H8388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 lot of those small businesses. But we us, and I’m sure he’s going to have the new majority won that majority by need to understand that it’s really the something to say. He sat patiently saying such things as this that the peo- big guys that need to be part of the through the entire hour and listened to ple believed that they would actually conversation that the small businesses, us speak, and I know he comes from a carry on. the small banks have been a part of for different point of view. And I would en- I will tell you that this is not a rule. a long time. courage those interested in this topic They did not make this a rule. This Mr. ALTMIRE. That’s exactly what I to listen to what he has to say as well. was one of those empty promises. want to clarify, and I thank the gen- We’ve had many conversations about Let’s look at something else. Speaker tleman. this and the energy issue and other PELOSI in 2006 before they gained the We’re talking about asking the big things. So we look forward to hearing majority: ‘‘Bills should generally come Wall Street firms to comply with the him. to the floor under a procedure that al- same rules and regulations that the f lows open, full, and fair debate con- small business, that the corner banks sisting of a full amendment process have to comply with. Now, it’s not ex- ENERGY that grants the minority the right to actly the same, and we understand The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under offer its alternatives, including a sub- that. But I understand the fear that it the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- stitute.’’ strikes in the heart of ordinary Ameri- uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Geor- Since the new majority has been in cans when we start talking about the gia (Mr. WESTMORELAND) is recognized in 2007 and 2008, they have had over 60 word ‘‘regulation.’’ We are not talking for 60 minutes as the designee of the closed rules, which means that there about everyday Americans. We’re talk- minority leader. are no amendments, you can’t bring ing about what happens at the absolute Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, your ideas here and have them openly top of the food chain. I don’t know how many people have debated. The last energy bill that was These large banks and institutions been watching the last hour, and I here was one of those rules. I might that you see right now that are tee- don’t know that I can straighten it out add in the 109th Congress when Repub- tering on the brink, the Lehman Broth- in the next hour. But I do want to start licans were in control, we had just ers of the world that are no longer part out with something that is kind of ele- about half of that amount in closed of the process now, and the ones that mentary, I guess, to most people, but I rules. we have to come in and bail out with want to explain the makeup of Con- Now here is the thing that I think an $85 billion bailout at taxpayer ex- gress. And excuse my penmanship. that most people will get a grasp on, Mr. Speaker. This was by Representa- pense, these are things we want to b 2130 avoid. So that’s what we’re talking tive PAUL KANJORSKI when he was in about. We are not talking about the The House consists of 435 Members. his hometown after becoming the ma- small businesses and the corner banks. The Democrats have 235, and that’s be- jority. He was in his hometown, and he Mr. PERLMUTTER. I just think one cause of the loss of the late Stephanie was asked about the Democrats’ prom- last comment I’d like to make is that Tubbs Jones. ise to bring back the troops from Iraq. there has been a transfer of wealth the The Republicans have 199 Members. And as he was talking—but this kind of likes of which we’ve never seen in this You can see that the Democrat num- relates to everything that has been country. Whether it’s to the big oil ber is larger than our number. said by them to gain the majority—be- companies or to some of the Wall To get anything passed in this body, fore he said this, he said, ‘‘In our desire Street firms and to other nations, that it takes 218 votes. You can see that the to win back the majority, we sort of has come out of the pockets of middle Democrats have more than 218 votes. stretched the truth and people ate it America. In the Senate, 100 Members; Democrats up.’’ And it is time that we come up with have 51, Republicans have 49. Well, you know, that’s something. new ways to power this Nation. It is The Democrats have had the major- But then we got to the point where time that we, this country, instead of ity in Congress since January of 2007. we’re at today with the energy crisis. living on a borrow-and-spend philos- And so what that says to me is that all In 2007 when the Democrats took over, ophy, which is what has been the Bush of the stuff that I have heard in the gas was about $2.10 a gallon. Unem- administration’s approach and is what last hour, Mr. Speaker, if they’ve got ployment was 4.5 percent. Today, gas is MCCAIN wants to pursue, that we start all the answers, why haven’t they been over $4 a gallon and employment is 6.1 remembering the values that made us brought to the floor? percent, but yet they want to blame so strong, of thrift and sacrifice and in- Now I’m sure that’s a question that the Republicans. Now they’re con- vestment, and opportunity for all, not many of us are asking because if they stantly blaming President Bush. I just a select few at the very top. are in control and they’ve got all of the don’t know, Mr. Speaker, but I have The focus has been on the top 1 per- brilliant ideas that’s going to save the never seen President Bush in this body cent. It needs to be on the rest of world, then why haven’t they brought casting a vote. America. And when it’s there, that’s them to the floor and put 218 votes up In fact, if you’ve studied your gov- when we’re strong. That’s when we are to pass it out of the House? That’s got ernment, you know that there’s an ex- that shining light at the top of the hill, to be a question on a lot of people’s ecutive branch, there’s a legislative the beacon at the top of the hill. minds. branch, and there’s a judicial branch. We are a great Nation, and we have Now in order to gain the majority, The legislative branch is responsible stumbled because of bad leadership there were some things said and some for making laws. over the last 8 years. But come Novem- things promised during the campaign Now if you go back to the first chart, ber 4th, things are going to change, and cycle that led up to the new majority. you can remember that they have more we will have a new direction. Here is one of their promises: ‘‘Mem- than enough to pass anything that Mr. ALTMIRE. I thank the gen- bers should have at least 24 hours to they want to in this body, and they tleman from Colorado. examine bill and conference report text control the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman prior to floor consideration. Rules gov- So what is the problem? We don’t from Ohio (Mr. RYAN), I thank Mr. erning floor debate must be reported know. We want to understand why we MURPHY from Connecticut, and I thank before 10 p.m. for a bill to be considered are constantly being blamed. They the Speaker for allowing us this time the following day.’’ talked about the economic problems. to discuss the economic crisis in this This was Speaker PELOSI in a New They’ve been in control since January country. I think it’s safe to say that Direction for America, 2006. of 2007. They passed a housing bill that this is not the last time the 30–Some- Let me say that the sham of an en- gave Secretary Paulson the ability to thing Working Group will address this ergy bill that was brought to this floor do what he’s doing with some of these issue on the floor. yesterday was presented the night be- bailouts. The majority of Republicans And I would also say that I do look fore to the Rules Committee at 10:45. voted against that bill. So when are we forward to my good friend Mr. WEST- This is just a little example of what going to take some responsibility and MORELAND, who is going to come after we’ve been faced with and the fact that stop all of the blame shifting?

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.168 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8389 We’ve got some Members here to- lon. Let me tell you that is $2.50 above going after energy supplies in our night that might want to explain some sustainability based on market condi- country. of that to you because it’s a problem tions and our economy. And something We need the alternatives, we need the when the people in control want to has to give. And the American people investment; but what are we going to blame somebody else for their prob- are on our side. And what happened do in the meantime while we’re bring- lems. I heard them mention the SCHIP. here last night was extremism and ing those to the marketplace? I’m not Why didn’t they proceed with it, con- radicalism trumped mainstream values talking about months; I’m talking tinue on with that leadership if they and positions for the American people. about years before we have those alter- thought that was the right thing to do Then I was asked today on National natives ready for the market. And rather than caving? No idea. I have no Public Radio why then would the ma- what do we do as a transition, a bridge idea. jority party tomorrow bring up this to get there? Increase capacity. Prices Why have they not done some of the issue of speculation in the marketplace will come down as we increase the ca- other things that they talk about that again on energy when we’ve already pacity. The energy that we have at our would help with the economic crisis voted on that earlier in the year. And disposal—and we need all of it, all that we find ourselves in today? Hope- the reason is they are reeling over across the Outer Continental Shelf, not fully we will give you some of those an- what happened last night where, as 50 miles offshore. It limits it to just a swers. Members are going to tell you and even little bitty amount, and then the law- Now I would like to recognize my call people by name, dozens of Demo- suits just will be filed. Four hundred good friend from the State of Ten- crats that cosponsored a reasonable and eighty-seven Outer Continental nessee (Mr. WAMP). compromise bill that we offered last Shelf permits are under litigation, im- Mr. WAMP. I thank the gentleman night in the only option we had to offer mediately sued by these radical groups. for yielding. an alternative, cosponsored this main- So to the average American, under- I want to start by saying I have been stream, compromise, middle-ground stand: extremism on policies like this, here in the House for 14 years, and I do bill and then voted against it so that locking up our energy resources, have not believe that either party has an ex- they could protect the liberal, Cali- brought us to our knees and we actu- clusive on integrity or ideas. I think fornia-driven, no-energy bill, which is ally have to have some kind of explo- that both parties have plenty to im- the equivalent of drinking out of a sion here on the floor of the House for prove on, but I wanted to come tonight straw when our country needs a fire the majority to let us unleash this and to say that not a single issue in many hose right now. Right now. send a bill to this President who will months, if not years, has so divided the And these hurricanes prove again any sign it. And they knew that last night two parties down the lines of what is refinery capacity lost, any natural dis- if they would have allowed their own best for America and what’s best for aster, any disruption can cripple our Members who cosponsored this bill to the special interests in this issue of en- country overnight. vote for it, we would have something ergy, because I really believe that ex- We need to diversify our supply, in- working through the Senate, the Presi- tremism is what is causing the major- crease our supply, have a robust, man- dent would sign it, and we would begin ity party to be in retreat from serving ufactured-driven economy where we production. And as soon as we go after the needs and meeting the needs of the are solving our own energy problems this new energy, the prices will come American people. and providing these solutions to the down. I’m talking about environmental ex- world. We can do it. I have got to tell tremists, and I say this with great re- you we have candidates at the Presi- b 2145 spect because I think conservation and dential level, here in the Congress, that Now, that’s where we’re at. preservation and environmental re- are willing to do this. But last night we And I hate to just be that critical of sponsibility are very important. And I were stymied by a majority that’s in the other side, and I rarely am, but to- have an excellent record of supporting the back pocket of the extremists. And night, this is the moment. And we’ve all of the alternatives on energy as the that’s the truth. got to keep this issue out there because cochairman of the Renewable Energy Now I am about as nonpartisan as they’re looking for ways to cover it up and Energy Efficiency Caucus here in anybody can be in this body and be in and go home. And tomorrow, it’s the House for 8 years. I have helped one party or the other, but that is now change the subject. It’s about specula- lead the tax incentives for renewable happening, and it’s very frustrating be- tion, or then it’s going to be about and energy efficiency programs, helped cause people are calling me from all price gouging, or all of these diver- put it in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, across my district saying, ‘‘Why are sionary tactics to keep the American one of the most significant develop- you not doing something about it?’’ people thinking that it’s something ments in the history of our country for And we are trying. other than production. these alternatives, and I believe in Last night was a closed rule. No op- And right now it is production. We these programs. tions, no alternatives except the one need to go after it. The American peo- But I have to tell you, when it comes alternative, which was a bill sponsored ple get it, but we need to let them time now at this critical moment in by Members of both parties, written by know exactly what happened here this American history for new energy ca- Members of both parties. And the very week in the House of Representatives. pacity and new production at a time people that sponsored it in the major- Mr. WESTMORELAND. I thank the where the prices for consumers are ity party voted against it so that they gentleman from Tennessee. unsustainable, environmental extre- could protect themselves. And I wonder if the $9 billion bailout mism, which is a special interest— And then tomorrow they’re going to of IndyMac, the $29 billion bailout of when you look at the Environmental then change the subject to try to get Bear Stearns, the $85 billion bailout of Defense Fund and Sierra Club and all the message back on Wall Street in a AIG, the $200 billion bailout of Fannie of these entities that are filing suit to week where Wall Street, obviously, is Mae and Freddie Mac, which, under keep our country from going after new suffering more and more losses, and I that bill, is some of the ability that supplies, which does directly bring will guarantee you the conservatives in they gave Secretary Paulson to do prices down for regular people who are this body, people like me and the peo- some of these bailouts. Also, the $300 hurting badly, then extremism and spe- ple on the floor tonight, are not sup- billion exposure that they gave the cial interests are trumping the will of porting bailouts and not supporting American taxpayers to expand the FHA the American people. propping up corporations that lent to refinance problem mortgages, and And that’s where, frankly, a very lib- more credit than they should have. now they’re talking about a $25 billion eral mindset from places like Cali- We’re not for bailing out anybody, and bailout for the automakers. So the gen- fornia should not dictate national pol- they’re going to try tomorrow to con- tleman from Tennessee has some great icy that impacts consumers in Ten- vince the American people that this is points. nessee. And that is happening today. still all about Wall Street investors But let me speak to the energy thing Monday, the price of gasoline in running up the price of oil instead of that he mentioned. In the bipartisan Knoxville, Tennessee, was $4.99 a gal- the radical groups keeping us from bill, there were 25 of the 35 Democrats

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.169 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 that sponsored this bill that voted As the gentleman from Tennessee free republic, we live in a democracy against it; they were actually cospon- talked about, we want a bridge. We for a reason; that the will of one person sors. But let me tell you where a little want a responsible transition from will not be imposed upon any sovereign of this makeup comes right quick. where we are today to where America citizen of the United States, certainly Energy crisis: ‘‘There is no energy becomes energy-independent and se- not by the subservient Members of crisis on our side of the aisle.’’ And cure. We believe we need maximum Congress because we work for these that was from a Democratic House aide American energy production, common- people. These people are our bosses, that was written in the Politico on Au- sense conservation, and free-market, and they want their voices heard on gust 5, 2008. Also, according to Speaker green innovations to provide that re- the floor of this House. And on an issue PELOSI, ‘‘If Democrats relented on sponsible transition that does not as critical as American energy and how drilling, then we might as well pack it allow for the callous infliction of eco- we transition to a secure future not up and go home.’’ That was from July nomic pain upon the American people. only for ourselves, but more impor- 11, 2008. Then we’ve got, ‘‘This is a po- And when you think about what we tantly, for our children, they expect to litical month. There’s all kinds of hear in phrases like, ‘‘I’m trying to have their voices heard through their things we try to do that will just go save the planet, I’m trying to save the elected representatives. away after we leave.’’ And that’s Rep- planet,’’ what we’re really hearing is And as the gentleman from Georgia resentative JOHN MURTHA. that the party that was elected to pointed out, we heard several promises And if I could, Mr. Speaker, I would lower our gas prices, the Democratic about what an open process this was recall you to the quote that Mr. KAN- Party, has made a subtle shift in what going to be, how every vote was going JORSKI said: ‘‘We kind of stretched the they’re trying to accomplish. They’re to count, how every voice was going to truth, and the people ate it up.’’ So now trying to break us off our addic- be heard and we would come together this makes me believe that what we’ve tion—not to foreign oil simply; they in a bipartisan fashion to serve the done here, just the sham that’s gone are now trying to break our addiction American people. And yet, what did we on, might be just to fool people until to oil. see? We saw a bill drafted in the dead after we leave. So, in short, their solution to the of night by a Speaker, handed to her ‘‘This is all about politics, not nec- problem of high gas prices is to make Rules Committee, no amendments al- essarily about policy.’’ And this comes sure that no one has access to any gas lowed, and voted, rubber-stamped by from Karen Whalen, who is with the at all. And that’s why another quote, her Democratic Congress, with no de- Natural Resources Defense Council, which I’m sure you’ll put up, is that bate on this floor, no dissent about that she spoke of in September. they have described, in their own amendments, no chance to offer alter- Democratic Senator MARY LANDRIEU, Democratic staff’s words, ‘‘Drive small- on the Democrats’ latest energy plan, natives, no committee process. Silence, er cars and wait for the wind.’’ This is said, ‘‘It is dead on arrival in the Sen- silence, in terms of input on this bill. not a responsible solution. And then we saw something that I ate.’’ So when they passed this sham of Like many people, when I was grow- thought I would never see. We saw 24 a bill last night so they can go home ing up—I’m 43—I remember something people who had co-sponsored a bipar- and say that they passed an energy called the ABC Wide World of Sports. I bill, even their own party in the Senate tisan bill, who had sang its praises to remember ‘‘The Agony of Defeat.’’ And recognizes that this thing is dead on their public and to the rest of the I used to like Evel Knievel. Now, there arrival. And some of the other com- American people, and they voted was one time when Evel Knievel, in- ments, it was just politics, it is elec- against it—and I didn’t really hear a stead of just jumping over cars and tion-year stuff. good reason put forward—so they could Now, this is the last quote I’m going busses—you know, he worked for a liv- pass a sham drill bill. to show you tonight from Speaker ing, it’s tough work; if you can get it, Now, we’ve heard a lot about why the it pays well—he was going to jump PELOSI, but her quote is, ‘‘I’m trying to Republicans didn’t do certain things save the planet. I’m just trying to save something called the Snake River Can- over the course of their majority. And the planet.’’ Well, we wish that her and yon. And I remember watching this on we paid a heavy price—and a rightful the Democratic majority would try to a little, tiny TV screen with my dad. price, as many of us have admitted. We do something to relieve everyday And my dad looked at it, just looked at were put into minority, from majority Americans of the pain at the pump Evel and his little suped-up motor- to minority status by the American that we’re facing, the loss of jobs that cycle, he looked at this enormous people, and we are learning a painful their economic policies that they’ve Snake River Canyon, and my dad said, lesson. But let us not forget the people passed since they’ve been here have ‘‘That boy ain’t gonna get there from who obstructed a sound, sane, produc- created, the fact that gas has been here.’’ tive American energy policy for the en- from a little over $2 to over $4, the fact And when I think of the Democrats’ tire time they were in the minority. that 17 of the refineries were closed energy strategy, whereby we have no They act as if they had no hand in it. down with Hurricane Ike and the 3,200 domestic production of our own nat- When we were in the majority, we drilling platforms because they are in ural resources from the Outer Conti- tried, we tried mightily. Many times the direct path of hurricanes, when we nental Shelf, from ANWR, from any- the House would pass legislation and it could be expanding our energy re- body else, anywhere else, and they tell would get to the Senate, yet the Demo- sources to the east coast, to the west us, we’re going to fix this with green cratic minority did everything they coast, to Alaska, where these hurri- technological innovations, it’s going to could to prevent the expansion of canes don’t normally hit. be magic, I think of poor Evel Knievel. American domestic energy production So keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, that The only difference is that, in trying to to the level sufficient that it would Speaker PELOSI is trying to save the jump immediately, cold turkey, from serve the American people and lower planet and not help the everyday our current petroleum-based economy the gas prices. The only difference now American that is feeling the pain at into some distant green future where that they’re in the majority is they the pump. we do not need our own domestic en- have to pretend that they’re trying to Now I want to recognize our distin- ergy resources, is we are not simply lower them. guished policy chairman of the Repub- taking the American people over the And that’s why, when you pass a bill lican Conference, the gentleman from Snake River Canyon, the Democratic out of this House called a compromise Michigan. majority is pushing them over an eco- bill when you have not talked to any- Mr. MCCOTTER. I thank the gen- nomic cliff. And they are already be- one on this side of the aisle about what tleman from Georgia. ginning to see where the abyss lays goes in the bill, it means it’s a com- And I think you’ve hit upon, with the every time they drive by and buy gas promise amongst yourselves. That is a quote from Speaker PELOSI about try- at the pump. unilateral compromise. So let’s be ing to save the planet, one of the fun- Now, as we heard about the process clear about who compromised with damental problems that we’ve run into last night, people think, why does proc- who. trying to come up with a sound energy ess matter? I don’t know. It seems to And then when it comes to the floor, policy for the United States. me that as a sovereign citizen of our it’s called ‘‘landmark legislation,’’ it’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.171 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8391 going to create jobs. And if you vote tion, subcommittee action. The bill is clear energy? The very chairman of against this, you are a captive of Big reported, considered on the House their new global warming committee, Oil because you don’t want to lock up floor. Vote the bill. Refer to the Sen- the gentleman from Massachusetts, is 88 percent of America’s reserves? ate. the most anti-nuclear activist who I As our friend STEVE SCALISE from Now, Mr. Speaker, this is if we were know of in the country, let alone in the Louisiana said, the Democratic ‘‘sham going through the proper process that House. They’re standing against nu- drill bill’’ might as well have been our Founding Fathers and people who clear and against a host of other alter- written by OPEC; it’s going to make had the idea—this is the process that natives, not just oil and gas. them a lot of money when America was set up, and this is what we teach It’s the idea of, if you don’t use coal doesn’t produce its own oil and gas. our young people that come to the Cap- and you don’t use nuclear and you And the best part is their unilateral itol. don’t use oil, the alternatives will compromise the Speaker cut with Now, I will show you the chart that somehow surface, but I’ve got to tell whomever, they didn’t bother to talk is being used right now by the major- you, when you limit your supplies, the to the Senate. As Senator LANDRIEU ity. You have the beginning of the bill, lights go out, and the gas prices go up, from Louisiana mentioned, that bill is propose a bill. And then you kind of go and the availability of energy goes dead on arrival in the Senate. How do through the introduction, the com- down. Consumers are hurting, and the statements we’ve heard yesterday, mittee action, the subcommittee ac- that’s why we have got to get over this. the justifications, the compromise, tion, and the bill is reported. It basi- These, again, are special interests landmark legislation, when your own cally just kind of comes to the floor of that have taken control through these Democratic Senators think it’s dead on the House. people being elevated to power, and arrival? So what we’re teaching our kids is they just punt the process. We are not Where is the hope for the economi- not exactly right. And so I think while moving appropriations bills. The global cally struggling families across Amer- the majority is in control of Congress, warming committee now is kind of in ica? Where is your sense of responsi- they may want to shift this a little bit the driver’s seat. Let’s just shut it all bility, not only to the people of this and give the children a more accurate down, and we will reduce the carbon country, but to their House right here, depiction of what’s going on in the footprint, but at what cost—American to this institution? Where is the hope Congress. competitiveness? American prices? Our for the American people who are suf- And I will yield to the gentleman ability to even survive? What about fering under energy prices, sky- from Tennessee. bankruptcies? What about the people? rocketing since you took power in this Mr. WAMP. Again, I am not critical What about the common man who now place? There isn’t. Because it’s a sham. most of the time of either party here in doesn’t even have a voice in this place And it is the Democratic Senate that the House, but this is an inconvenient because they’re shutting down the will prove it. It is not Republican truth that I need to share as well. Be- process? Now I’ve got to tell you that I Luddites that don’t want to go forward cause it’s easy to forget now in Sep- haven’t complained in 14 years, but it’s towards a more ‘‘green’’ future. What tember, but I’ve been on the Appropria- time to complain. It’s actually time to it is is the Democratic Senate telling tions Committee for 12 years. Every be righteously indignant about this the Democratic House we can’t stom- year, by June, the Appropriations bills ach your bill. and force them to stay here until we are moving through the House. get something done, something real for Now, the thing that I think that ev- Mr. WESTMORELAND. How many do erybody should remember is there is a the consumer. we have now? I yield back. solution to this. If and when this hap- Mr. WAMP. The end of the fiscal year Mr. WESTMORELAND. I’d like to pens, if the Democratic Senate refuses is 13 days from now, and one bill has ask the gentleman from Tennessee a to pass the Democratic House ‘‘leth- been off this House floor. question. argy bill,’’ this Democratic majority But here’s what happened, beginning You’re on the Appropriations Com- here in the House, the Democratic ma- in June, is we started debating at the mittee. On the bill that we passed here jority in the Senate, this Democratic committee this issue of energy—be- yesterday, I believe there were some Congress can say we will not leave here cause virtually every bill has a compo- appropriations in there or earmarks in until a real piece of energy legislation nent of energy, whether it’s the defense there. I think there was $1.2 billion for helping the American people is signed bill, where there is a huge energy con- Mr. RANGEL for the New York City lib- into law, until we have done the job we sumption piece of all of our defense ac- erty bonds. Was that not in the energy have been elected to do on behalf of the tivities. And when we started debating package that we had? American people. I do not think that is energy at these bills, they stopped the Mr. WAMP. Actually, our leadership too much to ask. I do not think that is process. raised that, and they just tabled it. something that the American people b 2200 They just quash it and go on. These are should be denied. air-dropped. Again, this didn’t go I yield back to the gentleman. And we don’t have the appropriations through the committee process. Mr. WESTMORELAND. I want to bills at all, and the fiscal year ends in Listen, if the Congress is going to thank the Policy Committee chairman. 13 days. exert its constitutional right to direct And you’re exactly right, we owe it to Now, here is the problem with it be- funding, there’s a provision that you the American people to stay here until cause it gets really ugly. Even under a have to go through—the subcommittee, we can put our partisanship aside, do a stopgap funding bill, like a continuing the full committee. It has to be vetted. bipartisan bill that the American peo- resolution which we’re now expecting It has to be filed. It has to be before ple—and we thought we had that last to carry us several months into the fis- the House, and people have to have the night with the motion to recommit, cal year, you won’t believe the waste right to offer amendments to strike it. with all the Democratic cosponsors associated with the budgets of all of Did that happen yesterday? No, not at that were on it—to have a bill that we these agencies because they don’t know all. could pass, send to the Senate, and what they’re going to get. They may be Once again, these are the things that hopefully get some agreement on. laying people off now. We’re already the American people are so angry But you mentioned the process, that hearing about this because they don’t about, and I’ve got to tell you that it’s the process is important because, you have certainty in their budgets because time for reform, but if anybody thinks know, when the process is broken, the the people running the House stopped reform is going to come from this new product is flawed. the trains, stopped the process, stopped majority, they’d better think twice. Mr. Speaker, I don’t want to get too the bills over this issue of energy. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Thank you. elementary, but this is a book that we They’re in retreat on this issue of en- Now it’s my privilege to recognize give to children that come to this ergy. the gentlelady—and I say gentlelady— body, and it says, ‘‘How Our Laws Are A lot of people criticize our party as from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX). Made.’’ The beginning of a bill: Propose the party of ‘‘all about drilling.’’ It’s Ms. FOXX. Well, I thank my col- a bill, introduce a bill, committee ac- not just the drilling. What about nu- leagues tonight for being here on the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.172 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 floor, and especially, I thank my col- Will the gentlelady please tell the What’s even worse is that 24 of the league from Georgia for leading this Democratic Congress who controls the Democrats who had signed onto this bi- Special Order. power of the purse to appropriate those partisan bill, introduced by Represent- We’ve talked a little bit about the billions of dollars to Iraq? ative JOHN PETERSON, who is a Repub- Constitution; we’ve touched on it. Our Ms. FOXX. As, I think, most people lican from Pennsylvania, and Rep- colleague from Tennessee is bringing in this country know, it is the House of resentative NEIL ABERCROMBIE, who is wonderful energy to this issue of en- Representatives. The founders specifi- a Democrat from Hawaii—the bill is ergy tonight, and I am so grateful for cally gave the power to the House of called the Peterson-Abercrombie bill. his being here because, as he said, he Representatives to start revenue bills. We offered that as an alternative. It’s generally is not a very partisan person. It is, of course, the House and the Sen- not a perfect bill. There are a lot of He doesn’t come here and talk very vo- ate which must vote on all bills, but it problems with it, but we thought sure- ciferously about issues that are before is the House of Representatives that ly the 39 Democrats who were cospon- the House. He’s doing it now, and you must begin revenue bills. sors of that bill would have voted for can tell he is really is passionate about Mr. MCCOTTER. Will the gentlelady it. No. Only 15 of them voted for that this because this is a passionate issue please yield for one more impertinent bill, and 24 of them voted against it, for many of us. question? but they tell their constituents that Today is Constitution Day, and I Ms. FOXX. I’d be happy to. they are working hard to bring an al- think it’s very important that we high- Mr. MCCOTTER. If the Democratic ternative to the situation. I just want light some issues related to the Con- House and the Democratic Senate to quote a couple of them on what they stitution as they relate to what hap- chose not to appropriate money to Iraq said. pened on this floor last night and as to to the tune of $10 billion a month, Representative NANCY BOYDA, Demo- what has been pointed out tonight. could that money be spent there? crat of Kansas, a freshman here, was a We have not followed the Constitu- Ms. FOXX. No, it could not. cosponsor of the Peterson-Abercrombie tion in the way that we should have Mr. MCCOTTER. I thank the bill, but she voted against it when followed it. We haven’t followed the gentlelady. given the opportunity last night. She way the House has operated in the Ms. FOXX. The President does not said in a press release, though, on the past. We haven’t even followed the have the power to wage war without 4th of September: promises that were made by the Speak- the consent of the Congress, and he ‘‘I’ve been working with a large bi- er in 2006 when she said this would be could not fund any effort. He couldn’t partisan group of representatives to de- the most open Congress, that this fund any department in the Federal velop a comprehensive, commonsense would be the most fair Congress. Bills Government without the consent of the energy bill. Our Peterson-Abercrombie should go to committee. They should Congress. bill will provide sorely needed relief for come to the floor and be amendable, So, again, the founders set it up that Kansas families. It will help create en- but none of that has happened. way. They wanted the Congress to be One of the things that bothers me the ergy independence for America and the most powerful branch of the gov- millions of jobs to help stabilize our most about our not dealing with issues ernment, and the Congress is the most as they relate to the Constitution is struggling economy,’’ press release, powerful branch. Representative NANCY BOYDA, Demo- how the Congress is trying to blame What has happened in the last 20 our President for everything bad that crat of Kansas. months since the Democrats have been Now, what our Democratic colleagues has happened in the last 2 years. in charge of the Congress? Let’s look at When I go out and talk to school- think they can do is to tell their con- the unemployment rate. It has gone up. children especially, I point out to them stituents one thing and do another on It was very, very low in January of ’07. that the first article in the Constitu- the floor of the House. We are not It has gone up over a percentage point, tion, article I, is about the Congress. going to let that happen. We are going in fact, about a percentage point and a That is not an accident. The founders to tell the American people what is half since the Democrats have been in wanted the Congress to be the strong- going on here. Speaker PELOSI has said control. Look at the price of gasoline est part of our government. We have it will be okay if these people cam- three branches of government—the leg- and how it has gone up since they have paign against her and blame her for not islative, the executive and the judicial been in charge. having energy legislation. They can go What were they doing as these gas branches. They intended the Congress out and promise it, but they don’t have to be the most important. We’re the prices were going up? Voting on bills to do anything. ones who pass the laws. We’re the ones like declaring National Passport We have Representative BARON HILL, who can make things happen in this Month, National Train Day, Great Cats Democrat of Indiana. This is in a press country and who can make things hap- and Rare Canids Act where we appro- release from his office on the 14th of pen in a hurry, but what the Demo- priated either $20 million or $50 million August 2008 while we were in the midst crats, who are in charge of the Con- to other countries to help them iden- of being up here every day, telling the gress and have been for the past 20 tify rare cats in their countries. Then American people what the Democrats months, want to keep doing is saying, the favorite of most people is the Mon- were doing. This is what his press re- ‘‘It’s not our fault that these things are key Safety Act, which also appro- lease said: happening. It’s not our fault.’’ priated, I think, about $50 million to ‘‘ ‘I hope this bipartisan Peterson- Ladies and gentlemen, it is their teach people how to handle monkeys Abercrombie bill will, indeed, be fault, and the blame has to be laid sole- safely in this country. brought to the floor for a vote when we ly at their feet. Not only are they not The Congress, the Democrat-con- return to Washington in September,’ taking on the responsibility to create trolled Congress, has abrogated its re- Hill said. ‘It would provide immediate more American-made energy, which sponsibility for taking care of this sit- relief while also bolstering the develop- will help every American in this coun- uation. It has turned its back on the ment of new energy sources in order to try, but they seem to be almost anti average American, and that is a shame. move this country closer to energy American energy. We have been pro- Last night, what happened was that a independence,’ ’’ Representative BARON posing that we be pro American en- sham bill passed in this House with HILL. ergy. They are not. very little support from our side and You know, folks, they were right Mr. MCCOTTER. Will the gentlelady with many Democrats voting against about the Peterson-Abercrombie bill. It yield for a question? it. That was nothing but cover for would have helped, but that’s not what Ms. FOXX. I will yield for a question Democrats. Even the media here in they voted for last night. They voted from my colleague from Michigan. Washington, D.C., the liberal media, for a bill that creates an illusion of Mr. MCCOTTER. You’ve brought up has said that. It is only so that Demo- doing something and does absolutely the Constitution. Previously, we had crats can go home and say, ‘‘I voted for nothing. heard throughout the energy debate more drilling.’’ That’s what the Repub- The last one I’m going to quote is a that there is about $10 billion a month licans have been asking for, and I voted newspaper article that talks about being spent in Iraq. for more drilling. Representative STEVE KAGEN, also a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:39 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.173 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE September 17, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8393 freshman, who is a Democrat from Wis- When we look at this unemployment, portant challenges we face. So this is consin. This is a newspaper article we wonder is it because of record en- not process. This is not just a debate from the Herald Times in Wisconsin on ergy prices? Is it because of increased on the floor. This is our future, and 9/13/08: labor costs because of the minimum this is whether or not our way of life is ‘‘Kagen, who signed onto the bill wage increase? Is it the assault on extended to the next generation. That Tuesday, said the Abercrombie-Peter- companies that are making too much is how important energy is tonight. We son bill ‘really is a comprehensive en- profit? Is it the trade agreements that have got to stay and we have to fight ergy policy and a roadmap forward. have been ignored? Is it the new gov- for the American people here, because, That bill has the balance in investing ernment mandates on everything from frankly, they are being stymied on the in renewable sources. It raises royalty cars to light bulbs that could be caus- floor of the House of Representatives. fees from those who are drilling, and it ing this unemployment rate to go up? Mr. WESTMORELAND. Just to fol- doesn’t limit drilling to four or five We need to talk about that for just a low up on that, we have shale, we have States.’ ’’ The title of that article was minute, and I recognize the gentleman natural gas and we have the need for ‘‘Congress Sitting on Energy Hot from Tennessee. refineries. Not a new refinery has been Seat.’’ Mr. WAMP. One final point. I was built in this country. And those are Ladies and gentlemen, we have to here in the late nineties when we bal- good paying, mostly union jobs that hold people accountable for doing what anced the Federal budget, and about 5 are here. Those are good paying jobs they promise to do in this country. years ago I gave a speech at the Na- that we are causing people to go to b 2215 tional Press Club talking about how Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nigeria, Saudi the budget got balanced. Because while Republicans were held accountable in Arabia, other parts of the world to a lot of people would like to believe even have employment. 2006, not just for not doing what they that we somehow cut spending to bal- had promised. What we were held re- I recognize the gentleman from ance the budget, that didn’t happen. Michigan. sponsible for was being part of a party We slowed the growth of spending that has a philosophy that we stand for Mr. MCCOTTER. I thank the gen- below inflation for the first time in a tleman. Earlier the gentleman from some things. We need to hold these generation. But why the budget got people responsible. Tennessee had mentioned that we are balanced was because revenues sur- going to be looking at the prospect of The other thing that I think needs to passed expenses with a robust U.S. be pointed out, and this was pointed a speculators bill on the floor again. economy, driven principally by the in- My question is, regardless of the merits out during the month of August several formation sector, the likes of Bill times, but not in exactly this way; but of the speculators bill, it is a simple Gates and Microsoft and us leading the proposition to anyone watching. the Democrats, while letting average world. So the speech I gave was we working Americans, all Americans, ac- We have heard much debate about en- could do the same thing again with en- ergy policy. I remember hearing much tually, suffer from the high price of ergy technology, with new energy solu- gasoline, but particularly our working of this back in a very unpleasant pe- tions. riod of our Nation’s history called the friends who are paying high prices and I have got to tell you now, before we struggling, struggling every day to 1970s. What is old is new again. So leave there is going to be another push when we hear about the speculators make ends meet and make it in this by the new majority for a second stim- country, obey the law and do what is bill, the Democratic Congress, the ulus bill, and their idea of an economic Democratic majority, had come in with right, the Democrats came to the Con- stimulus is to extend unemployment gress saying we are going to work a reputation for being against the pro- benefits and to give some assistance for duction of American domestic energy. every day. We think the Republicans low income energy, which is going to haven’t done all they should do. We are Again, it was not limited to the tech- be needed because this winter home nique of drilling. Clean coal, nuclear going to work every day. But from the heating fuel is going to be through the energy, all sorts of alternatives they first of August until the end of Decem- roof, even worse than it was last year. were opposed to. ber they plan to work 14 days. Four- But I will tell you, the most impor- Now, if you were investing your teen days, ladies and gentlemen. tant thing we could do for the econ- money in the energy market and you While you are suffering, wondering omy, again, is throw the ball deep, pass saw the anti-American energy party how you are going to pay your bills, the American Energy Act, go after all take power in Washington, and you un- they are going to go home the end of the energy sources we can, create derstood the concept of supply and de- next week after having worked this many manufacturing jobs, lead the mand, that as demand goes up, if sup- week, 4 days last week, maybe only 4 world with our innovation with our days this week. It may end up being manufacturing, with our technology ply stays stagnant, prices skyrocket, it only 13 days. It may end up being only deployment, throw it deep, and we doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know 12 days. They are going to go home and could balance the budget again with a that when the Democratic majority leave you wondering how are you going robust U.S. economy. came into Washington, it was against to pay the bills, pay for the gasoline But as it sputters, the worst thing we the domestic production of America’s and deal with the challenges that face can do is lock our energy resources and own energy resources, that something you and your family. kind of cower down and say how can we was going to give and the prices were That is unacceptable to us as Repub- borrow our way into prosperity? How going to shoot through the roof and licans. That should be unacceptable to can we bail out into prosperity? How you were going to make a lot of money. every American. We must hold them can we just give people money? So, again what you see is the total accountable, and we must make them No, we need to invest in these energy denial of responsibility for their poli- stay here until we have an energy pol- resources we have and the new tech- cies, many of which have failed to be icy that will bring relief to the Amer- nologies and all the new ideas. And nu- implemented, having an impact on ican people. clear, we ought to lead the world in nu- markets. Just as we will hear later on, Now I want to yield back to my col- clear production and not be caught in a or throughout the rest of the year, the league from Georgia, Mr. WESTMORE- Three Mile Island time warp of 30 years 12 days or so that they even show up LAND. ago. Gracious, what do we have to be for the work they are paid to do, is Mr. WESTMORELAND. I want to afraid of, our own energy and our own when you promise the largest tax in- thank the gentlewoman from North country? This is asinine. And we need crease in American history in your Carolina. to do that for the economy right now. budgets, when your chairman of the As she showed on this chart here Governor Sarah Palin is saying it to- Ways and Means Committee talks with the unemployment rate going night. We ought to be saying it and about the ‘‘mother of all tax in- from a little less than 4.5 percent up to doing it. We have got it in Alaska. We creases,’’ this is going to have affect on over 6.1 percent, the correlation, if you have it off the coast. We have got nu- markets. will notice, is with the gas prices. All clear. We have the capability. This is going to have an effect on the this has happened since the new Demo- Energy, national security and the en- rational, hard-working Americans, who cratic majority took over. vironment are together the most im- every day know that as much as they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.174 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H8394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2008 scrimp and save, here comes big broth- early November 2008. And tell you me if pump, you are worried about how you er government to take that money you have changed your mind, if you no are going to pay your high home heat- right out of your pocket. So con- longer think this Democratic Congress ing oil bill, you are worried about your sequences of ideas, or even bad ideas deserves to be the most hated in Amer- job as the unemployment rate is sky- especially, can be detrimental to the ican history. Because they have a rocketing with the price of gas. You average, hard-working American. chance to work with us. We are putting are living under the failed systems we Now, you and I, through the Chair politics aside. We will compromise in a have had in this body. And remember, the gentleman from Georgia, we know real bipartisan fashion to help the peo- they have 235 Members. It only takes one thing: The best economic stimulus ple whole elected us. 218 to pass something out of this for the United States of America is an But if you refuse, there is nothing we House. all-of-the-above energy strategy that can do, because, as the gentleman Quit whining. Get out of the fetal po- gets that trend line on energy prices started out earlier, the math doesn’t sition and do something for the Amer- stabilized and going down so that the add up in our favor. ican people. unemployment numbers can stabilize Mr. WESTMORELAND. I want to f and start going down; so speculators thank the gentleman for that. I have start losing money because the supply just a few minutes to close. I appre- LEAVE OF ABSENCE of oil will be coming online and they ciate all the kind folks that came here By unanimous consent, leave of ab- know it; so big oil doesn’t make the tonight to help me with this. sence was granted to: money as the supply floods the market But I want to bring up one other Mrs. CHRISTENSEN (at the request of to meet the demand and the prices sta- thing that will characterize what the Mr. HOYER) for today on account of a bilize and go down; so hard-working Democratic majority has said. I have funeral in her district. Americans know they are not going to already quoted Mr. KANJORSKI on ‘‘we Mr. DREIER (at the request of Mr. have to choose between freezing and sort of stretched the truth and the peo- BOEHNER) for today on account of the eating, they are not going to have to ple ate it up.’’ I read you quotes from death of his mother. worry about whether they can drive to then Minority Leader PELOSI, now Mr. POE (at the request of Mr. see their doctor in rural areas; so they Speaker PELOSI, and the things that BOEHNER) for today after 5 p.m. and the can make sure they still work in manu- the American people were told, Mr. balance of the week on account of con- facturing because the fixed cost of en- Speaker, to be able to gain the major- tinuing recovery efforts after Hurri- ergy hasn’t driven their job offshore or ity. cane Ike. killed it altogether. But I want to tell you something f that is a little more fascinating, and We know this, which is why we are so SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED passionate about helping the people we will have to talk about this again. who have entrusted us with the oppor- This Congress passed a card check bill. By unanimous consent, permission to tunity to serve them in this, their We all like to be in the privacy of the address the House, following the legis- House. voting booth. Even if somebody asks lative program and any special orders I will wrap it up with this, the gen- you how you are going to vote, you heretofore entered, was granted to: tleman from Georgia. There are many say, hey, that is a personal matter. Be- (The following Members (at the re- people who say, Republicans, you cause a lot of times the polls will say quest of Mr. COHEN) to revise and ex- weren’t great. You told us you stood one thing, the election results are tend their remarks and include extra- for things. You told us you believed our something else, because people get in neous material:) liberty was from God, not the govern- that voting booth and they decide to do Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. ment; our prosperity was from the pri- something else; or it may not have Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, for 5 minutes, vate sector, not the public sector. been the popular thing to talk about today. Yes, we did, and we did not do a good with the people they were with. Mr. HONDA, for 5 minutes, today. enough job keeping with our principles. We passed a card check bill that said Mr. WEINER, for 5 minutes, today. There is a difference between us and if you wanted to become unionized it Mr. HOLT, for 5 minutes, today. this Democratic majority. I want to would have to be an open vote; not Mr. TAYLOR, for 5 minutes, today. (The following Members (at the re- know what the succinct enunciation of anymore a secret ballot, but an open quest of Mr. COBLE) to revise and ex- the principles upon which you base pol- vote. They passed this in this Congress. tend their remarks and include extra- icy are. Because what I see in the en- The bill was introduced by Mr. GEORGE neous material:) ergy debate, or lack thereof, and the MILLER. Democrat sham energy bill is a quite But I want to read you a letter he Mr. POE, for 5 minutes, September 23 simple proposition. They support the sent to the Mexican Government in and 24. Mr. JONES, for 5 minutes, September government rationing of American en- 2001. ‘‘We understand that the secret 23 and 24. ergy. You will get 12 percent when you ballot is allowed but not required by Mr. MORAN of Kansas, for 5 minutes, are suffering. We will lock up 88 per- Mexican labor law. However, we feel today. cent forever. That is the gist of their that the secret ballot is absolutely nec- Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, for 5 min- argument. essary in order to ensure that workers utes, September 24. Why does this matter now? Because are not intimidated into voting for a Mr. CONAWAY, for 5 minutes, today. you hear more of the same promises union they might not otherwise Ms. FOXX, for 5 minutes, today. that the gentleman from Georgia listed choose. We respect Mexico as an impor- (The following Member (at her re- and had proven broken. And when you tant neighbor and trading partner, and quest) to revise and extend her re- start to do your thinking this year, as we feel that the increased use of the se- marks and include extraneous mate- the American people are want to do, I cret ballot in union recognition elec- rial:) will be more than happy if the Amer- tions will help bring real democracy to Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. ican voters judge this Democratic Con- the Mexican workplace.’’ gress not by the fact that it took They want to bring democracy to the f America in a new direction to a 9 per- Mexican workplace, but they want our SENATE CONCURRENT cent approval rating, which technically guys not to have that same democracy RESOLUTION REFERRED makes the Democratic Congress the that they want the Mexican workers to A Concurrent Resolution of the Sen- most hated in American history; I have. This is right in line with every- ate of the following title was taken want Americans to look at two num- thing that we have heard tonight. from the Speaker’s table and, under bers. This Congress is being controlled by the rule, referred as follows: I want Americans to look at the price big labor, by environmentalists and by S. Con. Res. 87. Concurrent resolution con- of gas when the Democratic Party took trial lawyers. If you fit into one of gratulating the Republic of Latvia on the power in January of 2007, promising to those groups, then you should be doing 90th anniversary of its declaration of inde- lower them; and I want them to look at very well. If not, you are like all the pendence; to the Committee on Foreign Af- the price of gas, oh, maybe around rest of us; you are suffering at the fairs.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:37 Sep 18, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.176 H17SEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE