingold, Harry Reid, Barbara during Freedom in a manner that the com- Mr. REID. Mr. President, what is the Boxer, Amy Klobuchar, Sheldon White- mander in chief believes gives the United pending business now before the Sen- house, Ted Kennedy, Patty Murray, States Armed Forces and the Iraqi people ate? Richard J. Durbin, Bernard Sanders, the best chance to succeed at establishing a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The War- Daniel K. Inouye, Christopher S. Dodd, safe, stable, and sustainable democracy in ner amendment No. 1134 is the pending Ron Wyden, John Kerry, Debbie Stabe- Iraq. now, Ben Cardin, Jim Webb, Charles (6) A supplemental appropriations request business. Schumer, Tom Harkin. to fund ongoing combat operations in Oper- Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is my un- CLOTURE MOTION ation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring derstanding we are on WRDA, then, Mr. REID. Mr. President, I send a Freedom should remain focused on the war H.R. 1495? cloture motion to the desk. effort by providing the resources necessary The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- for United States troops abroad and in the correct. ture motion having been presented United States. (b) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the imous consent that on Wednesday, May of the Senate that Congress should send leg- clerk to read the motion. islation to the President providing appro- 16, when the Senate resumes consider- The legislative clerk read as follows: priations for Operation Iraqi Freedom and ation of H.R. 1495, the time until 10:30 CLOTURE MOTION Operation Enduring Freedom in a manner a.m. be for debate prior to the votes on We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- that the President can sign into law by not the motions to invoke cloture on the ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the later than May 28, 2007.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 CLOTURE MOTION Mr. FEINGOLD. I would like to point Mr. REID. I support the under- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I out some of the critical elements to en- standing reached by the chairman and now send a cloture motion to the pend- suring meaningful independent review the Senator from Wisconsin. ing Warner amendment to the desk. of Corps of Engineers water resources Mr. FEINGOLD. Mitigation for Corps The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- projects that are contained in section of Engineers civil works projects is an- ture motion having been presented 2007 of S.1248. Section 2007 is the same other important area that must be im- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the language that was adopted on the Sen- proved. Despite the clear mitigation clerk to read the motion. ate floor during last summer’s consid- requirements established for water re- The legislative clerk read as follows: eration of the Water Resources Devel- sources projects in the Water Re- CLOTURE MOTION opment Act of 2006. Though the House sources Development Act of 1986, the We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- of Representatives has an independent Government Accountability Office re- ance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the review provision in their bill, there are ported in 2002 that the Corps of Engi- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby several important distinctions between neers does not mitigate at all for al- move to bring to a close debate on the pend- the House and the Senate provisions. most 70 percent of its projects. To help ing Warner amendment No. 1134 to H.R. 1495, The Senate provision houses respon- the Water Resources Development Act of address this problem, the Senate provi- sibility for independent review in the sion requires the Secretary to ensure 2007. Office of the Secretary of the Army and Mitch McConnell, Judd Gregg, Richard that mitigation for water resources Burr, Mike Crapo, John Cornyn, Lisa makes independent review mandatory projects complies fully with the miti- Murkowski, Susan M. Collins, John for any project meeting the review gation standards and policies estab- Warner, Orrin G. Hatch, Craig Thomas, triggers. The mandatory review trig- lished pursuant to section 404 of the gers and placement of responsibility Larry E. Craig, John E. Sununu, Pete Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for carrying out independent reviews V. Domenici, James M. Inhofe, Trent 33 U.S.C. 1344. This will help protect Lott, John Thune, Christopher S. Bond. outside the Office of the Chief of Engi- the environment and is consistent with CLOTURE MOTION neers are essential for ensuring full the fundamental principal that we will Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I independence of the review process. hold the Federal Government to the send a cloture motion to the desk to The Senate provision gives the inde- same environmental criteria as private the Cochran amendment. pendent review panels the ability to re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- view those issues deemed significant by enterprise. In addition, in order to ensure that ture motion having been presented the panel. This is essential for ensuring mitigation produces the same or great- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the that all relevant study issues are ex- er ecosystem values as those lost to a clerk to read the motion. amined by the panel. The House of Rep- The legislative clerk read as follows: resentatives provision gives the Chief water resources project, the Senate provision requires that the Corps of CLOTURE MOTION of Engineers essentially unlimited au- Engineers implement not less than in- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- thority to restrict the scope of a pan- kind mitigation. To ensure that miti- ance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the el’s review. The Senate provision Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby places limits on the Corps’ ability to gation will be effective, the Senate bill move to bring to a close debate on the pend- ignore panel recommendations by re- requires the preparation of detailed ing Cochran amendment No. 1135 to H.R. quiring the Secretary of the Army to mitigation plans, requires that mitiga- 1495, the Water Resources Development Act provide a written explanation regard- tion be monitored until ecological suc- of 2007. cess criteria are met, and requires the Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Pete V. ing the rejection of any panel rec- ommendations and by requiring the Corps of Engineers to consult yearly Domenici, Johnny Isakson, James M. with applicable Federal and State Inhofe, Craig Thomas, Trent Lott, Corps to prove why it is appropriate to John E. Sununu, John Thune, Thad reject a panel’s recommendation in any agencies on the status of individual Cochran, Christopher S. Bond, Norm lawsuit that might be brought to chal- mitigation efforts. The Senate provi- Coleman, John Warner, Richard G. lenge the project. The Senate bill does sion applies the new mitigation stand- Lugar, Jeff Sessions, Orrin G. Hatch, not create a new cause of action. This ards to projects that the Corps of Engi- Gordon H. Smith. is essential for ensuring that the find- neers has determined must be reevalu- SECTIONS 2006, 2007, AND 2008 ings of an independent review panel are ated for other reasons. The Senate pro- Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I given appropriate consideration by the vision also requires the Corps to estab- would like to engage the distinguished Corps of Engineers. In addition, the lish a publicly accessible mitigation chairman from California and the dis- Senate provision establishes a critical tracking system. tinguished majority leader in a col- safety assurance review of the detailed The language of sections 2008(c) and loquy with respect to the provisions in technical design of vital flood control (e) obtained bipartisan support from section 2006, 2007, and 2008 (c) and (e) of projects. The House language does not the Environment and Public Works the Water Resources Development Act include this essential provision. Committee last Congress and was in- of 2007, S.1248. Importantly, the Senate provision cluded in the Senate Water Resources Mrs. BOXER. I would be happy to re- ensures that the independent review Development Act of 2006. spond to the Senator from Wisconsin. panel will review the draft study re- I ask my colleagues to concur with Mr. REID. I, too, am happy to engage leased for public comment and will the importance of retaining these key in a colloquy with the Senator from have the benefit of public comment to elements of mitigation reform con- Wisconsin. help guide their review. The House bill tained in section 2008(c) and (e). Mr. FEINGOLD. I appreciate the ef- in general requires that independent Mrs. BOXER. I concur that these are forts and success of the chairman and review be complete before there is a fundamental elements of meaningful the Environment and Public Works draft study for review. That would mitigation reform and concur that it is Committee in reporting a Water Re- limit a fundamental purpose of inde- the committee’s intent to retain these sources Development Act that includes pendent review, which is to ensure re- elements and that we will strenuously many important Corps of Engineers re- view of draft studies and limit public support them in the conference. forms. I would simply like to clarify participation in the independent re- Mr. REID. I support the under- that it is the intent of the committee view process. standing reached by the chairman and and of the majority leader that these I ask my colleagues to concur with the Senator from Wisconsin. provisions be retained through con- the importance of retaining these crit- Mr. FEINGOLD. Lastly, section 2006 ference and enacted into law. These ical elements of independent review of S. 1248 would update the Corps’ woe- provisions should be the minimum re- contained in Section 2007. fully out-of-date Principles and Guide- forms coming out of conference. Mrs. BOXER. I concur that these are lines, P&G, and related planning docu- Mrs. BOXER. I concur that this is the fundamental elements of meaningful ments by establishing a Cabinet-level committee’s intent. independent review and concur that it interagency working group to revise Mr. REID. I support the under- is the committee’s intent to retain the guidelines and regulations and cir- standing reached by the chairman and these elements and that we will strenu- culars, which have not been revised the Senator from Wisconsin. ously support them in the conference. since their inception in 1983. Numerous

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6123 studies have called for updating the Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank The parcels discussed in the committee Corps’ planning guidelines to provide the leader for his comments. I appre- report are currently owned by the an increased focus on protecting and ciate the leader’s continued support for Rancheria and are very close to their restoring the environment and to mod- this reauthorizing legislation and the current reservation boundary. Two of ernize and incorporate new methods authorization of the new projects for the three parcels are along the Clear and more cost-effective approaches to navigation, flood and coastal storm Lake shoreline. The committee be- solving water problems. More than a damage reduction, ecosystem restora- lieved it was appropriate to com- decade of reports from the National tion and environmental remediation, pensate the Rancheria by allowing Academy of Sciences, Government Ac- and water storage and water quality. them to add to their reservation lands countability Office, Army inspector Mr. REID. Mr. President, I generally that are approximately 1 mile away general, U.S. Commission on Ocean support this bill and understand that from their current reservation bound- Policy, and independent experts have many of the projects are necessary to ary and which the tribe already owns. revealed a pattern of stunning flaws in improve and maintain safe commu- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I thank my U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project nities. But I am concerned about the planning and implementation and friend from California for describing effects of one project on Indian lands. the lands. While neither the House nor urged substantial changes to the Corps’ Both S. 1248 and H.R. 1495 include au- project planning process. The most re- Senate bills would authorize the Sec- thorizing language for a flood damage retary to take the transferred lands cent call for revising the Corps’ plan- reduction and environmental restora- ning guidelines came just 2 months ago into trust as ‘‘restored lands’’ for the tion project on Middle Creek, located purpose of the Indian Gaming Regu- from the National Academy of Public in Lake County, CA. I certainly defer Administration. latory Act, the report recommends the to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Secretary do so. These flaws have increased taxpayer and the California congressional dele- costs and environmental degradation gation as to the project’s importance I understand the Rancheria can con- with antiquated economic analysis of and the most appropriate plan to im- tinue to operate its on-reservation ca- projects and in some cases overly plement it, but would my friend from sino should this project be imple- structural projects. It is vital that California describe the impact of the mented, and I do not oppose the these planning guidelines be modern- project on Indian lands in the area? Rancheria’s right to do so because ized so that they no longer promote Mrs. BOXER. Mr. Leader, the Middle these lands are located within its tradi- projects that destroy healthy natural Creek Project will restore lands within tional reservation boundary and were ecosystems and lure development in the Middle Creek floodplain and study taken into trust before the enactment high risk areas. It is also essential that area. I believe the project will recon- of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the provision to require the Corps to nect the floodplain of Middle Creek to IGRA, thus the casino was opened con- adopt those revisions, subject to public the historic Robinson Lake wetland sistent with the requirements of IGRA. comment, be retained. area by breaching the existing levee But as you know, I have long opposed The language of section 2006 obtained system and creating inlets that direct off-reservation gaming, and while I un- bipartisan support from the Environ- derstand that neither bill would au- ment and Public Works Committee last flows into the study area. The restora- tion will provide flood damage reduc- thorize gaming on the transferred par- Congress and was included in the Sen- cels, I do not support the committee’s ate Water Resources Development Act tion by relocating residents of the Rob- inson Rancheria from the floodplain. recommendation that the Secretary of 2006. declare these parcels ‘‘restored lands.’’ I ask my colleagues to concur with Mr. REID. Madam Chairman, I under- As we know, should the Secretary de- the importance of retaining these ele- stand the Rancheria’s current casino clare the parcels as ‘‘restored lands,’’ ments. will not be affected by this project if Mrs. BOXER. I concur that these are implemented—that the Rancheria the Rancheria would be allowed to con- fundamental elements of meaningful could continue, if it chooses, to operate duct gaming on lands deemed outside reform of the Corps of Engineers plan- this casino once the project is com- of its reservation boundary and on ning guidelines and concur that it is pleted. Is this correct? lands acquired after enactment of the the committee’s intent to retain these Mrs. BOXER. Mr. Leader, that is cor- Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. I note elements and that we will strenuously rect. that report language does not have the support them in the conference. Mr. REID. Madam Chairman, I under- same legal status as legislative lan- Mr. REID. I support the under- stand that neither the Senate nor the guage. standing reached by the chairman and House bill authorizes the Secretary of Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, the Cali- the Senator from Wisconsin. the Interior to take land into trust for fornia delegation strongly supports the Mr. FEINGOLD. I thank the chair- purposes of gaming on behalf of the projects included in S. 1248. I hear the man and the majority leader for engag- Rancheria? majority leader’s concerns. Being chair ing in this colloquy. Instituting mean- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. Leader, the bill of the committee, I, of course, support ingful reforms to the Corps of Engi- under consideration would authorize the language in the committee’s rec- neers’ planning process is essential for the Middle Creek Project. The bill does ommendation with respect to the land protecting public safety, the environ- not expressly authorize the United transfer for the Robinson Rancheria, ment, and the taxpayers. I remain com- States to take land into trust for the should the bill be enacted. While I may mitted to ensuring that meaningful re- Rancheria. disagree with the leader’s position as it forms are included in the next Water Mr. REID. Thank you for that clari- concerns this particular project, I ap- Resources Development Act that is en- fication. Madam Chairman, in Senate preciate his comments and support for acted into law. I thank the chairman Report 110–58, the committee rec- the legislation as a whole. and the majority leader for their com- ommends that, in exchange for the ex- mitment as well. isting reservation lands that would be Mr. REID. Mr. President, I appreciate the clarifications and explanations MIDDLE CREEK PROJECT included in the floodplain, the Sec- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I thank retary of the Interior accept three par- that my friend from California has pro- vided. Chairman BOXER and the Committee on cels of land into trust for the benefit of Environment and Public Works for the Rancheria. Would you describe The PRESIDING OFFICER. The their hard work on S. 1248, the Water these parcels and their location in rela- clerk will call the roll. Resources Development Act of 2007 and tion to the Rancheria’s current res- The assistant legislative clerk pro- the bill currently being considered by ervation boundaries? ceeded to call the roll. the Senate, H.R. 1495. The bill rep- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I appre- resents years of negotiations by her, ciate the interest of the Senator from Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- members of the committee, and staff, Nevada in the effect of this project on imous consent that the order for the and I appreciate her leadership in the Rancheria. Since 1981, the Sec- quorum call be rescinded. bringing a bill forward for this body’s retary of the Interior has held 37 acres The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without consideration. in trust on behalf of the Rancheria. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 MORNING BUSINESS continue our support for better equip- delaying so many of these claims. Con- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- ment and the increased use of bullet- gress and the American people want to imous consent that there now be a pe- resistant vests, improved training, and see fair and equitable treatment for the riod of morning business, with Sen- advanced emergency medical care. I families of the brave individuals who ators permitted to speak therein for up hope as the 110th Congress moves for- lose their lives in the line of duty, not to 10 minutes each. ward that all Senators can work to- foot-dragging and excuses from the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without gether to ensure that all of our law en- Justice Department. objection, it is so ordered. forcement officers and their families We can all agree that the men and have the full support and the resources women in law enforcement who have f they need from the Federal Govern- sacrificed for our safety deserve our NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS ment. deep gratitude and respect. National MEMORIAL DAY I have been working to help make it Peace Officers Memorial Day recog- safer on the beat for our officers. Back nizes real-life heroes. Our Nation’s law Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today in 1998, Senator Campbell and I au- enforcement officers deserve our com- marks the 26th year that peace officers thored the Bulletproof Vest Grant mitment to provide for those who help from around the country have gathered Partnership Act, in part a response to keep us all safe. I support and respect in the Nation’s Capital to participate the tragic Carl Drega shootout on the our State and local police officers and in the National Peace Officers Memo- Vermont-New Hampshire border in all of our first responders and am proud rial Day Service. Every year, Peace Of- which two State troopers who lacked to recognize their role in upholding the ficers Memorial Day offers the people bulletproof vests were killed. Since rule of law and keeping our Nation safe of the United States, in their commu- then, we have successfully reauthorized and secure. nities, in their State capitals, and in this program three times: In the Bul- f the Nation’s Capital, the opportunity letproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of to honor and reflect on the extraor- 2000, in the State Justice Institute Re- FEDERAL CRACK COCAINE dinary service and sacrifice given year authorization Act of 2004, and most re- SENTENCING POLICY after year by our police forces. I wel- cently as part of the Violence Against Mr. LEAHY. Mr. Presdient, today, come the visiting peace officers and Women and Department of Justice Re- the U.S. Sentencing Commission took their family members who are gathered authorization Act of 2005. It is now au- another important step in addressing in Washington today as we honor their thorized at $50 million per year the wide disparity in our Federal co- services and those lost this past year. through fiscal year 2009 to help State, caine sentencing laws. Earlier this month, the Senate tribal, and local jurisdictions purchase The Commission released its fourth passed a resolution marking today Na- armor vests for use by law enforcement report to Congress in 12 years that, tional Peace Officers Memorial Day. officers. Senator SPECTER and I joined once again, provides a comprehensive This is now the 11th year running that together to send a letter to other Sen- review of our cocaine policies, and rec- I have sponsored this resolution to ators last week to make sure that the ommendations about how those poli- honor the sacrifice and commitment of Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant cies can be improved. Almost 3 weeks those law enforcement officers who Program is fully funded this year. Bul- ago, the Commission recommended to give their lives serving their commu- letproof vests have saved the lives of Congress a change in the Sentencing nities. Senator SPECTER, himself a thousands of officers and are a funda- Guidelines that would lower the offense former prosecutor, former chairman of mental line of defense that no officer level for crack offenders across the the Judiciary Committee, and now our should be without. It is crucial that board. Both of these actions are posi- ranking member, was the lead Repub- Congress provide the full funding au- tive steps, but real progress in this lican sponsor of this bipartisan meas- thorized to the Bulletproof Vest Part- area requires congressional action. ure this year. I thank the majority nership Program. Hundreds of thou- Under current law, an offender appre- leader, himself a former police officer, sands of police officers and local juris- hended with 5 grams of crack cocaine and all Senators for their support in dictions are counting on us. faces the same 5 year mandatory min- recognizing the sacrifices that law en- I am disappointed that not all of imum sentence as an offender with 500 forcement officers make each day for Congress’s actions to protect and help grams of powder cocaine—that is the the American people. our law enforcement officers are imple- same sentence for 100 times more pow- Currently, more than 900,000 men and mented by this administration. Presi- der cocaine. In 2000, the average sen- women who guard our communities do dent Bush has repeatedly proposed tence for a crack cocaine defendant so at great risk. After the hijacked drastic cuts to the bulletproof vest ini- was nearly 4 years longer than the av- planes hit the World Trade Center in tiative and other grant programs that erage sentence for a powder cocaine de- New York City on September 11, 2001, directly assist State and local law en- fendant. 72 peace officers died while trying to forcement. The Bush administration Last week, the Commission an- ensure that their fellow citizens in has spent more than $400 billion on a nounced it will issue a guideline those buildings got to safety. That act failed policy in Iraq, and yet the Presi- change that lowers the offense level for of terrorism resulted in the highest dent continues to propose cuts in fund- crack offenders by 2 points across the number of peace officers ever killed in ing for programs here in the United board. As a result, 75 percent of Fed- a single incident in the history of our States for first responders who protect eral crack offenders will have their country and is a tragic reminder of our Nation’s communities. sentences reduced by approximately 16 how important it is for the Congress to I will mention one other important months. This change represents a step provide all of the resources necessary example of a law I sponsored and in the right direction. to protect officers in the line of duty. helped pass in 2003, the Hometown He- For far too long, the Federal crack- Since the first recorded police death roes Survivors Benefit Act. This impor- powder sentencing laws have created in 1792, there have been more than tant, bipartisan legislation reflects the an injustice in our Nation. Over 20 17,900 law enforcement officers who belief of Congress that the families of years now, Congress has silently stood have made the ultimate sacrifice. We firefighters, law enforcement officers, by as this policy swelled our prisons, are fortunate in Vermont that we rank and other first responders should be disproportionately impacted African as the State with the fewest officer cared for when a public safety officer Americans, and misdirected precious deaths. With 19 deaths, however, that dies of a heart attack or stroke in the Federal resources on low-level street is, of course, 19 deaths too many. line of duty. To date, the Department dealers rather than on the worst of- In 2006, 145 law enforcement officers of Justice has made only two positive fenders—drug kingpins who bring crack died while serving in the line of duty, determinations from the more than 230 into our neighborhoods. Twenty years below the decade-long average of 165 applications it has received. It is inex- of irresponsible policy is enough. deaths annually and a drop from 2005 cusable that the Department of Justice I hope the Commission’s report and when 156 officers were killed. That is appears to be interpreting this law as recommendations will serve as a road- still 145 officers too many. We need to narrowly as possible and is denying and map for the 110th Congress. Americans

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6125 deserve a Congress that will make Fed- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT eral drug laws fair and proportional. The following message from the We can, and should, fix this injustice President of the United States was on a bipartisan basis. It is time to act. HONORING MURIEL GIBSON transmitted to the Senate by one of his ∑ Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today secretaries: f I wish to recognize Muriel Gibson for f her 19 years of service to the U.S. Sen- HONORING THE LATE SENATOR ate and the people of Washington REPORT CERTIFYING THAT THE THOMAS J. DODD State. Ms. Gibson has been a case- EXPORT TO THE PEOPLE’S RE- worker on my staff since I was first PUBLIC OF CHINA OF CERTAIN Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I elected to the Senate in 1993, and she is MATERIALS, INCLUDING AN rise today to honor Thomas J. Dodd, leaving at the end of this week to con- ISOSTATIC PRESS FOR MANU- the former Senator of the great State tinue her public service in another ca- FACTURING AUTOMOTIVE SPARE of Connecticut. As his son, my senior pacity. PARTS, IS NOT DETRIMENTAL Senator, CHRIS DODD, said earlier, Ms. Gibson has spent the last 15 years TO THE U.S. SPACE LAUNCH IN- Thomas Dodd would have turned 100 on my staff and 4 years on Senator DUSTRY AND THAT THE MATE- years old today. He was a public serv- Brock Adams’s staff serving Wash- RIAL WILL NOT MEASURABLY ant of the highest order, working in an ington State’s veterans and members IMPROVE THE MISSILE OR astounding number of capacities of the armed services. She has been a SPACE LAUNCH CAPABILITIES throughout his life. After graduating tireless advocate for the men and OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF from Yale Law School, he became a women of our State who served us CHINA—PM 13 special agent with the FBI, and eventu- through military service. As a country, The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- ally became an assistant for five Attor- we promise our servicemembers and fore the Senate the following message ney Generals of the United States. In their families support in exchange for from the President of the United this capacity, Thomas Dodd played a their commitment to protect our Na- States, together with an accompanying key role in establishing the first civil tion. Ms. Gibson has made sure that report; which was referred to the Com- rights division of the Justice Depart- these promises are kept to these brave mittee on Foreign Relations: men and women. ment. To the Congress of the United States: The needs of our veterans and sol- Upon leaving the Justice Depart- In accordance with the provisions of diers can often be demanding, and Ms. ment, Senator Dodd became the U.S. section 1512 of the Strom Thurmond Gibson met those demands with com- chief counsel to prosecute Axis crimes National Defense Authorization Act for passion and understanding. As the at Nuremberg and handled the day-to- Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105–261), I daughter of a career soldier, she knows day strategies for our Nation’s prosecu- hereby certify that the export to the the challenges facing our military fam- tion team. In recognition of his work, People’s Republic of China of the fol- ilies firsthand. Whether assisting a Senator Dodd received a Presidential lowing items is not detrimental to the World War II veteran to receive his Citation, the U.S. Medal of Freedom, U.S. space launch industry, and that long delayed Purple Heart or ensuring and the Czechoslovakian Order of the the material and equipment, including that a returning soldier from Operation White Lion. any indirect technical benefit that Iraqi Freedom gets the medical care could be derived from such exports, I admire Senator Dodd for his brav- needed, Ms. Gibson saw to it that ev- will not measurably improve the mis- ery at Nuremberg. It was not an easy eryone who approached my office for sile or space launch capabilities of the job. He spent over a year away from his assistance received the guidance and People’s Republic of China: family, but he did it because he be- attention they deserved. A four-axis filament winding ma- lieved the United States had a respon- I am also pleased to say that her chine for production of spare parts for sibility to show the world its resound- service to our Nation’s veterans will China’s water purification and treat- ing dedication to a fair legal process not end when she leaves my office. She ment industries; and the delivery of justice to the Nazi will be working toward a master’s de- A computer control system upgrade war criminals. gree in social work and hopes to work to a three-axis filament winding ma- for the Department of Veterans Affairs Senator Dodd’s political career began chine for production of spare parts for upon completion of her degree. I am in 1952 when he was elected from the China’s water purification and treat- comforted by the knowledge that a new First District of Connecticut in the ment industries; generation of veterans will gain from House of Representatives. He won elec- An isostatic press for manufacturing her experience and dedication in the tion to the Senate in 1958, serving as a automotive spare parts; and years to come. leader on the Foreign Relations Com- A four-axis filament winding ma- I would like to thank Ms. Gibson for mittee throughout his tenure. Senator chine to be used in production of her years of distinguished service to Dodd wholeheartedly opposed Soviet graphite or glass composite golf clubs. the Senate, and I wish her happiness in communism, and often stood as a mav- GEORGE W. BUSH. her future pursuits.∑ erick within the Democratic Party on THE WHITE HOUSE, May 15, 2007. foreign policy. f f Thomas Dodd was an inspiration to MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE me. He was a brilliant orator, and I Messages from the President of the At 2:15 p.m., a message from the would often find my way to see him United States were communicated to House of Representatives, delivered by speak when he would visit the New the Senate by Ms. Evans, one of his Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, Haven area. He was a man who stood secretaries. announced that the House has passed by his principles, oftentimes in the the following bills, in which it requests face of fierce opposition. Partisanship f the concurrence of the Senate: and politics always took a backseat to EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED doing what was in the best interest of H.R. 1124. An act to extend the District of As in executive session the Presiding Columbia College Access Act of 1999. America. Officer laid before the Senate messages H.R. 1260. An act to designate the facility Thomas Dodd never refrained from from the President of the United of the United States Postal Service located asking the tough questions, and I ap- States submitting sundry nominations at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as plaud him for his independence and the which were referred to the Committee the ‘‘Claude Ramsey Post Office’’. H.R. 1335. An act to designate the facility example he set as a distinguished Sen- on Armed Services. of the United States Postal Service located ator from my home State of Con- (The nominations received today are at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South necticut, a proud legacy of public serv- printed at the end of the Senate pro- Carolina, as the ‘‘S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins ice, which his son CHRIS has carried on. ceedings.) Post Office Building’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 H.R. 1617. An act to designate the facility thorize the Secretary of Education to award S. 1401. A bill to improve the National Stu- of the United States Postal Service located grants for the support of full-service commu- dent Loan Data System; to the Committee at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, nity schools, and for other purposes; to the on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Missouri, as the ‘‘Harriet F. Woods Post Of- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and By Mr. GRASSLEY: fice Building’’. Pensions. S. 1402. A bill to amend the Investment Ad- H.R. 2025. An act to designate the facility By Mr. SPECTER: visors Act of 1940, with respect to the exemp- of the United States Postal Service located S. 1392. A bill to increase the authorization tion to registration requirements; to the at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illi- for the major medical facility project to con- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban nois, as the ‘‘Willye B. White Post Office solidate the medical centers of the Depart- Affairs. Building’’. ment of Veterans Affairs at the University By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. Drive and H. John Heinz III divisions, Pitts- HARKIN, Mr. CONRAD, and Mr. DUR- f burgh, Pennsylvania; to the Committee on BIN): MEASURES REFERRED Veterans’ Affairs. S. 1403. A bill to amend the Farm Security By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself, Mr. and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to provide The following bills were read the first COCHRAN, and Mr. CORNYN): incentives for the production of bioenergy and the second times by unanimous S. 1393. A bill to amend the Immigration crops; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- consent, and referred as indicated: and Nationality Act to prescribe the binding trition, and Forestry. H.R. 1260. An act to designate the facility oath or affirmation of renunciation and alle- By Mr. INHOFE: of the United States Postal Service located giance required to be naturalized as a citizen S. 1404. A bill to provide for Congressional at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as of the United States, to encourage and sup- authority with respect to certain acquisi- the ‘‘Claude Ramsey Post Office’’; to the port the efforts of prospective citizens of the tions, mergers, and takeovers under the De- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- United States to become citizens, and for fense Production Act of 1950; to the Com- ernmental Affairs. other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- H.R. 1335. An act to designate the facility diciary . fairs. By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. of the United States Postal Service located f at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South VOINOVICH, Mr. KERRY, Mr. LEVIN, Carolina, as the ‘‘S Sgt Lewis G. Watkins and Ms. SNOWE): SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND S. 1394. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Post Office Building’’; to the Committee on SENATE RESOLUTIONS enue Code of 1986, to exclude from gross in- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- come of individual taxpayers discharges of The following concurrent resolutions fairs. indebtedness attributable to certain forgiven H.R. 1617. An act to designate the facility and Senate resolutions were read, and residential mortgage obligations; to the of the United States Postal Service located referred (or acted upon), as indicated: Committee on Finance. at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, By Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mrs. By Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Mrs. Missouri, as the ‘‘Harriett F. Woods Post Of- CLINTON): MCCASKILL): fice Building’’; to the Committee on Home- S. 1395. A bill to prevent unfair practices in S. Res. 199. A resolution calling for the im- land Security and Governmental Affairs. credit card accounts, and for other purposes; mediate and unconditional release of Dr. H.R. 2025. An act to designate the facility to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Haleh Esfandiari; to the Committee on For- of the United States Postal Service located Urban Affairs. eign Relations. at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illi- By Mr. ISAKSON: By Mr. VITTER (for himself and Ms. nois, as the ‘‘Willye B. White Post Office S. 1396. A bill to authorize a major medical LANDRIEU): Building’’; to the Committee on Homeland facility project to modernize inpatient wards S. Res. 200. A resolution commending Lou- Security and Governmental Affairs. at the Department of Veterans Affairs Med- isiana jockeys for their continued success in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs; to f ical Center in Atlanta, Georgia; to the Com- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. the Committee on the Judiciary. MEASURES PLACED ON THE By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Mr. By Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself and CALENDAR HAGEL, Ms. CANTWELL, and Mr. Mr. NELSON of Nebraska): VOINOVICH): S. Res. 201. A resolution supporting the The following bill was read the first S. 1397. A bill to increase the allocation of goals and ideals of ‘‘National Life Insurance and second times by unanimous con- visas for certain highly skilled workers and Awareness Month’’; to the Committee on sent, and placed on the calendar: to reduce fraud and abuse in certain visa pro- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 1124. An act to extend the District of grams for aliens working temporarily in the By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Ms. Columbia College Access Act of 1999. United States; to the Committee on the Ju- SNOWE, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE): diciary. S. Res. 202. A resolution designating the f By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. period beginning on May 14, 2007, and ending on May 18, 2007, as ‘‘National Health Infor- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES COCHRAN): S. 1398. A bill to expand the research and mation Technology Week’’; considered and The following reports of committees prevention activities of the National Insti- agreed to. were submitted: tute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney f By Mr. LEAHY, from the Committee on Diseases, and the Centers for Disease Control the Judiciary, with amendments: and Prevention with respect to inflam- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS matory bowel disease; to the Committee on S. 119. A bill to prohibit profiteering and S. 117 fraud relating to military action, relief, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. BIDEN: At the request of Mr. OBAMA, the reconstruction efforts, and for other pur- name of the Senator from Arkansas poses (Rept. No. 110–66). S. 1399. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 to combine the Hope Schol- (Mrs. LINCOLN) was added as a cospon- f arship Credit and the deduction for qualified sor of S. 117, a bill to amend titles 10 tuition and related expenses into a refund- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND and 38, United States Code, to improve able college affordability and creating benefits and services for members of JOINT RESOLUTIONS chances for educational success for students (ACCESS) credit, to establish an Early Fed- the Armed Forces, veterans of the The following bills and joint resolu- Global War on Terrorism, and other tions were introduced, read the first eral Pell Grant Commitment Demonstration Program, and to increase the maximum Fed- veterans, to require reports on the ef- and second times by unanimous con- eral Pell Grant Award; to the Committee on fects of the Global War on Terrorism, sent, and referred as indicated: Finance. and for other purposes. By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. VIT- By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. ALEX- S. 185 TER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. WEBB, and Mrs. ANDER, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. BURR, Mr. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the DOLE): ISAKSON, and Ms. MURKOWSKI): S. 1390. A bill to provide for the issuance of S. 1400. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- name of the Senator from Massachu- a ‘‘forever stamp’’ to honor the sacrifices of cation Act of 1965 to improve the informa- setts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a co- the brave men and women of the armed tion and repayment options to student bor- sponsor of S. 185, a bill to restore ha- forces who have been awarded the Purple rowers, and for other purposes; to the Com- beas corpus for those detained by the Heart; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and United States. rity and Governmental Affairs. Pensions. S. 206 By Mr. NELSON of Nebraska (for him- By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. ALEX- self and Mr. DURBIN): ANDER, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. BURR, Mr. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the S. 1391. A bill to amend the Elementary ISAKSON, Mr. ROBERTS, and Ms. MUR- name of the Senator from Maryland and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to au- KOWSKI): (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6127 of S. 206, a bill to amend title II of the of early childhood home visitation that kota (Mr. DORGAN) was added as a co- Social Security Act to repeal the Gov- increase school readiness, child abuse sponsor of S. 824, a bill to amend Public ernment pension offset and windfall and neglect prevention, and early iden- Law 106–348 to extend the authorization elimination provisions. tification of developmental and health for establishing a memorial in the Dis- S. 430 delays, including potential mental trict of Columbia or its environs to At the request of Mr. BOND, the name health concerns, and for other pur- honor veterans who became disabled of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. REID) poses. while serving in the Armed Forces of was added as a cosponsor of S. 430, a At the request of Mr. BOND, the name the United States. bill to amend title 10, United States of the Senator from Washington (Ms. S. 831 Code, to enhance the national defense CANTWELL) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the through empowerment of the Chief of S. 667, supra. name of the Senator from Rhode Island the National Guard Bureau and the en- S. 694 (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of hancement of the functions of the Na- At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the S. 831, a bill to authorize States and tional Guard Bureau, and for other pur- names of the Senator from North Da- local governments to prohibit the in- poses. kota (Mr. DORGAN), the Senator from vestment of State assets in any com- S. 469 Oregon (Mr. WYDEN) and the Senator pany that has a qualifying business re- At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ) were lationship with Sudan. name of the Senator from Wyoming added as cosponsors of S. 694, a bill to S. 845 (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of direct the Secretary of Transportation At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name S. 469, a bill to amend the Internal to issue regulations to reduce the inci- of the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Revenue Code of 1986 to make perma- dence of child injury and death occur- KOHL) was added as a cosponsor of S. nent the special rule for contributions ring inside or outside of light motor ve- 845, a bill to direct the Secretary of of qualified conservation contribu- hicles, and for other purposes. Health and Human Services to expand tions. S. 755 and intensify programs with respect to CHUMER S. 506 At the request of Mr. S , the research and related activities con- name of the Senator from California At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, cerning elder falls. (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor the names of the Senator from Min- S. 866 of S. 755, a bill to amend title XIX of nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator At the request of Mr. LUGAR, the the Social Security Act to require from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. States to provide diabetes screening and the Senator from California (Mrs. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. tests under the Medicaid program for FEINSTEIN) were added as cosponsors of 866, a bill to provide for increased plan- S. 506, a bill to improve efficiency in adult enrollees with diabetes risk fac- ning and funding for health promotion the Federal Government through the tors, to ensure that States offer a com- programs of the Department of Health use of high-performance green build- prehensive package of benefits under and Human Services. ings, and for other purposes. that program for individuals with dia- betes, and for other purposes. S. 897 S. 545 At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the S. 773 At the request of Mr. LOTT, the name name of the Senator from Colorado At the request of Mr. WARNER, the of the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. (Mr. SALAZAR) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Washington CORKER) was added as a cosponsor of S. sor of S. 897, a bill to amend the Inter- (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a cospon- 545, a bill to improve consumer access nal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide sor of S. 773, a bill to amend the Inter- to passenger vehicle loss data held by more help to Alzheimer’s disease care- nal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Fed- insurers. givers. eral civilian and military retirees to S. 579 pay health insurance premiums on a S. 898 At the request of Mr. REID, the pretax basis and to allow a deduction At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. for TRICARE supplemental premiums. name of the Senator from Colorado BAMA ALAZAR O ) and the Senator from Montana S. 805 (Mr. S ) was added as a cospon- (Mr. TESTER) were added as cosponsors sor of S. 898, a bill to amend the Public At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the of S. 579, a bill to amend the Public names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Health Service Act to fund break- Health Service Act to authorize the Di- throughs in Alzheimer’s disease re- BROWN) and the Senator from Pennsyl- rector of the National Institute of En- search while providing more help to vania (Mr. CASEY) were added as co- vironmental Health Sciences to make sponsors of S. 805, a bill to amend the caregivers and increasing public edu- grants for the development and oper- Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to assist cation about prevention. ation of research centers regarding en- countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the S. 901 vironmental factors that may be re- effort to achieve internationally recog- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the lated to the etiology of breast cancer. nized goals in the treatment and pre- names of the Senator from New Hamp- S. 625 vention of HIV/AIDS and other major shire (Mr. SUNUNU), the Senator from At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the diseases and the reduction of maternal Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- name of the Senator from North Da- and child mortality by improving ator from Wisconsin (Mr. KOHL) were kota (Mr. DORGAN) was added as a co- human health care capacity and im- added as cosponsors of S. 901, a bill to sponsor of S. 625, a bill to protect the proving retention of medical health amend the Public Health Service Act public health by providing the Food professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide additional authorizations of and Drug Administration with certain and for other purposes. appropriations for the health centers authority to regulate tobacco products. S. 807 program under section 330 of such Act. S. 661 At the request of Mrs. LINCOLN, the S. 902 At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the name of the Senator from New York BROWNBACK) and the Senator from Lou- name of the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a cospon- isiana (Mr. VITTER) were added as co- (Mrs. LINCOLN) was added as a cospon- sor of S. 661, a bill to establish kinship sponsors of S. 807, a bill to amend the sor of S. 902, a bill to provide support navigator programs, to establish Comprehensive Environmental Re- and assistance for families of members guardianship assistance payments for sponse Compensation and Liability Act of the National Guard and Reserve who children, and for other purposes. of 1980 to provide that manure shall are undergoing deployment, and for S. 667 not be considered to be a hazardous other purposes. At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the substance, pollutant, or contaminant. S. 921 name of the Senator from Arkansas S. 824 At the request of Mr. THOMAS, the (Mrs. LINCOLN) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. THUNE, the name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. sor of S. 667, a bill to expand programs name of the Senator from North Da- BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 921, a bill to amend title XVIII of the (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- INOUYE) was added as a cosponsor of S. Social Security Act to provide for the sponsor of S. 1175, a bill to end the use 1328, a bill to amend the Immigration coverage of marriage and family thera- of child soldiers in hostilities around and Nationality Act to eliminate dis- pist services and mental health coun- the world, and for other purposes. crimination in the immigration laws selor services under part B of the Medi- S. 1226 by permitting permanent partners of care program, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. BAYH, the name United States citizens and lawful per- S. 935 of the Senator from Michigan (Ms. manent residents to obtain lawful per- At the request of Mr. NELSON of Flor- STABENOW) was added as a cosponsor of manent resident status in the same ida, the name of the Senator from Mon- S. 1226, a bill to amend title XIX of the manner as spouses of citizens and law- tana (Mr. BAUCUS) was added as a co- Social Security Act to establish pro- ful permanent residents and to penalize sponsor of S. 935, a bill to repeal the re- grams to improve the quality, perform- immigration fraud in connection with quirement for reduction of survivor an- ance, and delivery of pediatric care. permanent partnerships. nuities under the Survivor Benefit S. 1232 S. 1332 Plan by veterans’ dependency and in- At the request of Mr. DODD, the name At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the demnity compensation, and for other of the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. name of the Senator from Massachu- purposes. BINGAMAN) was added as a cosponsor of setts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a co- S. 970 S. 1232, a bill to direct the Secretary of sponsor of S. 1332, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. SMITH, the Health and Human Services, in con- Public Health Service Act to revise and names of the Senator from Massachu- sultation with the Secretary of Edu- extend projects relating to children setts (Mr. KERRY) and the Senator from cation, to develop a voluntary policy and violence to provide access to Nebraska (Mr. NELSON) were added as for managing the risk of food allergy school-based comprehensive mental cosponsors of S. 970, a bill to impose and anaphylaxis in schools, to estab- health programs. sanctions on Iran and on other coun- lish school-based food allergy manage- tries for assisting Iran in developing a ment grants, and for other purposes. S. 1350 REGG nuclear program, and for other pur- S. 1237 At the request of Mr. G , the poses. At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, name of the Senator from New Hamp- S. 980 the names of the Senator from Rhode shire (Mr. SUNUNU) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the Island (Mr. REED) and the Senator from sponsor of S. 1350, a bill to amend title name of the Senator from Minnesota Connecticut (Mr. DODD) were added as II of the Immigration and Nationality (Mr. COLEMAN) was added as a cospon- cosponsors of S. 1237, a bill to increase Act to reform the diversity visa pro- sor of S. 980, a bill to amend the Con- public safety by permitting the Attor- gram and create a program that awards trolled Substances Act to address on- ney General to deny the transfer of visas to aliens with an advanced de- line pharmacies. firearms or the issuance of firearms gree. S. 988 and explosives licenses to known or S. 1351 At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the suspected dangerous terrorists. At the request of Mr. GREGG, the name of the Senator from Delaware S. 1257 name of the Senator from New Hamp- (Mr. CARPER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. LIEBERMAN, the shire (Mr. SUNUNU) was added as a co- of S. 988, a bill to extend the termi- name of the Senator from Missouri sponsor of S. 1351, a bill to amend the nation date for the exemption of re- (Mrs. MCCASKILL) was added as a co- Immigration and Nationality Act to turning workers from the numerical sponsor of S. 1257, a bill to provide the improve the competitiveness of the limitations for temporary workers. District of Columbia a voting seat and United States in the global economy S. 991 the State of Utah an additional seat in and to protect against potential visa At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the the House of Representatives. fraud and abuse. name of the Senator from Arkansas S. 1259 S. 1359 (Mrs. LINCOLN) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mrs. CLINTON, the At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the sor of S. 991, a bill to establish the Sen- name of the Senator from Washington names of the Senator from Montana ator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foun- (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a cospon- (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator from dation under the authorities of the Mu- sor of S. 1259, a bill to amend the For- Vermont (Mr. SANDERS) were added as tual Educational and Cultural Ex- eign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide cosponsors of S. 1359, a bill to amend change Act of 1961. assistance for developing countries to the Public Health Service Act to en- S. 999 promote quality basic education and to hance public and health professional At the request of Mr. COCHRAN, the establish the achievement of universal awareness and understanding of lupus names of the Senator from New Mexico basic education in all developing coun- and to strengthen the Nation’s re- (Mr. DOMENICI) and the Senator from tries as an objective of United States search efforts to identify the causes Massachusetts (Mr. KERRY) were added foreign assistance policy, and for other and cure of lupus. as cosponsors of S. 999, a bill to amend purposes. S. 1379 the Public Health Service Act to im- S. 1263 At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the prove stroke prevention, diagnosis, At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the name of the Senator from Vermont treatment, and rehabilitation. name of the Senator from Maryland (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor S. 1136 (Ms. MIKULSKI) was added as a cospon- of S. 1379, a bill to amend chapter 35 of At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the sor of S. 1263, a bill to protect the wel- title 28, United States Code, to strike name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. fare of consumers by prohibiting price the exception to the residency require- HARKIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. gouging with respect to gasoline and ments for United States attorneys. 1136, a bill to promote the economic se- petroleum distillates during natural curity and safety of victims of domes- disasters and abnormal market disrup- S. 1382 tic violence, dating violence, sexual as- tions, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. REID, the sault, or stalking, and for other pur- S. 1310 names of the Senator from Washington poses. At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator from S. 1155 name of the Senator from Montana California (Mrs. BOXER) were added as At the request of Mr. BROWNBACK, the (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor cosponsors of S. 1382, a bill to amend name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. of S. 1310, a bill to amend title XVIII of the Public Health Service Act to pro- CRAIG) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Social Security Act to provide for vide the establishment of an 1155, a bill to treat payments under the an extension of increased payments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Reg- Conservation Reserve Program as rent- ground ambulance services under the istry. als from real estate. Medicare program. S. 1386 S. 1175 S. 1328 At the request of Mr. REED, the name At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the of the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. name of the Senator from California name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a cosponsor

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6129 of S. 1386, a bill to amend the Housing Community Schools Act establishes an This is not something Members of and Urban Development Act of 1968, to important grant program supporting a the Congress can blame on anybody provide better assistance to low- and variety of community services, ranging else. It is not the Governors’ job, it is moderate-income families, and for from early childhood education and not the mayors’ job, it is not the coun- other purposes. family literacy efforts to job training ty commissioners’ job, it is not the S. RES. 118 and nutrition services. Our schools Sheriff’s job, it is our job to decide At the request of Mr. LEVIN, the have long served as the bedrock of what our immigration policy should be. name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. local communities; and in a time when It is our job to secure the border. It is WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Federal dollars have been used as an our job to make certain that those who Res. 118, a resolution urging the Gov- invasive hand, I believe additional re- come here are legally here. It is also ernment of Canada to end the commer- sources should be allocated to local our job to make sure that those who cial seal hunt. areas supporting enterprising instruc- come here legally have an opportunity tion, public health, job training and to become Americans, a chance to be- S. RES. 197 overall community and parental en- come part of our country. At the request of Ms. MIKULSKI, the gagement. We have a motto above our wall that names of the Senator from Montana The Full-Service Community Schools says, ‘‘One from many.’’ It doesn’t say (Mr. TESTER), the Senator from Nevada Act will direct the Department of Edu- ‘‘Many from one.’’ We are very proud of (Mr. REID) and the Senator from Cali- cation to award grants to local edu- our magnificent diversity in this coun- fornia (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) were added as cational agencies and one or more com- try. People come here from virtually cosponsors of S. Res. 197, a resolution munity-based organizations, nonprofit every country in the world. Anyone honoring the accomplishments of organizations, or other public/private who has gone to the naturalization AmeriCorps. entities. These full-service community ceremonies can attest, where last year AMENDMENT NO. 1071 school dollars will improve the coordi- 650,000 new citizens stood in court- At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the nation, delivery, effectiveness, and effi- houses all across America, raised their names of the Senator from Connecticut ciency of services provided to our chil- right hands and swore their allegiance (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the Senator from dren and families. Funds will be award- to this country—nothing is more mov- Connecticut (Mr. DODD) were added as ed to those grantees coordinating at ing than that. But as much as we prize cosponsors of amendment No. 1071 pro- least 3 services at a school site, includ- that diversity, what we prize even posed to H.R. 1495, a bill to provide for ing early childhood programs; literacy more is our ability to turn all that di- the conservation and development of and reading programs for youth and versity into one country. water and related resources, to author- families; parenting education activi- Unity is harder than diversity. There ize the Secretary of the Army to con- ties; community service; job training are a lot of diverse countries in the struct various projects for improve- and career counseling services; nutri- world, and they are ripped apart by ments to rivers and harbors of the tion services; primary health and den- their differences. We have been fortu- United States, and for other purposes. tal care; and preventive mental health nate. As other countries struggle with AMENDMENT NO. 1094 and treatment services. the idea of becoming French, becoming At the request of Ms. SNOWE, her Priority will be given to grantees German, becoming Japanese—it is hard name was added as a cosponsor of demonstrating a record of effectiveness to do. But in this country, if you be- amendment No. 1094 proposed to H.R. and serving at least two schools in come a citizen, you have to become an 1495, a bill to provide for the conserva- which at least 40 percent of the chil- American. tion and development of water and re- dren are from low-income families. How do you do that? You don’t do it lated resources, to authorize the Sec- These targeted efforts will support a by your race. In fact, our Constitution retary of the Army to construct var- more efficient use of Federal, State, says that race cannot be used. ious projects for improvements to riv- local, and private-sector dollars serv- You don’t do it by any other form of ers and harbors of the United States, ing the needs of children and families. ancestry. It doesn’t matter where your grandparents came from. What does and for other purposes. A synergy of community engagement, parental enthusiasm, and local leader- matter is that you subscribe to a few AMENDMENT NO. 1098 ship is what America needs to address principles and that you learn a com- At the request of Mr. FEINGOLD, the the growing challenges of our time; and mon language. Those are the most name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. I will continue working with my col- basic elements of the unity, this fragile WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of leagues to ensure such efforts have the and important unity that makes us the amendment No. 1098 proposed to H.R. support of Congress. I encourage Sen- United States of America instead of 1495, a bill to provide for the conserva- ators to join me by cosponsoring the just another United Nations. tion and development of water and re- Full-Service Community Schools Act In anticipation of the immigration lated resources, to authorize the Sec- of 2007. debate next week, I introduce today, retary of the Army to construct var- along with Senators COCHRAN and COR- ious projects for improvements to riv- By Mr. ALEXANDER (for him- NYN, what we call the Strengthening ers and harbors of the United States, self, Mr. COCHRAN, and Mr. COR- American Citizenship Act. It is an es- and for other purposes. NYN): sential part of any immigration bill be- f S. 1393. A bill to amend the Immigra- cause it addresses what happens after tion and Nationality Act to prescribe STATEMENT ON INTRODUCED one lawfully becomes a resident of this the binding oath or affirmation of re- BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS country and begins to think about law- nunciation and allegiance required to fully becoming a citizen. By Mr. NELSON of Nebraska (for be naturalized as a citizen of the This legislation will help legal immi- himself and Mr. DURBIN): United States, to encourage and sup- grants who are prospective American S. 1391. A bill to amend the Elemen- port the efforts of prospective citizens citizens learn our common language tary and Secondary Education Act of of the United States to become citi- and learn about our ways of govern- 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Edu- zens, and for other purposes; to the ment. I introduced this legislation last cation to award grants for the support Committee on the Judiciary. year, in the 109th Congress, when we of full-service community schools, and Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, considered an immigration bill. It had for other purposes; to the Committee Senators from both parties are working several cosponsors and it passed this on Health, Education, Labor and Pen- very hard these days to put together an body 91 to 1. It was an amendment to sions. immigration bill. The majority leader the Senate immigration bill, in April Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. Presi- is working hard to create an environ- of 2006. dent, today I join House Majority ment in which that can happen, and I I hope the Senate will agree again to Leader STENY HOYER in introducing appreciate his doing that. It is not easy make it a part of the bill. It might not legislation seeking to strengthen our to do. But it is absolutely essential make the most headlines, but it will local communities through coordinated that we have a comprehensive immi- make as much lasting difference in im- school-based efforts. The Full-Service gration bill. migration legislation as possible.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 Here, in brief, is what the legislation It would provide grants to organiza- These were not introduced the last would do. First, it would help prospec- tions to provide classes in American time, but they would include clarifying tive citizens learn English and it would history and civics. We are talking the mission of the Office of Citizenship do that in two ways. It would provide about a lot of prospective citizens— within the U.S. Citizenship and Immi- education grants of up to $500 for 650,000 or so last year. After this immi- gration Service, establishing State English courses for immigrants who de- gration bill it may be more, because if citizenship advisory boards in a num- clare their intent to become American you become a citizen, you are going to ber of States, coordinating efforts to- citizens. They might use these grants have to be legally here. So we want to ward helping immigrants learning of $500, for example, to go to any ac- make sure we have plenty of help for English, American history, and civics. credited agency such as ‘‘Fuentes,’’ in these who want to do that. It would create an employer tax credit Los Angeles, a place I happen to know Third, codify the oath of allegiance. for businesses that help their employ- about, which can do, for that amount One of the most remarkable oaths, I ees learn English. As I mentioned ear- of money, an excellent job of helping, suppose, in the American language, is lier, at the beginning of the 20th cen- in that case mostly Spanish-speaking the oath of allegiance that the 650,000 tury, there were a great many busi- citizens, learn also to speak English. new citizens take when they become nesses hiring new Americans who spent So it is a $500 voucher, in effect, to help Americans. It is an oath that goes all their money, their time, and their ef- any lawful person learn English. the way back to George Washington’s fort to make sure those new employees Second, it will change the citizenship time and Valley Forge. It was essen- understood what it meant to become rules to allow those who learn to speak tially the oath that Washington and Americans. English fluently to reduce from 5 to 4 his officers took at the beginning of One way to meet this need of a large years the amount of time they have to the American revolution. It says that percentage of foreign-born people in wait to become a citizen. These are two I, George Washington, or I, the new cit- our country is to provide tax incen- ways we are trying to help people learn izen, declare that we owe no allegiance tives to businesses that help their em- English and by doing that value our or obedience—in that case, to King ployees learn English. Another pro- common language. George; posal is to require a demonstration of There are other ways to do that. Sen- . . . and that we renounce, refuse and abjure English language proficiency when an ator KENNEDY and I have talked about any allegiance or obedience to him and do individual renews his or her green card; the fact that there are lines of people swear that I will, to the utmost of my power, establishing a Presidential award for support, maintain and defend the said United companies that go above and beyond in in Boston, his State, and Nashville, in States. my State, of adults who want to learn bringing their employees together as Essentially, that same oath of alle- English, but there is no room for them Americans; finally, asking for a Gov- giance is the oath new citizens take. in the adult education programs we ernment Accountability Office study to This elevates that oath of allegiance fund. Perhaps when we pass the Work- identify the need of lawful permanent from a bureaucratic rule to a part of force Investment Act, or other appro- residents not speaking English and the the law and gives it the same dignity priations bills, we can find other ways associated costs; in other words, how that the Pledge of Allegiance has and many people living in our country do to help people who want to learn the national anthem has. Finally, this English, learn English. But this legisla- not speak English and what would be legislation would celebrate new citi- the cost and the most effective pro- tion focuses specifically on prospective zens by focusing on these hundreds of citizens who want to learn English by grams of helping them learn English. ceremonies that we have, in which peo- That is my purpose today, to intro- giving them a grant to help them do it ple from all over the world wear their duce the Strengthening American Citi- and by giving them an incentive to best clothes, prove that they have good zenship Act, legislation that passed learn the language fluently. They can character, that they have waited 5 when we considered the immigration become a citizen then in 4 years in- years, that they have learned English, bill in 2006, and which Senators COCH- stead of 5. that they have passed a test about citi- RAN and CORNYN and I hope will be a Also, it helps prospective citizens zenship, and they are ready to say: As part of this legislation; then to discuss learn more about the American way of proud as I am of where I came from, I what I call the Strengthening Amer- life. Albert Shanker, the late President now pledge my allegiance to the United ican Citizenship Agenda, which will be of the American Federation of Teach- States of America. looking for a variety of other ways to ers, said the common school was cre- We want to celebrate those events. help make sure we not only celebrate ated in America, the public school, to This instructs the Secretary of Home- our diversity but we find ways to cele- help largely immigrant children learn land Security to develop and imple- brate our unity. reading and writing and arithmetic and ment a strategy to make those natu- We can look across the ocean at Eu- what it means to be an American, with ralization ceremonies more important rope and see the struggle in Turkey the hope they would go home and teach in the fabric of our everyday life, and right now for that nation’s identity. their parents. establish an award for citizens who We can see the difficulty France and The last time we had such a large have been naturalized in the last 10 Germany are having as Muslim work- percentage of foreign-born people in years who have made an outstanding ers have a hard time integrating into our country was in about 1900, the turn contribution to the American Nation. their country. We do not want the of that century. Organizations all over We all know in our own experiences United States of America to become a America got busy helping new arrivals that new Americans are sometimes the country where we have enclaves of peo- learn about our country, learn about best Americans. They make the largest ple who have no loyalty to the idea of our Declaration of Independence, learn contribution. They have the best un- this Nation. We want to create an envi- about our Constitution and the ideas derstanding of our country. We want to ronment where everyone has an oppor- that were part of it because they knew celebrate what they have done. tunity to think about loyalty to this that, since you do not become a citizen This is legislation the Senate adopt- country, where almost all have a based upon your race or your ancestry ed before. Senator COCHRAN, Senator chance to think about becoming a cit- and you do it upon the idea of America, CORNYN, and I are introducing it to izen one day, and where every single that someone needed to help these peo- make sure we adopt it again when im- person who lives here has an oppor- ple learn about the idea of America. migration comes up. tunity to learn to speak our common Many were very eager to do that. I also wish to mention that I intend language, not just for their benefit but The legislation I introduced today on looking at a comprehensive effort so we do not become a tower of Babel would establish a foundation to sup- toward the same goal, which I like to or a United Nations, that we become a port the activities of the Office of Citi- call the American citizenship agenda; United States of America, as our zenship within the Department of learning English and what it means to Founders envisioned. Homeland Security so that organiza- becoming an American. I have identi- tions that want to support and cooper- fied several areas, and I may introduce By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, ate in efforts to reach out to prospec- amendments in many of these areas to Mr. VOINOVICH, Mr. KERRY, Mr. tive citizens can do so. the immigration bill. LEVIN, and Ms. SNOWE):

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6131 S. 1394. A bill to amend the Internal nance the property nor sustain the tool to allow people with poor credit Revenue Code of 1986, to exclude from payments and the lender forecloses on histories to obtain access to credit in- gross income of individual taxpayers the property. cluding mortgages. However, in recent discharges of indebtedness attributable years some lenders have used these to certain forgiven residential mort- Decrease in home prices or ‘‘short sale’’ ‘‘subprime’’ mortgage loans to put Mortgage ...... $100,000 gage obligations; to the Committee on Market Value at Purchase ...... 100,000 homeowners into mortgage products Finance. Market Value at Sale ...... 90,000 with high interest rates that increase Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, Sale Price ...... 90,000 after a short period of time. Addition- under current law, only two categories Debt Remaining After Sale ...... 10,000 ally, some homeowners have opted to Taxes Due if forgiven by the lender @ 15 percent tax rate .... 1,500 of individuals pay tax on the sale of Lender forecloses buy homes they could not afford by their principle residence: the truly for- Mortgage ...... $100,000 using the ‘‘subprime’’ loan market. In tunate who have realized a capital gain Foreclosure Amount ...... 80,000 either case, too many homeowners Debt Remaining After Foreclosure ...... 20,000 have been unable to keep up with the of more than $250,000, $500,000 on a joint Taxes Due if forgiven by the lender @ 15 percent tax rate .... 3,000 return, or the truly unfortunate who changes in their mortgage payments lose equity in their home and are In the ‘‘short sale’’ transaction, if and have been forced into foreclosure. forced to pay tax if the lender forgives the lender forgives the $10,000 of out- Last year, the Commonwealth of some portion of the mortgage debt. standing debt, the family will have tax- Massachusetts had a record 19,487 fore- Surely this is an anomalous result. able income of $10,000 on the trans- closure filings. One of every 92 U.S. Nevertheless, newspaper and tele- action and owe $1,500, even though they households faced foreclosure and there vision reports describe the burdens have just sustained an economic loss are expected to be more disclosures in 2007. Published reports show that Mas- families all over the country are facing and no cash gain. as lenders foreclose on borrowers who In a second scenario, if the fore- sachusetts has had approximately cannot make their mortgage payments. closure sale does not cover the amount 10,000 foreclosures filings already this In more and more circumstances, these of outstanding debt on the property or year. Monthly payments on millions of loans are expected to increase dramati- borrowers, often minorities and the el- $20,000, the lender might forgive re- cally as low introductory interest rates derly, are unable to make the esca- maining debt. Again, the borrower is balloon as much as 50 percent. The lating payments associated with treated as having received ‘‘income’’ Nonprofit Center for Responsible Lend- subprime loans and some complex ad- when the debt is forgiven and in the ex- ing predicts that one in five subprime justable rate mortgage products. ample, would owe $3,000 in taxes on the mortgages done in the past 2 years will Other media reports focus on the $20,000 that was forgiven. end up in foreclosure. challenges sellers face if they live in Clearly it is unfair to tax people on Today, Senators STABENOW, VOINO- areas with declining home values. phantom income, particularly right at VICH and I are introducing the Mort- There are instances where the value of the time they have had a serious eco- gage Relief Cancellation Act of 2007. housing in a whole market occasion- nomic loss and have no cash with This legislation will help families who ally falls through no fault of the home- which to pay the tax. My bill, the are faced with mortgages that they are owner. A plant closes, environmental Mortgage Relief Act, will relieve fami- unable to pay. Fortunately, some lend- degradations are found nearby, a re- lies of a tax burden when their lender ers are willing to modify loans and for- gional economic slump hits hard. This forgives part of the mortgage on a prin- give some debt, but the borrower is re- happened during the 1980s in the oil cipal residence. quired to pay income tax on the can- patch and in southern California and None of us wants to learn that fami- celled debt. New England at the beginning of the lies in our own districts will be forced Under present law, the discharged 90s. to pay taxes when they have no money debt is treated as income. Some home- This is happening right now in Michi- and have incurred a substantial loss on owners are learning about this rule the gan with the depressed automotive in- what, for most, is the most significant hard way and find themselves owing a dustry. The Detroit metropolitan area asset they own, and possibly the only large tax bill on debt that was for- had the highest percentage of house- asset they have. While my legislation given. The Mortgage Relief Cancella- holds in foreclosure in the 150 largest will not repair their credit or punish tion Act of 2007 would exclude from in- metropolitan areas, with an average of those who mislead them into inappro- come the debt that is forgiven for cer- more than 10,000 foreclosures in each priate loans, it will prevent them from tain mortgage loans. quarter. The foreclosures affected 1 out further financial harm. An example of this is a situation in of every 21 households, nearly five Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, it is be- which a homeowner sells their house to times the national average. Over the coming more difficult for a middle prevent disclosure and the proceeds do first quarter of 2007, Michigan had over class family to purchase a home. Last not cover the full mortgage obligation. 29,000 foreclosures and Detroit was on week the Senate Finance Committee The lender agrees to forgive the dif- pace to record 11,000 for that same time held a hearing on middle class eco- ference. Under the Mortgage Relief period. nomic issues. We learned from the wit- Cancellation Act of 2007, the amount One thing these news reports do not nesses that families are struggling be- forgiven would not be included in tax- mention is the tax problem that sellers cause their fixed costs are greater and able income. This legislation also ad- or those in foreclosure will face if lend- one of these fixed costs is housing. Pro- dresses forgiveness of debt as part of a ers forgive and do not require payment fessor Elizabeth Warren testified that restructuring arrangement. on some or all of a mortgage debt at houses purchased now are only slightly I urge you to support this legislation. the time of disposition. What happens larger than those purchased in the By Mr. LEVIN (for himself and to these people who must sell their 1970’s, but the median mortgage pay- Mrs. MCCASKILL): homes during a downturn or who can- ment is 76 percent larger than a gen- S. 1395. A bill to prevent unfair prac- not make their payments and go into eration ago. tices in credit card accounts, and for foreclosure? They must pay taxes on Today, there are serious problems in other purposes; to the Committee on the amount forgiven; it is treated as our mortgage lending market which Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. income. need to be addressed. Too many fami- Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am in- Below are two hypothetical scenarios lies are unable to make the monthly troducing today, along with Senator where owners must have to pay taxes mortgage payments on their homes. MCCASKILL, the Stop Unfair Practices on the amount forgiven and those esti- Foreclosure rates are increasing. Some in Credit Cards Act. mated taxes. The first example is a sit- homeowners who are facing foreclosure Credit cards are a fixture of Amer- uation where there has been a down- have received what are known as ican family life today. People use them turn in the housing market. The sec- ‘‘subprime’’ loans which allow an ad- to buy groceries, to rent a car, shop on ond example is where a family, possibly justable rate of mortgage interest or a the Internet, pay college tuition, and because of loss of job, illness, or de- break on payments during the first even pay their taxes. In 2005, the aver- crease in income or significant changes years of the mortgage. The ‘‘subprime’’ age family had five credit cards. Amer- in the mortgage rate, can neither refi- lending market has been an important ican households used nearly 700 million

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 credit cards to buy goods and services islation, and which has been holding its The end result would be a February 1 worth $1.8 trillion. Credit cards fuel own hearing on unfair credit card prac- bill that more than doubles the $20 commerce, facilitate financial plan- tices. Our friend, Senator DODD, the debt. Using an interest rate of 17.99 ning, help families deal with emer- committee chairman, has a long his- percent, for example, in just one gencies. But credit cards have also con- tory of fighting credit card abuses. month, the $20 debt would rack up in- tributed to record amounts of house- Senator SHELBY, the ranking Repub- terest charges of more than $35. hold debt. Some credit card issuers lican, as well as many other members Charging $35 of interest over one have socked families with sky-high in- of the committee, has also expressed month on a $20 credit card debt is inde- terest rates of 25 and 30 percent and concern about a number of credit card fensible, especially when applied to a higher. They have hit consumers with problems. consumer who paid over 90 percent of hefty fees for late payments, for ex- It is my hope our bill and the legisla- their credit card debt on time during ceeding a credit card limit, and other tive record being compiled by our Per- the grace period. Our legislation would transactions. In too many cases, credit manent Subcommittee on Investiga- end this unfair billing practice by card issuers have made it all but im- tions will help the Banking Committee amending the Truth in Lending Act to possible for working-class families to in its deliberations and help build mo- prohibit the charging of interest on climb out of debt. mentum to enact legislation halting any portion of a credit card debt that That is why in 2005, the Permanent the unfair credit card practices that is paid on time during a grace period. Subcommittee on Investigations, outrage American consumers. Credit Using our example, this prohibition which I chaired, on which Senator card abuse is too harmful to American would bar the charging of interest on MCCASKILL serves, initiated an in- families, our economy, and our eco- the $5,000 that was paid on time, and depth investigation into unfair and nomic future to let these unfair prac- result in a February balance that re- abusive credit card industry practices. tices continue. flects what a rational consumer would In the fall of 2006, the Government Let me describe the key provisions of have expected: the $20 past due, plus in- Accountability Office, the GAO, re- our bill in more detail. The first sec- terest on the $20 from January 1 to leased a report which I had requested, tion of the bill would put an end to an January 31. which for the first time in years pro- indefensible practice that imposes lit- The second section of our bill would vided a comprehensive examination of tle known and unfair interest charges address a related unfair billing prac- the interest rates and fees being on many unsuspecting, responsible con- tice, which I call ‘‘trailing interest.’’ charged by credit card companies. Fol- sumers. Most credit cards today offer Charging trailing interest on credit lowing the release of that report, and what is called a grace period. Card- card debt is another widespread, but continuing through today, the sub- holders are told that, if they pay their little known industry practice that committee has been deluged with calls monthly credit card bill during this squeezes responsible and largely and letters from Americans expressing grace period, they will not be charged unsuspecting consumers for still more anger and frustration at the way they interest on the debt for which they are interest charges. have been treated by their credit card being billed. What many cardholders do Going back to our example, you companies, and sharing stories of un- not realize, however, is that this grace might think that once the consumer fair and often abusive practices. The period typically provides protection gets gouged in February by receiving a subcommittee has been examining against interest charges only if their bill for $55 on a $20 debt, and pays that those allegations of unfair treatment monthly credit card bill is paid in full. bill on time and in full, without mak- and has identified many troubling cred- If the cardholder pays less than 100 per- ing any new purchase, that would be it card industry practices which should cent of the monthly bill—even if the the end of that credit card debt for the be banned or restricted. cardholder pays on time—he or she will consumer. But you would be wrong. It Our first hearing in March focused on be charged interest on the entire billed would not be the end. industry practices involving grace peri- amount, including the portion that was Even if, on February 15, the con- ods, interest rates, and fees. It revealed paid by the specified due date. sumer paid the February 1 bill in full a number of unfair, often little-known, An example shows why this billing and on time—all $55—the next bill and sometimes abusive credit card practice is unfair and should be would likely have an additional inter- practices, which prey upon families ex- stopped. Suppose a consumer who usu- est charge related to the $20 debt. In periencing financial hardships, and ally pays his or her credit card account this case, the charge would reflect in- squeezed even consumers who pay their in full and owes no money as of Decem- terest that would have accumulated on credit card bills on time. ber 1 makes a lot of purchases in De- the $55 from February 1 to 15, which is The legislation we are introducing cember. The consumer gets a credit the time from when the bill was sent to today is aimed at stopping abusive card bill on January 1 for $5,020, due the day it was paid. The total interest credit card practices that trap too January 15. Suppose the consumer pays charge in our example would be about many hard-working families in a down- that bill on time, but pays $5,000 in- 38 cents. While some credit card issuers ward spiral of debt. American families stead of the full amount owed. will waive trailing interest if the next deserve to be treated honestly and fair- Most people assume that the next bill month’s bill is less than $1, a common ly by their credit card companies. Our would be for the $20 in unpaid debt, industry practice is to fold the 38 cents bill would help ensure that fair treat- plus interest on that $20. But that com- into the next bill if a consumer makes ment. Here are a few things our bill monsense assumption is wrong. That is a new purchase. would do. It would stop credit card because current industry practice is to Now 38 cents isn’t much in the grand companies from charging interest on charge the consumer interest not only scheme of things. That may be why debt that is paid on time. It would on the $20 that wasn’t paid on time, but many consumers don’t notice this crack down on abusive fees, including also on the $5,000 that was paid on extra interest charge or bother to fight repeated late fees and over-the-limit time. Let me say that again. Industry it. Even if someone had questions fees, and fees to pay your bill. practice is to force the consumer to about the amount of interest on a bill, It would also prohibit the charging of pay interest on the portion of the debt most consumers would be hard pressed interest on those fees. It would estab- that was paid on time. In other words, to understand how the amount was cal- lish guidelines on interest rate in- the consumer would pay interest on culated, much less whether it was cor- creases, including a cap on penalty in- the entire $5,020 from the first day of rect. But by nickel and diming tens of terest rate hikes at no more than 7 per- the billing month, January 1, until the millions of consumer accounts with cent. It would require that increased day the $5,000 payment was made on trailing interest charges, credit card interest rates apply only to future January 15, compounded daily. So issuers reap large profits. credit card debt and not the debt al- much for a grace period. After that, the This little known billing practice, ready incurred. consumer would be charged interest on which squeezes consumers for a few Our bill will be referred to the Senate the $20 past due, compounded daily, more cents on the dollar, and targets Banking Committee, which has pri- from January 15 to the end of the responsible cardholders who pay their mary jurisdiction over credit card leg- month. bills on time and in full, goes too far.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6133 If a consumer pays a credit card bill on rate could rise no higher than 17 per- payment or pays it late, and the card time and in full—paying 100 percent of cent, and a 15 percent rate could not issuer increases the interest rate from the amount specified by the date speci- exceed 22 percent. This type of interest 15 percent to 22 percent. If applied to fied in the billing statement—it is un- rate limit is comparable to the caps the existing $3,000 debt, that higher fair to charge that consumer still more that today operate in many adjustable rate would require the cardholder to interest on the debt that was just paid. mortgages. The effect of the credit make a much steeper minimum month- Our legislation would put an end to card cap would be to prohibit penalty ly payment and pay much more inter- trailing interest by prohibiting credit interest rates from dramatically in- est than originally planned. That is card issuers from adding interest creasing the interest rate imposed on often enough to sink a working family charges to a credit card debt which the the cardholder, as happened in cases into a deepening spiral of debt from consumer paid on time and in full in examined by the subcommittee where which they cannot recover. response to a billing statement. credit card interest rates jumped from By making it a common practice to A third problem examined by the 10 percent or 15 percent to as much as institute after-the-fact interest rate subcommittee involves a widespread 32 percent. Penalty interest rate hikes hikes for existing credit card debt—in industry practice in which credit card that double or triple existing interest effect unilaterally changing the terms issuers claim the right to unilaterally rates are simply unreasonable and un- of an existing loan—the credit card in- change the terms of a credit card fair. dustry has unfairly positioned itself to agreement at any time for any reason If a credit card account were opened reap greater profits at consumers’ ex- with only a 15-day notice to the con- with a low introductory interest rate pense. Our bill would fight back by lim- sumer under the Truth in Lending Act. followed by a higher interest rate after iting the retroactive application of in- As the National Consumer Law Cen- a specified period of time, it is in- terest rate hikes to lessen the financial ter testified at our hearing, this prac- tended that the penalty rate cap pro- impact on American households. Spe- tice means that smart shoppers who posed in the bill would apply to each of cifically, our bill would provide that choose a credit card after comparing a those disclosed rates individually. For interest rate hikes could be applied variety of card options are continually example, suppose the credit card ac- only to future credit card debt and not vulnerable to a change-in-terms notice count had a 0 percent introductory rate to any credit card debt incurred prior that alters the favorable terms they se- for 6 months and a 12 percent rate after to the rate increase. Instead, any ear- lected, and provides them with only 15 that. Suppose further that, during the lier debt would continue to accrue in- days to accept the changes or find an 6-month introductory period, the card- terest at the rate previously in effect. alternative. By asserting the right to holder exceeded the credit limit. The The first set of provisions in our bill make unilateral changes to credit card bill would allow the card issuer to im- addresses unfair practices related to in- terms on short notice, credit card pose a penalty interest rate of up to 7 terest rates. The next set of provisions issuers undermine not only the bar- percent for the rest of the 6 month pe- targets unfair practices related to fees gaining power of individual consumers, riod. Once the 6-month period ended, it imposed on cardholders by credit card but also principles of fair market com- is intended that the 12 percent rate companies. petition. Such unilateral changes are would take effect. If the consumer were The need for proconsumer fee protec- particularly unfair when they alter to again exceed the limit, it is intended tions is illustrated by the story of Wes material terms in a credit card agree- that any penalty rate imposed upon Wannemacher of Ohio, a witness fea- ment such as the interest rate applica- the account be no greater than 19 per- tured at the subcommittee’s March ble to extensions of credit. cent. hearing. In 2001 and 2002, Mr. That is why our bill would impose If a card issuer were to analyze an ac- Wannemacher charged about $3,200 on a two types of limits on credit card in- count and conclude that a penalty rate new Chase credit card to pay for ex- terest rate hikes. First, for consumers increase of up to 7 percent would be in- penses mostly related to his wedding. who comply with the terms of their sufficient to protect against the risk of Over the next 6 years, he paid about credit card agreements, the bill would default on the account, the issuer could $6,300 toward that debt, yet in Feb- prohibit a credit card issuer from uni- choose to reduce the credit limit on the ruary 2007, Chase said that he still laterally hiking an interest rate that account or cancel the account alto- owed them about $4,400. was represented to, and included in the gether. If the card issuer chose to can- How could Mr. Wannemacher pay disclosures provided, to a consumer cel the account, it is intended that the nearly double his original credit card under the Truth in Lending Act, unless consumer would retain the right to pay debt and still owe $4,400? As he ex- the consumer affirmatively agreed in off any debt on the account using the plained in his testimony, in addition to writing to the increase at the time it is interest rate that was in effect when repaying the original debt of $3,200, Mr. proposed. This prohibition is intended the debt was incurred. Wannemacher was socked with $4,900 in to protect responsible consumers who The point of the bill’s penalty inter- interest charges, $1,100 in late fees, and play by the rules from a sudden hike in est rate cap is to stop penalty interest 47 over-limit fees totaling $1,500, de- their interest rate for no apparent rea- rate hikes which are disproportional; spite going over his $3,000 credit limit son—a complaint that the sub- which too often stick families with by a total of $200. These facts show committee has heard all too often. sky-high interest rates of 25 percent, 30 that Mr. Wannemacher paid $2,600 in Under our bill, issuers would no longer percent, and even 32 percent; and which fees on a $3,200 debt. In addition, those be able to unilaterally hike the inter- too often make it virtually impossible fees were added to his outstanding est rates of cardholders who play by for working American families to credit card balance, and he was charged the rules. climb out of debt. interest on the fee amounts, increasing The bill’s second limit would apply to Still another troubling practice in- his debt by hundreds if not thousands consumers who, for whatever reason, volving credit card interest rate hikes of additional dollars. There is some- failed to comply with the terms of is the problem of retroactive applica- thing so wrong with this picture, that their credit card agreement, perhaps by tion. Industry practice today is to Chase didn’t even defend its treatment paying late or exceeding the credit apply an increased interest rate not of the account at the subcommittee limit. In that circumstance, credit card only to new debt incurred by the card- hearing; instead, Chase forgave the issuers would be permitted to impose a holder, but also to previously incurred $4,400 debt that it said was still owing penalty interest rate on the account, debt. on the Wannemacher credit card. but the bill would place a cap on how Retroactive application of a higher It is no secret that credit card com- high that penalty interest rate could interest rate means that pre-existing panies are making a great deal of go. credit card debt suddenly costs a con- money off the fees they are imposing Specifically, the bill would limit any sumer much more to repay. Take, for on consumers. According to GAO, fee such penalty rate hike to no more than example, a $3,000 credit card debt that income now produces about 10 percent a 7 percent increase above the interest a consumer was paying down each of all income obtained by credit card rate in effect before the penalty rate month with timely payments. Sud- issuers. The GAO report which I com- was imposed. That means a 10 percent denly, the cardholder falls ill, misses a missioned on this subject identified a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 host of different fees that have become when a penalty imposed by the card When a consumer payment is made, common practice, including fees for issuer causes the excess charge. The credit card issuers currently have com- transferring balances, making a late card issuer should not be able to pile plete discretion on how to apply that payment, exceeding a credit limit, pay- penalty upon penalty, such as by as- payment to the various balances bear- ing a bill by telephone, and exchanging sessing a late fee on an account and ing different interest rates. Consumers foreign currency. According to GAO, then, if the late fee pushes the credit are typically given no option to direct late fees now average $34 per month card balance over the credit limit, also where their payments are applied. and over-limit fees average $31 per imposing an over-the-limit fee. Today, virtually all credit card issuers month, with some of these fees climb- In addition, the bill would require apply a consumer payment first to the ing as high as $39 per month. As Mr. credit card issuers to offer consumers balance with the lowest interest rate. Wannemacher discovered, these hefty the option of establishing a true credit After that balance is paid off, card fees are not only added to the credit limit on their account—a credit limit issuers apply the payment to the bal- card’s outstanding balance, they also that could not be exceeded, because the ance with the next lowest interest rate, incur interest. The higher the fees account would be programmed to and so on. climb, the higher the balances owed, refuse approval of any extension of This payment practice clearly favors and the higher the interest charges on credit over the established limit. In too creditors over consumers. It allows the top of that. many cases, credit card issuers no card issuers to direct payments first to Charging interest on money borrowed longer provide consumers with the op- the balances that provide them with is certainly justified, but squeezing ad- tion of having a fixed credit limit, pre- the lowest returns, and minimize pay- ditional dollars from consumers by ferring instead to enable all of their ments to the balances bearing the charging interest on transaction fees cardholders to exceed their credit lim- highest interest rates so those balances goes too far. Steep fees already deepen its only to be penalized by a hefty fee, can accumulate more interest for a household debt from credit cards; those added interest, and, possibly, a penalty longer period. Consumers who want to fees should not also generate interest interest rate. pay off a cash advance bearing a 20 per- income for the credit card issuer. Our There is more. Another unfair but cent interest rate, for example, are told bill would ban this industrywide prac- common fee is what I call the ‘‘pay-to- that they cannot make that payment tice by prohibiting credit card issuers pay fee.’’ It is the $5 to $15 fee that until they first pay off all other bal- from charging or collecting interest on many issuers charge consumers to pay ances with a lower interest rate. the fees imposed on consumers. their credit card bill on time by using Our bill would replace this unfair in- Mr. Wannemacher exceeded the $3,000 the telephone. To me, charging folks a dustrywide practice with a procon- limit on his credit card on three occa- fee to pay their bills is a travesty. My sumer approach. Reversing current in- sions in 2001 and 2002 for a total of $200. bill would prohibit a credit card issuer dustry practice, the bill would require Over the following 6 years, however, he from charging a separate fee to allow a cardholder payments to be applied first was charged over-the-limit fees on 47 credit cardholder to pay all or part of to the balance bearing the highest in- occasions totaling about $1,500. In a credit card balance. terest rate, and then to each successive other words, Chase tried to collect Another fee that has raised eyebrows balance bearing the next highest rate, over-the-limit fees from Mr. is the one charged by credit card until the payment is used up. The bill Wannemacher that were seven times issuers to exchange dollars into or would also require credit card issuers larger than the amount he went over from a foreign currency. A number of to apply cardholder payments in the the limit. issuers today charge an amount equal most effective way to minimize the im- At our March hearing, Chase did not to 2 percent of the amount of currency position of any fees or interest charges attempt to defend the 47 over-the-limit being exchanged in addition to a 1-per- to the account. fees it imposed; instead, it announced cent ‘‘conversion fee’’ charged by Visa In addition, the bill would prohibit that it was changing its policy and or Master Card, for a total of 3 percent credit card issuers from imposing late would join with others in the industry Our bill responds by requiring foreign fees on consumers if the issuer was in imposing no more than three over- currency exchange fees to reasonably itself responsible for the delay in cred- the-limit fees in a row on a credit card reflect the actual costs incurred by the iting the payment. For example, if a account with an outstanding balance creditor to perform the currency ex- card issuer changed the mailing ad- that exceeded the credit limit. While change, and requiring regulators to en- dress for payments, had to shut down Chase’s voluntary change in policy is sure compliance with that standard. its mail sorting equipment for repairs, welcome, it doesn’t go far enough in In addition to unfair practices in- or mistakenly routed a consumer pay- curbing abusive practices related to volving interest rates and fees, the sub- ment to the wrong department, the over-the-limit fees. committee investigation uncovered issuer would not be allowed to assess a First, if a credit card issuer approves several unfair industry practices in- late fee on the cardholder for the re- the extension of credit that allows the volving how credit cardholder pay- sulting late payment. Instead, if the cardholder to exceed the account’s es- ments are applied to satisfy finance card issuer caused the late payment, it tablished credit limit, the issuer should charges and other credit card debt. One would be barred from assessing a late be allowed to impose only one over- such practice that has caught the sub- fee on the consumer. the-limit fee for that credit extension. committee’s attention is the industry- In addition to provisions to improve One fee for one violation—especially wide practice of applying consumer practices related to interest rates, fees, when the card issuer facilitated the payments first to the balances with the and consumer payments, the bill would violation by approving the excess cred- lowest interest rates. add two new definitions to the Truth in it charge. Right now, a single credit card ac- Lending Act, intended to further ad- Second, the fee should be imposed count often carries balances subject to dress concerns related to unfair credit only if the account balance is over the multiple interest rates. Credit cards card practices. credit limit at the end of the billing typically use one interest rate for pur- The first definition involves use of cycle. If a cardholder exceeds the limit chases, another for cash advances, and the term, ‘‘prime rate.’’ Many credit in the middle of the billing cycle and a third for balance transfers. Many card issuers today use variable interest then takes prompt action to reduce the card issuers also offer new customers rates that are linked to the ‘‘prime balance below the limit, perhaps by low introductory interest rates, such rate’’ or ‘‘prime interest rate’’ and making a payment or obtaining a cred- as 0 or 1 percent, but limit these ‘‘come vary over time. For example, a disclo- it for returning a purchase, there is no on’’ rates to a short time period or to sure may indicate that a credit card injury to the creditor and no justifica- a balance transferred from another will bear an interest rate equal to the tion for an over-the-limit fee. card. Moreover, many of these interest prime rate plus a specified number of Third, a credit card issuer should im- rates may vary over time, since it is a percentage points. Since the 1950s, the pose an over-the-limit fee only when an common practice to offer variable in- term ‘‘prime rate’’ has been commonly action taken by the cardholder causes terest rates that rise and fall according understood to mean the lowest interest the credit limit to be exceeded, and not to a specified rate or index. rate offered by U.S. banks to their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6135 most creditworthy borrowers. That is determine how many credit card ac- Some argue that Congress doesn’t how the term is defined, for example, counts have interest rates of 25 percent need to ban unfair credit card prac- in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. or greater, what types of fees are im- tices; they contend that improved dis- The problem, however, is that no cur- posed on consumers, or how many card- closure alone will empower consumers rent statute or regulation defines the holders are affected by such interest to seek out better deals. Sunlight can prime rate referenced in credit card rates and fees. The new bill would en- be a powerful disinfectant, which is disclosures under the Truth in Lending sure that regulators, credit card users, why I have strongly urged the Federal Act, and some card issuers have stated and the public have the information Reserve Board to expedite its regu- expressly that the prime rate used in needed to answer those basic questions. latory effort to strengthen credit card credit card agreements does not nec- The bill would also require the devel- disclosure and help consumers under- essarily match the lowest interest opment of credit card industrywide es- stand and compare how various credit rates they provide to their most credit- timates of the approximate relative in- cards work. But credit cards have be- worthy borrowers. Litigation has also come derived from interest rates, fees come such complex financial products arisen between cardholders and card imposed on cardholders, fees imposed that even improved disclosure will fre- issuers as to what is meant by the term on merchants, and any other material quently not be enough to curb the and whether cardholders are being mis- source of income. GAO provided this abuses—first because some practices led. A cite is Lum v. Bank of America, information for the first time in its are so complex that consumers can’t 2006 report, estimating that the credit 361 F.3d 217 (3d Cir. 2004). easily understand them, and second be- card industry now derives about 70 per- To remedy this gap in the law, the cause better disclosure does not always cent of its income from interest bill would require credit card disclo- lead to greater market competition, es- charges, 20 percent from interchange sures under the Truth in Lending Act pecially when virtually an entire in- fees imposed on merchants, and 10 per- that reference the prime rate to use dustry is using and benefiting from cent from fees imposed on consumers. the bank prime loan rate published by practices that disadvantage consumers. This valuable information should con- the Federal Reserve Board. This pub- So when we find credit card practices tinue to be collected so that regu- lished rate is widely accepted in the fi- that are inherently unfair, consumers lators, credit card users, and the public nancial community as an accurate de- are often best served, not by greater gain a more informed understanding of piction of the lowest interest rate of- disclosure, but by stopping the unfair the credit card industry. fered by U.S. banks to their most cred- practices that take advantage of them. itworthy borrowers, and the rate is The bill’s data collection require- ments are largely modeled upon and in- Among those practices identified in readily available to the public on the this bill are unfair interest charges Federal Reserve Web site. By man- tended to replicate key interest rate, fee, and revenue data presented by that squeeze consumers who pay their dating use of this published rate, the credit card debt on time; unilateral and bill will ensure that consumers are not GAO in its 2006 report, ‘‘Credit Cards: Increased Complexity in Rates and retroactive interest rate hikes that deceived by a credit card issuer using a Fees Heightens Need for More Effective deepen and prolong credit card debt; misleading definition of the commonly Disclosures to Consumers.’’ Credit card unreasonable fees; and payment alloca- used term ‘‘prime rate.’’ experts were also consulted to deter- tion practices that prevent consumers The second definition added by the from paying off the credit card debts bill to the Truth in Lending Act in- mine what information would be most helpful to strengthen credit card over- bearing the highest interest rates first. volves specifying the ‘‘primary federal Congress needs to enact proconsumer regulator’’ of a credit card issuer. sight. The final provision in the bill would legislation that puts an end to unfair Today, many credit card issuers are provide a 6-month transition period for credit card practices. I am afraid that federally chartered or regulated banks credit card issuers to implement the these practices are too entrenched, too subject to one or more Federal bank bill’s provisions. profitable to the credit card compa- regulators. The bill would make it Credit card issuers like to say that nies, and too immune to consumer clear that when a card issuer is a Fed- they are engaged in a risky business, pressure for the companies to change eral bank, its primary Federal regu- lending unsecured debt to millions of them on their own. Our bill offers lator is the same primary regulator as- consumers, and that’s why they have measures that would combat a host of signed to the bank under Federal bank- to set interest rates so high and impose unfair practices that plague consumers ing law. The provision would also make so many fees. But the data shows that, and unfairly deepen and prolong their it clear that the primary Federal regu- typically, 95 to 97 percent of U.S. card- debt. I look forward to working with lator is responsible for overseeing the holders pay their bills. And it is clear my colleagues to address these prob- bank’s credit card operations, ensuring that credit card operations are enor- lems. compliance with credit card statutes mously profitable. For the last decade, Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- and regulations, and enforcing the pro- credit card issuers have reported year sent that the text of the bill be printed hibition against unfair or deceptive after year of solid profits, maintained in the RECORD. acts or practices in the Federal Trade their position as the most profitable There being no objection, the text of Commission Act. Another provision in sector in the consumer lending field, the bill was ordered to be printed in the bill would make it clear that Fed- and reported consistently higher rates the RECORD, as follows: eral regulators are expected to conduct of return than commercial banks. Cred- S. 1395 at least annual audits to ensure card it card issuers make such a hefty profit Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- issuer compliance with the statutes that they sent out 8 billion pieces of resentatives of the United States of America in and regulations seeking to ensure fair mail last year soliciting people to sign Congress assembled, and effective credit card operations. up. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. The next section of the bill would im- With profits like those, credit card This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stop Unfair prove current credit card data collec- issuers can afford to stop treating Practices in Credit Cards Act of 2007’’. tion efforts. Right now, credit card American families unfairly. They can SEC. 2. STOP UNFAIR INTEREST RATES AND issuers file periodic reports with the give up charging interest on debt that FEES. Federal Reserve providing information was paid on time, give up charging con- Section 163 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 about credit card interest rates and sumers a fee to pay their bills, give up U.S.C. 1666b) is amended— profits. This data plays a critical role (1) by striking the section title and all that hiking interest rates from 15 percent to follows through ‘‘If an open’’ and inserting in credit card oversight efforts, as well 32 percent, and give up imposing re- the following: as financial and economic analyses re- peated over-the-limit fees for a single ‘‘§ 163. Billing period and finance charges lated to consumer spending and house- over-the-limit purchase. As one Michi- ‘‘(a) BILLING PERIOD.— hold debt. The bill would strengthen gan businessman expressed it to the ‘‘(1) FOURTEEN-DAY MINIMUM.—If an open’’; current data collection efforts by re- subcommittee, ‘‘I don’t blame the cred- (2) by striking ‘‘(B) Subsection (a)’’ and in- quiring more specific information on it card issuers for putting me into debt, serting the following: interest rates and fees. For example, but I do blame them for keeping me ‘‘(2) EXCUSABLE CAUSE.—Subsection (a)’’; current data reports cannot be used to there.’’ and

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(3) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(h) OVER-THE-LIMIT FEE RESTRICTIONS.— cardholder payment made during the 60-day ‘‘(b) NO INTEREST CHARGE ON DEBT THAT IS With respect to a credit card account under period following the date on which such PAID ON TIME.—If an open end consumer an open end consumer credit plan, an over- change took effect, the card issuer may not credit plan provides a time period within the-limit fee, as described in section impose any late fee or finance charge for a which an obligor may repay any portion of 127(c)(1)(B)(iii)— late payment on the credit card account to the credit extended without incurring an in- ‘‘(1) may be imposed on the account only which such payment was credited.’’. terest charge, and the obligor repays all or a when an extension of credit obtained by the SEC. 4. STOP DECEPTIVE DISCLOSURE. portion of such credit within the specified obligor causes the credit limit on such ac- Section 127(e) of the Truth in Lending Act time period, the creditor may not impose or count to be exceeded, and may not be im- (15 U.S.C. 1637(e)) is amended by adding at collect an interest charge on the portion of posed when such credit limit is exceeded due the end the following: the credit that was repaid within the speci- to a penalty fee, such as a late fee or over- ‘‘(3) INTEREST RATE LINKED TO PRIME fied time period. the-limit fee, that was added to the account RATE.—If a credit card solicitation, applica- ‘‘(c) NO INTEREST ON DEBT THAT IS PAID ON balance by the creditor; and tion, agreement, or plan specifies use of a TIME AND IN FULL.—In an open end consumer ‘‘(2) may be imposed only once during a credit plan, if a billing statement requests variable interest rate established by ref- billing cycle if, on the last day of such bill- an obligor to repay within a specified time erence to a ‘prime rate’, ‘prime interest ing cycle, the credit limit on the account is period all of the credit extended under the rate’, or similar rate or index, the referenced plan and related finance charges, and the ob- exceeded, and no additional over-the-limit rate shall be disclosed and defined as the ligor pays all of the specified amount within fee shall be imposed in a subsequent billing bank prime loan rate posted by a majority of the specified time period, the creditor may cycle with respect to such excess credit, un- the top 25 (by assets in domestic offices) not impose or collect an additional interest less the obligor has obtained an additional United States chartered commercial banks, charge on the amount that was paid in full extension of credit in excess of such credit as published by the Board of Governors of and within the specified time period. limit during such subsequent cycle. the Federal Reserve System. To avoid an un- ‘‘(d) LIMITS ON INTEREST RATE IN- ‘‘(i) OTHER FEES.— fair or deceptive act or practice, a card CREASES.—— ‘‘(1) NO FEE TO PAY A BILLING STATEMENT.— issuer may not use the term ‘prime rate’ to ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to a credit With respect to a credit card account under refer to any other type of interest rate.’’. card account under an open end consumer an open end consumer credit plan, the cred- SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. credit plan, the creditor shall not increase itor may not impose a separate fee to allow Section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 the periodic rate of interest applicable to ex- the obligor to repay an extension of credit or U.S.C. 1602) is amended by adding at the end tensions of credit while such account re- finance charge, whether such repayment is the following: mains open, unless— made by mail, electronic transfer, telephone ‘‘(cc) PRIMARY FEDERAL REGULATOR.— ‘‘(A) such increase is pursuant to the expi- authorization, or other means. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘primary Fed- ration of an introductory rate which was dis- ‘‘(2) REASONABLE CURRENCY EXCHANGE eral regulator’, when used with respect to a closed under section 127(c)(6); FEE.—With respect to a credit card account card issuer that is a depository institution, ‘‘(B) such increase is pursuant to the appli- under an open end consumer credit plan, the has the same meaning as the term ‘appro- cation of a variable rate which was disclosed creditor may impose a fee for exchanging priate Federal banking agency’, under sec- under section 127(c)(1)(A)(i)(II); United States currency with foreign cur- tion 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. ‘‘(C) such increase is pursuant to the appli- rency in an account transaction, only if— ‘‘(2) AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY.—For each cation of a penalty rate which was disclosed ‘‘(A) such fee reasonably reflects the actual card issuer within its regulatory jurisdic- under subsections (a)(4) and (c)(1)(A)(i) of costs incurred by the creditor to perform tion, the primary Federal regulator shall be section 127; or such currency exchange; responsible for overseeing the credit card op- ‘‘(D) the obligor has provided specific writ- ‘‘(B) the creditor discloses publicly its erations of the card issuer, ensuring compli- ten consent to such increase at the time method for calculating such fee; and ance with the requirements of this title, and such increase was proposed. ‘‘(C) the primary Federal regulator of such enforcing the prohibition against unfair or ‘‘(2) LIMIT ON PENALTY INTEREST RATE.—If creditor determines that the method for cal- deceptive acts or practices.’’. an obligor fails to repay an extension of culating such fee complies with this para- SEC. 6. STRENGTHEN CREDIT CARD INFORMA- credit in accordance with the terms of a graph. TION COLLECTION. credit card account under an open end con- ‘‘(j) ANNUAL AUDIT.—The primary Federal Section 136(b) of the Truth in Lending Act sumer credit plan, and the creditor deter- regulator of a card issuer shall audit, on at (15 U.S.C. 1646(b)) is amended— mines to apply a penalty rate, as described least an annual basis, the credit card oper- (1) in paragraph (1)— in paragraph (1)(C), notwithstanding para- ations and procedures used by such issuer to (A) by striking ‘‘The Board shall’’ and in- graph (1)(D), such penalty rate may not, ensure compliance with this section and sec- serting the following: while such account is open, exceed 7 percent- tion 164, including by reviewing a sample of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Board shall’’; and age points above the interest rate that was billing statements to determine when they (B) by adding at the end the following: in effect with respect to such account on the were mailed and received, and by reviewing a ‘‘(B) INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED.—The in- date immediately preceding the first such sample of credit card accounts to determine formation under subparagraph (A) shall in- penalty increase for such account. when and how payments and finance charges clude, as of a date designated by the Board— ‘‘(e) INTEREST RATE INCREASES LIMITED TO were applied. Such regulator shall promptly ‘‘(i) a list of each type of transaction or FUTURE CREDIT EXTENSIONS.—With respect require the card issuer to take any correc- event for which one or more of the card to a credit card account under an open end tive action needed to comply with this sec- issuers has imposed a separate interest rate consumer credit plan, if the creditor in- tion.’’. upon a cardholder, including purchases, cash creases the periodic interest rate applicable SEC. 3. STOP UNFAIR APPLICATION OF CARD advances, and balance transfers; to an extension of credit under the account, PAYMENTS. ‘‘(ii) for each type of transaction or event such increased rate shall apply only to ex- Section 164 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 identified under clause (i)— tensions of credit made on and after the date U.S.C. 1666c) is amended— ‘‘(I) each distinct interest rate charged by of such increase under the account, and any (1) by striking the section heading and all the card issuer to a cardholder, as of the des- extension of credit under such account made that follows through ‘‘Payments’’ and insert- ignated date; and before the date of such increase shall con- ing the following: ‘‘(II) the number of cardholders to whom tinue to incur interest at the rate that was ‘‘§ 164. Prompt and fair crediting of payments each such interest rate was applied during in effect on the date prior to the date of the the calendar month immediately preceding increase. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Payments’’; and the designated date, and the total amount of ‘‘(f) NO INTEREST CHARGES ON FEES.—With (2) by adding at the end the following: respect to a credit card account under an ‘‘(b) APPLICATION OF PAYMENT.—Upon re- interest charged to such cardholders at each open end consumer credit plan, if the cred- ceipt of a payment from a cardholder, the such rate during such month; itor imposes a transaction fee on the obligor, card issuer shall— ‘‘(iii) a list of each type of fee that one or including a cash advance fee, late fee, over- ‘‘(1) apply the payment first to the card more of the card issuers has imposed upon a the-limit fee, or balance transfer fee, the balance bearing the highest rate of interest, cardholder as of the designated date, includ- creditor may not impose or collect interest and then to each successive balance bearing ing any fee imposed for obtaining a cash ad- with respect to such fee amount. the next highest rate of interest, until the vance, making a late payment, exceeding the ‘‘(g) FIXED CREDIT LIMIT.—With respect to payment is exhausted; and credit limit on an account, making a balance each credit card account under an open end ‘‘(2) after complying with paragraph (1), transfer, or exchanging United States dollars consumer credit plan, the creditor shall offer apply the payment in the most effective way for foreign currency; to the obligor the option of obtaining a fixed to minimize the imposition of any finance ‘‘(iv) for each type of fee identified under credit limit that cannot be exceeded, and charge to the account. clause (iii), the number of cardholders upon with respect to which any request for credit ‘‘(c) CHANGES BY CARD ISSUER.—If a card whom the fee was imposed during the cal- in excess of such fixed limit must be refused, issuer makes a material change in the mail- endar month immediately preceding the des- without exception and without imposing an ing address, office, or procedures for han- ignated date, and the total amount of fees over-the-limit fee or other penalty on such dling cardholder payments, and such change imposed upon cardholders during such obligor. causes a material delay in the crediting of a month;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6137 ‘‘(v) the total number of cardholders that sored by the National Institute of Dia- diarrhea and abdominal pain, and many incurred any interest charge or any fee dur- betes and Digestive and Kidney Dis- adults who had onset of inflammatory bowel ing the calendar month immediately pre- eases, NIDDK, at the National Insti- disease as children had delayed puberty and ceding the designated date; and tutes of Health. The Inflammatory impaired growth and have never reached ‘‘(vi) any other information related to in- their full genetic growth potential. terest rates, fees, or other charges that the Bowel Disease Research Act calls for (6) Inflammatory bowel disease patients Board deems of interest.’’; and an expansion of NIDDK’s research port- are at high risk for developing colorectal (2) by adding at the end the following: folio on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative cancer. ‘‘(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Board colitis in order to capitalize on several SEC. 3. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND shall, on an annual basis, transmit to Con- exciting discoveries that have broad- DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES; gress and make public a report containing an ened our understanding of IBD in re- INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE assessment by the Board of the profitability cent years. By increasing our invest- RESEARCH EXPANSION. of credit card operations of depository insti- Subpart 3 of part C of title IV of the Public ment in this area, we will maximize Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285c et seq.) is tutions. Such report shall include estimates the possibility that we will be able to by the Board of the approximate, relative amended by adding at the end the following: percentage of income derived by such oper- offer hope to millions of Americans ‘‘SEC. 434B. INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. ations from— who suffer from this debilitating dis- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the In- ‘‘(A) the imposition of interest rates on ease. At the same time, progress in this stitute shall expand, intensify, and coordi- cardholders, including separate estimates area could also mean we would save nate the activities of the Institute with re- for— millions of dollars in net health care spect to research on inflammatory bowel dis- ease. Such research may be focused on, but ‘‘(i) interest with an annual percentage expenditures through reduced hos- not limited to, the following areas: rate of less than 25 percent; and pitalizations and surgeries. ‘‘(1) Genetic research on susceptibility for ‘‘(ii) interest with an annual percentage In addition to biomedical research, inflammatory bowel disease, including the rate equal to or greater than 25 percent; this legislation also calls on the Cen- interaction of genetic and environmental ‘‘(B) the imposition of fees on cardholders; ters for Disease Control and Prevention factors in the development of the disease. ‘‘(C) the imposition of fees on merchants; ‘‘(2) Research targeted to increase knowl- and to expand its IBD epidemiology pro- edge about the causes and complications of ‘‘(D) any other material source of income, gram to include additional studies fo- inflammatory bowel disease in children. while specifying the nature of that income.’’. cused on pediatric IBD. As I mentioned earlier, 30 percent of individuals with ‘‘(3) Animal model research on inflam- SEC. 7. CONFORMING AMENDMENT. matory bowel disease, including genetics in Section 8 of the Fair Credit and Charge IBD are diagnosed in their childhood animals. Card Disclosure Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 1637 years. Children with IBD often miss ‘‘(4) Clinical inflammatory bowel disease note) is repealed. school activities for reasons related to research, including clinical studies and SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. IBD and run the risk of having delayed treatment trials. This Act and the amendments made by puberty and impaired growth as a re- ‘‘(5) Expansion of the Institute’s Inflam- this Act shall become effective 180 days after sult of this illness. It is therefore ap- matory Bowel Disease Centers program with the date of enactment of this Act. propriate that we also dedicate re- a focus on pediatric research. sources to efforts that will allow us to ‘‘(6) The training of qualified health profes- By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. sionals in biomedical research focused on in- COCHRAN): better understand pediatric IBD. Mr. President, I urge all Senators to flammatory bowel disease, including pedi- S. 1398. A bill to expand the research atric investigators. and prevention activities of the Na- join me in this important cause by co- ‘‘(7) Other research priorities identified by tional Institute of Diabetes and Diges- sponsoring the Inflammatory Bowel the scientific agendas ‘Challenges in Inflam- tive and Kidney Diseases, and the Cen- Disease Research Act. matory Bowel Disease Research’ (Crohn’s Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- ters for Disease Control and Prevention and Colitis Foundation of America) and sent that the text of the bill be printed with respect to inflammatory bowel ‘Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease’ in the RECORD. (North American Society for Pediatric Gas- disease; to the Committee on Health, There being no objection, the text of troenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition). Education, Labor, and Pensions. the bill was ordered to be printed in ‘‘(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today To carry out subsection (a), there are au- the RECORD, as follows: to introduce legislation focused on a thorized to be appropriated $80,000,000 for fis- S. 1398 devastating condition known as in- cal year 2008, $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, flammatory bowel disease, IBD. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.’’. resentatives of the United States of America in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative coli- SEC. 4. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND Congress assembled, PREVENTION; EXPANSION OF IN- tis, collectively known as inflam- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. FLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE EPI- matory bowel disease, IBD, are chronic This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Inflam- DEMIOLOGY PROGRAM. disorders of the gastrointestinal tract matory Bowel Disease Research Enhance- Part A of title III of the Public Health which afflict approximately 1.4 million ment Act’’. Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.) is amended Americans, 30 percent of whom are di- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. by adding at the end the following: agnosed in their childhood years. IBD Congress makes the following findings: ‘‘SEC. 310A. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (1) Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis AND PREVENTION; EXPANSION OF can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE are serious inflammatory diseases of the gas- and intestinal bleeding. Complications EPIDEMIOLOGY PROGRAM. trointestinal tract. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year related to the disease include; arthri- (2) Crohn’s disease may occur in any sec- tis, osteoporosis, anemia, liver disease, after the date of enactment of this Act, the tion of the gastrointestinal tract but is pre- Director of the Centers for Disease Control growth and developmental challenges, dominately found in the lower part of the and Prevention shall expand the Inflam- and colorectal cancer. Inflammatory small intestine and the large intestine. Ul- matory Bowel Disease Epidemiology Pro- bowel disease represents a major cause cerative colitis is characterized by inflam- gram within the National Center for Chronic of morbidity from digestive illness and mation and ulceration of the innermost lin- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to has a devastating impact on patients ing of the colon. Complete removal of the include additional studies focused on— and families. colon in patients with ulcerative colitis can ‘‘(1) the incidence and prevalence of pedi- potentially alleviate and cure symptoms. atric inflammatory bowel disease in the In the 108th Congress, I sponsored bi- (3) Because Crohn’s disease and ulcerative partisan legislation focused on IBD. United States; colitis behave similarly, they are collec- ‘‘(2) genetic and environmental factors as- Several important provisions of that tively known as inflammatory bowel disease. sociated with pediatric inflammatory bowel bill were incorporated into legislation Both diseases present a variety of symptoms, disease; known as the Research Review Act including severe diarrhea, abdominal pain ‘‘(3) age, race or ethnicity, gender, and which was enacted in 2005. with cramps, fever, and rectal bleeding. family history of individuals diagnosed with The legislation I am introducing There is no known cause of inflammatory pediatric inflammatory bowel disease; and today builds on the progress made in bowel disease, or medical cure. ‘‘(4) treatment approaches and outcomes in 2005 by calling for an increased Federal (4) It is estimated that up to 1,400,000 peo- pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. ple in the United States suffer from inflam- ‘‘(b) CONSULTATION.—The Director shall investment in biomedical research on matory bowel disease, 30 percent of whom carry out subsection (a) in consultation with IBD. The hope for a better quality of are diagnosed during their childhood years. a national voluntary patient organization life for patients and families depends (5) Children with inflammatory bowel dis- with experience serving the population of in- on basic and clinical research spon- ease miss school activities because of bloody dividuals with pediatric inflammatory bowel

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 disease and organizations representing phy- First, my College ACCESS Plan fully My mother has an expression that I sicians and other health professionals spe- covers the average cost of tuition and think rings true in the larger scope of cializing in the treatment of such popu- fees at a 2-year public college and cov- America: ‘‘Children tend to become lations. ers more than half of the average cost ‘‘(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— that which you expect of them.’’ I want To carry out this section, there are author- of tuition and fees at a public 4-year a country where we expect much from ized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal college. America’s children. Our future, and our year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary Right now, students and their fami- economic security, depend on it. for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010.’’. lies can take advantage of either the I ask unanimous consent that a sum- Hope Credit or the tuition and fees de- mary of this bill be included in the By Mr. BIDEN: duction, obtaining a maximum benefit RECORD. S. 1399. A bill to amend the Internal of $1,120 or $1,650, respectively. Al- There being no objection, the mate- Revenue Code of 1986 to combine the though these incentives help to make rial was ordered to be printed in the Hope Scholarship Credit and the deduc- college more affordable, they fall far RECORD, as follows: tion for qualified tuition and related short of providing the level of relief THE COLLEGE ACCESS ACT OF 2007 expenses into a refundable college af- needed to ensure that all students can TITLE I—COLLEGE ACCESS TAX CREDIT fordability and creating chances for afford college. educational success for students (AC- Consolidate two existing tax incentives— By replacing the Hope Credit and the the Hope Scholarship Credit and the tuition CESS) credit, to establish an Early tuition and fees deduction with a single and fees deduction—and replaces them with Federal Pell Grant Commitment Dem- $3,000 credit, the equivalent of a $12,000 a single $3,000 refundable tax credit that is onstration Program, and to increase deduction, and making it refundable, the equivalent of a $12,000 deduction. The the maximum Federal Pell Grant middle class and low income families College ACCESS Tax Credit would fully Award; to the Committee on Finance. will get real help with college costs. cover the average cost of tuition and fees at Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise My College ACCESS tax credit sim- a public two-year college, $2,300, and would today to introduce the College Afford- plifies this process and is indexed annu- cover more than half of the average cost of ability and Creating Chances for Edu- ally for inflation. So, when the cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year college, $5,800. Currently, the tuition and fees deduc- cational Success for Students Act of college goes up, the amount of assist- 2007, or College ACCESS Act. It will tion has a maximum value of $1,120, about 20 ance goes up as well. percent of the average cost of tuition and make a 2-year or 4-year college degree Second, my College ACCESS proposal fees at a public four-year college. The Hope affordable for every student. increases Pell Grants. When this pro- Scholarship Credit is more valuable, with a The United States is the largest gram was established, it covered most maximum value of $1,650, about 28 percent of economy in the world, and our skills, of the cost of tuition at a 4-year public the average cost of tuition and fees at a pub- our brains, are the foundation of our college. This is no longer the case. Cur- lic four-year college. economic strength. However, if we do rently, the maximum annual Pell Expand eligibility for the tax credit to ease not substantially expand access to Grant award is $4,310, and the average the burden of paying for college for more families. Currently, the Hope Scholarship higher education, we will not be able to annual cost of tuition and fees at a 4- count on continued dominance. Con- Credit is phased out for married couples year public college is $5,800. Students earning $90,000 to $110,000, $45,000 to $55,000 sider the facts: China and India both are seeing their tuition costs rise every for individuals. Married couples earning produce twice as many engineers a year while the levels of Federal fund- $130,000 to $160,000, $65,000–$80,000 for individ- year as we produce. One out of five U.S. ing fail to keep up. This reality is one uals, are eligible only for a reduced tuition scientists and engineers are foreign- that more and more students are facing and fees deduction. The College ACCESS Tax born. An Indian engineer costs only 20 every day, a reality that says, you can Credit expands eligibility, providing the full percent of an American engineer. By go to college, but only if you can afford credit to married couples whose adjusted 2010, the U.S. will produce about 15 per- it, and you won’t get much help from gross income is less than $130,000, $65,000 for individuals and phasing out the credit for cent of the world’s science and engi- us. neering doctorate degrees. This is down married couples with incomes between My College ACCESS Act seeks to $130,000 and $166,000, $65,000 and $83,000 for in- from 50 percent, half the world total, in remedy this by raising the maximum dividuals. Broadening the income limits for 1970. High-speed access to information Pell Grant award to $5,100 for 2007–2008, this credit would result in approximately 4 has leveled the playing field, radiolo- followed by increases of $300 per year million more hard working American fami- gists in India are reading x-rays from for the next 5 years, for a maximum lies being eligible for this assistance than American hospitals. Pell Grant in 2011–2012 of $6,300. under the current tax incentives and limits. This is a global economy. In a world Finally, the College ACCESS Plan Recognizing that the cost of college rises where America’s competitive advan- would provide funding for a demonstra- each year, both the income limits and phase- tage gap is closing fast, we should be tion program in four states that would out range for the credit would be adjusted annually for inflation. Furthermore, families ensuring guaranteeing that every stu- commit a maximum Federal Pell Grant dent can pursue higher education. The could claim a credit for more than one eligi- award to eligible 8 grade students so ble dependent in a school year. In pursuing importance of a college degree has they know they’re going to get this as- their education, individuals will be eligible never been greater, but over the next sistance when they graduate. By using for credits totaling up to $12,000 toward an decade 2 million students will forgo the same eligibility criteria as the Na- undergraduate degree, associate’s degree, college because of cost. The price tag tional School Lunch Program, students certificate, or continuing education as well of a degree at a four year public college would be identified based on need, and as credits totaling up to $6,000 toward a grad- has risen 35 percent in the last 5 years, then provided with information on the uate degree; as long as they are enrolled at the largest increase in tuition and fees Pell Grant program, the costs of col- least half-time. in any 5-year period in the last 30 Make the tuition tax credit refundable. lege, and what Federal and State finan- Making the College ACCESS Tax Credit re- years. We can not approach college as cial assistance is available to them. fundable would expand this incentive to the if it is a luxury, rather than a neces- Right now, students don’t find out if very students and families that need it the sity. And we should be worried about they are eligible for Federal aid until most, low income families. This credit would the rising costs that are putting col- their senior year, much less how much allow low income families to qualify for up lege out of reach for more and more they will receive. If you’ve ever put to $3,000 to cover tuition payments that Americans. We aren’t giving students kids through college, like I have, you aren’t covered by Pell Grants. Low income and their families enough financial know that this time frame doesn’t students who do attend college often face support to obtain their educational allow much leeway for planning ahead. prohibitive costs even after receiving aid from the government and their institution. goals, it is that simple. An earlier promise of Federal aid will We need to act, and we need to act begin the conversation about college TITLE II—EARLY FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM now, and that is why I am introducing early and continue it through high the College ACCESS Act. This legisla- Fund a demonstration program that would school. That way, students and their commit Pell Grants to students in 8 grade. tion addresses some of the disparities families can visualize college in their Currently, most students find out whether or in our current system with innovative future, and this goal can sustain them not they will receive a Pell Grant during new ways to help Americans pay for through the moment they open that their senior year of high school. Starting the college. acceptance letter. financial aid process earlier would allow

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6139 families and students to plan ahead for col- aging their debt and good information loans on the borrower’s underlying lege and develop an expectation that the fu- on the available options so they make loan benefits, including grace periods, ture includes higher education. The proposal wise, informed decisions. loan forgiveness and cancellation. Bor- provides funding for an Early Pell Grant We are calling this the SIMPLE Act Commitment Demonstration Program in rowers must be informed that different four States, each of which would commit for a reason. We have heard testimony lenders offering consolidation loans Pell Grants to two cohorts of up to 10,000 8 from experts and comments from bor- may offer different borrower benefits. grade students, one in school year 2007–2008, rowers and other stakeholders about Last, but not least, borrowers must and one in school year 2008–2009. Participa- the information borrowers receive cur- be given notice that information on tion would be contingent on students’ 8 rently. On the one hand, borrowers re- their student loans is housed in the Na- grade eligibility for free or reduced price ceive so much information that they tional Student Loan Database and they meals under the National School Lunch Pro- have ‘‘information overload,’’ which must be told how to access their infor- gram. Participants would qualify for the leads to confusion. On the other hand, mation. It will help them keep track of Automatic Zero Expected Family Contribu- tion on the Free Application for Federal Stu- many borrowers do not receive good in- the status of their loans and the out- dent Aid, FAFSA, guaranteeing them a max- formation about the full range of tools standing principal. imum Pell Grant, $4,310 for 2007–08. Addition- available to help them repay their All of this is designed to help bor- ally, the act requires an independent evalua- loans. What has come through loud and rowers ask questions first, then make tion to be conducted to determine the im- clear is that we need to simplify the in- decisions that are right for them. The pact and effectiveness of the program. formation and spell out the impact of concept is simple, and requires a few, Provide students with essential informa- selecting various options. Borrowers but essential changes to the Higher tion regarding the costs of college as well as available State and Federal assistance. The need better, clearer information to Education Act to put them into effect. Early Pell Grant Demonstration Project help them make better decisions, not Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- would provide funding for States, in conjunc- more repayment plans and confusing sent that the text of the bill be printed tion with the participating local education choices. in the RECORD. agencies, to conduct targeted information There are already four repayment There being no objection, the text of campaigns beginning in the 8 grade and con- plans in the Federal Family Education the bill was ordered to be printed in tinuing through students’ senior year. These Loan program and four in Direct the RECORD, as follows: campaigns would inform students and their Loans. From the data we have ob- S. 1400 families of the program and provide informa- tained, it is clear that the vast major- tion about the cost of a college education, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- State and Federal financial assistance, and ity of borrowers with Stafford loans resentatives of the United States of America in the average amount of aid awards. A tar- have a standard repayment plan. Many Congress assembled, geted information campaign, along with a borrowers are not taking advantage of SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. guarantee of a maximum Pell Grant, would the graduated, extended or income sen- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Student In- provide information essential to the college- sitive/income contingent repayment formation Means a Positive Loan Experience planning process and would help break down plans currently available. Act of 2007’’. the barriers that cost and information often Rather than adding another repay- SEC. 2. PURPOSE. form. ment plan, this bill makes the existing The purpose of this Act is to improve— TITLE III—INCREASE FEDERAL PELL GRANT repayment plans more flexible, by pro- (1) the repayment plans available to bor- MAXIMUM AWARD viding borrowers with the option to rowers of loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); Expand the maximum Pell Grant from pay only the interest on their loans for $4,310 to $5,100. In 1975, the maximum Pell and Grant covered 84 percent of the cost of tui- the first 2 years they are in repayment, (2) borrowers’ understanding of— tion, fees, room, and board at a four-year regardless of their repayment plan. The (A) the repayment plans available for such public college (Pell Grants, unlike tax incen- bill also expands access to the extended loans; tives, can be used to pay for the cost of room repayment plan to borrowers with (B) the conditions under which such loans and board). The maximum Pell Grant this $20,000 of student loan debt, instead of may be cancelled or forgiven; and year covered 33 percent of the average cost of the $30,000 currently needed to qualify (C) the availability of deferments, forbear- tuition, fees, room, and board at a public for extended repayment plans. ance, and consolidation for such loans, and four-year college, $12,115. While Congress in- The bill also revises the definition of the impact on the balance of such loans and creased the maximum Pell Grant for 2007– total interest paid of using those options. economic hardship, raising the eligi- 2008 to $4,310, a more substantial increase is SEC. 3. FLEXIBLE REPAYMENT PLANS. bility cut-off point to 150 percent of the long overdue, as the cost of tuition has out- (a) STUDENT LOAN REQUIREMENTS.—Section paced the growth in family income for the poverty line and taking family size 427(a)(2)(H) of the Higher Education Act of last two decades. The College ACCESS Act into account when making the deter- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1077(a)(2)(H)) is amended by in- would increase the maximum Pell Grant to mination of eligibility. serting ‘‘, and, if applicable, the option of $5,100 for 2007–2008, followed by increases of To make sure borrowers understand electing to delay repayment or principal for $300 per year for the next five years, for a the availability of the various options, the first 2 years of the repayment period’’ be- maximum Pell Grant in 2011–12 of $6,300. and the impact different repayment fore the semicolon at the end. ESTIMATED FIVE-YEAR COSTS plans would have on their payments, (b) FFEL REPAYMENT PLANS.—Section Title I—$24.1 Billion the bill expands and clarifies the infor- 428(b)(9) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 Title II—$35 billion (20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(9)) is amended— Title III—$36.5 million mation to be provided to borrowers (1) in subparagraph (A)— during their exit interview. Informa- (A) in the first sentence of the matter pre- By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. tion on repayment plans available will ceding clause (i), by inserting ‘‘, and the ALEXANDER, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. include a discussion of the different election described in subparagraph (C)’’ after BURR, Mr. ISAKSON, and Ms. features of each plan, average antici- ‘‘thereon’’; MURKOWSKI): pated monthly payment amounts, and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting ‘‘, which plan S. 1400. A bill to amend the Higher the ability of the borrower to prepay shall be established by the lender with the Education Act of 1965 to improve the their loans or to change repayment informed agreement of the borrower’’ before the semicolon at the end; and information and repayment options to plans. (C) by striking clause (iv) and inserting the student borrowers, and for other pur- The bill requires borrowers to be pro- following: poses; to the Committee on Health, vided with clear information on the ‘‘(iv) for new borrowers on or after October Education, Labor, and Pensions. availability of deferment and forbear- 7, 1998, who accumulate outstanding loans Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to ance. These are two excellent debt under this part totaling more than $20,000, an speak about the Student Information management tools, but borrowers must extended repayment plan, with a fixed an- Means a Positive Loan Experience Act, understand the potential impact on nual or graduated repayment amount paid the SIMPLE Act, which I, along with their loan principal and total interest over an extended period, not to exceed 25 years, except that the borrower shall repay Senators ALEXANDER, ALLARD, BURR paid on their loans when they choose annually a minimum amount determined in and ISAKSON, am introducing today. these options. accordance with paragraph (1)(L)(i).’’; and With the increasing debt level of many During exit counseling, borrowers (2) by adding at the end the following: students, it is important to make sure must also be provided with information ‘‘(C) OPTION FOR FIRST 2 YEARS.—A lender borrowers have good options for man- on the effect of consolidating student shall offer each new borrower of loans on or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 after October 7, 1998, the opportunity to ‘‘(II) the fact that interest will accrue on ferent features of each plan and sample in- elect, for the first 2 years of repayment of the loan for the period of forbearance; formation showing the difference in interest such loans, to delay the repayment of prin- ‘‘(III) the amount of interest that will be paid and total payments under each plan; cipal, regardless of the repayment plan se- capitalized, and the date on which capital- ‘‘(ii) the average anticipated monthly re- lected under this paragraph.’’. ization will occur; payments under the standard repayment (c) DIRECT LOAN REPAYMENT PLANS.—Sec- ‘‘(IV) the ability of the borrower to pay the plan and, at the borrower’s request, the tion 455(d) of the Higher Education Act of interest that has accrued before the interest other repayment plans for which the bor- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(d)) is amended— is capitalized; and rower is eligible; (1) in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(V) the borrower’s option to discontinue ‘‘(iii) such debt and management strategies (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph the forbearance at any time; and’’. as the institution determines are designed to (A)— (c) LENDER AGREEMENTS.—Section facilitate the repayment of such indebted- (i) in the first sentence, by inserting ‘‘, and 428C(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ness; the election described in paragraph (6)’’ after (20 U.S.C. 1078–3(b)(1)) is amended— ‘‘(iv) an explanation that the borrower has ‘‘the loan’’; and (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘and’’ the ability to prepay each such loan, pay the (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘may after the semicolon; loan on a shorter schedule, and change re- choose’’ and inserting ‘‘shall choose from’’; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as payment plans; and subparagraph (G); and ‘‘(v) the terms and conditions under which (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the the student may obtain full or partial for- ‘‘428(b)(9)(A)(v)’’ and inserting following: giveness or cancellation of principal or inter- ‘‘428(b)(9)(A)(iv)’’; and ‘‘(F) that the lender shall, upon application est under sections 428J, 460, and 465 (to the (2) by adding at the end the following: for a consolidation loan, provide the bor- extent that such sections are applicable to ‘‘(6) OPTION FOR FIRST 2 YEARS.—The Sec- rower with information about the possible the student’s loans); retary shall offer each new borrower of loans impact of loan consolidation, including— ‘‘(vi) the terms and conditions under which on or after October 7, 1998, the opportunity ‘‘(i) the total interest to be paid and fees to the student may defer repayment of prin- to elect, for the first 2 years of repayment of be paid on the consolidation loan, and the cipal or interest or be granted forbearance such loans, to delay the repayment of prin- length of repayment for the loan; under subsections (b)(1)(M) and (o) of section cipal, consistent with section 428(b)(9)(C).’’. ‘‘(ii) whether consolidation would result in 428, 428H(e)(7), subsections (f) and (l) of sec- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments a loss of loan benefits under this part or part tion 455, and section 464(c)(2), and the poten- made by this section shall apply with respect D, including loan forgiveness, cancellation, tial impact of such deferment or forbear- to loans for which the first disbursement is and deferment; ance; made on or after October 7, 1998. ‘‘(iii) in the case of a borrower that plans ‘‘(vii) the consequences of default on such SEC. 4. REVISED DEFINITION OF ECONOMIC to include a Federal Perkins Loan under part loans; HARDSHIP. E in the consolidation loan, that once the ‘‘(viii) information on the effects of using a Section 435(o)(1) of the Higher Education borrower adds the borrower’s Federal Per- consolidation loan to discharge the bor- Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(o)(1)) is amended— kins Loan to a consolidation loan— rower’s loans under parts B, D, and E, includ- (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘100 ‘‘(I) the borrower will lose all interest–free ing, at a minimum— percent of the poverty line for a family of 2’’ periods that would have been available for ‘‘(I) the effects of consolidation on total in- and inserting ‘‘150 percent of the poverty line such loan under part E, such as the periods terest to be paid, fees to be paid, and length applicable to the borrower’s family size’’; during which no interest accrues on the Fed- of repayment; and eral Perkins Loan while the borrower is en- ‘‘(II) the effects of consolidation on a bor- (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ‘‘to rolled in school at least half-time, the grace rower’s underlying loan benefits, including a family of 2’’ and inserting ‘‘to the bor- period, and the periods during which the bor- all grace periods, loan forgiveness, cancella- rower’s family size’’. rower’s student loan repayments are deferred tion, and deferment opportunities; SEC. 5. USEFUL AND COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT under section 464(c)(2); and ‘‘(III) the ability of the borrower to prepay LOAN INFORMATION FOR BOR- ‘‘(II) the borrower will no longer be eligible the loan or change repayment plans; and ROWERS. for cancellation of part or all of a Federal ‘‘(IV) that borrower benefit programs may (a) INSURANCE PROGRAM AGREEMENTS.— Perkins loan under section 465(a); vary among different loan holders; and Section 428(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act ‘‘(iv) the ability of the borrower to prepay ‘‘(ix) a notice to borrowers about the avail- of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(1)) is amended— ability of the National Student Loan Data the consolidation loan, pay such loan on a (1) in subparagraph (X), by striking ‘‘and’’ System and how the system can be used by shorter schedule, and to change repayment after the semicolon; a borrower to obtain information on the sta- plans; (2) in subparagraph (Y)(ii), by striking the tus of the borrower’s loans.’’. ‘‘(v) that borrower benefit programs for a period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and (f) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section consolidation loan may vary among different (3) by adding at the end the following: 455(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 lenders; ‘‘(Z) provides that the lender shall, at the U.S.C. 1087e(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘(vi) the consequences of default on the time the lender grants a deferment to a bor- ‘‘428C(b)(1)(F)’’ and inserting ‘‘428C(b)(1)(G)’’. consolidation loan; and rower who received a loan under section 428H SEC. 6. REPORT REQUIRED. ‘‘(vii) that by applying for a consolidation and is eligible for a deferment under section Section 141(c) of the Higher Education Act loan, the borrower is not obligated to agree 427(a)(2)(C), provide information to the bor- of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1018(c)) is amended— to take the consolidation loan; and’’. rower to enable the borrower to understand (1) in the subsection heading, by striking (d) INFORMATION DISSEMINATION.—Subpara- ‘‘PLAN AND REPORT’’ and inserting ‘‘PLAN, the impact of capitalization of interest on graph (M) of section 485(a)(1) of the Higher REPORT, AND BRIEFING’’; and the borrower’s loan principal and total Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(a)(1)(M)) (2) by adding at the end the following: amount of interest to be paid during the life is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(4) BRIEFING ON ENFORCEMENT OF STUDENT of the loan.’’. ‘‘(M) the terms and conditions of the loans LOAN PROVISIONS.—The Chief Operating Offi- (b) GUARANTY AGREEMENTS.—Section that students receive under parts B, D, and 428(c)(3)(C) of the Higher Education Act of cer shall provide an annual briefing to the E;’’. members of the authorizing committees on 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078(c)(3)(C)) is amended— (e) EXIT COUNSELING.—Subparagraph (A) of the steps the PBO has taken and is taking to (1) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’ after the section 485(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act semicolon; of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(b)(1)(A)) is amended by ensure that lenders are providing the infor- (2) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ after striking the subparagraph designation and mation required under clauses (iii) and (iv) the semicolon; all that follows through ‘‘465.’’ and inserting of section 428(c)(3)(C) and sections (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the fol- the following: ‘‘(A) Each eligible institution 428(b)(1)(Z) and 428C(b)(1)(F).’’. lowing: shall, through financial aid offices or other- ‘‘(iii) the lender shall, at the time of grant- wise, provide counseling to borrowers of By Mr. ENZI (for himself, Mr. ing a borrower forbearance, provide informa- loans that are made, insured, or guaranteed ALEXANDER, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. tion to the borrower to enable the borrower under part B (other than loans made pursu- BURR, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. ROB- to understand the impact of capitalization of ant to section 428C or loans made to parents ERTS, and Ms. MURKOWSKI): interest on the borrower’s loan principal and pursuant to section 428B), or made under S. 1401. A bill to improve the Na- total amount of interest to be paid during part D (other than Federal Direct Consolida- tional Student Loan Data System; to the life of the loan; and tion Loans or Federal Direct PLUS Loans the Committee on Health, Education, ‘‘(iv) the lender shall contact the borrower made to parents) or E, prior to the comple- Labor, and Pensions. not less often than once every 180 days dur- tion of the course of study for which the bor- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to ing the period of forbearance to inform the rower enrolled at the institution or at the borrower of— time of departure from such institution. The speak about the Student Financial Aid ‘‘(I) the amount of unpaid principal and the counseling required by this subsection shall Data Privacy Protection Act, which I, amount of interest that has accrued since include— along with Senators ALEXANDER, the last statement of such amounts provided ‘‘(i) information on the repayment plans ALLARD, BURR, ISAKSON and ROBERTS, to the borrower by the lender; available, including a discussion of the dif- am

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6141 introducing today. In a climate where cific information, and directs the Sec- ‘‘(4) requiring guaranty agencies, eligible our personal financial information is at retary of Education to explore ways to lenders, and eligible institutions of higher risk, it is now more important than empower students and parents to con- education that enter into an agreement with ever to ensure that the Department of trol which lenders are accessing their a potential student, student, or parent of such student regarding a loan under part B, Education is providing appropriate sensitive, financial information. D, or E, to inform the student or parent that safeguards around one of the world’s We must help the 14.3 million stu- such loan shall be— largest databases, National Student dents and their families who trust the ‘‘(A) submitted to the data system; and Loan Data System. Department of Education to protect ‘‘(B) accessible to guaranty agencies, eligi- The Department of Education has their personal financial information. ble lenders, and eligible institutions of high- not inspired confidence in its ability to Action is needed to restore confidence er education determined by the Secretary to protect its data systems from those in the ability of the Department of be authorized users of the data system; bad actors who would misuse the finan- Education to manage the National Stu- ‘‘(5) regularly reviewing the data system cial information of students and par- dent Loan Data System. I want to to— ‘‘(A) delete inactive users from the data ents. Indeed in 2006 the House Com- thank Senators ALEXANDER, ALLARD, system; mittee on Oversight and Government BURR, ISAKSON and ROBERTS for joining ‘‘(B) ensure that the data in the data sys- Reform gave the Department of Edu- me in this effort, and look forward to tem are not being used for marketing pur- cation a failing grade for its efforts to this bill being included in our efforts to poses; and improve the security of its data sys- reauthorize the Higher Education Act. ‘‘(C) monitor the use of the data system by tems in compliance with the Federal I ask unanimous consent that the guaranty agencies and eligible lenders to de- Information Security Management text of the bill be printed in the termine whether an agency or lender is ac- Act. RECORD. cessing the records of students in which the More recently, on April 17 of this There being no objection, the text of agency or lender has no existing financial in- year the Department of Education sus- the bill was ordered to be printed in terest; and ‘‘(6) developing standardized protocols for pended the access of lenders, services the RECORD, as follows: limiting access to the data system that in- and guaranty agencies to the National S. 1401 clude— Student Loan Data System. While I am Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(A) collecting data on the usage of the pleased to see that the Department of resentatives of the United States of America in data system to monitor whether access has Education is monitoring this database, Congress assembled, been or is being used contrary to the pur- it is clear from the information pro- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. poses of the data system; vided by the Department of Education This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Student Fi- ‘‘(B) defining the steps necessary for deter- that this unprecedented restriction of nancial Aid Data Privacy Protection Act’’. mining whether, and how, to deny or restrict access was done without having in SEC. 2. NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM. access to the data system; and Section 485B of the Higher Education Act place clear standard operating proce- ‘‘(C) determining the steps necessary to re- of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092b) is amended— open access to the data system following a dures for limiting and restoring access (1) by redesignating subsections (d) denial or restriction of access.’’; and to the database. through (g) as subsections (e) through (h), re- (3) by striking subsection (e) (as redesig- The National Student Loan Data spectively; nated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the fol- System is a vital tool for lenders, uni- (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- lowing: versities and students. It is a system lowing: ‘‘(d) PRINCIPLES FOR ADMINISTERING THE ‘‘(e) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.— that is absolutely essential to the effi- ‘‘(1) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than Sep- cient functioning of our country’s DATA SYSTEM.—In managing the National Student Loan Data System, the Secretary tember 30 of each fiscal year, the Secretary higher education loan and grant pro- shall take actions necessary to maintain shall prepare and submit to the appropriate grams. When the operation of this sys- confidence in the data system, including, at committees of Congress a report describing— tem suffers, students suffer. a minimum— ‘‘(A) the results obtained by the establish- Students and parents depend on this ‘‘(1) ensuring that the primary purpose of ment and operation of the National Student system to consolidate their loans. access to the data system by guaranty agen- Loan Data System authorized by this sec- Lenders and guaranty agencies depend cies, eligible lenders, and eligible institu- tion; tions of higher education is for legitimate ‘‘(B) the effectiveness of existing privacy on this system to verify whether stu- safeguards in protecting student and parent dents should be entering their repay- program operations, such as the need to verify the eligibility of a student, potential information in the data system; ment period. And our institutions of student, or parent for loans under part B, D, ‘‘(C) the success of any new authorization higher education depend on this system or E; protocols in more effectively preventing to determine whether students are ex- ‘‘(2) prohibiting nongovernmental re- abuse of the data system; ceeding caps on how much they should searchers and policy analysts from accessing ‘‘(D) the ability of the Secretary to mon- be borrowing to attend college. personally identifiable information; itor how the system is being used, relative to This bill sets out operating principles ‘‘(3) creating a disclosure form for students the intended purposes of the data system; for the National Student Loan Data and potential students that is distributed and when such students complete the common fi- ‘‘(E) any protocols developed under sub- System, to ensure that the Department section (d)(6) during the preceding fiscal of Education continues to manage this nancial reporting form under section 483, and as a part of the exit counseling process under year. database in manner that advances the section 485(b), that— ‘‘(2) STUDY.— best interests of students. The bill re- ‘‘(A) informs the students that any title IV ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con- quires the Department of Education es- grant or loan the students receive will be in- duct a study regarding— tablish protocols for limiting access to cluded in the National Student Loan Data ‘‘(i) available mechanisms for providing the database when there are suspicions System, and instructs the students on how students and parents with the ability to opt that the system is being used inappro- to access that information; in or opt out of allowing eligible lenders to ‘‘(B) describes the categories of individuals access their records in the National Student priately, and the steps to be taken in Loan Data System; and order to restore access. or entities that may access the data relating to such grant or loan through the data sys- ‘‘(ii) appropriate protocols for limiting ac- This bill also requires the Depart- tem, and for what purposes access is allowed; cess to the data system, based on the risk as- ment of Education, lenders and guar- ‘‘(C) defines and explains the categories of sessment required under subchapter III of anty agencies to assist students and information included in the data system; chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code. parents in better understanding how ‘‘(D) provides a summary of the provisions ‘‘(B) SUBMISSION OF STUDY.—Not later than their sensitive, financial information is of the Federal Educational Rights and Pri- 3 years after the date of enactment of the entered into the National Student vacy Act of 1974 and other applicable Federal Student Financial Aid Data Privacy Protec- Loan Data System and then accessed privacy statutes, and a statement of the stu- tion Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report on the findings of the study by thousands of lenders, consolidators dents’ rights and responsibilities with re- spect to such statutes; to the appropriate committees of Congress.’’. and guaranty agencies across the coun- ‘‘(E) explains the measures taken by the try. Department to safeguard the students’ data; By Mr. GRASSLEY: Finally, the bill prohibits nongovern- and mental researchers and policy analysts ‘‘(F) includes other information as deter- S. 1402. A bill to amend the Invest- from accessing sensitive borrower-spe- mined appropriate by the Secretary; ment Advisors Act of 1940, with respect

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This That was one battle that we won. bill, The Hedge Fund Registration Act, overturned an SEC administrative rule Since working in 1995 to prevent Los is pretty simple. It’s only two pages that required registration of hedge Angeles ports from being controlled by long. All it does is clarify that the Se- funds. That decision effectively ended Chinese interests, I have continued my curities and Exchange Commission has all registration of hedge funds with the pressure on the issue. For example, I SEC, unless and until Congress takes the authority to require hedge funds to expressed my concern with the CFIUS action. register, so the government knows who process over 2 years ago in the spring The Hedge Fund Registration Act they are and what they’re doing. of 2005 when I delivered four speeches Technically speaking, this bill would would respond to that court decision by narrowing the current registration on China. While examining this issue I amend section 203(b)(3) of the Invest- came across a disturbing example of ment Advisers Act of 1940. It would exemption and bring much needed transparency to hedge funds. China buying the U.S. company, narrow the current exemption from Magnequench Inc., and moving it registration for certain investment ad- Most people say the devil is in the de- tails. Well here they are. This bill piecemeal back to mainland China. visers. This exemption is used by large, Let me read from the floor speech I private pooled investment vehicles, would authorize the SEC to require all investment advisers, including hedge gave on April 4, 2005: commonly referred to as ‘‘hedge I believe that CFIUS does not have a broad funds.’’ Hedge funds are operated by fund managers, to register with the SEC. Only those that meet all four of enough conception of U.S. security. One ex- advisers who manage billions of dollars ample of CFIUS falling short is with for groups of wealthy investors in total the following criteria would be exempt: Magnequench International Incorporated. In secrecy. They should at least have to 1. managed less than $50 million, 2. had 1995 Chinese corporations bought GM’s register with the SEC, like other in- fewer than 15 clients, 3. did not hold Magnequench, a supplier of rare earth metals vestment advisors do. himself out to the public as an invest- used in the guidance systems of smart- Currently, the exemption applies to ment advisor, and 4. managed the as- bombs. Over twelve years, the company has sets for fewer than 15 investors, regard- been moved piecemeal to mainland China, any investment adviser who had fewer leaving the U.S. with no domestic supplier of than 15 clients in the preceding year less of whether investment is direct or through a pooled investment vehicle, a critical component of rare-earth magnets. and who does not hold himself out to CFIUS approved this transfer. such as a hedge fund. the public as an investment adviser. The United States now has no domes- The Hedge Fund Registration Act nar- The Hedge Fund Registration Act is a first step in ensuring that the SEC tic supplier of rare earth metals, which rows this exemption and closes a loop- are essential for precision-guided mu- hole in the securities laws these hedge simply has clear authority to do what it already tried to do. Congress must nitions. funds use to avoid registering with the That was one we lost. act to ensure that our laws are kept up SEC and operate in secret. Following this series of four speeches to date as new types of investments ap- Much has been reported during the that spring, on July 20, 2005, I intro- pear. last few years regarding hedge funds duced Senate amendment No. 1311 as That said, this legislation didn’t have and the market power they yield be- an amendment to the annual National many friends the last time I introduced cause of the large amounts of capital Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal it as an amendment. These funds don’t they invest. In fact, some estimates are Year 2006. My amendment prompted want people to know what they do and that these pooled investment vehicles the very beginning of the legislative have fought hard to keep it that way. account for nearly 30 percent of the pursuit of this issue in recent years. Well, I think that is all the more rea- daily trades in U.S. financial markets. For example, my amendment prompted son to shed some sunlight on them to The power and influence of that another, later, second-degree amend- amount of volume is not some passing see what they’re up to. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor ment, Senate amendment No. 1335, by fad. It represents a new element in our and support this legislation, as we Senator SHELBY, then the chairman of financial markets. Congress needs to work to protect all investors, large and the Senate Banking Committee. ensure that the SEC knows who is con- I also testified before the U.S.-China small. trolling these massive pools of money Commission on July 21, 2005. The U.S.- to ensure the integrity and security of By Mr. INHOFE: China Economic and Security Review the markets. S. 1404. A bill to provide for Congres- Commission is a bipartisan committee The failure of Amaranth and the in- sional authority with respect to cer- created in 2000 to monitor, investigate, creasing interest in hedge funds as in- tain acquisitions, mergers, and take- and submit to Congress an annual re- vestment vehicles for public pension overs under the Defense Production port on the national security implica- money means that this is not just a Act of 1950; to the Committee on Bank- tions of the bilateral trade and eco- high stakes game for the super rich. ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. nomic relationship between the United Hedge funds affect regular investors. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, this is States and the People’s Republic of They affect the markets as a whole. an important issue, one I have raised China. My recent oversight of the SEC has many times over the years. I have tes- The Commission is composed of 12 convinced me that the Commission and tified before the Banking Committee, members, 3 of whom are selected by the Self-Regulatory Organizations, and introduced numerous bills. each of the majority and minority SROs, need much more information It is not a new issue. There have been leaders of the Senate, and the Speaker about the activities of hedge funds in at least four high-profile times in the and the minority leader of the House. order to protect the markets from in- last 12 years where proposed foreign ac- The Commissioners serve 2-year terms. stitutional insider trading and other quisitions in the U.S. have threatened Their recommendations are con- potential abuses. our security. sistent with the amendment I intro- This legislation is one small, simple In 1998, President Clinton tried to duced to the Defense authorization bill step toward greater transparency. All turn over management of a 144-acre that would have made some of the nec- it does is require that hedge funds reg- terminal at the former U.S. Naval Sta- essary changes to CFIUS. ister and tell the regulators who they tion in Long Beach to the Chinese On September 28, 2005, the Govern- are. This is not a burden. It is just Ocean Shipping Company, COSCO—a ment Accountability Office issued a re- common sense. Organizations that subsidiary of the People’s Liberation port on CFIUS that is right in line with wield hundreds of billions of dollars in Army. the recommendations of the US-China market power every day need to reg- I am going to quote from an LA Commission. So this has not just been ister with the agency that Americans Times article from that time: me saying that CFIUS is in need of

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critical change—it’s the U.S.-China SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Spun in the stretch and draw away to a 21⁄4- Commission and the GAO as well. length victory; When my amendment stalled over a Whereas the victory was Calvin Borel’s SENATE RESOLUTION 199—CALL- first in the Kentucky Derby; committee jurisdictional point, on Sep- ING FOR THE IMMEDIATE AND Whereas Calvin Borel was born on Novem- tember 29, 2005, I chose to introduce UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ber 7, 1966, in St. Martinsville, Louisiana; the changes as a stand-alone bill, the DR. HALEH ESFANDIARI Whereas Calvin Borel hails from South Foreign Investment Security Act of Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country, fa- 2005, S. 1797, which was referred to the Mr. SMITH (for himself and Mrs. mous for its production of many top jockeys Banking Committee. That bill was the CLINTON) submitted the following reso- during the last 20 years; and first bill introduced in recent years on lution; which was referred to the Com- Whereas Calvin Borel’s victory in the 133rd this topic. mittee on Foreign Relations. running of the Kentucky Derby solidifies his place in a tradition of Louisiana jockeys who S. RES. 199 Later the Banking Committee held a have won the Kentucky Derby, such as Eric hearing on the GAO report, and I testi- Whereas Dr. Haleh Esfandiari is one of the Guerin (1947), Edward Delahoussaye (1982, fied before them on October 20, 2005, at United States’s most distinguished analysts 1983), Craig Perret (1990), and Kent that hearing. of Iranian politics and is the Director of the Desormeaux (1998, 2000): Now, therefore, be it Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson In all of these ways I have just men- Resolved, That the Senate— International Center for Scholars; (1) commends Louisiana jockeys for their tioned, the Banking Committee was Whereas Dr. Esfandiari is a dual citizen of continued success at one of America’s most prompted by me to pursue this topic. Iran and the United States; heralded thoroughbred horseracing events, In the past couple of years, several Whereas Dr. Esfandiari has served as a the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs; high profile business deals have been communications bridge between the United (2) recognizes jockey Calvin Borel for win- approved by CFIUS that would allow States and Iran, advocating diplomacy and ning the 133rd running of the Kentucky dialogue; Derby on May 5, 2007; foreign-owned companies, in particular Whereas Dr. Esfandiari travels to Iran companies that are owned or controlled (3) recognizes the achievements of all the twice a year to visit with her mother; owners, trainers, and support staff who were by foreign governments, to acquire Whereas, in late December 2006, Dr. instrumental in helping Calvin Borel and other companies doing business in the Esfandiari traveled to Iran to visit her ailing Street Sense to victory; and United States. 93 year old mother for 1 week; (4) recognizes the achievements of all cur- More recently I was concerned with Whereas the current Iranian President, rent and former Louisiana jockeys in the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has initiated a Kentucky Derby. China’s state-owned CNOOC attempted crackdown on scholars and journalists in- to buyout Unocal, a US oil company. cluding Dr. Esfandiari, Canadian-Iranian f We won this one because of Congres- philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo, and jour- sional pressure, and CNOOC withdrew nalist Parnaz Azima; SENATE RESOLUTION 201—SUP- its bid. Over the past 2 years, I have Whereas, on December 30, 2006, Dr. PORTING THE GOALS AND been pointing out that the CFIUS proc- Esfandiari was robbed of her Iranian and IDEALS OF ‘‘NATIONAL LIFE IN- ess has ignored some major issues American passports and travel documents at SURANCE AWARENESS MONTH’’ which threaten our national security. knife-point by 3 masked men on the way to Mr. CHAMBLISS. (for himself and the airport to return to the United States; The most publicized deal was the Whereas Dr. Esfandiari was held in Iran Mr. NELSON) submitted the following state owned Dubai Ports World, DPW, under house arrest for 4 months, interro- resolution; which was referred to the purchase of Peninsular and Oriental gated under conditions of intimidation and Commitee on Banking, Housing, and Steam Navigation, P&O, that would threat, and, on May 8, 2007, was imprisoned Urban Affairs: have allowed DPW to take over the op- in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran; S. RES. 201 Whereas Dr. Esfandiari has been falsely ac- erations at various east coast ports in Whereas life insurance is an essential part cused by a news agency in Iran of being a spy the United States. The public outcry of a sound financial plan; for Mossad, of serving as the head of the Iran Whereas life insurance provides financial against this deal lead DPW to abandon section of the American Israel Public Affairs security for families by helping surviving its plans to operate the U.S. ports and Committee, and of encouraging an uprising members meet immediate and long-term fi- that portion of the takeover was sold against the regime in Tehran; and nancial obligations and objectives in the to U.S. based companies. However since Whereas senior government officials have event of a premature death in their family; conveyed the United States’s opposition to the DPW-P&O deal was canceled, other Whereas approximately 68,000,000 United this unjustified imprisonment: Now, there- transactions have been approved by States citizens lack the adequate level of life CFIUS that are just as questionable. fore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— insurance coverage needed to ensure a secure CFIUS has received over 1,600 notifi- (1) condemns the arrest, interrogation, and financial future for their loved ones; cations and investigated under 40. Of imprisonment of Dr. Haleh Esfandiari as a Whereas life insurance products protect those, only one acquisition has been deliberately provocative and illegal act; against the uncertainties of life by enabling stopped by the President. (2) deplores the continuing crackdown in individuals and families to manage the fi- Iran on journalists and scholars and the de- nancial risks of premature death, disability, This is a critical issue at a critical and long-term care; time. CFIUS seems to only get scru- liberate dissemination of misinformation re- garding their activities; and Whereas individuals, families, and busi- tiny when some major deal is in the pa- (3) demands the immediate, safe, and un- nesses can benefit from professional insur- pers. I have been paying attention to it conditional release of Dr. Haleh Esfandiari ance and financial planning advice, including all along. It needs reform, and I hope from custody, the reissuance of appropriate an assessment of their life insurance needs; we can make some progress. travel documents for Dr. Esfandiari, and the and provision of safe passage out of Iran. Whereas numerous groups supporting life I am glad that Congress is now tak- insurance have designated September 2007 as ing a closer look at CIFIUS reform. f ‘‘National Life Insurance Awareness Month’’ Rest assured that I continue to push SENATE RESOLUTION 200—COM- as a means to encourage consumers to— for this badly needed reform and as MENDING LOUISIANA JOCKEYS (1) become more aware of their life insur- Congress addresses this issue, I will FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUCCESS ance needs; keep your thoughts in mind. (2) seek professional advice regarding life IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY AT insurance; and Note too that I will ensure in par- CHURCHILL DOWNS (3) take the actions necessary to achieve fi- ticular that the national security as- Mr. VITTER. (for himself and Ms. nancial security for their loved ones: Now pects of this work are appropriately at- LANDRIEU) submitted the following res- therefore, be it tended to. I will not stand idly by and olution; which was referred to the Resolved, That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘Na- allow a bill that is weak on national Commitee on the Judiciary: defense to pass. tional Life Insurance Awareness Month’’; S. RES. 200 Let us all work together to ensure and Whereas jockey Calvin Borel successfully (2) calls on the Federal Government, that the legislative process performs won the 133rd running of the Kentucky States, localities, schools, nonprofit organi- appropriately to defend our Nation, Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2007; zations, businesses, and the citizens of the and let this bill I am introducing today Whereas Calvin Borel rallied Street Sense United States to observe the month with ap- be a new start. from 19th place to pass the pacesetting Hard propriate programs and activities.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 SENATE RESOLUTION 202—DESIG- for other purposes; which was ordered to lie to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- NATING THE PERIOD BEGINNING on the table. dered to lie on the table. ON MAY 14, 2007, AND ENDING ON SA 1113. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted an SA 1132. Mr. DEMINT submitted an amend- amendment intended to be proposed by her ment intended to be proposed by him to the MAY 18, 2007, AS ‘‘NATIONAL to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie HEALTH INFORMATION TECH- dered to lie on the table. on the table. NOLOGY WEEK’’ SA 1114. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted an SA 1133. Mr. DEMINT submitted an amend- Ms. STABENOW. (for herself and Ms. amendment intended to be proposed by her ment intended to be proposed by him to the to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie SNOWE, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE) sub- dered to lie on the table. on the table. mitted the following resolution; which SA 1115. Mr. WARNER submitted an SA 1134. Mr. WARNER (for himself and Ms. was considered and agreed to: amendment intended to be proposed by him COLLINS) submitted an amendment intended S. RES. 202 to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 1495, Whereas the Healthcare Information and dered to lie on the table. supra. Management Systems Society has worked SA 1116. Mr. ALLARD submitted an SA 1135. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. COCH- collaboratively with more than 48 stake- amendment intended to be proposed by him RAN (for himself, Mr. WARNER, and Mr. holder organizations for more than 45 years to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- BOND)) proposed an amendment to the bill to transform health care with improved uses dered to lie on the table. H.R. 1495, supra. SA 1117. Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and of information technology and management f Mr. KERRY) submitted an amendment in- systems; tended to be proposed to amendment SA 1065 Whereas the Center for Information Tech- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS proposed by Mrs. BOXER (for herself, Mr. nology Leadership estimated that the imple- SA 1112. Ms. STABENOW (for herself INHOFE, Mr. BAUCUS, and Mr. ISAKSON) to the mentation of national standards for inter- bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie and Mr. LEVIN) submitted an amend- operability and the exchange of health infor- on the table. ment intended to be proposed by her to mation would save the United States ap- SA 1118. Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the proximately $77,000,000,000 in expenses relat- ISAKSON, and Mr. CHAMBLISS) submitted an ing to health care each year; conservation and development of water amendment intended to be proposed to Whereas the RAND Corporation estimated and related resources, to authorize the amendment SA 1065 proposed by Mrs. BOXER that, if the health care system of the United Secretary of the Army to construct (for herself, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. BAUCUS, and Mr. States implemented the use of computerized various projects for improvements to ISAKSON) to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which medical records, the system could save the was ordered to lie on the table. rivers and harbors of the United United States more than $81,000,000,000 each SA 1119. Mr. HARKIN submitted an amend- States, and for other purposes; which year; ment intended to be proposed by him to the was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- Whereas health care information tech- bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie lows: nology has been shown to improve the qual- on the table. ity and safety of the delivery of health care At the appropriate place in title III, insert SA 1120. Mr. DOMENICI submitted an the following: in the United States; amendment intended to be proposed by him SEC. 3lll. SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MICHIGAN. Whereas health care information tech- to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1149 of the Water nology and management systems have been dered to lie on the table. recognized as essential tools for improving SA 1121. Mr. DOMENICI submitted an Resources Development Act of 1986 (100 Stat. the quality and cost efficiency of the health amendment intended to be proposed by him 4254) is amended to read as follows: care system; to the bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was or- ‘‘SEC. 1149. SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MICHIGAN. Whereas the President and Secretary of dered to lie on the table. ‘‘The Secretary shall construct, at Federal Health and Human Services have made a SA 1122. Mr. LOTT submitted an amend- expense, a second lock, with a width of not commitment to leveraging the benefits of ment intended to be proposed by him to the less than 110 feet and a length of not less the health care information technology and bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie than 1,200 feet, adjacent to the lock at Sault management systems by establishing the Of- on the table. Sainte Marie, Michigan, in existence on the fice of the National Coordinator for Health SA 1123. Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. date of enactment of the Water Resources Information Technology and the American MCCONNELL) proposed an amendment to the Development Act of 2007, generally in ac- Health Information Community; bill H.R. 2206, making emergency supple- cordance with the report of the Board of En- Whereas Congress has placed an emphasis mental appropriations for the fiscal year gineers for Rivers and Harbors dated May 19, on improving the quality and safety of the ending September 30, 2007, and for other pur- 1986, and the limited reevaluation report delivery of health care in the United States; poses. dated February 2004, at a total cost of and SA 1124. Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. $341,714,000.’’. Whereas organizations across the country MCCONNELL) proposed an amendment to (b) CONFORMING REPEALS.—The following have come together to support National amendment SA 1123 proposed by Mr. REID provisions of law are repealed: Health Information Technology Week to im- (for himself and Mr. MCCONNELL) to the bill (1) Paragraph (8) of section 107(a) of the prove public awareness relating to the poten- H.R. 2206, supra. Water Resources Development Act of 1990 tial benefits of improved quality and cost ef- SA 1125. Mr. REID proposed an amendment (104 Stat. 4620). ficiency that the health care system could to amendment SA 1124 proposed by Mr. REID (2) Section 330 of the Water Resources De- achieve if health information technology (for himself and Mr. MCCONNELL) to the velopment Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3717). were better utilized: Now, therefore, be it amendment SA 1123 proposed by Mr. REID (3) Section 330 of the Water Resources De- Resolved, That the Senate— (for himself and Mr. MCCONNELL) to the bill velopment Act of 1999 (113 Stat. 305). (1) recognizes the value of information H.R. 2206, supra. technology and management systems in SA 1126. Mr. REID proposed an amendment SA 1113. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted transforming health care for all people in the to the bill H.R. 2206, supra. an amendment intended to be proposed United States; SA 1127. Mr. REID proposed an amendment by her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide to amendment SA 1126 proposed by Mr. REID (2) designates the period beginning on May for the conservation and development 14, 2007, and ending on May 18, 2007, as ‘‘Na- to the bill H.R. 2206, supra. SA 1128. Mr. REID proposed an amendment of water and related resources, to au- tional Health Information Technology thorize the Secretary of the Army to Week’’; and to amendment SA 1127 proposed by Mr. REID (3) encourages the use of information tech- to the amendment SA 1126 proposed by Mr. construct various projects for improve- nology and management systems to trans- REID to the bill H.R. 2206, supra. ments to rivers and harbors of the SA 1129. Mr. INOUYE submitted an amend- form the health care system in the United United States, and for other purposes; ment intended to be proposed by him to the States. which was ordered to lie on the table; bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the conservation f and development of water and related re- as follows: AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND sources, to authorize the Secretary of the At the appropriate place in title V, insert the following: PROPOSED Army to construct various projects for im- provements to rivers and harbors of the SEC. 5lll. CATASTROPHIC FLOODING RECOV- SA 1112. Ms. STABENOW (for herself and United States, and for other purposes; which ERY. Mr. LEVIN) submitted an amendment in- was ordered to lie on the table. (a) DEFINITION OF CATASTROPHIC FLOODING tended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. SA 1130. Mr. OBAMA submitted an amend- EVENT.—In this section, the term ‘‘cata- 1495, to provide for the conservation and de- ment intended to be proposed by him to the strophic flooding event’’ includes a flooding velopment of water and related resources, to bill H.R. 1495, supra; which was ordered to lie event caused by— authorize the Secretary of the Army to con- on the table. (1) the failure of a levee; struct various projects for improvements to SA 1131. Mr. WARNER submitted an (2) a natural disaster declared by the Fed- rivers and harbors of the United States, and amendment intended to be proposed by him eral Government; or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6145 (3) inadequate flood damage reduction mine a solution to protect residents of the SEC. 2065. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. measures. United States. The Commission shall— (b) REPORTS.—Not later than 90 days after SEC. 2063. ESTABLISHMENT OF 8/29 COMMISSION. (1) review findings and recommendations the date on which a catastrophic flooding There is established a commission, to be contained in all public and private studies event occurs, as determined by the Sec- known as the ‘‘8/29 Commission’’, to examine conducted in the aftermath of the levee fail- retary, the Secretary shall submit to Con- the events beginning on August 29, 2005, with ures in the State of Louisiana on or after gress a report that contains specific project respect to the failure of levees in response to August 29, 2005, including— recommendations relating to flood damage Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (referred to in (A) the study entitled ‘‘The Federal Re- reduction, hurricane protection, and envi- this subtitle as the ‘‘Commission’’). sponse to Hurricane Katrina’’ and dated Feb- ronmental restoration to be carried out in SEC. 2064. MEMBERSHIP. ruary 2006; response to the catastrophic flooding event. (a) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be (B) the study entitled ‘‘Performance Re- (c) FEASIBILITY STUDIES.— composed of 12 members, of whom— view of FEMA’s Disaster Management Ac- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days (1) 2 members shall be appointed by the tivities in Response to Hurricane Katrina’’, after the date on which a report described in President; numbered OIG–06–32, and dated March 2006; subsection (b) is submitted to Congress, the (2) 2 members shall be appointed by the (C) the study entitled ‘‘A Failure of Initia- Secretary shall initiate a feasibility study Chairperson, in consultation with the Rank- tive: Final Report of the Select Bipartisan on each project included in the report. ing Member, of the Committee on Environ- Committee to Investigate the Preparation (2) DEADLINE.—A feasibility study initiated ment and Public Works of the Senate; for and Response to Hurricane Katrina’’ (Re- under paragraph (1) shall be completed by (3) 2 members shall be appointed by the port No. 109–377) and dated February 15, 2006; not later than 3 years after the date of initi- Chairperson, in consultation with the Rank- (D) the study entitled ‘‘Hurricane Katrina: ation. ing Member, of the Committee on Homeland A Nation Still Unprepared’’ (S. Rept. 109– (d) PRECONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN ACTIVI- Security and Governmental Affairs of the 322); TIES.—The Secretary shall begin develop- Senate; (E) the study entitled ‘‘Interagency Task ment of preconstruction engineering and (4) 2 members shall be appointed by the Force Report’’ and dated June 1, 2006; and document design activities for a project on Chairperson, in consultation with the Rank- (F) the study entitled ‘‘Prioritizing Amer- the later of— ing Member, of the Committee on Transpor- ica’s Water Resources’’, published by the Na- (1) the date on which the feasibility report tation and Infrastructure of the House of tional Associations of Public Administra- relating to the project is completed under Representatives; tors, and dated February 2007; subsection (c); and (5) 2 members shall be appointed by the (2) examine and review the ongoing expo- (2) the date on which the Chief of Engi- Chairperson, in consultation with the Rank- sure of the United States to the levee fail- neers submits to the Secretary a report ap- ing Member, of the Committee on Homeland ures described in paragraph (1) and other po- proving the project. Security of the House of Representatives; tential future levee failures; and and (3) submit to the President and Congress a SA 1114. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted (6) 2 members shall be appointed by the report that contains recommendations for an amendment intended to be proposed Governor of the State of Louisiana, subject any necessary legislative or regulatory by her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide to confirmation by the Committee on Envi- change that will— ronment and Public Works of the Senate. (A) improve the functioning of the Corps of for the conservation and development (b) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.— of water and related resources, to au- Engineers to prevent a catastrophic levee (1) ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE failure; thorize the Secretary of the Army to CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission shall, by a (B) ensure proper planning and review of construct various projects for improve- majority of the members of the Commission, Federal and State agencies to prevent such a ments to rivers and harbors of the elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson failure in the future; United States, and for other purposes; from among the members of the Commis- (C) provide for environmental management which was ordered to lie on the table; sion. and recovery during and after a disaster; as follows: (2) POLITICAL AFFILIATION.—The Chair- (D) provide for the identification of each person and the Vice Chairperson elected by At the end of title II, insert the following: party that was responsible for each error the members of the Commission under para- that helped cause the events of August 29, Subtitle D—8/29 Commission graph (1) shall not both be affiliated with the 2005; and SEC. 2061. SHORT TITLE. same political party. (E) outline each proposal that is necessary (c) PROHIBITION.—No elected official of the This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘8/29 to revise the management, planning, fund- Federal Government shall serve as a member Commission Act’’. ing, and oversight of the levees and flood of the Commission. control projects that are located in the dis- SEC. 2062. FINDINGS. (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING QUALI- aster affected areas. Congress finds that— FICATIONS.—It is the sense of Congress that (1) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which individuals appointed to the Commission SEC. 2066. POWERS OF COMMISSION. struck the United States in 2005, caused al- should be— (a) IN GENERAL.— most $200,000,000,000 in total economic losses, (1) prominent United States citizens; and (1) HEARINGS AND EVIDENCE.—In carrying including insured and uninsured losses; (2) individuals who are nationally recog- out the duties of the Commission under this (2) multiple reviews have been conducted, nized for a significant depth of experience in subtitle, the Commission, and any sub- and multiple commissions have been estab- professions such as— committee or member acting under the au- lished, with respect to assessing the failure (A) governmental service; thority of the Commission, may— of levee systems and related infrastructure (B) engineering; (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at beginning in August 2005, but few definitive (C) public works; such times and places, take such testimony, recommendations have been offered, and (D) wetlands restoration; receive such evidence, and administer such Congress has not been provided with specific (E) public administration; oaths as the Commission, subcommittee, or proposals for action regarding the levees; (F) disaster planning and recovery; and member, as applicable, determines to be ap- (3) to the extent the United States con- (G) environmental planning. propriate; and tinues to face the possibility of another sig- (e) MEETINGS; QUORUM; VACANCIES.— (B) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the nificant levee failure and the possible result- (1) INITIAL MEETING.—If, on the date that is attendance and testimony of such witnesses ing devastation and damage, a proper tech- 60 days after the date of enactment of this and the production of such books, records, nical and investigative review is needed; and Act, at least 8 members of the Commission correspondence, memoranda, papers, and (4) the most efficient and effective ap- have been appointed under subsection (a), documents, as the Commission, sub- proach to assessing the failure of the levees the members may meet and, if necessary, se- committee, or member, as applicable, deter- and subsequent devastation is— lect a temporary chairperson, who may begin mines to be appropriate. (A) to establish a bipartisan commission of the operations of the Commission, including (2) SUBPOENAS.— experts to study— the hiring of staff. (A) IN GENERAL.—A subpoena issued under (i) the management, construction, and (2) SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS.—After the ini- paragraph (1)(B)— funding of levee, flood control, and hurricane tial meeting, the Commission shall meet at (i) may be issued under the signature of protection projects; and the call of the chairperson or a majority of the Chairperson of the Commission, with the (ii) the means by which the Federal Gov- the members of the Commission. concurrence of the Vice Chairperson of the ernment responds to catastrophic disasters (3) QUORUM.—7 members of the Commission Commission; and and by which the Federal Government pre- shall constitute a quorum. (ii) may be served by any person des- pares and develops contingency plans and (4) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on the Commis- ignated by the Chairperson of the Commis- disaster preparations; and sion— sion. (B) to require the Commission to timely (A) shall not affect the powers of the Com- (B) APPLICABILITY OF REVISED STATUTES.— report the recommendations of the Commis- mission; and Sections 102 through 104 of the Revised Stat- sion to Congress so that Congress can quick- (B) shall be filled in the same manner as utes (2 U.S.C. 192 et seq.) shall apply in the ly identify any outstanding issues and deter- the original appointment was made. case of a failure of any witness to comply

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 with a subpoena or to testify when sum- or consultant, in accordance with section (3) water conservation and related facili- moned under authority of this section. 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at a rate ties; (b) CONTRACTING.—The Commission may, not to exceed the daily rate of pay of an indi- (4) stormwater retention and remediation; to such extent and in such amounts as are vidual occupying a position at level IV of the (5) environmental restoration; and provided in appropriation Acts, enter into Executive Schedule under section 5315 of (6) surface water resource protection and contracts to enable the Commission to carry title 5, United States Code. development. out the duties of the Commission under this SEC. 2068. REPORT. (c) PUBLIC OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENT.—The subtitle. Not later than 120 days after the date on Secretary may provide assistance for a (c) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGEN- which all members of the Commission are project under this section only if the project CIES.— appointed under section 2064(a), the Commis- is publicly owned. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may se- sion shall submit to the President and Con- (d) LOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT.— cure directly from a Federal agency such in- gress a final report that contains— (1) IN GENERAL.—Before providing assist- formation as the Commission considers nec- (1) a detailed statement of the findings of ance under this section, the Secretary shall essary to carry out this Act. the Commission; and enter into a local cooperation agreement (2) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—On request (2) any recommendations of the Commis- with a non-Federal interest to provide for de- of the Chairperson of the Commission, the sion for legislative or administrative action sign and construction of the project to be head of the agency shall provide the informa- that the Commission determines to be appro- carried out with the assistance. tion to the Commission. priate. (d) ASSISTANCE FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— (2) REQUIREMENTS.—Each local cooperation SEC. 2069. TERMINATION. (1) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.— agreement entered into under this sub- The Administrator of General Services shall The Commission shall terminate on the section shall provide for the following: provide to the Commission, on a reimburs- date that is 60 days after the date on which (A) PLAN.—Development by the Secretary, able basis, administrative support and other the Commission submits the final report in consultation and coordination with appro- services to assist the Commission in car- under section 2068. priate Federal and State officials, of a facili- rying out the duties of the Commission SEC. 2070. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ties or resource protection and development under this subtitle. There is authorized to be appropriated plan, including appropriate engineering (2) OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.—In $5,000,000 to carry out this subtitle. plans and specifications. addition to the assistance prescribed under (B) LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STRUC- paragraph (1), any other Federal department SA 1115. Mr. WARNER submitted an TURES.—Establishment of such legal and in- or agency may provide to the Commission amendment intended to be proposed by stitutional structures as are necessary to en- such services, funds, facilities, staff, and him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for sure the effective long-term operation of the other support services as the head of the de- the conservation and development of project by the non-Federal interest. partment or agency determines to be appro- water and related resources, to author- (3) COST SHARING.— priate and in accordance with applicable law. ize the Secretary of the Army to con- (A) IN GENERAL.—The Federal share of (e) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission struct various projects for improve- project costs under each local cooperation may use the United States mails in the same agreement entered into under this sub- manner and under the same conditions as ments to rivers and harbors of the section— other agencies of the Federal Government. United States, and for other purposes; (i) shall be 75 percent; and (f) GIFTS.—The Commission may accept, which was ordered to lie on the table; (ii) may be in the form of grants or reim- use, and dispose of gifts or donations of serv- as follows: bursements of project costs. ices or property. At the appropriate place in title III, insert (B) PRE-COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT ACTIVI- SEC. 2067. STAFF OF THE COMMISSION. the following: TIES.—The Federal share of the cost of ac- (a) STAFF.— SEC. 3lll. SANDBRIDGE BEACH, VIRGINIA tivities carried out by the Secretary under (1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairperson of the BEACH, VIRGINIA. this section before the execution of a local Commission may, without regard to the civil The project for beach erosion control and cooperative agreement shall be 100 percent. service laws (including regulations), appoint hurricane protection, Sandbridge Beach, Vir- (C) CREDIT FOR DESIGN WORK.—The non- and terminate an executive director and ginia Beach, Virginia, authorized by section Federal interest shall receive credit, not to such other additional personnel as are nec- 101(22) of the Water Resources Development exceed 6 percent of the total construction essary to enable the Commission to perform Act of 1992 (106 Stat. 4804; 114 Stat. 2612), is costs of a project, for the reasonable costs of the duties of the Commission. modified to authorize the Secretary to re- design work completed by the non-Federal (2) CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.— view the project to determine whether any interest before entering into a local coopera- The employment of an executive director additional Federal interest exists with re- tion agreement with the Secretary for the shall be subject to confirmation by the Com- spect to the project, taking into consider- project. mission. ation conditions and development levels re- (D) CREDIT FOR INTEREST.—In case of a (3) COMPENSATION.— lating to the project in existence on the date delay in the funding of the Federal share of (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in of enactment of this Act. the costs of a project that is the subject of subparagraph (B), the Chairperson of the an agreement under this section, the non- Commission may fix the compensation of the SA 1116. Mr. ALLARD submitted an Federal interest shall receive credit for rea- executive director and other personnel with- amendment intended to be proposed by sonable interest incurred in providing the out regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for Federal share of the costs of the project. subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United (E) LAND, EASEMENTS, AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY the conservation and development of States Code, relating to classification of po- CREDIT.—The non-Federal interest shall re- sitions and General Schedule pay rates. water and related resources, to author- ceive credit for land, easements, rights-of- (B) MAXIMUM RATE OF PAY.—The rate of ize the Secretary of the Army to con- way, and relocations toward the non-Federal pay for the executive director and other per- struct various projects for improve- share of project costs (including all reason- sonnel shall not exceed the rate payable for ments to rivers and harbors of the able costs associated with obtaining permits level V of the Executive Schedule under sec- United States, and for other purposes; necessary for the construction, operation, tion 5316 of title 5, United States Code. which was ordered to lie on the table; and maintenance of the project on publicly (b) PERSONNEL AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.— as follows: owned or controlled land), but not to exceed (1) IN GENERAL.—The executive director 25 percent of total project costs. and any personnel of the Commission who At the appropriate place in title V, insert (F) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.—The are employees shall be employees under sec- the following: non-Federal share of operation and mainte- tion 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for SEC. 5lll. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE PRO- nance costs for projects constructed with as- purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, GRAM, COLORADO. sistance provided under this section shall be and 90 of that title. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary may 100 percent. (2) MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.—Paragraph (1) establish a pilot program to provide environ- (e) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER FEDERAL AND shall not apply to any member of the Com- mental assistance to non-Federal interests STATE LAWS.—Nothing in this section mission. in the State of Colorado (referred to in this waives, limits, or otherwise affects the appli- (c) DETAIL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EM- section as the ‘‘State’’). cability of any provision of Federal or State PLOYEES.— (b) FORM OF ASSISTANCE.—Assistance under law that would otherwise apply to a project (1) IN GENERAL.—An employee of the Fed- this section may be provided in the form of eral Government may be detailed to the design and construction assistance for water- to be carried out with assistance provided Commission without reimbursement. related environmental infrastructure and re- under this section. (2) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS.—The detail of source protection and development projects (f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— the employee shall be without interruption in the State, including projects for— There is authorized to be appropriated to or loss of civil service status or privilege. (1) wastewater treatment and related fa- carry out this section $50,000,000 for the pe- (d) CONSULTANT SERVICES.—The Commis- cilities; riod beginning with fiscal year 2008, to re- sion may procure the services of any expert (2) water supply and related facilities; main available until expended.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6147 SA 1117. Mr. KENNEDY (for himself of Georgia and the Governor of the State of United States, and for other purposes; and Mr. KERRY) submitted an amend- South Carolina on March 12, 2007. which was ordered to lie on the table; ment intended to be proposed to as follows: amendment SA 1065 proposed by Mrs. SA 1119. Mr. HARKIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by At the appropriate place in title V, insert BOXER (for herself, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. the following: BAUCUS, and Mr. ISAKSON) to the bill her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the conservation and development of SEC. 5llll. COMPUTER-ASSISTED DISPUTE H.R. 1495, to provide for the conserva- RESOLUTION PROGRAM. water and related resources, to author- tion and development of water and re- (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 1 year lated resources, to authorize the Sec- ize the Secretary of the Army to con- after the date of enactment of this Act, the retary of the Army to construct var- struct various projects for improve- Secretary shall establish within the Corps of ious projects for improvements to riv- ments to rivers and harbors of the Engineers Institute for Water Resources a ers and harbors of the United States, United States, and for other purposes; computer-assisted dispute resolution pro- and for other purposes; which was or- which was ordered to lie on the table; gram (referred to in this section as the ‘‘pro- as follows: gram’’) to develop and advance the integra- dered to lie on the table; as follows: tion of computer-based modeling tools for At the appropriate place in title III, insert On page 64, after line 23, insert the fol- multistakeholder public decision processes, the following: lowing, and redesignate the subsequent para- including through— graphs accordingly: SEC. 3lll. PERRY CREEK, IOWA. (1) the conduct of research and develop- (5) LAWRENCE GATEWAY, MASSACHUSETTS.— (a) IN GENERAL.—On making a determina- ment of necessary computer tools; Project for aquatic ecosystem restoration at tion described in subsection (b), the Sec- (2) the implementation of appropriate dem- the Lawrence Gateway quadrant project retary shall increase the Federal contribu- onstration projects; along the Merrimack and Spicket Rivers in tion for the project for flood control, Perry (3) the establishment of applicable training Lawrence, Massachusetts, in accordance Creek, Iowa, authorized under section 401(a) programs; and with the general conditions established by of the Water Resources Development Act of (4) the conduct of other outreach activi- the project approval of the Environmental 1986 (100 Stat. 4116; 117 Stat. 1844). ties. (b) DETERMINATION.—A determination re- Protection Agency, Region I, including fill- (b) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—In carrying ing abandoned drainage facilities and mak- ferred to in subsection (a) is a determination out the program, the Secretary shall— ing improvements to the drainage system on that a modification to the project described (1) in cooperation with other applicable the Lawrence Gateway to prevent continued in that subsection is necessary for the Fed- Federal agencies, establish an interagency migration of contaminated sediments into eral Emergency Management Agency to cer- center for computer-assisted dispute resolu- the river systems. tify that the project provides flood damage tion; and reduction benefits to at least a 100-year Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, (2) consult with— SA 1118. level. (A) other Federal agencies; Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. CHAMBLISS) sub- (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (B) State and local agencies; mitted an amendment intended to be There is authorized to be appropriated to (C) private nonprofit and for-profit organi- proposed to amendment SA 1065 pro- carry out this section $4,000,000. zations; and posed by Mrs. BOXER (for herself, Mr. (D) research facilities at institutions of Mr. DOMENICI submitted an INHOFE, Mr. BAUCUS, and Mr. ISAKSON) SA 1120. higher education. to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the amendment intended to be proposed by (c) EVALUATION.—Not later than 2 years conservation and development of water her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for after the date on which funds are made avail- and related resources, to authorize the the conservation and development of able to carry out this section, the Secretary Secretary of the Army to construct water and related resources, to author- shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive evaluation of various projects for improvements to ize the Secretary of the Army to con- struct various projects for improve- the program. rivers and harbors of the United (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— States, and for other purposes; which ments to rivers and harbors of the United States, and for other purposes; There are authorized to be appropriated such was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- sums as are necessary to carry out this sec- lows: which was ordered to lie on the table; tion. as follows: Strike section 4028 (relating to Jasper County port facility study, South Carolina) At the appropriate place in title V, insert SA 1122. Mr. LOTT submitted an and insert the following: the following: amendment intended to be proposed by SEC. 4028. PROJECTS FOR IMPROVEMENT, SA- SEC. 5llll. SOUTHWEST FLOOD DAMAGE AND her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for VANNAH RIVER, SOUTH CAROLINA SEDIMENT TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND GEORGIA. PROGRAM. the conservation and development of (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall de- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall es- water and related resources, to author- termine the feasibility of carrying out tablish within the Corps of Engineers Engi- ize the Secretary of the Army to con- projects— neering Research and Development Center struct various projects for improve- (1) to improve the Savannah River for the Southwest Flood Damage and Sediment ments to rivers and harbors of the navigation and related purposes that may be Transport Research Program (referred to in United States, and for other purposes; necessary to support the location of con- this section as the ‘‘program’’), under which which was ordered to lie on the table; tainer cargo and other port facilities to be the Secretary shall carry out research, de- as follows: located in Jasper County, South Carolina, in velopment, and demonstration projects on the vicinity of Mile 6 of the Savannah Har- arid systems with respect to— At the appropriate place in title III, insert bor entrance channel; and (1) sediment transport, erosion, and deposi- the following: (2) to remove from the proposed Jasper tion; SEC. 3lll. JACKSON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI. County port site the easements used by the (2) geomorphology; (a) MODIFICATION.—Section 331 of the Water Corps of Engineers for placement of dredged (3) flooding; Resources Development Act of 1999 (113 Stat. fill materials for the Savannah Harbor Fed- (4) channel restoration; and 305) is amended by striking ‘‘$5,000,000’’ and eral navigation project. (5) related activities. inserting ‘‘$9,000,000’’. (b) FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION.—In mak- (b) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall co- (b) APPLICABILITY OF CREDIT.—The credit ing a determination under subsection (a), the ordinate projects carried out under the pro- provided by section 331 of the Water Re- Secretary shall take into consideration— gram with— sources Development Act of 1999 (113 Stat. (1) landside infrastructure; (1) the New Mexico District Office of the 305) (as modified by subsection (a)) shall (2) the provision of any additional dredged Corps of Engineers; apply to costs incurred by the Jackson Coun- material disposal area as a consequence of (2) the University of New Mexico; and ty Board of Supervisors during the period be- removing from the proposed Jasper County (3) the Desert Research Institute. ginning on February 8, 1994, and ending on port site the easements used by the Corps of the date of enactment of this Act for Engineers for placement of dredged fill mate- SA 1121. Mr. DOMENICI submitted an projects authorized by section 219(c)(5) of the rials for the Savannah Harbor Federal navi- amendment intended to be proposed by Water Resources Development Act of 1992 gation project; and her to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for (106 Stat. 4835; 110 Stat. 3757; 113 Stat. 334; 113 (3) the results of the proposed bistate com- the conservation and development of Stat. 1494; 114 Stat. 2763A–219). pact between the State of Georgia and the State of South Carolina to own, develop, and water and related resources, to author- operate port facilities at the proposed Jasper ize the Secretary of the Army to con- SA 1123. Mr REID (for himself and County port site, as described in the term struct various projects for improve- Mr. MCCONNELL) proposed an amend- sheet executed by the Governor of the State ments to rivers and harbors of the ment to the bill H.R. 2206, making

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 emergency supplemental appropria- Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of Armed Forces have everything they need to tions for the fiscal year ending Sep- medical care and other support this Nation perform their assigned or future missions; tember 30, 2007, and for other purposes; owes them when they return home: Now, and (B) review, assess, and adjust United as follows: therefore, be it Determined by the Senate (the House of States policy and funding as needed to en- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Representatives concurring), That it is the sure our. troops have the best chance for suc- sert the following: sense of Congress that— cess in Iraq and elsewhere. Since under the Constitution, the Presi- (1) the President and Congress should not This section shall take effect 2 days after dent and Congress have shared responsibil- take any action that will endanger the date of enactment. ities for decisions on the use of the Armed Armed Forces of the United States, and will Forces of the United States, including their provide necessary funds for training, equip- SA 1126. Mr. REID proposed an mission, and for supporting the Armed ment, and other support for troops in the amendment to the bill H.R. 2206, mak- Forces, especially during wartime; field, as such actions will ensure their safety ing emergency supplemental appropria- Since when the Armed Forces are deployed and effectiveness in preparing for and car- tions for the fiscal year ending Sep- in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and rying out their assigned missions; the Nation should give them all the support tember 30, 2007, and for other purposes; (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation as follows: they need in order to maintain their safety have an obligation to ensure that those who and accomplish their assigned or future mis- have bravely served this country in time of Strike all after the first word and insert sions, including the training, equipment, lo- war receive the medical care and other sup- the following: gistics, and funding necessary to ensure port they deserve; and Since under the Constitution, the Presi- their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- (3) the President and Congress should— dent and Congress have shared responsibil- port is the responsibility of both the Execu- (A) continue to exercise their constitu- ities for decisions on the use of the Armed tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of tional responsibilities to ensure that the Forces of the United States, including their Government; and Armed Forces have everything they need to mission, and for supporting the Armed Since thousands of members of the Armed perform their assigned or future missions; Forces, especially during wartime; Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and and Since when the Armed Forces are deployed Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of (B) review, assess, and adjust United in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and medical care and other support this Nation States policy and funding as needed to en- the Nation should give them all the support owes them when they return home: Now, sure our troops have the best chance for suc- they need in order to maintain their safety therefore, be it cess in Iraq and elsewhere. and accomplish their assigned or future mis- Determined by the Senate (the House of This section shall take effect 1 day after sions, including the training, equipment, lo- Representatives concurring), That it is the the date of enactment. gistics, and funding necessary to ensure Sense of Congress that— their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- (1) the President and Congress should not SA 1125. Mr. REID proposed an port is the responsibility of both the Execu- take any action that will endanger the amendment to amendment SA 1124 pro- tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of Armed Forces of the United States, and will Government; and provide necessary funds for training, equip- posed by Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Since thousands of members of the Armed ment, and other support for troops in the MCCONNELL) to the amendment SA 1123 Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and field, as such actions will ensure their safety proposed by Mr. REID (for himself and Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of and effectiveness in preparing for and car- Mr. MCCONNELL) to the bill H.R. 2206, medical care and other support this Nation rying out their assigned missions; making emergency supplemental ap- owes them when they return home: Now, (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation propriations for the fiscal year ending therefore, be it have an obligation to ensure that those who September 30, 2007, and for other pur- Determined by the Senate (the House of have bravely served this country in time of Representatives concurring), That it is the war receive the medical care and other sup- poses; as follows: sense of Congress that— port they deserve; and Strike all after Constitution in line 1 and (1) the President and Congress should not (3) the President and Congress should— insert the following: take any action that will endanger the (A) continue to exercise their constitu- The President and Congress have shared Armed Forces of the United States, and will tional responsibilities to ensure that the responsibilities for decisions on the use of provide necessary funds for training, equip- Armed Forces have everything they need to the Armed Forces of the United States, in- ment, and other support for troops in the perform their assigned or future missions; cluding their mission, and for supporting the field, as such actions will ensure their safety and Armed Forces, especially during wartime; and effectiveness in preparing for and car- (B) review, assess, and adjust United Since when the Armed Forces are deployed rying out their assigned missions; States policy and funding as needed to en- in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation sure our troops have the best chance for suc- the Nation should give them all the support have an obligation to ensure that those who cess in Iraq and elsewhere. they need in order to maintain their safety have bravely served this country in time of and accomplish their assigned or future mis- war receive the medical care and other sup- SA 1124. Mr. REID (for himself and sions, including the training, equipment, lo- port they deserve; and Mr. MCCONNELL) proposed an amend- gistics, and funding necessary to ensure (3) the President and Congress should— ment to amendment SA 1123 proposed their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- (A) continue to exercise their constitu- by Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. port is the responsibility of both the Execu- tional responsibilities to ensure that the tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of Armed Forces have everything they need to MCCONNELL) to the bill H.R. 2206, mak- Government; and perform their assigned or future missions; ing emergency supplemental appropria- Since thousands of members of the Armed and tions for the fiscal year ending Sep- Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and (B) review, assess, and adjust United tember 30, 2007, and for other purposes; Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of States policy and funding as needed to en- as follows: medical care and other support this Nation sure our troops have the best chance for suc- Strike all after the first word and insert owes them when they return home: Now, cess in Iraq and elsewhere. the following: therefore, be it This section shall take effect 5 days after Under the Constitution, the President and Determined by the Senate (the House of date of enactment. Congress have shared responsibilities for de- Representatives concurring), That it is the cisions on the use of the Armed Forces of the sense of Congress that— SA 1127. Mr. REID proposed an United States, including their mission, and (1) the President and Congress should not amendment to amendment SA 1126 pro- for supporting the Armed Forces, especially take any action that will endanger the posed by Mr. REID to the bill H.R. 2206, during wartime; Armed Forces of the United States, and will making emergency supplemental ap- Since when the Armed Forces are deployed provide necessary funds for training, equip- propriations for the fiscal year ending in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and ment, and other support for troops in the September 30, 2007, and for other pur- the Nation should give them all the support field, as such actions will ensure their safety they need in order to maintain their safety and effectiveness in preparing for and car- poses; as follows: and accomplish their assigned or future mis- rying out their assigned missions; In the amendment strike all after Congress sions, including the training, equipment, lo- (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation in line 1 and insert the following: gistics, and funding necessary to ensure have an obligation to ensure that those who have shared responsibilities for decisions on their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- have bravely served this country in time of the use of the Armed Forces of the United port is the responsibility of both the Execu- war receive the medical care and other sup- States, including their mission, and for sup- tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of port they deserve; and porting the Armed Forces, especially during Government; and (3) the President and Congress should— wartime; Since thousands of members of the Armed (A) continue to exercise their constitu- Since when the Armed Forces are deployed Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and tional responsibilities to ensure that the in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6149 the Nation should give them all the support (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation hold the Iraqi government to the bench- they need in order to maintain their safety have an obligation to ensure that those who marks it has announced . . . [T]o take re- and accomplish their assigned or future mis- have bravely served this country in time of sponsibility for security in all of Iraq’s prov- sions, including the training, equipment, lo- war receive the medical care and other sup- inces by November. To give every Iraqi cit- gistics, and funding necessary to ensure port they deserve; and izen a stake in the country’s economy, Iraq their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- (3) the President and Congress should— will pass legislation to share oil revenues port is the responsibility of both the Execu- (A) continue to exercise their constitu- among all Iraqis. To show that it is com- tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of tional responsibilities to ensure that the mitted to delivering a better life, the Iraqi Government; and Armed Forces have everything they need to government will spend $10,000,000,000 of its Since thousands of members of the Armed perform their assigned or future missions; own money on reconstruction and infrastruc- Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and and ture projects that will create new jobs. To Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of (B) review, assess, and adjust United empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold medical care and other support this Nation States policy and funding as needed to en- provincial elections later this year. And to owes them when they return home: Now, sure our troops have the best chance for suc- allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation’s therefore, be it cess in Iraq and elsewhere. political life, the government will reform Determined By the Senate (the House of This section shall take effect 3 days after deBaathification laws, and establish a fair Representatives) Concurring), that it is the the date of enactment. process for considering amendments to Iraq’s Sense of Congress that— constitution’. (1) the President and Congress should not SA 1129. Mr. INOUYE submitted an (4) In that speech, President George W. take any action that will endanger the amendment intended to be proposed by Bush also told the Nation that ‘only Iraqis Armed Forces of the United States, and will can end the sectarian violence and secure provide necessary funds for training, equip- him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the conservation and development of their people’. ment, and other support for troops in the (5) On December 18, 2006, former Secretary field, as such actions will ensure their safety water and related resources, to author- of State Colin Powell stated: ‘[s]o we have and effectiveness in preparing for and car- ize the Secretary of the Army to con- tried this surge of troops over the summer. I rying out their assigned missions; struct various projects for improve- am not persuaded that another surge of (2) the President, Congress, and the Nation ments to rivers and harbors of the troops in Baghdad for the purpose of sup- have an obligation to ensure that those who United States, and for other purposes; pressing this communitarian violence, this have bravely served this country in time of civil war, will work’. war receive the medical care and other sup- which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: (6) On November 15, 2006, General John port they deserve; and Abizaid, Commander of the United States (3) the President and Congress should— At the appropriate place in title V, insert (A) continue to exercise their constitu- Central Command, stated before the Com- the following: mittee on Armed Services of the Senate that tional responsibilities to ensure that the SEC. 5lll. COST SHARING PROVISIONS FOR Armed Forces have everything they need to ‘I met with every divisional commander, THE TERRITORIES. General Casey, the corps commander, Gen- perform their assigned or future missions; Section 1156 of the Water Resources Devel- and eral Dempsey. We all talked together. And I opment Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2310) is amend- said, in your professional opinion, if we were (B) review, assess, and adjust United ed— States policy and funding as needed to en- to bring in more American troops now, does (1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and insert- it add considerably to our ability to achieve sure our troops have the best chance for suc- ing the following: cess in Iraq and elsewhere. success in Iraq? And they all said no. And ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary’’; and the reason is, because we want the Iraqis to This section shall take effect 4 days after (2) by adding at the end the following: the date of enactment. do more. It’s easy for the Iraqis to rely upon ‘‘(b) USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS BY NON-FED- us to do this work. I believe that more Amer- ERAL INTERESTS.—A non-Federal interest SA 1128. Mr. REID proposed an ican forces prevent the Iraqis from doing may use Federal funds to provide the non- more, from taking more responsibility for amendment to amendment SA 1127 pro- Federal share of the costs of a study or posed by Mr. REID to the amendment their own future’. project carried out at a location referred to (7) In testimony before the Committee on SA 1126 proposed by Mr. REID to the in subsection (a), if the agency or depart- Foreign Relations of the Senate on January bill H.R 2206, making emergency sup- ment that provides the Federal funds deter- 11, 2007, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plemental appropriations for the fiscal mines that the funds are eligible to be used stated that unless the Government of Iraq year ending September 30, 2007, and for for that purpose.’’. has met certain benchmarks and reestab- other purposes; as follows: lishes the confidence of the Iraqi people over At the end of the amendment add the fol- SA 1130. Mr. OBAMA submitted an the next several months, ‘this plan is not lowing: amendment intended to be proposed by going to work’. Since under the Constitution, the Presi- him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for (8) In a statement on January 11, 2007, Sec- dent and Congress have shared responsibil- the conservation and development of retary of Defense Robert Gates stated ‘[a]nd ities for decisions on the use of the Armed water and related resources, to author- we will probably have a better view a couple of months from now in terms of whether we Forces of the United States, including their ize the Secretary of the Army to con- mission, and for supporting the Armed are making headway in terms of getting bet- Forces, especially during wartime; struct various projects for improve- ter control of Baghdad, with the Iraqis in the Since when the Armed Forces are deployed ments to rivers and harbors of the lead and with the Iraqis beginning to make in harm’s way, the President, Congress, and United States, and for other purposes; better progress on the reconciliation proc- the Nation should give them all the support which was ordered to lie on the table; ess’. they need in order to maintain their safety as follows: (9) The bipartisan Iraq Study Group headed and accomplish their assigned or future mis- by former Secretary of State James Baker At the appropriate place insert the fol- and former Representative Lee Hamilton sions, including the training, equipment, lo- lowing: gistics, and funding necessary to ensure reached a bipartisan consensus on 79 sepa- their safety and effectiveness, and such sup- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. rate recommendations for a new approach in port is the responsibility of both the Execu- This Act may be cited as the ‘Iraq War De- Iraq. Among those recommendations were tive Branch and the Legislative Branch of Escalation Act of 2007’. calling for a new diplomatic offensive in the Government; and SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. region and conditioning American economic Since thousands of members of the Armed (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- assistance to Iraq on specific benchmarks, Forces who have fought bravely in Iraq and lowing findings: with the expectation that ‘by the first quar- Afghanistan are not receiving the kind of (1) Congress and the Nation honor the ter of 2008, subject to unexpected develop- medical care and other support this Nation courage, sacrifices, and efforts of the mem- ments in the security situation on the owes them when they return home: Now, bers of the Armed Forces of the United ground, all combat brigades not necessary therefore, be it States and their families. for force protection could be out of Iraq’. Determined by the Senate (the House of (2) In his speech to the Nation on January (10) In reaction to the speech of President Representatives concurring), that it is the 10, 2007, President George W. Bush said that George W. Bush of January 10, 2007, former sense of Congress that— ‘I’ve made it clear to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State Baker and former Rep- (1) the President and Congress should not Iraq’s other leaders that America’s commit- resentative Hamilton wrote that ‘[t]he Presi- take any action that will endanger the ment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi govern- dent did not suggest the possibility of a tran- Armed Forces of the United States, and will ment does not follow through on its prom- sition that could enable U.S. combat forces provide necessary funds for training, equip- ises, it will lose the support of the American to begin to leave Iraq. The President did not ment, and other support for troops in the people . . . The Prime Minister understands state that political, military, or economic field, as such actions will ensure their safety this’. support for Iraq would be conditional on the and effectiveness in preparing for and car- (3) In that speech, President George W. Iraq government’s ability to meet bench- rying out their assigned missions; Bush also told the Nation that ‘America will marks. Within the region, the President did

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(1) To formulate and provide for the imple- (1) IN GENERAL.—The President may sus- (c) DISAPPROVAL OF SUSPENSION.— mentation of an effective United States pol- pend, on a temporary basis as provided in (1) DISAPPROVAL.—If Congress enacts a icy towards Iraq and the Middle East region paragraph (2), the redeployment of the joint resolution disapproving the suspension that employs military, political, diplomatic, Armed Forces under this section if the Presi- of the redeployment of the Armed Forces and economic assets to promote and protect dent certifies to the President pro tempore under subsection (b), or any renewal of the the national security interests of the United of the Senate and the Speaker of the House suspension, the suspension shall be discon- States. of Representatives that— tinued, and the redeployment of the Armed (2) To provide for the implementation of a (A) doing so is in the national security in- Forces from Iraq under this section shall re- responsible, phased redeployment of the terests of the United States; and sume. Armed Forces of the United States from Iraq (B) the Government of Iraq— (2) PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF in a substantial and gradual manner that (i) has lifted all restrictions concerning JOINT RESOLUTIONS.— places the highest priority on protecting the non-interference in operations of the Armed (A) JOINT RESOLUTION DEFINED.—For pur- lives of members of the Armed Forces and ci- Forces of the United States in Iraq and does poses of this subsection, the term ‘joint reso- vilian personnel of the United States and on so on a continuing basis; lution’ means only a joint resolution intro- promoting the national security interests of (ii) is making significant progress in reduc- duced not later than 10 days after the date the United States in the Middle East region. ing sectarian violence in Iraq and in reduc- on which a certification of the President (3) To urge the political parties and leaders ing the size and operational effectiveness of under subsection (b) is received by Congress, of Iraq to reach the political solution nec- sectarian militias in Iraq; the matter after the resolving clause of essary to promote stability in Iraq and en- (iii) is making significant progress towards which is as follows: ‘That Congress dis- hance the safety of innocent Iraqi civilians. removing militia elements from the Iraqi approves the certification of the President (4) To condition future economic assist- Army, National Police, Facilities Protection submitted to Congress under section 4(b) of ance to the Government of Iraq on signifi- Services, and other security forces of the the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007, on cant progress toward the achievement of po- Government of Iraq; XXXXXXX.’, the blank space being filled in litical and economic measures to be taken (iv) has enacted legislation or established with the appropriate date. by the Government of Iraq. other binding mechanisms to ensure the (B) PROCEDURES.—A joint resolution de- (5) To provide for the initiation of a wider sharing of all Iraqi oil revenues among all scribed in paragraph (1) shall be considered and sustained diplomatic strategy aimed at segments of Iraqi society in an equitable in a House of Congress in accordance with promoting a political settlement in Iraq, manner; the procedures applicable to joint resolu- thereby ending the civil war in Iraq, pre- (v) is making significant progress towards tions under paragraphs (3) through (8) of sec- venting a humanitarian catastrophe in Iraq, making available not less than $10,000,000,000 tion 8066(c) of the Department of Defense Ap- and preventing a wider regional conflict. for reconstruction, job creation, and eco- propriations Act, 1985 (as enacted by section (6) To provide, through sections 4 through nomic development in Iraq, with safeguards 101 (h) of Public Law 98–473; 98 Stat. 1936). 7, for the implementation of key rec- to prevent corruption, by January 10, 2008; (d) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.— ommendations of the Iraq Study Group, a bi- (vi) has deployed at least 18 Iraqi Army (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days partisan panel of experts cochaired by and National Police brigades to Baghdad and after the date of the enactment of this Act, former Secretary of State James Baker and is effectively ensuring that such units are and every 90 days thereafter, the President former Representative Lee Hamilton. performing their security and police func- shall submit to the President pro tempore of SEC. 3. APPROPRIATE FORCE LEVELS FOR tions in all Baghdad neighborhoods, regard- the Senate and the Speaker of the House of UNITED STATES MILITARY FORCES less of their sectarian composition; Representatives a report describing and as- IN IRAQ. (vii) has enacted legislation or established sessing— Notwithstanding any other provision of other binding mechanisms to revise its de- (A) the progress made by the Government law, the levels of the Armed Forces of the Baathification laws to encourage the em- of Iraq on each of the matters set forth in United States in Iraq after the date of the ployment in the Government of Iraq of quali- subsection (b)(1)(B); and (B) the progress of the redeployment re- enactment of this Act shall not exceed the fied Iraqi professionals, irrespective of eth- quired by subsection (a). levels of such forces in Iraq as of January 10, nic or political affiliation, including ex- (2) FORM.—Each report under this sub- 2007, without specific authority in statute Baathists who were not leading figures of the section shall be submitted in unclassified enacted by Congress after the date of the en- Saddam Hussein regime; form, but may include a classified annex. actment of this Act. (viii) has established a fair process for con- (e) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON LOCATION OF RE- SEC. 4. REDEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES MILI- sidering amendments to the constitution of DEPLOYMENT.—It is the sense of Congress TARY FORCES FROM IRAQ. Iraq that promote lasting national reconcili- that, in redeploying the Armed Forces from (a) REDEPLOYMENT.— ation in Iraq; Iraq under this section, appropriate units of (1) DEADLINE FOR COMMENCEMENT OF REDE- (ix) is making significant progress towards the Armed Forces should be redeployed— PLOYMENT.—Except as otherwise provided in assuming full responsibility for security in (1) to the United States; this section, the phased redeployment of the all the provinces of Iraq by November 30, (2) to Afghanistan, in order to enhance Armed Forces of the United States from Iraq 2007; United States military operations in that shall commence as soon as possible but no (x) is making significant progress towards country; later than 30 days after enactment of this holding free and fair provincial elections in (3) elsewhere in the region, to serve as an Act. Iraq at the earliest date practicable, but not over-the-horizon force to prevent the con- (2) SCOPE AND MANNER OF REDEPLOYMENT.— later than December 31, 2007; flict in Iraq from becoming a wider war, to The redeployment of the Armed Forces (xi) is making substantial progress towards reassure allies of the United States of the under this section shall be substantial, shall increasing the size and effectiveness of Min- commitment of the United States to remain occur in a gradual manner, and shall be exe- istry of Defense forces as described on page engaged in the region, and to position troops cuted at a pace to achieve the goal of the 11 of ‘Highlights of the Iraq Strategy Review’ to strike directly at al-Qaeda; and complete redeployment of all United States published by the National Security Council (4) elsewhere, to meet urgent United States combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008, in January 2007; security needs. consistent with the expectation of the Iraq (xii) is making significant progress in re- (f) POLITICAL SOLUTION IN IRAQ.—The Study Group, if all the matters set forth in forming and strengthening the civilian min- United States should use the redeployment subsection (b)(1)(B) are not met by such date, istries and other government institutions of the Armed Forces under this section, and subject to the exceptions for retention of that support the Iraqi Army and National the possible suspension of such redeployment forces for force protection, counter-ter- Police; and if the benchmarks set forth in subsection rorism operations, training of Iraqi forces, (xiii) is making significant progress to- (b)are met, as a tool to press the Iraqi lead- and other purposes as contemplated by sub- wards reforming its civilian ministries to en- ers to promote national reconciliation section (g). sure that they are not administered on a sec- among ethnic and religious groups in Iraq in (3) FORMULATION OF PLAN WITH MILITARY tarian basis and that government services order to establish stability in Iraq. COMMANDERS.—The redeployment of the are delivered in an even-handed and non-sec- (g) RETENTION OF CERTAIN FORCES IN Armed Forces under this section should be tarian manner. IRAQ.— conducted pursuant to a plan formulated by (2) PERIOD OF SUSPENSION.—A suspension of (1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the re- United States military commanders that is the redeployment of the Armed Forces under quirement for the redeployment of the developed, if practicable, in consultation this subsection, including any renewal of the Armed Forces under subsection (a) and sub- with the Government of Iraq. suspension under paragraph (3), shall be for a ject to the provisions of this subsection, per- (4) PROTECTION OF UNITED STATES FORCES period not to exceed 90 days. sonnel of the Armed Forces of the United AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL.—In carrying out (3) RENEWAL.—A suspension of the rede- States may be in Iraq after the completion of the redeployment of the Armed Forces under ployment of the Armed Forces under this the redeployment of the Armed Forces under this section, the highest priority shall be af- subsection may be renewed. Any such re- this section for the following purposes:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6151 (A) To protect United States personnel and President pro tempore of the Senate and the SA 1132. Mr. DEMINT submitted an facilities in Iraq. Speaker of the House of Representatives a amendment intended to be proposed by (B) To conduct targeted counter-terrorism certification that the Government of Iraq— him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for operations. (1) is making measurable progress toward the conservation and development of (C) To provide training for Iraqi security providing not less than $10,000,000,000 of Iraqi forces. funds for reconstruction, job creation, and water and related resources, to author- (D) To conduct the routine functions of the economic development in Iraq, with safe- ize the Secretary of the Army to con- Office of Defense Attache. guards to prevent corruption, by January 10, struct various projects for improve- (2) CERTIFICATION.—Personnel of the Armed 2008; ments to rivers and harbors of the Forces may not be retained in Iraq under (2) is making progress toward meeting the United States, and for other purposes; this subsection unless the President certifies conditions set forth in the International which was ordered to lie on the table; to the President pro tempore of the Senate Compact for Iraq and in the stand-by agree- as follows: and the Speaker of the House of Representa- ment with the International Monetary Fund; tives that— and At the appropriate place in title II, insert (A) the retention of the Armed Forces in (3) is making progress toward reducing sec- the following: Iraq is necessary for one or more of the pur- tarian violence and promoting national rec- SEC. 2lll. LIST OF CERTAIN AUTHORIZED poses set forth in paragraph (1); and onciliation. PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT RE- CEIVED FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION (b) EXCEPTIONS.—The limitation in sub- (B) the utilization of Armed Forces posi- FUNDS. section (a) shall not apply to assistance for tioned outside Iraq could not result in the ef- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than Iraq as follows: fective achievement of such purpose or pur- once each year, the Secretary shall develop, (1) Humanitarian assistance. poses. and publish in the Federal Register and on (2) Assistance to address urgent security (3) DISAPPROVAL OF RETENTION.—If Con- the Internet, a list, to be known as the and employment needs. gress enacts a joint resolution disapproving ‘‘Project Transparency List’’, of projects of (c) ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS.—Not later the retention of personnel of the Armed the Corps of Engineers that— than 90 days after the date of the enactment Forces in Iraq under this subsection, or any (1) have been authorized in a water re- of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the renewal of the retention, the retention of sources Act; but Special Inspector General for Iraq Recon- such personnel in Iraq shall be discontinued, (2) have not received Federal funds for pur- struction shall submit to Congress a report and such personnel shall be redeployed from poses of construction of the project as of the describing the progress of the Government of Iraq. date that is 4 years after the date on which Iraq on each matter set forth in subsection (4) PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF the project is authorized. (a). JOINT RESOLUTIONS.— (b) INCLUSIONS.—The list under subsection (A) JOINT RESOLUTION DEFINED.—For pur- SEC. 7. REGIONAL DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES ON (a) shall include, with respect to each project IRAQ. poses of paragraph (3), the term ‘joint resolu- included on the list— tion’ means only a joint resolution intro- (a) POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.—It shall (1) a description of— duced not later than 10 days after the date be the policy of the United States to under- (A) the date on which the project was au- on which a certification of the President take comprehensive regional and inter- thorized; under paragraph (2) is received by Congress, national initiatives, involving key nations, (B) the primary purpose of the project; the matter after the resolving clause of that will assist the Government of Iraq in (C) each allocation of Federal funds made which is as follows: ‘That Congress dis- achieving the purposes of this Act, including to the project as of the date on which the list approves the certification of the President promoting a political settlement among the is published, including a description of the submitted to Congress under section 4(g)(2) Iraqi people, ending the civil war in Iraq, amount and type of the allocation; of the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007, on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in (D) the percentage of construction com- XXXXXXX.’, the blank space being filled in Iraq, and preventing a regional conflict. pleted for the project; (b) SPECIAL ENVOY.—The President should, with the appropriate date. (E) the estimated total amount that has not later than 60 days after the date of the (B) PROCEDURES.—A joint resolution de- been obligated to the project as of the date enactment of this Act, appoint a special scribed in subparagraph (A) shall be consid- on which the list is published; envoy for Iraq to carry out the policy set ered in a House of Congress in accordance (F) a benefit-cost analysis of the project, forth in subsection (a). with the procedures applicable to joint reso- expressed as a ratio that represents— (c) STRATEGY ON PREVENTING WIDER RE- lutions under paragraphs (3) through (8) of (i) current discount rates; and GIONAL WAR.— section 8066(c) of the Department of Defense (ii) includes the estimated annual benefits (1) STRATEGY.—Not later than 90 days after Appropriations Act, 1985 (as enacted by sec- and costs of the project; the date of the enactment of this Act, the tion 10l(h) of Public Law 98–473; 98 Stat. (G) the date of collection of any economic President shall submit to the President pro 1936). data used to justify the project; tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of (h) NO PERMANENT BASES.—Congress here- (H) the date of completion of the most re- the House of Representatives a report set- by reaffirms section 1519 of the John Warner cent feasibility study, reevaluation report, ting forth a strategy for preventing the con- National Defense Authorization Act for Fis- and environmental review, as applicable, re- flict in Iraq from becoming a wider regional cal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 120 Stat. lating to the project; war. 2444), and related provisions of law, that pro- (I) in any case in which a portion of con- (2) FORM.—The report under paragraph (1) hibit the establishment of military installa- struction of the project is completed, a ben- shall be submitted in unclassified form, but tions or bases for the purpose of providing efit-cost analysis of each remaining activity may include a classified annex. for the permanent stationing of United required to complete the construction; and States Armed Forces in Iraq. SA 1131. Mr. WARNER submitted an (J) the projected potential date of de- SEC. 5. INTENSIFICATION OF TRAINING OF IRAQI authorization of the project under subsection SECURITY FORCES. amendment intended to be proposed by (c); and It shall be the policy of the United States him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for (2) a brief explanation of any reason why to immediately formulate and implement a the conservation and development of Federal funds have not been obligated for plan that— water and related resources, to author- construction of the project. (1) with the Government of Iraq— ize the Secretary of the Army to con- (c) REQUIRED DEAUTHORIZATION.— (A) removes militia elements from the struct various projects for improve- (1) IN GENERAL.—Each project of the Corps Iraqi Army, National Police, and other secu- ments to rivers and harbors of the of Engineers that has been authorized in a rity forces of the Government of Iraq; and United States, and for other purposes; water resources Act, but has not received (B) puts such forces in charge of maintain- Federal funds for purposes of construction of ing security in Iraq; which was ordered to lie on the table; the project as of the date that is 7 years after (2) focuses and intensifies United States ef- as follows: the date on which the project is authorized, forts on training such forces; and Strike paragraph (42) of section 1001 and shall be deauthorized, regardless of whether (3) presses the Government of Iraq to re- insert the following: the project is included in the list under sub- form the civilian ministries and other gov- (42) CRANEY ISLAND EASTWARD EXPANSION, section (a). ernment institutions that support the Iraqi VIRGINIA.—Notwithstanding any other provi- (2) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FUNDS.—For Army, National Police, local police, and ju- sion of law, the Secretary shall design and purposes of paragraph (1), funds shall not be dicial system. construct a project for navigation, Craney considered to be Federal funds for purposes SEC. 6. AVAILABILITY OF ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE Island Eastward Expansion, Virginia, in ac- of construction if the funds were provided to FOR IRAQ. cordance with the recommendations con- carry out any activity for a project relating (a) LIMITATION.—Except as provided in sub- tained in the Report of the Chief of Engi- to— section (b), economic assistance may not be neers dated October 24, 2006, at a total cost of (A) a study; furnished to the Government of Iraq begin- $721,103,000, with an estimated non-Federal (B) planning; ning 30 days from the date of enactment of share of not more than 50 percent of the (C) engineering and design; this Act until the President submits to the total cost of construction of the project. (D) relocation or an acquisition of land; or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 (E) an easement or a right-of-way. rivers and harbors of the United ation will be an important element of our States, and for other purposes; as fol- evaluation’’; SA 1133. Mr. DEMINT submitted an lows: (12) The President’s January 10, 2007 ad- dress had three components: political, mili- amendment intended to be proposed by At the appropriate place, insert the fol- him to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for tary, and economic. Given that significant lowing: time has passed since his statement, and rec- the conservation and development of TITLE ll—PRESIDENT’S STRATEGY IN ognizing the overall situation is ever chang- water and related resources, to author- IRAQ ing, Congress must have timely reports to ize the Secretary of the Army to con- SEC. 1. FINDINGS REGARDING PROGRESS IN evaluate and execute its Constitutional over- struct various projects for improve- IRAQ, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF sight responsibilities. ments to rivers and harbors of the BENCHMARKS TO MEASURE THAT SEC. 2. CONDITIONING OF FUTURE UNITED PROGRESS, AND REPORTS TO CON- STATES STRATEGY IN IRAQ ON THE United States, and for other purposes; GRESS. which was ordered to lie on the table; IRAQI GOVERNMENT’S RECORD OF (a) Congress makes the following findings: PERFORMANCE ON ITS BENCH- as follows: (1) Over 145,000 American military per- MARKS. At the appropriate place in title II, insert sonnel are currently serving in Iraq, like (a) IN GENERAL.—(1) The United States the following: thousands of others since March 2003, with strategy in Iraq, hereafter, shall be condi- SEC. 2lll. LIST OF CERTAIN AUTHORIZED the bravery and professionalism consistent tioned on the Iraqi government meeting PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT RE- with the finest traditions of the United benchmarks, as told to members of Congress CEIVED FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION States armed forces, and are deserving of the by the President, the Secretary of State, the FUNDS. strong support of all Americans; Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of (a) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than (2) Many American service personnel have the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and reflected in the once each year, the Secretary shall develop, lost their lives, and many more have been Iraqi Government’s commitments to the and publish in the Federal Register and on wounded in Iraq; the American people will United States, and to the international com- the Internet, a list, to be known as the always honor their sacrifice and honor their munity, including: ‘‘Project Transparency List’’, of projects of families; (A) Forming a Constitutional Review Com- the Corps of Engineers that— (3) The United States Army and Marine mittee and then completing the Constitu- (1) have been authorized in a water re- Corps, including their Reserve components tional review; sources Act; but and National Guard organizations, together (B) Enacting and implementing legislation (2) have not received Federal funds for pur- with components of the other branches of on de-Baathification; poses of construction of the project as of the the military, are performing their missions (C) Enacting and implementing legislation date that is 4 years after the date on which while under enormous strain from multiple, to ensure the equitable distribution of hy- the project is authorized. extended deployments to Iraq and Afghani- drocarbon resources of the people of Iraq (b) INCLUSIONS.—The list under subsection stan. These deployments, and those that will without regard to the sect or ethnicity of re- (a) shall include, with respect to each project follow, will have a lasting impact on future cipients, and enacting and implementing leg- included on the list— recruiting, retention, and readiness of our islation to ensure that the energy resources (1) a description of— nation’s all volunteer force; of Iraq benefit Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, (A) the date on which the project was au- (4) Iraq is experiencing a deteriorating Kurds, and other Iraqi citizens in an equi- thorized; problem of sectarian and intrasectarian vio- table manner; (B) the primary purpose of the project; lence based upon political distrust and cul- (D) Enacting and implementing legislation (C) each allocation of Federal funds made tural differences among factions of the on procedures to form semi-autonomous re- to the project as of the date on which the list Sunni and Shia populations; gions; is published, including a description of the (5) Iraqis must reach political and eco- (E) Enacting and implementing legislation amount and type of the allocation; nomic settlements in order to achieve rec- establishing an Independent High Electoral (D) the percentage of construction com- onciliation, for there is no military solution. Commission; provincial elections law; pro- pleted for the project; The failure of the Iraqis to reach such settle- vincial council authorities; and a date for (E) the estimated total amount that has ments to support a truly unified government provincial elections; been obligated to the project as of the date greatly contributes to the increasing vio- (F) Enacting and implementing legislation on which the list is published; lence in Iraq; addressing amnesty; (F) a benefit-cost analysis of the project, (6) The responsibility for Iraq’s internal se- (G) Enacting and implementing legislation expressed as a ratio that represents— curity and halting sectarian violence rests establishing a strong militia disarmament (i) current discount rates; and with the sovereign Government of Iraq; program to ensure that such security forces (ii) includes the estimated annual benefits (7) In December 2006, the bipartisan Iraq are accountable only to the central govern- and costs of the project; Study Group issued a valuable report, sug- ment and loyal to the Constitution of Iraq; (G) the date of collection of any economic gesting a comprehensive strategy that in- (H) Establishing supporting political, data used to justify the project; cludes new and enhanced diplomatic and po- media, economic, and services committees in (H) the date of completion of the most re- litical efforts in Iraq and the region, and a support of the Baghdad Security Plan; cent feasibility study, reevaluation report, change in the primary mission of U.S. forces (I) Providing three trained and ready Iraqi and environmental review, as applicable, re- in Iraq, that will enable the United States to brigades to support Baghdad operations; lating to the project; and begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq (J) Providing Iraqi commanders with all (I) in any case in which a portion of con- responsibly; authorities to execute this plan and to make struction of the project is completed, a ben- (8) The President said on January 10, 2007, tactical and operational decisions, in con- efit-cost analysis of each remaining activity that ‘‘I’ve made it clear to the Prime Min- sultation with U.S. commanders, without po- required to complete the construction; and ister and Iraq’s other leaders that America’s litical intervention, to include the authority (2) a brief explanation of any reason why commitment is not openended’’ so as to dis- to pursue all extremists, including Sunni in- Federal funds have not been obligated for pel the contrary impression that exists; surgents and Shiite militias; construction of the project. (9) It is essential that the sovereign Gov- (K) Ensuring that the Iraqi Security (c) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FUNDS.—For ernment of Iraq set out measurable and Forces are providing even-handed enforce- purposes of this section, funds shall not be achievable benchmarks and President Bush ment of the law; considered to be Federal funds for purposes said, on January 10, 2007, that ‘‘America will (L) Ensuring that, according to President of construction if the funds were provided to change our approach to help the Iraqi gov- Bush, Prime Minister Maliki said ‘‘the Bagh- carry out any activity for a project relating ernment as it works to meet these bench- dad security plan will not provide a safe to— marks’’; haven for any outlaws, regardless of [their] (1) a study; (10) As reported by Secretary of State Rice, sectarian or political affiliation’’; (2) planning; Iraq’s Policy Committee on National Secu- (M) Reducing the level of sectarian vio- (3) engineering and design; rity agreed upon a set of political, security, lence in Iraq and eliminating militia control (4) relocation or an acquisition of land; or and economic benchmarks and an associated of local security; (5) an easement or a right-of-way. timeline in September 2006 that were (a) re- (N) Establishing all of the planned joint se- affirmed by Iraq’s Presidency Council on Oc- curity stations in neighborhoods across SA 1134. Mr. WARNER (for himself tober 6, 2006; (b) referenced by the Iraq Study Baghdad; and Ms. COLLINS) submitted an amend- Group; and (c) posted on the President of (O) Increasing the number of Iraqi security ment intended to be proposed by him Iraq’s website; forces units capable of operating independ- to the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the (11) On April 21, 2007, Secretary of Defense ently; Robert Gates stated that ‘‘our [American] (P) Ensuring that the rights of minority conservation and development of water commitment to Iraq is long-term, but it is political parties in the Iraqi legislature are and related resources, to authorize the not a commitment to have our young men protected; Secretary of the Army to construct and women patrolling Iraq’s streets open- (Q) Allocating and spending $10 billion in various projects for improvements to endedly’’ and that ‘‘progress in reconcili- Iraqi revenues for reconstruction projects,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6153 including delivery of essential services, on of Iraq, shall direct the orderly redeploy- (4) The President requested more than 100 an equitable basis; and ment of elements of U.S. forces from Iraq, if days ago supplemental appropriations to (R) Ensuring that Iraq’s political authori- the components of the Iraqi government, continue funding for Operation Iraqi Free- ties are not undermining or making false ac- acting in strict accordance with their respec- dom and Operation Enduring Freedom. cusations against members of the ISF. tive powers given by the Iraqi Constitution, (5) Congress has not passed a supplemental (2) The President shall submit reports to reach a consensus as recited in a resolution, appropriations bill to continue funding for Congress on how the sovereign Government directing a redeployment of U.S. forces. Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation En- of Iraq is, or is not, achieving progress to- SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENTS. during Freedom in a manner that the com- wards accomplishing the aforementioned (a) Assessment by the Comptroller Gen- mander in chief believes gives the United benchmarks, and shall advise the Congress eral. States Armed Forces and the Iraqi people on how that assessment requires, or does not (1) Not later than September 1, 2007, the the best chance to succeed at establishing a require, changes to the strategy announced Comptroller General of the United States safe, stable, and sustainable democracy in on January 10, 2007. shall submit to Congress an independent re- Iraq. (b) REPORTS REQUIRED.— port setting forth— (6) A supplemental appropriations request (1) The President shall submit an initial (A) the status of the achievement of the to fund ongoing combat operations in Oper- report, in classified and unclassified format, benchmarks specified in Section 2 above; and ation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring to the Congress, not later than July 15, 2007, (B) the Comptroller General’s assessment Freedom should remain focused on the war assessing the status of each of the specific whether or not each such benchmark has effort by providing the resources necessary benchmarks established above, and declar- been met. for United States troops abroad and in the ing, in his judgment, whether satisfactory (b) Assessment of the Capabilities of Iraqi United States. progress toward meeting these benchmarks Security Forces. (b) SENSE OF THE SENATE.—It is the sense is, or is not, being achieved. (1) IN GENERAL.—There is hereby author- of the Senate that Congress should send leg- (2) The President, having consulted with ized to be appropriated for the Department islation to the President providing appro- the Secretary of State, The Secretary of De- of Defense, $750,000.000, that the Department, priations for Operation Iraqi Freedom and fense, The Commander, Multi-National in turn, will commission an independent, pri- Operation Enduring Freedom in a manner Forces-Iraq, the United States Ambassador vate-sector entity, which operates as a 501 that the President can sign into law by not to Iraq, and the Commander of U.S. Central (c)(3), with recognized credentials and exper- later than May 28, 2007. Command, will prepare the report and sub- tise in military affairs, to prepare an inde- f mit the report to Congress. pendent report assessing the following: (3) If the President’s assessment of any of (A) The readiness of the Iraqi Security the specific benchmarks established above is NOTICES OF HEARINGS Forces (ISF) to assume responsibility for unsatisfactory, the President shall include in maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq, COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS that report a description of such revisions to denying international terrorists a safe Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I would the political, economic, regional, and mili- haven, and bringing greater security to like to announce that the Committee tary components of the strategy, as an- Iraq’s 18 provinces in the next 12–18 months, nounced by the President on January 10, on Indian Affairs will meet on Thurs- and bringing an end to sectarian violence to 2007. In addition, the President shall include day, May 17, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. in room achieve national reconciliation. in the report, the advisability of imple- 485 of the Russell Senate Office Build- (B) The training, equipping, command, ing to conduct an oversight hearing on menting such aspects of the bipartisan Iraq control and intelligence capabilities, and lo- Study Group, as he deems appropriate. gistics capacity of the ISF. law enforcement in Indian Country. (4) The President shall submit a second re- (C) The likelihood that, given the ISF’s Those wishing additional information port to the Congress, not later than Sep- record of preparedness to date, following may contact the Indian Affairs Com- tember 15, 2007, following the same proce- years of training and equipping by U.S. mittee at 224–2251. dures and criteria, outlined above. forces, the continued support of U.S. troops (5) The reporting requirement detailed in COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND will contribute to the readiness of the ISF to Section 1227 of the National Defense Author- ENTREPRENEURSHIP fulfill the missions outlined in subparagraph ization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 is waived Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I would (A). from the date of the enactment of this Act (2) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after like to announce that the Committee through the period ending 15 September, the enactment of this Act, the designated on Small Business and Entrepreneur- 2007. private sector entity shall provide an unclas- ship will hold a hearing entitled ‘‘Mi- (c) TESTIMONY BEFORE CONGRESS.— (1) Prior to the submission of the Presi- sified report, with a classified annex, con- nority Entrepreneurship: Assessing the dent’s second report on September 15, 2007, taining its findings, to the House and Senate Effectiveness of SBA’s Programs for and at a time to be agreed upon by the lead- Committees on Armed Services, Appropria- the Minority Business Community,’’ on ership of the Congress and the Administra- tions, Foreign Relations/International Rela- Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 10 a.m. in tions, and Intelligence. tion, the United States Ambassador to Iraq room 428A of the Russell Senate Office and the Commander, Multi-National Forces Building. Iraq will be made available to testify in open SA 1135. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY and closed sessions before the relevant com- COCHRAN (for himself, Mr. WARNER, and mittees of the Congress. Mr. BOND)) proposed an amendment to Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I SEC. 3. LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF the bill H.R. 1495, to provide for the would like to announce for the infor- FUNDS conservation and development of water mation of the Senate and the public (a) LIMITATION.—No funds appropriated or and related resources, to authorize the that a hearing has been scheduled be- otherwise made available for the ‘‘Economic Secretary of the Army to construct fore the Subcommittee on Energy of Support Fund’’ and available for Iraq may be various projects for improvements to the Committee on Energy and Natural obligated or expended unless and until the President of the United States certifies in rivers and harbors of the United Resources. The hearing will be held on the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(1) States, and for other purposes; as fol- Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. in above and makes a further certification in lows: room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office the report outlined in subsection (2)(b)(4) At the appropriate place, insert the fol- Building in Washington, DC. above that Iraq is making progress on each lowing: The purpose of the hearing is to re- of the benchmarks set forth in Section 2 SEC. ll. SENSE OF THE SENATE ON FUNDING ceive testimony on S. 645, a bill to above. FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to (b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The President AND OPERATION ENDURING FREE- provide an alternate sulfur dioxide re- may waive the requirements of this section DOM. if he submits to Congress a written certifi- (a) FINDINGS.—The Senate makes the fol- moval measurement for certain coal cation setting forth a detailed justification lowing findings: gasification project goals; S. 838, a bill for the waiver, which shall include a detailed (1) The President is the commander in to authorize funding joint ventures be- report describing the actions being taken by chief of the United States Armed Forces. tween United States and Israeli busi- the Unites States to bring the Iraqi govern- (2) The United States Armed Forces are nesses and academic persons; S. 1089, a ment into compliance with the benchmarks currently engaged in military operations in bill to amend the Alaska Natural Gas set forth in Section 2 above. The certifi- Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation En- Pipeline Act to follow the Federal Co- cation shall be submitted in unclassified during Freedom on behalf of the national se- ordinator for Alaska Natural Gas form, but may include a classified annex. curity interests of the United States. Transportation projects to hire em- SEC. 4. REDEPLOYMENT OF U.S. FORCES FROM (3) The funds previously appropriated to IRAQ. continue military operations in Operation ployees more efficiently, and for other (a) The President of the United States, in Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Free- purposes; S. 1203, a bill to enhance the respecting the sovereign rights of the nation dom are depleted. management of electricity programs at

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S6154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 15, 2007 the Department of Energy; H.R. 85, a Witness List: James B. Comey, day, May 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. in room 628 bill to provide for the establishment of Former Deputy Attorney General, of the Senate Dirksen Office building. centers to encourage demonstration United States Department of Justice. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and commercial application of ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. vanced energy methods and tech- objection, it is so ordered. f nologies; and H.R. 1126, a bill to reau- SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS STATEMENTS IN TRIBUTE TO thorize the Steel and Aluminum En- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask SENATOR STEVENS ergy Conservation and Technology unanimous consent that the Com- Competitiveness Act of 1988. mittee on Energy and Natural Re- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Because of the limited time available sources Subcommittee on National imous consent that the tribute to Sen- for the hearing, witnesses may testify Parks be authorized to hold a hearing ator STEVENS in the CONGRESSIONAL by invitation only. However, those during the session of the Senate on RECORD be printed as a Senate docu- wishing to submit written testimony Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in ment and that Senators be permitted for the hearing record should send it to room SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate of- to submit statements for inclusion in the Committee on Energy and Natural fice Building. the RECORD until June 1 of this year. Resources, United States Senate, The purpose of the hearing is to re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Washington, DC 20510–6150, or by email ceive testimony on the following bills: objection, it is so ordered. to [email protected]. S. 553, to amend the Wild and Scenic f For further information, please con- Rivers Act to designate certain seg- DESIGNATING MAY 14, 2007, tact Jonathan Epstein at (202) 224–4971 ments of the Eightmile River in the THROUGH MAY 18, 2007, AS ‘‘NA- or Amanda Kelly at (202) 224–6836. State of Connecticut as components of TIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION f the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; S. 800, to establish the Niagara TECHNOLOGY WEEK’’ AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Falls National Heritage Area in the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- MEET State of New York; S. 916, to modify imous consent that the Senate proceed COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL the boundary of the Minidoka Intern- to the consideration of S. Res. 202. RESOURCES ment National Monument, to establish The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask the Minidoka National Historic Site, to clerk will report. unanimous consent that the Com- authorize the Secretary of the Interior The assistant legislative clerk read mittee on Energy and Natural Re- to convey certain land and improve- as follows: sources be authorized to hold a hearing ments of the Gooding Division of the A resolution (S. Res. 202) designating the during the session of the Senate on Minidoka Project, Idaho; S. 1057, to period beginning on May 14, 2007, and ending Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at 10 a.m. in amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act on May 18, 2007, as ‘‘National Health Infor- room SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate Of- to designate certain segments of the mation Technology Week.’’ fice Building. The purpose of the hear- New River in the States of North Caro- There being no objection, the Senate ing is to receive testimony on Short- lina and Virginia as a component of the proceeded to consider the resolution. Term Energy Outlook Summer 2007: Oil National Wild and Scenic Rivers Sys- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- and Gasoline. tem; S. 1209, to provide for the contin- imous consent that the resolution be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ued administration of Santa Rosa Is- agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, objection, it is so ordered. land, Channel Islands National Park, in the motion to reconsider be laid on the COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC accordance with the laws (including table, and that any statements relating WORKS regulations) and policies of the Na- thereto be printed in the RECORD. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask tional Park Service; S. 128l, to amend The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent that the Com- the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to des- objection, it is so ordered. mittee on Environment and Public ignate certain rivers and streams of The resolution (S. Res. 202) was Works be authorized to meet during the headwaters of the Snake River Sys- agreed to. the session of the Senate on Tuesday, tem as additions to the National Wild The preamble was agreed to. May 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Room 406 of and Scenic River System; H.R. 161, to The resolution, with its preamble, the Dirksen Senate Office Building. adjust the boundary of the Minidoka reads as follows: Agenda: Hearing on ‘‘Green Build- Internment National Monument to in- S. RES. 202 ings: Benefits to Health, the Environ- clude the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial in Whereas the Healthcare Information and ment, and the Bottom Line.’’ Bainbridge Island, Washington; H.R. Management Systems Society has worked The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 247, to designate a Forest Service trail collaboratively with more than 48 stake- objection, it is so ordered. at Waldo Lake in the Willamette Na- holder organizations for more than 45 years COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND tional Forest in the State of Oregon as to transform health care with improved uses GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS a national recreation trail in honor of of information technology and management Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask Jim Weaver, a former Member of the systems; Whereas the Center for Information Tech- unanimous consent that the Com- House of Representatives; and H.R. 376, mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- nology Leadership estimated that the imple- to authorize the Secretary of the Inte- mentation of national standards for inter- ernmental Affairs be authorized to rior to conduct a special resource study operability and the exchange of health infor- meet on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at 10 to determine the suitability and feasi- mation would save the United States ap- a.m. for a hearing titled ‘‘Equal Rep- bility of including the battlefields and proximately $77,000,000,000 in expenses relat- resentation in Congress: Providing related sites of the First and Second ing to health care each year; Voting Rights to the District of Colum- Battles of Newtonia, Missouri, during Whereas the RAND Corporation estimated bia.’’ the Civil War as part of Wilson’s Creek that, if the health care system of the United States implemented the use of computerized The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without National Battlefield or designating the objection, it is so ordered. medical records, the system could save the battlefields and related sites as a sepa- United States more than $81,000,000,000 each COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY rate unit of the National Park System. year; Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas health care information tech- unanimous consent that the Senate objection, it is so ordered. nology has been shown to improve the qual- Committee on the Judiciary be author- SUBCOMMITTEE ON RETIREMENT AND AGING ity and safety of the delivery of health care ized to meet to conduct a hearing on Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask in the United States; ‘‘Preserving Prosecutorial Independ- unanimous consent that the Com- Whereas health care information tech- ence: Is the Department of Justice Po- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, nology and management systems have been recognized as essential tools for improving liticizing the Hiring and Firing of U.S. and Pensions’ Subcommittee on Retire- the quality and cost efficiency of the health Attorneys?—Part IV’’ on Tuesday, May ment and Aging, be authorized to hold care system; 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Dirksen Senate Of- a hearing on Alzheimer’s disease dur- Whereas the President and Secretary of fice Building room 226. ing the session of the Senate on Tues- Health and Human Services have made a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:59 Mar 13, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2007SENATE\S15MY7.REC S15MY7 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6155 commitment to leveraging the benefits of Believe me, I wish we would have done ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, the health care information technology and it more quickly myself. Sometimes you 2007 management systems by establishing the Of- can’t. It takes a lot of phone calls. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- fice of the National Coordinator for Health As I have reminded people, much of Information Technology and the American imous consent that when the Senate Health Information Community; what we do in the Senate is done with completes its business today, it stand Whereas Congress has placed an emphasis unanimous consent. That means all adjourned until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, on improving the quality and safety of the Senators have to agree, and there are May 16; that on Wednesday, following delivery of health care in the United States; 100 of us. Senator MCCONNELL and I the prayer and pledge, the Journal of and have been making phone calls to see if proceedings be approved to date, the Whereas organizations across the country we can get this resolved, and I think have come together to support National morning hour be deemed expired, and we are at the point we need to be now. the time of the two leaders be reserved Health Information Technology Week to im- So thank you very much, everybody. prove public awareness relating to the poten- for their use later in the day; that the tial benefits of improved quality and cost ef- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Pre- Senate resume consideration of H.R. ficiency that the health care system could siding Officer is very happy to be here. 1495, as provided for under a previous achieve if health information technology f order. were better utilized: Now, therefore, be it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Resolved, That the Senate— UNANIMOUS-CONSENT objection, it is so ordered. (1) recognizes the value of information AGREEMENT—S. Con. Res. 21 technology and management systems in f transforming health care for all people in the Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- United States; imous consent that it be in order on ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9 A.M. (2) designates the period beginning on May Thursday, May 17, to proceed to the TOMORROW 14, 2007, and ending on May 18, 2007, as ‘‘Na- consideration of the conference report Mr. REID. Mr. President, if there is tional Health Information Technology on the budget, if available, notwith- no further business, and the Repub- Week’’; and (3) encourages the use of information tech- standing provisions of rule XXII. lican leader has nothing further, which nology and management systems to trans- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I understand is correct, I ask unani- form the health care system in the United objection, it is so ordered. mous consent that the Senate stand States. adjourned under the previous order. f f There being no objection, the Senate, UNANIMOUS-CONSENT at 9:03 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- RECOGNIZING THE BENEFITS AND AGREEMENT—S. 1348 day, May 16, 2007, at 9 a.m. IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-BASED MUSIC EDUCATION Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- f imous consent that the cloture vote on Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- NOMINATIONS the motion to proceed to S. 1348 occur imous consent that the HELP Com- on Monday, May 21, no earlier than 5.30 Executive nominations received by mittee be discharged from further con- p.m., and that if cloture is invoked, the the Senate May 15, 2007: sideration of H. Con. Res 121 and the motion be agreed to without any inter- IN THE NAVY Senate proceed to its consideration. vening action or debate. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED objection, it is so ordered. The clerk UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: objection, it is so ordered. will report. To be rear admiral (lower half) The assistant legislative clerk read f CAPT. DAVID J. MERCER, 0000 as follows: IMMIGRATION THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 121) TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: recognizing the benefits and importance of Mr. REID. Mr. President, for those school-based music education, and for other who are watching, I have spoken to To be captain purposes. people doing the negotiating on immi- NICHOLAS J. ALAGA, JR., 0000 WILLIAM M. ALBIN, 0000 There being no objection, the Senate gration, and they tell me they are 80 SCOTT D. ALWINE, 0000 proceeded to consider the concurrent percent of the way. Well, that is fine, WILLIAM A. ANDERSON, JR., 0000 WILLIAM C. APPLEWHITE, JR., 0000 resolution. but the other 20 percent is hard. I don’t PATRICK A. BACCANARI, 0000 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- think we lose a step by the agreement RONALD K. BACH, 0000 JAMES L. BARGE, 0000 imous consent that the resolution be that we have just had. It will allow the DAVID F. BASSETT, 0000 agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, people who have been working on this DANIEL M. BAUER, 0000 ROBERT S. BAZAN, 0000 and the motion to reconsider be laid matter for a number of weeks to have ALAN D. BEAL, 0000 upon the table. a few more days to do that. MATTHEW M. BELL, 0000 KEVIN L. BERTELSEN, 0000 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without It would be different if we had noth- CRAIG W. BLADOW, 0000 objection, it is so ordered. ing else to do here, but this will kind of DEAN R. BLAHA, 0000 DONALD M. BOUCHARD, 0000 The concurrent resolution (H. Con. clear the deck so we can, hopefully, ERIC E. BOWMAN, 0000 Res. 121) was agreed to. complete WRDA, the budget, send GLENN R. BRANDENBURG, 0000 JOHN F. BRENNAN, 0000 The preamble was agreed to. something to conference on the supple- DENNIS K. BRUCE, 0000 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I suggest mental, and then next week we have to ANDREW D. BUCKON, 0000 THEODORE J. BURGE, 0000 the absence of a quorum. do the conference report on the supple- EUGENE E. BURKE, 0000 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mental, which shouldn’t take long, and PATRICK C. BURNS, 0000 JULE B. BUTLER, 0000 clerk will call the roll. then spend that time, if we can get an RONDA L. BYRNECLARK, 0000 The legislative clerk proceeded to agreement, on immigration. That is DAVID J. CANTRELL, 0000 JOSEPH R. CHAMPAGNE, 0000 call the roll. why we have done what we have done RONALD D. COLLETT, JR., 0000 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- with this consent agreement. DAVID P. CONNELLY III, 0000 DAVID D. N. CORLEY, 0000 imous consent that the order for the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- STUART B. CRAIG, 0000 quorum call be rescinded. sent that Senator SESSIONS have up to WILLIAM M. CRANE, 0000 SCOTT G. CRANSTON, 0000 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 3 hours under his control to speak on ROBERT K. CREIGHTON III, 0000 objection, it is so ordered. Monday, May 21; that the hour prior to DAVID W. CRITCHLEY III, 0000 CARL W. CUSAAC, 0000 f cloture be reserved for the two leaders RICHARD S. DANN, 0000 or their designees; and that Senator JEFFREY C. DAUS, 0000 EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION JEFFREY D. DAVISSON, 0000 SESSIONS also have 2 hours under his KENNETH A. DEAKIN, 0000 Mr. REID. Mr. President, first of all, control on Tuesday, May 22, when and CRAIG C. DEBEAUMONT, 0000 TIMOTHY P. DELOACHE, 0000 let me express my appreciation to the if we go to the immigration matter. JAMES K. DICAMPLI, 0000 Presiding Officer, for you and all the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without JAMES P. DIMATTEO, 0000 JOSEPH P. DIPAOLA, JR., 0000 staff. I am sorry things take so long. objection, it is so ordered. FREEMAN R. DODSWORTH, 0000

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MICHAEL E. DOYLE, 0000 THOMAS R. LAND, 0000 CHARLES D. RICHTER, 0000 KEVIN L. DUGGAN, 0000 GREGORY R. LARSON, 0000 LAWRENCE D. ROLLO, 0000 JAMES D. DUNDORF, 0000 BRANDT W. LATIMER, 0000 MICHAEL T. ROMINSKI, 0000 JAMES E. EPPLE, 0000 ANDREW C. LENNON, 0000 DANIEL M. ROY, 0000 ROBERT A. ESPINOSA, 0000 MARY K. LEWIS, 0000 JOSEPH B. RYAN, 0000 RONALD A. FARMER, 0000 MONTGOMERY P. LIU, 0000 DANIEL SALAZAR, 0000 DAVID M. FITZGERALD, 0000 MARK F. LULING, 0000 NEIL K. SAWYER, 0000 BRUCE M. FOCHT, 0000 ROBERT J. LUMAN, 0000 WILLIAM E. SCARING, 0000 THOMAS F. FOLEY, 0000 MARK A. LUNDE, 0000 STEPHEN J. SCHAFFER, 0000 DIRK L. FOSTER, 0000 DONALD P. MACNEIL, 0000 KENNETH D. SENER, 0000 MARK M. FREDERICKSON, 0000 LAWRENCE R. MAGNER, JR., 0000 JOSEPH E. SHAFFER, 0000 ANDREW R. GALLOTTA, 0000 BASIL K. MAKRIDIS, 0000 DEBRA K. SHARITS, 0000 RICHARD GASPERONI, JR., 0000 PHILIP B. MANSER, 0000 JAMES A. SHEA, 0000 DAVID M. GEICK, 0000 DEREK S. MARTIN, 0000 DAVID B. SHECKELLS, 0000 BRADLEY N. GEYER, 0000 KEVIN M. MCCARTHY, 0000 STEPHEN V. SLEEM, 0000 MARK GIBBONS, 0000 DAN M. MCCULLEY, 0000 JOHN W. SNARR, 0000 WILLIAM GILLCRIST, 0000 JAMES H. MCGEE, JR., 0000 MONROE J. J. SPARKS, 0000 JOHN W. GILMAN, 0000 MICHAEL W. MCGEHEE, 0000 JOSEPH M. SPIVEY IV, 0000 ARTHUR W. GLYNN, 0000 GREGORY J. MCGIFFNEY, 0000 CHRISTOPHER J. GOODE, 0000 GREGORY D. MCLAUGHLIN, 0000 WILLIAM H. STARR, 0000 DANIEL I. GRUTA, 0000 KERRY M. METZ, 0000 GREGORY F. STEPHENS, 0000 JAMES J. GUZZETTI, 0000 MICHAEL W. MIDDLETON, 0000 CATHERINE F. STULTZ, 0000 ROBERT C. HAGGERTY, 0000 JACK P. MILLER, 0000 MICHAEL D. TERRELL, 0000 PATRICK J. HAMILTON, 0000 ALLIE W. MILLIGAN, 0000 FREDERICK D. THOMPSON, 0000 SCOTT S. HANDLER, 0000 BRIAN MINZENMAYER, 0000 JESSE M. TILLMAN III, 0000 DUANE E. HARPER, 0000 ROBERT S. MITCHELL, 0000 PETER D. TOMASCAK, 0000 SAMUEL R. HARRIS, 0000 CASEY D. MOLONEY, 0000 STEVEN C. TULIP, 0000 JOHN A. HAYES, 0000 DOUGLAS W. MONTGOMERY, 0000 TODD A. VALDES, 0000 PAUL A. HECHENBERGER, 0000 MICHAEL F. MORRISSEY, 0000 DAVID N. VALENTE, 0000 JAMES C. HEYE, 0000 JOHN G. MOSHER, 0000 SCOTT F. VANEK, 0000 PATRICK J. HEYE, 0000 JOHN J. MOYNIHAN, JR., 0000 MARC D. VARNEY, 0000 EDWARD H. HILL, 0000 ERIC M. MUELLER, 0000 ROBERTO C. VELASCO, 0000 JAMES F. HILLMAN, 0000 STEVEN B. MUTZ, 0000 LINDA R. D. WACKERMAN, 0000 CHRISTOPHER L. HOLLADAY, 0000 CHRISTOPHER C. NICOL, 0000 JEFFREY L. WAGONER, 0000 BRADLEY D. HOLT, 0000 THOMAS C. OCONNELL, 0000 THOMAS E. WALTON, 0000 KIRK D. HORNBURG, 0000 PHILLIP E. OLD, 0000 KEITH R. WANDER, 0000 JEFFREY C. HORNEFF, 0000 THOMAS S. OLIVER III, 0000 KEITH E. WARNER, 0000 ANDREW L. HOWARD, 0000 DAVID M. OSEN, 0000 BRIAN K. WATERHOUSE, 0000 JAMES HUDSON, 0000 RONALD L. PAGE, 0000 TODD A. WATERMAN, 0000 ROBERT J. HUGHES, 0000 CHAD L. PAINTER, 0000 EDWARD T. WATKO, 0000 DAVID P. HUNTER, 0000 TIMOTHY J. PANOFF, 0000 JOHN W. WATTS, 0000 THOMAS F. HURLEY II, 0000 PERRY PARISI, 0000 RICHARD H. WHEAT, 0000 JAMES M. INGALLS, 0000 MATTHEW S. PAULSON, 0000 JOHN A. WILL, 0000 MARGARET L. JEFFRIES, 0000 DANIEL G. PEDRO, 0000 ROBERT R. WILLIAMS, 0000 KEVIN M. JENNE, 0000 MICHAEL K. PETZOLD, 0000 WILLIAM T. WILLIAMS, 0000 KEVIN R. JOHNSON, 0000 MICHAEL P. PITNEY, 0000 WILLIAM A. WIMMER, 0000 ANDREW M. JONES, 0000 LISA P. POTVIN, 0000 WILLIAM W. WINDLE, 0000 COLETTE D. KAMLIN, 0000 HENRY M. RAINONE, 0000 KARL A. WINTERMEYER, 0000 PATRICK O. KENNEDY, 0000 SCOTT A. READY, 0000 BRETT D. WISE, 0000 DWIGHT A. KENNY, 0000 WARREN A. REBARKER, 0000 TIMOTHY S. WOLTERS, 0000 ROBERT J. KLEIN, 0000 THOMAS G. RECK, 0000 EDWARD A. YEASTE, 0000 BRIAN A. KUERBITZ, 0000 TOMUS S. REDFORD, 0000 ITHAN B. ZIMMER, 0000 DAVID A. KUNSKY, JR., 0000 CURTIS S. RENARD, 0000 MARK H. ZUHONE, 0000

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TRIBUTE TO C. DIXON OSBURN– was tremendous more than quintupling crimination they helped to tear down racial Killeen’s population in its first few years. barriers in the U.S. armed services. History HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN After World War II, the Army was looking for books tell the story that no U.S. military pilot OF MASSACHUSETTS a place to train soldiers in tank destroyer tac- was African-American prior to World War II. tics, and Killeen fit the bill. Camp Hood was Eventually, in 1941, guided by leaders of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES named for Confederate General John Bell African-American civil rights movement the Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Hood. The initial installation covered 160,000 United States Congress directed the Army Air Mr. MEEHAN. Madam Speaker, today I pay acres; most of Killeen’s best farming land, Corps to form an all-black combat unit. In tribute to C. Dixon Osburn, co-founder and ex- forcing many families from their homesteads. June of that year, the 99th Fighter Squadron ecutive director of Servicemembers Legal De- In 1950, the camp was declared a permanent was formed at the Tuskegee Institute, a well- fense Network for 13 years. Dixon recently left post changing its name to Fort Hood. regarded university founded by national leader the helm of Servicemembers Legal Defense Killeen was now a military town, so its goal Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama. Network, and today I recognize and commend became to make it the best town for military The squadron was placed under the command him for the contributions he has made to our families to live. Supporting our soldiers and of Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., one of the nation’s Armed Forces and to our nation’s en- their families is still the top priority today. few African-American West Point graduates. during goal of freedom and equality under the The town and the fort grew together. Killeen During World War II the Tuskegee Airmen law for all Americans. worked to develop infrastructure that would in- flew escort for heavy bombers, established an Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is corporate the military base and its needs. Im- impressive combat record, and often entered a non-profit legal aid and advocacy organiza- mediate needs were water leading to the con- combat against greater numbers of superior tion founded in 1993 to assist service mem- struction of Belton Lake and later, Stillhouse German aircraft. By war’s end, the unit was bers living under the discriminatory ‘‘Don’t Hollow Reservoir; the construction of better credited with shooting down 109 Luftwaffe air- Ask, Don’t Tell’’ statute that became the law in highways to meet military and civilian travel craft and destroying numerous fuel dumps, my first months of serving in the United States needs; major construction to provide housing; trucks and trains. The squadrons of the 332nd Congress. Under Dixon’s leadership, the orga- and an accompanying growth in retail busi- Fighter Group flew more than 15,000 sorties nization has responded to more than 8,000 re- ness. on 1,500 missions. quests for assistance, and continues today to This small agriculture turned railroad turned The unit was awarded a Distinguished Unit be a leader of the national movement to re- military town now has a population of over Citation for a mission flown on March 24, peal ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’’ 100,000 people and is bustling with com- 1945, escorting B–17s to bomb the Daimler- I am proud to have worked with Dixon merce. Killeen has a young, diverse populous Benz tank factory at Berlin, Germany, an ac- Osburn toward the goal of repealing ‘‘Don’t served by good schools and affordable hous- tion in which its pilots destroyed three Me–262 Ask, Don’t Tell.’’ This law has resulted in the ing and will continue to thrive in its next 125 jets in aerial combat. The meritorious indi- discharge of more than 11,000 service mem- years. vidual achievements of the pilots were also bers from our Armed Forces, at a cost of hun- f recognized. Together, the Tuskegee Airmen dreds of millions of dollars. It is an affront to were awarded 150 Distinguished Flying the patriotism and talent of the over one mil- RECOGNIZING THE TUSKEGEE AIR- Crosses, seven Silver Stars, fourteen Bronze lion lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans esti- MEN IN CELEBRATION OF Stars, and 744 Air Medals. From 1940 to mated to have served in our nation’s Armed OBERLIN, OHIO’S JUNETEENTH 1946, 992 pilots were trained as Tuskegee Forces to date. CEREMONIES Airmen. Of these, 445 went overseas and 150 I am proud to serve as the sponsor of legis- lost their lives in service to our Nation and lation to repeal ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’’ and I HON. MARCY KAPTUR freedom’s cause. commend Dixon Osburn for all he has done to OF OHIO Booker T. Washington once noted that ‘‘A help lay the ground work for the passage of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES life is not worth much of which it cannot be this important legislation. said, when it comes to its close, that it was Tuesday, May 15, 2007 f helpful to humanity.’’ The corps of airmen who Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today hailed from the school Mr. Washington found- HONORING THE CITY OF KILLEEN in recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen who ed most assuredly fulfilled that destiny. Our ON ITS 125TH BIRTHDAY were recently awarded the Congressional world remains profoundly grateful. Gold Medal, specifically seven men being hon- f HON. JOHN R. CARTER ored by their home community of Oberlin, PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF TEXAS Ohio in its annual Juneteenth celebration: Nor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES man E. Proctor, Wayman E. Scott, Ferrier H. White, William Young, Gilbert Cargill, Perry Tuesday, May 15, 2007 HON. MARK UDALL Young, and William L. Williams, Jr. OF COLORADO Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, the City of On March 29, 2007, we were privileged to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Killeen, Texas celebrates its 125th birthday, be witnesses to history as the largest group today, May 15th, 2007. The City of Killeen ever to be awarded a Congressional Gold Tuesday, May 15, 2007 was born May 15, 1882, when the Santa Fe Medal was honored in the Capitol rotunda. Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, Railroad extended its line westward. Named The elder men and their families who joined on May 9th, during rollcall vote 318, on final for Frank P. Killeen, an official of the railroad us that day were there not only to be feted for passage of H.R. 1684, the Department of in Galveston, some believe that Killeen may their own achievements, but represented doz- Homeland Security Authorization bill, I was de- have been among the railroad dignitaries on ens more of these gallant heroes who could tained and unable to reach the House floor in the train that arrived to mark the beginning of not be there. I am proud that many residents time to vote. Had I been present, I would have the town, but it has never been confirmed. in our own Ninth Congressional District of voted ‘‘yes.’’ The town of about 300 people became a ship- Ohio were part of this elite cadre of men. On May 14, because of business in Colo- ping point of the area for agricultural products, The story of the Tuskegee Airmen continues rado, I was not present for the following three cotton in particular. to unfold, for they were truly unsung heroes of votes: In the next 60 years, the city prospered and their time. Their outstanding service during Rollcall vote 342, to suspend the rules and grew to over 1,200 people. But in 1942, this World War II became legendary. Even while pass H.R. 1124, to extend the District of Co- small railroad town became home to military they fought a common enemy in foreign lands, lumbia College Access Act of 1999—had I post Camp Hood. The military camp’s impact they also fought racism at home. Despite dis- been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’

∑ 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 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 Rollcall vote 343, to suspend the rules and geons simply for their desire to make known friends who will forever remember her devo- pass H. Res. 223, supporting the goals and the truth of Cuba’s tragic reality and for believ- tion to, not only her community, but to her ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for ing that all Cubans are deserving of human family as well. Murder Victims—had I been present, I would rights. My colleagues, we must demand the Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you have voted ‘‘yes.’’ immediate and unconditional release of and my other distinguished colleagues join me Rollcall vote 344, to suspend the rules and Rolando Jime´nez Posada and every political in honoring Mrs. Lisa Austgen for her out- pass H. Res. 385, recognizing National prisoner in totalitarian Cuba. standing devotion to Indiana’s First Congres- AmeriCorps Week—had I been present, I f sional District. Her unselfish and lifelong dedi- would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ cation to the young people of northwest Indi- TRIBUTE TO LISA RAE AUSTGEN f ana is worthy of the highest commendation. ´ Lisa’s selflessness was an inspiration to us all, FREEDOM FOR ROLANDO JIMENEZ HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY and I am proud to have represented her in POSADA OF INDIANA Congress. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART Tuesday, May 15, 2007 OF FLORIDA U.S. TROOP READINESS, VET- ERANS’ CARE, KATRINA RECOV- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time to remember ERY, AND IRAQ ACCOUNT- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 one of northwest Indiana’s most distinguished ABILITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. citizens, Lisa Rae Austgen of Lowell, Indiana. 2007 Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about Lisa’s numerous contributions to her commu- Rolando Jime´nez Posada, a political prisoner nity are worthy of the highest admiration, es- SPEECH OF in totalitarian Cuba. pecially her service as the director of the Chal- HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO ´ Mr. Jimenez Posada is a lawyer and a di- lenger Center of Northwest Indiana in Ham- OF CONNECTICUT rector of the Democratic Human Rights Cen- mond, Indiana. Lisa passed away on Friday, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ter. As a pro-democracy activist, Mr. Jime´nez May 11, 2007, and following services at the Posada has devoted himself to portraying the Sheets Funeral Home in Lowell, she will be Thursday, May 10, 2007 genuine terror of life in totalitarian Cuba. Be- laid to rest on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- cause of his brave commitment to freedom for Plum Grove Cemetery, also in Lowell. port of beginning the process to redeploy our the Cuban people and his activities as a pro- Lisa was an integral part of the success of troops in the coming months. democracy activist, the regime began by firing the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest I first began calling for troop redeployment him from his job. Indiana. Housed on the Purdue University— early last year when—despite the removal of Mr. Jime´nez Posada has been detained and Calumet campus in Hammond, Indiana, the Saddam Hussein, significant training of Iraqi threatened numerous times over the past Challenger Learning Center provides a worth- police and army units, and the opening for a years. On December 10, 2001, while taking while educational resource to area schools. potential democracy in the Middle East—it be- part in a peaceful celebration to observe the Under Lisa’s direction, this 8-year old program came clear, it was time for a new direction in anniversary of the Universal Declaration of has opened the window to space exploration Iraq. I called for our troops to be redeployed Human Rights, he and several others were to students who might otherwise have no ex- within the year as it had become all too evi- beaten and pushed into police vehicles and posure to our final frontier. dent that they would be caught in the middle then discarded in remote areas as a means of Lisa’s passion for the Challenger Learning of escalating sectarian violence if they stayed. psychological torture. Amnesty International Center of Northwest Indiana is entwined into I urged the administration to adopt the rec- reports that in July 2002 Mr. Jime´nez Posada the legacy of this program. Completely de- ommendations of the Iraq study group to get was threatened at his home after handing out voted to improving and modernizing edu- the most stable result, but the administration copies of the Universal Declaration of Human cational, opportunities for children, Lisa cre- rejected that advice and escalated the war. Rights. Later, the tyrant’s thugs told him that ated programs at the center that simulated Yet today, as violence in Iraq has only got- he would be imprisoned if he continued car- space missions, integrating information pro- ten worse with the number of U.S. dead and rying out public activities in support of Cuba’s vided by the National Aeronautics and Space wounded continuing to grow and countless political prisoners. Administration, NASA, into real-life missions numbers of Iraqis dying in what has become Despite harassment and the continuous controlled and operated by students. These a full blown civil war, this Administration tries threats, Mr. Jime´nez Posada never wavered in missions not only offered students the chance to impose a military solution that cannot work. his conviction. On April 25, 2003, he was ar- to experience life as astronauts, but also The escalation, which this administration now rested and thrown in the gulag on accusations taught valuable life skills, such as teamwork says will last until next spring, is simply the of ‘‘disrespecting the commander’’ (the tyrant) and cooperation, that they are able to apply to wrong way to go. Let us serve our men and and ‘‘revealing state secrets’’. For 4 years, he other facets of their academic development. women fighting overseas and recognize their languished in sub-human conditions awaiting Thanks to Lisa’s selfless dedication to ac- sacrifices by charting a new course in Iraq. ‘‘formal charges’’ and a ‘‘trial’’ for his ‘‘crime’’ tively pursuing funding for the center, thou- Over the coming months, we must begin a of believing that all men have an inherent right sands of students throughout the First Con- responsible withdrawal of our troops. Only by to live in freedom. gressional District have had the unique oppor- moving forward with a redeployment of our On April 6, 2007, Mr. Jime´nez Posada was tunity to participate in the programs at the troops can we provide the teeth necessary to ‘‘sentenced’’ to 12 years in a second secret center which instill and increase students’ en- force the Bush Administration and the Iraqi trial in less than a week. His family and loved thusiasm for science, math, and technology. government to implement the benchmarks ones were never notified of his trial date, and Further, her innovative approach to education they set themselves, including de- when he even so much as attempted to voice fomented a genuine excitement among the bathification, minority rights, and sharing oil concerns about the lack of defense counsel he students’ attitudes toward math and science. revenue. was summarily thrown into a dungeon once Lisa was truly the backbone of the Challenger I fully support funding for our troops as we again and prohibited all forms of legal de- Learning Center and will be sorely missed by scale down our operations in Iraq. I also be- fense. Let me be clear, Mr. Jime´nez Posada all the individuals with whom she worked so lieve the United States must stay engaged, rejects the gangster regime’s constant propa- diligently to provide this resource to the re- leaving a limited number of forces to hunt ganda and its lies. For that reason, he lan- gion. down Al Qaeda and other terrorist operatives, guishes in the most infernal conditions in the Lisa is survived by her loving husband, help train Iraqi forces, and maintain a pres- tyrant’s dungeons. Tom; two sons: Ethan and Ryan; one daugh- ence in neighboring countries. Madam Speaker, Mr. Jime´nez Posada suf- ter, Cassie Karney; mother, Karen Stover of It is just as important for this administration fers in the repulsive squalor of the totalitarian Elwood, IN; father, Max (Mary) Stover of Ko- to start getting serious about a diplomatic of- regime’s gulag because he believes in truth komo, IN; one brother, Mike (Billie) Stover of fensive. I believe it must work harder in co- and fundamental human rights for the Cuban Elwood, IN; one sister, Jennifer (Shaun) ordination with Iraq’s neighbors and other people. It constitutes a crime of the highest Boetjjer of Galveston, IN; and several nieces leading countries to help the Iraqis settle their order that a mere 90 miles from our shores, and nephews. Lisa also leaves to cherish her political differences and provide support for honorable men and women are jailed in dun- memory many other family members and the reconstruction efforts.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1049 By bringing the vast majority of our troops of one of the House’s own—Tina Tate, who leaves the House of Representatives the bet- home in the coming months we will show both will retire on May 17 as the Director of the ter for her service. the Iraqis and the world that we are serious, House Radio and Television Gallery after 34 that we believe the military mission is done, years of service to this wonderful institution. f and that it is time for the Iraqis to take ac- During the last three and one-half decades, countability for their country. Tina has worked tirelessly with the People’s HONORING BRIDGES . . . A COMMU- Mr. Speaker, by voting to redeploy in the House and the media to chronicle the some- NITY SUPPORT SYSTEM, INC., AS coming months, I vote for accountability in times tumultuous but always lively day-to-day THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH Iraq. We can delay no longer. As a Congress history of the Congress. She has gracefully ANNIVERSARY we have a responsibility to support the troops, assisted Democrats and Republicans in their to honor our commitment to veterans, hold the interaction with the press during a period HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO Iraqi government accountable, and continue to when technological advances changed the OF CONNECTICUT press the President to change course and end manner in which the media informed the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this war. American people about their government. I have made this clear before, and I will re- In 1969, Tina moved from her native Geor- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 peat it again here, today. Too many lives are gia to Washington, DC, with her husband and at stake: I have crossed the Rubicon on this Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, I am hon- young son. Three years later, during the Nixon war. ored to rise today to extend my sincere con- Yet the President has chosen another path. Administration and Carl Albert’s Speakership, gratulations to Bridges . . . A Community While the American people continue to throw she was hired as the first female employee of Support System, Inc., of Milford, Connecticut, their hands in the air, this administration con- the House Radio and Television Gallery. At as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This tinues to ignore the painful consequences of that time, there were only three national tele- is a remarkable milestone for this outstanding its disastrous strategy. With his own veto last vision news organizations, and it was still one organization dedicated to providing support week, the President made clear his strategy year before CBS radio took the bold step of and mental health services to those in need. will not change—unless we do something launching a ‘‘news on the hour’’ service. Originally founded in 1957 as the Milford about it, here today. In 1981, she was selected Superintendent Family Counseling Association, the organiza- We all know our troops will do anything their of the Radio TV Gallery—the first female to tion’s mission initially focused on addressing country asks—but let us not ask them to sac- head that office. This was the first year of the mental health needs of children in the Mil- rifice everything for the wrong mission. We Ronald Reagan’s Presidency and the fifth year ford community. The organization expanded have a responsibility to get it right. of Thomas P. ‘‘Tip’’ O’Neill’s service as and so did its scope of services—including f Speaker. Since then she has overseen the adult psychiatric services, drug and alcohol RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVER- historic coverage of the transition of power in prevention services and opening its doors to SARY OF BEECHER COMMUNITY the House, first from Democratic to Repub- the neighboring communities of Orange and SCHOOL DISTRICT PROJECT lican hands in 1994, and then a return to West Haven. As the needs of our communities HEAD START Democratic governance in 2006. and its residents changed, so did the agency During her service, Tina served five Speak- as well as its name. Designated in the 1990s ers of the House, guiding the House and by the State of Connecticut as the Local Men- HON. DALE E. KILDEE those who cover it with integrity, honesty and OF MICHIGAN tal Health Authority, the organization made its a desire to help all sides succeed in a rapidly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES final name change in 1999 to Bridges . . . A changing, frequently challenging environment. Community Support System to better reflect its Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Madam Speaker, Tina has left her mark on purpose and mission. Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today Congress and those who cover us for the peo- to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Bee- ple. For the press, she has been an advocate Today, Bridges, working with local agencies cher Community School District Project Head and steady hand in working with Congress to and organizations, is able to provide a mul- Start. A community celebration is planned for expand openness and access. For Members titude of programs to those most in need. Friday, May 18th in Flint, Michigan. The cele- of Congress, she has been a faithful guardian From individual counseling to bereavement bration will be attended by alumni, current and of the institution’s interests and the precedents support; teenage drug and alcohol prevention former staff, parents, students and other mem- that protect this body. to vocational and social rehabilitation services, bers of the community. In addition to helping reporters gather news Bridges and its dedicated staff have contin- The Beecher Community School District is a within the halls of Congress, Tina and her of- ually identified the changing needs of our delegate program of the Genesee County fice have helped more than 5,000 members of community. The partnerships they have estab- Community Action Resource Department. independent radio and television organizations lished allow them to provide comprehensive Over the past 40 years the Beecher Head cover every national political convention. That services to their clients—making a real dif- Start program has served over 6,000 students. makes sense, since once a nominee became ference in the lives of thousands of children It is a comprehensive program providing med- President she oversaw their subsequent State and families. ical, dental, nutrition, and child development. of the Union Addresses. In building upon the vision first established The teachers and social workers make home Tina not only arranged logistics, she inno- with the Milford Family Counseling Associa- visits to assess the needs of the child and vated. She developed new platforms for cov- tion, Bridges has been able to provide those work to fully involve parents in the child’s erage, whether that be utilizing Statuary Hall coping with the challenges of mental illnesses progress. This year 357 pupils benefited from to allow Members to talk to national and local with one of life’s most precious gifts—hope. participation in the program. Through its gift of hope, Bridges has left an in- Madam Speaker, please join me in con- media, or paving the way for new technologies delible mark on our community and the thou- gratulating the Beecher Community School like HDTV to find their place in the coverage sands of lives they have touched. In its 50 District Project Head Start on 40 years of suc- of newsworthy events. She has had a hand in cessfully preparing youngsters for school and making all of this work and finding new ways year history, Bridges has established itself as enhancing the social and reasoning skills of to open up our government. an invaluable resource as well as respected thousands of students. Tina’s contribution will continue into the fu- advocates—not only for their clients, but com- f ture. Since 2000, she has been working to es- munity leaders and policy-makers alike. tablish a necessary and appropriate foothold Today, Bridges is continuing its legacy of THANKING TINA TATE FOR HER for the electronic media in the Congressional helping people live more fulfilling and produc- PUBLIC SERVICE Visitor’s Center. As the technology and press tive lives by providing clients with ‘‘Pathways have changed in 34 years, so have their to Health, Hope, and Recovery.’’ For its many HON. STENY H. HOYER needs and the needs of Members of Con- invaluable contributions to our community and OF MARYLAND gress. She foresaw that growth and has for all of their work on behalf of our children IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES worked with us to make the House successful and families, I am proud to stand today and Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in the years to come. extend my sincere congratulations to the Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, today I pay Let me close by thanking Tina for her serv- Bridges . . . A Community Support System on tribute to the career and personal achievement ice, friendship and gracious guidance. She their 50th anniversary.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1050 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 TRIBUTE TO SONIA GUTIE´ RREZ Latino Affairs and presided over the Latino nity and government agencies, service pro- Festival. She is the past President of the Met- viders, and businesses through its programs. I HON. RUBE´N HINOJOSA ropolitan Association of Adult and Continuing look forward to celebrating YWCA’s many suc- OF TEXAS Education and also for both DC Commission cesses in the years to come. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for Women and the Latino Community Devel- Madam Speaker, in honor of the founders of opment Commission. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 the St. Paul YWCA, its staff, board members, These are just a few of her accomplish- and volunteers, and its delivery services that Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, it is an ments as a community organizer and leader. have made a difference for the lives of others, honor to take this moment to commemorate Ms. Gutie´rrez should be an inspiration to us I am pleased to submit this statement for the the 35th anniversary of the founder and acting all, and should serve as a reminder that one Congressional Record recognizing the 100th director of the Carlos Rosario School here in person can make a difference in the lives of anniversary of the St. Paul, MN, YWCA. Washington, DC, Ms. Sonia Gutie´rrez. many. Carlos Manuel Rosario was the founder of I am honored to have a moment to recog- f the Program of English Instruction for Latin nize her 35 years of service to the Latino com- Americans in 1970, and was based out of the munity of Washington, DC. HONORING THE ‘‘WELCOME HOME Columbia Heights neighborhood here in f A HERO’’ VOLUNTEER CAMPAIGN Washington, DC. In 1972, he met a woman AT THE DFW INTERNATIONAL HONORING ST. PAUL YWCA’S 100TH named Sonia Gutie´rrez, a professional educa- AIRPORT ON ITS THIRD ANNI- ANNIVERSARY tor who had just recently moved to Wash- VERSARY ington from Puerto Rico, and persuaded her to work for PEILA. HON. BETTY McCOLLUM In October 1972, Ms. Gutie´rrez became the OF MINNESOTA HON. KENNY MARCHANT Director of PEILA and transformed the small, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS underfunded English as a Second Language Tuesday, May 15, 2007 (ESL) program into a comprehensive adult IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam education program. In 1974, the Office of Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Right to Read of the U.S. Department of Speaker, today I rise to honor the St. Paul Health, Education and Welfare designated it YWCA for its 100 years of providing hope, op- Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise as one of the best literacy programs in the na- portunity, and a community gathering place for today to extend my congratulations to the Dal- tion. the residents of St. Paul. las-Fort Worth International Airport, the United At Ms. Gutie´rrez’s request in 1992, the city Founded in 1907 by a group of dedicated States Army’s Personnel Assistance Point at council renamed the school after Carlos young women who moved to St. Paul to look DFW Airport, the North Texas Commission Rosario, who founded PEILA. The program for employment opportunities in the factories and to DFW Airport’s dedicated staff and thou- provides 4,500 students per year with the nec- and mills, the St. Paul YWCA and its pro- sands of community volunteers for reaching essary language, cultural, vocational and job grams have continuously evolved to meet the the third anniversary of the ‘‘Welcome Home a skills to become functional and productive changing needs of the community. The first Hero’’ volunteer campaign. members of society. Their current waiting list YWCA was constructed on Fifth Street in In June 2004, the DFW International Airport stands at 2,000. downtown St. Paul with a gymnasium, club, and the North Texas Commission organized The school became a national and inter- classrooms, auditorium, and a 100–bed resi- the ‘‘Welcome Home a Hero’’ volunteer cam- national model, and delegations from other dence. Since its beginning, the YWCA has paign to honor and serve the brave men and states and other nations frequently visited the maintained its commitment to serve and sup- women of the U.S. Army who travel through center to review its operations and curriculum, port women by providing programs in edu- the DFW Airport on leave for Rest and Recu- with hopes of replicating the success of the cation, business skills, home arts and crafts, peration (R&R). The campaign has developed program. and physical fitness. into one of the largest and most respected on- In 1996, the District of Columbia faced a fi- Over the years, the St. Paul YMCA has going community initiatives in North Texas and nancial crisis that brought about the elimi- helped to foster other community initiatives the U.S. The campaign involves a wide array nation of all DC Public Schools adult edu- and organizations. It provided office and meet- of business, civic and volunteer organizations, cation programs, including the Carlos Rosario ing space for organizations such as Campfire including the USO, churches, corporations, Adult Education Center. Ms. Gutie´rrez vowed Girls and the League of Women Voters, and chambers of commerce, the Boy Scouts and to rebuild the school for the benefit of her stu- later helped to spur the beginning of commu- Girls Scouts of America and many veterans dents and her community. nity agencies such as the Hallie O. Brown groups. ‘‘Welcome Home a Hero’’ has been so From August 1996 to March 1997, Ms. Center, Travelers Aid, International Institute of successful that it has been honored with the ´ Gutierrez worked tirelessly out of the base- Minnesota, and Capitol Community Services. George Washington Honor Medal by the Free- ment of her home and raised $100,000 dollars The YWCA was a pioneer of the first Festival doms Foundation at Valley Forge and it has from local foundations to reopen the school as of Nations grand opening in 1932. received hundreds of messages of gratitude During the Great Depression, the St. Paul the non-profit Carlos Rosario International Ca- from our servicemen and women who appre- YWCA helped to build up the community by reer Center. The new school opened its doors ciate the patriotism and hospitality of DFW Air- ´ offering job assistance and counseling for in April 1997 with Ms. Gutierrez as Executive port and its loyal volunteers in North Texas. Director & Founder. women in business and industry. Similar ef- Realizing that there were still many in the forts were undertaken during World War II, This year more than 500,000 U.S. soldiers community who were not being served, Ms. when the YWCA provided support for women will have passed through the airport and par- Gutie´rrez actively sought for Public Charter entering the labor force as well as support for ticipated in the R&R program and ‘‘Welcome School funding to increase the number of servicemen and women through the USO and Home a Hero’’ campaign. When these coura- classes and opportunities available. She suc- relief efforts. geous soldiers arrive they are greeted with a ceeded and in 1998 the school became the In the second half of the 20th century, the warm reception and the thankful words of fel- first Adult Public Charter School in the nation. St. Paul YWCA expanded its community out- low Americans who wish to honor the enor- Today, the non-profit Carlos Rosario Inter- reach by offering educational and recreational mous sacrifices made by all of our men and national Career Center and Public Charter programs, including housing projects as well women in uniform. School provides more than 1,200 students as emergency shelter for homeless women Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that with English as a Second Language, GED in and children in the state of Minnesota. I recognize all those who have made the DFW Spanish and English, courses in different In the first 7 years of the 21st century, the Airport and Texas an emblem of patriotism to areas of technology, citizenship classes, cul- YWCA has risen to new opportunities, serving countless troops from around the nation. I inary arts, family literacy and Spanish classes. more than 6,000 people through its programs congratulate the ‘‘Welcome Home a Hero’’ Ms. Gutie´rrez has also been very involved that include wellness services, supportive campaign for three great years and I am in the social and economic development of the housing, long-term mentoring, childcare, youth proud to witness the raw emotion and thanks- Latino Community. In 1977, she founded the development programs, volunteer services, giving that emanates from both the soldiers Council of Latino Agencies. She was instru- and community programming. In addition, the and those who come here to celebrate their mental in establishing the Mayor’s Office on YWCA has served over 350 schools, commu- resolve.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1051 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND In 1994 the polar bears’ survival was not lations, of which four are hunted, have poor IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS ME- known to be at risk. Today, we know their fu- and/or inadequate information on population MORIAL DAY ture is precarious. Polar bear populations are statistics. It admits that four populations are facing threats previously unprecedented in the possibly being over-harvested, posing con- SPEECH OF history in the Arctic. The polar bear is depend- servation challenges for the bear. HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO ent on sea ice for survival—it relies on the ice Some of my colleagues here today may for hunting, breeding and rearing its young. have supported the polar bear trophy importa- OF ILLINOIS Yet as a result of climate change, Arctic sea tion exemption in 1994. I recognize that the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ice is receding at a rate even a non-scientist landscape was different then, when many Tuesday, May 8, 2007 can observe, rapidly enough for polar bears to polar bear populations appeared sound. How- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in feel the impacts. An unknown number of these ever, circumstances have dramatically support of H. Res. 291, a resolution that com- magnificent creatures—which can swim at changed. Seventeen years ago it was incon- memorates and observes Peace Officers’ Me- least 50 miles—have drowned and are starv- ceivable to think that we could envision a morial Day, which honors law enforcement of- ing. Populations are changing their distribu- world without these magnificent animals. Now, ficers and those killed or disabled in the line tion, bringing them closer to human villages in 2007, we are learning that polar bear ex- of duty. and exposing them to greater risk of negative tinction could become a reality. While long- Law enforcement officers risk their lives interactions with people as they desperately term action clearly is required to address the daily to protect the citizens of this Nation and search for food. Leading scientists project that significant environmental factors negatively af- sadly 143 law enforcement officers were killed the Arctic may be completely free of sea ice fecting polar bear survival, immediate action in the line of duty in 2006. Next week, thou- in the summer as early as 2040. This has dis- can and must be taken to control direct sands of law enforcement officers will come to astrous implications for polar bears. human-caused mortality, including addressing Washington, DC, to pay their respects to their In July 2005, the World Conservation Union the harmful effects of U.S. trophy hunting. fallen fellow officers at the National Law En- (IUCN) Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) I hope you all agree that contributing to the forcement Memorial. As a former police offi- released its quadrennial report, which re- mortality of these bears from unnecessary cer, I also pay tribute to law enforcement offi- viewed the status of polar bears. Although the sport hunting is no longer justified. We need to cials who died in the line of duty in 2006 and world population estimate remains at 21,500– eliminate the exemption that allows the impor- continue to honor those police officers who 25,000, in fact many populations are ‘‘data de- tation of polar bear trophies into the United made the ultimate sacrifice. ficient,’’ due to the difficulties of studying this States. The Polar Bear Protection Act will fur- As a proud member of the Congressional species in its remote, harsh habitat. At least ther polar bear conservation at a time when Law Enforcement Caucus, I strongly support some populations are declining and more may these animals need it most. I urge my col- critical funding for programs, such as the be. The IUCN PBSG concluded that the spe- leagues to join me by supporting this legisla- Community Oriented Policing Services cies should be upgraded from ‘‘a species of tion, and I hope that the Natural Resources (COPS) program, to hire additional police offi- least concern’’ to ‘‘vulnerable,’’ based on the Committee will hold hearings on polar-bear cers and help law enforcement acquire the lat- ‘‘likelihood of an overall decline in the size of conservation and this bill. est crime-fighting technologies. I will continue the total population of more than 30 percent f to be a strong supporter of the law enforce- within the next 35 to 50 years.’’ It further con- ment community and will advocate on behalf cluded that the principal cause of this decline PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION of public safety in Congress. is global warming, with pollution an additional OF H.R. 2237, PROVIDING FOR RE- Mr. Speaker, in honor of our courageous negative influence. For the first time, they ex- DEPLOYMENT OF UNITED law enforcement officers, I ask my colleagues pressed a need for caution when determining STATES ARMED FORCES AND to join me in recognizing and paying respect hunting quotas. DEFENSE CONTRACTORS FROM to our valiant heroes. As a proud cosponsor of The U.S. Department of the Interior has IRAQ; PROVIDING FOR CONSID- H. Res. 291, I urge my colleagues to support confirmed that warming temperatures and the ERATION OF H.R. 2206, U.S. this resolution. receding of sea ice in the Arctic pose a threat TROOP READNESS, VETERANS’ CARE, KATRINA RECOVERY, AND f to polar bears and has concluded that polar bears could be endangered within 45 years. IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY APPRO- INTRODUCTION OF THE POLAR Based on the threats posed to polar bears, the PRIATIONS ACT, 2007; AND PRO- BEAR PROTECTION ACT Interior Department proposed that polar bears VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF be listed under the Endangered Species Act H.R. 2207, AGRICULTURAL DIS- HON. JAY INSLEE as ‘‘threatened’’ on December 27, 2006. As ASTER ASSISTANCE AND WEST- OF WASHINGTON many of you know, I actively have supported ERN STATES EMERGENCY UN- FINISHED BUSINESS APPROPRIA- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the listing of polar bears on the Endangered Species List. I feel strongly that such a listing TIONS ACT, 2007 Tuesday, May 15, 2007 is vital to the bears’ survival. I also feel strong- Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today ly that sport hunting at this time is an addi- SPEECH OF to introduce legislation that will close the polar tional unnecessary burden that these belea- HON. ADAM SMITH bear loophole and prohibit U.S. citizens from guered bears can ill afford. OF WASHINGTON bringing sport hunted polar bear trophies from More than half of the world’s polar bears are IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Canada into the United States. I call on my in Canada and most of these are in the terri- colleagues to support the Polar Bear Protec- tory of Nunavut. In 2005, Nunavut increased Thursday, May 10, 2007 tion Act, which if passed, will help conserve its polar bear hunt quotas by almost 30 per- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I and protect one of the most beloved American cent without scientific basis, despite docu- strongly support this measure before us today icon species by discouraging U.S. citizens mented declines in some populations and the because it provides a clearly needed change from contributing to their decline through sport increased threats to polar bears from the ef- in course in Iraq. The President has placed hunting. fects of climate change. The increase was roughly 160,000 of our troops in a highly vul- The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 based on anecdotal accounts that more bears nerable position—refereeing a civil war—while established a moratorium on the importation of were seen near villages; however, this in- the various factions in Iraq have not made marine mammals and marine mammal prod- crease in sightings likely was the result of adequate progress toward reconciliation. The ucts, including the importation of all sport hungry bears being drawn to village dumps needed political reconciliation among these hunted marine mammals such as seals, wal- than an actual increase in bear numbers. As groups will not happen until we make it clear ruses and polar bears. But in 1994, Congress a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has to the Iraqis that our occupation is coming to enacted an exemption to this ban and allowed expressed concerns with this increase in an end. American sport hunters to bring home polar quotas. Indeed, I am concerned that the But our open-ended occupation of Iraq is bear trophies from Canada for their personal money generated by American trophy hunters not only not working; it’s working against us. use. There is no other such exemption in the in Nunavut was a motivating factor in this It undermines our fight against al-Qaeda and Marine Mammal Protection Act. This exemp- quota increase. provides extremists a rallying point. We have tion has had the effect of increasing Canadian The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also ac- every indication that al-Qaeda is resurgent in polar bear deaths by U.S. sport hunters. knowledges that at least five polar bear popu- Pakistan, that bin Laden finds himself stronger

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 than ever, and that al-Qaeda-linked groups recognizing the work still to be done in our ON INTRODUCTION OF ROCKY are growing in number and audacity. We need march toward equal educational opportunities. MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WIL- to responsibly redeploy our troops from Iraq DERNESS AND INDIAN PEAKS so we can better fight this growing threat. f WILDERNESS EXPANSION ACT I initially had concerns with some of the lan- guage in this measure regarding funds for IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVER- HON. MARK UDALL troops deployed to Iraq since January of this SARY OF TOLEDO SYMPHONY CEO ROBERT BELL OF COLORADO year. But after examining the bill more closely, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I do not believe any provision in this bill would Tuesday, May 15, 2007 alter funding in a way that would put troops HON. MARCY KAPTUR Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, currently in the field at risk. The bottom line is OF OHIO that we must send a clear message to the today I am introducing a revised bill to des- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES President that we must change direction in ignate as wilderness most of the lands within Iraq and redeploy our troops. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 the Rocky Mountain National Park and to ex- pand the Indian Peaks Wilderness. f Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today The bill is cosponsored by my Colorado col- to acknowledge the Toledo Symphony’s own INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION league, Representative MUSGRAVE, and an Robert Bell, celebrating his 50th anniversary CELEBRATING THE 35TH ANNI- identical measure is being introduced in the season. The Toledo Symphony will formally VERSARY OF TITLE IX other body by Colorado’s two Senators. Over recognize his remarkable achievement on May a period of months, we have worked together 22, 2007. HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO to develop this bipartisan legislation that will Robert Bell joined the Toledo Symphony in provide important protection and management OF HAWAII 1956. In his five decades with the symphony IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES direction for some truly remarkable country, he has performed as a percussionist, principal adding well over 200,000 acres in the park to Tuesday, May 15, 2007 timpanist and teacher. He has been the or- the National Wilderness Preservation System. Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today chestra’s personnel manger, managing direc- The wilderness designation for the park will to introduce a resolution celebrating the 35th tor, and in his last decade has been President cover some 94 percent of the park, including anniversary of Title IX of the Education Act and Chief Executive Officer of the Toledo Or- Longs Peaks and other major mountains along Amendments of 1972. Thirty-five years ago, a chestra Association since 1997. The hallmark the Great Continental Divide, glacial cirques college applicant could be denied admission of his tenure is the design and development of and snow fields, broad expanses of alpine tun- simply because she was a woman. a ‘‘music organization characterized by shared dra and wet meadows, old-growth forests, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of ownership.’’ The Andrew F. Mellon Foundation hundreds of lakes and streams, all 1972 changed that. Led by the late Represent- described our symphony in 2005 as ‘‘a re- untrammeled by human structures or passage. atives Patsy T. Mink and Edith Green, Con- markable organization that is approaching its Indeed, examples of all the natural eco- gress established a principle we often take for evolution with a deep understanding of the systems that make up the splendor of the granted today—the prohibition of sex discrimi- community in which it operates . . . the To- Park are included in the wilderness that would nation in any federally funded educational pro- ledo Symphony is embedded in its community be designated by this bill. At the same time, gram. The results are astounding. like no other American orchestra.’’ Robert the wilderness boundaries have been drawn In 1972, only 9 percent of JDs were earned Bell’s innovations and creative style can be so as to allow continued access for use of ex- by women. Today women earn almost half of credited for this high praise. isting roadways, buildings and developed all law degrees. In fact, I am one of the many Partnerships Mr. Bell pursued with not only areas, privately owned land, and areas where women able to go to law school because of the Mellon Foundation, but also with the additional facilities and roadwork will improve Title IX. The story is similar for MDs and Stranahan Foundation and the Owens-Illinois park management and visitor services, In ad- PhDs. Charitable Foundation have brought a financial dition, specific provisions are included to as- There are also, of course, the athletic op- stability to the symphony which now operates sure that there ill be no adverse effects on portunities. Here too, the change from 1972 to with a six million dollar budget. At the same continued use of existing water facilities. 2007 is astounding. Today, college athletic op- time, Mr. Bell’s efforts have led to a fourteen The lands designated as wilderness will be- portunities abound for young women. And the million dollar endowment fund which continues come part of the National Wilderness Preser- recent surge in women’s professional sports to grow. Its financial footing has enabled the vation System that was established by the Wil- teams could not have happened without the symphony to draw talented musicians world- derness Act and will be managed in accord- dramatic increase in women playing college wide for its 60 positions and additional guest ance with that Act and the provisions of the sports. artists. bill. The bill’s provisions amplify this by speci- These successes—both academic and ath- At his heart both musician and teacher, the fying that—(1) no new reclamation projects will letic—are worth celebrating, as are the women Musicians in Action initiative was developed be allowed in the wilderness area; (2) nothing who came before us here on the House floor under Mr. Bell’s tutelage. Through it, the sym- in the bill will create a ‘‘buffer zone’’ around as leaders of the Title IX movement. In 2002, phony presents concerts especially for young the wilderness and that non-wilderness activi- after Representative Patsy T. Mink passed people at 300 schools throughout the region. ties visible or audible from within the wilder- away, Chairman MILLER introduced a bill that Annually, about 100,000 children benefit. The ness will not be prohibited; (3) the National named Title IX the ‘‘Patsy Takemoto Mink Community Music Lessons program offers Park Service can act to control fire, insects, Equal Opportunity in Education Act.’’ I have a group music lessons for underserved and and diseases, including use of mechanical picture of Patsy hanging in my office. She is needy students, fostering a talent these tools within the wilderness; and (4) nothing in an inspiration to me. And I know that if she youngsters may have no other opportunity to the bill will reduce or restrict the current au- were here today she would remind us that our develop. Music in Our Schools matches pro- thority of the National Park Service to manage work is not finished. fessional musicians with high school musi- the Park’s lands and resources. There are many problems still to be ad- cians for one-on-one coaching, rehearsals, The bill is similar to measures previously in- dressed. Women continue to face substantial and performances. troduced by my predecessor, Representative barriers, especially in high wage fields such as It has been said that without art civilization David Skaggs (as well as others introduced science, technology, engineering and math. is lost. Robert Bell has dedicated his life to before that), and ones I introduced in the Sexual harassment remains pervasive in taking our civilization to new heights, helping 107th, 108th, and 109th Congress. However, it schools and on college campuses. Women us reach our potential individually and in com- does include a number of adjustments and re- and girls’ sports teams still do not receive an munity. His gift has been a soaring spirit of finements that reflect discussion within the equal share of resources. music and his legacy will be a symphony per- Colorado delegation in Congress and with in- Title IX is as necessary today as it was in forming for decades beyond his own half cen- terested parties in Colorado. 1972. tury of service. For his time and talent, pas- Like H.R. 4935 of the 109th Congress, the I am pleased to have over 100 original co- sion and inspiration, we are most grateful. I new bill includes designation of wilderness sponsors on this bill, including Speaker know I join with our entire community in offer- designation of more than 700 acres In the PELOSI. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join ing congratulations to Robert Bell on his fiftieth Twin Sisters area south of Estes Park. These me in celebrating Title IX’s successes and in anniversary season. lands were acquired by the United States and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1053 made part of the park after submission to the ditch are currently working to conclude an does our first national park. At the same time, Congress of the original wilderness rec- agreement with the National Park Service with designating these carefully selected portions ommendation for the park in the 1970s, and respect to operation and maintenance of the of Rocky Mountain as wilderness will make so were not included in that recommendation. portion of the ditch within the park, and the bill other areas, now restricted under interim wil- They are lands of a wilderness character and provides that after conclusion of this agree- derness protection management, available for their designation will not conflict with any cur- ment the strict liability standard of the Park overdue improvements to park roads and vis- rent uses. On the west side, the town of Resources Protection Act (which now applies itor facilities. Grand Lake and Grand County requested that to any damage to park resources) will not In summary, Madam Speaker, this bill will about 650 acres inward from the Park bound- apply so long as the ditch is operated and protect some of our Nation’s finest wild lands. ary around the town be omitted from the wil- maintained in accordance with the agreement. It will protect existing rights. It will not limit any derness designation in order to allow the Park The owners of the ditch would remain liable existing opportunity for new water develop- to respond to potential forest fire threats. As for damage to park resources caused by neg- ment. It is bipartisan and will affirm the com- was the case previously, this bill accommo- ligence or intentional acts, and the bill speci- mitment of all Coloradans to preserving the dates that request. fies that it will not limit or otherwise affect the features that make our State such a remark- Also like that previous measure, the bill re- liability of any individual or entity for damages able place to live. So, I think it deserves sponds to the request of the Town of Grand to, loss of, or injury to any park resource re- prompt enactment. For the information of our Lake, Grand County and the Headwaters sulting from any cause of event occurring be- colleagues I am attaching a summary of the Trails Alliance (a group composed of local fore the bill’s enactment. In addition, the bill legislation: communities in Grand County that seeks to specifies that its enactment will not restrict or ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK establish opportunities for mountain biking) otherwise affect any activity relating to the WILDERNESS BILL SUMMARY and the International Mountain Bicycling Asso- monitoring, operation, maintenance, repair, re- Wilderness Designation.—The bill des- ignates as wilderness approximately 249,339 ciation to omit from wilderness designation an placement, or use of the ditch that was author- acres within Rocky Mountain National Park, area along the western park boundary, run- ized or approved by the National Park Service in Colorado. ning south along Lake Granby from the Town as of the date. of the bill’s enactment. And the Wilderness Management.—The lands des- to the park’s southern boundary. This will bill also provides that use of water transported ignated as wilderness become part of the Na- allow the National Park Service to retain the by the ditch for a main purpose (or main pur- tional Wilderness Preservation System that option of authorizing construction of a possible poses) other than irrigation will not terminate was established by the Wilderness Act and will be managed in accordance with that Act future mountain bike route within this part of or adversely affect the ditch’s right-of-way. and the provisions of the bill. The bill’s pro- the park. Similarly, the bill would expand the Madam Speaker, the matters dealt with in visions amplify this by specifying that— Indian Peaks Wilderness Area by 1,000 acres this bill have a long history. The wilderness (1) No new reclamation projects will be al- in the area south of the park and north of designations are based on National Park Serv- lowed in the wilderness area; (2) Nothing in Lake Granby. The lands involved are currently ice recommendations presented to Congress the bill will create a ‘‘buffer zone’’ around managed as part of the Arapaho National by President Richard Nixon. That they have the wilderness and that non-wilderness ac- not been acted on before this reflects the dif- tivities visible or audible from within the Recreation Area, which would accordingly be wilderness will not be prohibited; (3) The Na- reduced by about 1,000 acres. ficult history of wilderness legislation. One Col- tional Park Service can act to control fire, As did the previous bill, this bill includes a orado statewide wilderness bill was enacted in insects, and diseases, including use of me- section that will authorize the National Park 1980, but it took more than a decade before chanical tools within the wilderness; and (4) Service to lease an 11-acre property (the the Colorado delegation and the Congress Nothing in the bill will reduce or restrict the Leiffer tract) that was donated to the National were finally able, in 1993, to pass a second current authority of the National Park Serv- Park Service in 1977. Located outside the statewide national forest wilderness bill. Since ice to manage the Park’s lands and re- sources. park’s boundaries, it has two buildings, includ- then, action has been completed on bills des- Potential Wilderness.—Specified lands ing a house that is listed on the National Reg- ignating wilderness in the Spanish Peaks area within the Park not now eligible for wilder- ister of Historic Places. The Park Service of the San Isabel National Forest as well as in ness designation because they are being used would like to have the option of leasing it, but the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National for purposes inconsistent with such designa- current law allows that only for ‘‘property ad- Park, the Gunnison Gorge, the Black Ridge tion will be designated as wilderness when ministered . . . as part of the National Park portion of the Colorado Canyons National those uses end. Wilderness Exclusions.—Specified lands System,’’ and this property does not qualify. Conservation Area, and the James Peak area within the Park are excluded from the wil- The bill would allow the Park Service to lease of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests. derness designation and from the category of the property as if it were located inside or con- We now need to continue making progress ‘‘potential wilderness.’’ These lands in- tiguous to the park. by providing wilderness designations for other clude—(1) lands occupied by the Grand River Also like previous measures, the bill ad- deserving lands in Colorado, including lands Ditch and the lands 200 feet on each side of dresses the question of possible impacts on that are managed by the Bureau of Land Man- the ditch; (2) lands owned by the St. Vrain & water rights—something that can be a primary agement. And the time is ripe for finally resolv- Left Hand Water Conservancy District, in- cluding Copeland Reservoir and the Inlet point of contention in Congressional debates ing the status of the lands within Rocky Moun- Ditch from North St. Vrain Creek; (3) lands over designating wilderness areas. It reflects tain National Park that are dealt with in this owned by the Wincentsen-Harms Trust; and the legal reality that it has long been recog- bill. (4) lands adjoining Grand Lake in an area nized under the laws of the United States and Lands covered by the bill are currently being called the ‘‘East Short Trail Area’’ discussed Colorado, including a decision of the Colorado managed protect their wilderness character. below. Supreme Court, that Rocky Mountain National Formal wilderness designation will no longer Water Rights.—The bill includes findings leave this question to the discretion of the about Colorado state court decisions holding Park already has extensive Federal reserved that the Park already has existing sufficient water rights arising from the creation of the Park Service, but will make it clear that within water rights and that there is no need for the national park itself. And it reflects the geo- the designated areas there will never be Federal Government to reserve or appro- graphic reality that the park sits astride the roads, visitor facilities, or other manmade fea- priate further water rights to fulfill the pur- continental divide, meaning there’s no higher tures that interfere with the spectacular natural poses of the wilderness designation; and the land around from which streams flow into the beauty and wildness of the mountains. This is bill states that neither it nor any action park, and thus there is no possibility of any di- especially important for a park like Rocky taken out pursuant to it will constitute an version of water occurring upstream from the Mountain, which is relatively small by western express or implied reservation of water or water rights for any purpose. park. In recognition of these legal and prac- standards. As nearby land development and Grand River Ditch.—The bill provides tical realities, the bill includes a finding that alteration has accelerated in recent years, the that—(1) lands occupied by the Grand River because the park already has these extensive pristine nature of the park’s backcountry be- Ditch and the lands 200 feet on each side of reserved rights to water, there is no need for comes an increasingly rare feature of Colo- the ditch are excluded from wilderness; (2) any additional reservation or appropriation of rado’s landscape. Further, the park’s popu- upon conclusion of an agreement between such right, and an explicit disclaimer that the larity demands definitive and permanent pro- the National Park Service and the ditch’s tection for wild areas against possible pres- owners on operations and maintenance of the bill effects any such reservation. Grand River Ditch, the strict liability stand- New provisions in this bill deal with the sures for development within the park. While ard of the Park Resources Protection Act Grand River Ditch, created before Rocky only about one tenth the size of Yellowstone (which now applies to any damage to park Mountain National Park was established and National Park, Rocky Mountain sees nearly resources) will not apply so long as the ditch partly located within the park. The owners of the same number of visitors each year as is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 operated and maintained in accordance with HONORING MICHAEL D. THOMAS H. Res. 385, a bill recognizing National the agreement. The owners of the ditch AmeriCorps Week. would remain liable for damage to park re- sources caused by negligence or intentional HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS f acts; (3) the bill will not affect any liability OF FLORIDA for damage to park resources occurring be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERSONAL EXPLANATION fore the bill’s enactment; (4) the bill will not Tuesday, May 15, 2007 restrict any activity related to monitoring, HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise OF NEW YORK or use of the ditch that was authorized or ap- today to honor Michael D. Thomas, who was proved by the National Park Service as of killed on April 27, 2007 in Hirat Province, Af- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the date of the bill’s enactment; and (5) use of water carried by the ditch for a purpose ghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Freedom. Michael was a sniper, a weapons other than irrigation will not adversely af- Mrs. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, be- fect the ditch’s right-of-way. sergeant and a combat medic assigned to the cause of illness, I was not present for votes on Colorado-Big Thompson Project.—The bill 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort May 14. I would like the RECORD to reflect includes provisions specifying that its enact- Bragg, NC, and was killed when his unit came ment will not restrict any activity related to how I would have voted had I been here: Roll- under rocket-propelled grenades and small- call No. 342 on H.R. 1124, I would have voted monitoring, operation, maintenance, repair, arms fire. replacement, or use of the project’s facilities ‘‘yea’’; Rollcall No. 343 on H. Res. 223, I that were allowed as of the date of the bill’s I did not have the privilege of knowing Staff would have voted ‘‘yea’’; Rollcall No. 344 on enactment or prohibit or restrict the convey- Sergeant Thomas personally but by all ac- H. Res. 385, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ ance of water through the Alva B. Adams counts he was a dedicated family man who Tunnel for any purpose. was devoted to serving his country. He grew f East Shore Trail.—The bill requires the up in Seffner, FL, and joined the military police IN HONOR OF V. LANE RAWLINS National Park Service to identify an align- in 1991, serving in Somalia and in Korea. ment for a bicycle trail within the ‘‘East AND HIS SERVICE TO WASH- After already having served in the military po- Shore Trail Area’’ that is excluded from the 1 INGTON STATE UNIVERSITY wilderness. The Park Service will decide lice for 13 years and with only 3 ⁄2 years until whether to authorize construction of the he could retire, he volunteered to be a Green trail and until construction is authorized, Beret. At 34, Michael was one of the oldest in HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS lands in the ‘‘East Shore Trail Area’’ will his unit, which earned him the nickname OF WASHINGTON continue to be managed to maintain the op- ‘‘Gramps.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion of its being designated as wilderness in Michael was a highly decorated soldier. His Tuesday, May 15, 2007 the future. awards and commendations include the Army Indian Peaks Wilderness and Arapaho Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Recreation Area.—The bill adjusts the Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement boundaries of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Speaker, I rise today to recognize V. Lane and the Arapaho National Recreation Area Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Rawlins for his 7 years of leadership as the so as to reduce the recreation area by about Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Special ninth president of Washington State University 1,000 acres and increase the wilderness by Forces Tab. (WSU). President Rawlins used those 7 years about 1,000 acres. Michael was an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneer to build a focused direction for the University, Leiffer Tract Lease Authority.—The bill fan who visited the team’s training camp linking world-class research with outstanding allows the National Park Service to lease whenever he could. I’ve been told that he undergraduate education. the ‘‘Leiffer tract,’’ a parcel of Federal land located outside the Park’s boundary but decorated his Fort Bragg room with Buccaneer Part of this world-class research has come managed by the National Park Service that memorabilia, including signed footballs and from the Agriculture Research Service facility includes an historic cabin and several other helmets. He was also an accomplished at Johnson Hall, a project that I am proud to buildings. Any lease would be under an exist- guitarist who liked watching movies and going have worked on with President Rawlins. This ing law that requires leased property to be for long walks with his wife, Teresa. facility provides a place for federal and state used for activities consistent with the pur- Madam Speaker, my heart aches for Mi- research scientists to work together with the poses of the Park and compatible with Na- chael’s family. He leaves behind his wife, Te- academic community in support of technology- tional Park Service programs. resa, his children, Diana and Craig, his sisters, based research programs in wheat, barley, f Krista and Cassie, his brother, Jaye, his and grain legumes. PERSONAL EXPLANATION granddaughter, Alexis, and his parents, Providing quality education is key to in- Debbie and Robert Kirkpatrick. May God bless creasing America’s competitiveness and cre- the Thomas family and continue to watch over ating a skilled, 21st century workforce. One of HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON the country that Staff Sergeant Thomas so my first acts in Congress was to introduce leg- OF ILLINOIS loved. We shall never forget him. islation that would reauthorize and strengthen IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f the WWAMI program. I applaud President Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Rawlins for his support of this important pro- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, gram that recruits and trains primary care doc- unfortunately yesterday, May 14, 2007, I was tors to practice in underserved areas like the unable to cast my votes on H.R. 1124, H. HON. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ rural communities of Eastern Washington. Res. 223, and H. Res. 385. OF CALIFORNIA President Rawlins has made it a priority to Had I been present for rollcall No. 342 on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES develop Washington State University cam- the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. puses statewide. In particular, the Nursing Tuesday, May 15, 2007 1124, to extend the District of Columbia Col- Building at Washington State University Spo- lege Access Act of 1999, I would have voted Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California. kane will allow students involved in the nurs- ‘‘aye.’’ Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable ing and dental programs at WSU to start their Had I been present for rollcall No. 343 on to be present on the House floor on Monday, first year of training in Spokane and participate the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. May 14 for recorded votes because illness in the WWAMI program. Res. 223, supporting the goals and ideals of prevented timely travel. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend a National Day of Remembrance for Murder However, had I been present I would have President Rawlins for his outstanding work as Victims, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ voted ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 1124; a bill to extend the the ninth president of Washington State Uni- Had I been present for rollcall No. 344 on District of Columbia College Access Act of versity. I invite my colleagues to join me in the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. 1999; ‘‘aye’’ on H. Res. 223, a bill supporting thanking President V. Lane Rawlins for his Res. 385, recognizing National Americorps the goals and ideals of a National Day of Re- years of service to the University and the Week, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ membrance for Murder Victims; and ‘‘aye’’ on Eastern Washington community.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1055 HONORING THE LIFE OF ARNOLD TRIBUTE TO JERRY BERRY lem Hospital Center to raise private funding for SHENOFSKY the institution. HON. MARION BERRY Dr. Petioni has also been a tireless educa- tor, working hard to open up the doors of col- HON. MARCY KAPTUR OF ARKANSAS lege and medical school to all underrep- OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES resented groups, especially women and Afri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, May 15, 2007 can Americans. In 1974, she founded the Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise here Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Soci- Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Jerry ety for Women, a professional association of recognize the life of Arnold Shenofsky of To- Berry of Success, Arkansas, a fine business- black women physicians. Named after the first ledo, Ohio. Arnie passed from this life at the man, farmer, friend and devoted family mem- African American female doctor, the organiza- tion provides institutional support for students age of 92 on March 31, 2007, leaving a legacy ber who spent his entire life serving his com- and its members. Dr. Petioni has also worked of love and friendship to many and rejoining munity and making others happy. with the Coalition of 100 Black Women to de- his wife Jessica. Jerry was born November 29, 1939, in Suc- velop mentorship programs to encourage and Coming to Toledo as a toddler, Arnie was a cess, AR, and lived there his entire life. In 1969, he opened Success Grain Inc., and it guide young black women into the medical lifelong resident. He went to work at the field. former Willys Overland Jeep plant during has been a family owned business its entire time in operation. In addition to running the Dr. Petioni’s efforts have also led to her in- World War II, and went on to the United Auto volvement with local government officials to family business, Jerry served as mayor of Workers International Union staff in 1951. Of ensure equal access to healthcare. She Success, AR, for 12 years. Some of his big- note, he never missed a union convention be- served for 30 years as a school physician for gest accomplishments during his time include ginning in 1941. Central Harlem for the New York City Depart- building a new playground and fire depart- More than a labor leader, Arnie was an ac- ment of Health and as supervising physician complished accordion player and performed in ment, installing a new sewer system and pav- for East and Central Harlem from 1980–1984. various events throughout the United States ing all of the roads in the city. Today, Petioni is on the board of a number of and Canada, including each of those UAW Jerry was a man of true character. He was non-profit institutions and government agen- conventions. His music was appreciated, but the type of friend that would rush to help you cies, including the Upper Manhattan Em- children knew him best as Uncle Arnie the regardless of the time of day or circumstance powerment Zone, the Columbia School of So- clown. He willingly gave of his talents as both because he genuinely cared about people. cial Work, the Harlem Council of Elders, and accordionist and clown to all sorts of chari- Jerry never had a bad day—he was always the New York and Harlem branches of the table causes, putting a smile on the face of upbeat and would put the needs of others be- American Cancer Society. everyone he met. A family man and friend of fore himself because he was truly devoted to Numerous organizations and institutions the neighborhood at heart, it is the measure of helping people. have deservedly showered Dr. Petioni with the man that all who knew him were fond of I ask my colleagues to join me in recog- awards and other honors. The venerable Na- him. nizing Jerry Berry and celebrating his lifetime tional Medical Association, which has named He was beloved by his family and thou- of achievements. Jerry was a loyal friend to their annual Women in Medicine Luncheon sands in our community. The festive mood set me and although I am saddened by this loss, after her. This May, New York’s Barnard Col- by his joyous music, tens of thousands of bal- I feel very fortunate for the time and friendship lege is bestowing her with The Barnard Medal loon animals lovingly given to children, end- we shared together. He will be remembered of Distinction, the school’s highest award, for less gifts given to strangers and friends alike, by many as a devoted community leader, a her ‘‘service to the Harlem community as a demonstrated an extraordinarily kind heart that genuine friend and a great American. physician, community activist and philan- shone through his sparkling eyes and effer- f thropist for over 70 years.’’ It is great to see such a good friend receive vescent smile. His spirit lifted every occasion HONORING DR. MURIEL PETIONI and he gave and gave and gave. Arnie the accolades she so rightly deserves for the Shenofsky helped define Toledo as a caring years of service that she has given to our community. It was my privilege to know him HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL community and Nation. Going strong at 93 and witness firsthand how his presence lent OF NEW YORK years of age, she continues to be a trailblazer splendor to every event, large and small. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and an inspiration, a New Year’s Day gift to us all that has touched the lives of countless chil- Many times, he chose not to speak but to let Tuesday, May 15, 2007 you know what he was feeling through his dren and families. Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today music. How fortunate we have been that he f to bring attention to the great accomplish- shared his gifts of the heart with us for nine ments of one of this Nation’s most accom- TAIWAN’S BID TO JOIN THE decades. plished community activists and physicians, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Through the decades of his life Arnold Dr. Muriel Marjorie Petioni. Shenofsky sought to always be a helper, a Dr. Petioni has been a role model for all HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO healer, a friend to young and old alike. He women and is especially beloved in my Con- OF COLORADO was the same person with both notables and gressional District. Born on January 1, 1914, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES neighbors, and was truly beloved by his fam- in Trinidad, young Petioni immigrated to the Tuesday, May 15, 2007 ily. His sisters, brothers, and children and their U.S. in 1919, settling with her family in New families have mourned their loss even as they Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, I spoke York City, where her father soon became a recently in support of Taiwan’s bid to join the celebrate a life well lived. They carry his flame prominent Harlem physician and activists in in their hearts, always. World Health Organization. the Carribean nationalist movement. She fol- Unfortunately, despite the fact that Taiwan f lowed her father and other relatives into the has a world-class health care system and is medical field, working locally at Harlem Hos- willing and able to make meaningful contribu- PERSONAL EXPLANATION pital after she graduated from Howard Univer- tions to the WHO’s efforts, Chinese pressure sity’s School of Medicine in 1937. to block Taiwan’s efforts once again triumphed HON. MARK UDALL Her community and its residents have never over fairness and common sense. OF COLORADO been far from Dr. Petioni’s mind. After a short President Chen recently penned an editorial IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES break during the 1940s to get married and that was printed in the Washington Post that start a family, she returned to the medical pro- I would like to commend to my colleagues. In Tuesday, May 15, 2007 fession in 1950, setting up her practice in the the piece, President Chen makes an eloquent Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, in same office that her father had decades ear- and indisputable case for why Taiwan de- reviewing the formal record of rollcall 209, the lier. She maintained that practice for over 40 serves membership in this and other inter- vote on the Kilpatrick substitute to H. Con. years, working diligently to ensure that hard- national organizations. Res. 99, the budget resolution for fiscal year working residents and their families received I hope my colleagues will take the time to 2008, I find I am recorded as having voted the proper attention they deserved. When Har- read the editorial, and to support Taiwan’s fu- ‘‘yes.’’ However, I had intended to vote ‘‘no,’’ lem Hospital stumbled on financial difficulties ture endeavors to contribute to international and my recollection is that I did vote ‘‘no.’’ in the 1980s, she founded the Friends of Har- organizations like the WHO.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 [From the Washington Post, May 11, 2007] the Montevideo Convention on the Duties fairs. I recently wrote to Secretary Jim Nichol- THE SHUNNING OF A STATE and Obligations of States: It has a perma- son asking him to provide an explanation for (By Chen Shui-bian) nent population, a defined territory, a func- this imbalance and look forward to his re- tional government and the capacity to con- In recent years the outbreak and spread of sponse. duct relations with other states. It also has There are, without a doubt, many people in avian flu has brought illness, death and eco- its own internationally traded currency and nomic peril to countries in Asia and else- issues its own passport, honored by virtually veterans’ health care facilities across the where. Memories of the fear, pain and suf- all other nations. country working tirelessly to care for our vet- fering that accompanied the 2003 SARS out- Another broadly affirmed criterion for rec- erans without the resources they need, let break—after failed coverups by the Chinese ognizing the legitimacy of a state is the alone discretionary bonuses. The VA is government—are still vivid in many places. principle, enunciated in the U.N. Universal strained to care for the patients they have While disease heeds no national borders, Tai- Declaration of Human Rights, that the sov- now, and face daunting challenges to care for wan has had to fight pandemics without help ereignty a state exercises should be based on from the World Health Organization—a hu- those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. the will of the people. A truly ‘‘sovereign’’ The Pay Veterans First Act is an important manitarian agency that is supposed to serve state, in other words, is free and democratic. all humankind. We find no better words to describe Taiwan. step to ensuring that the priorities and re- Taiwan is not a member of the WHO, nor is Ultimately, the question of Taiwan’s par- sources of the VA remain focused on where it an observer at the World Health Assembly ticipation in the WHO is a moral one. The they rightfully belong: the needs of those who (WHA)—unlike the Palestinian Authority or systematic shunning of Taiwan is uncon- have served our country in uniform, and not the Malta Order of Chivalry. But under scionable not only because it compromises the bureaucrats in Washington. mounting international pressure prompted the health of our 23 million people but also I applaud Mr. HALL of New York for leading by fear of an avian flu pandemic, China was because it denies the world the benefit of our this important effort and urge my colleagues to persuaded in 2005 to consent, in principle, to abundant public health and technical re- Taiwan’s meaningful participation in WHO support this bill on behalf of our Nation’s vet- sources. Taiwan’s public and private sectors erans. conferences focusing on that threat. China have donated more than $450 million in med- conceded after demanding that the WHO sec- ical and humanitarian aid to more than 90 f retariat sign a secret memorandum of under- countries over the past 10 years. TRIBUTE TO HOWARD L. BRIGHAM standing. As a result, Taiwan’s participation We in Taiwan are grateful that many gov- in the WHO is subject to China’s approval, ernments and legislative bodies such as the even for technical meetings. Such participa- U.S. Congress and the European Parliament HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE tion is minimal rather than meaningful. have supported our bid for observer status in OF COLORADO It is improper and unprecedented for an the WHA. As humankind seeks to control IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES international humanitarian organization to global pandemics, victory will require col- enter into a secret pact with one of its mem- Tuesday, May 15, 2007 laboration that is not restricted by political ber states, especially an authoritarian one. obfuscation or subject to discriminatory Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise More important, the memorandum has been picking and choosing of participants. We today to honor a true American hero who used to obstruct Taiwan’s participation in must not allow an all-but-one scenario to un- WHO activities. Our representatives were un- proudly served our country in World War II. dermine our common mission—health for all. able to attend the majority of conferences Howard L. Brigham was born in 1925 in Den- they sought admission to last year. The WHO f ver, Colorado, the oldest of eight children. After serving our country in the war, Howard secretariat has effectively jeopardized the H.R. 2922, THE PAY VETERANS health of people in Taiwan and other coun- served Colorado for 37 years as an educator FIRST ACT tries. and administrator. For a decade, we have striven relentlessly In December of 1942, one year after the at- to participate in the WHO, to no avail. Even HON. JOE COURTNEY tack on Pearl Harbor, Howard joined the our humble pursuit of ‘‘meaningful partici- OF CONNECTICUT United States Navy at the young age of 17. pation’’ has yielded little success. With 95 percent of the Taiwanese people supporting IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He was unable to be present for his own high full WHO membership, I must act upon the Tuesday, May 15, 2007 school graduation. Howard manned a 20 milli- will of my people as a democratically elected meter gun and served as a deck boss’s mate president. Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise on the Seaplane Tender, USS Matagorda. On April 11, I sent a letter to the WHO for- today in strong support of the Pay Veterans Howard served primarily in the Atlantic the- mally requesting our nation’s application for First Act (H.R. 2922), introduced by my col- ater, but he also spent time in the South Pa- membership under the name ‘‘Taiwan.’’ The league from New York, Mr. HALL. cific. He was briefly in port in Iceland, Eng- secretariat responded on April 25, claiming When most people think of a ‘‘bonus,’’ they that Taiwan is not a sovereign state and land, Wales, North Africa, and Brazil. He was think of a financial incentive given to reward away from his family the entire 4 years of the therefore is not eligible for WHO member- exceptional work done above and beyond the ship. This is legally and morally deplorable. war and spent most of that time at sea. How- Article 3 of the Constitution of the World call of duty. It is typically recognition of the ard’s father passed away during this time and Health Organization stipulates: ‘‘Member- long and countless hours of hard work put in he was unable to leave his duties to attend ship in the Organization shall be open to all to get the job done. It is something you earn, the funeral. Seaman 2nd Class Brigham was States,’’ while Article 6 provides that states not something you receive in return for lack- awarded the American Theater Medal, the Eu- such as Taiwan that are not members of the luster performance. ropean Theater Medal and the Good Conduct United Nations ‘‘may apply to become Mem- Yet, recently the Associated Press reported Medal. bers and shall be admitted as Members when that top officials at the Department of Veterans their application has been approved by a Following his heroic service, Mr. Brigham at- simple majority vote of the Health Assem- Affairs received a total of $3.8 million in bo- tended the University of Denver earning both bly.’’ Rule 115 of the WHA Rules of Proce- nuses, with some individuals receiving as a bachelors and a masters degree in edu- dure stipulates that ‘‘Applications made by a much as $33,000, or 20 percent of their an- cation. For the next 37 years he served as a State for admission to membership . . . shall nual salary. While these officials received teacher, counselor, and principal in the Denver . . . be addressed to the Director-General and these performance based rewards, the VA Public School system and the Poudre School shall be transmitted immediately’’ to WHO was facing a nearly $1 billion budgetary short- System in Fort Collins. He and his wife Jeanie members. fall and the national backlog for veterans’ will celebrate 60 years of marriage in June of Clearly, the authority to determine wheth- claims is about 177 days on average. There er Taiwan is eligible for admission to the this year. Together they raised three children, WHO belongs to its members, many of which are very few veterans in eastern Connecticut Jerry Brigham of Broomfield, and Randy have diplomatic relations with Taiwan and or across the country who would agree that Brigham and Kay Rich of Sterling. cannot be co-opted by any individual or ad- this data demonstrates ‘‘exceptional work’’ on We are so fortunate to live in this great ministrative office. behalf of our Nation’s veterans. country where freedom is something that we When East Germany applied for WHO It is appalling that the failing performance of rarely have to think about and often take for membership in 1968, many questioned its sov- top VA officials would be rewarded so hand- granted. It is simply a way of life for us, and ereignty and the legitimacy of its govern- somely while the quality of care for our Na- we are truly blessed to live in a country whose ment. But East Germany’s application was tion’s veterans suffers. The veterans of east- circulated, and although it was voted down citizens willingly volunteer to put themselves in that year, it was approved in 1973. ern Connecticut and those throughout the Na- harm’s way to defend and protect our great Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of tion deserve an explanation for this apparent Nation. China, is indisputably a sovereign state, sat- error in judgment and disgraceful lack of lead- I am proud to honor Mr. Brigham for his isfying all of the criteria cited in Article 1 of ership within the Department of Veterans Af- dedicated service to our Nation. Howard is an

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1057 American hero who left his home to defend to improve health care and the medical profes- SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND our Nation, and then returned home to be a sion, and he deserves our thanks. IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS ME- valued member of his community, showing his MORIAL DAY children and grandchildren how to live mean- f ingful lives of service. Howard is the embodi- SPEECH OF ment of all the values that have molded Amer- HONORING DR. LEONARD J. KLAY, HON. TOM DAVIS MD ica into the great Nation it is today. May God OF VIRGINIA bless Mr. Brigham and his family, may God IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bless our precious veterans, and may God continue to bless America. HON. MIKE THOMPSON Tuesday, May 8, 2007 f OF CALIFORNIA Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am proud we have brought this resolution to HONORING DR. LEONARD J. KLAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the floor today. it is sadly fitting, as today Tuesday, May 15, 2007 marks the 1-year anniversary of the fatal HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY shootings of Master Police Officer Michael E. OF CALIFORNIA Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Garbarino and Detective Vicky O. Armel of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker, I rise today together with my col- Fairfax County Police Department—the first Tuesday, May 15, 2007 league, Congresswoman LYNN WOOLSEY, to two officers shot and killed in the line of duty honor Dr. Leonard Klay and recognize his in the department’s long, distinguished history. Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise contributions to medicine in Sonoma County These local officers were shining examples today together with my colleague, Congress- and the State of California. The Sonoma of the courage and selflessness found in our man MIKE THOMPSON, to honor Dr. Leonard County Medical Association is taking this op- law enforcement community. Their stories also Klay and recognize his contributions to medi- portunity to recognize Dr. Klay’s ongoing com- illustrate the fact that personal sacrifice and cine in Sonoma County and the State of Cali- mitment to organized, high-quality medical danger have always been synonymous with fornia. The Sonoma County Medical Associa- service for the community of Sonoma County. law enforcement service, beginning with New tion is taking this opportunity to recognize Dr. Dr. Klay grew up and completed high school York City’s Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith, who Klay’s ongoing commitment to organized, on May 17, 1792, became the first recorded high-quality medical service for the community in southern California before receiving his bachelor’s degree with distinction from Stan- police officer to be killed in the line of duty. of Sonoma County. Today, there are 870,000 sworn law en- Dr. Klay grew up and completed high school ford University in 1959. He continued at Stan- ford, graduating from medical school in 1962 forcement officers in the United States who in southern California before receiving his continue the ‘‘quest to preserve both democ- bachelor’s degree with distinction from Stan- and going on to complete his internship and residency in southern California. He served as racy and decency, and to protect a national ford University in 1959. He continued at Stan- treasure that we call the American dream,’’ a ford, graduating from medical school in 1962 a major in the U.S. Army from 1967–1970 dur- ing which time he served overseas. quote by President George Bush engraved on and going on to complete his internship and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memo- residency in southern California. He served as After beginning his practice with the rial. Each one of these officers and their fami- a major in the U.S. Army from 1967–1970 dur- Permanente Group in 1970 as an OB/GYN, lies carry with them the knowledge their efforts ing which time he served overseas. Dr. Klay moved to private practice in 1971 put them in harm’s way. Today, more than After beginning his practice with the where he remained for 29 years, finally mov- 56,000 are assaulted each year and every 53 Permanente Group in 1970 as an OB/GYN, ing to the Sutter OB/GYN Medical Group in hours, an officer is killed while serving the Dr. Klay moved to private practice in 1971 2000. He retired in 2004, but continues to as- American people. September 11, 2001, was where he remained for 29 years, finally mov- sist part-time as an obstetric surgeon. For the the deadliest day for police officers in all of ing to the Sutter OB/GYN Medical Group in last 35 years he has generously given his time American history when 72 officers were killed 2000. He retired in 2004, but continues to as- to assist at the Sonoma County Family Plan- while responding to terrorist attacks. sist part-time as an obstetric surgeon. For the ning Clinic, and he remains there as a valued May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, a last 35 years he has generously given his time volunteer. In 1999 he joined the staff at the holiday created in 1961 by Congress to honor to assist at the Sonoma County Family Plan- Santa Rosa Community Hospital as a Clinical fallen law enforcement officers who dedicated ning Clinic, and he remains there as a valued Professor where he helps train a new genera- their lives to protecting this country and its citi- volunteer. In 1999 he joined the staff at the tion of doctors. zens. The flag is flown at half-staff and thou- Santa Rosa Community Hospital as a Clinical Dr. Klay has made numerous contributions sands of people visit the Memorial, which was Professor where he helps train a new genera- to the medical profession as an outspoken authorized by President Ronald Reagan in tion of doctors. leader in Sonoma County and around the 1984 and built in 1989 and currently has Dr. Klay has made numerous contributions State. He has twice been elected president of 17,912 names etched into the wall. to the medical profession as an outspoken the Sonoma County Medical Association, and Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution to leader in Sonoma County and around the has served on a wide variety of committees honor the memories of Master Police Officer State. He has twice been elected president of within that body. Active in the California Med- Garbarino and Detective Armel, and all the the Sonoma County Medical Association, and ical Association for 36 years, he has served fallen heroes from the law enforcement ranks has served on a wide variety of committees as a delegate and Tenth District Chair. He has for their service and their willingness to ex- within that body. Active in the California Med- served on a number of county commissions pose themselves to danger in their pursuit of ical Association for 36 years, he has served focused on perinatal substance abuse, and a safe community. as a delegate and Tenth District Chair. He has has worked to stabilize healthcare in Sonoma f served on a number of county commissions County through participation as a trustee or di- focused on perinatal substance abuse, and rector on numerous boards. CONGRATULATING THE HAMMOND has worked to stabilize healthcare in Sonoma LADY RED DEVILS UPON WIN- County through participation as a trustee or di- Dr. Klay has been particularly active in his NING THE 2007 NEW YORK STATE rector on numerous boards. community in fighting to implement public CLASS D CHAMPIONSHIP Dr. Klay has been particularly active in his smoking bans, and reduce tobacco use by community in fighting to implement public raising the smoking age. His endeavors in this HON. JOHN M. McHUGH smoking bans, and reduce tobacco use by direction were successful when the city of Healdsburg passed that ban. He continues to OF NEW YORK raising the smoking age. His endeavors in this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES direction were successful when the city of advocate against smoking in other forums and Healdsburg passed that ban. He continues to is on the county’s Tobacco Coalition. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 advocate against smoking in other forums and Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this Mr. MCHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today is on the county’s Tobacco Coalition. time that we thank Dr. Leonard Klay for his to congratulate the Hammond Central School Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this many years of service on behalf of the people District’s Lady Red Devils of Hammond, New time that we thank Dr. Leonard Klay for his of Sonoma County. He has worked tirelessly York, upon winning the 2007 New York State many years of service on behalf of the people to improve health care and the medical profes- Girls Basketball Class D Championship. This of Sonoma County. He has worked tirelessly sion, and he deserves our thanks. was not only Hammond’s first State basketball

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE E1058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 15, 2007 championship, it was also the first State bas- TRIBUTE TO CECIL E. WILLIAMS, techniques that would help farmers run a more ketball championship won by a Section X JR. efficient and profitable business. team. In the mid-1960s, Williams became the ex- On March 18, 2007, the Hammond Lady HON. MARION BERRY Red Devils, who are from my upstate New ecutive vice president of the Agricultural Coun- OF ARKANSAS cil of Arkansas in West Memphis and served York Congressional District, won the New IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES York State Class D Championship when they the council honorably for 37 years. Although defeated the S.S. Seward Lady Spartans by a Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Williams worked for the council during the day, score of 52 to 51. In that game, the Lady Red Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise here in his free time he maintained a small family Devils worked hard to overcome the Lady today to pay tribute to a dear friend, Cecil E. farm because he loved working the land. By Spartans’ leads, which were as much as 17 Williams, Jr., a lifelong advocate and friend to maintaining the farm, he gained a firsthand points at one time and 12 points at the end of Arkansas farmers. Williams, who was a West perspective of the challenges Arkansas farm- the first half. In fact, S.S. Seward led by two Memphis resident and longtime executive vice ers faced on a day-to-day basis. points with 47 seconds to play before the Lady president of the Agriculture Council of Arkan- Red Devils’ Brittany Kenyon, the New York sas, passed away on April 12 at the age of Williams’ life-long commitment to farming State Class D MVP, made a three point shot 74. His death was a great loss to his commu- made it easy for him to advocate on the behalf with 15.9 seconds left in the game to give nity, his family, his State and this Nation. of farmers in Washington. Williams worked as Hammond the lead and, ultimately, the victory. Williams began his agricultural education at a liaison, advocating for farm policies that The Lady Red Devils completed the 2007 a young age on his family’s cotton farm in would benefit Arkansas’ agricultural commu- season undefeated, with a record of 12 and 0. Tyronza, AR. After serving in the U.S. Air nity to Members of Congress. He would then They were coached by Shawn Dack and as- Force as a weather observer in Alaska, he return to Arkansas and use his natural gift of sistant coaches Larry Hollister, Doug moved to Baton Rouge, LA, and enrolled at communication to explain the complexities of McQueer, and Chet Truskowski. Other team Louisiana State University where he obtained farm bills to producers, which helped them un- members were scorekeeper Cathy Tulley and his bachelor’s degree in agricultural econom- derstand how the legislation would impact players Whitney Atkins, Cassie Cunningham, ics. During his final year in college, Williams their business. Nicole Davidson, Aubrie Dunn, Brooke Hol- met his wife Barbara. They eventually married lister, Katlyn Hunt, Malynda Jenne, Jessica and had three sons. A devout public servant, Williams was a Martin, Sara Measheaw, Emily Moquin, and Williams took a job with the National Cotton man of honor and compassion. On behalf of Sarah Sheridan. Madam Speaker, it is a great Council and began traveling to cotton farms the Congress, I extend sympathies to his fam- honor to represent these young ladies and to around the South, soliciting new members. In ily and gratitude for all he did to make our have the opportunity to recognize them for return for their membership, Williams kept community a better place. His service and their very significant accomplishment. them informed of new farm technology and friendship will be missed by all.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:14 Jul 28, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 J:\CRONLINE\2007BA~3\2007NE~2\E15MY7.REC E15MY7 mmaher on PROD1PC70 with CONG-REC-ONLINE Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Daily Digest Senate spending money to design or construct a non- Chamber Action essential visitors center. Pages S6086, S6093 Routine Proceedings, pages S6079–S6156 By 22 yeas and 69 nays (Vote No. 165), Boxer Measures Introduced: Fifteen bills and four resolu- (for Feingold) Amendment No. 1086 (to Amend- tions were introduced, as follows: S. 1390–1404, and ment No. 1065), to establish a Water Resources S. Res. 199–202. Page S6126 Commission to prioritize water resources projects in the United States. Pages S6086, S6093–95 Measures Reported: Withdrawn: S. 119, to prohibit profiteering and fraud relating to military action, relief, and reconstruction efforts, Cardin Amendment No. 1071 (to Amendment No. 1065), to provide for the siting, construction, with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 110–66) Page S6126 expansion, and operation of liquefied natural gas ter- Measures Passed: minals. Pages S6092–93 National Health Information Technology Week: By 51 yeas to 42 nays (Vote No. 166), Kerry Senate agreed to S. Res. 202, designating the period Amendment No. 1094 (to Amendment No. 1065), beginning on May 14, 2007, and ending on May 18, to require the consideration of certain factors relating 2007, as ‘‘National Health Information Technology to global climate change. Pursuant to the unani- Week’’. Pages S6154–55 mous-consent agreement of Tuesday, May, 15, 2007, requiring 60 votes for the adoption of the amend- School-Based Music Education: Committee on ment, it is withdrawn having failed to achieve 60 Health, Education, Labor and Pensions was dis- votes in the affirmative. Pages S6100–15 charged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 121, recognizing the benefits and importance of Pending: school-based music education, and the resolution was Boxer/Inhofe Amendment No. 1065, in the nature of a substitute. Page S6086 then agreed to. Page S6155 Reid (for Levin/Reid) Amendment No. 1097 (to Measures Considered: the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment Water Resources Development Act: Senate con- No. 1065), to provide for military readiness and tinue consideration of H.R. 1495, to provide for the benchmarks relative to Iraq. Page S6086 conservation and development of water and related Reid (for Feingold/Reid) Amendment No. 1098 resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to (to Amendment No. 1097), to provide for a transi- construct various projects for improvements to rivers tion of the Iraq mission. Page S6086 and harbors of the United States, and taking action Warner/Collins Amendment No. 1134 (to the on the following amendments proposed thereto: language proposed to be stricken by Amendment Pages S6086–89, S6092–S6115, S6118–24 No. 1065), relative to the President’s strategy in Rejected: Iraq. Pages S6118–21 By 12 yeas and 77 nays (Vote No. 163), Coburn McConnell (for Cochran) Amendment No. 1135 Amendment No. 1090 (to Amendment No. 1065), (to the language proposed to be stricken by Amend- to prioritize federal spending to ensure the residents ment No. 1065), to express the sense of the Senate of the city of Sacramento are protected from the that Congress must send to the President acceptable threat of floods before spending money to add sand legislation to continue funds for Operation Iraqi to beaches in San Diego. Pages S6086–89 Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom by not By 11 yeas and 79 nays (Vote No. 164), Coburn later than May 28, 2007. Page S6121 Amendment No. 1089 (to Amendment No. 1065), A motion was entered to close further debate on to prioritize federal spending to ensure the needs of Reid Amendment No. 1098 (to Amendment No. Louisiana residents who lost their homes as a result 1097) (listed above), and, in accordance with the of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are met before provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the D677

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:35 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15MY7.REC D15MYPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMDIGEST D678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 15, 2007 Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, Reid Amendment No. 1126 (to the instructions of May 17, 2007. Page S6121 the motion to commit H.R. 2206), expressing the A motion was entered to close further debate on sense of the Congress that no action should be taken Reid (for Reid/Levin) Amendment No. 1097) (listed to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the above), and, in accordance with the provisions of rule United States or impact their ability to complete XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on their assigned or future missions. Page S6116 cloture will occur on Thursday, May 17, 2007. Reid Amendment No. 1127 (to the instructions of Page S6121 the motion to commit (to Amendment No. 1126)), A motion was entered to close further debate on expressing the sense of the Congress that no action Warner (for Collins) Amendment No. 1134 (to the should be taken to undermine the safety of the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment Armed Forces of the United States or impact their No. 1065) (listed above) and, in accordance with the ability to complete their assigned or future missions. provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Pages S6116–17 Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, Reid Amendment No. 1128 (to Amendment No. May 17, 2007. Page S6122 1127), expressing the sense of the Congress that no A motion was entered to close further debate on action should be taken to undermine the safety of McConnell (for Cochran) Amendment No. 1135 (to the Armed Forces of the United States or impact the language proposed to be stricken by Amendment their ability to complete their assigned or future No. 1065) (listed above) and, in accordance with the missions. Page S6117 provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the A motion was entered to close further debate on Senate, a vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, the Reid/McConnell Amendment No. 1123 (listed May 17, 2007. Page S6122 above) and, notwithstanding the provisions of rule A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pur- viding for further consideration of bill at 9 a.m., on suant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Tues- Wednesday, May 16, 2007; vote on the motions to day, May 15, 2007, a vote on cloture will occur one invoke cloture on certain amendments; provided fur- hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, May 17, ther, that second-degree amendments may be filed 2007; and that notwithstanding rule XXII, if cloture until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. is invoked, Senate remain on the bill until its dis- Page S6155 position. U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina A motion was entered to close further debate on Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropria- the bill and, in accordance with the provisions of tions Act: Senate began consideration of H.R. 2206, rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a making emergency supplemental appropriations for vote on cloture will occur on Thursday, May 17, the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and tak- 2007. Page S6117 ing action on the following amendments proposed Concurrent Budget Resolution Conference Re- thereto: Pages S6115–18 port—Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement Pending: was reached providing that it be in order on Thurs- Reid/McConnell Amendment No. 1123, in the day, May 17, 2007, Senate begin consideration of nature of a substitute. Pages S6115–16 the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 21, Reid/McConnell Amendment No. 1124 (to setting forth the congressional budget for the United Amendment No. 1123), expressing the sense of the States Government for fiscal year 2008 and includ- Congress that no action should be taken to under- ing the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years mine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United 2007 and 2009 through 2012, if available, not with- States or impact their ability to complete their as- standing Rule XXII. Page S6155 signed or future missions. Page S6116 Comprehensive Immigration Reform—Agree- Reid Amendment No. 1125 (to Amendment No. ment: Senate began consideration of the motion to 1124), expressing the sense of the Congress that no proceed to consideration of S. 1348, to provide for action should be taken to undermine the safety of comprehensive immigration reform. the Armed Forces of the United States or impact A motion was entered to close further debate on their ability to complete their assigned or future the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill, missions. Page S6116 and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII Motion to commit the bill to the Committee on of the Standing Rules of the Senate, a vote on clo- Appropriations, with instructions to report back ture will occur on Monday, May 21, 2007, no earlier forthwith, with Reid Amendment No. 1126. than 5:30 p.m., and that if cloture is invoked the Page S6116 motion be agreed to. Page S6155

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:35 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15MY7.REC D15MYPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMDIGEST May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D679 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- viding that Senator Sessions have up to 3 hours Committee Meetings under his control to speak on Monday, May 21, (Committees not listed did not meet) 2007, and have 2 hours under his control on Tues- day, May 22, 2007; provided further, that the hour SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK FOR prior to the cloture vote be reserved for the Majority SUMMER 2007 and Republican Leaders, or their designees. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee Page S6155 concluded a hearing to examine the short-term en- Stevens Tributes—Agreement: A unanimous-con- ergy outlook for the summer of 2007, focusing on sent agreement was reached providing that the trib- oil and gasoline, after receiving testimony from Guy utes to Senator Stevens in the Congressional Record Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Adminis- be printed as a Senate document and that Senators tration, Department of Energy; Kevin J. Lindemer, be permitted to submit statements for inclusion Global Insight, Lexington, Massachusetts; Paul until June 1, 2007. Page S6154 Sankey, Deutsche Bank, New York, New York; and Message from the President: Senate received the Geoff Sundstrom, AAA, Heathrow, Florida. following message from the President of the United WATER AND LAND BILLS States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report certi- fying that the export to the People’s Republic of Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Sub- China of certain materials, including an isostatic committee on National Parks concluded a hearing to press for manufacturing automotive spare parts, is examine S. 553, to amend the Wild and Scenic Riv- not detrimental to the U.S. space launch industry ers Act to designate certain segments of the and that the material will not measurably improve Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as com- the missile or space launch capabilities of the Peo- ponents of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Sys- ple’s Republic of China; which was referred to the tem, S. 800, to establish the Niagara Falls National Committee on Foreign Relations. (PM–13) Heritage Area in the State of New York, S. 916, to modify the boundary of the Minidoka Internment Page S6125 National Monument, to establish the Minidoka Na- Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- tional Historic Site, to authorize the Secretary of the lowing nominations: Interior to convey certain land and improvements of 1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral. the Gooding Division of the Minidoka Project, A routine list in the Navy. Pages S6155–56 Idaho, S. 1057, to amend the Wild and Scenic Riv- ers Act to designate certain segments of the New Messages from the House: Pages S6125–26 River in the States of North Carolina and Virginia Measures Referred: Page S6126 as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S6126 Rivers System, S. 1209, to provide for the continued administration of Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6126–29 National Park, in accordance with the laws (includ- Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: ing regulations) and policies of the National Park Page S6129 Service, S. 1281, to amend the Wild and Scenic Riv- Additional Statements: Pages S6125–44 ers Act to designate certain rivers and streams of the headwaters of the Snake River System as additions to Amendments Submitted: Pages S6144–53 the National Wild and Scenic River System, H.R. Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S6153–54 161, to adjust the boundary of the Minidoka Intern- Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S6154 ment National Monument to include the Nidoto Nai Yoni Memorial in Bainbridge Island, Wash- Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. ington, H.R. 247, to designate a Forest Service trail (Total—166) Pages S6089, S6093, S6095, S6115 at Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest in Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m., and ad- the State of Oregon as a national recreation trail in journed at 9:03 p.m., until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, honor of Jim Weaver, a former Member of the May 16, 2007. (For Senate’s program, see the re- House of Representatives, and H.R. 376, to author- marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on ize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special page S6155.) resource study to determine the suitability and feasi- bility of including the battlefields and related sites of the First and Second Battles of Newtonia, Mis- souri, during the Civil War as part of Wilson’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:35 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15MY7.REC D15MYPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMDIGEST D680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 15, 2007 Creek National Battlefield or designating the battle- cluding S. 1257, to provide the District of Columbia fields and related sites as a separate unit of the Na- a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional tional Park System, after receiving testimony from seat in the House of Representatives, after receiving Senators Feinstein and Schumer; Daniel N. Wenk, testimony from Senator Hatch, Representatives Tom Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department Davis and Norton; Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Jack of the Interior; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Kemp, Kemp Partners, Wade J. Henderson, Leader- Forest System, Forest Service, Department of Agri- ship Conference on Civil Rights, Viet D. Dinh, culture; Jack Dennis, Campaign for the Snake Head- Georgetown University Law Center, and Jonathan R. waters, Jackson, Wyoming; Tom Ikeda, Densho: The Turley, George Washington University Law School, Japanese American Legacy Project, Seattle, Wash- all of Washington, D.C. ington; George Santucci, National Committee for ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: CURRENT AND the New River, West Jefferson, North Carolina; and FUTURE BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH Timothy D. Vail, Vail and Vickers Company, Santa Rosa Island, California. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Retirement and Aging concluded GREEN BUILDINGS a hearing to examine Alzheimer’s disease, focusing Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- on current and future breakthrough research, after mittee concluded a hearing to examine energy sav- receiving testimony from Paul S. Aisen, Georgetown ings, water and air quality, economic, and other ben- University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., on efits of green buildings, after receiving testimony behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study; from Robert F. Fox, Jr., Cook and Fox Architects, Arthur F. Kramer, University of Illinois, Urbana; New York, New York; Peter Templeton, United Robert Essner, Wyeth, Madison, New Jersey; and J. States Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; Donald deBethizy, Targacept, Inc., Winston-Salem, Claire L. Barnett, Healthy Schools Network, Inc., North Carolina. Albany, New York; Ray Tonjes, Ray Tonjes Builder, PRESERVING PROSECUTORIAL Inc., Austin, Texas, on behalf of the National Asso- INDEPENDENCE ciation of Home Builders; and Ward Hubbell, Green Building Initiative, Portland, Oregon. Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Department of Justice and EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS its handling of the hiring and firing of United States Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Attorneys, focusing on preserving prosecutorial inde- fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine pendence, after receiving testimony from James B. equal representation in Congress, focusing on pro- Comey, Lockheed Martin Corporation, McLean, Vir- viding voting rights to the District of Columbia, in- ginia. h House of Representatives housing-related government-sponsored enterprises Chamber Action (H. Rept. 110–152). Pages H5050, H5052 Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 24 pub- Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she lic bills, H.R. 2313–2355; and 5 resolutions, H. appointed Representative Costa to act as Speaker Pro Res. 402, 405–408 were introduced. Pages H5052–53 Tempore for today. Page H4969 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H5054–55 Recess: The House recessed at 9:08 a.m. and recon- Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: vened at 10:00 a.m. Page H4970 H. Res. 403, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 1585, to authorize appropriations for fiscal Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest year 2008 for military activities of the Department Chaplain, Rev. Don Green, Christian Associates of of Defense and to prescribe military personnel Southwest Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. strengths for fiscal year 2008 (H. Rept. 110–151) Page H4970 and Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules H. Res. 404, providing for consideration of the and pass the following measures: bill H.R. 1427, to reform the regulation of certain

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:35 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15MY7.REC D15MYPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMDIGEST May 15, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D681 American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemo- Authorizing the Administrator of General Serv- rative Coin: H.R. 634, amended, to require the Sec- ices to convey a parcel of real property to the Alas- retary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- ka Railroad Corporation: H.R. 1036, amended, to tion of veterans who became disabled for life while authorize the Administrator of General Services to serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, by convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Rail- a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 416 yeas with none voting road Corporation; Pages H5003–04 ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 345; Pages H4973–76, H5014 Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Code Amendment Act of 2007: H.R. 692, amended, Enforcement Torch Run: H. Con. Res. 123, to au- to amend title 4, United States Code, to authorize thorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Dis- the Governor of a State, territory, or possession of trict of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement the United States to order that the National flag be Torch Run; Pages H5004–05 flown at half-staff in that State, territory, or posses- Supporting the goals and ideals of National sion in the event of the death of a member of the Public Works Week: H. Res. 352, to support the Armed Forces from that State, territory, or posses- goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; 2 sion who dies while serving on active duty, by a ⁄3 Pages H5005–07 yea-and-nay vote of 408 ayes to 4 nays, Roll No. Commemorating the marinas of the United 346; Pages H4976–78, H5014–15 States and expressing support for the designation John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders In- of the sixth annual National Marina Day: H. Res. centive Act of 2007: H.R. 916, amended, to provide 343, amended, to commemorate the marinas of the for loan repayment for prosecutors and public de- United States and expressing support for the des- fenders, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 341 yeas to 73 ignation of the sixth annual National Marina Day; nays, Roll No. 347; Pages H4978–82, H5015–16 Pages H5007–09 Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for opportunity for Congress to improve the foster care the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby: H. Con. system throughout the United States: H. Res. 263, Res. 79, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds amended, to recognize National Foster Care Month for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; as an opportunity for Congress to improve the foster Pages H5009–10 care system throughout the United States; Recognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Pages H4982–85 Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council COPS Improvements Act of 2007: H.R. 1700, for their efforts to promote National Safe Boating amended, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Week: H. Res. 386, amended, to recognize the Coast Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the COPS ON Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National THE BEAT grant program, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote Na- vote of 381 yeas to 34 nays, Roll No. 348; tional Safe Boating Week; and Pages H5010–12 Pages H4985–95, H5016 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘Recog- Safe American Roads Act of 2007: H.R. 1773, nizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, amended, to limit the authority of the Secretary of and other boating safety organizations for their ef- Transportation to grant authority to motor carriers forts to promote National Safe Boating Week’’. domiciled in Mexico to operate beyond United States Page H5012 municipalities and commercial zones on the United Supporting the goals and ideals of National Eo- States-Mexico border, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of sinophil Awareness Week, and for other purposes: 411 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 349; H. Res. 296, to support the goals and ideals of Na- Pages H4995–H5001, H5016–17 tional Eosinophil Awareness Week. Pages H5012–13 James A. Leach Federal Building Designation Presidential Message: Read a message from the Act: H.R. 1505, amended, to designate the Federal President wherein he transmitted certification to building located at 131 East 4th Street in Dav- Congress that the export to the People’s Republic of enport, Iowa, as the ‘‘James A. Leach Federal Build- China of certain listed items is not detrimental to ing’’; Pages H5001–03 the U.S. space launch industry—referred to the Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To des- Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed ignate the United States courthouse located at 131 (H. Doc. 110–34). Page H5043 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the ‘James A. Committee Resignations: Read a letter from Rep- Leach Federal Building’.’’. Page H5003 resentative McCotter wherein he resigned from the

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Committee on the Budget and the Committee on Plan and Low Income Subsidy: Keeping Medicare’s Foreign Affairs due to his election to the Committee Promise for Seniors and People with Disabilities.’’ on Financial Services. Page H5043 Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Recess: The House recessed at 8:31 p.m. and recon- U.S. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE vened at 9:17 p.m. Page H5050 ENGAGEMENT Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. today appears on page H4970. Re-Engagement in the Global Effort to Fight Cli- Amendments: Amendments ordered printed pursu- mate Change. Testimony was heard from Eileen ant to the rule appear on page H5055. Claussen, former Assistant Secretary, Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Quorum Calls—Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes de- veloped during the proceedings of today and appear Department of State; and public witnesses. on pages H5014, H5014–15, H5015, H5016, HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS H5016–17. There were no quorum calls. Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing enti- Adjournment: The House met at 9:00 a.m. and ad- tled ‘‘The 2007 Hurricane Season: Are We Pre- journed at 9:20 p.m. pared?’’ Testimony was heard from R. David Pulison, Director, FEMA, Department of Homeland Committee Meetings Security; William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Se- curity and Justice Issues Division, GAO; Craig FRESH PRODUCE SAFETY Fugate, Director, Division of Emergency Manage- Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horti- ment, State of Florida; and Joe Becker, Senior Vice culture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to President, Preparedness and Response, National review industry response to the safety of fresh and Headquarters, American Red Cross. fresh-cut produce. Testimony was heard from Lloyd Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES USDA; David Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commis- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Na- sioner, Food Protection, FDA, Department of Health tional Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hear- and Human Services; and public witnesses. ing on the following bills: H.R. 1239, National Un- COLLEGE CAMPUS SAFETY derground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthor- ization Act of 2007; H.R. 1388, Star-Spangled Ban- Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on ner National Historic Trail Act; H.R. 1483, To Best Practices for Making College Campuses Safe. amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Man- Testimony was heard from public witnesses. agement Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for PRIVATE SECTOR WHISTLEBLOWERS certain national heritage areas; and H.R. 1528, New PROTECTIONS England National Scenic Trail Designation Act. Tes- Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on timony was heard from Representatives Regula, Workforce Protections held a hearing on Private Sec- Olver, Hastings of Florida; Castle and Murphy of tor Whistleblowers: Are There Sufficient Legal Pro- Connecticut; Chris Jarvi, Associate Director, Partner- tections? Testimony was heard from Richard Fairfax, ships and Visitor Experience, National Park Service, Director of Enforcement, Occupational Safety and Department of the Interior; Robert Stanton, former Health Administration, Department of Labor; Tom Director, National Park Service, Department of the Devine, Legal Director, GAO; and public witnesses. Interior; and public witnesses. CHILDREN’S PRODUCT SAFETY NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held a Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 9 to 4, a hearing entitled ‘‘Protecting Our Children: Current structured rule. The rule provides for ninety minutes Issues in Children’s Product Safety.’’ Testimony was of general debate on H.R. 1585, National Defense head from Nancy A. Nord, Acting Chairman, Con- Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008, equally di- sumer Product Safety Commission; and public wit- vided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking nesses. Minority Member of the Committee on Armed Serv- ices. The rule waives all points of order against con- MEDICARE SAVINGS PLAN AND LOW sideration of the bill except those arising under INCOME SUBSIDY clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on the amendment in the nature of a substitute rec- Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Medicare Savings ommended by the Committee on Armed Services

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The rule makes in order only those amendments The rule provides that each amendment so printed printed in the report and waives all points of order may be offered only by the Member who caused it against such amendments except those arising under to be printed or a designee, and that each amend- clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one ment shall be considered as read. The rule provides motion to recommit with or without instructions. one motion to recommit with or without instruc- The rule also permits the Chairman of the Com- tions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may mittee on Armed Services or his designee to offer postpone consideration of the bill to a time des- amendments en bloc if those amendments have been ignated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from printed in the report and not earlier disposed of. The Chairman Frank, Representatives Bachus. Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may rec- ADVANCED COAL TECHNOLOGIES ognize for consideration any amendment printed in this report out of the order printed but not sooner Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on than 30 minutes after the Chairman of the Com- Energy and Environment held a hearing on Prospects mittee on Armed Services announces from the floor for Advanced Coal Technologies: Efficient Energy a request to that effect. Finally, the resolution per- Production, Carbon Capture and Sequestration. Tes- mits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in timony was heard from Carl O. Bauer, Director, Na- the House, to postpone further consideration until a tional Energy Technology Laboratory, Department of time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was Energy; Robert J. Finley, Director, Energy and Earth heard from Chairman Skelton, Representatives, Resources Center, Geological Survey, State of Illi- Boren, Ellsworth, McGovern, Moran of Virginia, nois; and public witnesses. Scott of Virginia, Holden, Blumenauer, Jackson-Lee MATH EDUCATION PROGRAMS of Texas, Tierney, Schakowsky, Thompson of Cali- Committee on Science and Technology: fornia, Israel, Michaud, Lipinski, Braley, Carney, Subcommittee on Walz, Saxton, Akin, Miller of Michigan, Franks of Research and Science Education held a hearing on Arizona, Drake, Davis of Kentucky, Lincoln Diaz- Federal STEM Education Programs: Educators’ Per- Balart of Florida, Sessions, Tom Davis of Virginia, spectives. Testimony was heard from public wit- LaHood, Latham, Weller, Goode, Terry, Capito, nesses. King of Iowa, Musgrave and McCotter. VETERANS MEASURES FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE REFORM ACT Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Ordered reported the OF 2007 following bills: H.R. 612, amended, Returning Servicemember VA Health Insurance Act of 2007; Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open H.R. 67, amended, Veterans Outreach Improvement rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule pro- Act of 2007; H.R. 1660, amended, To direct the vides one hour of general debate on H.R. 1427, Fed- Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national eral Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007, equally cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado re- divided and controlled by the Chairman and Rank- gion; H.R. 1470, Chiropractic Care Available to All ing Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Veterans Act; and H.R. 2199, amended, to amend Services. The rule waives all points of order against title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in treatment of Individuals with traumatic brain in- in the nature of a substitute recommended by the juries; and H.R. 2239, amended, Early Access to Vo- Committee on Financial Services now printed in the cational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits bill, modified by the amendment printed in the re- Act. port of the Committee on Rules, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment MEDICARE PROVIDER PAYMENTS under the five-minute rule. The amendment in the Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on nature of a substitute shall be read by title rather Health held a hearing on Payments to Certain Medi- than by section and each title shall be considered as care Fee-for-Service Providers, Testimony was heard read. The rule waives all points of order against the from Herb Kuhn, Acting Deputy Administrator, amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amend- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Depart- ed, except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. ment of Health and Human Services; Mark Miller,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:35 May 16, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15MY7.REC D15MYPT1 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMDIGEST D684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 15, 2007 Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the Commission; and public witnesses. efficacy of United States preference programs, 10 a.m., SD–215. STATE CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine rogue online pharmacies, focusing on the growing prob- Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on In- lem of internet drug trafficking, 10 a.m., SD–226. come Security held a hearing on challenges Facing Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: business the Child Welfare System. Testimony was heard meeting to mark up S. 1256, to amend the Small Busi- from Cornelia M. Ashby, Director of Education, ness Act to reauthorize loan programs under that Act, 2 Workforce and Income Security, GAO; Mary Nelson, p.m., SR–428A. Administrator, Division of Child and Family Serv- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: to hold hearings to exam- ices, Department of Human Services, State of Iowa; ine the nomination of Michael K. Kussman, of Massachu- Anne Holton, First Lady of Virginia; and public wit- setts, to be Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for nesses. Health, 10 a.m., SD–562. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine f Medicare Advantage marketing and sales, focusing on COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, who has the advantage, 10:30 a.m., SD–106. MAY 16, 2007 House (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on Education and Labor, hearing on Evaluating the Effectiveness of MSHA’s Mine Safety and Health Pro- Senate grams, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on to hold hearings to receive testimony from sundry public Health, hearing entitled ‘‘Reauthorization of the Medical witnesses, 10 a.m., SD–192. Device User Fee and Modernization Act,’’ 10 a.m., 2322 Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- Rayburn. ernment, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the United States Secu- entitled ‘‘2006 Prudhoe Bay Shutdown: Will Recent rities and Exchange Commission, 3 p.m., SD–192. Regulatory Changes and BP Management Reforms Pre- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: busi- vent Future Failures,’’ 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. ness meeting to consider an original bill entitled ‘‘Foreign Committee on Financial Services, hearing entitled ‘‘Private Investment and National Security Act of 2007’’, an origi- Equity’s Effects on Workers and Firms,’’ 10 a.m., 2128 nal bill to make technical corrections to Title III of Rayburn. SAFETEA–LU; H.R. 1675, to suspend the requirements Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Global Health, briefing on Africa’s Water Crisis and regarding electronic filing of previous participation cer- the 2006 UNDP Human Development Report, 2:30 tificates and regarding filing of such certificates with re- p.m., 2172 Rayburn. spect to certain low-income housing investors, H.R. Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on 1676, to reauthorize the program of the Secretary of Africa’s Water Crisis and the U.S. Response, 3 p.m., Housing and Urban Development for loan guarantees for 2172 Rayburn. Indian housing, S. 254, to award posthumously a Con- Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia, hearing gressional gold medal to Constantino Brumidi, and the on Public Diplomacy in the Middle East and South Asia: nominations of David George Nason, of Rhode Island, to Is the Message Getting Through? 10 a.m., 2172 Ray- be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial In- burn. stitutions, Mario Mancuso, of New York, to be Under Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Trans- Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Mi- portation Security and Infrastructure Protection, hearing chael W. Tankersley, of Texas, to be Inspector General, entitled ‘‘The Impact of Foreign Ownership and Foreign Export-Import Bank, Robert M. Couch, of Alabama, to Investment on the Security of Our Nation’s Critical Infra- be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and structure,’’ 2:30 p.m., 1539 Longworth. Urban Development, and Janis Herschkowitz, of Pennsyl- Committee on the Judiciary, Antitrust Task Force, hearing vania, and Nguyen Van Hanh, of California, and David on Prices at the Pump: Market Failure and the Oil Indus- George Nason, of Rhode Island, each to be a Member of try, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooper- Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and Intellec- ative Bank, 9:30 a.m., SD–538. tual Property, to mark up H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: busi- of 2007, 4 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. ness meeting to consider pending calendar business, 2:30 Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, p.m., SR–253. Border Security and International Law, hearing on Com- Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- prehensive Immigration Reform: Becoming Americans- committee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, to hold hear- U.S. Immigration Integration, 9:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. ings to examine the state of mercury regulation, science, Committee on Science and Technology, hearing on the State and technology, 10 a.m., SD–406. of Climate Change Science 2007: The Findings of the

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Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental on Climate Change and Energy Independence: Transpor- Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group III: tation and Infrastructure Issues, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Mitigation of Climate Change, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing on legislation af- Joint Meetings fecting the SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development programs, Joint Economic Committee: including its Small Business Development Center and to hold hearings to examine Women’s Business Center Programs, 10 a.m., 2360 Ray- the explosive costs of elder care and determine if they are burn. hurting family finances and business competition, 9:30 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sub- a.m., SH–216. committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 16 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 16

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. ation of H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act, 1585—National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal and vote on the motions to invoke cloture on certain Year 2008 (Subject to a Rule). amendments.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Hirono, Mazie K., Hawaii, E1052 Meehan, Martin T., Mass., E1047 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E1049 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E1056 Berry, Marion, Ark., E1055, E1058 Inslee, Jay, Wash., E1051 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E1055 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E1054 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E1054 Sa´ nchez, Linda T., Calif., E1054 Carter, John R., Tex., E1047 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E1047, E1052, E1055 Smith, Adam, Wash., E1051 Costello, Jerry F., Ill., E1051 Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E1049 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E1056 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E1054 Tancredo, Thomas G., Colo., E1055 Davis, Tom, Va., E1057 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1050 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E1057 DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E1048, E1049 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E1057 Udall, Mark, Colo., E1047, E1052, E1055 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E1048 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E1054 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E1048 Hinojosa, Rube´n, Tex., E1050 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E1050 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E1057

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